The Travelin' Taylor Tour taking music higher

As many of you know, I am a long-time fan of Taylor Guitars. That San Diego-based guitar maker has teamed with Southwest Airlines for a very special contest that is definitely taking music to new heights. Check out the information below and make sure to keep checking back here for more updates on the special series of concerts happening in connection with the "Live at 35" series!

Click here for more details on the event, which includes the giveaway of Southwest-themed GS Mini Taylor Guitars and a series of six inflight shows featuring artists such as Vintage Trouble, The Farm, Taylor Hicks and Easton Corbin. Watch the video below for more details.

Kinks guitarist Dave Davies to release 'I Will Be Me' on June 4

Here is the latest notable news release to land in my inbox...Please note that the media release below was provided to me and it was not my intention to omit all references to Ray Davies...my understanding from reading an entry on Wikipedia is that The Kinks were co-founded by brothers Ray and Dave Davies in 1964...

Kinks Legend Dave Davies To Release New Album 'I Will Be Me' – June 4, 2013



Los Angeles, CA - The man who forever changed the sound of rock 'n' roll when he invented distortion, Kinks legend Dave Davies, has recorded a brand new solo album of all original material! To be released on Cleopatra Records on June 4, 2013, I Will Be Me features guest appearances by The Jayhawks, Anti-Flag, award winning UK blues guitarist Oli Brown, Chris Spedding, US stoner rock band Dead Meadow, Aussie rockers The Art, Geri X and others! In support of Dave's new album release, a special engagement of live performances in New York and Los Angeles (and here in Orange County, California) are scheduled for the end of May to mid-June! (see below for complete list of shows)

Kinks in 1965. From left: Pete Quaife, Dave Davies, Ray Davies, Mick Avory.

Dave Davies founded the Kinks in the early 1960s and forever changed music after he sliced up the speaker cone of a little green amp and created a revolutionary, distorted guitar tone and frenetic solo on the song "You Really Got Me". Musicologist Joe Harrington described the Kinks influence: " 'You Really Got Me', 'All Day And All Of The Night' ... were predecessors of the whole three-chord genre ... The Kinks did a lot to help turn rock n roll into rock." In 1998, writer Bill Crowley wrote, "As lead guitarist and founder of The Kinks, Dave Davies is one of the most unpredictable and original forces in rock, without whom guitar-rock styles including heavy metal and punk would have been inconceivable. A member of the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, Dave's massive guitar sounds have inspired bands from Van Halen to Green Day."

Dave's new album I Will Be Me is a return to his groundbreaking guitar sound and innovative songwriting. His classically English voice shows off a new depth but still hits his famous high notes in this collection. The hard rocking track "Livin' In The Past", takes a look at obsession with all things retro but, ever the Mod, Dave surprises with the lyric, "No matter what they do or say, the future's here to stay!" He takes a look back with "Little Green Amp", a playful, punk homage to days when his jagged, blues driven sound wave ripped ahead of the British Invasion through stereos the world over. "Cote du Rhone (I Will Be Me)", an uncensored look at ugliness in the world today, is as angry and biting as any song in Dave's repertoire with an innovative yet heavy slide guitar tone. Soothing lyrics and sounds of Jonathan Lea's sitar playing on "Healing Boy" show Dave's sensitive side. In a recent radio interview he said, "Rock music is a positive force for good." This hopeful and optimistic vision manifests and bridges themes personal, social and universal in I Will Be Me.

Since the early days, Dave Davies has worked on a slew of critically acclaimed records, ranging from solo hit single "Death of a Clown", to experimental Kinks records like 'Village Green Preservation Society' and 'Arthur' as well as the classic single "Lola" in the '70s. In the '80s Dave released experimentally prescient solo work like the eponymous album titled 'Dave Davies' or 'AFL1-3603' named after himself and/or the barcode symbol face cover art. His mainstream success continued in the 80s on hit Kinks albums Low Budget and State of Confusion. In the '90s he released more solo work such as 'Bug' and the compilation 'Unfinished Business'. His songs have been featured in films by John Carpenter and on TV shows like 'The Sopranos', which used his tune "Living On A Thin Line". His tell-all autobiographical book 'Kink' was well received in the late '90s as well. In recent years, Dave has collaborated creatively with his sons. In 2010 he worked with son Russell Davies to create the hauntingly, beautiful rock electronica album, the Aschere Project. The film 'Mystical Journey', directed by son Martin Davies, narrates Dave's longtime interest in the paranormal, Eastern philosophies and spirituality (the film inspired Julien Temple s BBC documentary 'Kinkdom Kome'). No matter how diverse the ambition, Dave Davies puts his heart and soul in all of his projects.

Tracks include:

1. Little Green Amp

2. Livin' In The Past

3. The Healing Boy

4. Midnight In L.A.

5. In The Mainframe

6. Energy Fields

7. When I First Saw You

8. The Actress

9. Erotic Neurotic

10. You Can Break My Heart

11. Walker Through The Worlds

12. Remember The Future

13. Cote Du Rhone (I Will Be Me)



Dave Davies tour dates:


May 27, 28 & 29 - City Winery - New York, NY

May 30 - The Bull Run - Shirley, MA

May 31 - Infinity Hall - Norfolk, CT

June 1 - Musikfest Cafe - Bethlehem, PA

June 2 - The Arcada Theatre - St. Charles, IL

June 6 - Sainte Rocke - Hermosa Beach, CA

June 7 - Coach House - San Juan Capistrano, CA

June 9 - The Canyon Club - Agoura Hills, CA

June 11- Del Mar Fairgrounds - Del Mar, CA

More dates to come!

Sights and Sounds: The Hootenanny, Ray Manzarek's last album celebrated

Don't think because Coachella, Stagecoach and Doheny Blues fests have passed that the Southern California festival season is over. Indeed, Hootenanny is just around the corner! I have news on that and other stuff in this weighty post...

