Pure Imagination Music Festival recap: The Flaming Lips, Michael Front & Spearhead, Tanya Tucker, Sarah Shook & the Disarmers, more

Michael Franti at the Pure Imagination Music Festival.

What: Pure Imagination Music Festival

Who: Michael Franti & Spearhead, Ozomatli, Ponderosa Grove, more (Friday); The Flaming Lips, Sylvan Esso, The Pharcyde, Tanya Tucker, The National Parks, Hopi Tribe, more (Saturday)

Where: Watson Lake in Prescott, AZ

When: Friday, May 17 and Saturday, May 18, 2024

Review by Robert Kinsler; Photography by Daryl Weisser

Concertgoers at the Pure Imagination Music Festival in Prescott, Arizona.

Since I caught the US Festival featuring David Bowie, U2, The Pretenders and Stevie Nicks in the Southern California desert May 1983, I have been fortunate enough to attend countless music festivals over the years. 

The majority of these marathon-length music events focused primarily on only one or two genres of music — alternative rock, country, blues, Cajun, punk and rap immediately come to mind — and attracted a specific demographic-minded concertgoer. 

A truly wonderful lure of the Pure Imagination Music Festival staged at Watson Lake in Prescott, Arizona over the weekend (May 17-18, 2024) was the strong and diverse field of artists who performed in a truly wonderful setting set on a grassy field with massive otherworldly granite boulders serving as a dramatic backdrop to the musical action. Rock, electronica, country, Americana, rap, Native American, world fusion and more styles were all on tap courtesy of the wide-ranging lineup of celebrated veterans and rising names; a wealth of food and art vendors added to the welcoming environment. Talented acrobats performed in an area near one stage and there was even a fun parade on Saturday afternoon.

Friday's half-day lineup featured four artists, while Saturday's full day offered up another dozen performances that played out on two large stages. 

Slim Gambill at Pure Imagination on May 17, 2024.

Kicking off the action was virtuoso guitarist Slim Gambill and his four-man band; the ensemble delivered 30 minutes of modern jazz-anchored instrumentals. Gambill (who is also lead guitarist of country music hitmakers Lady A) proved to be a truly incredible master of his instrument, showcasing fretwork that was both dramatic and artful at every turn.

From left, Ponderosa Grove's Candace Devine and Drew Hall.

Ponderosa Grove thrilled in their performance at Pure Imagination back in 2023, and it was wonderful to see the band return to Watson Lake this year. The Prescott-based collective offered up a perfect blend of '70s-styled folk rock and modern day Americana with the lead vocals of singer Candace Devine a perfect blend with the stylish musicianship and rich harmony vocals of her band mates propelling the 50-minute performance.

Highlights of the group's set included the melodic folk rocker "Waterline," intoxicating R&B foray "Don't Worry Child" and rousing "Save My Soul," the latter showcasing Devine's powerful soprano and the exciting lead guitar work of Drew Hall.  

Ozomatli performing in Prescott, AZ.

Los Angeles-spawned Ozomatli brought a party-minded approach to their set effortlessly blending rock, funk, salsa, hip hop, reggae and other styles.  The seven-member outfit's energetic performance frequently fueled dancers in the field. Noting that Ozomatli is celebrating their 29th year performing together, the group has performed in an impressive 65 different nations over that span. Among the memorable cuts performed was "Saturday Night" and a marathon-length take on "Cumbia De Los Muertos." The band completed their set with the members marching through the crowd in a celebratory style.

Michael Franti engaging with the crowd on Friday, May 17, 2024.

Closing out the first day of the fest was Michael Franti & Spearhead; the quintet fully captured the spirit of Pure Imagination with a setlist centered on songs that celebrate the idea of a better world free of the war, crime, hate and violent conflict that have increasingly been seen overseas and across America over the past several years. 

Michael Franti brought up children to the stage
during his energetic set on May 17, 2024.

