Pick of the Week: Andy Rothstein

By Keith HannaleckiBerkshires Columnist
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Wit of The Staircase

Jazz is challenging to the people that create it and the fans that listen to it. I know you are probably thinking why would I want to be challenged as listener, after all isn't it supposed to be relaxing and fun? Well "Wit of The Staircase" is all of that and then some.

The overall jazz experience is enjoyable in many ways and artists like Andy Rothstein allow you to discover and explore every facet of the genre by offering up a cross section of sounds through an all-instrumental expedition into jazz-rock-fusion.

Just as he did on his previous release "Voodoo Tone" three years ago, Rothstein takes his guitar to jazz paradise and beyond in a very sophisticated way. It never hurts to have amazing support by other competent musicians and as it turns out that is the one underlying factor that makes this CD everything it can possibly be.

With stalwart players such as Tony Senatore (bass), Van Romane (drums), Manolo Badrena (percussion), Lew Soloff (trumpet), Tom Hammer (keyboards), Tom Timko (saxophones), Steve Jankowski (trumpet), Erik Lawrence (saxophone), Luther Rix (drums) and Pete Levin (organ), the inevitable transpires with relative ease and grace leaving you with music magic that will satisfy even the most discerning jazz audiophile.

"Compass" points the way to a jazz-fusion wonderland and the others then follow while "Word for Word" invites you to rock, surf, and take in some jazz while windsurfing on your favorite tropical island paradise. The next trip then turns it all upside down with a more traditional swinging jazz number "Just Friends" (although they sound like lovers to me). That is the kind of diversity that is consistently presented on this CD.

Andy and his all-star cast serve this entire musical meal up in the most precise yet playful fashion.


Jazz is supposed to be for serious musicians, but fear not, every one of these gents have their chops down and give every genre they represent true justice. When "Wit of The Staircase," is done you feel like you just got the grand tour of jazz and all the subgenres all in one sitting. This is an excellent listen worth many more spins after the first. You would be well advised to check this out several times before you decide that nothing was missed along the way.

Keith "MuzikMan" Hannaleck offers up weekly music picks for iBerkshires. Find more reviews at muzikreviews.com and contact at info@muzikreviews.com.

Tracks
01. Return to Reason 06. Giant Steps
02. Compass 07. Word for Word
03. No Worries 08. Just Friends
04. Wit of the Staircase 09. Minor League
05. Recordame 10. Knuckle Down
   Genre: Jazz-Rock-Fusion
   Label:
Vermicious Kind Music
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If you would like to contribute information on this article, contact us at info@iberkshires.com.

Dalton Announces New Supplier for Energy Program

DALTON, Mass. – The Town of Dalton has signed a thirty-four month contract with a new supplier, First Point Power.
 
Beginning with the January 2026 meter reads, the Dalton Community Choice Power Supply Program will have a new rate of $0.13042 per kWh. The Program will also continue to offer an optional 100 percent green product, which is derived from National Wind Renewable Energy Certificates (RECs), at a rate of $0.13142 per kWh.
 
For Dalton residents and businesses who are enrolled in the Town's Program, the current rate of $0.13849 per kWh will expire with the January 2026 meter reads and the new rate of $0.13042 per kWh will take effect. This represents a decrease of $5 per month on the supply side of the bill given average usage of 600 kWh. Additionally, this new rate is 3 percent lower than Eversource's Residential Basic Service rate of $0.13493 per kWh. Residents can expect to see an
average savings of $3 per month for the month of January 2026. Eversource's Basic Service rates
will change on Feb. 1, 2026.
 
Dalton launched its electricity program in January 2015 in an effort to develop an energy program that would be stable and affordable. From inception through June 2025, the Program has saved residents and small businesses over $1.7 million in electricity costs as compared to Eversource Basic Service.
 
It is important to note that no action is required by current participants. This change will be seen on the February 2026 bills. All accounts currently enrolled in the Program will remain with their current product offering and see the new rate and First Point Power printed under the "Supplier Services" section of their monthly bill.
 
The Dalton Community Choice Power Supply Program has no fees or charges. However, anyone switching from a contract with a third-party supplier may be subject to penalties or early termination fees charged by that supplier. Ratepayers should verify terms before switching.
 
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