Music News Roundup: John Mayall, The Rolling Stones, Queen + Paul Rodgers, DEVO, Van Halen, The Fixx, more!

Watch the debut episode of The News where TJR and Robert Kinsler discuss some of the biggest music headlines of the week. This week they discuss a wide-range of artists in the news including British blues giant John Mayall, The Rolling Stones, U2, Queen + Paul Rodgers, Van Halen, Devo and The Fixx. 

John Mayall / Photo: Bob Steshetz

     View the episode HERE.

TJR and Robert Kinsler discuss legacy of Foo Fighters drummer Taylor Hawkins

Taylor Hawkins in February 2016.
Photo: Kelly A. Swift

Watch Robert Kinsler and TJR discuss the legacy of Foo Fighters drummer Taylor Hawkins on a new episode. View the episode HERE.

John Mayall certifies incredible legacy during 'Final Show' at The Coach House

John Mayall performing in front of a capacity crowd at The Coach House.

Who: John Mayall, Bobby Gray

Where: The Coach House in San Juan Capistrano, CA

When: Saturday, March 26, 2022

Next: Visit www.TheCoachHouse.com for details on upcoming concerts at the venue

Review by Robert Kinsler

Photography by Bob Steshetz

In the third and final of his so-called "Final Shows" staged at the legendary Coach House in San Juan Capistrano, CA on Saturday night (March 26, 2022), British blues giant John Mayall performed what is reportedly to be his last-ever concert.

In front of a sold-out and genuinely enthusiastic crowd, the 88-year-old artist delivered a truly memorable 110-minute outing elevated not only by the historic moment but the terrific talents of his amazing band (master guitarist Carolyn Wonderland, bassist Greg Rzab and drummer Jay Davenport).

John Mayall playing his blues harp on March 26, 2022.

Singing, playing the keys and blowing on his blues harp across the night, Mayall played the entire set standing up and seemed to genuinely be savoring the moment (a number of his family members were seated in the audience too), engaged with his band and once again delightfully delivering the British blues stylings he has championed for more than 60 years.

From left, John Mayall deciding which song to play with bassist Greg Rzab and
guitarist-singer Carolyn Wonderland at The Coach House.

As much for his infectious and influential musical brew, Mayall is recognized for his ability to recognize gifted young musicians who launched their own incredible careers as part of his troupe (notably under the moniker John Mayall & the Bluesbreakers launched in the 1960s). Among the notables who are veterans of the Bluesbreakers are Eric Clapton and Jack Bruce (who both went on to form Cream), Peter Green and John McVie (who would later gain acclaim with Fleetwood Mac), Mick Taylor (who would later join The Rolling Stones and shine on their greatest albums), Harvey Mandel (of Canned Heat fame) and guitar heroes Walter Trout and Coco Montoya.

Carolyn Wonderland in action.

From the moment Mayall and his trio launched their set, it was clear they were determined to deliver a rousing set of blues. The opener "Walking on Sunset" featured some terrific interplay between the musicians, notably highlighting the signature guitar work of Wonderland (whose latest album Tempting Fate was released via Alligator Records in October 2021; she is the "first female guitar hero in the label’s storied 50-year history").

The followup — a take on the Otis Rush classic "All Your Loving (I Miss Loving)" — featured some of Mayall's strongest vocals of the night. The enticing track offered more great fret work from Wonderland, who by now already had won over the audience who responded to her solos with big cheers.

The ensemble's focus was on blues-rock, but made a well-aimed jazzy detour on "Parchman Farm." Another early standout featured Wonderland taking over lead vocal duties on a poignant take on Bob Dylan's "It Takes a Lot to Laugh, It Takes a Train to Cry" showcasing the Texas artist's vocal talents are the equal to her amazing guitar work.

Bassist Greg Rzab at The Coach House.

"Ain't No Guarantees" was noteworthy for the burning solos from both bassist Rzab and drummer Davenport, the '60's flavored blues rocker the perfect forum for those sonic dynamics.

