Local Music from A to Zevedo

Three local albums that would make excellent gifts

Local music impresario Rob Azevedo is carving out a reputation for hosting popular musical events on the radio and in performance venues in Concord and Manchester. He seems to have a knack for finding the best talent working in (and touring out of) the Granite State. We asked him to pick three CDs by local artists that would be guaranteed to please any music lover. He recommends the following. Trust him.

Steve Chagnon (Concord) “Stranger From The North.” One of the true, unsung gems we have in the Granite State, with flawless, beautiful singing and poetic tales about coming home. Buy it at cdbaby.com/stevenchagnon.

Hunter, “Hunter” (Nashua) When the walls are closing in around you this winter, just hop in your car, turn up the heat, head in no particular direction and crank “Hunter.” It just works in every possible way. CD available from hunterstamas.bandcamp.com or, better yet, buy it at one of their shows.

Catfish Howl, “10 Bourbon Street” (Manchester) A rub board rhapsody drenched in a perfectly spicy blend of original Zydeco and Cajun music. CD (or download) available for $10 from catfishhowl.com.