Legends take center stage via new releases

Rock music is alive and well. Look no further than a handful of inspired and notable new titles that should be a part of any discerning fan's music library. 

Artist: The Rolling Stones
Title: Bridges To Bremen (Eagle Vision)
You might like if you enjoy: The Rolling Stones
Tell me more: With the Rolling Stones having just embarked on their highly-anticipated "No Filter Tour" (which arrives in Southern California in late August), fans might want to catch up on the British band's legacy and unequaled discography via the newly-released Bridges to Bremen. Available on digital, DVD + 2CD, Blu-ray + 2CD, triple vinyl and digital audio, the multi-format release chronicles the band's Sept. 2, 1998 performance in Bremen, Germany. Performing before a relatively-intimate crowd of 40,000 fans, the Stones' 155-minute concert was filled with favorites and rarities all offered up with persuasion and firepower. Dipping back to their early '60s to get the concert started, "(I Can't Get No) Satisfaction" and "Let's Spend The Night Together" provide a one-two punch. "Gimme Shelter" features some of Mick Jagger's strongest vocals of the set, and that turn is enhanced by Lisa Fisher's high-reaching vocals. Standouts keep comin. A rocking "Paint It Black," freewheeling "It's Only Rock 'n' Roll (But I Like It)," heady "Jumpin' Jack Flash" and celebrative "Brown Sugar" are among the cuts that help make this title something special. As if that wasn't enough, there are four bonus performances from a concert in Chicago as part of that same tour – great versions of "Rock and a Hard Place," "Under My Thumb," "All About You" and "Let It Bleed." Information: eagle-rock.com.

Artist: The Alarm
Title: Sigma (Twenty First Century Recording Company)
You might like if you enjoy: The Alarm, U2, Simple Minds
Tell me more: Singer-songwriter/guitarist Mike Peter has returned with yet another fantastic album. The Alarm's stellar Sigma (set for release on June 28) bristles, soars and flat out rocks with a collection of heartfelt and infectious originals that equal the band's best efforts from the '80s and '90s. "Blood Red Viral Black" finds the Alarm joined by legendary Cult lead guitarist Billy Duffy for a fiery opening. The U2-flavored "Brighter Than The Sun" finds Peter's incredible voice offering up the probing verses in a low baritone; the dramatic choruses are marked by his voice lifting to the heavens with power and fervency. The mid tempo and introspective "Time" is one of the album's standouts with Peters powerfully noting our time here is short and it's best to make each moment count. Original Alarm lead guitarist Dave Sharp returns for a earnest plea for world peace via the luxurious Equals. The album closes out with a reprise of the gorgeous "Two Rivers," the track that launched 2018's fantastic Equals (which was the Alarm's first new album in eight years). If you have lost touch with the Alarm or simply need an introduction to the troupe, listen to both Sigma and Equals, and make plans to catch the band when they tour the U.S. this summer. Information: TheAlarm.com.

Artist: Collective Soul
Title: Blood (Fuzze-Flex Records/ADA)
You might like if you enjoy: Collective Soul, Gin Blossoms, Blur
Tell me more: Twenty five years after their humble beginnings in Stockbridge, Georgia, modern rockers Collective Soul are back with their latest disc, the aptly-titled Blood. The spirited anthem "Right As Rain," heavy rocker "Crushed" and evocative "Them Blues" (the latter which recalls some of Queen's genre-bending gems) confirm that singer-songwriter E Roland's instincts are as sharp as ever. Fans of the band's timeless hits (including "Shine," "December," "The World I Know" and "Run") will be thrilled with plenty of other new tracks splashed across Blood such as the modern Southern rocker "Now's The Time," tuneful "Good Place to Start" and gentle "Porch Swing" that propel this terrific LP from start to finish. Catch Collective Soul on their U.S. tour this summer. Information: CollectiveSoul.com.

