Album Reviews: Tears For Fears, The Left Banke, Lannie Flowers

Early 2022 has seen the release of a myriad of fantastic new albums, including essential titles featuring Tears For Fears, the Left Banke and Lannie Flowers.

An exclusive edition of Tears For Fear's new album "The Tipping Point" is available on audio CD and vinyl via Target stores or on the company's website HERE.

Artist: Tears For Fears

Title: The Tipping Point (Concord Records)

You might like if you enjoy: Tears For Fears, The Beatles, Jason Falkner, Pugwash

Tell me more: The high-profile return of Tears For Fears courtesy of the duo's highly-anticipated The Tipping Point is definitely worth celebrating. The new masterwork —  the first new album from Roland Orzabal and Curt Smith in more than 17 years —  equals the ambition, sonic craft and artistic mastery of past classics like The Hurting (1983), Songs From The Big Chair (1985), The Seeds of Love (1989) and Everybody Loves a Happy Ending (2004). The album is filled with stellar cuts; the title track "The Tipping Point" is a deeply affecting song chronicling the feeling of helplessness of watching someone you love lose their battle with disease. Another favorite is  the shimmering "Break The Man," which is a call for more equality between men and women. The beautiful and evocative "Rivers Of Mercy," grief-filled "Please Be Happy," swirling "Master Plan" (a yearning to understand God), the triumphant rocker "End of Night" and luxurious "Let It All Evolve" (the latter a bonus track available via a Target exclusive edition) are among the other treasures on the must--hear disc. Few artists have been able to mine Beatlesque soundscapes like Tears For Fears while charting their own inventive course. Information: tearsforfears.com. 

Artist: The Left Banke

Title: Strangers on a Train (Omnivore Recordings)

You might like if you enjoy: The Zombies, The Hollies, Badfinger

Tell me more: Best known for their hit singles "Walk Away Renee" and "Pretty Ballerina," the Left Banke's story extended beyond those '60s radio favorites as evidenced on a newly-released expanded edition of the troupe's third and final album Strangers on a Train. The new remastered collection rightfully celebrates the New York-spawned baroque pop group's final recordings gathered together on an essential disc of 16 outstanding cuts. Originally featuring the talents of songwriter/keyboardist Michael Brown, lead singer Steve Martin Caro, bassist/vocalist Tom Finn and drummer/singer George Cameron, the Left Banke recorded two LPs in the late 1960s (Walk Away Renée/Pretty Ballerina and The Left Banke Too) before breaking up in 1969. However, the world was reintroduced to the Left Banke via Strangers on a Train issued in 1986; that album was actually a collection recorded in 1978 by Caro, Finn and Cameron. The final chapter came in 2001 when Brown invited Caro to lay down vocals on demos for a hoped-for Left Banke reunion —  six of those songs complete the new Omnivore Recordings title. The enticing title track, melodic "Heartbreaker," Beatlesque "Hold On Tight" and wistful "Yesterday's Love" are among the strong early selections on the set. The chamber pop gem "And One Day," gorgeous "I Can Fly," harmonies-filled "Only My Opinion" and funk-meets-disco "Queen of Paradise" along with previously-unheard bonus tracks (notably the lovely "Airborne," confessional "I Don't Know" and gorgeous "Until The End") help keep the momentum soaring high. Information: OmnivoreRecordings.com.  

Artist: Lannie Flowers

Title: Flavor of the Month (SpyderPop Records)

You might like if you enjoy: Fountains of Wayne, Badfinger, Jellyfish, Jason Falkner, Dada