Franti opened with "Meet Me When The Sun Goes Down" and even walked into the field to more fully connect with the crowd; he followed that up with the rousing rocker "I'm Alive" and feel good sortie "Good Life." Shortly after, Franti explained the Prescott performance marked the opening night of his "Togetherness Tour," which will run through late August. 

Franti's winning and authentic personality and strong vocals powered the 130-minute set to be sure, with great sing-along material winning over the crowd. "The Sound of Sunshine," "Happy is the New Sexy," "Life Is Better With You" and "Say Hey (I Love You)" all impressed. Especially poignant was his moving performance on the acoustic aptly-titled original "Hey World (Don't Give Up)."

Saturday offered up an even greater number of performances, with members of Arizona's Hopi Tribe offering a musical blessing to open the day. Several members of the tribe chanted to the bewitching rhythm of a drum while a trio of young dancers in traditional attire danced. 

Znora rocking the Pure Imagination Music Festival.

Next came Znora, an Arizona-based power rock trio headed by singer-guitarist Adrian Negrete whose approach recalled classic acts such as Jimi Hendrix and Cream. Particularly impressive was the band's original 2023 single "Sweet Baby Rae." That driving cut featured Negrete's dazzling electric guitar work.

Galactagogues performing on May 18, 2024.

Galactagogues' fun performance marked another chance to celebrate Arizona's thriving original music scene. The area quartet performed a 30-minute set of alternative folk-meets-Americana material bolstered by great harmony vocals. Originals like "Something in the Plumbing" and the set closer "HeyHeyHey" showcased their unique sound.

Brian Chartrand at the Pure Imagination Music Festival.

Brian Chartrand performed a breezy set of songs blending jazz, rock and R&B stylings. Along with his four-member backing band, he impressed with his soulful vocals and an original reworking of Steely Dan's "Dirty Work" as well as originals including "Miss You Now."

Sarah Shook rocking out at the Pure Imagination Music Festival.

Like talented singer-songwriters Lucinda Williams and Courtney Barnett, Sarah Shook occupies her own marvelous corner of the musical universe. At her showcase on Saturday — first-time ever visit to Prescott — the Chapel Hill, North Carolina-based singer-guitarist and her backing country-punk outfit the Disarmers bravely delivered the same rollicking brew heard on the troupe's recent full-length release Revelations (available via the Thirty Tigers). 

Brady Parks of The National Parks.

The National Parks, from left, Cam Brannelly, Sydney Macfarlene, Brady Parks
and Megan Taylor Parks performing on May 18, 2024.

Sydney Macfarlene enjoying the moment during
The National Parks' set at Pure Imagination.

The National Parks ignited the crowd with a fast moving 35-minute set of original Americana that fired up the audience from the opening notes of the euphoric "Angels," a track showcasing the chemistry and strong talents of Brady Parks (guitar, lead vocals), Sydney Macfarlene (keyboards, vocals), Cam Brannelly (drums) and Megan Taylor Parks (fiddle, vocals).

The Utah-based band's efforts to get the audience to sing and move along on cue were a big part of the set's momentum and original gems such as the dynamic "Time," "Wildflower" and set-ending "As We Ran" were elevated by the energy of the moment. Only a day after its official release, the band's new single "Wild Spirit" was performed; the enticing title track from National Parks' forthcoming album is a glorious celebration about "getting lost" and the rugged setting was the perfect locale for the performance of the track.

Danielle Ponder performing in Prescott on May 18, 2024.

One-time Rochester, NY public defender turned professional singer Danielle Ponder delivered a riveting set of soul music. Among her strong vocal performances was her inspirational original "So Long" and a heartfelt reworking of Radiohead's "Creep."

Tanya Tucker performing in Prescott, Arizona.

One of the most anticipated appearances of the weekend was from legendary country music icon Tanya Tucker. The 65-year-old brought a lifetime of country hits to her 50-minute set and her voice sounded excellent in the delivery of favorites such as the mid tempo "If Your Heart Ain't Busy Tonight," beautiful "Hangin' In," a terrific medley blending Bruce Springsteen's "Fire" and Johnny Cash's "Ring of Fire," the winning country rocker "Hard Luck" and set closer "Delta Dawn," the latter a Alex Harvey-penned hit recorded by Tucker in 1972 when she was only 13!