Artist: Peter Frampton Band
Title: All Blues (UMe)
You might like if you enjoy: Humble Pie, Kim Wilson, Peter Frampton
Tell me more: When it was revealed earlier this year that Peter Frampton had been diagnosed with Inclusion Body Myositis (a progressive autoimmune disease that is marked by muscle inflammation, weakness and atrophy), the music community was unified in its concern about one of rock's most beloved heroes. The good news is that Frampton, now 69, is still strong enough to play guitar and recently embarked on an ambitious farewell tour that will run through October 2019. Frampton – a gifted singer and lead guitarist – has also issued his tribute to the blues via an outstanding 10-track disc (All Blues) that features some great guests as well. The authenticity and artistic touch of Frampton comes through in all of the tracks on this special set; there are well-known classics ("I Just Want To Make Love To You" featuring harmonica virtuoso Kim Wilson, the B.B. King signature track "The Thrill Is Gone" bolstered by Sonny Landreth's slide guitar) and under-the-radar nuggets (the sassy "She Caught the Katy," the Chicago blues-styled "Going Down Slow" featuring Deep Purple guitarist Steve Morse, and winning talk box-adorned "I'm a King Bee"). It's no wonder that All Blues debuted atop Billboard's Top Blues Albums Chart earlier this month. Information: Frampton.com.

Artist: Travis
Title: Live at Glastonbury '99 (Craft Recordings)
You might like if you enjoy: Elbow, Snow Patrol, Oasis
Tell me more: Two decades may seem like a lifetime when measured in musical years but the release of Travis' Live at Glastonbury '99 showcases just how timeless and relevant the Scottish band's sound remains in 2019. When singer-songwriter Fran Healy, guitarist Andy Dunlop, drummer Neil Primrose and bassist Dougie Payne took to the so-called Other Stage at the Glastonbury festival in June 1999, they were relatively unknown and their career-defining album The Man Who had only been available in music stores for a month. The weather at the festival had been glorious, but that all changed When Travis launched into their original song "Why Does It Always Rain on Me?" – the skies opened up and the thrilled crowd was doused. Travis' legendary 16-song performance at Glastonbury has been released and it's a journey back in time more than worth the wait. The band's performance was powerful, with melodic and compelling material delivered with a master's touch. The edgy "Blue Flashing Light," melancholy-drenched "Writing to Reach You" and "Driftwood," glorious "Why Does It Always Rain on Me?" and driving closer "Happy" all resonate with the obvious sway they did during that fabled show back in 1999.  Information: CraftRecordings.com.



Robert Kinsler

Jeff Lynne's ELO, Dhani Harrison deliver a night of top-tier songcraft in Anaheim

Jeff Lynne's ELO
With: Dhani Harrison
Where: Honda Center in Anaheim, CA
When: Thursday, June 20, 2019
Next: Jeff Lynne's ELO is scheduled to perform in Sacramento on June 22
Information: https://jefflynneselo.com/events/


Review by Robert Kinsler

Jeff Lynne's ELO posing in front of a packed Honda Center in
Anaheim, CA on June 20. Photo: Courtesy of the artist

Although I never caught the Electric Light Orchestra during the rock troupe's initial 14-year run in the 1970s and '80s, I've been making up for lost time since catching Jeff Lynne's ELO at the Hollywood Bowl in September 2016. I subsequently was thrilled when the group played at the Forum in Los Angeles County in August 2018; I was mesmerized a third time throughout their concert at the Honda Center in Anaheim on Thursday night (June 20, 2019).

The show at Honda Center was the opening date of Lynne's 20-date North America Summer Tour with the current jaunt also offering the chance to catch emerging solo artist Dhani Harrison – the son of the late George Harrison – on a major concert stage. Dhani Harrison's appearance provided this writer with a chance to hear live versions of material off his excellent full-length solo debut In///Parallel (released by BMG in October 2017).

A capacity crowd filled the home of the Anaheim Ducks to take in the special concert and I can certainly guarantee no one left disappointed. Performing a perfect set complete with a couple of welcome surprises, Lynne and his amazing 12-member ensemble delivered a flawless night of luxurious songcraft. The fast-paced 95-minute headlining set from Lynne's ELO offered up faithful takes on all the hits (spanning from 1972's "10538 Overture" to his 2015 comeback single "When I Was A Boy and everything in between).

