Concert Recordings Roundup: Supertramp, Simple Minds, Blur, Ten Years After

A parade of rock greats have released top-tier concert recordings available now. This column features a roundup of some of my favorite live releases issued in 2024 and 2025.

Artist: Simple Minds

Title: Live In The City Of Diamonds (BMG)

You might like if you enjoy: U2, Simple Minds, The Alarm

Tell me more: A terrific sounding live album with the extensive track listing to match, Live In The City Of Diamonds includes the majority of Simple Minds' most beloved songs recorded at Ziggy Dome, Amsterdam in The Netherlands on April 6, 2024. To be clear, singer-songwriter Jim Kerr sounds as great as ever and Charlie Burchill continues to be one of the great guitar masters of the modern rock era; their signature talents along with the collective expertise of Ged Grimes (bass), Gordy Goudie (guitar, backing vocals), Cherisse Osei (drums), Erik Ljunggen (keyboards) and Sarah Brown (backing vocals) elevate the two dozen selections featured on the outstanding title.

 

Beginning with an uplifting and soaring "Waterfront," disc 1 of the double CD also features the introspective "Sons and Fascination," inspired "Let There Be Love," ethereal "Glittering Prize" and powerful plea for peace "Belfast Child." Disc 2 fires up with the shimmering "Someone, Somewhere In Summertime" and continues it's magical run with standouts including the introspective gem "See The Lights" (the latter bolstered by Burchill's ascending guitar playing), the powerful sing-along fueled "Don't You (Forget About Me)," explosive "Sanctify Yourself," synth-swept "Vision Thing" and dynamic "Color's Fly and Catherine Wheel." The audio CD version reviewed here has exclusive content including an fully-illustrated 24-page color booklet and additional tracks recorded in London, Leeds, Glasgow, Berlin and Dijon. Simple Minds' "Alive & Kicking" North American Tour includes a May 23 date at Acrisure Arena in Palm Desert, CA, and a May 25 date at Talking Stick Resort Amphitheatre in Phoenix, AZ; Soft Cell and Modern English will serve as openers on the bill. Information: simpleminds.com.

Artist: Supertramp
Title: Live in Paris '79 (Mercury Studios)
You might like if you enjoy: Roger Hodgson, Supertramp
Tell me more: Recorded just nine months after the release of their 1979 masterwork Breakfast in America, Supertramp's newly-issued Live in Paris '79 full-length live album released on both audio CD and on vinyl features the band's classic lineup of Roger Hodgson (vocals, guitars, keyboards), Rick Davies (keyboards, vocals), Dougie Thomson (bass), Bob Siebengerg (drums) and John Helliwell (saxophone). This classic live recording is launched with the mournful sound of a solo harmonica morphing into a full band performance of "School," the stirring leadoff track off the progressive rock group's 1974 album Crime of the Century. The wide range of original material performed by the British troupe across the 3LP collection reviewed here is vast to be sure; the blues-flavored "Ain't Nobody But Me," tuneful pop-rock sortie "The Logical Song" (the latter showcasing Hodgson's dynamic vocals and sharp songcraft), wistful "Goodbye Stranger," rousing "Bloody Well Right" and introspective "Hide In Your Shell" are among the early standouts performed by the group. The latter part of the concert recording includes great performances of an acoustic reading "Give a Little Bit" enhanced by Helliwell's sax playing, the exuberant "Dreamer," bewitching "Take The Long Way Home," transcendent "Fool's Overture" and dramatic closer "Crime of the Century." Information: https://store.mercurystudios.co/.

Artist: Blur
Title: Live At Wembley Stadium (Parlophone)
You might like if you enjoy: Blur, Oasis, Travis
Tell me more: Groundbreaking British band Blur's full-length concert recorded at Wembley Stadium in London, England on July 9, 2023 is available as a 26-track double CD. Live At Wembley Stadium. This is an incredible concert recording capturing singer/multi-instrumentalist Damon Albarn, lead guitarist Graham Coxon, bassist Alex James and drummer Dave Rowntree in a spirted and inspired performance in front of 150,000 fans. 

