New music: Deep Purple, Sparkle*Jets U.K., The Fabulous Thunderbirds

A trio of top-tier music makers are back with wonderful new albums.

Artist: Deep Purple

Title: =1 (earMUSIC)

You might like if you enjoy: Deep Purple, Rainbow

Tell me more: Deep Purple's newly-released album =1 is at once a celebration of the British hard rocker's groundbreaking career and a band focused on the future. Indeed, the current lineup of singer Ian Gillan, bassist Roger Glover, drummer Ian Paice, keyboardist Don Airey and new guitarist Simon McBride collectively deliver potent performances across the 13-track Bob Ezrin-produced masterwork. Early standouts on the album include the taunt opener "Show Me," fiery "A Bit On The Side" and driving "Portable Door" (the latter featuring some dazzling lead guitar and organ work courtesy of McBride and Airey respectively). The bluesy "If I Were You" (showcasing Giillan's signature vocals), bewitching "Pictures of You," the sweeping rocker "Lazy Sod," lovely "I'll Catch You" and prog rock closer "Bleeding Obvious" entice on the last part of the album. The bonus DVD features the documentary "Access All Areas" allowing viewers to catch the Rock and Roll Hall of Famers backstage on tour and providing an exclusive look behind the scenes at the band. =1 is available now in a number of formats including a CD+DVD digipak (the version reviewed in this column), several limited edition 2LP vinyl versions, and a limited edition box set that includes CD+DVD, digital, 2LP black Gatefold, a collector's T-shirt, guitar picks and more! Information: ear-music.net.

Artist: Sparkle*Jets U.K.

Title: Box of Letters (Big Stir Records)

You might like if you enjoy: Brian Wilson, The Zombies, Pugwash, Fountains of Wayne

Tell me more: Sparkle*Jets U.K.'s Box of Letters is a euphoric listen, a disc that features Susan West (vocals, guitar), Michael Simmons (vocals, guitar, percussion) and Jamie Knight (bass) making a triumphant return on their first album of mostly original material in more than 20 years. After opening with an inspired cover of the Zombies' "This Will Be Our Year," Sparkle*Jets U.K. proceed to explore the far-flung corners of their sonic universe with a diverse mix of infectious songs ranging from the melodic rocker "Good Bye X 3" and aptly-titled Beach Boys-minded "I Can't Wait for Summer" to the harmonious alt rocker "Love Burn," dreamy "Little Circles," rollicking "Box of Letters" and jaunty closer "Hey Grandma." And just listen to the genre mash-up "Princess Needy," with its magical mix of chamber pop and disco stylings. The fact that West's punchy song craft and vocal approach works so well with Simmons' melodic and artful approach as as singer-songwriter brings an added dimension across Box of Letters. Simmons' rich and detailed production is the other key part of the bona fide success of the outstanding Box of Letters. Information: BigStirRecords.com. 

Artist: The Fabulous Thunderbirds

Title: Struck Down (Stony Plain Records)

You might like if you enjoy: The Fabulous Thunderbirds, Kim Wilson, Billy Gibbons

Tell me more: What do Bonnie Raitt, Elvin Bishop, Taj Mahal, Keb' Mo', Mick Fleetwood and ZZ Top's Billy Gibbons have in common? All appear on the Fabulous Thunderbirds' eagerly-awaited return Struck Down. With singer-songwriter/master harmonica master Kim Wilson at the helm, the band delivers 10 terrific tracks sure to please blues aficionados. Leading off with the aptly-titled mid tempo "Struck Down By The Blues" (featuring Canadian blues guitar player Steve Strongman) the album showcases a wonderful mix of material. The buoyant Cajun-mining "Don't Make No Sense" finds Wilson singing and playing his blues harp with zeal amidst a sonic backdrop highlighted by Terrance Simien's accordion work. The Texas-flavored blues rocker "Payback Time" is bolstered by Gibbons' signature guitar and vocals. Other standouts on Struck Down include the acoustic blues gem "Nothing In Rambling" (featuring Keb' Mo', Raitt, Mahal and Fleetwood), the driving and instantly infectious "Won't Give Up," fiery "Whatcha Do To Me" (the latter featuring Bishop on guitar) and spirited "That's Cold." Wilson turns in a particularly heartfelt vocal performance on the disc-ending ballad "Sideline." In addition to Wilson, the Fabulous Thunderbirds' lineup includes Bob Welsh (keyboards, guitar), Rudy Albin Petschauer (drums, percussion), Steven Kirsty (bass, saxophone) and Johnny Moeller (guitar). Information: fabulousthunderbirds.com. 