Opening with a swirling cover of the classic ELO cut "Standin' in the Rain," the hits would keep coming and coming and coming. An infectious "Evil Woman" and even more dazzling "All Over the World" followed. Throughout the concert, a wall of rear projection screens and brilliant lighting effects enhanced the experience.

Lynne impressed with his signature vocals to be sure; but his artful guitar playing was displayed via melodic lead solos on "Showdown," "Mr. Blue Sky" and throughout an extended take on Chuck Berry's classic "Roll Over Beethoven" that closed out the night.

Among the moments that brought chills to this writer was a version of the Traveling Wilburys' "Handle With Care" where Dhani Harrison joined the group to sing his late father's section of the classic single, the disco-flavored pop sheen of "Last Train to London" and "Xanadu," and an acoustic flavored "Wild West Hero" complete with an acapella vocals section.

Jeff Lynne's ELO performing "Mr. Blue Sky" at Honda Center.

Melodic rockers such as "Don't Bring Me Down" and "Turn To Stone" continued to build up the night's momentum, before the sweeping symphonic masterwork of "Mr. Blue Sky" closed out the regular set with a high mark.  

The power of Lynne's songs, his still poignant lead vocals and sharp guitar work only begin to tell the tale when it comes to the bona fide power of Thursday's show. Musical director Mike Stevens (who assists with guitar and vocals), lead guitarist Milton McDonald, bassist Lee Pomeroy, dummer Donavan Hepburn, piano player Marcus Byrne, keyboardists Jo Webb and Steve Turner, backing vocalist-guitarist Iain Hornal, backing and lead vocalist Melanie Lewis McDonald, violinist Jessie Murphy, and cello players Amy Langley and Jess Cox complete this extraordinary touring group. If they are coming to your town, get there.

Dhani Harrison's set was the perfect way to open the magical night. Backed by a terrific four-member band, Harrison opened with a probing "Never Know," a song that recalls the experimental neo-classical touch of Dead Can Dance. The hypnotic and intoxicating quality of that song would be the perfect segue into other cuts offered up over 40 minutes. 

Other highlights included the ambitious "Summertime Police" and electronica-styled "All About Waiting," the latter song's journey ranging from a symphonic bit opening to dynamic musicianship and a colorful baroque keyboard solo.


Jeff Lynne's ELO: Setlist at Honda Center on June 20, 2019
Standin' in the Rain
Evil Woman
All Over the World
Showdown
Do Ya (The Move cover)
When I Was a Boy
Livin' Thing
Handle With Care (Traveling Wilburys cover featuring Dhani Harrison)
Rockaria
Last Train to London
Xanadu
10538 Overture
Shine a Little Love
Wild West Hero
Sweet Talkin' Woman
Telephone Line
Don't Bring Me Down
Turn to Stone
Mr. Blue Sky
Encore
Roll Over Beethoven (Chuck Berry cover)

Ringo Starr announces additional details for his 11th Annual 'Peace & Love' Birthday worldwide celebrations on July 7, 2019

The world could definitely use a little more peace and love...

This July 7, 2019 Ringo Starr will return to Capitol Records Tower in Los Angeles for his annual Peace & Love Birthday event where he will join fans gathered for a Noon #peaceandlove celebration. The dream is to create a wave of Peace & Love across the planet, starting in New Zealand and ending in Hawaii. Ringo began these in 2008 at the Hard Rock Café Chicago and last year he celebrated the 10^th Anniversary at the Hard Rock Café Nice. In the ensuing years it has grown enormously with #peaceandlove events all over the world, and this year already has over 30 events in 22 countries (listed below).

 

“I’ve said it before but I really can’t think of a better way to celebrate my birthday, or a better gift I could ask for, than peace and love. It’s so great how every year it keeps growing, with the wave of peace and love starting in the morning on July 7 in Australia and ending in Hawaii, with celebrations in all the time zones in between. I am so happy to be back at Capitol Records, and for our great sponsors who are carrying the message of peace and love around the world, like the David Lynch Foundation, Life is Good, SiriusXM, Modern Drummer and Starbucks. I also want to thank each and everyone of you for continuing to help spread peace and love, Ringo.”

