The Rock & Roll Hall of Fame announces special guests for 33rd Annual Induction Ceremony

Here is the latest breaking news as it relates to the upcoming Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony, which will held on April 14, 2018 and subsequently premiere as a televised special on HBO on May 5, 2018....

From left: The Moody Blues featuring Justin Hayward and John Lodge are seen here
performing in 2017. Photo credit: Patricia Seaton

The Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Announces Special Guests for 33^rd Annual Induction Ceremony

Premiering Exclusively on HBO May 5^th at 8 p.m. ET/PT

CLEVELAND, OHIO (March 30, 2018) – Special guests at this year’s sold-out Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony, presented by Klipsch Audio, on April 14 at Public Auditorium in Cleveland will include:

• Mary J Blige presenting for Nina Simone
• Andra Day performing for Nina Simone
• Brittany Howard presenting for Sister Rosetta Tharpe
• Ann Wilson presenting for The Moody Blues
• Brandon Flowers presenting for The Cars
• Howard Stern presenting for Bon Jovi

Ann Wilson of Heart will be presenting for The
Moody Blues at the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame
Induction Ceremony on April 14, 2018.
Photo: Kelly A. Swift

The 2018 Ceremony will honor this year's inductees: Bon Jovi, The Cars, Dire Straits, The Moody Blues, Nina Simone and Sister Rosetta Tharpe.

The Ceremony will once again exclusively premiere on HBO on May 5^th at 8 p.m. ET/PT.

Red carpet arrivals on April 14^th will be live streamed from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. on rockhall.com, the Rock Hall’s Facebook page and YouTube page.

The Rock Hall will host a week of events leading up to the ceremony, including the unveiling the all new Hall of Fame, featuring the 2018 Inductee exhibit. The new floor will open on Saturday, April 7^th during Celebration Day at the Museum with a performance by 2018 Inductee Richie Sambora, free admission, and a firework show. Visit rockhall.com for a complete schedule of Rock Week events.

To receive Induction Ceremony updates and announcements sign up for the Rock Hall’s e-newsletter at www.rockhall.com/e-newsletter, follow the Rock Hall on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram or join the conversation using #RockHall2018.

For high-resolution artwork, artist biographies, and FAQs, please visit http://rockhall.com/press-room.

About the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame:

Rock Connects Us. Our mission is clear: To engage, teach and inspire through the power of rock and roll. We share stories of the people, events and songs that shape our world through exhibits, innovative programs and concerts. Join the millions who love it as much as you do. Experience us live or online – Visit rockhall.com orFacebook, Twitter and Instagram. Long Live Rock

Rosanne Cash's "Walking Wounded" music video from 'Johnny Cash: Forever Words'

Check out the beautiful new track from the forthcoming new album "Johnny Cash: Forever Words." The video for "The Walking Wounded" is wonderful and Rosanne Cash brings such a powerful vocal performance to the new song too...

ROSANNE CASH'S "THE WALKING WOUNDED" MUSIC VIDEO UNVEILED FROM 'JOHNNY CASH: FOREVER WORDS' (LEGACY RECORDINGS/APRIL 6)

WATCH THE VIDEO HERE: https://JohnnyCash.lnk.to/WWVidma

Legacy Recordings has released the first official music video from Johnny Cash: Forever Words (out April 6).  “The Walking Wounded” finds Rosanne Cash turning a recently published poem written by her father into a moving new song.  The video for “The Walking Wounded” was filmed by David McClister at Johnny Cash’s childhood home in Dyess, Arkansas (part of the Dyess Colony Heritage Site and Museum).

Watch “The Walking Wounded” here: https://JohnnyCash.lnk.to/WWVidma

Johnny wrote the poem at a time when he was suffering extreme physical pain. According to his son and album co-producer John Carter Cash, during that time Johnny was immersing himself in books about the Vietnam War and the PTSD that afflicted its veterans. Through his empathy with their pain, Johnny gained new perspective on his own suffering, and drew the connection from his scars to theirs.

“There’s so much pain in these lyrics, and they’re unrelentingly dark,” says Rosanne. “I really tried to feel what [my father] would have thought about it, and it felt like a collaboration. I think he’d be proud of it. I am.”

