Neil Young, Hot Tuna, Robbie Robertson Shine on Classics

Essential new releases from Neil Young and Hot Tuna, as well as memorable titles featuring the late Robbie Robertson are featured in my column this week. 

Artist: Neil Young
Title: Chrome Dreams (Reprise)
You might like if you enjoy: Neil Young, Nils Lofgren, Dawes
Tell me more: One of the most remarkable new releases of 2023 is actually a long lost Neil Young album that was recorded between 1974 and 1977. Originally set for release in 1977, Chrome Dreams is every bit the masterpiece that surrounded the towering legend of the 12-track album prior to its long-awaited release on Aug. 11. The track listing of Chrome Dreams includes some very familiar titles, but the recordings featured here in the album's original form include some that were the first recordings of the Young-penned favorites. The album begins with a solo acoustic version of "Pocahontas" recorded on Aug. 11, 1976, Young's signature vocals soaring amidst his shimmering guitar (this is the same version that first appeared on Rust Never Sleeps, but without the overdubs). The acoustic guitar-driven "Hold Back the Tears" includes lyrics different than the subsequent version of the song featured on his American Stars 'n Bars album. Another highlight on the masterwork is the early — and first solo version — of his beloved original "Powderfinger," the power of the song's potent lyrics and evocative musical arch showcased via a mesmerizing performance. The album also includes the haunting and decidedly sparse "Will to Love," introspective "Star of Bethlehem," otherworldly romance-minded rocker "Like a Hurricane," sorrowful "Too Far Gone" and melancholy-adorned "Look Out For My Love." One of the most important releases of 2023. Information: neilyoungarchives.com.  

Artist: Hot Tuna
Title: 3 CD Collection (Mercury Studios)
You might like if you enjoy: Hot Tuna, Jefferson Airplane, Jorma Kaukonen, Mississippi John Hurt
Tell me more: Fans of American blues-rock outfit Hot Tuna can pick up the newly-issued 3 CD Collection. The 3-disc box set includes a trio of full acoustic band performances (no drums) captured at The Sweetwater Music Hall in Mill Valley, CA, two nights in a row as well as a concert date at Stove's in Yokohama, Japan. All three 1990s performances are housed in one colorful package complete with a poster. An offshoot of Jefferson Airplane, Hot Tuna was launched in 1969 when singer-songwriter/guitarist Jorma Kaukonen and bassist Jack Casady wanted to perform a mix of blues, folk, bluegrass and country while Grace Slick was recovering from vocal surgery. To be sure, the stellar performances featured on 3 CD Collection enhance Hot Tuna's legacy. Guests at the Jan. 27, 1992 recording include singer-guitarist Bob Weir (The Grateful Dead), keyboardist Pete Sears (Jefferson Starship) and singer Maria Muldaur; noted folk singer Happy Traum guests on the Jan. 28, 1992 show. Among the terrific tracks on the early part of the collection are the Delta blues flavored "Whinin' Boy Blues" and "Nobody Knows You When You're Down and Out," breezy country blues nugget "Great Change," a breathtaking acoustic-flavored version of Jefferson Airplane's "Embryonic Journey" and riveting take on Bob Dylan's 1965 single "Maggie's Farm," the latter featuring Weir on lead vocals. The delights continue on the box set via wonderful cuts such as the joyful "Blue Moon of Kentucky," spirited "Folsom Prison Blues," infectious "Parchment Farm" and luxurious "Ice Age." Information: mercurystudios.co or hottuna.com.

Classic Titles Celebrate Robbie Robertson

Robbie Robertson seen performing
onstage at "The Last Waltz" on Nov. 25, 1976.

On Aug. 9, 2023, Canadian great Robbie Robertson passed away at the age of 80. A lead guitarist for Bob Dylan in the mid 1960s, the influential artist was best known as guitarist and songwriter with the Band from their inception in 1967 until 1978, and for several acclaimed solo albums — notably his self-titled 1987 album, 1991's Storyville and 2011's How to Become Clairvoyant.

From left, Bob Dylan, Rick Danko and Robbie Robertson performing on Nov. 25, 1976.
The event was filmed and released as Martin Scorsese's film "The Last Waltz."

In addition, Robertson collaborated on a number of celebrated film and TV soundtracks — usually with director Martin Scorsese — beginning with the music documentary film "The Last Waltz" in 1978 and continuing through classics "Raging Bull" (1980), "The King of Comedy" (1983), "Casino" (1995), "The Wolf of Wall Street," "The Irishman" (2019) and most recent "Killers of the Flower Moon" (scheduled for widespread release on Oct. 6, 2023).

A few years ago, Capitol/UMe released a series of expanded and remastered 50th Anniversary reissues of the Band's beloved studio albums, including Music From Big Pink (1968), The Band (1969), Stage Fright (1970) and Cahoots (1971). Following the death of Robertson, I revisited several of these wonderful collections and was reminded how talented — and groundbreaking — the Americana-styled Canadian-American band was. The Stage Fright reissue includes a June 1971 concert recording captured at Royal Albert Hall featuring stellar performances of "The Shape I'm In," "The Weight," "I Shall Be Released," "Up On Cripple Creek," "The Night They Drove Old Dixie Down" and other enduring staples. With their winning brew of roots rock, folk, jazz, country and R&B, the Band (Robertson was the group's principal songwriter) influenced the likes of George Harrison, the Grateful Dead, Eric Clapton, Elton John, Dawes and countless others.

Robert Kinsler