 

The event will include tribute performances by Ben Kyle from ROMANTICA with Sara Watkins, and Southern California rock and roll band The Jacks. There will also be a special premiere of an original song about peace and love composed for the occasion by students of the John Lennon Educational Tour Bus in partnership with the South Central LA Fernando Pullum Community Arts Center. The song will later premiere online as a video featuring music students as well as guest artists and friends.

 

WHO: Ringo Starr, Barbara Starkey, David Lynch, All Starr Alum Sheila E, Edgar Winter, Nils Lofgren, Jim Keltner, Gregg Bissonette as well as friends Ed Begley Jr, Richard Lewis, T-Bone Burnett, Benmont Tench, and Life is Good founders Bert and John Jacobs with more to be announced soon.  

 

Ringo Starr rocking at the Greek Theatre in Los Angeles, CA on
September 29, 2018.
Photo: Robert Kinsler

WHAT: Ringo Starr's 11th Annual Peace & Love Birthday Celebration

Performances of Ringo’s songs will be followed by a brief welcome from David Lynch who will introduce Ringo. Ringo will lead gathered family, friends and fans in a group #PeaceandLove moment at Noon. Cake will then be presented on stage.

 

WHEN: Sunday, July 7, 2019

9:30am Press Check In Opens

10:45am Photo Opportunity behind Capitol Records

11:00am Music Performances Begin in front of Capitol Records

12:00pm #Peaceandlove (Noon PDT)

 

WHERE: Capitol Records Tower, 1750 N Vine St, Los Angeles, CA, 90028 

 

WHAT ELSE: Everyone everywhere is invited to participate, but of course you don’t have to go anywhere, or say anything, you can just think "Peace and Love," anywhere you are at Noon your local time and know you are still contributing.  

 

 

FOLLOW THE FESTIVITIES AT:

Ringo’s Facebook page

Ringo’s Instagram

 

More about this year’s event sponsors:

 

The David Lynch Foundation for Consciousness-Based Education and World Peace - promotes world peace every day by teaching meditation to at risk people all over the planet. Founded by film director and Transcendental Meditation practitioner David Lynch in 2005 to fund the teaching of TM, it is the same meditation Ringo practices and was taught by the Maharishi and exemplifies Peace and Love in action. The evidence-based TM technique is life changing for the good by improving health, cognitive capabilities and performance in life. Extensive published research has found TM markedly reduces stress and stress-related disorders, including anxiety, depression, alcohol and drug misuse, and violent behaviors while also improving brain and cognitive functioning, grade point average and test scores. www.davidlynchfoundation.org

 

Life is Good  - Life is Good is a positive lifestyle and apparel brand on a mission to spread the power of optimism. In celebration of their 25^th Anniversary, Life is Good started the #SomethingGood movement to combat the daily barrage of negativity in the world by encouraging people to simply share #SomethingGood. Their hope is to add more optimism into the world by shifting the cultural conversation away from the negative and focus on growing the good. For every share, $1 will be donated to the Life is Good Kids Foundation, with a goal of inspiring one million shares. Uniting Ringo’s passion to generate a global wave of peace & love with the brand’s mission to spread optimism, together they jointly created a special-edition Life is Good x Ringo Starr Peace & Love T-shirt. The new tees will be available in July on Lifeisgood.com and at select Ringo Starr concerts this summer. www.lifeisgood.com

 

SiriusXM – Home to The Beatles Channel, returns as a sponsor and an exclusive media partner of the event. SiriusXM's The Beatles Channel celebrates popular music’s most legendary and influential band, showcases all-things-Beatles with regular and special programming spanning the history-making careers of the band and its members: John Lennon, Paul McCartney, George Harrison and Ringo Starr. Chris Carter, host of SiriusXM’s “Breakfast With The Beatles,” which airs weekday mornings on The Beatles Channel, and is also available On Demand on the SiriusXM app, will be on-site to capture interviews and audio from the event to air on The Beatles Channel.www.siriusxm.com

 

Modern Drummer – Launched in 1977, this leading online and monthly publication dedicated to drummers and drumming innovated how drums and the whole of drumming is celebrated. “The world’s most read drum magazine” returns as a sponsor once again. www.moderndrummer.com