Sylvan Esso performing at the Pure Imagination Music Festival.

Durham, North Carolina duo Sylvan Esso made their first performance of 2024 at Pure Imagination on Saturday night; the 55-minute set also coincided with the 10th anniversary of the release of their eponymous debut album (released May 12, 2014). Singer Amelia Meath and producer Nick Sunburn turned in a terrific set that had many in the audience moving to their electronic dance-minded tracks.

The Flaming Lips headlining on Saturday night, May 18, 2024.

Wayne Coyne of The Flaming Lips.

Headliners The Flaming Lips brought their groundbreaking Neo psychedelic modern rock to Prescott, kicking off their lengthy set with a performance of the Oklahoma City-launched band's acclaimed 2002 album Yoshimi Battles the Pink Robots in its entirety. Headed by singer-founding member Wayne Coyne, the rock quintet came armed with more than great songs; colorful rear-screen projections and inflatable robots and other elements (including the tossing of gigantic balls into the crowd) added to the festive atmosphere.

"You live here," Coyne said early in their set; he noted the band was fascinated with the concert location and the natural beauty of Watson Lake. "You are very lucky."

Other performers who appeared at Pure Imagination included reggae rocking trio Irie, Louisiana-based soul singer Durand Jones and '90s rap outfit The Pharcyde. Between sets, DJ BG NFTY kept the music going strong.

The Pure Imagination Music Festival is quickly becoming an essential part of the area's thriving music and arts scene. 

Below is a gallery of additional photographs taken by Daryl Weisser at the Pure Imagination Music Festival. 

Wayne Coyne of The Flaming Lips.

DJ BG NFTY keeping the music going.

The team from Lighthouse Coffee Company served up drinks throughout the event.

From left, Ponderosa Grove's Candace Devine and Drew Hall.

An acrobat at Pure Imagination Music Festival.

From left, Emily and Alvaro of "Peace, Love & Halos."

New music: Tinsley Ellis, Kevin Burt & Big Medicine, Pete Ham tribute

New albums from blues great Tinsley Ellis, singer-songwriter/guitarist Kevin Burt and late Badfinger frontman Pete Ham are worth exploring. 

Artist: Tinsley Ellis

Title: Naked Truth (Alligator Records)

You might like if you enjoy: Robert Johnson, Leo Kottke, Keb' Mo'

Tell me more: Atlanta-based blues guitar great/singer-songwriter Tinsley Ellis is heard in a decidedly different light on his latest full-length album titled Naked Truth. Ellis' 21st album remarkably marks the celebrated bluesman's first-ever solo acoustic album; after hearing the marvelous dozen-track collection fans will be wondering what took so long. Armed with his top-tier talents as both singer and guitar player, Ellis' collection additionally benefits from a riveting authenticity that draws favorable comparisons with the classic recordings of beloved heroes including Robert Johnson, Son House, Muddy Waters and Leo Kottke. Indeed, the album was recorded live in the studio with Ellis playing his 1969 Martin D-35 and his 1937 National Steel O Series guitars. The disc opens with the fiery Delta track "Devil In The Room," an infectious and toe-tapping blues gem adorned with his artful slide work. A cover of Son House's "Death Letter Blues" genuinely taps into the spirit of the anguished original. Other standouts on Naked Truth include the rhythm-fueled instrumental Silver Mountain, playful take on Willie Dixon's "Don't Go No Further," luxurious take on Kottke's elegant "The Sailor's Grave On The Prairie," intense "Horseshoes and Hand Grenades" and sumptuous closer "Easter Song." This writer's favorite selection is the gentle Skip James-inspired original "Windowpane," which is bolstered by Ellis' falsetto vocals and nuanced fretwork. Ellis is currently on tour in support of Naked Truth; check out his upcoming tour dates HERE. Information: alligator.com.

