I'm looking forward to seeing the legendary Mavis Staples when she performs at Doheny Blues Festival on May 21, 2017, and then catching the tribute to the artist titledMavis Staples: I’ll Take You There – An All-Star Concert Celebration coming to CD/DVD on June 2. The once-in-a-lifetime event took place at Chicago's Auditorium Theater with performances from Bonnie Raitt, Gregg Allman, Jeff Tweedy, Win Butler and more, plus Mavis herself who called it "a night I'll never forget." The project also marks Blackbird Presents' first release on their own record label. Watch the full ensemble perform "The Weight", during which Staples is "almost speaking in tongues" (The New York Times): http://bit.ly/2nqWdgn
Eric Church performing "Eyes On The Prize."
Mavis Staples: I’ll Take You There – An All-Star Concert Celebration had its worldwide exclusive broadcast premiere as a concert special on AXS TV earlier this month, and the album and DVD combo will be released on June 2, 2017 via Blackbird Presents Records. The concert special includes exclusive interviews with many of the participating artists, exploring Staples’ cultural and musical impact. Now, you can watch Eric Church cover a Staples Singers favorite, "Eyes On The Prize." Rolling Stone Country said of the cover, "Church does a faithful rendition of Staples' version and gives the song a swinging groove." Check out the video here: https://vimeo.com/195383704 For more information, visit the Blackbird Presents Records site here.
Breaking (great) news everybody... JOHN MELLENCAMP RELEASES NEW ALBUM “SAD CLOWNS & HILLBILLIES” FEATURING CARLENE CARTER TODAY RECENT INTERVIEW AND PERFORMANCE OF “GRANDVIEW” WITH MARTINA MCBRIDE & ACOUSTIC PERFORMANCE OF “JACK AND DIANE” ON LATE NIGHT WITH SETH MEYERS UPCOMING APPEARANCES ON THE TODAY SHOW AND CNN NEW DAY
Check out Sad Clowns & Hillbillies HERE Late Night With Seth Meyers InterviewHERE Performance of “Grandview” featuring Martina McBride HERE Acoustic Performance of “Jack and Diane” HERE
"Mellencamp delivers the songs on Sad Clowns & Hillbillies in a soulful rasp alternately suggestive of Tom Waits and latter-day Bob Dylan."- NPR
“John Mellencamp’s place in the pantheon of late 20th century pop music is well established.”–Paste
“Sad Clowns & Hillbillies is a triumph for the rebellious, modern storyteller, a perfect homage to the craft of Folk Rock always with extensive influences and eclectic sounds interwoven to create a flawless end product.”- Cryptic Rock
APRIL 28, 2017 NEW YORK, NY: Heartland rocker John Mellencamp releases his 23rd full-length album Sad Clowns & Hillbillies featuring Carlene Carter—the daughter of June Carter Cash and stepdaughter of Johnny Cash—on Republic Records today. Get it HERE. This past week, the Rock and Roll Hall of Famer teamed up with NPR to stream the album early as a NPR “First Listen” where they proclaimed “By the time the album is done…what else you can do but start the damn thing over again?” In addition, he took the stage at Late Night With Seth Meyer for an interview with Meyers where he discussed how Bob Dylan first told him to start selling his now infamous paintings, performed “Grandview” joined by one of country’s biggest voices Martina McBride, and treated audiences to an acoustic rendition of “Jack and Diane.” Check out the interview here, performance of “Grandview” featuring Martina McBride here, and “Jack and Diane” here. Next week, Mellencamp will continue his string of television appearances as he is scheduled to perform on the Today Show on May 3rd and speak with CNN New Day on May 4th.
