Anthony LaLota

Ruby Sang the Blues
(Single, released 10/04/2024):

“Mourning can happen in different ways for many different things. Some mourn a love lost, while some mourn a death. Anthony LaLota is mourning a time and place, and a very specific one at that. Though he resides in the mountains of North Central Pennsylvania, his heart is pure Baltimore. And that is the old Baltimore, specifically Fells Point before the soul was sucked out and replaced with places for the frat boys to play. Calling back to the tearjerker, whiskey-soaked days of Tom Waits, along with an unmistakable DIY punk ethos, Anthony has truly crafted an anthem that will bring up old ghosts from their haunts to sing and dance again.” (Ed Kiersnowski/Crotalus Records Press Release)

Songs of St. James
(Debut album, released 10/15/2021):

"A vivid collection of working-class story songs. Lyrically dense, creating visceral images and feelings as you listen… a masterwork of storytelling." (Adventures in Americana)

“An exceptional storyteller… Songs of St. James possesses tremendous detail  
and shows off Anthony's uncanny ability to capture the very zeitgeist.” (Beach Sloth)

“Songs in the classic storytelling tradition of folk music, with vivid images of lives 
being lived on the edges of the mainstream… he raids the great American songbook 
and crafts tales entirely his own.” (For the Rabbits)

“(Songs of St. James) plays like a lost album from the 60’s folk revival… based in the age-old tradition, but with a much more modern attitude. An album of great depth & intrigue for sure.” (Aldora-Britain Records Magazine Issue #82)

“Eloquent storytelling… his meshing of folk, Americana, blues & soul 
makes for a timeless & absorbing effort.” (Take Effect)

“Rich characters & intricate stories abound… a true storyteller’s album.” (WOJB Folkways)

“A great insight into real American life, like visiting houses across the country. 
If a European wanted to know what America is actually like, instead of what they see on TV,  
I’d play them Songs of St. James.” (Hidden Sound)

Live Reviews:

“Imagine the barroom poetry of Tom Waits, the working-class sensibility of the Guthries, and the outsider charm of Michael Hurley… LaLota is a gifted songwriter and captivating storyteller.” 
(WOJB Folkways, 2018 Canadian & Midwestern US tour)

“I must have seen a dozen acoustic performers that week. Many had gimmicks, like fast fingerpicking or an accompanying loop pedal or harmonica. LaLota stood out to me for NOT having a gimmick. He strummed his guitar and sang pretty melodies with a strong, soulful voice, and smiled while he did it. He told stories and engaged with the crowd, like he was catching up with old friends around a campfire. It was the definition of an intimate gig.”
(Evolution of Folk, 2015 Millenium Music Conference, Harrisburg PA)

“A passionate observer, emotionally invested in the lives of the everyday, desperate characters around him.” (Slap Magazine, 2015 UK & Ireland Tour)