Epic material from across the British quartet's acclaimed career is performed with passion and precision. Highlights on disc 1 include the fiery "Popscene," signature Britpop rockers "Tracy Jacks" and "Beetlebum," the wistful flamenco-tinged "Out of Time," emotional "Coffee & TV" and Beatlesque piano-anchored "Under the Westway." 

Disc 2 includes a mix of the band's beloved hits as well as top-tier new selections from the band's marvelous 2023 return The Ballad of Darren. The euphoric sing-along  "Parklife," dreamy "To the End," explosive "Song 2," plaintive "This Is a Low" (the latter enhanced by Coxon's stellar lead guitar work), enchanting "Tender," pensive melody-adorned "The Narcissist" and panoramic closer "The Universal" are among the brilliant originals that thrill on the last half of the superlative concert recording.

The audio CD release features the full-length concert across two discs, and is housed in a six-panel soft pack including an 18-panel poster fold booklet. Live At Wembley Stadium is also available on vinyl, as well as a concert film presented on Blu-ray. Information: blur.co.uk.

Artist: Ten Years After
Title: Woodstock 1969 (Chrysalis)
You might like if you enjoy: Ten Years After, Alvin Lee, Cream, British blues
Tell me more: Anyone who have ever seen the 1970 concert film "Woodstock: 3 Days of Peace and Music" knows that Ten Years After's performance of "I'm Going Home" is one of bona fide highlights of the award-winning film chronicling the Woodstock Festival staged near Bethel, New York in August 1969. Now the British band's complete Aug. 17, 1969 performance at that legendary event is presented via the audio title Woodstock 1969. "Hello beautiful people," says singer-guitarist Alvin Lee at the beginning of the band's set. "A fair blues to warm us up." Lee, bassist Leo Lyons, drummer Ric Lee and keyboardist Chick Churchill then proceed to deliver a powerful version of Howlin' Wolf's 1960 Willie Dixon-penned classic "Spoonful," a take bolstered by the mix of Alvin Lee's speedy lead guitar work and Ric Lee's dynamic drumming. The live recording also includes a fiery musical reading of "Good Morning Little Schoolgirl," enhanced by Alvin Lee's extended and breathtaking lead guitar solo. "The Hobbit" is a showcase for Ric Lee, one of the greatest rock drummers of the era; the dazzling solo that anchors the track draws big cheers from the hundreds of thousands concertgoers at the festival. Another key standout on the disc is the band's version of Al Kooper's "I Can't Keep From Crying Sometimes," an extended jam that somehow blends rock, blues, psychedelia and jazz stylings into a breathtaking and bold sonic amalgam. Closing out the set is of course Ten Years After's exceptional performance of "I'm Going Home," an astonishing reading that stretches almost 10 minutes and a defining moment that made the band into superstars. The 2024 release marks the first-ever standalone release of the historic performance, newly restored and featuring fresh mixes from the original 2-inch multi-track tapes. There are new liner notes by Chris Welch included in the eight-page colorful booklet. Information: amazon.com.

Robert Kinsler

Alvin Lee ES-335 ‘69 Festival - released worldwide by Gibson

As regular readers of my posts know, Alvin Lee was one of my favorite artists. After seeing Ten Years After's performance in the film "Woodstock," I sought out and began getting as many of his albums as I could. Those included his albums with TYA, as well as Ten Years Later and his solo efforts.

You can read my tribute to Alvin Lee that was published following his death in 2013 here. That article includes my re-posting of an article (published 25 years ago today) from The Orange County Register featuring my interview with the legendary singer-guitarist leading up to his performance at The Coach House in San Juan Capistrano. 

Read the media release below for details on the release of Gibson's "Alvin Lee ES-335 '69 Festival" electric guitar. Very cool indeed! Robert Kinsler

Gibson

 ‘Alvin Lee ES-335 ‘69 Festival’

Available Worldwide today, November 5, 2019

Blues-Rock Legend’s Signature “Big Red” Guitar From Breakout Festival Performance Released In Celebration Of

50^th Anniversary Of Woodstock

“My famous Gibson 335 that I bought for £45 in Nottingham was the best investment I ever made.”