This summer, Mellencamp will tour for 22 stops across North America for his all-new Sad Clowns & Hillbillies tour kicking off on June 5th in Denver, Colorado with special guests, Emmylou Harris, tour-mate Carlene Carter and Lily & Madeleine. Every online ticket purchased comes with one physical CD of Sad Clowns & Hillbillies. See the full tour itinerary and purchase tickets here. Sad Clowns and Hillbillies is the Rock and Roll Hall of Famer’s follow up to 2014’s critically-acclaimed, Plain Spoken, Mellencamp’s fourth consecutive Top 20 album, dating back to 2007’s Freedom Road. TRACK LISTING:
MOBILE BLUE
BATTLE OF ANGELS
GRANDVIEW Featuring Martina McBride
INDIGO SUNSET
WHAT KIND OF MAN AM I
ALL NIGHT TALK RADIO
SUGAR HILL MOUNTAIN
YOU ARE BLIND
DAMASCUS ROAD
EARLY BIRD CAFÉ
SAD CLOWNS
MY SOUL’S GOT WINGS
EASY TARGET
ABOUT JOHN MELLENCAMP John Mellencamp’s career in music, spanning more than 35 years, has seen him transition from pop star to one of the most highly respected singer/songwriters of a generation. Mellencamp is incredibly acclaimed; he is a member of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, a Grammy winner, a recipient of the John Steinbeck Award, ASCAP Foundation’s Champion Award, The Woody Guthrie Award and Americana Music Association's Lifetime Achievement Award and more recently, the Founders Award, the top honor assigned by the American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers. He is also one of the most successful live concert performers in the world. In 1985, Mellencamp, together with Willie Nelson and Neil Young, created Farm Aid. The social activism reflected in his songs helped catalyze Farm Aid, the concert series and organization that has addressed the struggle of American family farmers for more than 25 years. John also wrote the title song for the upcoming film, The Yellow Birds, an American war film directed by Alexandre Moors and based on the novel The Yellow Birds by Kevin Powers. The film stars Tye Sheridan, Jack Huston, Alden Ehrenreich, Jennifer Aniston, and Toni Collette. John continues to focus on another facet of his artistic expression: painting. His style has progressed over the years as evidenced by several gallery shows and published portfolios, and in recent years he has increased his output by completing over 100 new works. His pieces were shown in 2012 at the Tennessee State Museum in Nashville under the title “Nothing Like I Planned: The Art Of John Mellencamp” and, more recently at the Butler Institute of American Art in an exhibition entitled “The Paintings Of John Mellencamp.” “The Paintings of John Mellencamp” traveled to the Museum of Art-DeLand, Florida and John’s art was showcased at the ACA Gallery in New York. The unique instrumentation of his band and his poignant songs about everyday life in the American heartland, are widely credited with being the forbearer of the Americana/No Depression genre of rural-inflected music. An extraordinary collaboration performed by an ensemble cast of 15 actors and a four-piece live band, comprised of members of John Mellencamp’s band is The Ghost Brothers of Darkland County, a musical with music and lyrics by John Mellencamp, a libretto by author Stephen King and production by T Bone Burnett. The show is being further developed in London, though King and Mellencamp are no longer as actively involved. Mellencamp continues his journey as the walking embodiment of heartland rock; passionate, plain-spoken, and a self-proclaimed rebel. John Mellencamp continues to live and work in Bloomington, Indiana. ABOUT REPUBLIC RECORDS A division of Universal Music Group, the world's leading music company, Republic Records is home to an all-star roster of multi-platinum, award-winning legends and superstar artists such as Aminé, Ariana Grande, Black Sabbath, DNCE, Florence + the Machine, Godsmack, Gotye, Hailee Steinfeld, James Blake, James Bay, John Mellencamp, Julia Michaels, Keith Richards, Kid Cudi, Marian Hill, Of Monsters and Men, Post Malone, Seth MacFarlane, Stevie Wonder, and more. Founded by brothers and chief executives Monte and Avery Lipman, it is also comprised of innovative business ventures, including American Recordings (The Avett Brothers), Brushfire (Jack Johnson), Casablanca Records (Afrojack, Tïesto), Cash Money (Drake, Lil Wayne, Nicki Minaj), Hollywood Records (Sofia Carson, Zendaya), John Varvatos Records, Lava Records (Jessie J, Lorde), Monkeywrench (Pearl Jam), XO (The Weeknd), Roc Nation (Belly, Justine Skye, The Dream, T.I.), among others. Republic also maintains a long-standing strategic alliance with country powerhouse Big Machine Records (Taylor Swift). In addition, Republic has expanded to release high-profile soundtracks for Fifty Shades of Grey, The Hunger Games, Lee Daniels’ STAR, Pitch Perfect, SING, and The Voice (NBC TV), as well as other notable film and television franchises.