Tell me more: Texas-based singer-songwriter-guitarist Lannie Flowers is back with a marvelous new album Flavor of the Month. A compilation of his "March To Home" singles series issued in 2019, the 14-track album is an essential addition for fans of Flowers' trio of concept albums that loosely chronicle his life from teenager to touring rock and roller to settling down at home (2008's Same Old Story, 2010's Circles and 2021's Home) as well as anyone who loves great power pop. Flowers' songs are original, smart and performed with a master's touch —  his signature sound a perfect blend of melody, shining songcraft and emotional heft. Additionally, it doesn't hurt that Flowers is a top-tier lead vocalist. The newly-remixed tracks on Flavor of the Month delight at every turn. The yearning rocker "Don't Make Me Wait," psychedelic-tinged "Lost in a Daydream," exuberant "Doin' Fine," romantic ballad "About You," tuneful "Day Glow All Night" and power pop nugget "Where Did All The Fun Go?" are among my faves on the disc. Listen to the flamenco touches on "Let It Go," fusion of harmonies and guitar crunch on the title track, and lavishly-layered "What Did I Know" and "Summer Blue" to further discover the myriad of wide-ranging talents displayed by Flowers. Information: spyderpop.com or https://bigstirrecords.com/lannie-flowers-spyderpop-records.

Robert Kinsler

TJR and Robert Kinsler discuss "The Beatles And India" documentary

Watch the new episode where TJR and Robert Kinsler discuss the wonderful documentary "The Beatles And India" via YouTube.

Watch the episode HERE.

All You Need Is Love: New titles celebrate all things Beatles

The enormous and enduring impact of The Beatles is showcased via a trio of new titles in my column this week.

Artist: The Beatles

Documentary Title: The Beatles and India (Silva Screen Productions/Renoir Pictures)

You might like if you enjoy: The Beatles, George Harrison, Ravi Shankar, 1960s pop culture

Tell me more: The arrival of a Special Edition of The Beatles' Let It Be in October 2021 marked the beginning of a number of special Fab Four-centered titles issued in recent months. In addition to Peter Jackson's acclaimed 8-hour docuseries "Get Back" available via Disney+ beginning in November 2021, the insightful feature-length documentary "The Beatles and India" can be seen via BritBox in North America (the streaming service from BBC Studios and ITV).  The outstanding 95-minute documentary revisits the significant role that Indian music and culture played on The Beatles. A wealth of new and archival interviews and expert commentary along with historic previously-unseen photographs and film footage shed a spotlight on The Beatles' famous trip taken to India in early 1968 where they stayed at Maharishi Mahesh Yogi's ashram in Rishikesh (located in the foothills of the Himalayas in northern India). Other touchstones that showcase the heavy influence that India had on John, Paul, George and Ringo are also examined. Even long-time fans will learn fascinating details viewing "The Beatles and India." In addition, influential figures such as composer-musician Ravi Shankar are rightly explored in this documentary. At one point, we hear John Lennon reflect: "The happiest time of my life —  one of the happiest times was in India —  and it was such a groove. It was such a pure thing...." George Harrison —  the Beatle most impacted by the music of India — is clear in explaining that nation's profound impact on him: "When I first heard Indian music, I just couldn't really believe that it was so great, and the more I heard of it, the more I liked it. It just got bigger and bigger, like a snowball."  Information: BeatlesAndIndia.com.

Artists: Karsh Kale, Anoushka Shankar, Vishal Dadlani, Kiss Nuka, Benny Dayal, Nikhil D'Souza, more

Title: The Beatles And India: Songs Inspired by the Film (Silva Screen Records)

You might like if you enjoy: The Beatles, John Lennon, George Harrison

Tell me more: A perfect companion to the wonderful "The Beatles and India" documentary, The Beatles And India: Songs Inspired by The Film presents 19 stellar interpretations from the Fab Four's songbook artfully revisited by Indian artists. Many of the standouts on the disc include songs written during The Beatles' 1968 extended stay in Northern India in early 1968; the majority of those specific songs wound up on the quartet's 1968 double-album The Beatles (better known as "The White Album"). Highlights on The Beatles And India: Songs Inspired by the Film include Mumbai-based singer-songwriter Kiss Nuka's ethereal "Tomorrow Never Knows," Karsh Kale's lovely "Mother Nature's Son," Dhruv Ghanekar's creative genre-blending "Julia," an enthralling take on "The Inner Light" featuring Anoushka Shankar (Ravi Shankar's daughter) and Karsh Kale, and a powerful reading of "Sexy Sadie" by Siddharth Basrur and Neil Mukherjee. Nikhil D'Souza's wistful take on "Martha My Dear," Anupam Roy's beautiful "Child of Nature" (a song later re-written and recorded by John Lennon as "Jealous Guy") and a modern take on "The Continuing Story Of Bungalow Bill" from Mumbai-based cappella group Raaga Trippin' are also among the gems featured on the marvelous collection. Information: SilvaScreen.com.  

