New music: Yes, The Jack Rubies, Mud Morganfield,

In this column I review several essential titles set for release on Jan. 23, 2026, as well as a fantastic under-the-radar blues title issued last year.

Artist: Yes
Title: Symphonic Live (Mercury)
You might like if you enjoy: Yes, Asia
Tell me more: Captured in 2001 following the release of their Magnification album, Yes' Symphonic Live concert recording is set to be released in two formats: Blu-ray+2CD (reviewed here) and via a 4LP package (the latter is presented via a 180g Half Speed Mastered 4LP package). The high-definition concert film and related audio recording captured vocalist Jon Anderson, bassist Chris Squire, lead guitarist Steve Howe and drummer Alan White performing a dazzling 14-track set with the European Festival Orchestra under the direction of Wilhelm Keitel along with American keyboardist Tom Brislin. The legendary virtuoso talents of Yes are a perfect fit with the backing of a full symphony orchestra as evidenced across the performance. The title features a mix of material off the Magnification album (which was recorded with an orchestra and marked Anderson's final studio album with Yes) as well as many of the pioneering English progressive rock band's best known originals. The sumptuous "Close To The Edge," majestic "Long Distance Runaround," Howe's impressive extended guitar solo and harmonies-bolstered "Don't Go" are among the many highlights on Symphonic Live. The concert roars to an incredible finish with a trio of the band's most beloved hits; the anthemic "I've Seen All Good People," crowd-pleasing rocker "Owner Of A Lonely Heart" and glorious "Roundabout."

The special edition reissue of Symphonic Live is packaged in a CD-sized clamshell box including the Blu-ray and two audio CDs, each housed in their own slipcase along with a booklet, folds out poster and five art cards. Additionally, the Blu-ray includes the promotional video for "Don't Go" and a 30-minute documentary ("Dreamtime"). While 25 years have passed since the Symphonic Live recording was captured, the power and precision of this performance is as powerful as ever.. Information: YesWorld.com and MercuryStudios.co.

Artist: The Jack Rubies
Title: Visions In The Bowling Alley (Big Stir Records)
You might like if you enjoy: Big Audio Dynamite, New Order
Tell me more: The Jack Rubies' forthcoming album Visions In The Bowling Alley (set for release on Jan. 23 courtesy of Big Stir Records) marks another high mark for the celebrated UK postpunk quintet. The band returned from hiatus with the release of 2024's comeback album Clocks Are Out Of Time and continues to showcase its roaring blend of post-punk, '80s alt rock and power pop across the 12-track Visions In The Bowling Alley. The goth-tinged "Greedy," introspective "My Perceptron," genre-defying "Dead Man," haunting "Flying Machine," intoxicating '80s-minded rocker "This Is Not A Joke" and instantly infectious "Boat Rocker" are among the stellar cuts on the terrific album. Information: BigStirRecords.com.

Artist: Mud Morganfield
Title: Deep Mud (Nola Blue Records)
You might like if you enjoy: Muddy Waters, Howlin' Wolf, Willie Dixon
Tell me more: The son of legendary blues great Muddy Waters, singer-songwriter/bassist Mud Morganfield is a strong proponent of traditional blues. On his 2025 major label debut album, Deep Mud, Morganfield conjures up Chicago blues across a stellar 14-track disc.  Standouts on the album (recorded at JoyRide Studio in Chicago) include the infectious opener "Bring Me My Whiskey," blues-harp adorned "Big Frame Woman" (featuring the harmonica blasts of Studebaker John), the slow Chess Records-era Waters track "Strange Woman" (the latter a terrific showcase for Morganfield's rich baritone vocals and Rick Kreher's stylish guitar work), uptempo R&B gem "She's Getting Her Groove On," fiery aptly-pegged blues sortie "Strike Like Lightning," dance-minded "Carolina" and emotional closer "A Dream Walking." Information: nolabluerecords.com.

Robert Kinsler

Jimmie Vaughan's 'The Pleasure's All Mine: The Complete Blues, Ballads and Favorites Collection' out Oct. 30 from Last Music Co.