Robert Kinsler

'Rainbow Live in Munich 1977' 2CD + DVD set for release on Sept. 19, 2024

How exciting! A full-length performance featuring Rainbow at the height of their powers in 1977 is set for release later this summer! Check out the cover artwork and learn more below... Robert Kinsler

MERCURY STUDIOS PRESENTS RAINBOW LIVE IN MUNICH 1977 SPECIAL EDITION 2CD+DVD set

~FEATURING CLASSIC LINE-UP OF BLACKMORE, DIO, AND POWELL~ ~SEPTEMBER 19, 2024~ Pre-order HERE

New York, NY (July 24, 2024) -- On September 19, Mercury Studios will release Rainbow: Live In Munich 1977 as a Special Edition 2CD+DVD package. This show has been previously released as individual DVD and 2CD packages in the past, and this is the first time they have been packaged together. Captured during the band’s 1977 European tour, Live In Munich is the only full live concert ever filmed with the classic Ritchie Blackmore/Ronnie James Dio/Cozy Powell classic line-up. Rainbow was the brainchild of legendary guitarist Ritchie Blackmore, created in 1975 after his departure from Deep Purple. A string of hit albums ignited immediate success, which persevered until 1983, when Blackmore disbanded the group (and re- joined Deep Purple). Featuring the line-up of Blackmore, Cozy Powell (drums), Bob Daisley (bass), David Stone (keyboards), and premiere Rock and Roll vocalist Ronnie James Dio, the excitement in the air during this night was electric. This might be due, in part, to Blackmore’s late arrival to Munich just before the concert, after being smuggled out of Austria after trouble with the police at a gig two nights earlier. This seemed to inspire both the band and the audience to create a truly remarkable gig. The DVD includes original promo videos for “Long Live Rock ‘N’ Roll,” “Gates Of Babylon,” and “L.A. Connection,” a photo gallery, slideshow with audio commentary, interviews, and the “Rainbow Over Texas ‘76” feature, which includes additional interviews and performance footage. Truly, Live In Munich 1977 is a brilliant showcase of the primal electricity of Rainbow.

DVD TRACK LISTING: 1. Introduction 2. Kill The King 3. Mistreated 4. Sixteenth Century Greensleeves 5. Catch The Rainbow 6. Long Live Rock ‘n’ Roll 7. Man On The Silver Mountain 8. Still I’m Sad 9. Do You Close Your Eyes CD: Disc One: 1. Introduction 2. Kill The King 3. Mistreated 4. Sixteenth Century Greensleeves 5. Catch The Rainbow 6. Long Live Rock ‘n’ Roll Disc Two: 1. Man On The Silver Mountain 2. Still I’m Sad 3. Do You Close Your Eyes

ABOUT MERCURY STUDIOS Mercury Studios is a full-service production studio, focused on telling compelling stories through the lens of music. Current and recent projects include Oscar and BAFTA award nominated American Symphony, directed by Matthew Heineman for the Obamas’ Higher Ground Productions/Netflix, If These Walls Could Sing, directed by Mary McCartney for Disney+, My Life as a Rolling Stone for the BBC and MGM+, Shania Twain: Not Just A Girl for Netflix, This Town, a six-part series for the BBC from writer, creator, and executive producer Steven Knight, Linda Perry: Let it Die Here, which premiered at Tribeca Film Festival and the recently announced One to One: John & Yoko from Oscar and BAFTA award winning director, Kevin Macdonald. Mercury Studios also produced Sam Smith: Live at the Royal Albert Hall for BBC, Billie Eilish’s Overheated at the O2 London and Lang Lang Plays Disney for Disney+. Editorially independent, Mercury Studios is powered by Universal Music Group and represents the world’s leading catalog of music-related content, consisting of thousands of hours of premium music-driven film and television programming.

