Supergroup Black Country Communion Announce 'V' - Glenn Hughes, Joe Bonamassa, Jason Bonham, Derek Sherinian

Black Country Communion is back! The band has just announced the release of their forthcoming new album V, and has released the lead single "Stay Free" too. Read my review of the band's memorable performance at City National Grove of Anaheim in June 2011 HERE...Robert Kinsler

Black Country Communion in Anaheim, CA in June 2011.
Photo credit: Bob Steshetz

Supergroup Black Country Communion Announces Highly Anticipated New Album 'V' and Unleashes Lead Single "Stay Free"   Glenn Hughes, Joe Bonamassa, Jason Bonham and Derek Sherinian come together to release new music for the first time in 7 years   Listen to “Stay Free” HERE Pre-order/save ‘V’ HERE

Cover Art Designed by Hugh Syme

Black Country Communion, the iconic rock supergroup featuring the talents of Joe Bonamassa, Glenn Hughes, Jason Bonham, and Derek Sherinian, is thrilled to announce the upcoming release of their highly anticipated fifth studio album, V, available worldwide on June 14. To celebrate, fans are treated to the immediate release of the album's heavy funk lead single, "Stay Free," out today on all major streaming platforms. Watch a teaser for the upcoming music video HERE.   Produced by longtime collaborator Kevin Shirley, 'V' marks a monumental chapter in the band's storied career, embodying a renewed spirit and an evolution of their unmistakable sound. Shirley captures the essence of the band's journey, stating, "For a band that started out as a collection of the best practitioners of their instruments, they very quickly found a unique sound. This time around, it has more purpose, the riffs are tougher, and there are hooks! Yes, hooks! It’s the most cohesive record, full of soul and grit, and I think this is the one that’s going to be the benchmark for Black Country Communion." Glenn agrees, “In my opinion, we had the best time recording this record at Sunset Sound in Hollywood, tons of fun & a magical recording. Meet you inside the Music.”   "Stay Free," the lead single, is a powerhouse track that blends hard rock's raw energy with a heavy dose of blues, channeling the spirit of legends like AC/DC and Led Zeppelin. It sets the tone for what fans can expect from 'V' – a testament to the band's dynamic synergy and creative evolution.

Photo by Rob Bondurant

Since their debut in 2010, Black Country Communion has delivered a series of critically acclaimed albums, each showcasing the group's ability to fuse British blues-rock with American soul in a way that captivates audiences worldwide. Their return with 'V' and the single "Stay Free" reaffirms their status as rock royalty and showcases their growth as musicians and storytellers.   Kevin Shirley's insight into the recording process highlights the unique chemistry and camaraderie within the band. "When we convened in 2023 to start recording the album V, it really was like picking up the day after the most recent gig," Shirley reflects. "The camaraderie is immediately evident. Once they start playing, everyone is deadly serious, and the music sounds like this band, and nothing else sounds like it."

'V' is a milestone that celebrates the journey, talent, and vision of Black Country Communion. As the band embarks on this new chapter, they invite fans old and new to join them in experiencing the depth and power of 'V' and the electrifying energy of "Stay Free."   The news follows the announcement of the band’s upcoming performance at the Culture Room in Fort Lauderdale, FL on Sunday, March 17th. This rare appearance will be the first live performance in America from the band in over 11 years. Presented by Joe Bonamassa's Keeping the Blues Alive Foundation, all profits from the concert will be donated to support music education and musicians in need. The band is also set to appear on the Keeping the Blues Alive at Sea cruise, sailing from Miami to Cozumel, Mexico from March 18-22.   The album 'V' is available for pre-order now. For more details, exclusive content, and updates, please visit https://joeb.me/OrderBCCV.   Track Listing: 1. Enlighten 2. Stay Free 3. Red Sun 4. Restless 5. Letting Go 6. Skyway 7. You're Not Alone 8. Love And Faith 9. Too Far Gone 10. The Open Road   About Black Country Communion BLACK COUNTRY COMMUNION is a powerhouse supergroup fusing the incredible talents of Glenn Hughes (Deep Purple, Black Sabbath, Trapeze), Joe Bonamassa (Blues Rock Legend), Jason Bonham (Led Zeppelin, Sammy Hagar and the Circle, Foreigner) and Derek Sherinian (Dream Theater, Sons of Apollo). Their brand of earth-shattering rock is heavily influenced by both British and American classic hard-rock and blues-rock music. The reputation they’ve cultivated after 15 years since their inception, not only as amazing songwriters, but as a powerful live act, is only exceeded by their dedication to their craft and willingness to challenge each other to make the best music imaginable.   www.blackcountrycommunion.com https://www.facebook.com/bccommunion/ https://twitter.com/bccommunion https://www.youtube.com/@bccommunion https://www.instagram.com/bccommunionofficial/ https://shop.jbonamassa.com/collections/black-country-communion

Sights and Sounds: Jeff Beck, Black Country Communion, Garbage

There is plenty of great music news to share today...

