Wednesday, October 31, 2018

Seattle's Northwest African American Museum's "Bold As Love: Jimi Hendrix At Home" exhibition launches November 27, Jimi's 76th birthday

As anticipation grows for the 50th anniversary deluxe reissue of The Jimi Hendrix Experience masterwork Electric Ladyland on November 9, 2018, there comes exciting news about a Hendrix-centered exhibition coming to Seattle later next month...




NEW EXHIBIT, BOLD AS LOVE: JIMI HENDRIX AT HOME, DEFINES HIS SEATTLE ROOTS

SEATTLE, WA — The Northwest African American Museum (NAAM), in partnership with Experience Hendrix L.L.C and Authentic Hendrix LLC, is proud to introduce their newest exhibition, celebrating Seattle’s own Jimi Hendrix.  The much anticipated exhibit, Bold As Love: Jimi Hendrix at Home, opens to the public on Jimi’s 76th birthday, November 27, 2018. 

The work offers a rare and detailed look at Jimi’s Seattle origins through the lens of those closest to him and by his own artistic eyes.  Through archival and family photos, his own artwork, personal artifacts, music, and multimedia, visitors will discover how the icon’s Seattle upbringing shaped his life and career.  The collection of art and visual effects is being billed as more than an exhibition, but an experience that will take museum guests on a journey into the life of James Marshall “Jimi” Hendrix, whose rise to stardom was meteoric, but whose feet never left the ground.

“We wanted people to come away feeling like they know Jimi on a different level.  He was a complex and beautiful human being.  His music was just a part of who he was,” explains Janie Hendrix, President & CEO of Experience Hendrix, L.L.C. and Authentic Hendrix, LLC. “Bold As Love: Jimi Hendrix at Home is our way of showing some of the many facets of Jimi at various stages of his life, not just on stage.  This exhibit reveals Jimi the man, not only as a performer.”  

The world recognizes Jimi Hendrix as an unequivocally gifted rock star who changed the world of music forever. He transformed the electric guitar into an instrument the world would embrace, raising the standards of rock music and making it more of an art form.  He continues to have international appeal, but few recognize his humble beginnings here in Seattle. The exhibit opens the door to his home.

The 50th anniversary deluxe edition of 'Electric Ladyland' is
set for release on Nov. 9, 2018.
Growing up primarily in Seattle’s Central District, Jimi’s exposure to music began at an early age and was cultivated by his father, James “Al” Hendrix.  Jimi’s infatuation with the guitar started with a broom, as observed by his dad.  He then graduated to a one-string ukulele, and finally a guitar.  Never formally trained, Jimi was a self-taught musician, listening intently the sounds of blues and jazz at home.  His unique style of dress, later displayed in life, was also part of his family’s legacy.  His colorful costumes paid homage to his grandmother’s vaudevillian roots, as did his stunning theatrical performances. Each a vestige of home.  His musical genius, personified by his free spirit and self-awareness, would ultimately make Seattle proud, and the universe his friend. 

“The Northwest African American Museum (NAAM) is delighted to partner with Experience Hendrix L.L.C. and Authentic Hendrix LLC on this profoundly important exhibition that explores the life and musical genius of Jimi Hendrix from the perspective of his Seattle roots,” said LaNesha DeBardelaben, Executive Director at NAAM.  “His brilliance and legacy inspire us because he’s one of us. This is a unique opportunity to see Seattle through his eyes and what he cherished.  Young or old, there is something for everyone to learn and discover in this exhibition.
 
Bold As Love: Jimi Hendrix at Home will run November 27, 2018 through May 5, 2019 at the Northwest African American Museum (2300 S. Massachusetts Street, Seattle, WA 98144). Entrance to the museum and the grand opening event is free and open to the public on November 27.  It will include a birthday celebration and music, and to commemorate the opening, the first 76 people to sign up for a new NAAM membership, will receive a curated gift from Experience Hendrix and NAAM. Learn more about membership on our website.
 
About Experience Hendrix, L.L.C. & Authentic Hendrix, LLC
 
Founded by Jimi Hendrix’s father James “Al” Hendrix and owned and operated by his personally chosen members of the family; Experience Hendrix, L.L.C. and its wholly owned subsidiary Authentic Hendrix, LLC manage the globally recognized Jimi Hendrix copyrights and trademarks.  Their administration of the exclusive right to Jimi’s music and lyrics, plus an extensive photo archive helps create a legacy of products that mirror Jimi’s own creative vision.