THE HOOTENANNY KICKS OFF JULY 6TH WITH SOCIAL DISTORTION, OLD 97'S FACE TO FACE AND MORE!

 

Old 97's singer Rhett Miller at Hootenanny in 2010.  

Southern California’s most anticipated music and kustom car festival The Hootenanny will return to Oak Canyon Ranch in Orange County on Saturday, July 6, 2013 for its 19th annual festival with some of the Southland’s coolest kustom cars and performances by Social Distortion, Face to Face, Murder By Death, Old 97’s, Nashville Pussy, and more!  

 

The annual festival will feature hundreds of local vendors, food & drink, classic cars and The Hootenanny Pinup Contest.  Fun for the whole family!  Tickets will be available to the public on May 23 at 10 a.m. via Front Gate Tickets.

 

Topping this year’s lineup is the much anticipated return of SoCal’s favorite rock ‘n’ roll band Social Distortion, who are currently touring in support of their latest, critically acclaimed album Hard Times and Nursery Rhymes.  The band has performed at the Fest several times over the years including a memorable performance in 1996 at the 2nd annual show alongside Jerry Lee Lewis.  

 

Attendees at The Hootenanny will also be able to check out hundreds of kustom cars, kustom kulture artists, pinstripers and painters and a live “chop top” demo at the Car Show, as well as catch the revealing of the next “Sullen Angel Miss Hootenanny,” winner of the annual Pinup Contest, while enjoying tasty food and refreshing beverages.  

 

Don’t miss out on SoCal’s most anticipated music and kustom car festival!

 

The Hootenanny Location:

Oak Canyon Ranch

4700 Santiago Canyon Road (at Blue Diamond)

Silverado Canyon, CA 92676

 

The Hootenanny Stage Schedules:

MAIN STAGE A

1:00 – 1:30 Gamblers Mark

2:00 – 2:30 Lindi Ortega

3:00 – 3:30 Wheeler Brothers

4:00 – 4:30 Nashville Pussy

5:00 – 5:30 Old 97’s

6:15 – 6:16 Gretsch Giveaway

6:16 – 7:30 Social Distortion

MAIN STAGE B

12:30 – 1:00 The 454’s

1:30 – 2:00 Bloodshot Bill

2:30 – 3:00 Roger Alan Wade

3:30 – 4:00 Phil Alvin & Exene Cervenka

4:30 – 5:00 Murder By Death

5:30 – 5:35 Miss Hootenanny Contest

5:35 – 5:36 Gretsch Giveaway

5:35 – 6:15 Face To Face

SIDE STAGE

1:00 - 1:30 Seven Year War

2:00 - 2:30 Red Devil Squadron

3:00 – 3:30 Vinnie & The Hooligans

4:00 – 4:30 Not In The Face

5:00 – 5:30 Custom Made Scare

6:00 – 6:30 Battle For Hootenanny Winner

 

For More Information:

http://thehootenanny.com/

https://www.facebook.com/pages/The-Official-Hootenanny/218666250547?fref=ts

https://twitter.com/hootenannyfest

RAY MANZAREK'S LAST RELEASE CELEBRATED

photo: Bob Hakins

Ray Manzarek, keyboardist and founding member of the one of the most popular American rock groups of all time, The Doors, passed away today (MAY 20, 2013) at the age of 74.   He was at a clinic in Rosenheim, Germany undergoing alternative medical treatments for cancer.

Manzarek formed The Doors in 1965 after a chance encounter on Venice Beach with poet Jim Morrison. The band went on to become one of the most successful rock 'n' roll acts to emerge from the 1960's, selling more than 100 million albums worldwide, and receiving nineteen Gold, fourteen Platinum and five multi-Platinum albums in the U.S. alone.   In 1993, The Doors were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.

It is Manzarek's keyboard work that serves as the iconic opening to one of the group's biggest hits, "Light My Fire."   And his keyboard-as-lead-instrument stylings were prominent on their other ground-breaking hits such as "L.A. Woman," "Break On Through to the Other Side," "The End," and "Hello, I Love You."  

Manzarek, one of the most influential keyboard players in the history of rock music, went on to become a best-selling author, and a Grammy-nominated recording artist in his own right following Morrison's death in 1971.

Manzarek's last release, Translucent Blues on Blind Pig Records, was a 2011 collaboration with slide guitar master Roy Rogers.  It is a hard driving record with influences from blues, rock and jazz and lyrics that include tinges of poetry and literature.  Minneapolis City Pages called it "very nearly a masterpiece that emphasizes Doors-like driving roadhouse blues-rock tinged with noirish overtones."

Manzarek, a Chicago native, said of the album, "This is a head-first dive into American contemporary Blues.  Roy and I take the unique art form of the Blues and add a 21st century twist to the genre."  

Rogers issued a statment saying, "I am very saddened that my great friend and collaborator Ray Manzarek passed away today at the age of 74.  Always stretching the boundaries in music, art and poetry - this is one of the true rock icons that had heart, intellect and talent - and a terrific sense of humor.  He was a great friend and will be missed."

To watch Ray performing "Blues In My Shoes" with the Manzarek-Rogers band, please click HERE.  To hear Ray and Roy discussing another collaboration, "Hurricane," please click HERE

Smithsonian Channel to commemorate Ray Manzarek with 'Mr. Mojo Risin' - The Story of L.A. Woman'

SMITHSONIAN CHANNEL TO COMMEMORATE LIFE OF MUSIC INNOVATOR RAY MANZAREK WITH ENCORE PRESENTATIONS OF


THE DOORS: MR. MOJO RISIN’ - THE STORY OF L.A. WOMAN

Ray Manzarek performing in 2011. Photo: Kelly A. Swift

Commemorating the passing of music legend Ray Manzarek, keyboardist for The Doors, Smithsonian Channel will air encore presentations of THE DOORS: MR. MOJO RISIN’ - THE STORY OF L.A. WOMAN throughout the next week. One of the most influential rock bands of the 1960s, the Los Angeles group The Doors personified the turbulent era in America at the time with its raw form of rhythm-and-blues-inspired rock and its charismatic, poetic and unpredictable front man Jim Morrison.
THE DOORS: MR. MOJO RISIN’ - THE STORY OF L.A. WOMAN will air on:


Thursday, May 23 at 8pm and 11pm ET/PT


Sunday, May 26 at 10pm and 1am ET/PT


Tuesday, May 28 at 9pm and 12am ET/PT

The one-hour documentary is an intimate, behind-the-scenes look at the making of what would be the iconic rock band’s final album together. Released in 1971, L.A. Woman represented a return to the band’s roots. Considered one of the group’s finest achievements, the album reached #9 on the Billboard Chart and yielded several popular hits, including two Top 20 singles—“Love Her Madly" and "Riders On The Storm"—and the popular classic “L.A. Woman,” lauded as a masterful composition and centerpiece of the album. The LP went on to be one of The Doors’ best-selling studio albums.


Exclusive interviews with Manzarek, drummer John Densmore and guitarist Robby Krieger give viewers candid new insights into the band and its creative arc.


The film also taps Elektra Records founder Jac Holzman, Bill Siddons, the band’s manager at the time, as well as some of the group’s closest colleagues and collaborators and other industry insiders, who make trenchant observations on the making of the final album. Woven throughout the narrative are exclusive performances and studio sessions, archival footage, gritty L.A. scenes and other compelling visuals. Commentary by producer Bruce Botnick and an examination of the original multi-track master recordings help to deconstruct the music—from the first song, which beckons listeners to “get loose” (“The Changeling”), to “L.A. Woman,” the noir anthem to the City of Angels, the song that introduces Mr. Mojo Risin’—the character who emerges by scrambling the letters in Jim Morrison’s name. Together, these elements help to tell a fascinating story of the landmark record by one of rock history’s most influential and infamous groups.


THE DOORS: MR. MOJO RISIN’ - THE STORY OF L.A. WOMAN was produced by Jeffrey Jampol for Eagle Rock Entertainment. Executive Producers for Smithsonian Channel are David Royle and Charles Poe.

ABOUT SMITHSONIAN CHANNEL

Smithsonian Channel is owned by Smithsonian Networks, a joint venture between Showtime Networks Inc. and the Smithsonian Institution. Its programs are largely inspired by the assets of the world's largest museum complex. Smithsonian Channel features award-winning original documentaries, series, and groundbreaking programs highlighting America's historical, cultural and scientific heritage. Smithsonian Channel brings the American experience home in high definition and Dolby Digital 5.1 and is available to customers of DirecTV, Comcast, Time Warner Cable, Charter Communications, Cablevision, Verizon, AT&T, and more. Learn more at www.smithsonianchannel.com.

Doheny Blues Festival offers two full days of memorable performances in Dana Point

Tedeschi Trucks rocks the Doheny Stage. Photo: Bob Steshetz

My coverage of Doheny Blues Festival 16 was originally published in The Orange County Register on May 19 and 20, 2013.

Here is my review that was published on May 19, 2013:

Doheny Blues Fest shimmers on Day 1

May 19th, 2013, 10:44 am ·

The teaming of Ben Harper and Charlie Musselwhite caps off a perfect first half.· 

posted by ROBERT KINSLER, FOR THE REGISTER

Day 1 at Doheny Blues Festival was one of the most perfect in the 16-year history of the event with sunny skies stretching from morning to nightfall and a shining musical lineup to match. The long day's headlining act, a teaming one-two punch from Ben Harper and Charlie Musselwhite, lived up to its top billing. The duo's 2013 release Get Up! is that rare disc where everything is as it should be – meaning the songs, performances and integrated styles of the artists gel completely.

That chemistry proved itself to be just as persuasive on a beautiful night in Dana Point, with singer-harmonica legend Musselwhite and singer-songwriter-guitarist Harper and his solid three-man backing group tore up the Doheny Stage for just over 100 minutes before a near-capacity crowd.

Opening with "I Don't Believe a Word You Say," a fiery blues tune that has Harper's blistering vocals and Musselwhite's equally potent blues harp work exchanging blows, the set never let up. Even when performing quiet material ("Don't Look Twice," "Get Up!") there were so many dynamics courtesy of Harper's slide work, Musselwhite's harp blasts and the band's groove that the intensity never wavered.

The performance reached its zenith near the end of the rewarding set when the ensemble ripped through an extended cover of Led Zeppelin's "When the Levee Breaks" boasting loads of Musselwhite's harmonica attack amidst the fire of Harper's slide.

James Hunter. Photo: Bob Steshetz

Saturday's lineup was truly an exhibition of the wide range of artists whose sounds are inspired or rooted in blues music. The James Hunter Six, led by British singer-songwriter-guitar master Hunter, definitely got a huge crowd positioned in front of the Sailor Jerry Stage dancing and grooving to its blend of blues, R&B and soul. Playing cuts off the newly released "Minute By Minute" ("The Gypsy" definitely hit home), he also explored his back catalog. On an uptempo take on "Jacqueline," Hunter showed off his guitar playing when he did some smart licks in tandem with his two sax players.

One of the toughest choices for concertgoers was deciding whether to see Tedeschi Trucks Band on the main Doheny Stage or Mark Hummel's Blues Harp Blowout on the intimate Backporch, since both sets overlapped. This writer opted to take in the first four songs of Tedeschi Trucks before running to catch the harmonica-centric tribute to Little Walter.

Guitarist Derek Trucks solos. Photo: Bob Steshetz

As evidenced when husband Derek Trucks and wife Susan Tedeschi last performed at Doheny Beach in 2011, the 11-member troupe is a powerful force that has a full arsenal thanks to Tedeschi's mighty soprano, Trucks' power on the slide guitar and a mix of backing singers and other players that got their collective moments to shine, too. Of the songs I caught, "It's So Heavy" impressed as a blues-drenched ballad showcasing Tedeschi's range and the nuanced performance by the large ensemble around her.