Mick Fleetwood & Jake Shimabukuro to release 'Blues Experience'

Here is news on a just-announced collaboration between famed Fleetwood Mac co-founder/drummer Mick Fleetwood and groundbreaking ukulele player Jake Shimabukuro. Listen to the wonderful advance track, "Rollin' N Tumblin'," available now...Robert Kinsler

JAKE SHIMABUKURO AND MICK FLEETWOOD 

SET TO RELEASE ‘BLUES EXPERIENCE’

OCT 18TH VIA FORTY BELOW RECORDS

 

DEBUT SINGLE “ROLLIN’ N TUMBLIN’” OUT NOW

PREMIERE IN RELIX MAGAZINE


LISTEN | WATCH | PRE-ORDER

LOS ANGELES, CA  – Renowned ʻukulele virtuoso Jake Shimabukuro has teamed up with drumming legend and Fleetwood Mac co-founder Mick Fleetwood to announce the release of their forthcoming album, Blues Experience, due October 18th via Forty Below Records. Pre-order the album here. Relix Magazine has premiered the first single, “Rollin’ N Tumblin’,” from this eagerly anticipated collaboration. Check out the premiere here. This groundbreaking project sees Shimabukuro and Fleetwood breathe new life into classic blues tunes, resulting in an exhilarating and unique reinterpretation of some of the genre's greatest hits. The album also features a new song written by Jake, “Kula Blues,” which is about the area of Maui where Mick lives. "I've always wanted to do a Blues album, and when Mick and I started talking about working together, I thought who better to work with than Mick Fleetwood?" says Shimabukuro. The result is a dynamic fusion of their distinct musical styles, blending Shimabukuro's innovative ʻukulele mastery with Fleetwood's powerful and inspiring drumming. The roots of this remarkable collaboration date back to the late 1990s when a young Shimabukuro met Fleetwood at the Na Hoku Hanohano Awards (Hawaiian Music Awards) ceremony, performing alongside singer-songwriter Kenny Loggins. Their paths crossed again a few years later, at a Fleetwood Mac reunion concert in Nashville, where a mutual friend reintroduced them. That night, the seeds of their new project were sown, leading to recording sessions in Maui. Joining Shimabukuro and Fleetwood on the album are bassist Jackson Waldhoff and keyboard player Michael Grande. Special guest Mark Johnstone from The Mick Fleetwood Blues Band also lends his keyboard prowess to "Need Your Love So Bad" and "Rockin' In The Free World." Over two intense three-day sessions, the band recorded nine tracks live in the studio, with Sonny Landreth contributing slide guitar to the Jeff Beck/Stevie Wonder classic "Cause We've Ended As Lovers."

Photo by Sienna Morales

The album's debut single, "Rollin' N Tumblin'," showcases the duo's innovative approach. The track opens with Shimabukuro's swirling, delay-drenched psychedelic ʻukulele, set against Fleetwood's tribal drumming pattern, epitomizing why Shimabukuro is often hailed as the "Jimi Hendrix of the ʻukulele." The song then transitions seamlessly into a more traditional blues theme, with the Hammond Organ complementing Shimabukuro's experimental and otherworldly playing, which ascends into a fusion of psychedelic jazz-rock. "Mick's energy when he plays is so infectious. He's such an intense musician. He pushes everyone around him, and it's inspiring to see his facial expressions and watch his movement and the way he hits the drums," Shimabukuro shares enthusiastically. Mick effused, "Jake and I had a full let-it-all-go moment on this one!! Jake let his hair down. A Blues standard being given a wake-up call!" Blues Experience promises to be a landmark release. It combines the formidable talents of Jake Shimabukuro and Mick Fleetwood with fresh, innovative interpretations of blues classics. Fans can expect a bold and forward-looking album deeply rooted in tradition.