The Signature Edition of Ringo Starr's "Lifted: Fab Images and
Memories In My Life with The Beatles from Across The Universe."

Author/photographer: Ringo Starr

Title: Lifted: Fab Images and Memories In My Life with The Beatles from Across The Universe (Julien's Auctions)

You might like if you enjoy: The Beatles, Ringo Starr, rock and roll photography, 1960s pop culture

Tell me more: In early 2021, Ringo Starr shared his 30-year journey with his illustrious All Starr Band via the wonderful hardcover edition "Ringo Rocks: 30 Years of the All Stars." Now the world's most famous drummer has again teamed with Julien's Auctions on a must-have hardcover edition of particular interest to Beatles aficionados. The newly-released "Lifted: Fab Images and Memories In My Life with The Beatles from Across The Universe" is an impressive 224-page hardcover edition bolstered by Starr's insightful writing, colorful recollections and top-tier photography. Starr worked together with journalist-author David Wild while quarantining during the COVID-19 pandemic to complete the book, collecting images from his personal archives and from the Internet in order to complete the ambitious project. “These fantastic images came back to me in recent years from across the universe and have somehow helped me get back to seeing my life with The Fab Four through fresh eyes,” Ringo says in a statement connected to the release of "Lifted." “A lot of the photos in this book I saw on my phone and on my computer and I lifted them because they brought back so many fabulous memories.” 

Two editions of "Lifted" are currently available — a Collector's Edition that’s priced at $59 and a Signature Edition that costs $495. The Signature Edition, limited to just 500 copies, features a color cover of The Beatles signed by Ringo Starr and will come housed in a special slip case. Proceeds from the sale of "Lifted" will benefit Starr's Lotus Foundation, which funds and supports charitable projects that focus on various social welfare causes. Information: https://juliensauctions.com. 

Robert Kinsler

Paul McCartney announces first live shows since 2019 - SoFi Stadium on Friday, May 13, 2022

How does SoFi Stadium followup hosting the Super Bowl last weekend? Read on music friends...Robert Kinsler

PAUL McCARTNEY

GOT BACK

Tour 2022

 

paulmccartneygotback.com

 

Paul McCartney Announces First Live Shows Since 2019

Tour Stops at SoFi Stadium on Friday, May 13, 2022 

© MPL Communications Ltd /
Photographer: MJ Kim

“I said at the end of the last tour that I’d see you next time. I said I was going to get back to you. Well, I got back!”—Paul McCartney

INGLEWOOD, CA (February 18, 2022) – Following more than a year of speculation, Paul McCartney today announces the GOT BACK Tour, a 13-city return to U.S. stages, with a stop at SoFi Stadium on Friday, May 13. 

GOT BACK tour kicks off on April 28 with Paul’s first ever show in Spokane, WA and running through to June 16 in East Rutherford, NJ, where Paul will play MetLife Stadium for the first time since 2016. 

Tickets for all GOT BACK tour dates will be on sale to the public beginning Friday, February 25 at 10 a.m. PT. American Express® Card Members can purchase tickets before the general public beginning Tuesday, February 22 at 10 a.m. PT through Thursday, February 24 at 10 p.m. PT. 

GOT BACK marks Paul’s first series of live shows since his FRESHEN UP Tour wrapped in July 2019–its 39-date 12-country odyssey concluding with a triumphant sold-out show at Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles—a performance that instantly attained legendary status, generating rave reviews and Best of 2019 notices including: 

“... Wow. After several decades now of writing about music and facing the perpetual challenge of translating what is beyond words into understandable language, that’s the best I can muster. Here in the heady aftermath of Paul McCartney’s final show of his Freshen Up tour at Dodger Stadium along with 50,000 of my fellow Angelenos on July 13, 2019 — Wow.”—AMERICAN SONGWRITER 