Drummer Jay Davenport behind his kit.

The set's momentum never faltered. Late night selections such as "The Laws Must Change" (featuring Wonderland on lead vocals), "Streamline" (a Bluesbreaker classic), searing "Tears Came Rollin' Down" and 16-minute "California" — the latter bolstered by a myriad of great solos — were pitch perfect.

Before launching into their final track, each of Mayall's bandmates said a few words about their leader. Rzab perhaps summed up the moment best: "Where would we be without this man?"

Mayall and company closed out the historic night with a eight-minute take on "Room to Move," with Mayall launching into the track alone on his harmonica before his trio joined in to bring it all home.

Bobby Gray (seen with his saxophone) and his trio performing at The Coach House
in San Juan Capistrano, CA on March 26, 2022.

Opening the night was Bobby Gray, who backed by a strong trio, performed a 45-minute set of classic rock era favorites with bona fide firepower.

Gray (juggling lead vocals, saxophone, flute and blues harp) and his three-man band delighted with their blistering opener (The Doors' "Roadhouse Blues"), the Moody Blues' "Nights in White Satin," Steppenwolf's "Magic Carpet Ride" and the Jimi Hendrix classic "Voodoo Chile." 

John Mayall giving the crowd a "thumbs up" to complete the night.

John Mayall Concert Setlist at The Coach House, Saturday, March 26, 2022

Walking on Sunset

All Your Loving (I Miss Loving)

Parchman Farm

It Takes a Lot to Laugh, It Takes a Train to Cry

The Sum of Something

The Bear

Ain't No Guarantees

The Laws Must Change

Streamline

Tears Came Rollin' Down

California

Room to Move

The Rolling Stones announce ‘Live At The El Mocambo’ album to be released on May 13

The Rolling Stones are set to release 'Live At The El Mocambo' on Friday, May 13. Listen to the advance tracks released today, and get all the details about the live album via the official media release below...Robert Kinsler

ROLLING STONES ANNOUNCE ‘LIVE AT THE EL MOCAMBO’ ALBUM TO BE RELEASED ON MAY 13

 

 FIRST EVER RELEASE OF THE LEGENDARY 1977 SHOWS 

FEATURING NEVER BEFORE HEARD RECORDINGS

A legendary event in the incredible 60-year history of the Rolling Stones is being released in full for the first time on Friday, May 13^th. Live At The El Mocambo marks the first official appearance of the group's two famous secret concerts at the 300-capacity Toronto club in March 1977.

The album will be available on double CD, 4 LP black vinyl, 4 LP neon vinyl and digitally. It features the Stones' full set from the March 5 show, plus three bonus tracks from the March 4 gig, newly mixed by Bob Clearmountain. Only four of the performances found their way onto the Love You Live album that followed in September 1977, which was dominated by tracks captured on the band's 1975 and '76 tours, with the full set having never been heard before. 

As the Rolling Stones gear up for their 60^th anniversary celebrations, Live At The El Mocambo is available for pre-order now. It is previewed by the release of two powerful tracks from the shows, “It's Only Rock 'N' Roll” and “Rip This Joint,” available on all digital services today. Listen to the tracks and pre-order Live At The El Mocambo here. 

As the Stones took to the stage of the “El Mo,” a fixture of the Toronto music scene since the 1940s, punk and disco were both rearing into full view, supposedly ready to see off a band who had already been at the top of their game for 15 years. Over two nights, in an intimate space in one of their favourite cities, they were about to make that prognosis look foolish indeed.

The gigs became reality after the El Mocambo was identified as the potential home for a secret booking. A radio contest was organized in which the prize was tickets to see Canadian rock heroes April Wine, supported by an unknown band called the Cockroaches. Guess who they turned out to be...

On the nights, naturally, April Wine were themselves the opening act, and so it was that the Stones rolled back the years to the exhilarating club incarnation of their early years. Against all the odds, the band produced two nights of exhilarating music that they still talk about in Toronto, and in Rolling Stones legend, to this day.