‘Johnny Cash: Forever Words’ is out April 6 on Legacy Recordings, a division of Sony Music Entertainment. Along with Rosanne Cash, the album features new songs by Chris Cornell, Ruston Kelly & Kacey Musgraves, Elvis Costello, Alison Krauss & Union Station, Kris Kristofferson & Willie Nelson, Brad Paisley, John Mellencamp, Carlene Carter, The Jayhawks and more.

Last week, Legacy Recordings released Elvis Costello’s “I’ll Still Love You,” also from ‘Johnny Cash: Forever Words.’ “You Never Knew My Mind,” one of Chris Cornell’s final recordings, has also previously been unveiled.  To listen to those songs, “The Walking Wounded,” and other Johnny Cash music, follow the Johnny Cash: Forever Words playlist: https://JohnnyCash.lnk.to/FWPlaylistPR

When Johnny Cash and June Carter Cash passed, they left behind what John Carter Cash describes as a "monstrous amassment” of things, including a treasure trove of undiscovered material that includes Johnny Cash’s handwritten letters, poems and documents, penned across the entirety of his life.

Recorded primarily at the Cash Cabin Studio in Hendersonville, Tennessee, ‘Johnny Cash: Forever Words’ is also the musical companion to the best-selling "Forever Words: The Unknown Poems," a volume of Cash's unpublished writing edited by Pulitzer Prize-winning poet Paul Muldoon and curated by John Carter Cash and Steve Berkowitz. Muldoon also contributes liner notes on the album. Many of the songs on ‘Johnny Cash: Forever Words’ were directly inspired by material in the book while others are drawn from different sources of Cash's unpublished writings.

Johnny Cash: Forever Words

1.      Forever/I Still Miss Someone - Kris Kristofferson and Willie Nelson
2.      To June This Morning - Ruston Kelly and Kacey Musgraves
3.      Gold All Over the Ground - Brad Paisley
4.      You Never Knew My Mind - Chris Cornell
5.      The Captain's Daughter - Alison Krauss and Union Station
6.      Jellico Coal Man - T. Bone Burnett
7.      The Walking Wounded - Rosanne Cash
8.      Them Double Blues - John Mellencamp
9.      Body on Body - Jewel
10.      I'll Still Love You - Elvis Costello
11.      June's Sundown - Carlene Carter
12.      He Bore It All - Dailey & Vincent
13.      Chinky Pin Hill - I'm With Her
14.      Goin', Goin', Gone - Robert Glasper featuring Ro James, and Anu Sun
15.      What Would I Dreamer Do? - The Jayhawks
16.      Spirit Rider – Jamey Johnson

www.JohnnyCashForeverWords.com

www.JohnnyCashOnLine.com

www.LegacyRecordings.com

 Johnny Cash: Forever Words is available to pre-order now.

CD: https://JohnnyCash.lnk.to/ForeverWords_CDPR

2LP: https://JohnnyCash.lnk.to/Foreverwords_LPPR

Digital: https://JohnnyCash.lnk.to/Foreverwords_DigitalPR

For future Johnny Cash and Johnny Cash: Forever Words news:

WEBSITE: http://johnnycashonline.com/

FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/johnnycash/

TWITTER: https://twitter.com/JohnnyCash

NEWSLETTER: http://johnnycashonline.com/newsletter-signup/

Recent Reissues: John Kay & Steppenwolf, NRBQ, Justin Hinds, 6 String Drag

Past glories are rightfully celebrated and revisited on new reissues featuring John Kay & Steppenwolf, NRBQ, Justin Hinds and 6 String Drag.