Eagle Rock Entertainment set to release

 Jeff Beck 'Live at the Hollywood Bowl'

With special guests Steven Tyler, Billy F. Gibbons, Buddy Guy, Jimmy Hall, Jan Hammer and Beth Hart

~DVD+2CD, BLU-RAY+2CD~

~DVD+3LP EXCLUSIVELY VIA PLEDGEMUSIC~

~OCTOBER 6, 2017~

VIEW TEASER HERE

Check out the Jeff Beck PLEDGEMUSIC link here:

In the summer of 2016, guitar virtuoso Jeff Beck celebrated 50 years of his musical career with an extraordinary concert at the famous Hollywood Bowl. Beck set the stage ablaze with incredible live versions of “For Your Love”, “Beck’s Bolero”, “’Cause We’ve Ended As Lovers”, “Big Block”, “Over Under Sideways Down”, “A Day In The Life”, “Blue Wind”, and more. The night also included a legendary list of special guests including Steven Tyler, Billy F. Gibbons, Jan Hammer, Beth Hart, Jimmy Hall and the great Buddy Guy.

On October 6, Eagle Rock Entertainment will release this concert film – Jeff Beck: Live At The Hollywood Bowl – on DVD+2CD and Blu-ray+2CD [MSRP $29.98 DVD, $32.98 Blu-ray]. Additionally, a DVD+3LP version is available for pre-order exclusive through PledgeMusic [$49.99].

Over the course of Beck’s illustrious 50-year career, the trailblazing guitarist has earned many accolades. He’s been inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame – twice! First, as a member of the Yardbirds in 1992 and then again, as a solo artist in 2009. Rolling Stone Magazine ranked him as one of the “100 Greatest Guitarists of All Time” and he has earned a total of 8 Grammy Awards during his long career. From his time with The Yardbirds, to the Jeff Beck Group and his solo career, Jeff Beck’s sound and stylistic exploration has mesmerized fans and critics worldwide. This concert captures his musical journey, with a set list spanning from his first Yardbirds’ recordings to recent tracks from 2016’s Loud Hailer. As the evening progressed, Beckwas joined onstage by those legendary peers. The show climaxed with all guests delivering a stirring encore performance of “Purple Rain” in tribute to Prince, who had passed away a few months before the concert.

Live At The Hollywood Bowl is a stellar showcase of Jeff Beck’s history and musicianship, and a fitting addition to Eagle Rock Entertainment’s collection of Jeff Beck titles.

TRACK LISTING 
1) The Revolution Will Be Televised 

2) Over Under Sideways Down 

3) Heart Full Of Soul 

4) For Your Love 

5) Beck’s Bolero 

6) Medley: Rice Pudding / Morning Dew 

7) Freeway Jam 

8) You Never Know 

9) ‘Cause We’ve Ended As Lovers 

10) Star Cycle 

11) Blue Wind 

12) Big Block 

13) I’d Rather Go Blind 

14) Let Me Love You 

15) Live In The Dark 

16) Scared For The Children 

17) Rough Boy 

18) Train Kept A’Rollin’ 

19) Shapes Of Things 

20) A Day In The Life 

21) Purple Rain

Black Country Communion Update

As I reported earlier this week, Black Country Communion is returning with the release of the forthcoming album BCCIV on September 22, 2017. The Anglo-American rock group is comprised of vocalist/bassist Glenn Hughes (Deep Purple, Trapeze), drummer Jason Bonham (Led Zeppelin, Foreigner), Derek Sherinian (Dream Theater, Alice Cooper, Billy Idol) and blues-rock guitarist/vocalistJoe Bonamassa.

This morning the band premiered the first single off the upcoming album. The song is titled "Collide" and it rocks. You can listen to the song here:
https://soundcloud.com/joe-bonamassa/collide-1/s-HBgBB


Garbage Video Premiere

Finally, check out the great new video for the latest single from Garbage, "No Horses."

All of the profits from the sale and streaming of "No Horses" will be donated to the International Committee of the Red Cross. The Scott Stuckey-directed video can be seen below:

NAMM Roundup: Live concerts announced; Glenn Hughes to appear at Orange Amplification

While NAMM doesn't officially arrive until January 22nd, there is plenty of news coming out in connection with the annual event. Here is a roundup of news that arrived in my inbox overnight and this morning...

Live Music Sets Soundtrack for 2015 NAMM Show

Trombone Shorty, George Clinton, Stanley Randolph headline musical performances and entertainment at annual music industry trade event

Carlsbad, Calif. (January 6, 2015) – Hundreds of artists from nearly every imaginable musical genre prepare to perform on five NAMM Show stages, as the 2015 NAMM Show returns to Anaheim January 22-25. Live music will set the soundtrack for product debuts from more than 5,000 music brands throughout the four-day music industry trade event. Star-studded awards shows, music-making opportunities, and live performances set the stage for a NAMM Show the industry will be talking about for years to come.

“NAMM is a great show to conduct business, but perhaps the soul of NAMM, and what makes it different from its competitors is the music,” said Joe Lamond, president and CEO of NAMM. "Seeing musical performances from some of the best artists in the world and having our musical heroes checking out the latest gear next to us in an exhibitor’s booth are the experiences that we’ll be telling everyone all about when we get home.”

