Wednesday, August 31, 2016

Well-worn territory yields pay dirt for Americana champs

Americana continues to provide one of the most nourishing genres for both established and up-and-coming artists, as evidenced by a slew of new highly-recommended albums. 


Artist: Kiefer Sutherland
Title: Down In A Hole (Ironworks Music)
You might like if you enjoy: Emitt Rhodes, Shooter Jennings, Kris Kristofferson
Tell me more: The good news for fans of actor Kiefer Sutherland is that his new debut album Down In A Hole is a solid and highly-recommended artistic effort that blends Americana, folk rock and alt-country styles with style and substance. The sparse acoustic ballad "I'll Do Anything" and piano-and-guitar blending "Calling Out Your Name" display the artist at his most confessional, but other tracks also highlight the 49-year-old Sutherland's knack for constructing top-tier songs while mining real life experiences tackling life's highs and lows. The rocking "Can't Stay Away," infectious "Going Home," sweeping "Calling Out Your Name" and Johnny Cash-styled "Shirley Jean" are among the other standout originals (co-written by Sutherland and producer Jude Cole) on the disc. Sutherland has an easy-on-the-ears raspy baritone and sings with honesty that recalls the delivery of a young Bob Dylan or Merle Haggard. Information: kiefersutherland.com.

Purchase 'Down In A Hole' here



Artist: Bobbo Byrnes
Title: Motel Americana (Bobbo Byrnes)
You might like if you enjoy: The Fallen Stars, Dawes, Steve Earle
Tell me more: As a member of the Fallen Stars, Bobbo Byrnes has long proven himself as a key voice on the international Americana scene. On his new solo album Motel Americana, the singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist continues to successfully explore roots rock and alt-country, focusing on the slightly quieter and more nuanced regions of Americana. The songs bask in a sonic glow that fuses his own voice with those of singers Tracy Byrnes and Ben Riddle and a wide range of acoustic and electric instruments (Bobbo himself handles guitar, bass, mandolin, pedal steel, dobro and more!). The infectious mandolin-anchored "APB," shimmering "I May Never Know" (love the B3 work courtesy of Rami Jaffee on this one) and confessional "Hate This Town" are among the terrific songs on the dozen-song set. Information: songsandwhispers.com or bobbo.org.




Artist: The Coal Men
Title: Pushed To The Side (Vaskaleedez Records)
You might like if you enjoy: Mo Pitney, the Mavericks, Dwight Yoakam
Tell me more: Bigger isn't always better. The Nashville-based trio known as the Coal Men offers up plenty of magic via beautiful songs that are beautifully rendered by singer-guitarist-mandolin player Dave Coleman, drummer-vocalist Dave Ray and bassist Paul Slivka. The trio (aided by special guest keyboardist Seth Timbs) across Pushed To The Side. There are upbeat songs on the 12-song album (the driving "Fast Rider" and honky tonk delight "Speeding Like a Demon" for sure), but the majority of originals here thrive via sparse and relatively quiet presentations centered on artful arrangements; the lovely "Depreciate," introspective "Pushed to the Side," ethereal "Travis" and melodic "Stones River" benefit from quiet sonics and lyrics immersed in tangible emotion and honest stories. Information: TheCoalMen.com.

Get 'Pushed to the Side' right here




Artist: Hymn for Her
Title: Drive Til U Die (Hymn for Her)
You might like if you enjoy: Bright Blue Gorilla, Brown Bird, Alabama Shakes
Tell me more: Making music that is so potent the listener feels as if they can touch it sums up the sound and approach of Americana duo Hymn for Her. Lucy Tight and Wayne Waxing's latest album Drive Til U Die crackles with fire on countrified alt rockers (the blistering "Devil's Train," the psychedelic "Milkweed") and captures a lust for life even on the ballads (the pretty "Mazzy Star" and acoustic "Seas of Croatia"). Writing about what you know is almost always the best advice for indie artists, and because Hymn for Her live on the road (the duo call a 1961-vintage Bambi Airstream towed by a Ford van home) there is an authenticity about their blend of blues, alt-country, rock and folk that is infectious. The aforementioned "Seas of Croatia," rousing "Hi Ho Silver" (written about the challenges of hitching and unhitching their home on wheels), lovely "Acetylene" and disc-ending bluesy rocker "The Road Song" provide an inspired glimpse into the lives of the original Hymn for Her. Information: HymnforHer.com.

