Reviews: GoGo Penguin, 7Horse, Riddle & The Stars, the Bo-Keys, 'Turn It Up!' documentary

Four noteworthy ensembles are breaking new ground across a wide range of genres, while a new documentary celebrates the electric guitar and the masters who will be forever tied with their instrument.


Artist: GoGo Penguin
Title: Man Made Object (Blue Note Records)
You might like if you enjoy: Vince Guaraldi Trio, Robert Glasper Trio, Brian Eno
Tell me more: Manchester, UK-based trio GoGo Penguin crafts soundscapes as lush and exciting as any young jazz troupe in memory. The groundbreaking trio (drummer Rob Turner, double bassist Nick Blacka and pianist Chris Illingworth) have truly created a new sound that draws from a wide range of seminal jazz artists (ranging from the Vince Guaraldi Trio to contemporary heroes Robert Glasper Trio); the three members of GoGo Penguin use a deep sense of composition, acoustic instrumentation, electronic touches (think Brian Eno and Moby) and melody to draw in listeners. GoGo Penguin's latest album, Man Made Object, features 10 extraordinary instrumental selections. While the mesmerizing "Branches Break" and ""Surrender to Mountain" are the most accessible, tracks such as "Weird Cat," "Quiet Mind" and the haunting piano-anchored "Gbfisysih" also have an enormous power to evoke emotions. If you are bound for Coachella, make sure to catch GoGo Penguin at the festival on Saturday, April 23. Information: gogopenguin.co.uk/.

Get 'Man Made Object' (Deluxe Edition) here




Artist: 7Horse
Title: Livin' in a Bitch of a World (7Horse Music Ltd.)
You might like if you enjoy: Moreland & Arbuckle, dada, 7Horse
Tell me more: Blues-rock doesn't get much more honest and stripped down than 7Horse. The duo (lead singer-drummer Phil Leavitt and guitarist-vocalist Joie Calio) backed by several other talented players perform songs that thrive on basic, straightforward riffs and deep grooves adorned with catchy choruses whose rich melodies bring welcome layers to the material across the newly-released "Livin' in a Bitch of a World." The gritty "Two-Stroke Machine" begins with a Rolling Stones-styled vibe bolstered by a soaring chorus, honest storytelling and wonderful blues-rock guitar riffs courtesy of Calio. Slide guitar fills the riveting "One Week" and Southwest blues of "Answer the Bell." Elsewhere, the band's hard hitting and reworked take on the Bee Gees' "Stayin' Alive" is truly epic. Livin' in a Bitch of a World cements the fact that 7Horse ranks with Moreland & Arbuckle as one of contemporary blues-rock's most mighty young voices. Information: 7HorseMusic.com.

Purchase 'Livin In a Bitch Of a World' here

Artist: Riddle & The Stars
Title: New Coastline (Riddle & The Stars)
You might like if you enjoy: The Fallen Stars, the Jayhawks, Dawes
Tell me more: An exceptional follow-up to their 2014 debut collaboration "This Is Happening," the new album from Riddle & The Stars titled New Coastline is truly a reason to celebrate the music-making union forged between Australian singer-songwriter Ben Riddle and Huntington Beach, California-based the Fallen Stars (husband-and-wife duo Bobbo and Tracy Byrnes). All three singers are featured via memorable performances, with their blended voices providing an additional winning element across the disc (particularly on the beautiful Americana nugget "When We Ride"). Riddle brings a distinctive singer-songwriter touch to the proceedings, notably on the reflective folk rocker "Running Back to You" and yearning "Tracks."  Bobbo Byrnes leads the collective through the rousing roots rocker "I May Never Know" and an affecting take on the John Prine gem "Mexican Home." Tracy Barnes sings the elegiac "Apples & Knives," and the authentic country-styled "Valentine's Day." Information: thefallenstars.com or riddleandthestars.com.




