Richard Lloyd Group

CRITIC’S PICK: Richard Lloyd Group, Star Community Bar — When you think of bands fueled by dueling guitarists, it’s primarily groups from the south — the Allman Brothers Band and Lynyrd Skynyrd — that likely come to mind. Few people think of New York City’s Bowery during the nascent days of punk as being a place  where such a band might have emerged. Yet that was the case for Television, one of the best bands to come out of New York in the late ‘70s. Guitarists Richard Lloyd Tom Verlaine were a guitar duo to be reckoned with. Perhaps because the two guitarists didn’t “duel” in the southern sense, but created a melodic interplay accentuating each other’s strengths that they weren’t more widely regarded. Or maybe it was just because Television was branded a punk band, certainly a label that many considered a term that could not encompass  such musical prowess and guitar artistry.
It’s been years since Television broke up, reformed, and broke up again. In the interim, Richard Lloyd has released a number of solo albums that display his virtuosity and uncanny ability to conjure up just the right tones and notes, using them to accentuate his articulate and captivating songs. This should be a show to see! — Tony Paris