Photo by Daniel Sullivan

ABOUT JAKE SHIMABUKURO Over the past two decades, Jake Shimabukuro has proved that there isn’t a style of music that he can’t play. While versatility for any musician is impressive, Jake showcases his transcendent skills as he explores his seemingly limitless vocabulary through a variety of genres – on perhaps the unlikeliest of instruments: the ʻukulele. Called "one of the hottest axemen of the past few years [who] doesn't actually play guitar" said Rolling Stone, Jake Shimabukuro has become one of the most exceptional and innovative ʻukulele players in the history of the instrument—an artist who has drawn comparisons to musical titans such as Jimi Hendrix and Miles Davis. ABOUT MICK FLEETWOOD As drummer and co-founder of one of the best-selling bands of all time, FLEETWOOD MAC, Mick Fleetwood has sold over 100 million records worldwide and established his place in rock ‘n roll music history. Having created a distinctive sound that endures today, the GRAMMY-award winning artist was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1998. With countless chart-topping albums and singles, the band’s 1977 album Rumours remains one of the best-selling albums of all time. Fleetwood completed the An Evening With Fleetwood Mac Tour in 2019 and, in 2015, the On With The Show world tour, where he toured as a five-piece for the first time since 1998, featuring the five band members from the classic and most successful lineup back together, with Christine McVie rejoining band mates Fleetwood, John McVie, Lindsey Buckingham and Stevie Nicks. The tour sold out arenas across the globe and showcased the classic hit songs from the band’s career that spans more than four decades. ABOUT FORTY BELOW RECORDS Forty Below Records is an independent record company based in Los Angeles. It was founded in 2013 by 2-time Grammy® nominated Producer and Songwriter Eric Corne. The label has established itself as a home for legacy artists to flourish and an incubator for new talent to develop. Its eclectic roster includes John Mayall, Joe Louis Walker, Sugaray Rayford, Jaime Wyatt, Freedy Johnston, Danielle Nicole, The Bacon Brothers, Philip Sayce, Charlie Musselwhite, JD Simo & Luther Dickinson, Jake Shimabukuro & Mick Fleetwood, Sam Morrow and Dom Martin.

"Rollin' and Tumblin'"

TRACK LISTING  1 Cause We’ve Ended As Lovers  2 Rollin’ N Tumblin’  3 Need Your Love So Bad  4 Kula Blues  5 Whiter Shade of Pale  6 I Wanna Get Funky  7 Still Got The Blues  8 Rockin’ In The Free World  9 Songbird 10 Songbird (Mick spoken word) FOR MORE INFORMATION www.jakeshimabukuro.com

Larkin Poe release blazing new song & video ahead of Summer Tour

Make sure to check out the hard rocking blues track from Larkin Poe...Robert Kinsler

LARKIN POE COME DOWN WITH A CASE OF “BLUEPHORIA” GRAMMY® AWARD-WINNING SISTER DUO KICK OFF NON-STOP SUMMER WITH TRIUMPHANT NEW SINGLE – LISTEN OFFICIAL MUSIC VIDEO FILMED IN THE BLUE ROOM  AT NASHVILLE, TN’S THIRD MAN RECORDS – WATCH  EPIC INTERNATIONAL LIVE SCHEDULE INCLUDES TOP-BILLED FESTIVAL APPEARANCES, US RUNS WITH SLASH’S S.E.R.P.E.N.T FESTIVAL AND KALEO’S PAYBACK TOUR 2024, AND MUCH MORE “AMERICAN GIRLS WITH LARKIN POE” AIRING WEEKLY ON SIRIUSXM’S TOM PETTY RADIO

Larkin Poe – the GRAMMY® Award-winning duo of Georgia-bred, Nashville-based multi-instrumentalist sisters Rebecca and Megan Lovell – continue what is proving a milestone year with the jubilant new single, “Bluephoria,” available now via their own Tricki-Woo Records. An official music video – filmed in The Blue Room at Nashville, TN’s Third Man Records – is available on YouTube. LISTEN TO “BLUEPHORIA” WATCH “BLUEPHORIA” OFFICIAL MUSIC VIDEO “Once upon a time: we caught a case of the blues so deep and all-encompassing that it launched us on a euphoric exploration,” says Larkin Poe. “‘Bluephoria’ is a rock ’n’ roll rumination on the duality of the human experience; deep down in the quietest place where the bitter and the sweet twine together, and suffering/joy are galvanized into meaning. Take special note of the second verse which was inspired by the words of legendary Memphis bluesman Furry Lewis, who is quoted as having said: ‘Now I know I ain’t a star, but I sure might be a moon.’” 2024 got off to a triumphant start for Larkin Poe, beginning with their first career GRAMMY® Award, winning “Best Contemporary Blues Album” for 2022’s critically acclaimed sixth studio album, Blood Harmony. Additional accolades followed, including a prestigious Americana Music Honors & Awards nomination for “Duo/Group of the Year.”