Jimmie Vaughan performing
at the Coach House in
September 2019.
Photo: Bob Steshetz

Big news for fans of bluesman Jimmie Vaughan and for vinyl. The Texas artist's The Pleasure's All Mine: The Complete Blues, Ballads and Favorites Collection is coming next month! I was fortunate to catch Vaughan at the legendary Coach House in San Juan Capistrano in 2010 as part of his Jimmie Vaughan Plays Blues, Ballads and Favorites tour in and you can see that review that originally ran in The Orange County Register newspaper here. Also, if you didn't catch my review of Vaughan's 2019 release "Please Come Here," you can catch that here.

Here is the media release that landed in my inbox this morning:

Jimmie Vaughan's State of the Blues

AUSTIN, Texas — A decade ago Jimmie Vaughan released his definitive album Blues, Ballads and Favorites. It was a stunning collection of 15 of his favorite songs, from Billy Emerson’s “The Pleasure’s All Mine” to Willie Nelson’s “Funny How Time Slips Away,” and featured guest vocals from band members Lou Ann Barton and Bill Willis. Vaughan followed the album up in 2011 with More Blues, Ballads and Favorites, digging deep into the music that had helped shape his life in the blues.

 

Photo: Matthew Sturtevant

On October 30, 2020, the Last Music Co. will release a special 3-vinyl LP set of these two albums titled The Pleasure’s All Mine, spotlighting the music of one of the true pioneers in showcasing the roots of American music. It will also be available on a 2-disc CD collection.

“When I talk about country and blues, they’re the same thing,” Vaughan says. “Muddy Waters and Hank Williams, Webb Pierce and Jimmy Reed. When I was a kid, I didn’t understand the difference. Everybody was always asking me, ‘Why do you want to play blues? Why don’t you play country?’ But I would listen to the country guys and they would be doing a Jimmy Reed song. They’re playing the same lick. And Ray Charles, Little Milton, Guitar Junior, Lonnie Brooks, B.B. King — they all did country songs. Is Bob Wills country blues or jazz? And the answer is, it’s American music. I’m tired of trying to pigeonhole everything. I want to bring it together; it comes from the same place.”

 

When Jimmie Vaughan was a young teenager in Oak Cliff, Texas, his father told him to take guitar lessons if he wanted to really learn the instrument. But when Vaughan’s teacher told the guitar student it wasn’t going to work because the student “was too far gone” to learn from the lesson books, Jimmie knew he was on his own. Which was perfect for him, because the blues would be his teacher for life. For those who find themselves living inside this true American music, it becomes a way of life, something that provides a musical force to follow forever.

 

Vaughan became possessed by his instrument, and the blues songs played on the Black radio station in Dallas. It has been that way ever since: more than a half-century of playing the blues the guitarist hears in his head and feels in his heart. When something this strong takes over, there is no way out. Rather, it becomes a pursuit that goes deeper and deep inside.

 

When Jimmie Vaughan first heard songs like Phil Upchurch’s “You Can’t Sit Down,” The Nightcaps’ “Wine, Wine, Wine,” and B.B. King’s many hit songs in the early 1960s, he knew he had found his music. And ever since then, it’s been a constant quest to play blues, whether it was in early 1970s Austin bands like Storm and then the Fabulous Thunderbirds, or later with brother Stevie Ray Vaughan on their Family Style album, and on his own releases throughout the 1990s and in 2001.

 

Then the solo albums stopped, until in 2010 Jimmie Vaughan had an idea to start recording the Great American Blues Songbook and found a home with Proper Music in the U.K. to release the music. He assembled the kind of band most musicians can only dream about, and began recording his dream set list at the Top Hat and Wire Studios in Austin. Never one to back down from a great idea, in 2011 Vaughan and band went back into the same Top Hat Studio and recorded a second collection of some of his favorite songs, zeroing in on the music’s ability to light a fuse wherever it was heard.

 

To help celebrate the 10-year anniversary of the first album’s release, and setting the stage for Vaughan’s 70th birthday in March 2021, the Last Music Co.’s Malcolm Mills wanted to mark the special occasion with these undeniable collections. Also included for release on the same date is the vinyl reissue of 2016’s Jimmie Vaughan Trio featuring Mike Flanigin, and the Live at C-Boy’s release, which featured songs recorded at the venerable Austin nightspot that Vaughan and crew call home when they are in town.