 

The Lennon Tour Bus -- The John Lennon Educational Tour Bus is a non-profit state-of-the-art mobile Pro Audio and Video recording facility that provides hands-on experiences for students of all ages. Now in its 22^nd year, the Lennon Bus features the latest audio and video technology, gear and products. Lennon Bus U.S. and Lennon Bus Europe travel year-round with a crew of three producer engineers, providing free tours, workshops and live events at schools, public events, festivals, and at major industry conferences. www.lennonbus.org

 

In addition, Starbucks will amplify Ringo’s “Peace & Love” call to action by playing a message just before Noon to their patrons in over 10,000 of their locations throughout the US and Canada. They will also be celebrating Ringo’s birthday with a special Playlist curated with Ringo for the occasion that patrons can hear for three weeks starting July 5.

 

Here are the fan organized global events to date, with more to be announced soon via Ringo Starr’s Facebook page:

 

Argentina, Chascomus

Armenia, Yerevan

Australia, Sydney

Bolivia, La Paz

Brazil, Rio de Janiero; Sao Paulo

Canada, Halifax

Columbia, Bogota

Costa Rica, San Jose

El Salvador, San Salvador

Estonia, Tallin

France, Paris

Germany, Hamburg and Halle

Guatemala, Guatemala City

Italy, Venice

Japan, Osaka; Tokyo

Paraguay

Peru, Lima

Russia, Moscow

Spain, Barcelona; Madrid

United Kingdom, London; Liverpool

Uruguay, Montevideo

United States, Denver, Hawaii, Las Vegas, Los Angeles and New York. 

 

  

HISTORY OF RINGO’S ANNUAL JULY 7 PEACE & LOVE BIRTHDAY CELEBRATIONS:

 

2008 – Chicago, IL Hard Rock Cafe

2009 –Online campaign including in store salutes at Noon at all Hard Rock Cafes worldwide

2010 – New York City, NY: Hard Rock Cafe, Times Square

2011 – Hamburg, Germany: Hard Rock Cafe

2012 – Nashville, TN: Hard Rock Café

2013 – Online celebration including a video message from Ringo

2014 – Los Angeles, CA: Capitol Records Tower

2015 - Los Angeles, CA: Capitol Records Tower

2016 - Los Angeles, CA: Capitol Records Tower

2017 - Los Angeles, CA: Capitol Records Tower

2018 – Nice, France: Hard Rock Café

 

Previous performers at Ringo’s Birthdays have included: Toad The Wet Sprocket; Adam Arcuragi and Spirit Family Reunion; Vandaveer, Alberta Cross and Dave Stewart with Jon Stevens; Emmanuel Jal and Paul Beaubrun, Don Was with Jenny Lewis, Michael Breardon and Van Dyke Parks; Joe Walsh with Ringo Starr and His All Starr Band including Steve Lukather, Colin Hay, Graham Gouldman, Gregg Rolie, Gregg Bissonette and Warren Ham.

Peter Frampton Band's 'All Blues' Debuts #1 on Billboard Blues Albums Chart as Farewell Tour Kicks Off tonight

I most recently caught legendary singer-songwriter/guitar great Peter Frampton this past January when he performed at City National Grove of Anaheim in January 2019 (read my review of that event here). He is fantastic and make sure to catch him on his farewell tour...Robert Kinsler

PETER FRAMPTON BAND’S ALL BLUES DEBUTS #1 ON BILLBOARD BLUES ALBUMS CHART

PETER FRAMPTON FINALE—
THE FAREWELL TOUR KICKS OFF TONIGHT

Peter Frampton thrilling NAMM fans at the
City National Grove of Anaheim on Jan. 24, 2019.
Photo: Bob Steshetz

As Peter Frampton gets ready to kick off his Farewell Tour tonight in Tulsa, the Grammy-winning guitarist is also celebrating another first in his long and distinguished career: All Blues, his first-ever blues album with his Peter Frampton Band, is debuting at #1 on the Billboard Blues Albums Chart in the U.S. The new collection, released via UMe, also marks his best overall sales numbers and chart positions since the release of Fingerprints in 2006. All Blues is available HERE.