Artist: John Kay & Steppenwolf
Title: Steppenwolf At 50 (Rainman)
You might like if you enjoy: Bad Company, Steppenwolf
Tell me more: Fifty years after forming in Hollywood, CA, John Kay & Steppenwolf's enduring legacy is celebrated on the aptly-released Steppenwolf At 50. With its rewarding mix of blues, classic rock, roots, hard rock and alt country, the group's expansive three-disc audio set is bolstered by a mix of alternate takes, live cuts and previously-unreleased gems. An alternate cut of "From Here To There Eventually" (recorded in 1969), the previously-unheard acid rocker "Angel Drawers," traditional take on Hank Williams' "You Win Again," the blistering blues rocker "Straight Shootin' Woman" (featuring some killer guitar work from Bobby Cochran) and synth-anchored cover of Argent's "Hold Your Head Up" from 1982 are standouts on the first disc. Singer-songwriter/guitarist John Kay has always been able to infuse evolving styles into Steppenwolf's sonic brew, as evidenced by the commercial rock sound of 1987's "Rock & Roll Rebels" and "Give Me Life," as well as the literate approach on the quest for freedom via 1990's Berlin Wall-themed "The Wall" and probing "Rock & Roll War" showcased on disc two. The third disc features 13 tracks featured on the troupe's 1995 release "Live at 25." The performances sizzle with power; the blues rocker "Move Over," the outlaw countrified version of Hank Snow's "I'm Moving  On," Chicago blues-meets-rock attack of Willie Dixon's "I'm Your Hootchie Cootchie Man" and rousing takes on Steppenwolf's biggest hits ("Magic Carpet Ride" and "Born to be Wild") are among the highlights. In addition to all the terrific music, the booklet provides details on each of the tracks and liner notes penned by John Kay. Information: www.rainmanrecords.com.

Artist: NRBQ
Title: NRBQ (Omnivore Recordings)
You might like if you enjoy: NRBQ, Frank Zappa
Tell me more: It's hard to imagine a more eclectic debut album than the 1969 effort from Louisville, Kentucky-spawned New Rhythm and Blues Quintet – better known as NRBQ. The newly-issued and remastered reissue of the 49-year-old album also marks the first ever reissue of the title; NRBQ is available for the first time on audio CD, as well as via Digital and as a gatefold vinyl LP. An album that was essentially recorded live, all of the versions on NRBQ are first takes emblazoned on 12-track at The Record Plant by producer Eddie Kramer in December 1968. The range of the material is dizzying; the driving opener "C'mon Everybody" twists Eddie Cochran's approach in all the right places, including the shouting vocals and freewheeling rock 'n' roll attack. Later, the art damage take on Sun Ra's "Rocket #9," an alt-country "Fergie's Prayer," the racing New Orleans rocker "Mama Get Down Those Rock and Roll Shoes," and a countrified harmonica-adorned reworking of the 1962 Bruce Channel hit "Hey! Baby" highlight the group's eclectic approach and virtuoso chops. NRBQ continues to thrive and is set to tour the U.S. and overseas in 2018. Information: www.omnivorerecordings.com.

Artist: Justin Hinds and the Dominoes
Title: Travel With Love (Omnivore Recordings)
You might like if you enjoy: Bob Marley, Justin Hinds and the Dominoes
Tell me more: Originally released in 1984, Omnivore Recordings' new reissue of Justin Hinds and the Dominoes' Travel With Love features the original eight-track LP and 10 bonus tracks. The voices of Hinds and the Dominoes (backing vocalists Dennis Sinclair and Junior Dixon) blend in polished perfection on a collection of laid-back and positive-minded reggae songs. The melodic "Get Ready Rock Steady," wistful "Miss Wendell" and musically dynamic-and-lyrically insightful "In The Jungle" are among the strong original songs penned by Hinds featured on "Travel With Love." Particularly powerful is "The Rainbow," a beautiful track enhanced by the work of a nuanced horn section. Information: www.omnivorerecordings.com.

Artist: Justin Hinds
Title: Know Jah Better (Omnivore Recordings)
You might like if you enjoy: Justin Hinds, reggae music
Tell me more: Released in 1992, Know Jah Better finds Hinds bringing newer sounds into the blend of ska and reggae styles he helped pioneer and explore earlier in his career, now tapping into the Jamaican dancehall scene for what would be his final full-length studio album. The standouts on this disc include the intoxicating "Want More," the spirited title track, catchy "No Place Like Home" and "Picking Up Chips." Information: www.omnivorerecordings.com.