Kiss: End Of The Road World Tour

This being Halloween seems like a good day to note the upcoming farewell tour from costumed hard rockers KISS. The tour includes dates in both Orange County (at the Honda Center) and Los Angeles County (at the Forum) next February...




After a unique and successful career spanning 45 years, KISS has announced the arrival of the band's aptly-titled "End Of The Road" world tour The initial announcement was made a month ago on NBC's America's Got Talent which sent the internet into overdrive with fans hoping their city would get one final KISS show. The band announced today the first set of dates and cities in North America, produced by Live Nation. International markets were also announced simultaneously today. Tour itinerary detailed below; KISS will be offering VIP experiences and special KISS Army fan presales.
KISS Meet & Greet Experiences will be available beginning Tuesday, October 30th at 10am local time through kissonline.com. KISS Army fan club presales will begin Wednesday October 31st at 10 am local time also through www.kissonline.com. Citi is the official presale credit card for the End of the Road World Tour. As such, Citi cardmembers will have access to purchase U.S. presale tickets beginning Wednesday, October 31 at 12:00pm local time until Thursday, November 1 at 10:00pm local time through Citi's Private Pass program. For complete presale details visit www.citiprivatepass.com. Tickets to the general public will go on sale starting Friday, November 2 at 10 a.m. local time at LiveNation.com.
KISS / Photo: Jen Rosenstein
Known for their trademark larger-than-life blistering performances, KISS has proven for decades why they are hands down the most iconic live show in rock n roll.  The Rock & Roll Hall of Famers who have sold more than 100 million albums worldwide have said this tour is devoted to the millions of KISS Army fans.
"All that we have built and all that we have conquered over the past four decades could never have happened without the millions of people worldwide who've filled clubs, arenas and stadiums over those years. This will be the ultimate celebration for those who've seen us and a last chance for those who haven't. KISS Army, we're saying goodbye on our final tour with our biggest show yet and we'll go out the same way we came in... Unapologetic and Unstoppable," said KISS. 

TOUR ITINERARY
Date
City
Venue
January 31, 2019
Vancouver, BC, Canada
Rogers Arena
February 1, 2019
Portland, OR
Moda Center
February 2, 2019
Tacoma, WA
Tacoma Dome
February 4, 2019
Spokane, WA
Spokane Arena
February 7, 2019
San Diego, CA
Viejas Arena
February 8, 2019
Fresno, CA
Save Mart Center
February 9, 2019
Sacramento, CA
Golden 1 Center
February 12, 2019
Anaheim, CA
Honda Center
February 13, 2019
Glendale, AZ
Gila River Arena
February 15, 2019
Las Vegas, NV
T-Mobile Arena
February 16, 2019
Los Angeles, CA
The Forum
February 19, 2019
Corpus Christi, TX
American Bank Center
February 20, 2019
Dallas, TX
American Airlines Center
February 22, 2019
New Orleans, LA
Smoothie King Center
February 23, 2019
Memphis, TN
FedEx Forum
February 26, 2019
Oklahoma City, OK
Chesapeake Energy Arena
February 27, 2019
Kansas City, MO
Sprint Center
March 1, 2019
Milwaukee, WI
Fiserv Forum
March 2, 2019
Chicago, IL
United Center
March 4, 2019
Minneapolis, MN
Target Center
March 6, 2019
Sioux Falls, SD
Denny Sanford PREMIER Center
March 7, 2019
Omaha, NE
CHI Health Center Omaha
March 9, 2019
Grand Rapids, MI
Van Andel Arena
March 10, 2019
Moline, IL
TaxSlayer Center
March 12, 2019
Louisville, KY
KFC Yum! Center
March 13, 2019
Detroit, MI
Little Caesars Arena
March 16, 2019
Columbus, OH
Nationwide Arena
March 17, 2019
Cleveland, OH
Quicken Loans Arena
March 19, 2019
Montreal, QC, Canada
Bell Centre
March 20, 2019
Toronto, ON, Canada
Scotiabank Arena
March 22, 2019
Long Island, NY
NYCB LIVE's Nassau Coliseum 
March 23, 2019
Uncasville, CT
Mohegan Sun Arena
March 26, 2019
Boston, MA
TD Garden
March 27, 2019
New York, NY
Madison Square Garden
March 29, 2019
Philadelphia, PA
Wells Fargo Center
March 30, 2019
Pittsburgh, PA
PPG Paints Arena
April 2, 2019
Quebec City, QC, Canada
Videotron Centre
April 3, 2019
Ottawa, ON, Canada
Canadian Tire Centre
April 6, 2019
Raleigh, NC
PNC Arena
April 7, 2019
Atlanta, GA
State Farm Arena
April 9, 2019
Nashville, TN
Bridgestone Arena
April 11, 2019
Tampa, FL
Amalie Arena
April 12, 2019
Jacksonville, FL
Jacksonville Veterans Memorial Arena
April 13, 2019
Birmingham, AL
BJCC
About Live Nation Entertainment
Live Nation Entertainment (NYSE: LYV) is the world's leading live entertainment company comprised of global market leaders: Ticketmaster, Live Nation Concerts, and Live Nation Media & Sponsorship. For additional information, visit www.livenationentertainment.com

