Dr. John shares hard-won wisdom on new single "Sleeping Dogs Best Left Alone," out today

Check out new music from the late great Dr. John and learn more about his forthcoming posthumous album coming this fall..Robert Kinsler

Dr. John Shares Hard-Won Wisdom on New Single 

“Sleeping Dogs Best Left Alone,” Out Now

 

Final Studio Album Things Happen That Way 

Set for Release September 23, 2022

June 10. 2022– Legendary musician Malcolm John “Mac” Rebennack Jr – known to music fans the world over as Dr. John – packed a lot of living into his 77 years, including a six-decade run as one of the most original, distinctive, and influential voices to ever come out of New Orleans. He was in the midst of recording a new studio album and planning future projects when his life was suddenly cut short in 2019. 

 

Dr. John performing at the NAMM Show in Anaheim, CA,
in January 2016. Photo: Bob Steshetz

Now, three years after his untimely passing, in a world complicated by COVID-19, Things Happen That Way will see the light of day. The album, which features three brand new original compositions, a mesmerizing reworking of Dr. John’s 1968 classic “I Walk on Guilded Splinters, and new interpretations of songs by Willie Nelson, Cowboy Jack Clement, Hank Williams, and the Traveling Wilburys will be released on September 23. The album is available for pre-order HERE.

 

Today, a new, original song, “Sleeping Dogs Best Left Alone,” written by Rebennack with Shane Theriot, is released. 

 

Listen to it HERE.

 

The lyrics impart some hard-won wisdom drawn from Rebennack’s own experiences, delivered in his trademark growl:

 

Photo credit: Bob Steshetz

Don’t try and go backwards, 

the hand's been already dealt

Don’t try and laugh at the same old jokes,

pain that’s already felt

Don’t try and drive with one eye closed,

one tire in the ditch

Walk around with your head in the sand,

sayin’ life ain’t nuthin’ but a bitch

 

What’s seen is seen 

And what’s heard is heard

Done is done in this great big world

One thing I know is life has shown 

Sleeping dogs best left alone

 

Things Happen That Way marks the fulfillment of a longtime goal of the six-time GRAMMY-winning singer/songwriter/pianist and Rock & Roll Hall of Famer, who first began plotting a country-inspired album decades ago. In bringing his album’s songs to life, Dr. John drew on a lineup of musicians befitting of a universally beloved luminary. Along with an elite cadre of New Orleans session players, the album’s personnel include icons Willie Nelson and Aaron Neville, and rising stars Lukas Nelson & Promise of the Real. 

 

Karla R. Pratt, Dr. John’s daughter and the album’s executive producer, spoke with Rolling Stone’s David Browne about what inspired Rebennack’s choice of cover songs, calling them “’a musical tip of the hat to the greats who preceded him,’ like Williams, Cash, and Nelson.” 

 

“Years ago he talked about how hip Hank Williams was,” she told Browne. “He loved how simple yet emotionally complex Hank’s songs are, that they have a hook with a twist. For this album inspired by listening to the Louisiana Hayride [radio show] and icons of country and western, he was excited to do songs in a way that evokes emotion that sticks with you long after one of the songs — done his soulful way — is played.”

 

Dr. John performing at the
NAMM Show in January 2016.
Photo: Bob Steshetz

Things Happen That Way Track Listing: 

 

1. Funny How Time Slips Away
2. Ramblin’ Man
3. Gimme That Old Time Religion (feat. Willie Nelson) 
4. I Walk On Guilded Splinters (feat. Lukas Nelson & Promise of The Real)
5. I’m So Lonesome I Could Cry
6. End Of The Line (feat. Aaron Neville)
7. Holy Water
8. Sleeping Dogs Best Left Alone
9. Give Myself A Good Talkin’ To
10. Guess Things Happen That Way

Nancy Wilson Honored with The Music for Life Award at The 2019 NAMM Show

So nice to see Nancy Wilson honored at The NAMM Show today!