Photo Credit: Robby Klein

Long praised as one of hardest touring acts on the road today, Larkin Poe will celebrate their landmark year with a truly epic live schedule that includes top-billed festival appearances around the world, US runs with Slash’s all-star S.E.R.P.E.N.T Festival and KALEO’s Payback Tour 2024, and more. Highlights include unforgettable double bills with Lenny Kravitz at Montreux, Switzerland’s famed Montreux Jazz Festival (July 16), Rival Sons at Bonn, Germany’s Kunst!Rasen Bonn (July 17) and Chris Isaak at Saint-Julien-en-Genevois, France’s Guitare En Scene (July 19), plus eagerly awaited performances at Maidstone, UK’s Maid of Stone Festival (July 21), Cambridge, UK’s Cambridge Folk Festival (July 27), Park City, UT’s Park City Song Summit (August 16), Asbury Park, NJ’s Sea.Hear.Now Festival (September 15), Louisville, KY’s Bourbon & Beyond (September 22), Ocean City, MD’s Oceans Calling (September 27), and Melissa Etheridge’s Moon Crush “The Sea & ME” in Miramar Beach, FL (May 7, 2025). Additional dates will be announced. For complete details, please visit www.larkinpoe.com/tour. In addition, Larkin Poe recently kicked off their new “American Girls with Larkin Poe” series on SiriusXM’s Tom Petty Radio (Channel 31), airing weekly with the best of roots rock ‘n’ roll, R&B, blues, and more, plus an exclusive Tom Petty cover in every episode. For schedule details, please see www.siriusxm.com/channels/tom-petty-radio.  Hailed by American Songwriter as “a roaring, impassioned set that leaves no doubt about who the queens of contemporary Southern blues rock are, and will likely stay, for the foreseeable future,” Blood Harmony affirmed Larkin Poe as an essential force in shaping the identity of Southern rock ‘n’ roll, breathing new energy into the genre with both forward-thinking perspective and a decidedly feminine strength. In addition to their second career GRAMMY® nomination for “Best Contemporary Blues Album” and first-ever win, the album earned Larkin Poe enthusiastic applause from such outlets as Forbes, which declared it to be “11 songs and 42 minutes of pounding driving guitar and slide guitar virtuosity…There is one problem with listening to an album of Larkin Poe – you just want to listen to more and more Larkin Poe songs.” “Blood Harmony showcases Larkin Poe’s command of the blues,” affirmed No Depression, “and their ability to write and deliver songs that reveal the shadows and light through which we pass in our everyday world. Even in the midst of the blues there still resides hope and joy, and Larkin Poe leads us through to that other side.” LARKIN POE - TOUR 2024 JULY 12 – Oeiras, Portugal – NOS Alive * 14 – Murcia, Spain – Las Noches Del Malecón Murcia * 16 – Montreux, Switzerland – Montreux Jazz Festival † 17 – Bonn, Germany – Kunst!Rasen Bonn + 19 – Saint-Julien-en-Genevois, France – Guitare En Scene # 20 – Winterbach, Germany – Magic Blues Night * 21 – Maidstone, UK – Maid of Stone Festival * 24 – San Sebastián, Spain – Jazzaldia * 27 – Cambridge, UK – Cambridge Folk Festival * AUGUST 7 – Cary, NC – Koka Booth Amphitheatre § 8 – Atlanta, GA – Cadence Bank Amphitheatre at Chastain Park § 10 – Clearwater, FL – The Sound–Coachman Park § 11 – St. Augustine, FL – Saint Augustine Amphitheatre § 13 – Huntsville, AL – The Orion Amphitheater § 14 – Franklin, TN – FirstBank Amphitheatre § 16 – Park City, UT – Park City Song Summit * SEPTEMBER 1 – Charlestown, RI – Rhythm & Roots Festival * 1 – Fairlee, VT – Lake Morey Concert Series @ Lake Morey Resort 15 – Asbury Park, NJ – Sea.Hear.Now Festival * 22 – Louisville, KY – Bourbon & Beyond * 27 – Ocean City, MD – Oceans Calling * 28 – Austin, TX – Moody Amphitheater ^ 30 – Houston, TX – Bayou Music Center ^ OCTOBER 3 – Chicago, IL – The Chicago Theatre ^ 4 – St. Louis, MO – The Factory ^ 6 – Kansas City, MO – The Midland Theatre ^ MAY 2025 7 – Miramar Beach, FL – Moon Crush “The Sea & ME” * * Festival Appearance † w/ Lenny Kravitz + w/ Rival Sons # w/ Chris Isaak § w/ Slash’s S.E.R.P.E.N.T. Festival ^ w KALEO – Payback Tour 2024 CONNECT WITH LARKIN POE OFFICIAL | FACEBOOK | INSTAGRAM | TWITTER | YOUTUBE