Tuesday, October 30, 2018

Willie Nelson To Be Honored at GRAMMY Week Celebration

Nice news comes today that Willie Nelson will be honored in early 2019...


Willie Nelson to be honored at Recording Academy Producers & Engineers Wing® 12th Annual GRAMMY® Week Celebration

Willie Nelson performing at the City National Grove of
Anaheim on Jan. 6, 2015. Photo: Robert Kinsler

EIGHT-TIME GRAMMY® AWARD WINNER WILL BE HONORED ON FEB. 6, 2019, AT THE VILLAGE STUDIOS IN LOS ANGELES


SANTA MONICA, CALIF. (OCT. 30, 2018)The Recording Academy Producers & Engineers Wing® will honor eight-time GRAMMY® Award winner Willie Nelson at its annual GRAMMY Week celebration on Wednesday, Feb. 6, 2019, at The Village Studios in West Los Angeles. Now in its 12th year, this event will celebrate the artistic achievements and creative genius of Nelson, one of the music industry’s most beloved icons. The event also acknowledges the overall industry contributions of the Producers & Engineers Wing’s more than 6,400 professional members. GRAMMY Week culminates with the 61st Annual GRAMMY Awards® on Sunday, Feb. 10, 2019, airing live on the CBS Television Network, at 7:30 p.m. ET/PT.

"Willie Nelson has inspired generations of musicians and fans, and continues to set precedents of excellence within the music community," said Neil Portnow, President/CEO of the Recording Academy. “We are privileged to pay tribute this year to an industry pioneer who perfectly embodies the tireless efforts of the Producers & Engineers Wing as we continue to raise awareness of the ever-evolving climate of sound quality and the increasing interest in the preservation and integrity of recorded music."

"Each year, the Recording Academy's Producers & Engineers Wing annual GRAMMY week event honors members of the recording community who exhibit exceptional standards of integrity, creativity, and sonic quality," said Maureen Droney, Managing Director of the Recording Academy Producers & Engineers Wing. "We are thrilled to pay homage to Willie Nelson, an undeniable icon with an incomparable—and uncompromising—body of work."

With a six-decade career and more than 200 albums, Nelson is the creative force behind historic recordings such as "Crazy," Red Headed Stranger, and Stardust. He has earned innumerable accolades as a songwriter and musician, while also amassing admirable credentials as an author, actor, and activist, and he continues to thrive as a relevant and progressive musical and cultural force. A leading figure in outlaw country music, he is also known for his hugely successful collaborations with Waylon Jennings, Merle Haggard, Julio Iglesias, and with the Highwaymen supergroup (Johnny Cash, Jennings, Nelson, and Kris Kristofferson). Never one to play it safe, his distinctive style combines elements of jazz, blues, swing, honky-tonk, traditional pop, folk, and rock. During the past 10 years, Nelson has delivered 14 new albums, released the Top 10 New York Times’ bestselling book, It’s A Long Story: My Life, and continues to headline Farm Aid, an event he co-founded in 1985. Additionally, Nelson has headlined three years of the ongoing Luck Reunion food and music festival at his ranch in Luck, Texas, during SXSW, announced the launch of his cannabis company Willie’s Reserve, and graced the cover of Rolling Stone magazine. Nelson continues to record more new songs for upcoming projects as well as touring throughout North America. His latest 2018 release is a tribute to the songs sung by Frank Sinatra, titled, fittingly, My Way; and he just recently debuted a new single, "Vote 'Em Out." In addition to eight GRAMMY Awards, Nelson has been recognized by the Recording Academy with the President’s Merit Award (1986), GRAMMY Legend Award (1990), and Lifetime Achievement Award (2000).