Artist: Kevin Burt & Big Medicine

Title: Thank You Brother Bill: A Tribute to Bill Withers (Gulf Coast Records)

You might like if you enjoy: Bill Withers, Aaron Neville, B.B. King

Tell me more: The spirit and music of the late Bill Withers shines across Kevin Burt and his band Big Medicine's new album Thank You Brother Bill: A Tribute to Bill Withers. The carefully selected track listing of 13 songs is presented via affecting and original versions showcasing Wither's timeless song craft as well as the stellar talents of Burt (lead vocals, guitar, harmonica), Scot Sutherland (bass), Ken Valdez (lead/rhythm guitar, backing vocals) and Eric Douglas (drums, percussion). Burt's resonant and soulful baritone vocals are the perfect fit with Withers songs; the performances captured at The Sound Box Recording Studio in Cedar Rapids, Iowa absolutely soar across the disc. The funk-tinged opener "Who Is He (and What Is He To You)?," electrifying soul sortie "World Keeps Going Round and Round," nuanced "Just the Two of Us" (the latter bolstered by Burt's sublime harmonica play), electric blues mining "Ain't No Sunshine," explosive "The Same Love That Made Me Laugh" and mournful "Hope She'll Be Happier" are among the impressive cuts on the terrific album. Information: kevinburtmusic.net.

Artist: Pete Ham

Title: Gwent Gardens (Y&T Music)

You might like if you enjoy: Badfinger, Paul McCartney, The Beatles

Tell me more: Although it has been nearly 50 years since his premature death at the age of 27 in April 1975, Pete Ham's legacy as the principal singer-songwriter of 1970s power pop great Badfinger shines bright. Now a treasure trove of newly-discovered home demos recorded between 1966 and 1972 — many of them songs that were never recorded or released by Badfinger or that group's earlier incarnation The Iveys — have been gathered together for release on an essential limited edition audio CD titled Gwent Gardens issued by Y&T Music. The tracks on the physical special CD version of Gwent Gardens set for release on March 8, 2024 will also be available via all streaming services on Friday, Feb. 23, 2024. 

The impressive demos feature Ham performing with guitar or piano accompaniment; the prolific artist often double-tracked his vocals to add heft to the recordings. The 18-track collection begins with the poignant "The Day Begins," where Ham's signature vocals deliver a beautiful and yearning original. Equally poignant is the lovely "Let The Sun Shine Through," which is bolstered by Ham's falsetto vocals and several overdubbed instrumental tracks to showcase his vision for a full band version of the melodic gem. The parade of terrific songs includes the John Lennon-flavored "Love Will Be," tuneful rocker "I'm Only Human," evocative "I Miss You," Baroque mining "Little Mary" and "Scarlett Willow," soulful "Think It Over" and irresistible "Something On My Mind." 

Editor's note: 2023 also saw the release of a special Pete Ham tribute album, Shine On — A Tribute to Pete Ham. That album featured 35 artist covering all of Ham's compositions recorded by Badfinger. Among the artists paying tribute to Ham on the title are Shelby Lynne, Dan Baird, Melanie, Dennis Diken, Sweet Lizzy Project, Stan Lynch & The Speaker Wars, and many more. Read Robert Kinsler's review of that album HERE. Information: ytmusiconline.com.

Robert Kinsler

New Music in 2024: Robby Krieger and The Soul Savages, The Incurables, Popdudes

New releases from Robby Krieger and The Soul Savages, The Incurables and Popdudes are worth adding to your music library.