It was a setlist for all seasons, from Muddy Waters' “Mannish Boy“ and Bo Diddley's “Crackin' Up“ to staples such as “Let's Spend The Night Together“ and “Tumbling Dice,“ and back to the blues with Big Maceo's “Worried Life Blues“ and Willie Dixon's “Little Red Rooster.“ There was the live debut of “Worried About You,“ not heard in studio form until 1981's Tattoo You, and more highlights from “Honky Tonk Women“ to “Hot Stuff.“ Forty-five years on, this is a trip back to the intensity of the Crawdaddy Club in the Stones' earliest days, as revisited by the greatest rock 'n' roll band in the world.

THE ROLLING STONES’ LIVE AT THE EL MOCAMBO WILL BE RELEASED 

BY UMe ON MAY 13, 2022, PRE-ORDER HERE

 

LISTEN TO “IT'S ONLY ROCK 'N' ROLL“ AND “RIP THIS JOINT“ HERE

 

 

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GRAMMY Awards roundup: AXS TV Presents Week-Long GRAMMY EVENT Programming Starting March 28; Levar Burton To Host The 64th GRAMMY Awards Premiere Ceremony

With the GRAMMY Awards set for April 3, 2022, there is plenty of news related to the event to share...Robert Kinsler

AXS TV COMPOSES A WEEK-LONG GRAMMY® PLAYLIST CELEBRATING PAST WINNERS & CURRENT NOMINEES, HEADLINED BY THE PREMIERE OF FOO FIGHTERS: LIVE AT WEMBLEY STADIUM ON APRIL 2 AT 8 P.M. ET

Other Highlights Include Profiles of Kanye West & Taylor Swift, Performances by Willie Nelson, Dolly Parton, Norah Jones & Coldplay, Exclusive Digital Content Featuring Finneas, Fleet Foxes, Yola, Blues Traveler & Black Pumas, and More—Airing Across AXS TV’s Linear Channel, Website & Social Platforms from March 28 through April 2

 

Watch a Promo Here For the Week-Long Event & Saturday Celebration

 

AXS TV gears up for the 64^TH Annual GRAMMY® Awards with a multi-platform event featuring premiere performances, insightful profiles, all-new exclusive digital content and more—airing across AXS TV’s linear channel, website, apps and social platforms from Monday, March 28 through Saturday, April 2.

 

The week-long block boasts a special Saturday Stack lineup honoring past winners and current nominees on April 2 starting at 12 p.m. ET, headlined by the Network premiere of the unforgettable concert epic Foo Fighters: Live At Wembley Stadium at 8 p.m. ET. The film captures the 2022 Best Rock Album and Best Rock Performance nominees rocking 170,000 fans across two nights in 2008 at London’s historic venue, as they unleash a set packed with enduring hits such as “Times Like These,” “Learn To Fly,” “My Hero,” and “Everlong,” along with a pair of Led Zeppelin covers featuring surprise appearances by rock legends Jimmy Page and John Paul Jones.

 

Other Saturday Stack offerings include insightful artist profiles featuring Rock Legends: Foo Fighters, The Real Taylor Swift: Wild Dreams, The Dolly Parton Story – From Rags To Rhinestones and Kanye: A Higher Power, and seven powerhouse performances featuring Country music trailblazer Willie Nelson; Dolly Parton in the star-studded tribute Dolly Parton: 50 Years At The Opry, with Toby Keith, Emmylou Harris and Hank Williams Jr.; an immersive night of sound and color in Coldplay – Live In São Paulo, and more.