Nancy Wilson Honored with The Music for Life Award at The 2019 NAMM Show

Nancy Wilson, left, with Joe Lamond at NAMM. Photo credit: Jesse Grant/Getty Images’ ANAHEIM, Calif. – January 24, 2019 – During the opening Breakfast of Champions session at The 2019 NAMM Show, Nancy Wilson, the celebrated guitar virtuoso and co-founder of seminal rock band Heart, was presented with the National Association of Music Merchants (NAMM) “Music for Life” award. The award honors pioneering artists who, through their careers and artistic expression, have inspired others to pursue a more musical world. The award was presented by NAMM President and CEO Joe Lamond, who introduced Wilson with a tribute to her pivotal role in helping to redefine women in rock music, and a legacy of music at the top of the charts: “She is a guitar pioneer, a songwriting pioneer, a legendary singer, a film composer, a Rock ’n’ Roll Hall of Fame inductee, and has done so much to advance the cause of music-making. And for those reasons and many more, we are honored to recognize her today.”  Nancy Wilson spoke of her early inspiration: “As a kid, when the Beatles happened, it was a lightning bolt that struck us and we were driven to have guitars, to write songs, to be in a band and get up on stage and to just turn it up. We had the work ethic of go get ’em and to not take no. We just went and did it.” Wilson also fondly remember her childhood music store: “There was a little music store I could walk to called Band Stand East near Seattle; it was a mom and pop. They had really good guitars and I got to hang around and play them.” Wilson is celebrated as one of the seminal musicians in the history of rock ’n’ roll from an era when female-fronted acts were scarce. Nancy and sister Ann helped carve out a place for women on the stage and at the top of the charts in the multi-platinum rock group Heart. An ingenious guitar player, gifted vocalist, and songwriter, she has co-written a collection of unforgettable songs that have earned their way into the classic rock canon, including “Magic Man,” “Crazy on You,” “Barracuda” and “Straight On.” Together, Nancy and Ann Wilson have gone on to sell 35 million records over the course of their career, and nearly 35 years after their first big hit, Heart was back in the Billboard Top 10 in 2010 with the Red Velvet Car album and a Top 5 DVD, “Night at Sky Church,” which documented the act’s return to their hometown of Seattle. In 2012, Heart released Fanatic, spawning two hit singles (“Fanatic” and “Dear Old America”) and debuting in the Billboard Top 25. The band also released a comprehensive CD box set entitled Strange Euphoria filled with rarities and previously unreleased treasures that were met with acclaim from critics and fans alike. In 2012, the pair were inducted into the Rock ‘n’ Roll Hall of Fame. Later that same year, Heart received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame Nancy has also built a successful career as a film composer. Her composing credits include scores for top-grossing films, including Say Anything..., Jerry Maguire, Almost Famous, Vanilla Sky and Elizabethtown, for which she has received several critic nominations. The “Music for Life” award is NAMM’s highest honor and recognizes individuals or organizations that exemplify NAMM’s vision of music making as a precious element of daily living for everyone. Past recipients have included business leaders, public officials, and musicians, including Graham Nash, Stevie Wonder, Yoko Ono, Henry Mancini, Smokey Robertson, Robbie Robertson and, in 2018, Bob Weir. It is awarded each January during the global music products gathering, The NAMM Show, held in Anaheim, California. About NAMM The National Association of Music Merchants (NAMM) is the not-for-profit association with a mission to strengthen the $17 billion music products industry. NAMM is comprised of approximately 10,300 members located in 104 countries and regions. NAMM events and members fund The NAMM Foundation's efforts to promote the pleasures and benefits ofmusic, and advance active participation in music making across the lifespan. For more information about NAMM, please visit www.namm.org, call 800.767.NAMM (6266) or follow the organization on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.

Jake Shimabukuro to release new album 'The Greatest Day' on Friday, Aug 31

Jake Shimabukuro is flat out the best ukulele player I have ever seen. His unique technique, virtuoso approach to the instrument and artistic touch must be seen (and heard) to be believed. I last saw Shimabukuro perform at the NAMM Show in 2016 and he was incredible (read my recap of that performance here)...

Ukulele master Jake Shimabukuro to release new album

The Greatest Day on Friday, August 31, 2018

Ukulele superstar Jake Shimabukuro, one of the most exceptional and innovative ukulele players in the history of the instrument, will release his newest record, The Greatest Day, on August 31, 2018 via Mailboat Records.