Artist: Robby Krieger and The Soul Savages

Title: The Players Club (Mascot Label Group)

You might like if you enjoy: Wes Montgomery, The Doors, Craig Chaquico

Tell me more: Leave it to founding Doors guitarist-songwriter Robby Krieger to continue to explore new corners of the musical universe with a masterful touch. The Robby Krieger and The Soul Savages' wonderful debut The Players Club was recorded at Krieger's own Love Street Studios in Glendale, California, with the Rock and Roll Hall of Famer joining forces with a bunch of good friends to track the disc. The album opens with "Shark Skin Suit," a decidedly funky track where Krieger's freewheeling slide guitar work fuses a winning mix of jazz, blues and even sitar-mining stylings that enhance the bewitching foray. Instrumental music lovers will love the diverse and far-flung influences that are artfully blended across the disc. Standouts include the psychedelic-flavored "Samosas & Kingfishers," the grooving funk sortie "Day In L.A.," adventurous jazz track "Killzon," the bouncy jazz cut "Ricochet Rabbit" (the latter featuring Krieger playing impressive octave jazz lines inspired by the late Wes Montgomery), and the ambitious genre-mashing closer "Math Problem." Among the top-tier musicians who perform on the album are bassist Kevin "Brandon" Brandon, keyboardist Ed Roth, and drummer Franklin Vanderbilt. A must hear album for fans of The Doors and Krieger's virtuoso guitar playing, The Players Club will be released on Jan. 19. Information: robbykrieger.com.

Artist: The Incurables

Title: Inside Out & Backwards (Big Stir Records)

You might like if you enjoy: The Ramones, The Romantics

Tell me more: The Incurables' new album Inside Out & Backwards (set for release Jan. 19 courtesy of Big Stir Records) celebrates the Detroit-based garage-pop-punk rock quartet with a set of 10 irresistible rockers that delight on first listen. "When I Grow Up," the sweeping "Far Away" and heavy "Someday" explode out of the gate, showcasing the outfit's dynamic songwriting, rousing approach and solid chops. "Soda Pop" is an all out infectious and fun track. More nuanced, "Man Of Few Words" showcases a dynamic drums and bass-powered rhythm, layered guitars and evocative vocals. "When You" is a driving power pop original bolstered by strong '60s-minded lead vocals and harmonies positioned amidst exuberant instrumentation. The Incurables revisit old school punk on the aptly-pegged "Go Away." The album closes with the wonderful "I Told Myself (Absolutely Nothing)," which is a perfect fusion of melodic rock and punk stylings that morphs into a wonderful detour for a surprising a cappella finale. Information: bigstirrecords.com.

Artist: Popdudes

Title: The Denny Laine EP (Record label)

You might like if you enjoy: Denny Laine, Wings, Badfinger, Popdudes

Tell me more: Despite being a co-founding member of both the Moody Blues and Paul McCartney's Wings, English singer-songwriter/multi-instrumentalist Denny Laine had a 60-year career that often flew under the radar. In the wake of his tragic death from a rare form of lung disease on Dec. 5, 2023, Southern California-based power pop heroes Popdudes recorded the aptly-titled tribute The Denny Laine EP available now that goes a long way to shine a welcome light on Laine's legacy. The five-track EP is a marvelous celebration of Laine's craft, as well as the terrific talents of Popdudes (drummer John Borack and singer/multi-instrumentalist Michael Simmons), with the selections focusing on Laine's time with Wings (1971 to 1981). The range of material on the EP is truly a delight with several guests' notable contributions elevating the collection. Things kick off with the reflective "No Words," showcasing Simmons' wonderful vocals and Borack's nuanced drumming. "Spirits of Ancient Egypt" captures the otherworldly melodic flourish of the 1975 original version, with Stephen Alva providing lead vocals on the Popdudes' take. The lovely McCartney-penned "The Note You Never Wrote" captures the exuberance of the version included on Wings at the Speed of Sound that featured Laine on lead vocals; Addison Love contributes flashy guitar work on the cut. The bouncy "Again and Again and Again" finds Love on lead vocals, with the version fully capturing the melodic and lyrical strengths of the 1979 classic featured on Wings' final studio album. The soaring "Time to Hide" — a song Laine wrote and often sang in concert with Wings — is bolstered by explosive choruses and Alva's harmonica work wrapped in a truly marvelous arrangement. Information: https://michaelsimmons.bandcamp.com/album/the-denny-laine-ep.

Robert Kinsler