 

Additionally, the AXS TV website, apps, and social platforms present a selection of all-new digital exclusives airing daily throughout GRAMMY® Week, opening with back-to-back At Home And Social specials as host Katie Daryl sits down with indie folk heroes Fleet Foxes, whose album “Shore” is up for Best Alternative Music Album (Mar. 28); followed by an evening with beloved rock mainstays Blues Traveler, who are vying for Best Traditional Blues Album (Mar. 29). Next, multi-talented musician and producer Finneas—whose 2022 nominations include Record Of The Year, Song Of The Year, Best New Artist, and a pair of Album Of The Year nods—shares his personal music memorabilia on Rock & Tell (Mar. 30); and Katie Daryl chats with psychedelic superstars Black Pumas, nominees for Best Rock Album and Best Rock Performance, on At Home And Social (Mar. 31). The week wraps up on April 1 as Best American Roots Song and Best Americana Album nominee Yola reveals the albums she’d take to a desert island on Stranded.

 

“AXS TV’s GRAMMY® Week lineup is the ultimate celebration of music’s biggest night,” said Sarah Weidman, Head of Programming, Development and Multi-Platform Content for AXS TV. “From pop and blues, to country, rock, soul, rap, and more, AXS TV’s lineup is as varied as this year’s crop of GRAMMY® nominees—headlined by the premiere of the iconic concert event Foo Fighters: Live At Wembley Stadium, a monumental performance by one of rock’s biggest bands, which we are excited to share with our audience for the first time ever. There is truly something here for all music enthusiasts to enjoy, and AXS TV platforms are the only places you can see it.”

 

AXS TV’s Complete GRAMMY® Week Programming Lineup is as follows:

 

GRAMMY® Saturday Stack—Starting April 2 at 12 p.m. ET

 

-12pE – Rock Legends: Foo Fighters

-12:30pE – The Real Taylor Swift: Wild Dreams

-1:30pE – The Dolly Parton Story – From Rags To Rhinestones

-2:30pE – Willie Nelson

-3:30pE – Dolly Parton: 50 Years At The Opry

-5:30pE – Coldplay – Live In São Paulo

-8pE – PREMIERE – Foo Fighters: Live At Wembley Stadium

-11pE – Maroon 5: Live At Le Casino de Paris

-12aE – Sheryl Crow: Live From The Artists Den

-1aE – Norah Jones

-2aE – Kanye: A Higher Power

 

All-New Original Digital Content—Starting Mon., March 28 through Friday, April 1

 

-3/28: Fleet Foxes – At Home And Social

-3/29: Blues Traveler – At Home And Social

-3/30: FINNEAS – Rock & Tell

-3/31: Black Pumas – At Home And Social

-4/1: YOLA – Stranded

 

About AXS TV

AXS TV is a leading multi-platform music, entertainment, and lifestyle digital platform and television company owned and operated by Anthem Sports & Entertainment Inc. AXS TV’s broad library is curated to appeal to diverse and passionate fanbases across the entertainment spectrum, offering eclectic content headlined by premiere concerts and music-inspired programming, as well as exclusive celebrity interviews, acclaimed documentaries, world-class professional wrestling, hard-hitting MMA bouts, star-studded special events, and immersive pop culture series. AXS TV’s signature programs include the investigative series Music’s Greatest Mysteries; fan-favorite countdown series The Top Ten Revealed; the in-depth profile A Year in Music; and the intimate artist interview series At Home And Social. The channel is also the home of global combat sport staples IMPACT Wrestling, New Japan Pro-Wrestling and Invicta Fighting Championships. AXS TV is available nationally in the United States, and parts of Canada and the Caribbean. Additionally, AXS TV’s digital programming can be enjoyed on several different platforms including the AXS.TV website and the Network’s FAST Channel AXS TV NOW, as well as via the AXS TV App, and on the Network's official YouTube channel, Facebook and Instagram pages, and Twitter profile. For a full list of providers and territories, please visit axs.tv/subscribe.