Previous Producers & Engineers Wing honorees include:
2009—Ahmet & Nesuhi Ertegun; Jerry Wexler; Arif Mardin & Tom Dowd
2010—Chris Blackwell
2011—T Bone Burnett
2012—Jimmy Iovine
2013—Quincy Jones & Al Schmitt
2014—Neil Young
2015—Nile Rodgers
2016—Rick Rubin
2017—Jack White
2018—Alicia Keys & Swizz Beatz

ABOUT THE RECORDING ACADEMY
The Recording Academy represents the voices of performers, songwriters, producers, engineers, and all music professionals. Dedicated to ensuring the recording arts remain a thriving part of our shared cultural heritage, the Academy honors music's history while investing in its future through the GRAMMY Museum®, advocates on behalf of music creators, supports music people in times of need through MusiCares®, and celebrates artistic excellence through the GRAMMY Awards—music's only peer-recognized accolade and highest achievement. As the world's leading society of music professionals, we work year-round to foster a more inspiring world for creators.

For more information about the Academy and its Producers & Engineers Wing, please visit www.grammy.com. For breaking news and exclusive content, follow @RecordingAcad on Twitter, "like" Recording Academy on Facebook, and join the Recording Academy's social communities on InstagramTumblr, and YouTube

Monday, October 29, 2018

Americana, British Blues, Modern Rock Efforts Equal Excellence

As 2018 enters its final stretch, a number of fantastic albums and multi-format collections are making their mark.


Artist: Joe Bonamassa
Title: British Blues Explosion Live (J&R Adventures)
You might like if you enjoy: Traffic, the Yardbirds, Ten Years After, early Led Zeppelin
Tell me more: Filmed in front of a capacity crowd at the Greenwich Music Time event at the Old Royal Naval College in England on July 7, 2016, Joe Bonamassa's aptly-titled British Blues Explosion is a true celebration of the English discovery and masterful reworking of American blues into a new rock 'n' roll movement personified by the Yardbirds, Rolling Stones, Ten Years After and Led Zeppelin. Backed by a phenomenal four-man band, Bonamassa revisits many of the era's works with jaw-dropping live renditions. Bonamassa and company tear up the Willie Dixon-penned Chicago blues classic "Let Me Love You Baby," with Bonamassa's dazzling lead guitar work celebrating the genre while infusing a modern-day power to the song. He delves into the shades of the movement with a Southern-fried "Mainline Florida," the heavy blues rocker "Spanish Boots," and a mostly-faithful take on the Eric Clapton original "Motherless Children." Led Zeppelin fans will thrill at his fusing of that band's "Tea For One" with Dixon's "I Can't Quit You Baby" and a potent version of "How Many More Times." Bonamassa is one of the world's greatest-ever blues-rock guitarists and his playing and singing across the concert recording is both inspired and flawless. "British Blues Explosion Live" is available on a number of formats, including Blu-ray, DVD and audio CD. The blu-ray reviewed here includes a slew of awesome extras including a rousing Chicago blues reworking of George Harrison's "Taxman" performed live at the historic Cavern Club. Information: JBonamassa.com.



Artist: Evanescence
Title: Synthesis Live (Eagle Vision)
You might like if you enjoy: Heart, Evanescence
Tell me more: In recent years the celebrated likes of Deep Purple, Tommy Shaw of Styx, Jeff Lynne's ELO and Cheap Trick (performing the music of the Beatles) have all performed live with orchestras and released the ambitious undertakings on audio CD or DVD. Evanescence is the latest rock ensemble to perform with an orchestra and that November 2017 performance is now available to own via Synthesis Live (available on DVD+CD, Blu-ray+CD and via digital formats). Singer-keyboardist Amy Lee's far-reaching soprano and talents at the grand piano are showcased fully across the new release. Performing 19 songs spanning Evanescence's history, highlights include the soaring "Never Go Back," "Bring Me to Life" and "My Immortal." On the Blu-ray reviewed here, a concept video for the original track "Hi-Lo" featuring Lee joined by famed violinist Lindsey Stirling appears as a bonus feature. Information: eagle-rock.com.