“The perfect display of the philosophy McCartney has embodied over his 60-year career in music... the perfect bow to tie up the perfect show, with the final lyric of the night an ever- appropriate one: ‘And in the end, the love you take is equal to the love you make.’”— BILLBOARD 

“Macca continues to put artists half his age and younger to shame with epic shows featuring his crackerjack band and a jukebox of hits”—ENTERTAINMENT WEEKLY Best Live Music Performances of 2019 

“The best thing about a McCartney show is how many generations of people leave with the broadest smile upon their face. Whether it's the first time they've seen him or the tenth, he never, ever, disappoints.”—FLAUNT 

"McCartney was in top form, his voice effortlessly climbing to the heights it always hit so easily back in the day... “—THE LOS ANGELES TIMES 

“The total and complete immersion into MaccaLand was colorful and loud, rocking and rolling, nostalgic and present, and, above all, in the truest sense, marvelous... And, in the end, the love McCartney has taken for 60 years was equal to the love he’s made for generations.”—RELIX 

"Definitely We’re Amazed by Paul McCartney’s Blowout Dodger Stadium Show... McCartney remains a show-stopping entertainer of the highest order.”—VARIETY 

With songs like ‘Hey Jude’, ‘Live and Let Die’, ‘Band on the Run’, ‘Let It Be’ and so many more, the Paul McCartney live experience is everything any music lover could ever want from a rock show: Hours of the greatest moments from the last 60 years of music — dozens of songs from Paul’s solo, Wings and of course Beatles catalogues that have formed the soundtracks of our lives. Paul and his band have performed in an unparalleled range of venues and locations throughout the Americas, the UK, Europe, Japan, Australia, New Zealand and all points between: outside the Coliseum in Rome, Moscow’s Red Square, Buckingham Palace, The White House, a free show in Mexico for over 400,000 people, the last ever show at San Francisco’s Candlestick Park where The Beatles played their final concert in 1966, a 2016 week in the California desert that included two headline sets at the historic Desert Trip festival and a jam-packed club gig for a few hundred lucky fans at Pappy & Harriet’s Pioneertown Palace, and even one performance broadcast live into Space! Featuring Paul’s longtime band - Paul “Wix” Wickens (keyboards), Brian Ray (bass/guitar), Rusty Anderson (guitar) and Abe Laboriel Jr (drums) - and constantly upgraded state of the art audio and video technology that ensures an unforgettable experience from every seat in the house, a Paul McCartney concert is never anything short of life-changing.

Duran Duran set to headline three nights at legendary Hollywood Bowl

Duran Duran is set to headline at the Hollywood Bowl in late summer. Here are all the details...Robert Kinsler

DURAN DURAN TO HEADLINE THREE CONSECUTIVE NIGHTS AT THE HOLLYWOOD BOWL THIS SUMMER

NOMINATED FOR 2022 ROCK & ROLL HALL OF FAME INDUCTION — VOTE HERE

RELEASE DIGITAL DELUXE VERSION OF FIFTEENTH STUDIO ALBUM, ‘FUTURE PAST’ - OUT NOW
[TAPE MODERN VIA BMG]

HOLLYWOOD BOWL DATES 09/09 - Hollywood Bowl - Los Angeles, CA - TICKETS 09/10 - Hollywood Bowl - Los Angeles, CA - TICKETS 09/11 - Hollywood Bowl - Los Angeles, CA - TICKETS In celebration of their spectacular four-decade career, and the Bowl’s centennial, internationally acclaimed, multi-platinum, award-winning legends Duran Duran will headline an exciting three-day weekend, where they will be joined by special guests to celebrate their rich and colorful career. Performing songs from their most recent critically-acclaimed studio album, FUTURE PAST, together with all the hits, this event will mark a new and exciting chapter for the band. Recently nominated for induction into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, Duran Duran enlisted some of the most exciting names in music on FUTURE PAST, delivering yet another genre-spanning piece of work that once again sets them apart from the pack. Featuring Swedish hitmaker, Tove Lo and British Queen of Drill, Ivorian Doll, as well as, to Blur’s Graham Coxon and Japanese all-girl punk band CHAI, songs from the new album fit seamlessly in the new live set with classics such as “Rio,” “Ordinary World,” and “Hungry Like the Wolf.” Tickets for the three Hollywood Bowl shows will go on-sale May 3 at 10 a.m. PST. DD VIP Fan Community pre-sales will be available from Tuesday, April 26 at 10 a.m. PST, until Monday, May 2, 2022, at 11:59 p.m. PST. Additional information will be available on the pre-sale page at www.duranduranmusic.com closer to the pre-sale date. For more information, visit www.hollywoodbowl.com More North American tour dates to be announced. Last week, Duran Duran released a digital deluxe version of their latest album FUTURE PAST, featuring three previously unreleased songs. Listen HERE. Read Robert Kinsler's October 2021 review of FUTURE PAST HERE.