Artist: The Bo-Keys
Title: Heartaches by the Number (Electraphonic Recording/Omnivore Recordings)
You might like if you enjoy: St. Paul & the Broken Bones, James Hunter Six, Paul Rodgers' The Royal Sessions
Tell me more: The fusion of Memphis soul, classic country and R&B burns bright across the Bo-Keys' new album Heartaches by the Numbers (set for release on April 29). Singer Percy Wiggins and company never sound less than incredible on the 10-song set, which finds the ensemble mixing marvelous originals with heartfelt interpretations of material popularized by the likes of Bob Dylan, Hank Williams, Swamp Dogg and Ray Price. Perhaps the most impressive showcase of the Bo-Keys' stunning hybrid is a version of Merle Haggard's emotive "The Longer You Wait," with the blend of country and soul offered up via an authentic and stirring performance of the tearjerker. Information: omnivorerecordings.com.

Get 'Heartaches By The Number' here

Artists: B.B. King, Les Paul, Slash, Robby Krieger, Steve Lukather, more
Title: Turn It Up! (71st Street Entertainment)

You might like if you enjoy: B.B. King, Slash, Les Paul, Nancy Wilson, Paul Stanley, Kevin Bacon

Tell me more: For those who love to play electric guitar, or are fans of masters from a wide spectrum of styles (rock, blues, jazz), Turn It Up! is mandatory viewing. Featuring the far-flung likes of Slash (Guns N' Roses), Paul Stanley (KISS), Robby Krieger (The Doors) and Steve Lukather (Toto), as well as the late Les Paul and B.B. King, the film is unique in that it really focuses on the deep connection between guitars and the masters who play them. Hosted by actor-musician Kevin Bacon, the Robert Radler-directed film blends amazing photography, performance footage and compelling interviews to tackle the subject. In addition to the aforementioned guitar masters, Nancy Wilson (Heart), Jeff "Skunk" Baxter (Steely Dan, the Doobie Brothers), blues star Ana Popovic and Steve Howe (Yes, Asia) are among the other greats featured. Information: www.facebook.com/turnitupdoc.

Get 'TURN IT UP! A CELEBRATION OF THE ELECTRIC GUITAR' on DVD here


Robert Kinsler

Wide range of artists shine bright on new albums

In addition to welcoming the continent-hopping collective Riddle & The Stars to the burgeoning Americana genre via their terrific debut, a strong field of artists have returned with noteworthy new releases.

Artist: Riddle & The Stars

Title: This Is Happening (independent release)

You might like if you enjoy: Gram Parsons & Emmylou Harris, Fleet Foxes, Johnnyswim

Tell me more: Few movements in modern music have been as rewarding as the explosion of Americana over the past decade. Extending the sonic soundscape first established by the likes of Neil Young, Gram Parsons and Emmylou Harris, modern-day heroes like Mumford & Sons, Trampled by Turtles and Johnnyswim have extended the reach of the genre in new and exciting directions. So too now have Australian singer-songwriter Ben Riddle and Huntington Beach, California-based outfit The Fallen Stars on the newly-issued collaboration This Is Happening. The sterling 12-track collection of authentic songs are enriched by a blend indie folk, alt country and roots music as Riddle and the Stars' talented tandem of Bobbo and Tracy Barnes each get to sing lead vocals while elsewhere they combine forces for some crafty harmonies (notably on the stirring title track).  Highlights include the haunting "Favourite Photograph," reflective "Massachusetts," lovely "Stronger Than Steel" (inspired by the Kaylee Frye character on the cult sci-fi show Firefly) and epic "Dam." Note: This Is Happening isn't scheduled to be released until August 2014, but you can get the first single "Chance" via the link listed below. Information: thefallenstars.com. 

Get the single "Chance" here

Artist: Jenny Lewis

Title: The Voyager (Warner Bros.)

