New music: Caroline Cotter, Idina Menzel, Julie Christensen

Acclaimed artists Caroline Cotter, Idina Menzel and Julie Christensen are back with essential new albums.

Artist: Caroline Cotter
Title: Gently as I Go (Independent)
You might like if you enjoy: Joni Mitchell, Eva Cassidy, Natalie Merchant, Carol Martini
Tell me more: On her newly released album Gently as I Go, Maine-based folk singer Caroline Cotter showcases a lovely soprano heard on a range of introspective and heartfelt originals. The album opener "Coming Your Way" is a beautiful introduction where Cotter's lyrics and vocal yearning paint a picture of two soulmates who share a powerful bond and how no distance can keep them apart. On "The Year Of the Wrecking Ball," there is a deep sense of melancholy to be sure about the ghosts of childhood and the painful loss of the comfort we find in family: "Inside the bedroom I hear her still on the phone / 33 years of pleading God, please don't leave me alone." The album's first single, "Don't Wait," is a song of encouragement pushing listeners to seize the day; indeed the song's strong call includes the admonition to: "Don't wait for the sun to rise to get out of bed / Don't wait for money to get ahead / Don't wait for praise to feel proud and strong / Don't wait for the true love to feel you belong." Other bewitching tracks on the outstanding independent album include the sweeping "The Call" (written for her 104 year old grandfather's funeral), the heartbreaking "Gently As I Go" that explores a doomed relationship and hopeful album closer "Morning Mantra." The music on Cotter's third album is artfully sparse, with gentle instrumentation adding mood to her poignant and beautiful songs that capture love, loss, hope and the most powerful experiences and emotions that shape our lives. Information: carolinecotter.com. 

Artist: Idina Menzel
Title: Drama Queen (BMG)
You might like if you enjoy: Cheryl Lynn, Cher, ABBA
Tell me more: Acclaimed singer-songwriter and Tony Award-winning performer Idina Menzel conjures up the groundbreaking dance music of the late 1970s and early '80s on her aptly-titled Drama Queen. The album is a true departure from her six past albums, but the aptly-dubbed "Queen of Broadway" brings bona fide vocal firepower and joy to the collection of dance floor-minded anthems on the nine-track album. The lead track "Move" immediately immerses the listener into an infectious disco moodscape, the driving beat catapulting the song forward with every beat. The contemporary R&B track "Beast," ABBA-styled gem "Dramatic," soulful "Paradise" (the latter featuring guest vocals and cool guitar work from Nile Rodgers), funky "Make Me Hate Me" and soaring "Funny Kind of Lonely" further expand Menzel's reach across the outstanding album. In addition to Menzel's talents as a great vocalist and songwriter, a slew of global hitmakers (including the aforementioned Rodgers as well as Jake Shears, Eren Cannata, Simon Wilcox, Lindy Robbins, Michelle Zarlenga and others) bring their skills to elevate the ambitious project. While so much music today is focused on the dangers of romance, self doubt and turmoil across a divided planet, there is something to be said for a stellar collection of songs geared toward escape and the lure of the dance floor.  Information: Website idinamenzel.com. 

Artist: Julie Christensen
Title: The Price We Pay for Love (Wirebird Records)
You might like if you enjoy: Joni Mitchell, Lucinda Williams, Rachael Yamagata
Tell me more: Julie Christensen's latest full-length album The Price We Pay for Love features the New Mexico-based artist teaming up with bassist and string arranger Terry Lee Burns for an album of genuinely moving tracks that flawlessly blend Americana, jazz, blues and singer-songwriter stylings. Delivering a mix of self-penned tracks and original arrangements of material written by other artists, Christensen's emotive vocals shine across the 10-track disc. A mesmerizing 7-minute take on Joni Mitchell's "Hejira" opens the album, with Burns' majestic bass playing bringing a lofty creativity to the musical reading. Christensen brings palpable emotion and forcefulness to the acoustic Michael Moss-penned "Goldbridge Road" as well as the Jimmy Webb classic "The Moon is a Harsh Mistress," the latter enhanced by John Funkhouser's touch on the piano. Other highlights on the wonderful The Price We Pay for Love include the tender original "How He Lost Her," plaintive version of Steve Winwood's "Can't Find My Way Home" and sorrowful closer "Hilltop." Information: Website stonecupid.com or Facebook.com/Juliechristensenmusic. 

