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: Julie Christensen, Keb' Mo', Night Crickets, John Mellencamp

In this column I celebrate new releases from Julie Christensen, Keb' Mo', Night Crickets and John Mellencamp.

Artist: Julie Christensen

Title: 11 From Kevin: Songs of Kevin Gordon (Wirebird Records)

You might like if you enjoy: Flesh Eaters, Divine Horsemen

Tell me more: The exceptional song writing of Nashville singer-songwriter Kevin Gordon is celebrated by Julie Christensen on her latest album 11 From Kevin: Songs of Kevin Gordon (released Jan 21). It speaks volumes about the power of Gordon's songcraft and Christensen's strengths as a recording artist that this is an album where diverse music styles somehow couldn't be more at home together. The loose rocker "Find My Way," the medley of the countrified "Heart's Not In It / Down To The Well," bluesy "Jimmy Reed Is The King of Rock n' Roll," gorgeous roots rocker "Gatling Gun" and lovely folk gem "Rest Your Head" collectively cast a welcome light on Gordon's pictorial lyrics while simultaneously showcasing Christensen's gifts as a singer. Co-produced by Christensen and Brett Ryan Stewart, 11 From Kevin: Songs of Kevin Gordon also rises via contributions from a field of great musicians; in particular Sergio Webb and Chris Tench add a myriad of diverse guitar sonics across the marvelous recording. Information: stonecupid.com.  

Artist: Keb' Mo'

Title: Good To Be (Rounder Records)

You might like if you enjoy: Keb' Mo', Darius Rucker, Bill Withers

Tell me more: Keb' Mo' is back with an album (Good To Be) that celebrates the richness of life with an optimistic and winning approach that reminds us not to let life's everyday moments pass us by. Indeed, the opening track "Good To Be (Home Again)" acknowledges "It's good to be here, good to be anywhere" and not later, "Good to be young, good to be old, good to be home again." Elsewhere on Good To Be the South Los Angeles native takes that same inspiring approach on the romance-minded "So Easy," social justice-aimed "Louder," heartfelt cover of Bill Withers' "Lean On Me" and luxurious life-affirming "Marvelous to Me." There are also several impressive collaborations here, including the lovely duet "Quiet Moments" (featuring soprano Kristin Chenoweth), Americana-styled "The Medicine Man" (with Old Crow Medicine Show) and tuneful "Good Strong Woman" (with Darius Rucker). Across the 13-track album —  his first since his 2019 holiday set Moonlight, Mistletoe & You — Keb' Mo' utilizes his signature mix of blues, gospel and even pop to create songs that are as infectious as they are memorable. Information: KebMo.com.

Artist: Night Crickets

Title: A Free Society (Omnivore Recordings)

You might like if you enjoy: Bauhaus, Love and Rockets, Violent Femmes, David Bowie

Tell me more: A trio comprised of David J (Bauhaus, Love and Rockets), Victor DeLorenzo (Violent Femmes) and Darwin Meiners, Night Crickets has released an impressive debut whose sonic moodscape fully captures the era of the pandemic. A Free Society features 13 originals that challenge and thrill the listener. The mix of sparse electronica, enticing rhythms, introspective lyrics and stylish grooves draws positive comparisons with a range of greats spanning from David Bowie to Gorillaz. Listening to this evocative album, I wondered if it could have been created any other way than musicians working remotely and sharing audio files from their far-flung locales. The dazzling opener "Black Leather on the Inside," retro "Amanda's Mantra," hypnotic "Roman A Clef" and "Soul Wave," lovely "Sloe Song," experimental "Down Below" and swirling "Sacred Monster" all enthrall. Information: OmnivoreRecordings.com.

Artist: John Mellencamp

Title: Strictly A One-Eyed Jack (Republic Records)

You might like if you enjoy: John Mellencamp, Bruce Springsteen, Bob Dylan

Tell me more: Singer-songwriter John Mellencamp has returned with his highly-anticipated 25th studio album Strictly A One-Eyed Jack, which finds the 70-year-old artist reflecting on his life with honesty and insight. Tracks such as "Always Lie To Strangers," "I Am A Man That Worries," "Chasing Rainbows" and "Gone So Soon" capture the spirit of the album's arc. All tracks on the disc are adorned with traditional Americana instrumentation that is a perfect counterpoint to Mellencamp's raspy baritone. Highlights include the lovely "Streets Of Galilee," genre-blending "Sweet Honey Brown" and driving "Lie To Me" along with several notable collaborations with Bruce Springsteen (the rootsy "Did You Say Such A Thing," affecting "A Life Full Of Rain" and poignant "Wasted Days"). Information: Mellencamp.com.  

Robert Kinsler

Pandemic Can't Stop The Music: The Alarm, Ally Venable, Strawbs

Fans of rising and established artists all have something to celebrate thanks to a trio of amazing studio albums released on Feb. 26, 2021.