Artist: 6 String Drag
Title: High Hat (Schoolkids Records)
You might like if you enjoy: Old 97's, Son Volt, the Jayhawks
Tell me more: Alt-country rockers 6 String Drag emerged from Raleigh, North Carolina in 1993, helping create a new sound and style along with Texas' Old 97's, Minnesota's Jayhawks and Georgia's Drive-By Truckers that is essentially the blueprint for a slew of modern-day Americana groups. In January 2018, Schoolkids Records (formerly Second Motion) issued a 20th Anniversary Reissue of the band's 1997 disc High Hat. Produced by Steve Earle, the LP's songs sound as great as ever and retain the bite of a contemporary release. Singer Kenny Roby's emotive delivery of the songs is the icing on the sonic cake; the arrangements across the 15 tracks impress at every turn. The anthemic "Bottle of Blues," pretty "Elaine" and freewheeling  "Gasoline Maybelline" are early nuggets on the LP. "Cold Steel Brace" is mostly sparse and evocative, but has an explosive section that adds just the right amount of powder.  The jangly rocker "Ghost," Dixieland-flavored "Over & Over" and bonus track "Lorene" (the latter a cover of the Louvin Brothers classic) are among the other essentials on a fantastic release. In addition to being re-released on audio CD and on most digital formats, High Hat is also available for the first time on vinyl. Information: www.SchoolKidsRecords.com.



Robert Kinsler

Lindi Ortega celebrates 'Liberty' at the GRAMMY Museum

Lindi Ortega, left, discussing new album 'Liberty' with Scott
Goldman at the GRAMMY Museum on Tuesday, March 27, 2018.

On March 27, photographer Bob Steshetz and yours truly were invited to the GRAMMY Museum to catch an intimate performance and conversation featuring Americana songstress Lindi Ortega. The special event was held in the GRAMMY Museum at L.A. Live's Clive Davis Theater in conjunction with the Americana

Music Association.

With the release of her terrific new three-part Spaghetti Western-infused concept album Liberty later this week (which will be available on Friday, March 30), there was plenty of interesting conversation between GRAMMY Museum Executive Director Scott Goldman and Ortega during the beginning of the program leading up to a performance featuring Ortega and several talented players (drummer-backing vocalist Ryan Brewer and guitarist Champagne James Robertson).

Ortega was first asked about the genesis of recording her first-ever concept LP (Liberty was recorded in Nashville and was produced by Skylar Wilson). She noted that every time she performs, audience members will talk to her about how "certain songs help them get through the dark times in their lives. So why not make a whole record to help them get through their struggles?"

Ortega is expert at writing and singing about the darker corners of our existence, as evidenced by some of her previous masterworks (2012's Cigarettes & Truckstops and 2015's Faded Gloryville immediately come to mind), but the beauty and depth of her songs as well as her emotive vocals makes it easy to find comfort in her recordings. The musical influence of famed composer Ennio Morricone can be heard on the tracks.

"For me, whenever I hear a sad song it makes me feel less alone," said Ortega, noting she finds it much more difficult to write a happy song than darker tales.

A few years ago, Ortega's life – consumed by music (including non-stop touring and the simple fact that she missed loved ones' birthdays) without necessarily achieving more widespread attention – almost led her to give up her career.

"I went back and read all the messages from supporters...the real reward is if I can have a song that helps someone; what better reason is there to make music."

Ortega also discussed how while growing up in Canada, she was strongly influenced by the a wide range of artists and styles, particularly the songwriting of fellow-Canadian Leonard Cohen.

"My mom was Northern Irish and was a fan of classic country (including Dolly Parton and Willie Nelson). I grew up with her record collection; my (Mexican) dad liked the Gypsy Kings and Latin music."

The highlight of the night was getting to see Ortega perform in such an intimate and top-tier concert setting. Focusing on Liberty, she performed a handful of the selections she had discussed earlier.

The beautiful Americana-styled "Lovers In Love" served as a great opener. She then strapped on her acoustic guitar and used her hushed soprano to lead the musicians through "The Comeback Kid," bolstered by textured guitar work from Robertson.

"In The Clear," a strikingly beautiful ballad, blends traditional country and Celtic sounds. 

"I'm trying to remember all the words; they're all new songs," Ortega admitted in introducing the title track off Liberty. "Liberty" proved to be more upbeat than the previous selections, and was enhanced by Brewer's effective use of brushes (rather than sticks) to deliver a marching beat on his snare drum; he also added some sublime harmonies to Ortega's vocals on the Spaghetti-Western-styled original.