‘FUTURE PAST’ (DELUXE) TRACKLIST  INVISIBLE ALL OF YOU GIVE IT ALL UP (Feat. Tove Lo) ANNIVERSARY FUTURE PAST VELVET NEWTON* BEAUTIFUL LIES TONIGHT UNITED WING NOTHING LESS LAUGHING BOY* HAMMERHEAD (Feat. Ivorian Doll) INVOCATION* MORE JOY! (Feat. CHAI) FALLING (Feat. Mike Garson)   *Bonus Tracks

OFFICIAL WEBSITE | INSTAGRAM | TWITTER | FACEBOOK | YOUTUBE

New music: Jeff Tweedy, Wild Rivers, Lights & Motion

In this week's column, I feature a trio of outstanding under-the-radar titles that have landed in early 2022.

Artist: Jeff Tweedy

Title: Chelsea Walls (Omnivore Recordings)

You might like if you enjoy: Jeff Tweedy, Jim O'Rourke, Wilco, Neil Young

Tell me more: Fans of Jeff Tweedy, Wilco and indie music will want to get the reissued and expanded soundtrack for director Ethan Hawke's 2001 film "Chelsea Walls" available now via audio CD, digital and 2-LP vinyl. The music blends edgy electronic moodscapes with a rootsy Americana vibe that challenges and rewards the listener across 14 tracks. Tweedy and Glenn Kotche improvise the eight instrumental selections, with contributions by the likes of Wilco ("Promising"), Billy Bragg & Wilco ("When the Roses Bloom Again"), jazz legend Jimmy Scott (a cover of John Lennon's "Jealous Guy") and Robert Sean Leonard ("Softly and Tenderly Jesus is Calling") adding depth to the soundtrack. A 16-page booklet features new photos, along with new and original liner notes from Hawke, a remembrance from Kotche, as well as an interview between Tweedy and Grammy-winning set producer Cheryl Pawelski. Information: OmnivoreRecordings.com.  

Artist: Wild Rivers

Title: Sidelines (Nettwerk Records)

You might like if you enjoy: Kathleen Edwards, Toad the Wet Sprocket, Fleetwood Mac

Tell me more: Beautiful and introspective, Wild Rivers' sophomore album Sidelines allows the Canadian trio to explore the coming-of-age truths that come in the years immediately after college. Khalid Yassein (guitars, keyboards, vocals), Devan Glover (vocals) and Andrew Oliver (lead guitar, synths) have teamed up with producer Peter Katis (The National, Interpol, Sharon van Etten) to create a disc that is as sonically lush as it is lyrically rich. Armed with a mix of rock, pop, indie, Americana and folk stylings, the trio's palette couldn't be stronger. The harmonies-drenched "More or Less," pop-mining "Bedrock," R&B ballad "Long Time" (showcasing Glover's winning soprano vocals), tuneful "Stubborn Heart," sparse "Untouchable," scintillating "Weatherman" and soaring "Safe Flight" are among the strong originals on Sidelines. Information: WildRiversMusic.com.