Productive days on the show floor flow into evenings spent networking with friends, set to a musical soundtrack playing on the Hilton Lobby Stage, the Marriott Lobby Stage, CenterStage between convention center halls B and C, The Venue Stage presented by Pioneer DJ, and the NAMM GoPro Stage on the Grand Plaza.

Live Music

Each night of the show, check out high-energy headliners from 6-7:30 p.m. on the NAMM GoPro Stage on the Grand Plaza. Immediately following the Industry Tribute on opening night, Trombone Shorty & Orleans Avenue take the stage with their brand of hard-edged funk employing hip-hop beats, rock dynamics and improvisation in a jazz tradition. On Friday night, The Imagine Party hosted by the John Lennon Educational Tour Bus and The NAMM Foundation features the legendary George Clinton and Parliament Funkadelic. Celebrate Saturday night with “Stanley Randolph and No Wonder” featuring the Stevie Wonder Band and special guests on vocals.

DJs spin EDM and house music at Monster Cable After Dark from 7-9 p.m. at The Venue Stage Presented by Pioneer DJ. Performances from DJ Ecto1, Crisco Kidd, Brandi Garcia, DJ Splyce, and more will fill the plaza with beats as a Stone Brewing Co. beer garden and some of L.A.’s most popular food trucks refuel industry guests.

Check out the full line up of performances on the NAMM Show stages, including GRAMMY winner Daniel Ho, former New York Yankee Bernie Williams, KUSI-TV’s Brad Perry, alumni of NBC’s “The Voice,” and festival favorites.

She Rocks Awards

Friday from 6-8:30 p.m., the She Rocks Awards presented by the Women’s International Music Network pays tribute to women who display leadership and stand out within the music industry. Held in the Hilton Anaheim Pacific Ballroom, the event honors performers Colbie Caillat, The Bangles, Mindi Abair, and female industry leaders. Purchase tickets for the show at sherocksawards.com.

NAMM TEC Awards

Hosted by comedian Sinbad on Saturday, January 24, the 30^th Annual NAMM TEC Awards honor excellence in sound technology and creativity. Legendary guitarist Slash will receive the prestigious Les Paul Award, and bassist Nathan East and Ed Cherney will be inducted into the TEC Hall of Fame. VIP reception starts at 6 p.m. and the awards show begins at 7 p.m. For a list of all the NAMM TEC award nominees and to purchase tickets, visit tecawards.org.

Industry Icons

Be inspired as renowned musician, DJ and composer Moby* opens the show’s Generation Next events Thursday at 9:30 a.m. in the Hilton’s NAMM Foundation Lounge. Apple co-founder Steve “Woz” Wozniak opens Saturday morning’s NAMM U breakfast session, chatting music and technology with NAMM’s Joe Lamond at 8:30 a.m. in the Hilton Pacific Ballroom.

Make Music!

Everyone’s welcome at Friday’s All-Industry Drum Circle presented in collaboration with Remo Inc. from 5:45 – 7 p.m. at the Palm Terrace between the convention center and Hilton. Sunday, join a trombone circle at 11:30 a.m., a trumpet circle at 1 p.m. or a uke circle at 2:30 in the NAMM Member Center (convention center lobby), presented in collaboration with Conn-Selmer, Warwick Music Ltd., and Kala Brand Music Co.

Register today for access to more than 5,000 music product, instrument and technology brands, educational opportunities and live entertainment at the 2015 NAMM Show. Limited exhibit space is still available.

*Moby’s participation is in collaboration with the Los Angeles College of Music.

Meet Glenn Hughes exclusively at the Orange Amplification Boot at Winter NAMM on Jan. 24, 2015

Orange Amplification Ambassador and legendary bass player Glenn Hughes will be appearing exclusively on their booth at the 2015 Winter NAMM on Saturday Jan. 24, 2015 at 2 p.m., where he will meet, greet and sign autographs.

For over forty years Glenn Hughes has been a bass player, vocalist and songwriter with some of the world’s greatest Rock acts, as well as having carved out a hugely successful solo career. His long list of credits include the likes of Deep Purple, Black Country Communion, supergroup Kings of Chaos and Tony Iommi.. He is currently lead vocalist and bass player with California Breed whose self-titled album was one of the most critically acclaimed releases of 2014.

Glenn recently produced a video about why he uses Orange Bass Amps where he said, ‘When you plug into this, (Orange AD200B Mk3) prepare to meet thy match! If you are a Rock bass player and you want to tear the roof and the heads off your audience, may I suggest this amp.’ You can see the full video here:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y2k3q6Ts8qI

To meet Glenn and see all the new Orange Amplification products, go to the Orange Music Booth 4890 Hall C on Saturday, Jan. 24, 2015 at 2 p.m. or visit https://www.orangeamps.com

About NAMM
The National Association of Music Merchants (NAMM) is the not-for-profit association with a mission to strengthen the $16.7 billion music products industry. NAMM is comprised of approximately 9,200 member companies located in 99 countries. NAMM events and members fund The NAMM Foundation's efforts to promote the pleasures and benefits of music, 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, Twitter and YouTube.