One of my favorite performances of Coachella 2017 came last Saturday afternoon (April 22) when I caught the British band Blossoms. (You can read my review of the band's performance at Coachellafest here). Here is an update on the band...
BLOSSOMS ANNOUNCE NORTH AMERICAN HEADLINING TOUR DATES FOR THE SUMMER OF 2017
CURRENTLY SUPPORTING TWO DOOR CINEMA CLUB
UPCOMING FESTIVAL APPEARANCES CONFIRMED FOR GOVERNORS BALL, BONNAROO AND LOLLAPALOOZA
TO OPEN FOR THE STONE ROSES AT WEMBLEY STADIUM IN JUNE
“U.K. garage-pop darlings Blossoms showed why they were one of the highly touted ‘fine-print’ bands at Coachella.” – Buzzbands LA “Blossoms showcases suave alternative rock vibes.” – The Daily Californian “This UK buzz band delivers hook after sticky hook in a style that recalls Duran Duran at times.” – NBC 7 San Diego “Are Blossoms The Next Big Brits?” – Seattle Music News
Blossoms performing at Coachella on April 22, 2017. Photo: Robert Kinsler
Hot on the heels of their first official headlining tour across North America, bona fide British rock stars Blossomshave announced new U.S. tour dates set to take place this summer. Kicking offJune 1stin Boston, this new tour comes right asTom,Charlie,Josh,JoeandMylesembark on a massive supporting slot, opening forTwo Door Cinema Club, not to mention two stellar appearances atCoachella this month.
Tickets forBlossoms’headline tour go on sale Friday,April 28th at 9 AM PST/12 PM EST. For a full list of tour dates and ticket info, please visitwww.blossomsband.co.uk
With a Number 1 record under their belt for their self-titled debut album, plus appearances at New York City’s Governors Ball,Manchester’s Bonnaroo Music & Arts Festival and Chicago’s Lollapalooza this year, it is without a doubt that Blossoms will be the Great British breakout band and on everyone’s lips in 2017.
Across the Atlantic, the band has just completed their SOLD-OUT headlining tour, playing to more than 30,000 fans across the UK. They’ve also SOLD-OUT their recently announced upcoming 8,000 capacity outdoor headlining show in Manchester this summer. In other news, Blossoms will also be supporting The Stones Roses this summer, opening for them at the legendary Wembley Stadium in London this June.
Be sure to catch the band live at any of the following dates and listen to their critically acclaimed debut full-length on iTunes, Apple Music, Spotify, Amazon today.
NORTH AMERICAN TOUR DATES 04/26 – The Pabst Theater – Milwaukee, WI* 04/27 – Express Live – Columbus, OH* 04/29 – University of Vermont – Burlington, VT* 05/01 – Brooklyn Steel – Brooklyn, NY* 06/01 – Great Scott – Boston, MA^ 06/02 – The Governors Ball – New York, NY- 06/03 – Songbyrd – Washington, D.C. ^ 06/05 – The Foundry – Philadelphia, PA^ 06/06 – Club Café – Pittsburgh, PA^ 06/07 – The Basement – Columbus, OH^ 06/09 – Bonnaroo Music & Arts Festival – Manchester, TN- 06/10 – Evening Muse – Charlotte, NC^ 06/11 – Hell at the Masquerade – Atlanta, GA^ 08/05 – Lollapalooza Festival – Chicago, IL- ^ Blossoms Headlining * Two Door Cinema Club Support - Festival Appearances
Great news for fans of Chuck Berry (who passed away at the age of 90 on March 18). Check out "Wonderful Woman," the second track off the late rock 'n' roll legend's forthcoming and final studio album titled Chuck, set for release via Dualtone Records (an Entertainment One Company) in June 2017. The song was just released today! The fantastic song features Berry (whose vocals sound terrific), as well as his son Charles Jr., his grandson Charles Berry III, and Austin, Texas singer-guitar hero Gary Clark Jr.