 

The album was recorded at Music City’s famed Ronnie’s Place studio with producer R.S. Field – the same city, studio, and producer as 2016’s “adventurous and dazzling” (Associated Press) Nashville Sessions. Returning as the ace rhythm section are bassist Nolan Verner and drummer Evan Hutchings; the group added guitarist Dave Preston to expand upon the sound they started creating two years ago.

 

“On the last record, it was pretty much the sound of a live trio, which sounded fresh, raw and organic,” says Shimabukuro. “Now we’ve expanded to a quartet, which has added more colors and variety to the overall production. Once we recorded the live takes, we experimented with overdubs, and added horns, strings and keys, and other funky sounds. There are even some vocals on a few cuts.”

 

The 12 studio tracks that comprise The Greatest Day feature some of Shimabukuro’s most imaginative and adventuresome playing yet. Half of the album is devoted to originals, on which the instrumentalist reaches new heights of compositional distinction. And on the covers, Shimabukuro's prodigious skills allow him to transcend his material – no mean feat considering some of the classics and standards he’s tackling.

 

Pre-Order available now at JakeShimabukuro.com, MailboatRecords.com and if you pre-order at iTunes, receive “The Greatest Day” track instantly! Special exclusives also available at Pledge Music including a ukulele Skype lesson with Jake!

 

Pre-Order link: smarturl.it/thegreatestday

 

Jake Shimabukuro performs during the NAMM Show
in Anaheim, CA on Jan. 21, 2016.
Photo: Robert Kinsler

Among the self-penned tunes, there’s the blissed-out title track which Shimabukuro wrote the night before going into the studio. After laying down parts with Verner and Hutchings, he watched Dave Preston add a joyous, Edge-like guitar riff that completed the picture. “It came together so quickly,” Shimabukuro says, “and when I heard the final mix, I just thought, ‘Wow, this has been the greatest day!’”

 

“Pangram” has already turned heads in concert with its rivers of cascading melodies and its pumping, rock-soul rhythms. “Straight A’s,” – inspired by the A string of the ukulele – is a carefree and vibrant gem on which Shimabukuro’s soulful soloing recalls one of his influences, Carlos Santana. “Mahalo John Wayne” is a flat-out stunner, a delicate melody that transforms into a grand-scale cinematic symphony.

 

As always, Shimabukuro’s playing has a wonderful innocence to it, as if each phrase feels new to him. This sense of discovery is abundant on his astonishing reinterpretations of the Beatles’ “Eleanor Rigby,” now a driving and insistent ballad brimming with furious jazz chords and a spirited back-and-forth between Shimabukuro and dobro legend Jerry Douglas. “It was such an honor to have Jerry guest on the record,” Shimabukuro says. “He was only going to play on one tune, but we had such a great time that he stayed and played on two more tracks.”

The two also go toe to toe on Jimi Hendrix’s freak-flag classic “If 6 Was 9,” spiraling off into a spacey, jazz-rock odyssey that manages to be reverential to the original while simultaneously distinguishing itself as a bold new tour de force.

 

Another reimagined track is The Zombies’ psychedelic rock nugget “Time of the Season,” which Shimabukuro often heard in his house growing up. The album concludes with a sparse yet exquisite reading of Leonard Cohen’s iconic hymn “Hallelujah.” “I had recorded it before, but after Cohen passed I wanted to re-record it – I felt a new emotional response to it. It seemed like the perfect way to end the album.”

 

The CD and vinyl versions of the album include the 12 studio tracks with three more live cuts including immersive takes on “While My Guitar Gently Weeps,” Shimabukuro’s own “Dragon,” and a slinky, ultra-funky interpretation of Bill Withers’ hit single “Use Me.” They were recorded live with no overdubs at various venues by engineer Brett Lind and mixed by Jack Clarke (who engineered Nashville Sessions and The Greatest Day).

 

The digital edition of The Greatest Day includes the aforementioned live tracks as well as two additional songs – a live version of “Blue Roses Falling” that features Shimabukuro dueting with cellist Meena Cho as well as a concert recording of “Kawika” (originally made famous by the Sunday Manoa).