 

In true Texas fashion, Jimmie Vaughan has helped give new life to the music that has been his lifeline all these decades, becoming a hero to those who know the life-giving strengths of America’s real gift to musical history. Even better, Vaughan still feels like he’s just getting started, devoted to making sure he is able to give back to the music that has given him so much. The blues is in his blood, and has been there since the start. And will stay there forever.

Buddy Guy brings joyful blues celebration to the Coach House

From left, Quinn Sullivan, drummer Tom Hambridge and Buddy Guy. Photo: Bob Steshetz

Buddy Guy at The Coach House.

Less than three months after headlining nearby Doheny Blues Festival in Dana Point, blues great Buddy Guy was back in Orange County, CA on Thursday night, Aug. 9, 2018 playing before a packed but decidedly more intimate audience at The Coach House in San Juan Capistrano.

For 90 wonderful minutes the Louisiana native — who celebrated his 82nd birthday on July 30 — delivered on the promise that is the defiant title of his latest album, the newly-issued The Blues is Alive and Well (Read my review of that album RCA Records release here). And since the passing of Guy's friend, B.B. King in May 2015, Guy has been widely acknowledged as the genre's most significant living champion.

Guy strolled on stage just after 9:15 p.m, his lead guitar unleashed as he played a long and fiery solo to kick off the rocking title of his 1991 album "Damn Right I Got the Blues." Backed by his strong four-man band (including drummer Tom Hambridge, who produced Guy's latest LP). The seven-minute reading of the song was bolstered by the energy and enthusiasm of the crowd, cheering on Guy with every note he sang and articulated via his electric guitar.

Guy, who had a profound influence on everyone from Jimi Hendrix and Jeff Beck to Stevie Ray Vaughan, continues to perform with the same fire he exhibited at the beginning of his career. His joyful and playful spirit came through everywhere, whether using body language or bantering with individual members of the crowd. He seemingly fed off the audience's spirit, using sing-alongs to further bridge the divide between band and concertgoers.

After playing a rousing cover of "I'm Your Hoochie Coochie Man" (a hit for Muddy Waters written by Willie Dixon), Guy mused that he has a new record but it can't be heard on commercial radio. "I do make albums," he said sarcastically. 

Indeed, the proof was in several masterful cuts from The Blues is Alive and Well he played. The crowd-pleasing "Cognac" (which features Keith Richards and Jeff Beck on the studio version) with some of his most forceful lead guitar work of the night was followed by a cover of his late friend Sonny Boy Williamson's "Nine Below Zero." The latter in particular was a beautiful Chicago blues jaunt, with Guy at times using his guitar to tenderly enhance his vocals with subtle fills while other times ratcheting up the dynamics to an explosive level.

Buddy Guy bringing the blues directly to fans at The Coach House
on Thursday, Aug. 9, 2018. Photo: Bob Steshetz

There were plenty of other highlights to come including using a drum stick to tap on the neck of his guitar, and utterly thrilled the house when he took an extended walk through the crowd   during "Someone Else Is Step-in' In (Slippin' Out, Slippin' In)." As if the goodwill he generated during that journey wasn't enough, the call-and-response with the crowd ("While you were slippin' out" he sang, with crowd lustily singing back "Someone else was slippin' in!") was a fun way to cap the track.

Singer-guitarist Quinn Sullivan.
Photo: Bob Steshetz

He was then joined on stage by Quinn Sullivan, a well-known fixture on Guy's tours. Only 19, Sullivan has been playing professionally since 2006 (when he was a mere age of 7!). Having first played on stage with Guy during a performance at the Zeiterion Theater in New Bedford, Massachusetts in 2007, Sullivan is now the primary opening act at Guy's performances. 

On Thursday night, Sullivan performed a 50-minute set to open the night (he was also backed by Guy's touring four-man group), and then joined Guy for the closing of the main set. 

This part of the night was fun to be sure, including a ferocious and freewheeling take on Cream's "Strange Brew," which served as a great bookend to a terrific take on Eric Clapton's "Let It Rain" performed during Sullivan's opening set.

