Getting focused Linden Drive hit the ground running; plus, Cutler cuts a live disc BY BOB GULLA

"When I was 14, my folks bought me a cheap little guitar for Christmas and that was defining moment in my life." Shaun Hague, just 22, and now the front man for Providence’s Linden Drive, is strolling down memory lane. "At 17, I was named the ‘Best Young Guitarist’ in New England by the House of Blues in Boston and WBZ." Hague moved to LA at 19 and started a band called Fader. "We played all over California and were named the ‘Best Unsigned Band’ in LA by Gibson Guitars." In August of 2004, guitarist Kenny Wayne Shepherd lured Hague out of Fader into his band. "I got to tour all over the US with Kenny and played some cool shows. The biggest one was opening for Kid Rock in Texas in front of 25,000 people."

Today, with all that talent and experience, Hague once again commandeers his own band, which also features, Rob Court on bass, Tim Aubin on second guitar, and Bill Bierce on drums. Court is from the recently acclaimed Turning Blue and Aubin from Leah Stargazing, while 20-year-old Bierce is a rookie on the scene. "We had hopes of creating a band that would make a big impression in New England," says Court. "We wanted to mix our love for classic rock and pop with the style and energy of modern rock." By their own admission, LD is heavily influenced by many different types of acts including the Foo Fighters, the Beatles, Tom Petty, and Rooney. Hague’s guitar playing is inspired and a focal point, as are the band’s melodies. While those songs aren’t committed to disc yet, they will soon. "We want to make our way into a recording studio before the New Year to start production on a demo, and possibly a full-length album," says Court.

As for Hague, one wonders why the kid didn’t stick with Kenny Wayne, who’d been clean for a while after a bout with addiction, and seemingly back on the career track. Not a bad gig, right? Guitar players would exchange valuable body parts to get regular time with an instrumentalist like KWS. "After touring with Kenny for nine months, I decided I wanted to get my own band together," Hague admits. "I had lots of songs written and a goal in mind that I wanted to accomplish. So I came back home to New England to save a few bucks and put a new band together here. So far, the decision’s been the right one. I’ve met some really cool musicians and found that there’s a need for some good music around here." Hague’s even written one of his first tunes as an ode to his new hometown. It’s a churning melody fest titled "Providence," and it, along with two other tunes — "Stole My Heart" and "Moving On" — can be found on the band’s My Space site.

LINDEN DRIVE + ROUTE44 + FANCY TRASH | AS220, 115 EMPIRE STREET, PROVIDENCE | DEC 2 | 401.831.9327 | WWW.MYSPACE.COM/LINDENDRIVE

CUTLER LIVE

Would you like to be famous? How about semi-famous? OK, well, then, familiar maybe? If you answered yes, then the place to be this Saturday (the 3rd) is Eddie’s 529, 529 Warwick Avenue,Warwick, where Mark Cutler has grand designs on recording a live acoustic album. Not only will you get your big voice preserved forever on a digital medium, you’ll also get to see a great band. Cutler, ever the fancier of good taste, will be featuring special guests Dickie Reed on accordion, Jimmy Berger and Mike Tanaka sharing bass and vocal duties, Bob Kirkman on banjo, Bob "Dizzy" Gillespie on harp and percussion, and Bob Giusti on percussion. The songs recorded at Eddie’s will make their first appearance on Cutler’s web site (www.mcutler.com) in the near future for free downloading. Meanwhile, head over to the site for this month’s free download, "Bring Me Some Joy." The show starts around 9 pm and admission is free. Call 401.941.9423.

WANDERING EYE

On Friday(the 2nd) in Newport, Dopey Lopes, Neutral Nation, and Suicide Liquors are all playing the Area Venue located at 22 Broadway. That very same night, an all-star band will cut loose at Billy Goode’s in Newport, when Mark Dufresne, Tom Ferraro, John Packer, and Jason Corbiere team up to present a one-night-only American roots music bonanza. Dufresne, of course, is the powerful and versatile Roomful vocalist, who’ll be accompanied by High Roller guitarist Ferraro.

Chris Monti liked the Mediator venue so much he’s gonna play it again this Friday, this time with the Waylanders and the Providence Wholebellies. The place is located at 50 Rounds Street in Providence. Bring a dish if you feel like eating. The show kicks off at 7 pm and runs till 10. Admission is free, but donations are suggested.

Chan’s, 267 Main Street, Woonsocket, will present Roomful of Blues this Saturday (the 3rd) for shows at 8 and 10 pm. For information or reservations, give ’em a call at 401.765.1900.

Our wishes for a speedy reopening go out to the folks at the fire-ravaged Narragansett CafŽ in Jamestown. I’ll let you know on this page when they plan on reopening.

E-mail me with your music news at big.daddy1@cox.net.