Buy 'Drive Til U Die' here



Artist: Lauren Adams
Title: Somewhere Else (Lauren Adams)
You might like if you enjoy: Mary Chapin, Carpenter, Carol Martini, Alice Wallace
Tell me more: On her latest album Somewhere Else, Los Angeles singer-songwriter Lauren Adams mixes the sounds of modern-day Americana, '70s soft rock, blues and authentic roots music in the service of original material. Adams has a straightforward style of songwriting that benefits from her nice soprano voice as well as a number of guest players and a solid line-up of players who bring richness to the wide range of material. One of Adams' greatest strengths comes in that each song is its own little slice of life, with a sparse ballad ("Heavy, Heavy Heart"), intimate folk rocker ("Miss You") or playful country rocker "We Try Harder" each taking the listener to a very different place. The album closes with a powerful reworking of John Anderson's "Seminole Wind," a powerful roots rocker that is bolstered by vocal harmonies, Nick Kirgo's electric guitar work and a strong Native American-minded environmental message delivered by Adams with emotional force. Information: LaurenAdams.com.

Purchase 'Somewhere Else' here


Robert Kinsler

Bryan Adams - Wembley 1996 Live out on DVD, Digital Formats on October 14, 2016

Eagle Rock Entertainment continues to release exciting music releases covering a wide range of artists and genres. Here is news on an upcoming DVD/Digital Formats release featuring Bryan Adams' when he performed at Wembley Stadium in 1996.

EAGLE ROCK ENTERTAINMENT TO ISSUE FIRST EVER DVD RELEASE OF
 
BRYAN ADAMS
WEMBLEY 1996 LIVE
 

~ON DVD, DIGITAL FORMATS – OCTOBER 14, 2016~


On October 14, 2016, Eagle Rock Entertainment will release Wembley 1996 Live by Bryan Adams on DVD and Digital [MSRP $15.98].  
 
This is the first ever DVD release of this famous Bryan Adams show and it is of course packed with classic tracks including: “Summer Of ’69”, “(Everything I Do) I Do It For You”, “Can’t Stop This Thing We Started”, “The Only Thing That Looks Good On Me Is You”, “It’s Only Love”, “Run To You”, “Kids Wanna Rock,” “18 ‘Til I Die”, “All For Love”, “Heaven”, “Have You Ever Really Loved A Woman” and many more! The storming rendition of “It’s Only Love” features Melissa Etheridge as a special guest.
 
It was July 27th, 1996 and a sell-out crowd in excess of 70,000 welcomed Bryan Adams to Wembley Stadium on his 18 ‘Til I Die Tour in support of the multi-platinum album of the same name. 18 ‘Til I Die had been released a few weeks earlier and hit the No.1 spot on the UK Albums Chart and gone Top 5 right around Europe. The show opened with the album’s first hit single “The Only Thing That Looks Good On Me Is You” and immediately the stage was set for an energetic, hit packed performance which was received with wild enthusiasm by the huge crowd.
 
Wembley 1996 Live is a legendary show for Bryan Adams fans, finally being released on DVD for the first time.  With Bryan Adams touring in the US and Canada this September, there is no better time to reconnect with this fantastic performer. See www.bryanadams.com for more details regarding tour dates.
 