Buddy Guy has a number of upcoming concert dates scheduled, including a concert tonight (Aug. 10) at The Canyon in Agoura Hills, CA; at The Rose in Pasadena, CA on Aug. 11, and at Humphreys Concerts by the Bay in San Diego, CA on Aug. 14.

Visit Buddy Guy's official website here for more details.

Review by Robert Kinsler


Photos by Bob Steshetz

Media Release: 'Eric Clapton: Life In 12 Bars' documentary & official soundtrack coming soon!

ERIC CLAPTON

LIFE IN 12 BARS

DOCUMENTARY OST

ON DVD & BLU-RAY plus 2CD & 4LP soundtrack to be released June 8, 2018

“The guitarist's wounded soul laid bare…” – The Telegraph

“Absorbing tribute to the blues legend…” – The Guardian

June 8th sees the release of the complementary OST (Official Soundtrack) to the new Eric Clapton documentary, Life In 12 Bars. From Showtime Documentary Films and directed by Oscar-winner, Lili Fini Zanuck, the film takes an unflinching and deeply personal look into the life of the legendary 18-time Grammy Award winning guitarist and multi-million selling recording artist.

Eric Clapton: Life In 12 Bars is currently available on SHOWTIME via streaming and on demand.

• Official trailer https://youtu.be/nrAvDFmE9i4 

The OST, available as a 2-CD and 4-LP set plus digital formats, comprises 32 tracks spanning Clapton’s long and illustrious career. (The LP version will be released at the later date of July 20th). It includes tracks by The Yardbirds, John Mayall’s Bluesbreakers, Cream, Blind Faith, Derek and the Dominos, The Beatles, Aretha Franklin, Muddy Waters and Clapton’s solo work.

Of the 32 featured there are five previously unreleased tracks:

From the Cream era there is a version of Spoonful, an incredible 17-minute tour-de-force, recorded live at the LA Forum in October 1968 during the group’s final US,

Goodbye tour. There are two from Derek and The Dominos – firstly a recording of High, originally recorded during the 1971 sessions at Olympic Studios for their unreleased 2nd album. This track was later revisited and re-recorded for Eric Clapton’s 1975 album, There’s One In Every Crowd. Secondly, the track Little Wing, a tribute to Jimi Hendrix, recorded live during the Domino’s late set at The Fillmore East on October 24th, 1970.

Finally, there are two previously unreleased Eric Clapton tracks from 1974; the first ever release of the entire full-length recording of the international hit version of Bob Marley’s I Shot The Sheriff, recorded during the sessions for 461 Ocean Boulevard and a live performance of Little Queenie, the Chuck Berry rock ‘n’ roll classic, recorded at Long Beach Arena, California in July 1974 during Clapton’s comeback tour to promote 461 Ocean Boulevard.

In addition, there are two alternative mixes made for Eric Clapton’s 1970 debut album. Separate mixes were made for the album, by Delaney Bramlett and Tom Dowd (in LA) and also by Clapton himself (in London). Featured in this collection are Clapton’s rare mixes of album highlights, After Midnight and Let It Rain.

ERIC CLAPTON

LIFE IN 12 BARS DOCUMENTARY OST

UMe

CD / DIGITAL AVAILABLE JUNE 8TH

4LP AVAILABLE JULY 20TH

FULL TRACKLISTING:

