Next Big Thang!
Ok, everyone, listen up! I've got the word on the next big thing in the rock world. His name is Bleu, and he and his band really know how to put on a show.

Granted, Bleu's been around for a few years, first making big waves on the Boston music scene with a holiday CD called Big, Bang Holidang featuring songs performed by a variety of local favorites including Kay Hanley and Dickie Barrett.

It's three years later, and he's just released his third album, Redhead, and his CD release party last Saturday at the Paradise was a blast.

'Head and Cupcakes
Bleu rocked the house playing Redhead's entire playlist plus some. At 16 songs (17 if you count a birthday sing-a-long to his guitarist, Bill) the show lasted just about two hours, plus a break to eat cupcakes in honor of Bill's birthday. Yes, Bleu brought 250 cupcakes to share. What a guy.

It's Bleu's interaction with his audience that really made the show amazing. He's extremely comfortable on stage and when he talks to the crowd, you'd think he were talking to his closest friends - and in a place as small as the Paradise, it makes it that much more intimate. So intimate in fact, that he invited the entire audience on stage to sing some sha na na's with the chorus of his song, "Trust Me."

Album Good, Fire Bad
But how is the new album? Amazing. It's a tight collection of solid lyrics and head bobbin', jumping around on the dance floor music, mostly dealing with love and break-ups. Redhead contains four songs from his previous album, Headroom, plus nine brand-spanking new songs (one, "Somebody Else," is featured on the Spider-Man soundtrack.)

Bleu and the Boss
Bleu mentioned, during his show, that he saw Bruce Springsteen at the Fleet Center the night before, and said, "I'm no Bruce."

Well, Bleu, give it a few years. I, for one, think you have what it takes to join the ranks of the Boss. Though, I'll certainly miss seeing you at the Paradise.

On the web: www.bleutopia.com