GRAMMY® WINNER AND CURRENT NOMINEE LEVAR BURTON TO HOST THE 64TH GRAMMY AWARDS PREMIERE CEREMONY®   JIMMIE ALLEN, MADISON CUNNINGHAM, FALU, NNENNA FREELON, LEDISI, MON LAFERTE, KALANI PE'A, JOHN POPPER, ALLISON RUSSELL, CURTIS STEWART, AND THE ISAACS TO PERFORM; OPENING NUMBER TO FEATURE A SPECIAL MULTI-NOMINEE PERFORMANCE

GRAMMY® winner and current nominee LeVar Burton is hosting this year's prestigious 64th GRAMMY Awards Premiere Ceremony® at the MGM Grand Conference Marquee Ballroom in Las Vegas. Kicking off the ceremony, the opening number will feature a special multi-nominee performance including Madison Cunningham, Falu, Nnenna Freelon, Kalani Pe'a, John Popper, and The Isaacs. Other artists scheduled to perform include current nominees Jimmie Allen, Ledisi, Mon Laferte, Allison Russell, and Curtis Stewart. Presenting the first GRAMMY Awards® of the day are current nominees Jimmie Allen, Arlo Parks, Nate Bargatze, Nnenna Freelon, Pierce Freelon, and Sylvan Esso, and five-time GRAMMY winner and former Chair of the Recording Academy Board of Trustees, Jimmy Jam. The 64th GRAMMY Awards Premiere Ceremony will stream live from Las Vegas on Sun, April 3, 2022, at 3:30 p.m. ET/12:30 p.m. PT on YouTube at Recording Academy® / GRAMMYs and on live.grammy.com.   "I'm excited to host this celebration of the best performers across genres and art forms," said Burton, host of this year's GRAMMY Awards Premiere Ceremony and current nominee in the Best Spoken Word Album category (Includes Poetry, Audio Books & Storytelling) for Aftermath. "I am incredibly honored in particular to be represented in the Best Spoken Word category this historic year, with a cohort of five other outstandingly talented Black men, along with the words of the late great Congressman John Lewis."   For the 64th GRAMMY Awards, Allen received a GRAMMY nomination for Best New Artist; Arlo Parks is up for Best New Artist and Best Alternative Music Album (Collapsed in Sunbeams); Bargatze is nominated for Best Comedy Album (The Greatest Average American); Cunningham received a nomination for Best Folk Album (Wednesday (Extended Edition)); Falu is up for Best Children's Music Album (A Colorful World); Nnenna Freelon is nominated for Best Jazz Vocal Album (Time Traveler); Pierce Freelon received a nomination for Best Children's Music Album (Black To The Future); Ledisi is up for Best Traditional Pop Vocal Album (Ledisi Sings Nina); Mon Laferte is nominated for Best Regional Mexican Music Album (Including Tejano) (Seis); Pe'a received a nomination for Best Regional Roots Music Album (Kau Ka Pe'a); Popper is up for Best Traditional Blues Album (Traveler's Blues); Russell is nominated for Best American Roots Performance ("Nightflyer"), Best American Roots Song ("Nightflyer" with Jeremy Lindsay) and Best Americana Album (Outside Child); Stewart received a nomination for Best Classical Instrumental Solo (Of Power); Sylvan Esso are up for a nomination for Best Dance/Electronic Music Album (FreeLove); and The Isaacs are nominated for Best Roots Gospel Album Category (Songs For The Times).   The 64th GRAMMY Awards Premiere Ceremony is produced by Branden Chapman, Ruby Marchand, Chantel Sausedo, and Rex Supa on behalf of the Recording Academy. Greg Fera is executive producer and Cheche Alara is music producer and musical director.   The 64th Annual GRAMMY Awards will be broadcast live following the Premiere Ceremony on CBS and Paramount+ from 8–11:30 p.m. ET/5–8:30 p.m. PT. For GRAMMY coverage, updates and breaking news, please visit the Recording Academy's social networks on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and Twitter.

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, 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 Instagram, YouTube, TikTok, and LinkedIn.