--Alvin Lee

Alvin Lee playing his Gibson 335.
Photo credit: Dan Garson

NASHVILLE, TN (November 5, 2019) Gibson, the iconic American instrument brand, has announced the worldwide release of the new, limited-edition Alvin Lee ES-335 ’69 Festival’. The leading guitar brand has created the exact ES-335 guitar in Aged Sixties Cherry. The striking guitar, which Lee called “Big Red” launched his performance to legendary status while showcasing his lightning-fast guitar playing at the original Woodstock festival in 1969. In celebration of the 50^th Anniversary of Woodstock this year and Lee’s breakout festival performance, the historically accurate guitar is officially available now at Authorized Gibson Dealers worldwide. For more information, visit www.Gibson.com.

When Ten Years After took their heavy, manic blues-rock to the stage at Woodstock in 1969, the band unleashed a performance that came to define not just the legendary festival, but the spirit and sound of a movement. Following their set, which ended in a blistering, masterful rendition of “I’m Going Home,” Ten Years After catapulted to worldwide stardom and Alvin Lee rose to join Eric Clapton, Jimi Hendrix and Keith Richards as one of the most influential guitar gods of the time. In honor of the 50th Anniversary of Woodstock, Gibson is proud to present this Alvin Lee ES-335 ‘69 Festival’ guitar, built to the exact specifications of the guitar Lee used during his jaw-dropping, festival performance. The Gibson Alvin Lee ES-335 ’69 Festival’ guitar includes all of the stickers, aging, special modifications and mojo of the original. Only 50 of these limited-edition Alvin Lee ES-335 ’69 Festival’ guitars will be sold worldwide.

The Alvin Lee ES-335 '69 Festival guitar

Watch and share the following video of the new Alvin Lee ES-335 ’69 Festival’ guitar featuring Leo Lyons (Ten Years After, co-founder and bassist), Loraine Burgon (Alvin Lee’s partner 1963-1973) and Barrie Cadogan (Little Barrie, Primal Scream, The The), Here.

"Really happy to hear that Gibson guitars is doing a limited edition 335 in honour of Alvin Lee. Alvin was a brilliant guitar player that became famous all around the world with his band-Ten Years After. He was a great friend of mine and Black Sabbath, he made a major impact on thousands of guitar players globally-including me! Thank you, Gibson - Alvin well deserves it!!”

--Tony Iommi

“Alvin was one of the most exciting Rock/blues guitarists of his generation. His red customised Gibson ES 335 not only gave him his signature sound but was also a part of his iconic stage personality.”

--Leo Lyons (Ten Years After co-founder and bassist 1966–2013)

Born in Nottingham, England, Alvin Lee began playing guitar at age 13 and formed the core of what would become the band Ten Years After by age 15. Originally influenced by his parent's prolific collection of jazz and blues records, it was the advent of Rock ’n’ Roll that truly ignited Lee’s interest and creativity with guitarists like Chuck Berry and Scotty Moore providing his inspiration.

With Lee as guitarist, singer and songwriter, Ten Years After (TYA) first toured America in 1968 at the invitation of the legendary Fillmore promoter Bill Graham. American audiences were immediately captivated by the group’s innovative mix of blues, swing, jazz and rock alongside Lee's distinctive, soulful and rapid-fire guitar playing.

Alvin Lee’s groundbreaking, virtuoso guitar performance at Woodstock festival in 1969--captured live on film in the documentary of the festival--remains a gold standard of influence today for many guitarists and continues to introduce Lee to new music fans all over the world.

Listen to Alvin Lee: https://alvinlee.lnk.to/Listen. 

For more information about Alvin Lee:

 

ALVINLEE.COM | INSTAGRAM | FACEBOOK | YOUTUBE

 

 

For Gibson, visit:

 

GIBSON.COM | TWITTER | INSTAGRAM | FACEBOOK | YOUTUBE

 

 

About Gibson:

Gibson Brands, the world’s most iconic guitar brand, has shaped the sounds of generations of musicians and music lovers across genres for more than 100 years. Founded in 1894 and headquartered in Nashville, TN, Gibson Brands has a legacy of world-class craftsmanship, legendary music partnerships and progressive product evolution that is unrivaled among musical instrument companies. The Gibson Brands portfolio includes Gibson, the number one guitar brand, as well as many of the most beloved and recognizable music brands, including Epiphone, Kramer, Steinberger and Gibson Pro Audio division brands Cerwin Vega, KRK Systems and Stanton. Gibson Brands is dedicated to quality, innovation and sound excellence so that music lovers for generations to come will continue to experience music shaped by Gibson Brands. Learn more at http://www.gibson.com and follow us on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram.