Artist: Phosphorescent
Title: C'est La Vie (Dead Oceans)
You might like if you enjoy: Dr. Dog, Dawes
Tell me more: Since discovering Phosphorescent at the Stagecoach Festival in 2011, I've been a fan of the genre-blending troupe headed by singer-songwriter Matthew Houck. Now after an extended wait of more than five years (the group's previous album Muchacho was released in March 2013), Phosphorescent is back with their seventh studio album, C'est La Vie. The good news is the long wait was worth it; Phosphorescent's unique approach of crafting luxurious songs that occupy a dreamlike soundscape is fully intact. There are the wistful quiet nuggets ("Christmas Down Under," "These Rocks"), a driving Americana-tinged indie rocker ("Around the Horn") and even a meditative synth pop foray (the title track "C'est La Vie"). Information: PhosphorescentMusic.com.



Artist: Rosanne Cash
Title: She Remembers Everything (Blue Note)
You might like if you enjoy: Roseanne Cash, Emmylou Harris
Tell me more: Just because 2018 is rapidly drawing to a close doesn't mean all the significant albums of the year have been released. Songstress Rosanne Cash is set to release the deeply-affecting She Remembers Everything on Nov. 2. The album  the artist's first new LP in nearly five years  allows one of today's most gifted female singer-songwriters to probe the continuing challenges women have in the 21st century. Indeed, Cash's 10-track disc is a powerful and revealing exploration of the experience of women highlighted in a number of roles vividly described in songs that are both lyrically literate and musically beautiful. As if Cash's talents and insight weren't formidable enough, she is joined by the illustrious likes of Kris Kristofferson and Elvis Presley (the two share lead vocals with Cash on the wonderful "Gods of Harlem"), Colin Meloy (of the Decemberists) and Sam Phillips on the essential album. Information: RoseanneCash.com.



Artist: NRBQ
Title: All Hopped Up (Omnivore Recordings)
You might like if you enjoy: NRBQ, Dr. John, Terry Adams
Tell me more: Listening to the newly-issued expanded edition of NRBQ's fifth album All Hopped Up is to be astounded that the original was released in April 1977. The timeless material shines across the disc with a number of styles explored with an expert touch. The lovely "Ridin' In My Car" is a perfect blend of folk rock and power pop, propelled by stellar vocals and a driving rhythm. The soulful "Cecilia"  anchored by the work of Donn Adams (trombone) and Keith Spring (tenor saxophone)  is an early highlight. "I Got A Rocket In My Pocket" revisits the dynamic sound of '50s rock 'n' roll. "Call Him Off, Rogers" and "Queen Talk" provide pure shots of New Orleans R&B. The inviting "Things To You" defies easy categorization but it casts its spell with a single listen. The blues are celebrated with aplomb on "Honey Hush." The collection includes four winning bonus tracks, including the Louisiana-flavored "Chicken Hearted" and "Do The Bump," and alluring roots rocker "Start It Over." NRBQ continues to thrive in 2018; the band is set to perform a string of dates in California in early November. Information: OmnivoreRecordings.com.




Artist: Supersuckers
Title: Suck It. (Acetate Records)
You might like if you enjoy: Old 97's, the Junkyard Dogs, Eagles of Death Metal
Tell me more: Straightforward and blasting away with an infectious mix of punk rock, alt country, garage rock and old school hard rock, Supersuckers' have returned with their latest hard-hitting album Suck It. The 10-song disc tackles well-worn territory and that's a good thing; like AC/DC, the Ramones and Devo, some band's thrive by unleashing a signature sound that is uniformly familiar. Lead singer-bassist Eddie Spaghetti's raspy baritone opines on "The History of Rock N Roll" while guitar great Metal Marty Chandler offers up blistering fretwork amidst the track. Even probing tracks like "Dead Inside" are glorious in the hands of the band (rounded out by drummer Capt. All Nighter Von Streicher). The pedal to the metal musical approach works great across the collection, with the fiery "Breaking My Balls," contemplative "The Worst Thing Ever" (which covers loneliness with surprising candor), the country-western gem "Cold Wet Wind" and irreverent "Beer Drinkers & Hell Raisers." Information: SuperSuckers.com.


Robert Kinsler