 

Jon Batiste, Foo Fighters, H.E.R., Nas, Billie Eilish and Chris Stapleton to perform at the 64th Annual GRAMMY Awards

An update from the The Recording Academy with a number of new notables announced to perform at the 64th Annual GRAMMY Awards on April 3, 2022...Robert Kinsler

Christ Stapleton will perform at the 64th Annual 
GRAMMY Awards on Sunday, April 3, 2022.
Photo credit: Becky Fluke

JON BATISTE, BILLIE EILISH, FOO FIGHTERS, H.E.R., NAS, AND CHRIS STAPLETON TO PERFORM AT THE 64TH ANNUAL GRAMMY AWARDS®; CYNTHIA ERIVO, LESLIE ODOM JR., BEN PLATT, AND RACHEL ZEGLER ALSO TO PERFORM AS PART OF SPECIAL IN MEMORIAM SEGMENT MUSIC'S BIGGEST NIGHT® AIRS SUN, APRIL 3, 2022, ON CBS

SANTA MONICA, CALIF. (MARCH 24, 2022) — The Recording Academy® has expanded its lineup for the 64th Annual GRAMMY Awards® with current nominees Jon Batiste, Foo Fighters, H.E.R., Nas, and Chris Stapleton and a special In Memoriam performance featuring songs of Stephen Sondheim by GRAMMY® winner Cynthia Erivo, current nominee Leslie Odom Jr., current nominee Ben Platt, and Rachel Zegler. Live from MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas and hosted by Trevor Noah, the 64th Annual GRAMMY Awards will be broadcast live on Sun, April 3, 2022, at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT on the CBS Television Network and will be available to stream live and on demand on Paramount+. Previously announced performers include Brothers Osborne, BTS, Brandi Carlile, Billie Eilish, Lil Nas X with Jack Harlow, and Olivia Rodrigo.   Billie Eilish will perform at this year's GRAMMY Awards. Photo credit: Matty Vogel This year's leading nominee Jon Batiste received 11 nominations including Record Of The Year ("Freedom"), Album Of The Year (We Are), Best Traditional R&B Performance ("I Need You"), Best R&B Album (We Are), Best Improvised Jazz Solo ("Bigger Than Us"), Best Jazz Instrumental Album (Jazz Selections: Music From And Inspired By Soul), Best American Roots Performance ("Cry"), Best American Roots Song ("Cry"), Best Score Soundtrack For Visual Media (Soul), Best Contemporary Classical Composition ("Batiste: Movement 11'"), and Best Music Video ("Freedom").   Twelve-time GRAMMY winners Foo Fighters earned three nominations this year for Best Rock Performance ("Making A Fire"), Best Rock Song ("Waiting On A War"), and Best Rock Album (Medicine At Midnight).   Four-time GRAMMY winner H.E.R. has eight nominations this year, Album Of The Year (Back Of My Mind), Song Of The Year ("Fight For You"), Best R&B Performance ("Damage"), Best Traditional R&B Performance ("Fight For You"), Best R&B Song ("Damage"), Best R&B Album (Back Of My Mind), Best Contemporary Christian Music Performance/Song ("Hold Us Together (Hope Mix)") with Tauren Wells, and Best Song Written For Visual Media ("Fight For You [From Judas And The Black Messiah]"). GRAMMY winner Nas received two nominations this year, Best Rap Song ("Bath Salts") and Best Rap Album (King’s Disease II). GRAMMY winner Leslie Odom Jr. earned two nominations this year for Best Compilation Soundtrack For Visual Media (One Night In Miami…) and Best Song Written For Visual Media ("Speak Now [From One Night In Miami…]").   GRAMMY Winner Ben Platt is nominated this year for Best Compilation Soundtrack For Visual Media (Dear Evan Hansen).   Five-time GRAMMY winner Chris Stapleton has three nominations this year including Best Country Solo Performance ("You Should Probably Leave"), Best Country Song ("Cold") and Best Country Album (Starting Over).   The 64th Annual GRAMMY Awards are produced by Fulwell 73 Productions for the Recording Academy. Raj Kapoor serves as showrunner and executive producer, alongside Ben Winston and Jesse Collins as executive producers, and Jeannae Rouzan-Clay as co-executive producer. Hamish Hamilton returns as director, and Eric Cook as supervising producer with Tabitha D'umo, Patrick Menton, Fatima Robinson, and David Wild as producers.

