LOGAN

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December means a lot of different things to a lot of people. For a large amount of the Boston population, it's time to go home for a month to argue with friends over whose school is better and complain about the instant loss of independence that comes with once again living under your parents' roof. For others, like myself, college is coming to a close and we're left wondering, "where did the last three and a half years of my life go?"

While I personally have no idea where I plan on being in two weeks, and kind of see this whole finishing college thing as some sort of end to my fun and youthful life, there's at least one group of guys looking forward to the completion of college and embarking on a new beginning. Enter: 5-man rock band, Logan.

The result of a Northeastern University rock ensemble, the members of Logan (Josh Baird, lead vocals; Ryan Karp, guitar; Dan Holmes, drums; Mark D'Alfonso, organ and keys; Scott Dyke, bass) decided to begin writing and performing original music two years ago, and have established a heavy presence throughout New England. I recently had the chance to have some coffee and conversation with Logan front man, Josh Baird.

Often times seen as a jam band (Logan was nominated for a Boston Music Award in the funk/jam category), Logan sees themselves as a rock band with a blues background, where each member brings his own sense of style into the mix. Members' influences include Van Morrison, Otis Redding, old R&B music, and 80's rock music (like Van Halen). Whichever way you slice it, during their two years as a band, Logan has accomplished a lot, and has even bigger plans on the way.

On top of their Boston Music Award nomination, Logan recently won the Northeastern University Battle of the Bands (beating out twelve acts), has played shows in Vermont, New York, Connecticut, New Hampshire, as well as in Boston at Bill's Bar and Harper's Ferry (the band will be opening for Strangefolk there in December).

Logan is also working on a new studio album with producer, J. Giels (yes, he's the guy from the J. Giels band. No, you won't be hearing any "Centerfold" covers on the new Logan disc. Yes, I asked). According to Baird, while the new album is being recorded in the studio, the band is doing their best to convey a live sound by recording in a live setting. As for Logan's post-Northeastern plans: an east coast tour is in the works.

On being signed to a label: Logan is currently not on a label and isn't looking to be at the moment. They want to do things on their own terms until they are able to gain leverage in the industry. As a music industry major at Northeastern and having had experience through working with Powderfinger Promotions in Framingham, Baird handles a lot of Logan's marketing and managerial aspects. "I prefer being a musician," says Baird, "but in order to be successful as a band, you need to know a lot about the industry".

On the origin of the name Logan: The airport? A friend's name? Wolverine from X Men? The title of a catchy television series rom back in the day or a bar in Brighton (although those are both Hogan, not Logan)? The correct answer is D, none of the above. Dan Holmes just said it, and for lack of a better name, it stuck.

On being Allston celebrities: While Logan has played a lot of live shows in the area and is widely popular, Baird says that nobody really recognizes them outside the local bar scene. "It's weird when a fan recognizes us on the streetŠit's flattering," Baird laughs, "We're definitely not celebrities".

So, when you're sitting in front of your computer, stressing over work or school, or what to do with yourself for the rest of your life, make sure your future plans include at least one thing: going out and catching Logan live. At the rate things are going for these guys, you'll be saying "I remember them before they got huge" in the not too distant future.

For more information, pictures, and show dates visit www.loganrock.com. - Leah Rainis

Northeastern-bred band Logan will be vying for a Boston Music Award this year. Nominated in Best Funk/Jam Band, they will bring its personal style to this year's New England Music Organization (NEMO) festival.

Other nominees in the same category are Addison Groove Project, Hazie Maze, Spooky Daly Pride and last year's winner, Superhoney.

"I don't really think we're going to win, but I am really happy to be recognized with those bands," said lead vocalist, Josh Baird.

In addition to Baird, the band is composed of Ryan Karp on guitar, Scott Dyke on bass, Mark D'Alfonso on organ and keys and Dan Holmes on drums. Spawned from the Northeastern rock ensemble almost two years ago, Logan is still cementing their sound. Influenced by mostly classic rock and blues music, Karp describes their sound as "covering everything from a jam feel to a roots and rock feel, but with strong ties to the blues."

The band's many influences include Stone Temple Pilots, The Allman Brothers, Sublime and Lynyrd Skynard.

"Focusing our sound has been a challenge; it's hard to keep everyone happy and find a common ground to stand on," Karp said.

The band, who encourages downloading and distributing their music off of their Web site (www.loganrock.com), has one CD available, "The Monte Sessions."

The first track, "Fired From Your Love," is a strange mix of the established jam band O.A.R. and the outrageous energy of James Brown. Logan successfully creates a hyped dance atmosphere with their explosive opening track. Karp's impressive guitar solo stands out, but all the frantic energy comes at the expense of the clarity of Baird's vocals, which seem slightly muffled. The track closes with the scathing line, "You can't fire me/I quit."

Logan slows it down on their second track, "Boston Day." This song is full of familiar Boston images, such as walking down Tremont Street.

Karp's guitar work stands out once again, as the dulcet verse segues into the heavier chorus. Baird's deep, soulful voice compliments the crisp drumbeats.
"Down the Corner," the final track on Logan's short, first recording, begins slow and soft, but quickly rises in energy as Baird wails. It remains on high as D'Alfonso kicks in the organ solo. By the time the piano outro begins, the music slows down, as if the instruments have tired themselves out.

Overall, Logan's music has been successful in redefining what exactly a jam band is.

Logan's increasing popularity has brought them an expanded fan base that reaches just out of the Boston area.

"One girl followed us down to New York City," Baird said.

"I think she even tried to kiss my mom," Karp added.

However, Logan does not let their newfound praises get to their heads. Except for Karp, who graduated in 2002 with a degree in music literature, Baird and the rest of the guys are entering their senior year at Northeastern. Baird and Holmes are currently music industry majors, D'Alfonso is a finance/MIS major and Holmes is a business major.

"I really want to reach out to the Northeastern community," Baird said. "We aren't here for much longer but want to represent Northeastern."

Whether Logan is playing or not, the boys are true to promoting the live music scene.

"I encourage people to get out there and experience what live music has to offer, as opposed to the club scene," Baird said.

Logan can be seen next on Oct. 2 at Plough and Stars in Central Square, Cambridge. For more information, check out their Web site at www.loganrock.com. - Caitlin Gambee