Here is more information featured in the media release I received today:
Comprised of ten new recordings, eight of which were written by Berry, 'CHUCK' is his first new album since 1979's 'Rock It.' It was recorded and produced by Berry in various studios around St. Louis and features his longtime hometown backing group - including his children Charles Berry Jr. (guitar) and Ingrid Berry (vocals, harmonica), plus Jimmy Marsala (Berry's bassist for forty years), Robert Lohr (piano), and Keith Robinson (drums) - which supported him for nearly two decades on over two hundred residency shows at the famed Blueberry Hill club. In addition to Gary Clark Jr., the album includes guest performances from Tom Morello, Nathaniel Rateliff, and Chuck's grandson Charles Berry III. Acclaimed author and historian Douglas Brinkley contributes liner notes.
Following the release of first single "Big Boys" on March 22nd, early praise began pouring in for 'CHUCK.' Rolling Stone said the album finds Berry "raging against the dying of the light, but in a vulnerable and tender way his earlier music had not prepared us for," while The Guardian raved that 'CHUCK' "proves the late rock'n'roller was brimming with energy until the very end." Uncut remarked that "Berry has as much to say about life and death as Cash and Bowie and Cohen did on their final albums."
'CHUCK' Track List: Wonderful Woman Big Boys You Go To My Head 3/4 Time (Enchiladas) Darlin' Lady B. Goode She Still Loves You Jamaica Moon Dutchman Eyes Of Man
Back from a long and great weekend at Coachella, now seems like a great time to catch up and share a number of news items of definite interest...
Pandora Partners with Goldenvoice to Livestream Stagecoach 2017
Audio for more than 50 performances available only on Pandora
Kiefer Sutherland Photo: Beth Elliott
OAKLAND, Calif.- April 25, 2017 -Pandora (NYSE: P) today announced its partnership with Goldenvoice to host an exclusive audio livestream of performances from the Stagecoach Country Music Festival, taking place April 28-30 at Empire Polo Club in Indio, California. Performances and artists interviews will be available throughout the festival at pandora.com/stagecoachfestival. The station will be co-hosted by Pandora's own country, rock and Americana curators, Rachel Whitney and Eric Shea.
"With over 60 million listeners every year, Country fans are one of the biggest, most engaged and loyal audiences on Pandora," said Nick Bartle, chief marketing officer at Pandora. "Partnering with Goldenvoice to livestream one of Country's biggest events allows us to connect our listeners with this year's amazing lineup of talent at Stagecoach for three days of exclusive live performances and content."
Pandora's audio livestream will feature the following performances:
Friday:
Dierks Bentley, Cole Swindell, Randy Houser, Jon Pardi, Maddie & Tae, Elle King, Randy Rogers Band, Son Volt, William Michael Morgan, Justin Townes Earl, Anderson East, Dylan Scott, Ryan Hurd, Quiet Life, Bailey Bryan
Saturday:
Brett Eldredge, Kip Moore, Willie Nelson and Family, Maren Morris, Dan + Shay, Jamey Johnson, Margo Price, Tucker Beathard, Nikki Lane, Robert Ellis, Brent Cobb, John Doe, Traveller, Jonathan Tyler, Brooke Eden, The Walcotts, Ruston Kelly, Aaron Lee Tasjan, Black Pistol Fire, Jackie Lee
Sunday:
Thomas Rhett, Tyler Farr, Cam, Cowboy Junkies, The Cadillac Three, Wynonna & The Big Noise, Terry Allen, Steep Canyon Rangers, Cody Johnson, Luke Combs, Kiefer Sutherland, LANco, Levi Hummon, Courtney Cole, Drew Holcomb & The Neighbors, Dan Layus
You can tune in to Pandora's Stagecoach Station now for a road trip playlist inspired by the festival. If you miss the action or want to replay a few of your favorite sets, interactive playlists with select performances will be available from May 5 through June 30. Want to hear even more music from this year's Stagecoach lineup? On Pandora Premium, you can search and play specific tracks or albums from your favorite country artists. Premium is now available to all listeners via the App Store and Google Playor at www.pandora.com/premium.
ABOUT PANDORA
Pandora is the world's most powerful music discovery platform - a place where artists find their fans and listeners find music they love. We are driven by a single purpose: unleashing the infinite power of music by connecting artists and fans, whether through earbuds, car speakers, live on stage or anywhere fans want to experience it. Our team of highly trained musicologists analyze hundreds of attributes for each recording which powers our proprietary Music Genome Project®, delivering billions of hours of personalized music tailored to the tastes of each music listener, full of discovery, making artist/fan connections at unprecedented scale. Founded by musicians, Pandora empowers artists with valuable data and tools to help grow their careers and connect with their fans.