Another promising performance yielded big returns with a well-timed tribute to Little Walter. With the recent release of "Remembering Little Walter," the majority of the collection's players joined forces to pay tribute to the late harmonica giant before a crowd that cheered, often danced and genuinely seemed ignited by the power of many of today's best blues harmonica players.

While Musselwhite watched from the wings, Hummel, Billy Boy Arnold and Sugar Ray Norcia performed their versions of many of Little Walter's best-known tunes. Little Charlie Baty inflicted some skilled guitar playing throughout the long set as well. Highlights came via Hummel's gentle take on the extended instrumental "Blue Light," Sugar Ray Norcia's blazing "Mean Old World" and Arnold's original song "Wandering Eye."

Of the day's first seven performances, Harry Manx (joined by fellow Canadian Steve Marriner of the group MonkeyJunk) was the most impressive. His blend of blues, folk and world music was a welcome expansion on the wide-ranging spirit of day one. His "Coat of Mail" was among a number of outstanding original songs that connected.


Photo: Bob Steshetz



The other standout was singer-guitar virtuoso Joanne Shaw Taylor (pictured on the left). A British blues guitarist whose hard-hitting and dazzling chops recalled those unleashed by a young Joe Bonamassa or Walter Trout, she will likely be a future returnee to the fest based on the enthusiastic reception from the Doheny crowd packed in front of the Sailor Jerry Stage.

Bring on day 2.

Here is my review that was published on May 20, 2013:

Doheny Blues Fest among strongest ever

May 20th, 2013, 11:34 am ·

The diverse lineup included guitar virtuosos Joe Bonamassa and Robert Randolph, closing with a rocking set by George Thorogood.· 

posted by ROBERT KINSLER, FOR THE REGISTER

Doheny Blues Fest 16 ranks as one of the greatest in the history of the annual event, with the range and power of so many of the performances drawing comparisons with the 2007 fest when Al Green and John Fogerty were the headliners.

But in terms of diversity, 2013's blues fest even had that year's running beat.

Guitar Shorty in action. Photo: Robert Kinsler

After a strong Saturday (May 18, 2013) capped by a performance from Ben Harper and Charlie Musselwhite, Sunday offered two great options at 11:30 a.m. I opted to catch Guitar Shorty on the Backporch first, where a huge crowd was on hand for the so-called "Hangover Set." The 73-year-old singer-guitarist pioneered a blistering style that influenced a number of guitarists in the 1950s and '60s, most notably Jimi Hendrix.

As evidenced by the first half of his set, the Houston, native still has the ability to thrill. Using speedy runs as well as the various knobs and the whammy bar on his instrument he created all kinds of sound and effects in the support of solid vocal performance on an ambitious 15-minute version of "Too Late." He offered up many of his guitar theatrics while venturing out into the crowd.

I then ran over to the main Doheny Stage in time to catch 15 minutes of Gino Matteo and his five-member band. A strong singer and guitarist, he impressed with his blend of roots and blues styles.

Cindy Cashdollar. Photo: Robert Kinsler

Other Sunday highlights also featured guitar greats showcasing their talents on the fest's three stages. First came the Louisiana-tinged "Toast of the Coast" set featured slide guitar great Sonny Landreth joining forces with steel guitarist Cindy Cashdollar, singer-pianist Marcia Ball and Zydeco hero Terrance Simien for 75 glorious minutes. Memorable turns included the beautiful instrumental "Salvation" with Ball and Cashdollar shining, and "Hell At Home" with Landreth and Cashdollar showing off licks while Simien kept time on his frottoir (a Cajun washboard).

Shemekia Copeland, a blues singer with a thundering soprano, delighted a big crowd gathered in front of the Sailor Jerry Stage. A highlight was the forceful ballad "Ain't Gonna Be Your Tattoo," on which the mix of power and nuanced delivery showed her artistry.

The first of Sunday's best two performances came courtesy of singer-guitar virtuoso Joe Bonamassa dazzling untold thousands with his set on the Doheny Stage. Over the past six years, since I first caught the Malibu-based guitarist in concert, his abilities continue to impress. His dexterity, ability of play with incredible speed while articulating each note and putting those runs together in artistically-rewarding ways is unique.

On the opener "Slow Train," which boasted a heavy groove, and subsequent "Dust Bowl," Bonamassa was fully in control of his instrument while his solid backing trio provided the perfect groove for his dynamic forays. "Midnight Blues" was distinctive for his strong vocal performance, where he sprinkled short guitar fills and runs that amazed.

The other outstanding performance of the day was the return of guitarist David "Kid" Ramos to the stage, where he joined singer-songwriter Janiva Magness for part of her set on the Backporch.

Anaheim-based Ramos, who has been fighting a well-publicized battle with cancer for more than a year, was introduced about mid-way through Magness' set and received an immediate standing ovation from the crowd.

"Thank you so much; I'm so happy to be here," Ramos said. "I just started chemo two days ago."

Ramos likely drew strength from the big welcome, and fully proved that his mighty talents on the guitar remain as strong as ever. Magness, a powerful singer whose style effortlessly blends soul and blues, has an approach that was perfect for Ramos' stellar lead guitar work to be featured over the course of just over 20 minutes.

Next came Robert Randolph & the Family Band, a group that immediately got the blues faithful moving with Randolph's amazing runs on his pedal steel guitar. With temps finally cooling, many got to their feet in the grassy area in front of the Sailor Jerry Stage and danced to Randolph's mix of blues, rock, soul and gospel.

It is fitting that the long weekend closed out on a festive note. Those coming for the party could raise a drink (or their fists) and sing along with George Thorogood & the Destroyers throughout the quintet's 90-minute set. There was little depth in the group's rock 'n' blues attack, just an invitation to live for the moment courtesy of "Who Do You Love?," "I Drink Alone," "One Bourbon, One Scotch, One Beer" and "Move It On Over."