You might like if you enjoy: The Watson Twins' 2006 album "Rabbit Fur Coat," Jenny and Johnny, Rilo Kiley

Tell me more: Rarely is an album as interesting or confessional as California singer-songwriter Jenny Lewis' The Voyager. The former singer of Rilo Kiley, Lewis is not afraid to explore and share the deepest reaches of her soul as evidenced by a range of songs offered in different musical styles with lyrics that clearly reflect her own experiences with a rich honesty that is never less than inspired. The evocative "She's Not Me," bouncy New Wave-tinged "Head Underwater" and baroque pop gem "Late Bloomer" are among the wonderful songs on this outstanding album. Information: jennylewis.com. The Voyager is set to be released on Tuesday, July 29, 2014.

Pre-order "The Voyager" now

Artist: Tom Petty & the Heartbreakers

Title: Hypnotic Eye (Warner Bros.)

You might like if you enjoy: Bob Dylan, Tom Petty, Mudcrutch

Tell me more: Tom Petty & the Heartbreakers' 13th album Hypnotic Eye not only rocks with abandon but mostly recaptures the youthful spirit of the Florida-spawned ensemble's best '70s and '80s efforts. From the mighty opener "American Dream Plan B" and sparse "Full Grown Boy" to the rollicking "All You Carry" (you have to love Mike Campbell's guitar work in this one) and similarly fierce "Forgotten Man," there is a vibrancy and power that defies the group's "classic rock" moniker. What's more, the edgy "Fault Lines" could have fit in as a track on the Beatles' "White Album," with its savage John Lennon-styled guitar licks and confessional core. Information: tompetty.com. Hypnotic Eye is set for release on Tuesday, July 29, 2014.

Pre-order "Hypnotic Eye" now!

Artist: Marillion

Title: A Sunday Night Above the Rain (earMUSIC / Eagle Rock Entertainment)

You might like if you enjoy: Peter Gabriel, Porcupine Tree, Radiohead

Tell me more: While British rock artists such as The Beatles and Rolling Stones have achieved widespread acclaim in the U.S., outstanding U.K.'s exports including Blur, Keane and Porcupine Tree have been mostly overlooked here. Add to that essential-listening list the pioneering Aylesbury, Buckinghamshire legend Marillion. The band's newly-released double-album A Sunday Night Above the Rain features the stellar neo-progressive alt rock troupe captured in action in the Netherlands on March 10, 2013 playing all eight songs from their 2012 studio disc Sounds That Can't Be Made as well as long-time favorites including "Garden Party" and "This Strange Engine." Information: Marillion.com. 

Buy "A Sunday Night Above The Rain" here

Artist: First Aid Kit

Title: Stay Gold (Columbia Records)

You might like if you enjoy: Emmylou Harris, Puss n Boots, Fleet Foxes

Tell me more: Anyone questioning the foundation First Aid Kit — Swedish sisters Klara and Johanna Söderberg -— set on their 2012 debut, need listen no further than their aptly-titled sophomore effort Stay Gold. The Stockholm-based sisters continue to blend artful and melodic song craft with voices that harmonize in infinite magical ways that haunt and soar simultaneously. There is a slightly edgier approach this time around, both in the lyrics and music making that will further excite the faithful. Standouts on the 10-track disc include the sorrowful "Cedar Lane," the probing "The Bell" and mournful romantic epic "A Long Time Ago." Information: thisisfirstaidkit.com.

Purchase "Stay Gold" here

Artist: Michael Lington

Title: Soul Appeal (Copenhagen Music)

You might like if you enjoy: Mindi Abair, Richard Elliot

Tell me more: As modern as it it retro, Michael Lington's Soul Appeal boasts 11 accessible and grooving tracks that blend Memphis soul, funk and R&B. A skilled threat on alto and tenor sax player, Lington shines every step of the way without stepping on the talented cast of players around him. Most of the disc shines with instrumental tracks, although the '70s-mining romantic song "Gonna Love You Tonight" features Kenny Lattimore; "Leave Me You" (co-written and sung by Ryan Shaw) is one of those kind of timeless ballads that Sam Cooke could have hit out of the park half a century ago. Information: MichaelLington.com.

Buy "Soul Appeal" today