View "Summer of 69": http://vevo.ly/rDxwBf
 
Pre-order here on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01KA8ER6E
 
 
Eagle Rock Entertainment is the world’s largest producer and distributor of music programming for TV, DVD, Blu-Ray and Digital Media. Eagle produces quality HD programs, both concerts and documentaries, directly alongside artists including Imagine Dragons, Paul McCartney, Katy Perry, The Rolling Stones, Pink Floyd, The Who, Queen, and Peter Gabriel. Eagle is a multiple Grammy® Award winner and has received numerous multi-platinum sales awards around the world.  Eagle Vision is headquartered in London, and is a Universal Music Group company. 
 
Follow Eagle Rock Entertainment at:
 
  
 
TRACK LISTING
1) The Only Thing That Looks Good On Me Is You  
2) Do To You  
3) Kids Wanna Rock  
4) Can’t Stop This Thing We Started  
5) This Time  
6) 18 ‘Til I Die  
7) Have You Ever Really Loved A Woman  
8) Touch The Hand  
9) Cuts Like A Knife  
10) It’s Only Love (w/ Melissa Etheridge)
11) Somebody  
12) (Everything I Do) I Do It For You  
13) Run To You  
14) There Will Never Be Another Tonight  
15) Seven Nights To Rock  
16) I Wanna Be Your Underwear  
17) Wild Thing  
18) It Ain’t A Party (If You Can’t Come Round)  
19) She’s Only Happy When She’s Dancin’  
20) Summer Of ’69  
21) All For Love  
22) Let’s Make A Night To Remember  
23) I Fought The Law  
24) Heaven

Monday, August 29, 2016

Blue Öyster Cult: Concert Airs Friday, Sept. 2, at 9 p.m. ET/PT on AUDIENCE Network via DIRECTV Ch 239 and U-verse Ch 1114

This media release will be of definite interest to fans of classic rock...There is a bit more information about the band and touring information than my earlier post today.

AT&T and AUDIENCE® Network Present:
"BLUE ÖYSTER CULT"
Exclusive Interview and Performance with the Classic-Rock Band
Airs Friday, September 2, at 9 p.m. ET/PT
On DIRECTV and U-verse (DIRECTV Ch 239/U-verse Ch 1114)
Blue Öyster Cult performs on AUDIENCE Network at Red Studios. Photo credit: Aaron Farley, AT&T and AUDIENCE Network.

Watch a Preview as BLUE ÖYSTER CULT Performs Their Classic Hit
"(Don't Fear) The Reaper" on ULTIMATE CLASSIC ROCK (here)


Tune in to the AUDIENCE Network concert special "BLUE ÖYSTER CULT"airing Friday, September 2, at 9 p.m. ET/PT (DIRECTV Ch 239/U-verse Ch 1114). The classic rock band stopped by Red Studios in Los Angeles to perform their seminal album Agents Of Fortune in it's entirety live. In the episode, the group sits down with Ted Stryker for an in depth interview spanning their history.


For a preview of the AUDIENCE Network concert special "BLUE ÖYSTER CULT," watch an exclusive "First Look" as the band performs their classic hit"(Don't Fear) The Reaper" on ULTIMATE CLASSIC ROCK (here)..
View the trailer for "BLUE ÖYSTER CULTairing Friday, September 2, at 9 p.m. ET/PT on AUDIENCE Network, DIRECTV Ch 239/U-verse Ch 1114(here). Watch and share behind-the-scenes clips of the episode (here) and(here).

AUDIENCE Network's new music slate continues to deliver groundbreaking concerts, unique stories and exclusive performances across all genres, plus select programming in ultra high-definition/4K*, to audiences nationwide since multiple series began airing this past January. Recent concert specials include: CeeLo Green, Hank Williams Jr., Cheap Trick, Peter Frampton, Flo Rida, Martina McBride, Lukas Graham, Kelsea Ballerini, Fall Out Boy and Panic! at the Disco2 Chainz, Keith Urban, The Lumineers, Cole Swindell, Cypress Hill, Dan + Shay, Josh Kelley, Andra Day, JR JR, Young The Giant and others. New shows premiere via national broadcast Friday at 8:00 PM ET/PT on DIRECTV Ch 239/U-verse Ch 1114,as well as streaming on directv.com, uverse.com and on smartphones and tablets, via the DIRECTV and U-verse apps.**