Thorogood was a gracious host and rocked the beach armed with his electric guitar and distinctive slide guitar. His set came to an end with a rollicking "Madison Blues," with Thorogood soloing while videos of him in the early days of his career flashed on big screens.

The Doors' Ray Manzarek remembered

I was very saddened to get the news today that seminal keyboardist Ray Manzarek of The Doors passed away after losing his battle with cancer. He was 74. I got to review Manzarek for The Orange County Register twice, most recently in August 2011. Here is my original review of that fantastic show that was published on Aug. 6, 2011, one that my wife and I will never forget.

Ray Manzarek performing in Costa Mesa, CA on Aug. 5, 2011. Photo: Kelly A. Swift

Published: Aug. 6, 2011 Updated: Aug. 7, 2011 10:00 a.m

Revisiting 'L.A. Woman' with half of the Doors

Ray Manzarek of The Doors in concert on Friday, Aug. 5, 2011. Photo: Kelly A. Swift

The last time keyboardist Ray Manzarek and guitarist Robby Krieger performed at Pacific Amphitheatre in Costa Mesa was August 2007 under the moniker Riders on the Storm. But more than the name of their ongoing live tribute to the music of the Doors has changed.

Instead of onetime Fuel singer Brett Scallions handling the late Jim Morrison's vocals, as was the case four years ago (the Cult's Ian Astbury assumed that role before that, when this resurrection was called the Doors of the 21st Century), Friday night's concert provided a rare chance to see Dave Brock, of O.C.-based salute Wild Child, performing this classic material alongside two of its originators.

While Scallions' thin pipes weren't nearly up to the task of delivering staples like "Break on Through (To the Other Side)," "Light My Fire" and "L.A. Woman" with the same vocal firepower of Morrison - founding member of the illustrious but infamous 27 Club, which Amy Winehouse just joined - Brock certainly provided a welcome re-creation of the mysteriously dynamic approach of the iconic singer/poet who died three months after the last proper Doors album came out.

There are purists who undoubtedly cringe at the thought of two original members of one of rock's most compelling acts teaming with the frontman from a popular tribute band. But if they'd witnessed this powerful, often fiery two-hour performance before a capacity crowd at Pacific, those doubts would likely be cast aside. Brock never came off as trying to mimic Morrison's explosive style, but rather allowed his tall, sleek, dressed-in-black frame and spot-on singing work magic for him.

The 17-song concert doubled as both a greatest-hits set and a celebration of the 40th anniversary of L.A. Woman, although the promise of the group tackling the Doors' final studio disc in its entirety didn't completely materialize.

Three selections were left out of the set, including the muted blues shuffle "Cars Hiss by My Window," Side 2's sinister opening groove "L'America" and, most glaringly absent of all, the indelible "Riders on the Storm." Not surprisingly, the seven L.A. Woman songs that were included weren't performed in any familiar order, though four of its lesser-known tracks - "Crawling King Snake," "Hyacinth House," "Been Down So Long" and "The Changeling" - came all in a row toward the end of the show.

The current ensemble, rounded out by more-than-solid drummer Ty Dennis and bassist Phil Chen, kicked things off with "Roadhouse Blues," the first of many songs that provided a showcase for the distinctive finger-style guitar playing of Krieger, while a large rear-projection screen displayed grainy images of driving down a highway. Throughout the night, a wide range of such videos were used to reinforce the imagery of specific songs or display archival footage of Morrison and the other Doors back in the day.

While many mid- to late-'60s bands forged sounds out of the molds put forth by the Beatles and the Rolling Stones, L.A.'s Doors were different, blending blues, jazz, flamenco, folk, psychedelia, even spoken-word poetry to establish an approach like no artist before. L.A. Woman in full or not, that aspect was memorialized here for an enthusiastic audience, a mix of baby boomers and twentysomethings.

The adventuresome and once-dangerous side of the Doors was conjured early in the night with a riveting version of "The WASP (Texas Radio and the Big Beat)" - where "out here we is stoned, immaculate" - and again later amid a mind-crashing 15-minute take on "When the Music's Over," so powerful it felt as though it could have been released just this year.

That version, dedicated to Morrison by Manzarek, began with the famed keyboardist, 72, summoning a droning organ solo as Krieger, 65, intentionally altered his tuning to create dissonance. Brock's image was soon projected in swirling light on the large screen as he sang the piece's dark poetic lines. Elsewhere in the epic, Krieger used his hammering fretwork technique, while disturbing images were shown as Brock delivered still-biting lines like "What have they done to the Earth? / What have they done to our fair sister? / Ravaged and plundered and ripped her and bit her."

But not all was so dark. Krieger's son Waylon and No Doubt drummer Adrian Young were brought out for an upbeat jam on "Back Door Man," and toward the end of the night the more romantic "Touch Me" was unfurled, with Krieger offering up an inspired guitar excursion in place of the famous sax solo featured on the original. There also were moments when the raw beauty of the Doors' catalog shined, specifically during the tender, rarely-heard "Blue Sunday."

Things ended mightily, the quintet offering up a driving "L.A. Woman" (complete with Krieger and Manzarek playing full-length solos) before the band returned to perform a 10-minute version of "Light My Fire." There were few doubts that the troupe was on fire, as Manzarek stood up from his keyboard and then knelt down intensely while serving up his finest playing of the night, followed by Krieger superbly surveying one of rock's most recognizable solos. And Brock rose to the challenge of his legendary pals, singing his heart out and nailing the climatic high notes at the end of that opus.

Ray Manzarek in 2011. Photo: Kelly A. Swift

Setlist: Ray Manzarek & Robby Krieger at Pacific Amphitheatre, Costa Mesa, Aug. 5, 2011

Main set: Roadhouse Blues / Love Me Two Times / Break on Through (To the Other Side) / The WASP (Texas Radio and the Big Beat) / Back Door Man / Love Her Madly / Peace Frog / Blue Sunday / When the Music's Over / Crawling King Snake / Hyacinth House / Been Down So Long / The Changeling / Not to Touch the Earth / Touch Me / L.A. Woman

Encore: Light My Fire

Music Worth Buying episode: Coachella and Stagecoach 2013 - New Discoveries

On the latest episode of Music Worth Buying, I share some of my favorite discoveries from the recent Coachella and Stagecoach festivals staged in Indio, California.