Under The Radar Releases Worth Discovering

In addition to featuring a number of recent must hear releases, this column marks the debut of a new feature where I will profile a different "Lost Classic" release each week.

Artist: Beth Bombara
Title: Evergreen (All The Right Pills/Lemp Electric)
You might like if you enjoy: Aimee Mann, Phoebe Bridgers
Tell me more: Singer-songwriter Beth Bombara's new album Evergreen (set for release on Aug. 9) finds the songstress tapping into that magical sonic-sphere comprised of equal parts melancholy, melody, literate verse and solid songcraft. The Michigan native who now calls St. Louis home created the 10-song disc while spending time in a remote cabin nestled in the wilderness of the Rocky Mountains and the results are glorious. The luxurious opening track "I Only Cry When I'm Alone" recalls some of Aimee Mann's best work; as if that wasn't enough of a recommendation the disc's subsequent cuts offer endless opportunities to hear the power of the singer-guitarist's knack for crafting undeniable material that showcases her emotive soprano and the importance of arrangements that are nuanced and come in the service of the songs. Great songs abound on "Evergreen" as evidenced by the shimmering title track, haunting "Anymore," Americana-tinged "Tenderhearted" and "Does It Echo?," and the melodic rocker "Good News." Information: www.bethbombara.com.

Artist: Radio California
Title: Chewing Gum Kind of Day (Jesse Ojeda)
You might like if you enjoy: Youth Gone Mad, Hüsker Dü
Tell me more: Southern California-based avant-garde prog rockers Radio California are back with another batch of edgy, groundbreaking and original tracks that mix and mash punk, rock, blues and art damage across the involving Chewing Gum Kind of Day. The 10-track album challenges the listener at every turn, with multi-layered tracking of instruments and hypnotic vocals courtesy of leader Jesse Ojeda. Standouts on this album include the wistful "You Can't Go Back," driving "Giant," and haunting "When Love is Gone." The lyrics capture the edginess of modern life to be sure but there is also a hopeful spirit where there is always a promise of something better ahead. An interesting and independent album worth discovering. Information: https://store.cdbaby.com/Artist/RadioCalifornia1.

Artist: Blue Moon Marquee
Title: Bare Knuckles & Brawn (Blue Moon Marquee Music)
You might like if you enjoy: Robert Johnson
Tell me more: Listening to Canadian Gypsy blues duo Blue Moon Marquee's Bare Knuckles & Brawn is to be transported back to the early 20th century even while the artful mix-up of genres provides a welcome modern twist. Indeed all 11 tracks on Bare Knuckles & Brawn are original (courtesy of British Columbia's singer-guitarist A.W. Cardinal and bassist-vocalist Jasmine Colette); the duo and a collection of talented guests blend early blues with western swing (just listen to "Smoke Rings For My Rider"!), jazz and New Orleans stylings. The ambitious LP was recorded in a mere three days, an approach that helped yield the authentic and infectious spirit of the album. The arc of the disc can be uptempo and swing with excitement, and quickly journey to introspection. The beautiful jazz-flavored ballad "Hard Times Hit Parade" and apt "As I Lay Dying" showcase the impressive range of Blue Moon Marquee's approach. Information: www.bluemoonmarquee.com.