Artist: Lights & Motion

Title: The World I Remember (Deep Elm Records)

You might like if you enjoy: Sigur Rós, Autumn Leaf, Explosions In The Sky

Tell me more: The compositions across the new Lights & Motion album The World I Remember are truly expansive and cinematic, showcasing the artistry of Swedish-born composer/multi-instrumentalist Christoffer Franzer. "From Dust" starts out gently, the ethereal guitar textures eventually building as drums, piano, synthesizers and more instrumentation cascade toward a powerful finish. The aptly-titled "Touching Sky" is just as sonically vivid, but more nuanced in its triumphant finale. The dreamy title track is bolstered by some especially atmospheric guitar work. The lovely "Wilderness" is embellished by ethereal vocals that blend with the stirring musical current. "Year Zero" is a haunting track in both its quiet and explosive moments; the Neo-classical "Sleeping Giant" starts with evocative guitar textures before a massive musical wave sweeps the listener away. Information: lightsandmotion.com.

Robert Kinsler

Ringo Starr's Beatles era book "Lifted" hardcover released today on Juliensauctions.com

Fans of  Ringo Starr and The Beatles (who isn't, right?) will want to check out this exciting news from Julien's Auctions released today...Robert Kinsler 

Photo from "Lifted" courtesy of Apple Corps, Ltd. 

Ringo Starr's latest hardcover book "Lifted: Fab Images and Memories in My Life with the Beatles from Across the Universe" available exclusively on juliensauctions.com
Monday, Feb. 14, 2022 - Valentine's Day
 

For more Information on "Lifted," click HERE.  

Photo from "Lifted" courtesy of Apple Corps, Ltd. 

 

Julien’s Auctions has broken world records with the sale of Beatles memorabilia including John Lennon’s acoustic guitar which sold for a record $2.4 million, Ringo Starr’s Ludwig drum kit which sold for a record $2.2 million, The Ludwig Beatles Ed Sullivan Show drumhead which sold for a record price of $2.1 million, Paul McCartney’s handwritten lyrics to “Hey Jude,” used in studio for its recording at Trident Studios, London in July 1968 which sold for $910,000, and The Beatles White Album owned by Ringo Starr that sold for $790,000.

 

ABOUT JULIEN’S AUCTIONS

Julien’s Auctions is the world record-breaking auction house to the stars. Collaborating with the famous and the exclusive, Julien’s Auctions produces high-profile auctions in the film, music, sports and art markets. Julien’s Auctions has received international recognition for its unique and innovative auction events, which attract thousands of collectors, investors, fans and enthusiasts from around the world. Julien’s Auctions specializes in sales of iconic artifacts and notable collections including Marilyn Monroe, John Lennon, Ringo Starr, Lady Gaga, Banksy, Cher, Michael Jackson, U2, Barbra Streisand, Les Paul, Neil Young, Elvis Presley, Frank Sinatra, Jimi Hendrix and many more. In 2016, Julien’s Auctions received its second placement in the Guinness Book of World Records for the sale of the world’s most expensive dress ever sold at auction, The Marilyn Monroe “Happy Birthday Mr. President” dress which sold for $4.8 million. Julien’s Auctions achieved placement in the Guinness Book of World Records in 2009 for the sale of Michael Jackson’s white glove, which sold for $480,000 making it the most expensive glove ever sold at auction. In 2020, Julien’s Auctions received its third Guinness Book of World Record placement for the sale of Kurt Cobain’s “MTV Unplugged” 1959 Martin D-18E acoustic-electric guitar, which sold for $6 million making it the world’s most expensive guitar ever sold at auction. Based in Beverly Hills, Julien’s Auctions has a global presence bringing their auctions and exhibitions to targeted destinations worldwide including London, New York, Las Vegas, Japan and China. Live auctions are presented for bidders on-site and online via live streaming video and mobile technology. 

For more information on Julien’s Auctions, go to www.juliensauctions.com. Connect with Julien’s Auctions at www.facebook.com/JuliensAuctions or www.twitter.com/JuliensAuctions or www.instagram.com/juliens_auctions

Lee Rocker celebrates legacy with memorable set at The Coach House

Lee Rocker with his
iconic double bass.

Who: Lee Rocker, Buzz Campbell & The Heartaches, Moonshine

Where: The Coach House in San Juan Capistrano, CA

When: Friday, Feb. 11, 2022

Learn More: Lee Rocker's website HERE; Buzz Campbell's website HERE; Moonshine's website HERE.