Ortega closed her regular set with "Gracias A La Vida" (which translates to "Thank You To Life"), which is the ending cut on Liberty. The song, composed by Chilean composer Violetta Parra, marks the first Spanish language track Ortega has recorded.

The crowd stood and cheered after the fast-moving set, and were rewarded when Ortega and her band performed the older song "Cigarettes & Truckstops." The descriptive lyrics were enveloped in a lush and evocative soundscape enhanced by her stunning voice and ability to connect with the audience.

Those of you in Southern California can catch Ortega at The Moroccan Lounge, 901 E. 1st St., Los Angeles, at 9 p.m. on Thursday, March 29, 2018. For more information on Ortega, visit her official website here.


A special thank you to Bob Steshetz for the use of his photographs taken at the special event!

Article written by Robert Kinsler

6th Annual Rock Against MS Benefit Update

This announcement arrived while I was out of town, but wanted to make sure everyone in SoCal saw this in case they have an interest in attending this coming Saturday night. Here is the official media release...

THE 6th ANNUAL ROCK AGAINST MS BENEFIT CONCERT & AWARD SHOW

AT THE HISTORIC LOS ANGELES THEATRE SATURDAY, MARCH 31, 2018

Hosted by Comedians HAL SPARKS & CRAIG GASS

RICHARD PRYOR’S: PRYOR’S PLATINUM PEOPLE AWARDS

Featuring JULIETTE LEWIS and JACK RUSSELL’S GREAT WHITE

CELEBRATED ALL-STAR TRIBUTES TO:

TOM PETTY - CHRIS CORNELL - CHESTER BENNINGTON – MALCOLM YOUNG

J. GEILS – GLEN CAMPBELL - FATS DOMINO – CHUCK BERRY – DAVID CASSIDY - GREGG ALLMAN

Renowned Performance Artist NORTON WISDOM On Stage

TICKETS ON SALE NOW!

“God gave me this MS shit to save my life” – Richard Pryor

Eagles of Death Metal singer-guitarist Jesse Hughes,
seen on left, will perform at 6th Annual Rock Against
MS Benefit Concert on March 31, 2018.

An All-star line-up will be at the 6^th ANNUAL ROCK AGAINST MS BENEFIT CONCERT & AWARD SHOW –Hosted by genius “Kings of Comedy”: comedians Hal Sparks (Queer as Folk/ Dude Where’s My Car) and Craig Gass (Sex in the City/Howard Stern Show).

This amazing evening is comprised of comedy, music, art and awards – This special night is to raise awareness and educate the public about multiple sclerosis, while raising money to build the first of many MS resource centers across the Nation and outreach program services aptly name The ROCK HOUSE.

CONCERT INFO:

FEATURED ARTSTS: JULIETTE LEWIS, ART ALEXAKIS (Everclear),, TODD MORSE (The Offspring), PETER THORN (Chis Cornell/ Melissa Etheridge), JASON SUTTER (Chris Cornell), PHIL BUCKMAN (FUEL), MICHAEL DEVIN (Whitesnake), MARQ TORIEN(Bulletboys), STEVE FERLAZZO (Avril Lavigne), AUGUST ZADRA (Dennis DeYoung), KEITH ENGLAND (Gregg Allman Band), MATT STARR (Mr. Big),ANTHONY “TINY” BIUSO (Bulletboys), KEMBLE WALTERS (AEGES), JASON WOMACK (FUEL), IRA BLACK (I Am Morbid), PATRICK STONE (Adlers Appetite/Budderside), ACE VON JOHNSON (Faster Pussycat), GRETCHEN BONADUCE, LISA FOREMAN (Todd’s Planet), JOHNNY GRIPARIC(Slashes Snakepit), SHAWN DUNCAN (DC4), JEFF BOWDERS (Paul Gilbert), JOHNNY MARTIN (LA Guns), HOWIE SIMON (Nelson), YOLANDA THOMAS – HORNS & STRINGS: ANDRE COTMAN (Sexy Sax), JON MANNESS (Killer Trumpet) & ERIN HAWKINS (Rock Cello)  – MORE ARTISTS TO ANNOUNCE & SPECIAL GUESTS!!!