LOST CLASSIC

Artist: Ten Years After
Title: Ssssh (Chrysalis Records)
You might like if you enjoy: Led Zeppelin, Alvin Lee
Tell me more: Those planning to catch the 50th anniversary showing of "Woodstock: The Director's Cut" when it returns to movie theaters on Thursday, August 15 should be sure to catch one of the concert film's key performances - Ten Years After's "I'm Going Home." Recorded two months before that legendary performance and released in August 1969, Ssssh was the British blues rock band's third album and endures as one of the best albums of the genre. Although the album charted at #4 in the United Kingdom and #20 in the U.S. the LP has sadly slipped away from the spotlight over the past 50 years. Listening to the essential 2018 reissue of the disc is to be reminded of the freewheeling approach and virtuoso musicianship of Alvin Lee (guitar, vocals), Leo Lyons (bass), Ric Lee (drums) and Chick Churchill (keyboards). In addition to scorching blues rockers (including "Bad Scene," "Stoned Woman," "I Woke Up This Morning") and acoustic blues nuggets ("Two Time Mama," "If You Should Love Me") penned by Lee, the album also features a fiery take on Sonny Boy Williamson's "Good Morning Little School Girl." Information: amazon.com.

Robert Kinsler

Our Favorite 100 Songs of All Time: Episode 7 (songs #31-#35)

On the latest episode of their "100 Favorite Songs of All Time" series, TJR and Robert Kinsler each celebrate their favorite cuts, #31 through #35; check out where classics from The Rolling Stones, Cheap Trick, Ten Years After, The Smithereens and John Cougar Mellencamp land on their lists...

Gift Ideas Roundup: Tom Petty, The Beatles, The Rolling Stones, Queen, more!

TJR and Robert Kinsler has gathered some of their favorite music-related items together with a list of great gift ideas for 2018! Titles featuring Tom Petty, Ten Years After, The Rolling Stones, Queen, Led Zeppelin and more make the list!

Essential reissues and special audio releases of 2017

Watch TJR and Robert Kinsler recap some of their favorite reissues and newly-available concert releases of 2017 on a new episode of MUSIC WORTH BUYING:

Holiday Gift Guide: a wide range of terrific releases

There is truly something for every music lover on your holiday list this season. From enticing hardcover fully-illustrated books focusing on AC/DC and David Bowie to essential new audio and/or visual collections featuring Jeff Lynne's ELO, Neil Young, Alvin Lee and more, there is a wealth of riches now available online or at your favorite brick and mortar store. And don't let the season's greatest new holiday music title (featuring the Minus 5) escape your attention too.

Title: CMA Awards Live: Greatest Moments 1968-2015 (Time Life)
Tell me more: Featuring nine DVDs filled with 127 live performances and a bonus DVD with historic interviews, the CMA Awards Live: Greatest Moments 1968-2015 is must-see viewing for fans of classic and contemporary country music. There are dozens of wonderful and historic performances, including Glen Campbell's poignant "By the Time I Get to Phoenix" (1968) and a duet featuring Kris Kristofferson and Rita Coolidge singing "Me and Bobby McGee" (1974) to Buck Owens and Dwight Yoakam joining forces on "Act Naturally" and more recent nuggets like Miranda Lambert's beautiful "More Like Her" (in 2008) and the min-medley of "Tennessee Whiskey/Drink You Away" teaming Chris Stapleton and Justin Timberlake. Fans of Americana, roots and rock will also find treasures on the collection, including appearances by Sheryl Crow (joining forces with Miranda Lambert and Loretta Lynn for a 2010 performance of "Coal Miner's Daughter"), Dire Straits singer-guitarist Mark Knopfler (playing "Go Rest High On That Mountain" with Ricky Skaggs) and Grace Potter joining Kenny Chesney for a take on "You and Tequila." Information: TimeLife.com.

Artist: Jeff Lynne's ELO
Title: Wembley or Bust (Columbia)
Tell me more: The full-fledged resurgence of Jeff Lynne is on display courtesy of Wembley or Bust. Available as a Blu-ray+2CD or DVD+2CD package, the title features Jeff Lynne's ELO's full-length concert captured at Wembley Stadium in London on June 24, 2017. To say this concert film is visually-stunning and an audiophile's dream only begins to tell the story. Directed by Paul Dugdale, the film blends artful shots of Lynne and his 12-member group along with entertaining shots of the audience to provide an experience that really takes the viewer to the show. And the setlist is stellar, taking in all of ELO's best-known hits as well as deeper cuts. Whether the ensemble is turning Wembley into a gigantic dance floor with the infectious "All Over the World," "Livin' Thing," or "Xanadu," rocking the stadium with "10538 Overture" and "Ma-Ma-Ma Belle" or sweeping them away with "Mr. Blue Sky," "Wembley or Bust" provides a fantastic ride. Information: JeffLynnesELO.com.