Since he first came to the world’s attention with his deeply beautiful and original take on George Harrison’s “While My Guitar Gently Weeps” in a viral video that dominated YouTube in 2005, the Hawaiian-born Shimabukuro has virtually reinvented the four-string instrument, causing many to call him “the Jimi Hendrix of the ukulele.”

Throughout his rich and varied catalog of albums, Jake captures the many moods of the ukulele, fearlessly traversing boundaries and putting his inspired touch on everything from island standards, to popular tunes and classical symphonic concertos. He has collaborated with artists from Yo-Yo Ma, Jimmy Buffett, Jack Johnson and Cyndi Lauper to Ziggy Marley, Dave Koz, Lyle Lovett and Bette Midler, and wowed audiences at SXSW, Bonnaroo, the Playboy Jazz Festival, and the cutting-edge TED conference. This year he founded Shima Ukulele with his brother, a fellow artist and teacher, Bruce Shimabukuro, which aims to make quality ukuleles accessible for anyone interested in learning to play.

 

In mid-July, Shimabukuro embarks on an extensive tour of the U.S. and a fall tour of Japan. “I’m really excited to play the new songs in my shows,” he says. “Making this record was one of the highlights I’ve had in the studio. I couldn’t be happier with the sounds and arrangements. But most of all, we had a ton of fun making it."

 

The Greatest Day Tracklist:

1.Time of the Season

2. The Greatest Day  

3. Eleanor Rigby  

4. Pangram  

5. Bizarre Love Triangle  

6. Straight A’s  

7. If 6 Was 9  

8. Shape of You  

9. Go for Broke  

10. Little Echoes  

11. Mahalo John Wayne  

12. Hallelujah  

 

CD/VINYL BONUS TRACKS:

13. Use Me (feat. Dave Preston) (’18 Live)

14. Dragon (‘18 Live)

15. While My Guitar Gently Weeps (’18 Live)

 

DIGITAL BONUS TRACKS:

13. Kawika (’18 Live)

14. Blue Roses Falling (feat. Meena Cho) (’18 Live)  5

15. Use Me (feat. Dave Preston) (’18 Live)

16. Dragon (‘18 Live)

17. While My Guitar Gently Weeps (’18 Live)

 

Jake Shimabukuro Tour Dates: http://www.jakeshimabukuro.com/

 

http://www.jakeshimabukuro.com/

@JakeShimabukuro

https://www.instagram.com/jakeshimabukuro/

https://www.facebook.com/jakeshimabukuromusic

https://www.youtube.com/jakeshimabukuro

Sights and Sounds: Graham Nash to release exclusive CD/DVD combo on September 16 in connection with American Public Television Broadcast

Graham Nash delivered a fantastic performance at the NAMM Show in January 2016. I am happy to see a concert DVD will be included in an expanded edition of his latest album "This Path Tonight" set for release in a few weeks. The bonus content on the DVD looks promising as well...you can read my in-depth concert review of Graham Nash's solo performance staged at the City National Grove of Anaheim in November 2013 that ran in the Orange County Register by clicking here.

Shane Fontayne, left, and Graham Nash performing at the Winter
NAMM Show in Anaheim in January 2016. Photo: Bob Steshetz

Legendary singer-songwriter Graham Nash is set to release a new CD/DVD collection on September 16, 2016, featuring his critically acclaimed solo record This Path Tonight and a digital download card which includes the album plus 3 bonus tracks. Accompanying the CD is a full 1.5 hour Nash concert DVD filmed in 2015 at the Pageant in St. Louis, with bonus content that includes two official music videos, two live performances in the U.K., as well as two different interview segments. An edited version of the DVD special is currently airing across the United States on public television stations via American Public Television (APT). This exclusive CD/DVD collection will be available for purchase only through local public television stations, www.grahamnash.com, or on tour.

"I try to live my life the best way I can and making music is such a precious joy and the fact that I get to share it is wonderful in itself," said Nash. "I certainly hope that you enjoy the music that Shane Fontayne and I created."

This Path Tonight, the new studio album and collection of 10 original songs from Graham Nash, produced by long-time collaborator Shane Fontayne, landed on seven different Billboard charts in the United States, and debuted in the Top 50 in over 10 countries internationally. The album is one of reflection and transition of a singer-songwriter whose career (the Hollies, CSN, CSNY) has spanned more than five decades and counting.