ADDITIONAL FUN: This evening, famed performance artist, Norton Wisdom will be performing his art live on stage during the music, capturing the inspiration he gets from the notes. 

VENUE:

The Los Angeles Theatre

615 S. Broadway @ 6^th Ave.

Los Angeles, CA 90014

PRE-SALE TIX:

General - $35

VIP w/M&G Package - $125

VIP+ w/ M&G Package - $175

*** Please email to reserve Wheelchair seating at info@rockagainstMS.org

Day Of Show Add $10

SHOWTIMES:

M&G: 5pm/ Doors 6:00/ Show 7:00

BUY ONLINE NOW:

Purchase – www.rockagainst.ms 

For more show information go to: www.facebook.com/rockagainstMSfoundation, www.rockagainstms.org, www.richardpryor.com,www.halsparks.com, www.getGass.com

MUSIC WORTH BUYING episode: Simple Minds, Darlingside

This week Robert Kinsler and TJ discuss the latest Simple Minds album Walk Between Worlds and baroque folk group Darlingside's radiant Extralife:

New Music Releases Deliver Sights and Sounds

Several new concert films champion the legacy of enduring classic rock artists, while the debut from Greta Van Fleet may well be turning young audiences onto the power of blues-fueled, hard-charing rock 'n' roll.

Artist: The Moody Blues
DVD/Blu-ray Title: Days Of Future Passed Live (Eagle Rock Entertainment)
You might like if you enjoy: The Moody Blues, The Zombies
Tell me more: The Moody Blues timeless 1967 album Days Of Future Passed is widely recognized as one of the earliest progressive rock masterworks. The Moody Blues – set to be inducted into the Rock and Roll of Fame in April 2018 – toured in 2017 in celebration of the 50th anniversary of Days Of Future Passed. The band's concert at the Sony Centre For The Performing Arts in Toronto was filmed, and has now been released on a multiple of formats including Blu-ray, DVD, vinyl and audio CD. The set explores the band's hits and deeper cuts. The first half of the concert includes a wide range of the group's songs; the driving "I'm Just a Singer (In A Rock and Roll Band)" "The Story in Your Eyes" are extended allowing Justin Hayward to showcase his melodic-meets-flashy guitar playing; "The Voice" is bolstered by lush keyboards, acoustic guitar and Hayward's warm vocals. Other early-set highlights include the folk rocker "Your Wildest Dreams" and "I Know You're Out There Somewhere," the latter featuring a lush arrangement with Hayward, John Lodge and Norda Mullen artfully blending their voices. The next portion of the concert finds the Moody Blues joined by a full orchestra to perform Days Of Future Passed in its entirety; this set includes the baroque rocker "Peak Hour," intoxicating "Tuesday Afternoon (Forever Afternoon)" and eternal "Nights in White Satin." Finally, the band uses its encore to elevate the crowd with the infectious "Question" and propulsive "Ride My See-Saw." Information: www.eagle-rock.com.

Artist: Robert Plant & The Sensational Space Shifters
DVD Title: Live At David Lynch's Festival of Disruption (Eagle Rock Entertainment)
You might like if you enjoy: Robert Plant, Led Zeppelin, Otis Taylor
Tell me more: Peter Gabriel, Sting and Robert Plant are among the rare rock musicians who have each achieved lasting fame in an iconic band before subsequently embarking on their own to carve out an equally-celebrated solo career crafting a decidedly different style that put them on the map. Such is clear on Robert Plant & The Sensational Space Shifters' Live At David Lynch's Festival of Disruption. Filmed at the historic Ace Hotel Theatre in Los Angeles in October 2016, the hour-long event marked the first time that Plant had joined forces with the Sensational Space Shifters since 2012. The fast-moving set is freewheeling and spirited, with material ranging from the Louisiana-styled blues of "Poor Howard" and trance blues of "Little Maggie" to songs anchored or blending Celtic, African, folk and rock styles. Led Zeppelin fans will enjoy the reworked acoustic take on "Black Dog," a rollicking "Whole Lotta Love" that is featured during a high-octane medley and the lovely "Going To California." An ambitious flamenco-meets-blues take on the Zep classic "Babe, I'm Gonna Leave You" featuring the work of guitarist Liam Skin Tyson is particularly powerful. Information: www.eagle-rock.com.