‘Blue For You, ‘Just Supposin’’ and ‘Never Too Late’
Status Quo are delighted to announce the release of deluxe expanded 2CD / 3CD versions of a trio of classic albums that were released on the revered Vertigo label, namely Blue For You, Just Supposin’andNever Too Late. These special editions are to be issued by UMe, on May 26, 2017. Offering 36 previously unreleased tracks/versions between them [see track-listing], these carefully curated special releases come with an enhanced booklet containing new notes by Classic Rock’s Dave Ling and also feature rare photos and memorabilia from the band’s personal collection.
Blue For You was originally released in 1976 and is one of Status Quo’s definitive albums. It was the last to feature the band’s classic 4-piece line up and reached No. 1 in the UK album charts. It contains the classic “Rain” as well as live favorite “Is There A Better Way.” This Deluxe version is released as a 2CD and has been re-mastered by Andy Pearce with the assistance of ‘unofficial 5th band member’ Bob Young from the original tapes and has a bonus disc of demos and live material from the band’s vault.
Just Supposin’ is another of Quo’s finest albums – released in 1980 it reached No. 4 in the UK album charts and spawned the singles “What You’re Proposing” and “Rock N Roll.” Again re-mastered by Andy Pearce with Bob Young from original tapes, this 2CD release has a bonus disc of B-Sides and Live recordings.
Released in 1981, Never Too Late was the last album to feature drummer John Coghlan and reached No. 2 in the UK LP charts. This 3CD Deluxe edition has been re-mastered by Andy Pearce and Bob Young from the original tapes and has a bonus disc of archive recordings as well as a concert from 1981.
These releases are fully supported and endorsed by the band members, past and present – and represent a triumphant revisiting one of the monumental periods of one of the world’s most important rock acts, Status Quo.
Something 'Bout You Baby I Like - Austrian Flexi Disc *
Something 'Bout You Baby I Like - demo acoustic instrumental
Caroline - St Austell 1981 *
Roll Over Lay Down - St Austell 1981*
Backwater - St Austell 1981*
Little Lady - St Austell 1981 *
Don't Drive My Car - St Austell 1981*
Whatever You Want - St Austell 1981*
Hold You Back - St Austell 1981*
Something 'Bout You Baby I Like - St Austell 1981*
Rockin All Over the World - St Austell 1981*
Over the Edge - St Austell 1981*
CD THREE
Rock N Roll - St Austell 1981*
Dirty Water - St Austell 1981*
4500 Times - St Austell 1981*
Big Fat Mama - St Austell 1981*
Don't Waste My Time - St Austell 1981*
Roadhouse Blues - St Austell 1981*
Rain - St Austell 1981*
Down Down - St Austell 1981*
Drum Solo - St Austell 1981*
Bye Bye Johnny - St Austell 1981*
*Previously unreleased
Electric Blues Band MORELAND & ARBUCKLE bring group to an end after current tour wraps
Alligator Records recording artists Moreland & Arbuckle, whose latest album Promised Land Or Bustrecently received a 2016 Blues Music Award nomination for Rock Blues Album Of The Year, have decided to amicably dissolve the band. They will play the remaining booked dates on their tour calendar. Guitarist Aaron Moreland plans to spend more time at home with his family. Vocalist, harmonicist and songwriter Dustin Arbuckle plans to continue making music and touring. Drummer Kendall Newby, who joined the band in 2012, also intends to keep playing professionally.
Over the course of their 15-year career, Moreland and Arbuckle have played hundreds of shows, performing in the United States, Canada, across Europe and in Australia, Iraq and Kuwait.They've shared stages with ZZ Top, George Thorogood, Buddy Guy, Robert Cray and Los Lonely Boys. No Depression said, “These guys have kegs full of talent. Their songs will keep you driving fast and long.”
According to Moreland, “I’ve had extraordinary opportunities playing music my entire life. The best shows have been the highest of highs. After 15 years on the road, it’s time for me to focus on what’s most important—my family.”