Watch the music video for the song "Myself At Last" from This Path Tonight here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dSTVJXQcY50&feature=youtu.be

Graham Nash performing in Anaheim in November 2013.
Photo: Kelly A. Swift

Graham Nash is a two-time Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Inductee and two-time Songwriter Hall of Fame Inductee, Grammy Award winner, a New York Times best-selling author, and Officer of the Order of the British Empire (O.B.E.)

For album, tour, and ticket information, please visit www.grahamnash.com.

CD Track List
1.        This Path Tonight
2.        Myself At Last
3.        Cracks In The City
4.        Beneath The Waves
5.        Fire Down Below
6.        Another Broken Heart
7.        Target
8.        Golden Days
9.        Back Home
10.      Encore
BONUS TRACKS
11.      Watch Out For the Wind*
12.      Mississippi Burning*
13.      The Last Fall*
*Digital download only

DVD Track List1. Bus Stop
2. King Midas In Reverse
3. I Used To Be A King
4. Marrakesh Express
5. Immigration Man
6. Golden Days
7. Myself At Last
8. Wasted On The Way
9. Wind On The Water
10. Our House
11. Military Madness
12. Simple Man
13. Marguerita
14. Taken At All
15. Watch Out For The Wind
16. Just A Song Before I Go
17. Cathedral
18. Chicago
19. Blackbird
20. Teach Your Children
BONUS CONTENT

• Myself At Last – Official Music Video
• Mississippi Burning – Official Music Video
• Lady of the Island – filmed 2016 in London, England
• Back Home – filmed 2016 in London, England
• Reflections on This Path Tonight interview
• Return to Salford, UK interview

2016 NAMM Show Roundup: Graham Nash, Jake Shimabukuro, Taylor Guitars, Yamaha, more

The Anaheim Convention Center hosts the annual NAMM Show.
Photo: Bob Steshetz

I spent the better part of a week at the 2016 NAMM Show in Anaheim, CA, taking in as many sights and sounds as possible, stretching from Media Preview Day (Jan. 20) through a late night performance from alternative-Americana singer-songwriter Michael Ubaldini that wrapped up just before midnight on Saturday, Jan. 23.

Here are some highlights from this year's amazing National Association of Music Merchants show, better known as NAMM.

Media Preview Day, Wednesday, Jan. 20, 2016
Over the course of a few fast-moving hours, a number of exciting new products were showcased for reporters, photographers and news crews. 

Tribal Tools showcased the new Kadabra at the
NAMM Show during Media Preview Day.
Photo: Bob Steshetz

One of the most exciting debuts on media preview day came courtesy of the Kadabra by Israel-based Tribal Tools. A trio of musicians took the stage and performed on the unique wireless instrument in something that combined world music with sci-fi synth sounds; the ergonomic design also has an adapter and can be outfitted with a microphone so the musician can sing while playing the instrument at the same time. Tribal Tools presenter Moshe Yoffe explained that the Kadabra combines high-tech electronics, motion sensors, a sleek design and smart algorithms to allow players to expand their musical expression. Information: Tribal-Tools.com.

The 660 Guitar weighs in at 7 pounds and has an aluminum body with a carbon fiber/graphite neck. According to the makers of the guitar, it is practically indestructible and has a sound that is as rich as other top-tier electric guitars in the marketplace. It retails for $2,995, and comes in a number of sleek designs and colors. Performing with the guitar was Zebrahead guitarist Dan Palmer. Every order comes with strap locks and a low-profile guitar case. Information: 660guitars.com. 

In celebration of John Lennon's 75th birthday (the Beatle would have turned 75 on Oct. 9, 2015), C.F. Martin & Co. debuted the Martin D-28 John Lennon 75th Anniversary Edition guitar. The legendary guitar maker is also celebrating the 100th anniversary of its iconic Dreadnought model by unveiling the Martin D-222 100th Anniversary Edition acoustic model. Information: martinguitar.com.

Caroline Campbell playing a new Yamaha Electric
Violin at NAMM. Photo: Bob Steshetz

Famed violinist Caroline Campbell (Andrea Bocelli, Sting, Chris Botti) was brought out to showcase a new Yamaha Electric Violin; as impressive as that state-of-the-art YEV series instrument was it was one of only 100 new music-related products introduced by Buena Park, CA-based Yamaha at this year's NAMM Show. New products include high-tech digital mixing consoles, the Disklavier Enspire piano and much more. Get more information on Yamaha's range of new products that made their debut at NAMM here.

