songs for soundtracks
Hotel Alexis joins the still-rarified ranks of local bands whose songs have been licensed for TV shows.

“In a bit of exciting and somewhat surreal news,” writes Sid Lindner in an e-mail, The Hotel Alexis song “Comeback Kid” from their first album, “The Shining Example Is Lying on the Floor,” was featured on an episode of the NBC drama “Crossing Jordan” that aired on Jan. 21. Other bands that have been featured in the show’s soundtrack include Elvis Costello, the Allman Brothers and the Rolling Stones.

In December, local roots rockers The Digbees licensed “Can’t Get Over You” from their  November 2005 CD, “Love Is A Train,” for an upcoming episode of “Veronica Mars.”

“We couldn’t be more thrilled,” says singer/guitarist Bruce Hilton, who penned the tune, in an e-mail. “We’ve been working the TV/film angle for some time, it’s great to finally see it begin to pay off.” The band plans to continue to produce new material, and is working on landing further placements in TV and film.
 
on the jazz charts
A live version of ZumbaTres’ “Gathering in Blue” hit number one among the top 50 songs for January selected by the Italian Internet radio site www.vinilemania.net, a source of Latin jazz, salsa and Latin music.

Maggy’s Mid-Winter Flurry gets a dance floor and a non-smoking pass
EJ Ouellette & Crazy Maggy will be holding its “Mid-Winter Flurry” dance party on Friday, Feb. 2. The group often plays in Portsmouth at the Dolphin Striker, but they were looking for a little more dancing space for this particular event. The show will be at Bourbon’s in Portsmouth, and not only will fans have room to dance, but club manager Tim McCoy sweetened the deal by supporting the band’s wish for a non-smoking room that night. “This was really important to us because most Maggy fans prefer non-smoking venues, as do the Maggy players,” said the band in a press release. Admission is $6. Special guest Michael Tero and Northern Roots will be opening the show at 9 p.m., with EJ & Crazy Maggy taking the stage at 10 p.m.