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, 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 Instagram, YouTube, TikTok, and LinkedIn.

Concert review: Tinsley Ellis and Dennis Jones Band deliver a powerful night of blues and rock at The Coach House

Tinsley Ellis at The Coach House

Who: Tinsley Ellis, Dennis Jones Band

Where: The Coach House in San Juan Capistrano, CA

When: Monday, March 21, 2022

Information: For more information on forthcoming concert events at The Coach House, visit the venue's website HERE or call (949) 496-8930

Review by Robert Kinsler

Photography by Bob Steshetz

When Atlanta-based singer-songwriter/guitar master Tinsley Ellis released Devil May Care earlier this year via Alligator Records it marked his 20th album release. The strength of that landmark release was reflected in an energetic and inspired 100-minute performance at The Coach House in San Juan Capistrano, CA on Monday night. 

Kicking off his set with the uptempo blues track "One Less Reason" (off Devil May Care) Ellis and his two-member band showcased the power of their chops; Ellis' expressive and flashy guitar work came in the service of a song that was bolstered by a dynamic build.

What his set quickly revealed is how many corners of the blues- and blues-rock universe that Ellis explores with a master's touch. Whether using a slide guitar, his signature baritone vocals or lead guitar work he impressed when playing emotive originals or stunning standards by legendary heroes. Kudos to his long-time drummer Erik Kaszynski and 20-year-old bassist Andrew White for their excellent musicianship and energy elevating the set.

There were plenty of great selections offered up. The fast moving funk-tinged blues romp "28 Days" allowed Ellis room to cut loose with his stellar lead guitar stylings; just as impressive were his potent lead vocals as he sang with emotional urgency the equal of his fretwork. He turned on a dime for the blues ballad "Slow Train To Hell," which mined a similar theme of romantic loss while showcasing his ability to tap into the more laid back elements of the genre.

During the concert, Ellis recalled performing at nearby Segerstrom Center in Costa Mesa in March 2013 as part of a special program titled "Blues At The Crossroads 2" with James Cotton, Kim Wilson and Bob Margolin (you can read my review of that event HERE). Ellis revisited one of the songs he performed at that event nine years ago this night; his take on the Willie Dixon-penned "Little Red Rooster" (a song identified with Howlin' Wolf) was semi-acoustic but was powerful and captured the enduring spirit of Chicago blues.

Several other track deserve mention in celebrating Ellis' set. The infectious "To The Devil For A Dime," a swinging song with a catchy chorus and fiery lead guitar throughout including the use of a Wah-wah pedal in the extended finale. The expressive "A Quitter Never Wins" found Ellis juggling quick fills, full-length solos and an incredible lead vocal performance; the song's power and force grew with the masterful arrangement navigated by Ellis, White and Kaszynski.

Dennis Jones at The Coach House

Opening the night was the Dennis Jones Band. a Los Angeles-based trio that rewarded fans with an hour of hard-hitting blues rock. Jones has an arsenal of gifts, including a rich baritone voice along with stylish and virtuoso guitar chops that conjure up the illustrious likes of Jimi Hendrix, Stevie Ray Vaughan and Eric Gales. He is a charismatic performer and earned a well-deserved standing ovation at the end of his set.

The Dennis Jones Band in action on Monday, March 21, 2022.

Performing a mix of artful covers and hard-hitting originals, Jones impressed with a blistering version of the Hendrix classic "Purple Haze" and Chicago blues-styled take on Buddy Guy's "What Kind of Woman Is This?" as well as his own "Passion For The Blues," "Blue Over You" and high-energy "Front Door Man."