Title: Woody Guthrie: The Tribute Concerts (Bear Family Records)
Tell me more: When American troubadour Woody Guthrie passed away in 1967 at the age of 55, he left a profound legacy and many of the most prominent artists influenced by the singer-songwriter (including Bob Dylan, Joan Baez, Judy Collins and son Arlo Guthrie) soon joined forces for a pair of tribute concerts. "Woody Guthrie: The Tribute Concerts" is a lavish boxed set that not only features pristine recordings of both full-length concerts (a Jan. 20, 1968 Carnegie Hall date and a subsequent Sept. 12, 1970 Hollywood Bowl event), but two hardcover books featuring liner notes; a Guthrie biography, original concert reviews, photographs and other great extras are all here as well. In all, there are approximately three hours of concert recordings, including versions of many of Guthrie's best-known songs (including "So Long, It's Been Good To Know You," "This Land Is Your Land," "Oklahoma Hills" and "This Train Is Bound for Glory"). Bonus tracks include interviews with Collins, Jack Elliott, Arlo Guthrie, Country Joe McDonald, Phil Ochs, Tom Paxton and Pete Seeger. Information: bear-family.com.

Artist: The Minus 5
Title: Dear December (Yep Roc Records)
Tell me more: Dear December is the best new holiday-minded album of 2017. Filled with original and instantly-memorable songs celebrating the holiday season (both Christmas and Hanukkah), the Minus 5 tap into the Yuletide spirit big time with '60s-minded British rock stylings ("New Christmas Hymn," the baroque pop of "When Christmas Hurts You This Way") and wistful introspective ballads (notably "The Fourth Noel" featuring guest Colin Meloy of the Decemberists). Mike Mills (R.E.M.) sings lead vocals on the pretty "Festival of Lights (Hanukkah Song)," while the equally glorious "I See Angels" features the lead vocals of Ben Gibbard (of Death Cab for Cutie fame). As if the wonderful songs and illustrious cast of greats that also features R.E.M. guitarist Peter Buck and M. Ward (of She & Him) wasn't enough to purchase this new title, proceeds from the sale of Dear December help defray the medical costs for Minus 5 leader Scott McCaughey who is recovering from a recent stroke. Information: http://www.yeproc.com/.

Artist: Neil Young + Promise of the Real
Title: The Visitor (Reprise)
Tell me more: At 72, Neil Young remains one of rock's most defiant, relevant and interesting artists; that is especially true listening to the aptly-titled The Visitor. Long after the Rock and Roll Hall of Famer might have settled into the nostalgia route he continues to write and record challenging songs. On his latest collaboration with Promise of the Real (the band featuring Willie Nelson's sons Lukas and Micah Nelson), the Canadian native addresses his love of America even as he questions America's future a year into President Trump's presidency. On "Already Great" he notes "Already great/You're already great/You're the promise land/You're the helping hand." Taken as a whole, Young's dedication to saving the world's natural beauty ("Fly By Night Deal," "Stand Tall" "Forever") and social protest (the lovely "Children of Destiny") are themes he has been exploring for most of his life. And as long as the songs are as powerful and memorable as those displayed on his 39th album, keep 'em coming. Information: NeilYoung.com.

Artist: Alvin Lee & Co.
Title: Live at the Academy of Music, New York, 1975 (Rainman Records)
Tell me more: While singer-songwriter/guitar great Alvin Lee died at the age of 68 in 2013, it didn't mark the end of commercial releases expanding his legacy. A fantastic concert featuring Alvin Lee & Co. recorded more than 40 years ago has just been released. Live at the Academy of Music, New York, 1975 features Lee's fiery and groundbreaking lead guitar work, but also showcases an expanded direction following his departure from Ten Years After. Sure there are blues-rock tracks here ("Got to Keep Moving," "Let's Get Back"), but those British blues are frequently adorned with gospel vocals, soul, jazz and R&B. The beautiful baroque folk ballad "All Life's Trials," an authentic reading of the 1930s blues classic "Baby Please Don't Go" and rocking lead guitar-anchored "I'm Writing You a Letter" are among the lovely surprises here. Fans of Lee will want to get this two-disc treasure. Information: rainman-records.com.