All Blues, which features Frampton and his longtime touring band made up of Adam Lester (guitar/vocals), Rob Arthur(keyboards/guitar/vocals) and Dan Wojciechowski (drums) putting their spin on some of Frampton’s favorite blues classics like “Can’t Judge A Book By Its Cover,” “She Caught The Katy,” “The Thrill Is Gone,” “I Just Want To Make Love To You,” and “Georgia On My Mind,” continues to receive widespread critical acclaim:

“All Blues captures Frampton at full technical and emotional power…”—USA Today

“For guitar enthusiasts, these discs will prove to be a treasure trove of six-string riches, with Frampton stretching out luxuriously on what could be viewed as a Great American Songbook of the blues.”—Guitar World

“The thrill is definitely not gone for Peter Frampton…”—Billboard

“Frampton interprets beautifully”—Guitar Player

“…there’s still a palpable sense of passion and joy on All Blues, and that evident big, beating heart makes it worth a spin.”—All Music

“Frampton and his current band deliver the goods.”—Music Connection
 

The album was recorded at Frampton's studio in Nashville, Studio Phenix, and was co-produced by Frampton and Chuck Ainlay. It features collaborations with Kim Wilson, Larry Cartlon, Sonny Landreth and Steve Morse. 

The vinyl will be available as a double LP and also as a limited edition translucent blue color pressing on August 16 exclusively at PeterFrampton.com. The double LP includes the bonus track “I Feel So Good” (written by Big Bill Broonzy, originally performed by Muddy Waters).

Moreover, Peter Frampton Finale—The Farewell Tour, presented by SiriusXM and produced by Live Nation, starts tonight. The approximately 50-date tour will run throughout the summer and fall. Frampton will retire from regular vigorous touring at the end of this year due to his diagnosis of the autoimmune disease Inclusion Body Myositis (IBM). IBM is a progressive muscle disorder characterized by muscle inflammation, weakness and atrophy. Frampton discussed his diagnosis with CBS “This Morning: Saturday,” watch the segment HERE, and also recently discussed on theConsequence of Sound Podcast, listen HERE.

The tour will feature the Peter Frampton Band, plus Steve Mackey on bass. Special guests include Jason Bonham’s Led Zeppelin Evening, as well as Julian Frampton Band on the west coast stops. Tickets are on sale now and VIP packages will also be available at www.frampton.com. $1 of every ticket sold, as well as any donations, will benefit The Peter Frampton Myositis Research Fund at Johns Hopkins, a newly established fund by Frampton and Johns Hopkins, where he’s being treated.

Peter Frampton remains one of the most lauded artists in rock history. The Music Business Association just presented him with the Chairman’s Award for Sustained Creative Achievement at the Awards & Hall of Fame Dinner that is part of the Association’s annual conference—Music Biz 2019. Frampton was also recently honored with the Les Paul Innovation Award at the 2019 NAMM Show’s 34th annual TEC Awards, and celebrated the 43rd anniversary of his fifth solo album, Frampton Comes Alive!, one of the top-selling live records of all time (over 17 million copies sold worldwide). 