Arbuckle says,"The last 15 years have been an incredible ride. I especially want to thank Aaron for being my partner in this endeavor. Creating and playing music with him has been one of the greatest parts of my life. I wish him nothing but happiness in the future. Playing and touring afforded us the opportunity to have so many great experiences and meet even more wonderful people. I want to express my tremendous gratitude to all the friends and fans who have supported us over the years. I plan to continue my career as a touring musician, so hopefully I will see all of them again in the future. In addition, I have to give my most heartfelt thanks to everyone who has been a part of this band and to all those who have helped build it. It's been great and I will always cherish the memories of the good times we've had."
Moreland & Arbuckle brought fierce electric fury and unrelenting punk rock energy to their original songs, inspired by raw Delta and Mississippi Hill Country blues. With each of their six releases, the band grew musically and lyrically, creating a signature sound while earning a large and loyal worldwide fan base. Their legendary raw and raucous live shows were played with wild abandon. The New York Post said, "Moreland & Arbuckle have a raw juke joint exuberance with a dirt-under-the fingernails garage band attack.”
From their 2005 self-released Caney Valley Blues to 2016's Promised Land Or Bust, Moreland & Arbuckle grew from a fiery, crowd-pleasing duo to a genre-smashing three-piece band. Together, Moreland’s simultaneous bass, rhythm and lead guitar work and Arbuckle’s emotionally-charged harmonica and edgy vocals—driven by Newby’s propulsive drumming—created a sound forceful enough to grab a listener’s attention and nuanced enough to hold it. American Songwriter said the group’s music was “swampy, sweaty and muggy...mixing a bluesy foundation with bits of country, folk and squawking American rock and roll.” WNYC’s Soundcheck said the band played “gritty blues with a thoroughly contemporary bite.”
WATCH ICELANDIC ROCKERS KALEO PERFORM
ON THE LATE LATE SHOW WITH JAMES CORDEN
Los Angeles, CA - April 26, 2017 - Icelandic rockers Kaleo visited the Late Late Show with James Corden last night to perform their single "No Good" off their critically acclaimed debut album A/B. Led by singer JJ Julius Son, Kaleo delivers a distinctive blend of bluesy alt rock with "otherworldly vocals." (Rolling Stone). To watch Kaleo's performance on the Late Late Show with James Corden, simply see the embedded video at the bottom of this post.
Their appearance on Corden comes fresh off the heels of Kaleo's Coachella music festival debut, where the band blew crowds away with a performance that the Huffington Post described as "the secret star" of the festival. Fans will have the opportunity to experience Kaleo live this summer when the band performs at some of the biggest music festivals around the globe including Lollapalooza in both Chicago and Paris and the Bonnaroo Music and Arts Festival in June.
Named by Rolling Stone as one of their "10 New Artists You Need To Know," Kaleo's performance on The Late Late Show with James Corden follows a number of major TV appearances including ABC's Jimmy Kimmel Live! as well as NBC's Late Night with Seth Meyers and TBS'Conan.
Kaleo's A/B includes the multi-format rock singles, "All The Pretty Girls," "No Good," and the #1 alternative breakthrough "Way Down We Go." "Way Down We Go" marked the band's fourth top 10 hit at three different radio formats in the US. "Way Down We Go" has been certified GOLD in US, Belgium, Ireland and South Africa and platinum in Canada, where it reached #3 on the Alternative radio chart.
WHAT CRITICS ARE SAYING ABOUT KALEO:
"The Icelandic foursome begin with a Bon Iver-y hush, then bloom into holy fervor."
- Entertainment Weekly
"The band's dark, spooky ballad 'Way Down We Go' is the perfect showcase of Julius Son's otherworldly vocals."
- Rolling Stone
"Kaleo is a mix of Southern influences, from soft and sweet folk songs to blues rock and jagged '70's guitar anthems."
- The Associated Press
"[A/B] stands as a perfect example of Kaleo having universality in good songwriting that works across countries."
"Kaleo hail from Mosfellsbaer, Iceland, but you wouldn't know it by frontman JJ Julius Son's fine-tuned biker-soul growl or the overheated garage blues on the band's major-label debut."