Robert Kinsler

New reviews: The Rolling Stones, Gary Allan, Laura Nyro, Anton Barbeau

Stunning live collections and outstanding studio albums are featured in my new column.

Artist: The Rolling Stones

Title: A Bigger Bang: Live On Copacabana Beach (Mercury Studios)

You might like if you enjoy: The Rolling Stones

Tell me more: It's not a surprise that The Rolling Stones' new multi-format release A Bigger Bang: Live On Copacabana Beach is so amazing. Recorded at the famed Copacabana Beach in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil on Feb. 8, 2006, there were between 1.5 million and 2 million fans in attendance at the show – one of the largest free rock concerts ever staged. The DVD+2CD version reviewed here is pure delight. Remixed, re-edited and remastered, the title includes four tracks not included on the original 2007 DVD release; indeed the freewheeling "Tumbling Dice," bluesy rocker "Oh No, Not You Again," rootsy acoustic nugget "This Place is Empty" and the inspired "Sympathy For The Devil" (the latter bolstered by Keith Richards' terrific lead guitar work) add depth to the two-hour concert. Singer Mick Jagger, guitarists Richards and Ronnie Wood, drummer Charlie Watts and the nine members of their touring band displayed an energetic zeal the equal of the fervor displayed by the massive crowd seen cheering, waving Brazilian and British flags and dancing throughout the event. Highlights abound on this historic set including the rollicking "It's Only Rock 'N' Roll (But I Like It)," tender Americana-flavored "Wild Horses," festive "Honky Tonk Women," extended romp through "Brown Sugar" and poignant "You Can't Always Get What You Want". The Stones closed out the night with a fiery version of "(I Can't Get No) Satisfaction" that finds the audience jumping up and down and often singing along with Jagger to add power to the classic. A Bigger Bang: Live On Copacabana Beach is also available on SD BD+2CD, 2DVD_2CD Deluxe, 3LP (pressed on blue, yellow and green vinyl), 3LP pressed on clear vinyl (exclusive to Sound Of Vinyl) and digital. Information: RollingStones.com and MercuryStudios.co.

Artist: Gary Allan 

Title: Ruthless (EMI Nashville)

You might like if you enjoy: Alan Jackson, Chris Stapleton, Merle Haggard, Dwight Yoakam

Tell me more: Acclaimed country artist Gary Allan is back with Ruthless, his first new studio album since 2013. Few country artists can sing about heartache and romantic desolation with the affecting touch of Allan, and the California native proves that across his eagerly-awaited 13-track return. The winning '80s-mining "Temptation," stirring mid tempo title track, reflective acoustic gem "Trouble Knows Trouble" and infectious "Waste Of A Whiskey Drink" mine that territory in spades. Allan uses his signature baritone on other moving tracks across the disc including the sweeping country rocker "Till It Felt Like You," lovely ballad "Pretty Damn Close" and atmospheric closer "The Hard Way." Information: GaryAllan.com.

Artist: Laura Nyro

Title: Trees of the Ages: Laura Nyro Live in Japan (Omnivore Recordings)

You might like if you enjoy: Rachael Yamagata, Kate Bush, Rickie Lee Jones

Tell me more: Gifted with a beautiful soprano and stellar skills as a pianist, the late Laura Nyro possessed otherworldly songwriting and compositional abilities to match. On Trees of the Ages: Laura Nyro Live in Japan (available on July 16), the influential genre-defying artist was chronicled in concert three years before her tragic death of ovarian cancer at the age of 49. Seated at her piano and backed only by a three-woman harmony trio, Nyro delivers a riveting and intimate performance. Performing some of her best-known songs (inventive versions of "And When I Die" and "Wedding Bell Blues" receive enthusiastic cheers from the audience when they are performed) as well equally poignant originals spanning from the triumphant "A Woman of the World" to the bewitching "Lite a Flame (The Animal Rights Song)" and majestic medley of "Trees of the Ages / Emmie." She also shares some sublime covers that fit in perfectly with her own inspired original material; "Dedicated to the One I Love," "Ooh Baby Baby," "Walk on By" and "Let It Be Me" are among the well-known songs she magically reworks during the concert set. In addition to Trees of the Ages, Omnivore Recordings is celebrating the artist – a member of both the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and the Songwriters Hall of Fame – again via the previously-unissued Go Find the Moon: The Audition Tape later this summer (coming Sept. 10). Information: OmnivoreRecordings.com.

