Last-minute gift guide for music lovers

With Christmas and Hanukkah less than a week away, here are some fantastic last-minute gift ideas for that favorite music lover in your life.

Artist: The Rolling Stones
Title: Blue & Lonesome (Interscope Records)
You might like if you enjoy: The Rolling Stones, Howlin' Wolf, Willie Dixon
Tell me more: While 2016 has seen more than it's fair share of loss in the music world (David Bowie, Glenn Frey, Prince, Merle Haggard, Sharon Jones and Leonard Cohen for starters), there were also several stellar returns to celebrate. Chief among those was a new Rolling Stones studio album, the aptly-pegged Blue & Lonesome, a top-flight effort recorded over a mere three days that features Mick Jagger, Keith Richards, Charlie Watts, Ronnie Wood and friends (including Eric Clapton on two of the songs) dishing out a dozen reworked classics from the likes of Little Walter, Howlin' Wolf and Willie Dixon. The slow-burning "All Of Your Love," fierce harmonica-anchored "I Gotta Go" and sassy "Everybody Knows About My Good Thing" are among the notable delights here. Information: RollingStones.com.

Artist: The Blind Boys of Alabama
Title: Go Tell It On The Mountain (Omnivore Recordings)
You might like if you enjoy: The Blind Boys of Alabama, Mavis Staples, Solomon Burke
Tell me more: Despite the group's obvious ties with Christianity and gospel dating back to the late 1930s, the legendary Blind Boys of Alabama didn't get around to recording a Christmas album until 2003. Now, the stunning Go Tell It On the Mountain has been reissued as a deluxe edition that includes additional tracks. Among the stellar lineup of special guests who joined the Blind Boys of Alabama on the Grammy-winning Christmas album were Solomon Burke, Tom Waits, Chrissie Hynde, Mavis Staples and George Clinton. Also recently released is the group's 2005 album Atom Bomb, which includes a winning mix of gospel standards and contemporary songs including Blind Faith's "Presence of the Lord" and Norman Joel Greenbaum's 1969 classic "Spirit in the Sky." The line-up of guest musicians joining in included keyboardist Billy Preston in one of his final recorded performances. Information: omnivorerecordings.com.

Artist: The Pretenders
Title: Alone (BMG)
You might like if you enjoy: The Pretenders, Garbage, The Black Keys
Tell me more: I somehow missed the Pretenders' return with Alone when the album was released several months ago, but after getting the disc earlier this month and catching the Pretenders in an opening stint for Stevie Nicks at the Forum in Inglewood, CA recently, I was sold on Chrissie Hynde and company's widely-praised 12-song collection produced by The Black Keys' Dan Auerbach at his Easy Eye Studio in Nashville. Highlights on Alone include the yearning "Let's Get Lost," the rollicking "Holy Commotion," wistful "Never Be Together" (featuring guest guitar great Duane Eddy) and raw "I Hate Myself." Information: ThePretenders.com.

Artists: Soprano Ana Maria Martinez, tenor Placido Domingo, cellist Yo-Yo Ma, others
Title: Mozart in the Jungle - Season 3 (Sony Classical)
You might like if you enjoy: the Amazon series "Mozart in the Jungle," classical music
Tell me more: Regular viewers of the Golden Globe-winning Amazon series Mozart in the Jungle are fans of the show's original blend of comedy, drama and great music. But even those who have yet to catch an episode of the series would love the soundtrack for Season 3 of "Mozart in the Jungle." The 12-track title features a mix of strong operatic and instrumental selections including the beautiful "Les Filles des Cadix" featuring soprano Ana Maria Martinez, a new recording of "Impromptu (Thomas's piece)" showcasing violinist Joshua Bell, and a new recording of the duet "La ci darem la mano" from Mozart's opera "Don Giovanni" featuring Martinez and legendary tenor Placido Domingo. Information: sonymusicmasterworks.com. 

Title: Hairspray Live! Original Soundtrack of the NBC Television Event (Epic Records)
You might like if you enjoy: Hairspray, Ariana Grande
Tell me more: Earlier this month, NBC-TV broadcast "Hairspray Live!," and now the official companion release "Hairspray Live! Original Soundtrack of the NBC Television Event" is available on audio CD, via streaming and digital formats. The musical's timeless story of teenage dreams is played out via colorful characters and catchy musical numbers. Among the highlights on "Hairspray Live" is the old time rock 'n' roll ensemble piece "The Nicest Kids in Town," the soulful "Run and Tell That" (featuring singer Ephraim Sykes) and the bouncy "You Can't Stop the Beat." The musical's featured singers include Ariana Grande, Jennifer Hudson, Ariana Grande, Kristin Chenoweth, Martin Short and aforementioned Ephraim Sykes. Information: masterworksbroadway.com.

Robert Kinsler

Blues champions unleash musical goods

Blues is not only alive and well in the 21st century, but a slew of recent releases and two outstanding Blind Boys of Alabama reissues showcase the power of the genre to move audiences anew.