Next: Lee Rocker will begin performing a string of shows in March 2022. Visit his official website HERE to see all of his forthcoming tour dates.

Singer-bassist Lee Rocker and his terrific band headlining at The Coach House in
San Juan Capistrano on Friday, Feb. 11, 2022. Performing with Rocker are 
keyboardist Matthew Jordan, drummer Larry Mitchell and guitarist Buzz Campbell.

 

Review by Robert Kinsler

Photography by Bob Steshetz

Lee Rocker at The Coach House.

Music lovers who came to the legendary Coach House in San Juan Capistrano, CA on Friday night (Feb. 11, 2022) were treated to an outstanding set from headliner Lee Rocker, as well as two strong openers (Buzz Campbell & The Heartaches, Moonshine).

Rocker achieved international fame as a founding member of The Stray Cats at the dawn of the 1980s, and has since continued to champion rockabilly and roots rock performing on stage or in the studio alongside a wide range of legendary artists including Ringo Starr, George Harrison, Keith Richards, Willie Nelson, John Fogerty and Carl Perkins.

Guitar great Buzz Campbell in 
action at The Coach House.

At The Coach House, Rocker was backed by his terrific trio featuring Buzz Campbell (guitar, banjo), Larry Mitchell (drums) and Matthew Jordan (keyboards) for an exhilarating 85-minute set. The troupe delivered a stellar showcase featuring plenty of Stray Cats favorites and energetic covers as well as highlights from Rocker's rich solo career and a gem from his stint from Phantom, Rocker & Slick (a project that featured Rocker, Stray Cats drummer Slim Jim Phantom and guitar virtuoso Earl Slick).

The quartet opened with an extended version of "Stray Cat Strut," reworked from the oft-heard Stray Cats hit into a stylish romp where Rocker, Jordan and Campbell were each able to display their masterful chops. The fiery "Runaway Boys" followed, fully rekindling the rockabilly revival that Rocker, Phantom and Brian Setzer championed more than four decades ago.

From left, Matthew Jordan, Justin Drucker, drummer Larry Mitchell, Lee Rocker
and guitarist Buzz Campbell in San Juan Capistrano, CA.

There was a joyful spirit throughout Rocker's 20-song set. After performing a spirited version of the title tracks from the Stray Cats' 1982 Built For Speed and his new album Gather Round, he brought his son Justin Drucker to the stage and turned back the clock to deliver more stripped down material including a buoyant medley of Elvis Presley's "That's All Right" and "Blue Moon of Kentucky," an animated take on Perkins' "Honey Don't" and tender reading of Steve Goodman's "City of New Orleans" – the latter bolstered by Jordan's accordion playing. He also performed an acoustic version of "The Last Offline Lovers," a song written for his wife Deborah Drucker (they celebrated their 33rd wedding anniversary on the day of the concert).

Rocker then picked up the tempo for the speedy number "When Nothing's Going Right" (a song from the Stray Cats' recent reunion disc 40) and retro-styled "Men Without Shame"; other late set highlights included the Louisiana-mining "Graceland Auctions" and '50s sounding ballad "I Won't Stand In Your Way." 

The night ended with four standouts. The blistering "Bulletproof" (the title track off his 2003 album), soaring "Rumble in Brighton," aptly-pegged "Rock This Town" and zestful closer "Rockabilly Boogie" made for the perfect parade of cuts to close out a wonderful night.

Buzz Campbell & The Heartaches performing at The Coach House.

The aforementioned Buzz Campbell opened the bill backed by his honky tonk outfit The Heartaches, performing 30 minutes of material recalling the celebrated likes of Dwight Yoakam, Buck Owens and Johnny Cash. A super talented guitarist, Campbell's vocals are also first rate. The outfit navigated a mix of solid originals and covers from a diverse field of artists including The Beach Boys and Faron Young.

Moonshine performing at The Coach House in San Juan Capistrano, CA on Feb. 11.