Andy Powers with new 12-string
guitar at NAMM.
Photo: Robert Kinsler

Taylor Guitars was able to showcase two exciting products. Taylor Master Guitar Designer Andy Powers shared with me about the company's 12-Fret Guitar Revival. "This year (2016) we are re-evaluating and reconsidering our heritage. Some of Taylor's 'first hit singles' were 12-string guitars," Powers said. Taylor set out to offer an expanded suite of player-friendly 12-fret models for 2016 (the design and production of the 12-string revivals has been in the works for approximately 2-1/2 years). This writer had a chance to play the all-Mahogany 562ce 12-Fret guitar and I can attest to its full rich tone, and how easy it is to play. "The guitar was too cool to not build," Powers said.

Looking to the future, Taylor announced the release of TaylorSense®, a revolutionary new technology that puts the health and vital signs of a Taylor Guitar directly into the owner's hands. TaylorSense integrates the guitar's hardware with mobile software to help players better care for their instrument and get the most out of playing it. Anchored by the TaylorSense smart battery box (which replaces the 9-volt battery box in any acoustic Taylor guitar), the box houses sensors that monitor the condition of the guitar and communicates via low-energy Bluetooth to the free Taylor Guitars iOS App. For more information about this product, its release date this spring, visit www.taylorsense.com.

Thursday, Jan. 21, 2016

Jake Shimabukuro performs during "Breakfast of
Champions." Photo: Robert Kinsler

Getting to the Winter NAMM Show early is always a good idea. While the Anaheim Convention Center doesn't generally open until around 10 a.m., making a point of hitting the show's opening "Breakfast of Champions" seldom disappoints. On the official opening day of this year's show, the surprise musical guest was Jake Shimabukuro. A true ukulele virtuoso, he blended elements of rock, blues, jazz, funk, classical and flamenco during a set that included reworkings of rock classics and original compositions. Highlights included a jaw-dropping take on Queen's "Bohemian Rhapsody" and inspired set-ending arrangement of George Harrison's "While My Guitar Gently Weeps."

After the stunning performance from Shimabukuro, NAMM's President and CEO Joe Lamond presented singer-songwriter Graham Nash (The Hollies; Crosby, Stills & Nash) with the "Music for Life" award. "The fact is that when music is a part of the school program students are less liely to join a gang, less likely to get into trouble, feel better about themselves and get better grades," Nash said. "So let's keep music in schools."

Mark Johnson, left, and Emory Lester performing
at Deering Banjo. Photo: Robert Kinsler

Thursday saw a number of other solid performances that played out. One of the first performances I caught featured banjo virtuoso Mark Johnson and guitarist-mandolin player Emory Lester playing a satisfying set at the Deering Banjo Company booth. Their long set of instrumentals allowed each to showcase their skills, and a potent version of "Will You Miss Me When I'm Gone."

Fingerstyle guitarist Laurence Juber is a regular visitor to the NAMM Show and always attracts good-sized audiences to see him perform a wide range of material showcasing his technical skill on his Martin guitar. Performing at Hal Leonard, he showcased material featured in "DADGAD Solos," a book now available now featuring his original transcriptions. Highlights included a tender version of Del Shannon's "Runaway," the Beatles' "Yesterday" and "Georgia On My Mind." He also performed a shining original, "Cobalt Blue," allowing him to showcase his own skills as a composer.

Chelsea (on far right) and Grace Constable performed 
with Trey Hensley at Taylor Guitars on Jan. 21, 2016.
Photo: Bob Steshetz

Taylor hosted a number of concerts each day of NAMM and I made it a point to catch as many as I could. Thursday afternoon featured the one-two guitar punch from siblings Chelsea and Grace Constable, who played a rousing set of bluegrass-meets-gypsy jazz instrumental prowess. Trading leads and displaying an obvious sense of fun throughout their set, highlights included the jazzy "Burning Steam," Americana-styled "Dad's Song" and an incredible version of Dire Straits'"Sultans of Swing." Taking a well-deserved encore, the Constables they were joined by singer-guitarist Trey Hensley for a rousing version of the blues standard "Mystery Train" and a set-ending take on the Johnny Cash classic "Folsom Prison Blues." 