Indigenous featuring Mato Nanji to release 'Vanishing Americans' on May 21, 2013

Great to hear that Mato Nanji is getting set to release another album. Here is a media release on 'Vanishing Americans,' which is available next week... 

Indigenous Featuring Mato Nanji To Release New CD - "Vanishing Americans" On May 21, 2013

Indigenous will release 'Vanishing Americans' on May 21

Indigenious stretches Mato Nanji's already established musicianship into a hard-hitting, guitar-driven package of musical excursions and hard-hitting, blues-rock songwriting. 

Mato Nanji, longtime frontman of Native American band Indigenous has been known to say, “I always want to approach each recording project in search of a different sound and voice than I’ve used before”. On his 9th commercial outing, and second CD for Blues Bureau International, he once again accomplishes his mission. Vanishing Americans, his second with producer Mike Varney, presents Mato’s already established musicianship into a hard hitting, guitar driven package of high level blues rock songs. Hot on the heels of 2012’s critically acclaimed CD Indigenous Featuring Mato Nanji and 2012’s much lauded 3 Skulls And The Truth where he traded licks with Los Lobos front man David Hidalgo and North Mississippi All Stars front man Luther Dickinson, Vanishing Americans is the next logical step in the evolution of Indigenous’ time tested blues rock brand. Vanishing Americans combines the best elements of past Indigenous CD’s...

Mato Nanji, guitarist/vocalist for Indigenous came into the international spotlight with the release of Indigenous’ Things We Do record in the late 90’s. The band was constantly on the road building their brand resulting in their two most successful records reaching combined sales in the United States in excess of 200,000 units. Many guitar fans know Nanjo from his years on the Experience Hendrix Tour where Mato has been featured along with other guitar heroes including Eric Johnson, Kenny Wayne Shepard, Robert Randolph, Brad Whitford, Buddy Guy and others. Mato is always quick to mention what an honor and learning experience the tour has been for him. 

Doheny Blues Fest 2013 blends old and new

This article was originally published on The Orange County Register site on Tuesday, May 14, 2013.

Cutting-edge guitarist Joe Bonamassa and a tribute to harmonica legend Little Walter are among the offerings.


Who: Ben Harper & Charlie Musselwhite, James Hunter Six, Tedeschi Trucks Band, Mark Hummel's Blues Harp Blowout Tribute to Little Walter, Jimmie Vaughan and others perform on Saturday; George Thorogood & the Destroyers, Joe Bonamassa, Robert Randolph and the Family Band, Janiva Magness with special guest Kid Ramos, Shemekia Copeland, Marcia Ball, Sonny Landreth and others perform Sunday


Where: Doheny State Beach, 25300 Dana Point Harbor Drive, Dana Point


When: Saturday and Sunday (May 18-19, 2013). Gates open at 11 a.m. (for general admission ticket holders) on Saturday and Sunday. The music ends at 9:30 p.m. on Saturday and 9 p.m. on Sunday


How much: At press time, available tickets included $60 for single-day general admission and $110 general admission weekend passes. All VIP and Gold tickets are sold out. Visit Omega Events' Web site at www.DohenyBluesFestival.com for the full details on which tickets are available.

Joe Bonamassa at Doheny in 2008. Photo: Bob Steshetz

There is a good chance – say 100 percent – that Joe Bonamassa will be singing and playing the blues this weekend in Dana Point. So will Ben Harper, Charlie Musselwhite, Susan Tedeschi, James Hunter, George Thorogood, Marcia Ball and more than a dozen other notables in the genre when they perform at the 2013 Doheny Blues Festival.


Looking at the 16-year history of the event, this weekend's upcoming festival brings one of the most diverse line-ups in memory. British soul singer Hunter and guitar virtuoso Bonamassa are "must see" sets, as is the tribute to the late Little Walter, who brought the kind of revolutionary playing to the blues harmonica that Jimi Hendrix unleashed with his electric guitar. And on the heels of the release of the concept album "Get Up!" in January, singer-guitarist Ben Harper and Charlie Musselwhite will bring their winning collaboration to the concert stage.

"Creativity is in our blood, and we hope that the festival reflects that in every area, including the band bookings," explained Rich Sherman, president of Omega Events, the Lake Forest-based company that has staged the annual event since the late 1990s.

"We always seek to introduce new artists like J.D. McPherson, or bring in foreign-based artists like Joanne Shaw Taylor and James Hunter, but the Ben (Harper) and Charlie (Musselwhite) booking was crucial this year; their new record (Get Up!) has received top reviews and garnered tons of press coverage, and Ben is a major act worldwide as well as in Southern California. We are pretty stoked on the lineup."

Bonamassa is performing three sold-out nights (Thursday-Saturday) at the Beacon Theatre in New York, and then flying back to Southern California on a chartered jet to perform at the Doheny Blues Fest on Sunday.

"We are proud to have grown up with Joe Bonamassa, because just as Doheny Blues has matured and gained in popularity, so has Joe B," Sherman said.

"He has an interesting business plan, in that he books all his shows by himself, rents the theater, buys the advertising ... essentially he has eliminated the need for the promoter, and therefore never plays festivals; this will be Joe's only festival in North America this year. But as the top selling artist in the blues genre, and the most requested act by the Doheny Blues fans, it was our goal to bring Joe back to Doheny this May."

In a recent telephone interview, Bonamassa praised the Doheny Blues Festival. He is also thrilled to be opening for Thorogood and the Destroyers on Sunday.

"I'll tell you what. George is a good friend of mine from a long time ago; a lot of people know my name because of George Thorogood's generosity," Bonamassa said.