DISC ONE                                                            

1. Big Bill Broonzy: Backwater Blues (4.07) The Big Bill Broonzy Story 1957
2. Muddy Waters: My Life Is Ruined (2.38) Chess single 1953
3. Muddy Waters: I Got Mojo Working (4.28) Live At Newport Jazz Festival 1960
4. The Yardbirds: I Wish You Would (2.19) – studio version
5. The Yardbirds: For Your Love (2.30) For Your Love 1965
6. John Mayall & The Bluesbreakers: Steppin’ Out (2.29) John Mayall Bluesbreakers with Eric Clapton 1966
7. John Mayall & The Bluesbreakers: All Your Love (3.37) John Mayall Bluesbreakers with Eric Clapton 1966
8. Cream: I Feel Free (2.57) Fresh Cream 1966  
9. Cream: Strange Brew (2.50) Disraeli Gears 1967
10. Cream: Sunshine of Your Love (4.12) – studio version
11. Aretha Franklin: Good to Me As I Am To You (3.58) Lady Soul / Recorded on December 16 and 17, 1967                       
12. Cream: Crossroads live (4.18) Wheels Of Fire / Recorded 10 March 1968 at Winterland, San Francisco, CA16
13. The Beatles: While My Guitar Gently Weeps (4.45) The Beatles / Recorded 5–6 September 1968
14. Cream: Badge (2.48) Goodbye / Recorded October 1968 at IBC Studios in London     
15. Cream: White Room live (5.41) Live Cream II / recorded October 4, 1968 at the Oakland Coliseum Arena
16. Cream: Spoonful (17.27) live from Goodbye tour – LA Forum October 19, 1968 previously unreleased
17. Blind Faith: Presence Of The Lord (4.52) – studio version                                                                                                                              

DISC TWO                                                          

1. Delaney & Bonnie & Friends featuring Eric Clapton: Comin' Home (7.51) Live at Fairfield Halls  
2. Eric Clapton: After Midnight (3.25) alternate mix from Eric Clapton (first album) 1970
3. Eric Clapton: Let It Rain (5.00) alternate mix from Eric Clapton (first album) 1970
4. Derek and The Dominos: High (3.10) (Olympic Studios, April 1971) Derek and The Dominos album previously unreleased            
5. George Harrison: My Sweet Lord (4.44) All Things Must Pass 1970
6. Derek and The Dominos: Thorn Tree In The Garden (2.55) Layla & Other Assorted Love Songs 1970
7. Derek and The Dominos: Nobody Knows You When You’re Down And Out (5.01) Layla & Other Assorted Love Songs 1970
8. Derek and The Dominos: Bell Bottom Blues (5.08) Layla & Other Assorted Love Songs 1970
9. Derek and The Dominos: Layla (7.10) Layla & Other Assorted Love Songs 1970
10. Derek and The Dominos: Little Wing (6.11) Live At The Fillmore 1970
11. Derek and The Dominos: Got To Get Better In A Little While (6.05) – studio version
12. Eric Clapton: I Shot The Sheriff (6.54) previously unreleased full length version from 461 Ocean Blvd 1970
13. Eric Clapton: Little Queenie live (6.00) Long Beach Arena, Long Beach, California, July 19/20, 1974 previously unreleased
14. Eric Clapton: Mainline Florida (4.08) 461 Ocean Boulevard 1974
15. Eric Clapton: Tears In Heaven (4.31) - studio version

Essential new releases: Kacey Musgraves, Neil Young + Promise of the Real, Joy Williams, Muddy Waters tribute, The Dream Syndicate

Music lovers have to be pleased with the parade of stellar releases that are being released in the first few weeks of summer.

Artist: Kacey Musgraves
Title: Pageant Material (Mercury Nashville)
You might like if you enjoy: Kacey Musgraves' debut Same Trailer Different Park
Tell me more: One of the only artists among the current crop of young country singers who connect with the genre's richest traditions free of cliche, Kacey Musgraves' outstanding sophomore effort Pageant Material is at once contemporary and classic. From the tuneful high-kicking "High Time" and "Late to the Party" to the likes of the infectious banjo- and fiddle-adorned "Biscuits," the two-time Grammy winner's album is fortified by her role co-writing all 13 tracks on the disc. The Texas native playfully revisits her meteoric rise on "Dimestore Cowboy" (name dropping 'Austin City Limits,' Willie Nelson and the ghost of Gram Parsons along the way) while Musgraves skillfully tackles life's big questions effortlessly in the contemplative "Somebody to Love" and poignant "Die Fun." Information: kaceymusgraves.com.
Buy 'Pageant Material' here