Book Title: Bowie: The Illustrated Story
Author: Pat Gilbert
Edition: Hardcover, 224 pages
Tell me more: Although it has almost been two years since rock icon David Bowie passed away at the age of 69, the artist's legacy looms as large as ever. Now, the newly-published volume Bowie: The Illustrated Story chronicles Bowie's incredible life via insightful details and countless images of Bowie spanning from his 1950s childhood to the various periods of his professional career as recording artist and actor. There are promo shots of a very young Bowie, as well as photos of him on stage, painting, at press events, working in the recording studio and posing with friends. Information: QuartoKnows.com.

Book Title: AC/DC: Album By Album
Author: Martin Popoff
Edition: Hardcover, 256 pages
Tell me more: While the future of AC/DC is in doubt, there is little argument when it comes to the band's profound and lasting influence as one of rock's most important and successful hard rock proponents. In AC/DC: Album By Album, author Martin Popoff is joined by more than a dozen guest experts as they chronicle all 16 of AC/DC's albums in lively detail, providing plenty of insight into the band's discography. Of particular interest were details about how Malcolm and Angus Young came up with their guitar tones, and their respective role in the band. There are, of course, artwork of various releases; but the images of the band in the early Bon Scott era and subsequent Brian Johnson span add weight to the title. Information: QuartoKnows.com.



Review by Robert Kinsler

Alvin Lee & Co.: Live At The Academy Of Music 1975 is out now

Yesterday, there was exciting news about a forthcoming Jimi Hendrix release. Now today, equally exciting news has reached yours truly that a legendary 1975 live concert featuring singer-guitar hero Alvin Lee is available. I am definitely looking forward to hearing this concert release. You can read my tribute to the late artist on the Music News Nashville site here. Here is the media release...

ALVIN LEE & CO.

RELEASE UNEARTHED LIVE GEM

"ALVIN LEE & CO. LIVE AT THE ACADEMY OF MUSIC, NEW YORK 1975"

Unearthed live music from the late, great English singer and guitarist Alvin Lee has finally been mastered and released: Alvin Lee & Co. Live At The Academy Of Music, New York 1975 is out now on Rainman Records.

Famously known for his band Ten Years After's galvanizing performance of "I'm Going Home" at Woodstock, Alvin Lee left that band in 1973 to pursue his own artistic vision and quickly found success as a solo artist.

Now, for the first time, a January 18, 1975 show recorded at New York City's Academy Of Music (which would later become the Palladium) has been mastered and properly released. The show was recorded on a (then) state-of-the-art 16-track, but only a few songs were ever heard, via the "King Biscuit Flower Hour." In 2012, Lee discovered the masters in his personal archives and set out to transfer and professionally mix the concert.  Lee passed away in 2013 before the music could be released, but his wife Evi carefully oversaw this project (released October 27).

The result is a collection of jazzy, funky and mellow performances; 13 selected tracks played by a world-class band made up of talented musicians at their peak with Alvin leading expertly through tasteful guitar work and outstanding vocals. The band included Ian Wallace - drums and Mel Collins - sax & flute (both ex-King Crimson), two former members of Stone The Crows (Ronnie Leahy - keyboards, and Steve Thomson - bass), as well as Brother James -percussion, and backing vocalists Donnie Perkins and Juanita Franklin. 

Alvin steps away from the normal fast-fingered blues in exchange for a laid-back vibe - complete with female background singers, congas, saxophone, flute - and a take-it-easy approach to rhythm and groove. Following up on his 1974 release Take Flight, Alvin Lee & Co. took the show on the road in the US and this is an outstanding performance of an unreleased setlist from one of the classic rock greats.