In addition to bassist Justin Drucker, Moonshine features the brother-and-sister team of singer Selena Marie and guitar master Dylan DelPizzo-Howell along with harmonica pro Travis Muniz and drummer Nick Crays. 

From left, Travis Muniz, Dylan DelPizzo-Howell
and Selena Marie of Moonshine.

The quintet's 40-minute set demonstrated an ensemble able to blend blues, rock, jazz and country styles into something that is uniquely their own. Highlights included a reworked version of Wanda Jackson's "Funnel of Love" and their own jazzy ballad "Darlin' You Blow My Mind." The breezy "The One Who Got Away" allowed DelPizzo-Howell to showcase his impressive and nuanced guitar work.

It Was Fifty Years Ago Today: A Tribute to The Beatles starring Todd Rundgren, Christopher Cross, Joey Molland, Denny Laine and Jason Scheff

Due to scheduling conflicts Jay DeMarcus will not be featured on this tour. Please find the correct line-up and tour poster via the artwork and media release below...Robert Kinsler

It Was Fifty Years Ago Today: A Tribute to The Beatles starring Todd Rundgren, Christopher Cross, Joey Molland, Denny Laine and Jason Scheff

It Was Fifty Years Ago Today: A Tribute to The Beatles starring Todd Rundgren, Christopher Cross, Badfinger featuring Joey Molland, Denny Laine (founding member of The Moody Blues and Wings), and Jason Scheff (Chicago’s lead singer from 1985-2016)! These legendary artists will be performing their hits plus selected songs from The Beatles’ albums Rubber Soul and Revolver. 

Hear classics like “I Saw the Light”, “Hello It’s Me”, “Sailing”, “Ride Like the Wind”, “No Matter What”, “Go Now”, and more alongside Beatles classics!  

Says producer Toby Ludwig, “Flower Power concerts has been doing Beatles tributes featuring some of the greatest voices and musicians available for over 20 years now, creating a unique experience that can be shared by all. The songbook of these albums should be our best one yet.”

“This time we thought: Wouldn’t it be great if we played the best songs The Beatles ever recorded for a change? ‘Rubber Soul’ and ‘Revolver’ are the boys peaking in front of our eyes and redefining what pop music would be for the foreseeable future. This is going to be fun.” – Todd Rundgren

“It’s always a pleasure playing these classic songs with great artists and friends. Please come join us.” - Christopher Cross

“The Moody Blues met the BEATLES in the early 60’s and were invited to join them on their second British tour. The thought of performing some of their classic songs with such a revered cast on this tour will bring back not only those moments in time but also fond memories as a member of WINGS. I trust that we will pay due credit to their timeless legacy by bringing back that music to everyone who joins us for this special ride.” - Denny Laine

Tour dates:

March 1, 2022 – Montclair, NJ – The Wellmont Theater
March 2, 2022 – Pittsburgh, PA – Carnegie of Homestead Music Hall
March 3, 2022 – Ridgefield, CT – Ridgefield Playhouse
March 5, 2022 – Atlantic City, NJ – Sound Waves (Hard Rock Hotel)
March 6, 2022 – Westbury, NY – NYCB Theater at Westbury
March 7, 2022 – Red Bank, NJ – Count Basie Center for the Arts
March 8, 2022 – Annapolis, MD – Maryland Hall for the Creative Arts
March 9, 2022 – Medford, MA – Chevalier Theater
March 10, 2022 – Derry, NH – Tupelo Music Hall
March 11, 2022 – Staten Island, NY – St. George Theater
March 12, 2022 – Jim Thorpe, PA – Penn's Peak
March 14, 2022 – Newport, KY – PromoWest Pavilion at OVATION
March 16, 2022 – Clearwater, FL – Ruth Eckerd Hall
March 17, 2022 – Tallahassee, FL – The Moon
March 19, 2022 – Lake Charles, LA – Golden Nugget
March 20, 2022 – Dallas, TX – Majestic Theater
March 23, 2022 – Ft. Lauderdale, FL – Broward Center for the Arts
March 25, 2022 – Bonita Springs, FL – SW Florida Event Center
March 27, 2022 – Kansas City, MO – Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts

More tour dates to be announced.