The Silver Spring Penguin

Derek James is a bluesy, ballsy Buddy Holly for the iPod generation.

Courtesy of Eric Townsend.

While his bouncy beats and playful strumming are old-school bubble-gum pop, Derek James’s sultry voice is enough to make anyone’s mama blush. And that’s always a strong indicator of good rock and roll.

In “What’s That Sound”, James works swing into his acoustic rockabilly, and croons like classic Dean Martin. What results is bawdy fun bordering on raucous.

James aims for traditional ragtime with “Smoky Light” (below). The tune starts slowly, with James whispering into one’s ear, then unravels into a frolicking roll in the musical hay.

[audio:DerekJames_SmokeyLight.mp3]
Click the “play” icon to hear “Smoky Light”.

The music goes dark side with “Free Love” (below), a song that rides on rolling electric guitar and a big beat. It’s reminiscent of Red Rider’s 1980s classic “Lunatic Fringe” and makes for great driving music.

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Click the “play” icon to hear “Free Love”.

Get a taste of Derek James from his website, then catch him with Silver Spring’s The Fighting Janes on Saturday. Both acts play the “Rock for Renovation” concert, to benefit the Old Blair auditorium project, at Montgomery Blair High School (51 University Blvd E).

Twenty bucks gets you through the door ($5 if you’re packing student ID). The show starts at 7:00 p.m.

Music courtesy of Derek James.