Artist: Anton Barbeau

Title: Oh The Joys We Live For (Big Stir Records)

You might like if you enjoy: Van Dyke Parks, Matthew Sweet, XTC

Tell me more: The followup to 2019's Manbird, Anton Barbeau's new album Oh The Joys We Live For is a tuneful and intoxicating listen. The dozen-track collection showcases Barbeau's signature vocals, experimental knack and far-flung songcraft. Oh The Joys We Live For was created during the pandemic with the artist using the seclusion to create a reflective album that captures the spirit of this unique time. Assisted by his musical collaborator and now-wife Julia Boorinakis Harper, the ambition of the project never diminishes the accessibility of the songs (just listen to the artful power pop-aimed "I Been Thinking Bout You"). The introspective title cut, driving "Cowbell Camembert," orchestral-tinged "Filmik," dream-drenched "Crystals," art rocker "Salt Lick" and enthralling single "One Of Her Superpowers" are among the memorable tracks on the fantastic album. Information: BigStirRecords.com.

Robert Kinsler

The Dreamer: Catching up with Rhett Miller

This story was originally posted on the Soundcheck blog on The Orange County Register Web site on June 11, 2012. Miller performs at The Coach House in San Juan Capistrano on Sunday night, June 17.

Rhett Miller detours away from Old 97′s once more

Last week, Rhett Miller, who has fronted alt-country rockers Old 97’s since the mid-’90s, released The Dreamer, his fifth solo studio effort but his first-ever self-produced album. The 13-track disc is actually something of a radical departure for the transplanted Texan, who lives in New York these days. Whereas previous outings were more rock- and pop-oriented – a deliberate shift from his main group’s distinct Americana approach – his latest effort fuses all of Miller’s far-flung loves together with those impeccable instincts for roots music.

“It’s funny: Up until now,” he said in a recent phone chat, “I’ve been so concerned with delineating the difference between the two careers – the solo career and the band career – and I just kind of (feel) like the fans get it now. They know I do solo records and the band does our records.”

Miller noted that because the last Old 97’s albums – two volumes of The Grand Theatre, issued in 2010 and 2011 – had taken the Dallas-spawned outfit into garage-rock territory, he had the implicit freedom to do something dramatically different with The Dreamer.

“The band (Old 97’s) sounds so set and so far away from this idea that I had, of acoustic guitars and pedal steel and female harmonies, that while it could be classified at rootsy, I felt it was very different and nobody was going to get confused where one stopped and the other started.”

Early on, Miller, who has released a number of acclaimed albums both with Old 97’s and on his own, made the decision to produce The Dreamer himself, heading into Dreamland Studios in West Hurley, N.Y., in September 2011 to start work on it. Among the clear standouts this time is “As Close as I Came to Being Right,” a beautiful country duet he co-penned with legendary singer-songwriter Rosanne Cash.

“That was a big part of the beginnings of this record for me, was writing that song with her and realizing this is what I want the record to be like,” he explained. “We’d been introduced through mutual friends and kind of through Twitter, and got to know each other in the Twitterverse, which is kind of hilarious.”

Miller was soon delighted when he learned that Cash was open to collaborating: “So she sent me a verse – a short set of lyrics – and I took it and wrote a chorus and another verse, middle break, and sent it back to her the next day. And we had so much fun working on it and we got to record it, and it sounded so natural.

“The guitar player (Rich Hinman) when we made the demo for the song wound up being the pedal steel player on my whole record. I remember that session (and thinking): ‘This is what I want the record to be like.’ This real natural-sounding thing, lots of female vocals, a lot of nice guitar, pedal steel guitar. Something that’s organic and feels not like easy listening, but feels good.”