ALL BLUES TRACK LISTING

1.  I Just Want To Make Love To You (featuring Kim Wilson)

2.  She Caught The Katy

3.  Georgia On My Mind

4.  Can’t Judge A Book By The Cover

5. Me And My Guitar

6.  All Blues (featuring Larry Carlton)

7.  The Thrill Is Gone (featuring Sonny Landreth)

8.  Going Down Slow (featuring Steve Morse)

9.  I’m A King Bee

10.  Same Old Blues

PETER FRAMPTON LIVE

June 18—Catoosa, OK—Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Tulsa+

June 20—Little Rock, AR—Robinson Performance Hall

June 22—Wetumpka, AL—Wind Creek Casino & Hotel+

June 23—Chattanooga, TN—Tivoli Theatre+

June 26—Memphis, TN—Orpheum Theatre+

June 27—Nashville, TN—Ascend Amphitheater*

June 29—Salamanca, NY—Seneca Allegany Resort & Casino*

June 30—Bethel, NY—Bethel Woods Center for the Arts*

July 2—Pittsburgh, PA—Benedum Center for the Performing Arts

July 3—Syracuse, NY—St. Joseph’s Health Amphitheater at Lakeview*

July 5—Montreal, QC—Montreal Jazz Fest- Place des Arts: Salle Wilfrid-Pelletier+

July 7—Gilford, NH—Bank of New Hampshire Pavilion*

July 9—Boston, MA—Rockland Trust Bank Pavilion*

July 10—Philadelphia, PA—The Met Philadelphia*

July 12—Cincinnati, OH—Riverbend Music Center*

July 13—Stayner, ON—Roxodus Music Festival+

July 23—Interlochen, MI—Interlochen Center for the Arts-Kresge Auditorium+

July 25—Clarkston, MI—DTE Energy Music Theatre*

July 26—Morgantown, WV—MountainFest Motorcycle Rally*+

July 28—Chicago, IL—Huntington Bank Pavilion at Northerly Island*

July 29—Cedar Rapids, IA—McGrath Amphitheatre

July 31—Morrison, CO—Red Rocks Amphitheatre

August 2—Hinckley, MN—Grand Casino Hinckley Amphitheater*+

August 4—Maryland Heights, MO—Hollywood Casino Amphitheatre*

August 5—Kansas City, MO—Starlight Theatre*

August 8—Cuyahoga Falls, OH—Blossom Music Center*

August 11—Alpharetta, GA—Ameris Bank Amphitheatre at Encore Park*

August 16-21—Keeping the Blues Alive at Sea Mediterranean+

August 30—Charlotte, NC—PNC Music Pavilion*

September 1—Saratoga Springs, NY—Saratoga Performing Arts Center*

September 2—Uncasville, CT—Mohegan Sun Arena*

September 4—Jacksonville, FL—Daily’s Place*

September 6—West Palm Beach, FL—Coral Sky Amphitheatre at the S. Florida Fairgrounds*

September 7—Tampa, FL—MIDFLORIDA Credit Union Amphitheatre at the FL State Fairgrounds*

September 10—Simpsonville, SC—CCNB Amphitheatre at Heritage Park*

September 11—Washington, DC—The Anthem*

September 13—New York, NY—Madison Square Garden*

September 14—Raleigh, NC—Coastal Credit Union Music Park at Walnut Creek*

September 20-21—Dallas, TX—Crossroads Festival @ American Airlines Center+

September 21—Irving, TX—Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion presented by Huntsman*

September 22—The Woodlands, TX—The Pavilion at Toyota Music Factory*

September 24—Albuquerque, NM—Sandia Resort & Casino*+

September 26—Phoenix, AZ—Comerica Theatre*

September 28—Las Vegas, NV—Red Rock Resort Spa & Casino+

September 29—Temecula, CA—Pechanga Casino-Pechanga Summit*†

October 2—San Diego, CA—Cal Coast Credit Union Open Air Theatre at SDSU*†

October 3—Paso Robles, CA—Vina Robles Amphitheatre*†+

October 5—Inglewood, CA—The Forum*†

October 6—Tuolumne, CA—Black Oak Casino Resort-Westside Pavilion*†+

October 9—Seattle, WA—Paramount Theatre*†

October 10—Ridgefield, OR—Ilani Resort & Casino-Cowlitz Ballroom*†+

October 12—Concord, CA—Concord Pavilion*†

*with Jason Bonham’s Led Zeppelin Evening

†with Julian Frampton
+not a Live Nation date

Music heroes shine on new titles

It's great when highly-anticipated releases deliver on their promise as convincingly as the latest titles featuring groundbreaking rock trio The Police, singer-songwriter Carole King, rocker Bruce Springsteen and power pop icon Richard X. Heyman. 

