From the Albany, NY newpaper Metroland’s “Year in Live Concerts”, here is critic David Greenberger’s list of best shows of 2012, featuring one show each from the Three-O and Philharmonic, as well as a show by another of Dinty’s myriad bands, Session Americana:
1. Session Americana
Caffe Lena, Jan. 14
When their bass player couldn’t make the weekend tour, Ry Cavanaugh set aside his guitar and took over the role, still singing his own songs, the whole band emboldened by this seat-of-the pants happenstance.
2. Chandler Travis Three-O
The Ale House, Jan. 21
Stepping away from the mics for much of their set, this quartet (Three-0 does not mean trio) made the place feel like your living room on a snowy day when school is canceled and you can stay home and do whatever you want.
3. Peter Wolf & The Midnight Travelers
The Egg, Feb 11
The master at work, an artist at the peak of his powers.
4. Los Lobos
MASS MoCA, April 5
First time in the area with their new drummer, who positively dazzled with exuberant playing and his I’m-so-happy-to-be-a-part-of-this grin.
5. Wreckless Eric & Amy Rigby
Valentine’s, April 28
Two names, two people, but really they’re a full-on rock band.
6. Rosary Beard, Winterpills
Steamer No. 10 Theatre, May 4
An evening of duos, with the rich songs and singing of Northampton’s Winterpills contrasting nicely with the undulating landscapes of Rosary Beard’s two-guitar instrumentals.
7. Chandler Travis Philharmonic
Shepard Park, July 11
The circus came to town.
8. Brave Combo
Shepard Park, Aug. 22
Dance rhythms from aorund the globe, all springing to life on the shores of Lake George.
9. Peter Mulvey
Caffe Lena, Nov. 11
One man, one guitar, but his playing, voice, and writing is so wide and so deep that he doesn’t land squarely in any one genre.
10. Wreckless Eric & Amy Rigby
Hurricane House Concert, Catskill, Nov. 17
A house transformed into an intimate concert setting, which then turned back into a room in a house the next day, making it seem like it all may have been a dream.
See more of Metroland’s lists of best live shows of 2012 here.