Artist: Greta Van Fleet
Title: From The Fires (Lava Music)
You might like if you enjoy: Led Zeppelin, The Record Company
Tell me more: Led Zeppelin fans who lament the fact that Robert Plant, Jimmy Page, John Paul Jones and Jason Bonham (the son of original drummer John Bonham) are not likely to reform should check out Greta Van Fleet's full-length debut From The Fires. The eight-song disc sounds like a long-lost set of top-tier Led Zep outtakes. When I first heard the band's roaring breakout single "Highway Tune," I briefly wondered why I didn't know the name of the track. In fact, Greta Van Fleet appears to take pride in completely mirroring the past while modern-day audiences seem hungry enough for the powerful blues-fueled material to fully embrace the revival rockers. And to be honest, the eight songs that speed along on "From The Fires" are so good, the Michigan-spawned rockers made a believer out of this critic as well. Greta Van Fleet is set to perform at Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival in Indio, CA on Fridays, April 13 and 20, 2018. Information: GretaVanFleet.com.

Robert Kinsler

Doheny Blues Festival-bound California Honeydrops' new track debuts at No Depression; album out April 6

"Live Learn" is the latest bit of sonic gold from The California Honeydrops, and you can listen to the new track via the post below. I'm looking forward to catching the group when they perform at the Doheny Blues Festival this coming May...

THE CALIFORNIA HONEYDROPS’ “LIVE LEARN” DEBUTS AT NO DEPRESSION

NEW DOUBLE ALBUM CALL IT HOME: VOL. 1 & 2 
DUE APRIL 6, 2018

CONFIRMED TOUR DATES INCLUDE DANA POINT'S DOHENY BLUES FESTIVAL, LOS ANGELES,
SAN FRANCISCO, NEW YORK, CHICAGO, NEW ORLEANS, PLUS AUSTRALIA’S BLUESFEST IN BYRON BAY

Photo credit: Keith Berson

“It’s rare to find a band as much in love with music and each other as The California Honeydrops. Their deep understanding and mastery of classic R&B, New Orleans Jazz and more has allowed them to create music that is as fresh as it is funky, and uniquely their own. Lech has one of the most soulful, elastic voices I’ve ever heard...and he shreds on trumpet and guitar as well. They are truly one of my favorite bands!”—Bonnie Raitt

“Live Learn,” the second track from The California Honeydrops’ upcoming album, premieres at No Depression who call it, “a playful tune that’s impossible not to dance along to,” furthering, “[it] opens with a plunking bass before lead singer Lech Wierzynski joins in on a call-and-response banter with the bass, even as a bright guitar riff adds some tasty seasoning to the bubbling stew.” See the post here and listen/share here.

The band’s seventh album (and first double album) Call It Home: Vol. 1 & 2 is set for release on April 6 via Tubtone Records. The lead track, “Call It Home” features music legend Bonnie Raitt, with whom the band toured on her 2016-2017 Dig In Deep tour. The song premiered at Noisey and was featured in Rolling Stone’s “10 Best Country, Americana Songs of the Week” Listen/share the track here and pre-order the album here.

In celebration of the release The Honeydrops will tour extensively, with stops in L.A., San Francisco, Chicago, D.C., New York, Australia and many more. See below for current dates, with more to be announced.

Recorded over the past year and a half, the new album takes its inspiration from the many facets and ever-changing nature of the idea of home—a subject frontman and co-founder Lech Wierzynski thinks a lot about. “Home’s been on my mind since I was a kid,” he says. “I was born in Warsaw, Poland. My parents brought me here as a kid and we moved around a lot. They were always talking about missing where they were from and I was always wondering who I was in that way, whether I was Polish or Amercan or both. I didn’t set out to make an album about that, but these songs just started coming out that way…” Drummer and co-founder Ben Malament mentions that it also grapples with the many changes their longtime home of Oakland, California has undergone in the past decade. “We’ve always been a Bay Area band and the Bay Area has been such a hotbed of change the last 10 years. It’s been interesting for us to see and live in, and it’s affected the way the band works.”