Artist: Neil Young + Promise of the RealTitle: The Monsanto Years (Reprisel)
You might like if you enjoy: Neil Young's Living With War and Psychedelic Pill albums
Tell me more: Leave it to Neil Young to continue to rattle the world's chain. Although he will celebrate his 70th birthday later this year, Young continues to champion his strong views on big business and corporate greed, destruction of the environment, threats to small-time American farmers and the world at large on his latest album The Monsanto Years. Backed by Promise of the Real (featuring Willie Nelson's sons Micah and Lucas Nelson),  Young has crafted yet another masterwork. Young's epic 2006 album Living With War is recalled via the grunge anthem "New Day For Love" while the tuneful Americana rocker "People Want to Hear About Love" would have been home on 1977's American Stars 'n Bars. Elsewhere the sparse "Wolf Moon" (with little more than minimal acoustic guitar, gentle percussion and some signature Young harmonica play) conjures up the beauty of our nation's disappearing wilderness. My favorite song is "Big Box," a lyrical diatribe against everything from corporate greed to political finance laws that blends heavy rock courtesy of Young's fiery lead guitar work with ethereal vocals that soars across an eight minute-plus ride. Information: www.NeilYoung.com.
Get 'The Monsanto Years (CD/DVD)' here


Artist: Joy Williams
Title: Venus (Sensibility)
You might like if you enjoy: The Civil Wars, Johnnyswim, Kate Bush
Tell me more: Life's challenges often spur artists to create great music. Such is the case on Joy Williams' Venus. One-half of the multi-Grammy winning Americana duo The Civil Wars, Williams first full-length outing since that duo broke up in August 2014 will please fans of her previous work courtesy of folk-minded nuggets such as "Woman (Oh Mama)" and the gorgeous "One Day I Will." But there is also material that expands her reach into art rock territory with the same gifted touch; the confessional "Before I Sleep," riveting "Sweet Love of Mine" and introspective "Not Good Enough" exhibit the songstress' expanded reach. While the events that gave life to the songs on "Venus" may have tested Williams (just listen closely to "You Loved Me," "The Dying Kind" and "Till Forever"), the album itself is a joyous and life-affirming listen. Information: joywilliams.com.
Purchase 'VENUS' here



Title: Muddy Waters 100 (Raisin' Music Records)
You might like if you enjoy: Muddy Waters, John Primer, Gary Clark Jr., Shemekia Copeland, Johnny Winter
Tell me more: The line-up of modern-day blues icons who join singer-guitarist John Primer to celebrate the 100th birthday of Muddy Waters (the legendary bluesman died in April 1983) on Muddy Waters 100 is almost as impressive as the 15-track collection itself. Things kick off with the blues staple "Got My Mojo Working," with Primer sharing lead vocals with Shemekia Copeland. Elsewhere Derek Trucks' amazing slide guitar impresses on "Still a Fool," and James Cotton blows his blues harp with the mighty firepower he displayed on the original 1957 recording. Texas blues champion Gary Clark Jr. conjures up some magic in his expressive electric guitar work on "Forty Days and Forty Nights." Especially bittersweet is the uptempo Chicago blues gem "I'm Ready," a cover of the title track off Waters' 1978 album that was produced by Johnny Winter; on the new version Winter played slide guitar on the track a mere five weeks before his death in July 2014. Information: raisinmusic.com.
Buy 'Muddy Waters 100' today



Artist: The Dream Syndicate
Title: The Days of Wine and Roses (Omnivore Recordings)
You might like if you enjoy: Rain Parade, Three O'Clock
Tell me more: Blending the melodic instincts of the '60s with the punk-energy of the late '70s, the so-called "Paisley Underground" exploded in Los Angeles at the dawn of the 1980s bringing with it the music of The Bangles, Rain Parade, Three O'Clock, Green on Red and others. Among the most notable of the scene's champions was The Dream Syndicate thanks to the band's seminal 1982 debut The Days of Wine and Roses. Now Omnivore Recordings has reissued a deluxe edition of the album that celebrates the original indie release and piles on a slew of previously-unissued bonus material that casts additional light on the sterling lineup of Steve Wynn, Karl Precoda, Kendra Smith and Dennis Duck. Highlights on the collection include the hypnotic rhythms embedded in "That's What You Always Say," driving "Then She Remembers" and wistful "Too Little, Too Late." The bonus material is enthralling too, including the rehearsal jam "Is It Rolling, Bob?" and infectious rocker "Still Holding On To You." Information: omnivorerecordings.com.
Buy 'The Days Of Wine And Roses' here