The Buffalo music scene has a deep and rich talent pool deserving of recognition. High on this list is singer/songwriter Aerin Tedesco. Raised just outside Buffalo, her talents have been recognized for a long time by local musicians and critics as one of our very best.
     On this her fourth CD titled, “Angels and Allegories,” Tedesco and her band deliver 11 songs of rich harmonies, great melodies and unsurpassed musicianship. This is her first recording with her band Gabriel’s Cage which consists of Mike Schenkel (electric guitars), Dave Rosenburg (bass) Eric Christ (drums & percussion) and Tedesco on vocals and antique tenor guitar. Also helping out on this CD are Kathy Moriarty, Brett Burnsworth and Jennifer Guillon on vocals. Tim Baldwin also handles some of the guitar chores. Special mention must be made of the crew at Ear Candy Audio in Buffalo. John Caruso (who has worked with such locals as Gretchen Schulz, Ani Difranco and Alison Pipetone) Marc Hunt (of Goo Goo Dolls fame) and Greg Kusiak for the great sound.
     The CD starts off with the track “Colorblind” as Tedesco begins with some acoustic strumming as the band soon joins in adding a fullness to compliment her voice. This is evident throughout the CD as Tedesco’s beautiful vocals are wrapped around harmonies and bass or guitar lines that dance in and out.
     Another constant that I must note is the incredible sound and playing of Dave Rosenburg on bass. His intricate playing caught my ear on almost every track and is a big reason why I liked this CD so much. While most of the songs are very good, some of the stand-out tracks include “Alison,” her ode to local artist and another great Buffalo musician , Alison Pipetone, “Fighting Song,” which shows a spit of fire from Tedesco as she refuses to compromise. My favorite track off the CD is “Fire Escape.” Tedesco plays her guitar in a clipped type of fashion and has it sounding like a ukulele or mandolin. She uses the term fire escape as a metaphor for a way to get away from it all. The CD ends with the track “Mood Swing,” another fine track showcasing Tedesco’s songwriting and guitar playing.
      All of Tedesco’s CDs are available at New World Records on Elmwood Avenue in Buffalo or through her Web site www.pce.net/mischenk