With a “tub full of songs” written by Wierzynski, the band—made up of Wierzynski (lead vocal, trumpet, guitar), Malament (drums, washboard, percussion), Johnny Bones (tenor saxophone, clarinet), Lorenzo Loera (keys, melodica) and Beau Bradbury (bass, percussion)—took to the studio on breaks from touring, collaborating on a multitude of tracks blending a diverse array of styles, in true Honeydrops fashion. On the decision to compile and release them all as a double album, Wierzynski says, “This was a breakthrough year for the band. I wanted something that captured the totality, instead of doing something small. That’s why you’ve got the whole cosmos on the album cover. This is my life. This band has never been for sale. This band has been everything for us. It’s something that we do for the love. I’m proud of that.”

The California Honeydrops got their start busking on the streets of the San Francisco Bay Area, where they quickly developed a passionate local following that has continued to grow over the course of nonstop American, European and Australian touring. In addition to Raitt’s Dig In Deep tour, the band has also supported such icons as B.B. King, Allen Toussaint, Buddy Guy and Dr. John. They have sold out headline shows at venues across the country and performed at major festivals including Outside Lands, Bluesfest Byron Bay, Monterey Jazz, High Sierra and many more. Their previous record, A River’s Invitation, was released in 2015 with KQED hailing it as “a winning new album,” and The Bluegrass Situation furthering, “The groove is Muscle Shoals deep, singer Lech Wierzynski’s voice is Sam Cooke wide, and saxophonist Johnny Bones bangs heavy on the door of Ben Webster.”

CALL IT HOME: VOL. 1 & 2 TRACKLIST

Vol. 1 

1. Call It Home
2. Coming Around
3. Cry For Me
4. Standin’ Still Blues
5. Hold It Down
6. Your Sweet Love
7. Those Days
8. Live Learn

Vol. 2 

9. Only Home I’ve Ever Known
10. Silicon World
11. Tell Me (I Wanna Know)
12. Drop By Drop
13. Good Good Lovin’
14. Things We Used To Do
15. In My Baby’s Arms
16. Starr Child

TOUR DATES

March 29–April 2—Byron Bay, Australia—Bluesfest
April 6–8—Squaw Valley, CA—Winter Wondergrass
April 11—San Diego, CA—Belly Up
April 12—Los Angeles, CA—Teragram Ballroom
April 13 & 14—Las Vegas, NV—Bender Jamboree
April 19—Dallas, TX—Gas Monkey
April 20—Waco, TX—Brazos Nights
April 21—Lockhart, TX—Old Settler’s Festival
April 22—Houston, TX—The Studio at Warehouse Live
April 24—Nashville, TN—High Watt
April 25—Memphis, TN—Growlers
April 27—New Orleans, LA—House of Blues
April 28—Birmingham, AL—Zydeco
April 29—Asheville, NC—Salvage Station
April 30—Raleigh, NC—Lincoln Theatre
May 2—Richmond, VA—Capitol Ale House Music Hall
May 3—New York, NY—Bowery Ballroom
May 4—Brooklyn, NY—Music Hall of Williamsburg
May 5—Washington, DC—The Hamilton
May 8—Ann Arbor, MI—The Ark
May 9—Madison, WI—High Noon Saloon
May 10—St. Louis, MO—Atomic Cowboy
May 11—Chicago, IL—Concord Music Hall
May 12—Minneapolis, MN—Cedar Cultural Center
May 17—Sacramento, CA—Harlow’s
May 19—San Francisco, CA—The Fillmore
May 20—Dana Point, CA—Doheney Blues Festival      
May 24 & 25—Cumberland, MD—DelFest
May 27—Bradley, CA—Lightning In A Bottle
July 6 & 7—Quincy, CA—High Sierra Music Festival
July 20–22—Winthrop, WA—Winthrop Rhythm & Blues Festival
September 22—Morrison, CO—Red Rocks Amphitheatre*
October 28–November 4—San Diego, CA—Legendary Rhythm & Blues Cruise

* supporting Greensky Bluegrass

Additional summer and fall tour dates coming soon.

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