"In the early days of my career he was giving me a stage, aka an opening act slot for his band, over and over, tour after tour. I haven't seen him probably in four years; I am very much looking forward to saying 'Hey' and reacquainting with an old friend because without George Thorogood I doubt that you and I would be having this conversation."

Bonamassa, 36, is one of modern music's busiest and most exciting performers. In addition to his recent solo efforts (notably 2012's Driving Towards the Daylight and 2011's Dust Bowl), he has been a part of both the British hard rock project Black Country Communion and funk troupe Rock Candy Funk Party. In his spare time Bonamassa has recorded an album with singer Beth Hart (2011's Don't Explain) and issued several live recordings (2013's An Acoustic Evening at the Vienna Opera House and 2012's Beacon Theatre: Live From New York). He will play close to 100 live dates in 2013.

"The challenge is more so than anything; you never want to be a jukebox," Bonamassa said. "I could easily just do my spring tour (or) my fall tour with the solo band and be done for the year. That's a great place to be in life. But musically you want to challenge yourself and get outside of your comfort zone. So in terms of Black Country Communion or Rock Candy Funk Party it's just something that I don't get to do every day and that's something that's very valuable to me."

Mark Hummel will lead tribute to Little Walter on Saturday.

Bonamassa is among blues' most groundbreaking new names and represents one part of the blues scene; Mark Hummel brings that same kind of passion and energy to celebrating the genre's early heroes. He will join fellow harmonica greats Billy Boy Arnold, Little Charlie Baty and Sugar Ray Norcia in celebrating the legacy of the late Little Walter in a special 90-minute performance on the intimate Backporch Stage on Saturday (May 18) afternoon.

"Well, I got into Little Walter fairly early on when I first started playing the harmonica. He was my number one inspiration on the harmonica," recalled Hummel, who began playing the blues harp while he was in his early teens. He and several of the others harmonica stars playing at Doheny Beach are featured on the newly-issued Remembering Little Walter collection issued by Blind Pig Records on May 7.

"When I heard that (Little Walter) I kinda realized right out the gate that was the sound I was looking for, and I just got a hold of every Little Walter record I could and copied as closely as I could. I pretty much put the needle on the record and wore out the record (getting the sound and notes right)."

Sherman noted that whether fans come to check out the classic sounds of '50s Chicago blues, powerful soul singers or dazzling guitar work of Bonamassa, Robert Randolph or Derek Trucks, there is a unified spirit at the festival.

"We are truly thankful that the die-hard blues fans in SoCal continue to support the Doheny Blues Festival, and that for many of them Doheny has become the meeting place for their annual family reunion. The long-time fans are the first to offer their ideas on new acts or ways to improve the festival, so we always value the feedback," Sherman said. "And we also realize that if we don't strive to improve the festival each and every year, that this support could wane – we wouldn't have a business without their love of music, so that's something we never take for granted."

Inbox Update: Lady Antebellum, Alanis Morissette, Kacey Musgraves, John Fogerty, Amy Grant

Here is a roundup of releases pulled from my inbox and re-posted on my blog. I'll kick things off my linking several videos available on VEVO. 

First up, Lady Antebellum's "Goodbye Town."

 

Next up, get a look at her life through a kaleidoscope on the latest from Alanis Morissette’s Havoc and Bright Lights.  Watch the premiere of “Lens” here:




Finally, watch "Blowin' Smoke," a great track off Kacey Musgraves' winning album Same Trailer Different Park:

JOHN FOGERTY 
 

TO PERFORM SPECIAL ONE NIGHT ONLY 
ALBUM RELEASE AND BIRTHDAY BASH SHOW

TUESDAY, MAY 28TH
AT THE EL REY THEATER 
IN LOS ANGELES

LIVE BROADCAST ON AXS TV



 

  

May 14, 2013 --To mark the Tuesday, May 28 release of his much-anticipated new album WROTE A SONG FOR EVERYONE, JOHN FOGERTY will perform a very special one night only album release and birthday bash concert on the same day at the El Rey in Los Angeles. May 28 also marks the birthday of the Grammy Award-winning Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductee. A limited amount of pre-sale tickets for this intimate show will be available Tuesday, May 14 to members of FOGERTY’s fan club via his website:www.johnfogerty.com.  The show, which starts at 8:30 PM Pacific time, will be filmed and broadcast live on AXS TV.

WROTE A SONG FOR EVERYONE (Vanguard Records) is a celebration of the iconic songbook of one of rock’s most important artists and a national treasure who’s sold over 100 million albums.  Produced by FOGERTY, the album is a collection of 12 classics and deep tracks (Creedence Clearwater Revival and solo material) from his remarkable canon of hits recorded in collaboration with today’s biggest superstars from the country, pop and rock worlds, plus two brand new solo songs.

WROTE A SONG FOR EVERYONE marks FOGERTY's ninth studio solo album since disbanding Creedence Clearwater Revival.  Mixed by Bob Clearmountain, it was recorded in Los Angeles and Nashville except for "Proud Mary" which was recorded inNew Orleans with Allen Toussaint and the Rebirth Brass Band.  FOGERTY recorded“Fortunate Son” with Foo Fighters at their 606 studio using "the" legendary Neve recording console featured in the #1 iTunes documentary Sound City.