Artist: Rich Robinson
Title: Flux (Eagle Rock Entertainmnet)
You might like if you enjoy: The Black Crowes, the Record Company
Tell me more: Rich Robinson's Flux is rooted in the blues and roots rock, but the 13-track disc finds the talented founding Black Crowes guitarist mixing folk, gospel and experimental studio touches along the way. While Flux track listing is eclectic, there is also a cohesive sound and spirit that recalls the greatest of albums. "Music That Will Lift Me" starts as a breezy country-tinged folk ballad, that is lifted first with a powerful guitar solo, and then with an anthemic chorus. The psychedelic-tinged "Eclipse The Night" is the kind of song that Jimi Hendrix might have crafted if he had jammed with Jerry Garcia; "Ides of Nowhere" is an absorbing and completely original rock tune that blends classic rock, prog-rock and Radiohead-worthy touches amidst Robinson's articulate lyrics. Some albums demand to be heard along their entire run, and "Flux" is certainly one of those. Information: eaglerockent.com.



Artist: Tinsley Ellis
Title: Red Clay Soul (Heartfixer Music)
You might like if you enjoy: Robert Cray, Tommy Castro
Tell me more: Armed with a stellar baritone voice, deft skills on guitar and his infectious songs, Tinsley Ellis taps into his Georgia roots across the aptly-titled Red Clay Soul. Ellis has the innate ability to fuse blues with soul and R&B (as evidenced by the emotive "Callin'," "Hungry Woman Blues" and Robert Cray-styled "Don't Cut It"). He can also fuse his Southern fried blues with a rock edge; the straightforward "All I Think About," slow burner "Circuit Rider" and Latin-flavored "Estero Noche" allow him to showcase his gifts to combine authentic riffs and strong lead guitar work. On the catchy "Givin' You Up," Ellis also adds some great blues harmonica work while bringing Oliver Wood (of Wood Brothers fame) in to provide additional guitar and vocals to the memorable track. Information: tinsleyellis.com.


Artist: Gary Hoey
Title: Dust & Bones (Provogue)
You might like if you enjoy: Gary Hoey's "Deja Blues," Alvin Lee, Lita Ford
Tell me more: Guitar virtuoso Gary Hoey follows up his 2013 exploration of the blues (Deja Blues) with a potent follow-up, the newly issued Dust & Bones" Kicking things off with the slide guitar-anchored "Boxcar Blues," Hoey kicks things up with his fast-fingered guitar work on the uptempo "Who's Your Daddy" and on the Texas-styled blues rocker "Born to Love You." Other highlights include the probing title track, the rousing "Steamroller" (a tribute to Johnny Winter), and the affecting duet with Lita Ford "Coming Home." A big plus across the disc is that Hoey proves to be a great vocalist too. Information: GaryHoey.com.

Artist: The Blind Boys of Alabama
Title: Spirit of the Century (Omnivore Recordings)
You might like if you enjoy: The Blind Boys of Alabama
Tell me more: Originally released in 2001, Spirit of the Century was the most commercially successful of the group's albums to date (quite an achievement, since the American gospel group released its first record in the late 1940s). The deluxe edition of the album recently issued by Omnivore Recordings is the perfect way to rediscover a disc that earned the group a Grammy win for Best Traditional Soul Gospel Album. Famed guests such as blues harmonica great Charlie Musselwhite, guitarist David Lindley, and bassist John Hammond add firepower to the group's authentic vocals. The standout on the album is the group's innovative version of "Amazing Grace" that blends that track's iconic lyrics with the music of "House of the Rising Sun." As if the original album wasn't fantastic enough, the new edition features seven tracks recorded live at New York's the Bottom Line in 2001. Information: omnivorerecordings.com.

Artist: The Blind Boys of Alabama
Title: Higher Ground (Omnivore Recordings)
You might like if you enjoy: The Blind Boys of Alabama, Robert Randolph and the Family Band, Ben Harper
Tell me more: On Higher Ground, the obvious power of the Blind Boys of Alabama is enhanced by the involvement of Robert Randolph and the Family Band as well as singer-guitarist Ben Harper on several of the selections. Whether singing introspective reworkings of modern favorites (Custis Mayfield's "People Get Ready," Prince's "The Cross") or old-time gospel ("Wade in the Water," "Precious Lord"), there is a exuberant spirit and timeless joy in the group's sound honed since 1944. The liner notes here are very detailed and add insight and understanding to the effort that went into the original 2002 release. Bonus materials on this expanded edition include seven tracks recorded on a "Morning Becomes Eclectic" session featured on radio station KCRW-FM in 2002. Information: omnivorerecordings.com.