Following the sisters' impressive NAMM debut, Hensley performed a solo set that showcased the Nashville-based artist's love of traditional country music and bluegrass. Highlights of his short set included a beautiful self-penned ballad "That's What Leaving's For" (set to be included on his next album) and an energetic take on Merle Haggard's "Mama Tried." He closed his set with a cover of Jimmy Martin's "Freeborn Man," with his dazzling arrangement even including a bit of John Lennon's "Norwegian Wood" thrown into the solo.

Shane Fontayne, left, and Graham Nash performing at
Winter NAMM Show. Photo: Bob Steshetz

Thursday night, Nash was the featured performer on the Grand Plaza Stage. In addition to featuring some of his best-known hits from the Hollies and CSN, he also played several songs off his forthing album This Path Tonight, set for release on April 15. Nash performed with CSN guitarist Shane Fontayne.

Opening with melodic rendition of the Hollies' 1966 hit "Bus Stop," Nash acknowledged the audience after the song: "That was a long time ago." Nash continued to mine the past and went on to deliver a dream set of material, often providing the background on what led to some of his most famous songs. "Marrakesh Express," "Our House," "Fieldworker," "Immigration Man" and others benefited from the mix of storytelling and song. 

The strongest single performance of the night came when Nash went to the piano and, after recalling how David Crosby got him to come along on an extended sailing trip, he performed "Wind on the Water," a beautiful moment that brought a sense of stirring emotion throughout the crowd standing in front of the stage.

Among the new songs from his upcoming "This Path Tonight" was "Golden Day," a song where he celebrates life now and the everyday joys that overcome the world's obvious challenges. Another new song, "Myself At Last," also tapped into that optimistic tone.


Saturday, Jan. 23, 2016
James Grey is one of several Orange County-based artists I made a point of catching on Saturday. A talented songwriter and guitarist, he sang a number of songs while utilizing the talents of guitar great Bob Hawkins. Grey's songs often blend soul, rock, pop and Americana, with the specific art of songcraft always anchoring his originals. "Seabreeze" and the soulful "Home" were among the standouts featured in his 33-minute set that played out on the Hilton Stage.

John and Jacob tearing it up at Taylor Guitars.
Photo: Robert Kinsler

John & Jacob were impressive when I saw them perform at Stagecoach Festival in Indio in 2015, but the quintet simply blew me away when I caught their set at Taylor Guitars. Somehow coming across as a masterful blend somewhere between Arcade Fire, Mumford and Sons and the Everly Brothers, the Nashville-based group includes singer-guitarist John Davidson, singer-guitarist-trumpet player Jacob Bryant, singer-guitarist-keyboardist Austin T. Smith, bassist Jake Thrasher and drummer Trevor Davis. Among the songs that impressed me (along with everyone else yearning for more in Taylor) was the anthemic opener "Coming Back For You," the country-leaning rocker "Done," and driving country-meets-rock harmonies-filled standout "Give It Away" that closed the outstanding set. Learn more about this exciting ensemble here: http://johnandjacob.com.

Michael Ubaldini performing at the 2016 NAMM
Show. Photo: Robert Kinsler

Michael Ubaldini is rightfully considered a leader of the regional Americana scene, having long ago mastered how to blend rockabilly, pop, folk, country blues and other roots styles together in the service of his intelligent songs. Over the course of 45 minutes on the Sheraton Acoustic Stage, Ubaldini used nothing more than an acoustic guitar, harmonica and his potent vocals in the delivery of gems such as the rousing "Jean Harlow," pensive "Shadows and Ghosts" and blistering "Scratch My Back." 

Robert Kinsler

NAMM 2016: Music Worth Buying episode, part 1; Graham Nash talks music

TJR and I have started posting our video coverage from the 2016 NAMM Show. Enjoy everybody! First, watch part 1 of our annual roundup featuring product news, interviews and live performances.



Then, watch as legendary singer-songwriter Graham Nash shares some of his thoughts on music: