Entertainment - Otto's Jacket CD

Unforeseen setbacks prevented that, but now the Saratoga Springs quartet aims to have the record in their fan’s awaiting hands before Christmas.

To celebrate, the local act will be playing a free 18 and over show. Otto’s Jacket’s CD pre-release party starts at 9:30 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 3, at Backstreet Billiards in Saratoga Springs.

Fans can expect at least two hours of music, said bassist Mike Blair. Those in attendance can also look forward to sample CDs, Heineken drink specials and free giveaways.

“It’ll be a great time. We hope to see a lot of people come out,” Blair said.

The band, which consists of lead guitarist John Trypaluk, rhythm guitarist Marc Hartman, Blair and drummer Joshua Corrigan, formed roughly a year ago; Otto’s Jacket originally started back in 2005 as a solo project of Hartman’s. The group’s vocal duties are shared by Hartman, Blair and Corrigan.

“We tried to make an album more along the lines of a Beatles album,” Blair said of their upcoming release. “We kept things pretty simple. These songs are very lyric-based, melodic and catchy.”

Artists such as The Beatles, Bob Dylan, Brian Wilson, Wilco and Elliott Smith have influenced the group’s rock and roll music. Blair said the band embraces its influences, and doesn’t mind sounding like them.

Blair said they’d like to focus their efforts more on local venues in order to build a greater following in their hometown. He added that the band’s primary goal for “About You” is to get people to hear it.

“Our sound is refreshing. It appeals to people of all ages,” Blair said. “We don’t limit ourselves to a specific audience. There’s a little something for everyone.”

For more info, visit www.myspace.com/otto39sjacket.

- Mike Ryan