Artist: The Police
Title: Everyone Stares (Eagle Rock Entertainment))
You might like if you enjoy: The Police, Sting
Tell me more: Only someone positioned on the inside could have captured The Police's meteoric rise to fame as magically as what viewers will see in the fantastic documentary Everyone Stares. Written, produced and directed by Police drummer Stewart Copeland, the fast-paced film offers a first-person look at everything from the band's formation and first press conference in Los Angeles to bandmates Sting (vocals, bass), Andy Summers (guitar) and Copeland dancing on the edge of the Grand Canyon and headlining at day 1 of the fabled Us Festival in San Bernardino in May 1982. So many fly-on-the-wall moments are part of the film's wonderful arc. Among the memorable scenes chronicled are those where they are signing autographs, clowning around during photo shoots,, tearing through groundbreaking now-classic cuts at live shows, and developing "Do Do Do Do, Da Da Da Da" in a recording studio. Copeland's sparse and straight-forward narration is a wonder, notably when he says: "Pop stardom exploded out of nowhere." "Everyone Stares" is available on Blu-ray, DVD and digitally. Information: eagle-rock.com.

Artist: Carole King
Title: Live at Montreux 1973 (Eagle Rock Entertainment))
You might like if you enjoy: Carole King, Jenny Lewis
Tell me more: There is something special about a previously-unreleased recording, especially when it's as great as Carole King's Live at Montreux 1973. Launching the set — her first ever outside of the U.S. — alone at the piano King delivers stirring originals including "I Feel The Earth Move," Beautiful" and "It's Too Late" before the discerning Swiss audience gathered at the Montreux Pavillon on July 15, 1973. She is then joined by her terrific 11-member band to feature songs off her then-new bold album "Fantasy" (the jazz flavored "Fantasy Beginning/You've Been Around Too Long," reflective "You've Been Around Too Long," funk-soul gem "Haywood" and lovely ballad "A Quiet Place to Live" are among the wonderful selections). The New York native finishes off the dynamic concert with an intimate musical reading of "You've Got a Friend" and a nuanced take on her "(You Make Me Feel Like) A Natural Woman," the latter showcasing King's wonderful vocals. Information: eagle-rock.com.

Artist: Bruce Springsteen
Title: Western Stars (Columbia)
You might like if you enjoy: Glen Campbell, Michael Ubaldini, Bruce Springsteen
Tell me more: Bruce Springsteen's outstanding new album Western Stars marks another spirited step forward for the New Jersey-spawned Rock and Roll Hall of Famer, a bona fide masterwork that combines the best of his signature brand of heartland rock, Americana and countrified folk into a rich tapestry. There are wistful country-western ballads (including "Hitch Hiking'," "Chasin' Wild Horses" and "Stones"), mid-tempo folk rockers (the strings-swept "Tucson Train," the Tex-Mex colored "Sleepy Joe's Cafe") and genre-defying retro soundscapes ("The Wayfarer," the breezy "Sundown," and ambitious "There Goes My Miracle") on Springsteen's first new studio album in five years  — an LP that will likely reveal additional and vital secrets with a parade of future listens. Springsteen's singular ability to tap into the stories of drifters, dreamers and the downtrodden is put to perfect use on this intimate and compelling collection of 13 original songs anchored by his resonant baritone and a sweeping mix of guitars, keyboards, pedal steel, strings and more. Themes and lyrical vistas include the wide open spaces and mythology of the American West, the importance of home and family, and everyday heroes who emerge amidst despair. Information: brucespringsteen.net. 

Artist: Richard X. Heyman
Title: Pop Circles (Turn-Up Records)
You might like if you enjoy: Matthew Sweet, Brian Wilson, the Byrds, Todd Rundgren
Tell me more: Who says the number 13 is unlucky? Power pop hero Richard X. Heyman's 13th full-length album Pop Circles hits all the right notes on its exhilarating ride that includes a dozen principal cuts and five bonus tracks! The album begins with the sweeping "Guess You Had To Be There," a tuneful and intoxicating track that casts its spell with a single listen. The album's sumptuous gifts don't end there; the lush "If You're So Inclined" (which recalls some of the Byrds' beloved nuggets), the yearning confessional "Everything Must Go," the garage rocker "Hope," driving harmonies-rich "Marlena" and the baroque pop gem "About Time" are among my faves. Information: richardxheyman.com.


Robert Kinsler