ALVIN LEE & CO. LIVE AT THE ACADEMY OF MUSIC, NEW YORK 1975 track listing:

1)    Got To Keep Moving

2)    Let's Get Back

3)    Somebody's Callin' Me

4)    All Life's Trials

5)    Baby Please Don't Go

6)    Time And Space

7)    There's A Feeling

8)    Every Blues You've Ever Heard

9)    Percy's Roots

10)Money Honey

11)Going Through The Door

12)I'm Writing You A Letter

13)Ride My Train

http://alvinlee.com/

https://rainman-records.myshopify.com/

Music Worth Buying episode: Stone Temple Pilots, Alvin Lee

On the latest episode of Music Worth Buying, we take an in-depth look at High Rise, the new album featuring Stone Temple Pilots with Chester Bennington (of Linkin Park fame), as well as an album featuring the final performance from singer-guitarist Alvin Lee aptly-titled The Last Show:

Gary Clark Jr. stunning at House of Blues Anaheim

My review was originally posted on The Orange County Register Web site on Monday, Sept. 30, 2013.

As astounding as the talents of young guitarists such as Derek Trucks and Joe Bonamassa are, it's unlikely they are effecting the future survival of blues with the same impact as Gary Clark Jr.

Next at House of Blues Anaheim: Noah and the Whale, Oct. 2, $22.50; You Me at Six with Cute Is What We Aim For and more, Oct. 3, $15; Filter, Oct. 4, $20; Kingdom 12, Oct. 5, $37.50; Yellowcard plays Ocean Avenue acoustic, with Thursday's Geoff Rickly, Oct. 6, $26

Call: 714-778-2583

Online: houseofblues.com/anaheim,livenation.com

Sunday night (Sept. 29, 2013) at House of Blues Anaheim, the Austinite’s first major headlining appearance in Orange County following a spot opening for Dave Matthews Band in Irvine earlier this month, it was fascinating to see so many teens and young 20-somethings in the diverse crowd moving to the music and gazing in awe every time Clark unleashed another virtuosic display on a favorite Fender or Epiphone.

All ages seemed to be in tune with the performance and impressed by the singer-guitarist, whose freewheeling fretwork combines the approach of towering talents like Jimi Hendrix, Alvin Lee and Buddy Guy, while his uncommon falsetto evokes the great Al Green. A knack for powerful songwriting completes his formidable arsenal.

I last caught Clark in an inspired set at Coachella 2012, six months before the arrival of his widely hailed full-length debut for Warner Bros., Blak and Blu. But this two-hour turn in Anaheim proved he’s gotten even better, already one of the best and most unique electric guitar players on the planet. He’s also a magnetic stage presence, his seemingly bottomless bag of musical tricks leaving audiences eagerly anticipating what knockout might come next.

The six-string whiz, who turns 30 in Feburary, opened with a 10-minute version of "Ain't Messin 'Round" that immediately established a kind of magic in the room. Backed by a fantastic three-man band, the performance was nuanced from the get-go: Rather than simply play speedy fills or conventional blues solos, his fluid work erupted and subsided in support of the song itself. At one point he even made his axe whistle artfully.

Clark's wide range of songs would be a train wreck in most other hands. But bounding from Chicago-steeped and Delta blues to Chuck Berry rockers (like "Travis County"), from old-school soul ("Please Come Home") to experimental, genre-be-damned forays (like "You Saved Me" and his fusing of Hendrix’s "Third Stone from the Sun” with his own “If You Love Me Like You Say"), all reinforced that this heralded upstart is like no one else of his generation. His quest to enliven old forms is why significant figures from Jimmie Vaughan and Eric Clapton to the Rolling Stones have embraced his ascent.

"When My Train Pulls In" found Clark diving into three extended solos, each a sonic world unto itself. The last was the most explosive of all, the tall gent working a wah-wah pedal to produce distinctive cries of increasing fervor. At other times in his set he used dramatic tapping or would move his pick up and down quickly to create propulsive rhythm effects. Whether performing alone or with his band, the magic just kept coming.

He ended his regular set with an ignited version of his best-known song, "Bright Lights," making each note count while singing with authentic emotion. And a highlight of his 15-minute encore was "Numb," during which Clark added slide work to enrich the heavy rocker.

Fellow Austin-based singer-guitarist Max Frost opened with a batch of material that similarly blends blues with funk, jazz and rock. He came armed with a good voice and a solid command of his instrument, yet Frost's solos seemed draped in a muddy, reverb-laden mix that took away any bite from his material.

Photo: Kelly A. Swift, for the Register