AUDIENCE Network's multiple series of original and exclusive performances give music fans an intimate view of music's most influential artists today. The network collaborates directly with musicians to create a unique show from their perspective.
For over four decades, BLUE ÖYSTER CULT has been thrilling fans of intelligent hard rock worldwide with powerful albums loaded with classic songs. Indeed, the Long Island, NY-­based band is revered within the hard rock and heavy metal scene for its pioneering work. BLUE ÖYSTER CULToccupies a unique place in rock history because it's one of very few hard rock/heavy metal bands to earn both genuine mainstream critical acclaim as well as commercial success. The band is often cited as a major influence by other acts such as Metallica, and BÖC was listed in VH1's countdown of the greatest hard rock bands of all time. Upon the release of BÖC's self-­-titled debut album in 1972, the band was praised for its catchy-­-yet-­-heavy music and lyrics that could be provocative, terrifying, funny or ambiguous, often all in the same song. BÖC's canon includes three stone-­-cold classic songs that will waft through the cosmos long after the sun has burned out: The truly haunting "(Don't Fear) The Reaper" from 1976's Agents of Fortune, the pummeling "Godzilla" from 1977's Spectres and the hypnotically melodic "Burnin' for You" from 1981'sFire of Unknown Origin. The intense creative vision of BÖC's original core duo of vocalist/lead guitarist Donald "Buck Dharma" Roeser, and vocalist/rhythm guitarist Eric Bloom are complemented by Richie Castellano on guitar and keyboards, and the longtime rhythm section of bass guitarist Kasim Sulton, and drummer Jules Radino. For the taping of this special performance, they are joined by former member Albert Bouchard (guitar, percussion, vocals).

For more information on BLUE ÖYSTER CULT, visithttp://www.blueoystercult.com/, and Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/blueoystercult/.


Catch BLUE ÖYSTER CULT on tour in the following cities:
DATES
LOCATION
VENUE
FRI
9/2
Marshfield, WI
Central Wisconsin State Fair
SAT
9/3
Virginia Beach, VA
American Music Festival
SAT
9/10
Chesterfield, MO
Chesterfield Amphitheatre
SUN
9/11
Oklahoma City, OK
Zoo Amphitheatre
FRI
9/16
Newton, NJ
Newton Theatre
SAT
9/17
East Durham, NY
Catskill Mountain Thunder Festival
FRI
9/23
Hogansburg, NY
Akwesasne Mohawk Casino
SAT
9/24
Lake George, NY
Charles R Wood Park American Music Festival for the Lake
FRI
9/30
Lakewood, NJ
First Energy Park Rock Carnival 
FRI
10/7
Ridgefield, CT
Ridgefield Playhouse
SAT
10/8
Annapolis, MD
Maryland Hall for the Creative Arts
SAT
10/15
Tyler, TX
Butler Square "Rock the Square" KKTX 96.1 event
FRI
10/28
Northfield, OH
Hard Rock Live
SAT
10/29
Atlanta, GA
Variety Playhouse
FRI
11/4
Jim Thorpe, PA
Penn's Peak
FRI
11/11
Hammond, IN
The Venue at Horseshoe Casino
SAT
11/12
Kansas City, MO
Voodoo Lounge at Harrah's Kansas City
SAT
12/17
Stateline, NV
Harrah's Lake Tahoe
THU
1/19
El Cajon, CA
Sycuan Casino
FRI
1/27
Brooks, CA
Cache Creek Casino
SAT
1/28
Everett, WA
Historic Everett Theatre
SAT
2/25
Peekskill, NY
Paramount Hudson Valley
SAT
3/4
Warren, PA
Struthers Library Theatre