In addition to the aforementioned Cash and Hinman, other well-utilized players on The Dreamer include indie vocalists like Rachael Yamagata and Heather Robb (of NYC’s the Spring Standard), as well as keyboardist Joe McGinty (Nada Surf), veteran percussionist Jerry Marotta (Peter Gabriel, Hall & Oates) and Miller’s longtime touring band the Serial Lady Killers, featuring lead guitarist Tommy Borscheid, bassist Greg Beshers and drummer Angela Webster.

Few contemporary songwriters are capable of penning lyrics as wry and smart as Miller’s. He surrounds those tales in resonant arrangements and delivers each with potent firepower. The Dreamer is no exception, packed with inspired rockers (“Out of Love”), majestic ’60s Western-tinged stuff (“This Summer Lie”), traditional country fare (“Love Grows”) and piano-anchored folk-rock (“I’ll Try To”).

“I love to rock; I love a great guitar tone,” Miller said when praised for his almost uncanny ability to couple winning melodies with involving lyrics. “If a song has crummy lyrics, it’s a no-go for me.”

Rhett Miller and the Serial Lady Killers play June 16 at Saint Rocke in Hermosa Beach, $20, and June 17 at the Coach House in San Juan Capistrano, $15-$18. For the former: 310-372-0035. For the latter: 949-496-8930.

Rhett Miller's 'The Dreamer' is available today

I got a chance to chat with singer-songwriter Rhett Miller last week, and my full-length concert preview on him will run in The Orange County Register in connection with his solo show at The Coach House later this month.

However, here a reposting of the official media release on today's release of his excellent new album The Dreamer...listen to it courtesy of Paste Magazine and then go out and then support this wonderful artist by purchasing it too.


RHETT MILLER'S THE DREAMER OUT TODAY, TUESDAY, JUNE 5





VIDEO FOR "OUT OF LOVE" PREMIERES ON TEAMCOCO.COM; WATCH IT HERE




LISTEN TO FULL-ALBUM STREAM AT PASTE MAGAZINE HERE

Rhett Miller's new album, The Dreamer, is out today, June 5. The Dreamer was produced by Miller himself and is out on his very own Maximum Sunshine Records, distributed by The Orchard. The album features guest appearances by singers Rosanne Cash and Rachael Yamagata, as well as additional percussion by Jerry Marotta (Peter Gabriel). The band on the record is Miller's touring group, the Serial Lady Killers. The video for the first single, "Out of Love," premieres today on Conan O'Brien's website teamcoco.com. Watch it HERE. Paste Magazine is streaming the album in its entirety HERE.




The Dreamer is Miller's sixth solo record and represents the first time he has ever self-produced. In the past, Miller's solo efforts were dramatically different from his work with Old 97's. While the band's songs are often steeped in Americana and country, the solo records have always been decidedly more rock and pop affairs. Until now, as The Dreamer finds the Texas-bred, New York-based singer/songwriter marrying his two worlds like never before.


The NY Post raves in today's paper: "Rhett Miller is not only a gifted songwriter, he's also a man with a work ethic - The Dreamer is his fifth solo outing in a decade, and he's turned out an equal number of records with his longtime band the Old 97's during that stretch. That's a lot of songs being waxed, and it's all the more impressive given the strength and consistency of the catalog he's building. His winning streak continues on The Dreamer."


Miller and The Serial Lady Killers began a North American tour yesterday in Vienna, VA. The rest of the dates are below:


6/5 - Philadelphia, PA - World Cafe



6/6 - Pittsburgh, PA - Club Cafe



6/7 - Hoboken, NJ - Maxwell's



6/8 - New York, NY - Bowery Ballroom



6/9 - Boston, MA - Brighton Music Hall



6/15 - San Diego, CA - The Casbah



6/16 - Hermosa Beach, CA - Sainte Rocke



6/17 - San Juan Capistrano, CA - The Coach House



6/18 - Los Angeles, CA - The Troubadour



6/19 - San Francisco, CA - The Independent



6/21 - Portland, OR - The Doug Fir



6/22 - Seattle, WA - Crocodile Cafe






http://www.rhettmiller.com/