Devonsquare

Devonsquare is the name of a music group of three singer songwriters from Maine and New Hampshire: Alana MacDonald, Tom Dean, and Herb Ludwig formed in 1976. For the last thirty years these have toured the US and Europe as well as releasing five CDs.

Formation and early years

Devonsquare originated in the mid-1960s, with Herb Ludwig as part of the original trio, along with the late Jeff Rice and Steve Romanoff of Schooner Fare. At the time, the group was best-known for songs from the folk-movement of the 1960s.

During the 1970s, Devonsquare evolved into a larger band that performed music from a broad spectrum of pop-music.

In the mid-1970s, the group evolved again, as bandmembers gradually left to establish other professional acts.

The trio of Herb Ludwig (vocals), Alana MacDonald, and Tom Dean - remained together as Devonsquare, and continued to focus on progressive-forms of different music-styles.

Signing to Atlantic Records

In 1988, Atlantic Records chairman Ahmet Ertegün heard them and signed them immediately to his record company. Their CD "Walking On Ice" was released to critical acclaim in 1988. Its title track reached the Top 20 on the national AC charts and was a breakthrough NAC hit. They immediately began work on their next CD "Bye Bye Route 66" which was released in January 1992. This CD spawned the singles "If You Could See Me Now" and "Bye Bye Route 66" which received rave reviews from radio and print media. It also earned them a nomination for "Best New Act" at the 1992 Boston Music Awards.

Industrial Twilight

"Industrial Twilight" the band's 5th release is a musical and lyrical journey down the yellow brick road. With its Beat influenced lyrics and unique instrumentation this CD reaches new creative heights for Devonsquare.

Death of Herb Ludwig

Herb Ludwig (1947-2005), one of their original founding members, died in 2005.

Career highlights

• 1984/1985 - Best New Album "Devonsquare" "Night Sail" (Maine Music Awards)
• 1987 - Atlantic Records signs the songwriting trio to a 2 record deal and re-releases "Walking On Ice" internationally.
• 1989 - Pony Canyon Records in Japan releases "Night Sail", a compilation of the first two recordings by Devonsquare.
• 1992 - Nominated for Best New Act (Boston Music Awards)
• 1992 - "Bye Bye Route 66" is released internationally on Atlantic Records.
• 1996 - "Industrial Twilight" the bands 5th recording is released independently as well as in Germany on SVP Records
• 1999 - Longtime Devonsquare singer, guitarist and producer for Devonsquare releases critically acclaimed solo CD "Your Own Backyard"

External links

• Devonsquare website
• Devonsquare singer-songwriter Tom Dean's website
• Herb Ludwig obituary
• Dean's John Lennon project