AXS TV is broadcast on DIRECTV Channel 340, DISH Network Channel 167, AT&T U-Verse Channel 1106, Verizon FiOS Channel 569.   For additional affiliate and distributor channel information including Comcast Xfinity, Charter, Suddenlink and others please visit: www.axs.tv/subscribe

 Wrote a Song for Everyone tracklisting:

1. Fortunate Son (with Foo Fighters)
2. Almost Saturday Night (with Keith Urban)
3. Lodi (with Shane Fogerty and Tyler Fogerty)
4. Mystic Highway (John Fogerty solo)
5. Wrote a Song for Everyone (with Miranda Lambert feat. Tom Morello)
6. Bad Moon Rising (with Zac Brown Band)
7. Long As I Can See the Light (with My Morning Jacket)
8. Born on the Bayou (with Kid Rock)
9. Train of Fools (John Fogerty solo)
10. Someday Never Comes (with Dawes)
11. Who'll Stop the Rain (with Bob Seger)
12. Hot Rod Heart (with Brad Paisley)
13. Have You Ever Seen the Rain (with Alan Jackson)
14. Proud Mary (with Jennifer Hudson feat. Allen Toussaint and the Rebirth Brass Band)

                       

www.johnfogerty.com
http://www.facebook.com/johnfogerty
https://twitter.com/John_Fogerty
www.vanguardrecords.com

 

Critics Call Amy Grant’s First Full Length Album in 10 Years, How Mercy Looks From Here "Vibrant" and

"One of the Best Albums of the Year"

 

May Media Blitz includes CBS This Morning, NPR’s Weekend Edition, Lifetime TVs The Balancing Act, MSNBC’s Morning Joe, The Better Show, with upcoming stops at ABC’s The View, The Chew and more

 

Nashville, Tenn. (May 14, 2013) – The foundation behind Amy Grant’s first full-length studio album in 10 years came from some advice given to her by her late mother – “sing something that matters.” The six-time GRAMMY® Award winner, who releases her 18th studio album today, May 14 is dedicating How Mercy Looks From Here to her mother and drawing from some of her favorite singers and songwriters in what critics are calling her most impactful release to date.  The impressive array of talent includes Sheryl Crow, Vince Gill, Will Hoge, Carole King, Eric Paslay and James Taylor.

 

To launch her first album in over a decade, Grant dives in to street week with appearances onCBS This Morning (5/17 and 5/18) and the nationally syndicated lifestyle program, The Better Show (5/17) as well as Morning Joe on MSNBC (5/14), NPR’s “Weekend Edition” (5/12), WOR Radio with Rita Cosby (5/14), ABC Radio, Keep the Faith radio and more. Grant also recently conducted an in depth interview for Lifetime TV’s “The Balancing Act,” (5/28) as well as their “Hollywood Watch” program (5/31). Additionally, Grant is also scheduled to appear on the highly acclaimed shows The View and The Chewearly this summer.

 

Other media highlights for How Mercy Looks From Here include a special two-part Artist to Artist interview with FUSE NEWS between Grant and Sheryl Crow, an exclusive online video interview for Entertainment Tonight online as well as their featured artist for New Music Tuesday today, exclusive song premieres with Billboard.com andGoodHousekeeping.com, and cover stories with CCM Magazine, Called Magazine,Guideposts, FIRST for Women Magazine, SOCIAL and WHOA magazines.  Additional feature coverage includes Billboard, Country Weekly, People.com, SiriusXM,and more.

 

The album’s lead track, "Don't Try So Hard," features legendary songwriter James Taylor and continues its rise up the AC monitored chart, jumping 4 spots to #25 this week, and up 6 spots on the National Audience chart to #27. 

  

Along with special mother’s day promotions with several stations across the country, additional radio promos for the record are happening with key market stations throughout the country.  Grant is making personal appearances at record listening parties with WAWZ, WGTS, WCIE, and WHPZ, as well as participating in a special promotion with KSBJ, while KXOJ and K-LOVE are both promoting a flyaway to The Greek Theater in Los Angeles to meet Amy and see her live. 

 

Welcoming back the iconic singer-songwriter with open arms, here are just a few of the multitudes of praises on How Mercy Looks From Here:

 

“[Amy’s] time away from music seems to have given [her] a renewed fervor for the job – a feeling that she doesn’t plan to extinguish any time soon.”

- Entertainment Tonight

 

“...her singing has an easy grace that's well served by these songs of love, loss, faith and resilience, which benefit from Marshall Altman's spare, glowing production.”

- USA Today 

 

 “Grant’s most emotionally compelling release since 1988’s “Lead Me On"... proves that sincerity is not overrated and that open-hearted storytelling will outlast any musical fad.”

 

- Atlanta Journal Constitution

 “The revered veteran is at another creative peak punctuated by authentic vocal delivery, understated but sophisticated production and a slew of all-star guests.”

- CCM Magazine

 

“…the songs glow with the gentle redemptive wisdom that is her strong point as a songwriter and singer.”

- iTunes 

 

"...a start-to-finish true album experience... Every song on this album is heart and soul music, and Grant hits a home run in her quest to “sing something that matters.”

- Nashville Parent

 

“A collection of songs that mine the depths of both heart and soul as only Amy can. This is easily one of the best albums of the year.”

- NewReleaseTuesday.com

 

“Ultimately a profoundly encouraging record, How Mercy Looks From Here is a vibrant collection of thoughtful, reflective ruminations on life and the passage of time, from the lens of one who realizes the purpose for which she was created.”

- Christian Musician

 

 

About Amy Grant:

Amy Grant’s career spans over 25 years and stretches from her roots in gospel into her experience as an iconic pop star, songwriter, television personality and philanthropist. Grant has sold more than 30 million albums boasting one five-time Platinum album, one triple Platinum and one double Platinum album, as well as six platinum and four Gold albums. Amy has won six GRAMMY® Awards in multiple categories, beginning with the platinum sellingAge to Age in 1982 and 25 GMA Dove Awards. She also has six No. 1 hits – including “Baby, Baby” and “Every Heartbeat” – and is one of only two Christian artists to be awarded a star on the legendary Walk of Fame in Hollywood. In 2003, she was inducted into the Gospel Music Hall of Fame. In 2006 Amy announced her first ever label shift to EMI Music Group where her entire music catalog was re-mastered and released via a GREATEST HITS album and made available for the first time digitally. Amy released her first studio album in 10 years, How Mercy Looks from Here in May 2013.

 

Get Connected with Amy Grant: 

Website // www.amygrant.com

Facebook // www.facebook.com/amygrant

Twitter // @amygrant