Artist: The Alarm

Title: WAЯ (InGrooves)

You might like if you enjoy: The Alarm, early U2, the Waterboys

Tell me more: Written, recorded and released between Jan. 6 and Feb. 26, 2021, the Alarm's newly-released WAЯ is a potent effort that proves that even during a deadly global pandemic great artists will rise to the occasion. Singer-songwriter-guitarist Mike Peters and company (keyboardist Jules Peters, drummer Steve 'Smiley' Barnard, multi-instrumentalist James Stevenson) along with producer George Williams have delivered an album of palpable power and relevance in tune with our troubled times. This is an album that roars, documenting an uncertain era with a fiery and authentic approach; the soaring sonicsphere is matched by Mike Peter's hard-hitting lyrics. The blistering "Protect And Survive," edgy "We Got This" (bolstered by Mike Peters' blasting harmonica work), the atmospheric "Tribes [Stop The War]," beautiful folk rocker "Still Unsafe," electronica-tinged rocker "Warriors" and spirited "Fail" are among the amazing cuts on the masterwork. The aptly-titled WAЯ (which is "RAW" spelled backwards) is a true return to form for the Alarm, all the more impressive given its creation and release took a mere 50 days during the COVID-19 outbreak. Information: TheAlarm.com.

Artist: Ally Venable

Title: Heart Of Fire (Ruf Records)

You might like if you enjoy: Samantha Fish, Sue Foley, Ally Venable's "Texas Honey" LP

Tell me more: Kilgore, Texas-based singer-guitar great Ally Venable's newly-released fourth album Heart Of Fire confirms the 21-year-old prodigy is one of today's most talented young artists. She taps into the past but is able fuse electric blues and roots rock influences into her own infectious contemporary brew across the Jim Gaines-produced disc. The ferocious opener "Heart Of Fire," Delta-immersed foray "Played The Game," Southern blues rocker "Hateful Blues," melodic "Sad Situation" and dynamic reworking of the Bill Withers classic "Use Me" all serve as a showcase for Venable's skills as singer and guitar slinger. Her ambitious nine-minute instrumental tribute to blues guitar great Stevie Ray Vaughan ("Tribute to SRV") is heartfelt and impactful. Likewise, a poignant vocal duet with Southern rock great Devon Allman on "Road To Nowhere" shines bright, the track elevated by nuanced and artful guitar work ranging from ringing harmonics to a forceful lead solo. Guitar hero Kenny Wayne Shepherd lends his own virtuoso skills on the blues rock cut "Bring On The Pain." Information: AllyVenableBand.com.

Artist: Strawbs

Title: Settlement (Esoteric Antenna)

You might like if you enjoy: The Zombies, Supertramp, Marillion

Tell me more: Strawbs are back. The legendary English band – whose self-titled debut album was released in 1969 – has released a slew of acclaimed albums over the past 50+ years. Now the enduring quintet has returned with the stellar wide-ranging album Settlement that celebrates the group's rich history while also reflecting the here and now. The range of on-target selections includes the classic-rock styled title track, beautiful British folk gems "Strange Times" and "Each Manner of Man," yearning "Judgement Day," Celtic-flavored tale "The Visit," and instrumental trips "Flying Free" and "Chorale." Strawbs features founding member Dave Cousins (guitar, vocals, banjo, dulcimer) along with long-time members Dave Lambert (guitar, vocals), Chas Cronk (bass, guitar, vocals), Tony Fernandez (drums) and Dave Bainbridge (keyboards) - all of whom and several top-tier guest players worked with Germany-based producer Blue Weaver (a former keyboardist with Strawbs and long-time member of the Bee Gees' touring and recording band) to complete their parts from remote home studio settings during the pandemic to finish a truly-impressive full-length return. Settlement is available on audio CD and via 180 gram vinyl. Information: strawbsweb.co.uk.

Robert Kinsler

Rock and Roll Hall of Fame announces class of 2015

Ringo Starr performing at the Santa Barbara Bowl on
July 12, 2014. Photo: Robert Kinsler

It's about time! Ringo Starr is finally going to join his fellow Fab Four mates in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. While Starr was previously inducted as a member of The Beatles, he will now be inducted for his stellar solo career too.

The Cleveland-based Rock Hall announced the class of 2015 this morning. In addition to Starr, who is receiving a special Award for Excellence, the other inductees include rocker Joan Jett, Bill Withers, Stevie Ray Vaughan and Double Trouble, Lou Reed, Green Day, and the Paul Butterfield Blues Band.

Those six artists were selected from a list of 15 nominees. Sadly not getting into the Rock Hall next spring are The Smiths, a band I consider to be one of the most influential groups to emerge in the 1980s. N.W.A., Nine Inch Nails and Chic also didn't make the cut.

The upcoming Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony will be held in Cleveland, Ohio on Saturday, April 18, 2015. The event is open to the public, and tickets can be purchased beginning at 10 a.m. (Eastern Time) on Dec. 18, 2014. This will be the 30th induction ceremony.

Information: www.rockhall.com/