Robert Kinsler

Doheny Blues Festival hits Dana Point this weekend

Walter Trout performs at 2011 Doheny
Blues Festival. Photo: Bob Steshetz

Doheny Blues Festival
Where: Doheny State Beach, 25300 Dana Point Harbor Dr., Dana Point
When: Saturday, May 21 and Sunday, May 22, 2016
With: Lynyrd Skynyrd, Aaron Neville, the James Hunter Six, Edgar Winter Band and more (May 21); Brian Setzer's Rockabilly Riot!, Kenny Wayne Shepherd Band, the Blind Boys of Alabama, Walter Trout, Tommy Castro and more (May 22)
How much: Gold Weekend passes and VIP tickets are sold out; some single day Gold tickets ($230), single-day general admission ($60) and two-day general admission ($115) tickets were available as of press time
For more: DohenyBluesFestival.com

Launched by Omega Events in 1998, the Doheny Blues Festival has hosted some of the most legendary names in blues, rock 'n' soul, gospel and classic rock, including the likes of B.B. King, Bonnie Raitt, John Fogerty, the Black Crowes, Etta James, Mavis Staples, John Lee Hooker and Al Green. 

"When we start the booking process, we always target a headliner that has never performed before at Doheny...and a returning headliner that is a sure fire home run," explained Rich Sherman, president of Orange County-based Omega Events. 

This weekend's festival delivers on that mark, with Rock and Roll Hall of Famers Lynyrd Skynyrd set to headline the event on Saturday night, while singer-guitarist Brian Setzer will close things out on Sunday. Among the other returning favorites are Bay Area singer-guitarist Tommy Castro, and Orange County's own Walter Trout.

Walter Trout performing at the
Coach House in July 2015.
Photo: Bob Steshetz

Trout is making his first appearance at the festival since he received a liver transplant in May 2014. 

"They (Omega Events) wanted me there last year, but I wasn't ready. I didn't do a gig until June 2015 (he performed two songs at the Lead Belly Fest at London's Albert Hall).

"I really thought I was going to die," Trout confessed of the challenging months leading up to his successful liver transplant. 

But Trout has been getting stronger with each passing day, and his performances are as strong as ever. On May 5, Trout earned his first-ever Blues Music Awards (for "Rock Blues Album" for 2015's "Battle Scars," and "Best Song of the Year" for the powerful "Gonna Live Again"). His forthcoming album, Alive In Amsterdam, is set for release on June 17 and celebrates his return to the stage.

"It's awesome man - it's awesome to be anywhere," said Trout, a long-time resident of Huntington Beach. "I have a new-found joy, and appreciation for what we do. It's an incredible experience to be up there. I savor every moment. As you know I play a lot of notes; I love and saver every single note."

After Trout performs in Dana Point on May 22, he flies to Canada to perform at the "Jeff Healey: A 50th Celebration" to commemorate the late Jeff Healey. Trout will be joined by Albert Lee, Sonny Landreth and other guitar greats at Massey Hall in Toronto on May 26.

Tommy Castro in concert. Photo: Mitchell Glotzer

Tommy Castro & the Painkillers is another favorite, and will return armed with material featured on his latest album, "Method To My Madness." The Bay Area artist is known for his top-tier guitar playing and strong vocals. While his new album features mostly original material, he does cover B.B. King's 1956 standout "Bad Luck" on the disc.

"B.B. was a little more than one of my influences; he was my main influence," Castro said in a recent interview. When Castro was growing up he gravitated to blues and rock greats ranging from Taj Mahal and Elvin Bishop to Eric Clapton. "I started digging back to see where these guys got it from; B.B. King comes up with everybody."

Castro did a couple of summer tours opening for King, and the two both performed the same day at Doheny in 2009. Like King and Trout, performing blues is in Castro's DNA and he can't imagine not performing.

"I've been at this with our band for 25 years," said Castro, who just purchased a new tour bus last year dubbed "The Doghouse."

"I still enjoy it. I don't have any plans to stop doing it anytime soon."

Sherman is very excited with the line-up of artists performing at the event this year.

"Lynyrd Skynyrd is an American institution, one of the greatest Southern Rock bands ever formed, and they have been riding a wave of renewed popularity the last few years, headlining country music events and touring with the likes of Kid Rock and Bad Company," Sherman said.

Sherman is just as excited by some of the international acts he is bringing to Dana Point, including James Hunter and Si Cranstoun (from from the U.K.). 

"Usually these acts are making noise in their own countries before we start talking to them, like another import act this year Ina Forsman from Finland. What is for sure, though, is that when these acts make their debut in Dana Point, they usually steal the show because the Southern California fans haven't seen them yet. It's a blast to watch," Sherman said.

When asked about the enduring popularity of blues music, and popular events such as the Doheny Blues Festival, Trout noted: "The blues is a gift to the world; a gift this country gave to the world. The blues is the basis of all popular music."


Robert Kinsler

Editor's note: Robert's review originally was published on The Orange County Register Web site on Thursday, May 19, 2016.