New Music: Dr. John, Rhett Miller, Doug "Cosmo" Clifford with Bobby Whitlock, Nikki Lane

A remarkable finale, an unearthed lost treasure and several new studio releases make for great listens.

Artist: Dr. John

Title: Things Happen That Way (Rounder Records)

You might like if you enjoy: Dr. John, Leon Russell, Willie Nelson

Tell me more: At once a genre-defying artist and the very sonic definition of New Orleans' timeless sound, Malcolm "Mac" Rebenack, Jr. — better known as Dr. John — had long spoke about wanting to record a county and western album to pay homage to the songwriters and music makers whose songs had touched him. Rebennack was in the midst of realizing that dream when a heart attack tragically ended his life on June 6, 2019. The Grammy-winning Rock & Roll Hall of Famer who had masterfully fused soul, R&B, funk, rock and blues since the 1950s was only 77.  The good news is that the resulting posthumous masterwork Things Happen That Way (released via Rounder Records on Sept. 23) showcase those final recordings and fully celebrate Dr. John's groundbreaking six-decade-long recording career. The range of material stretches from a wistful take showcasing his distinctive vocals and piano playing on Willie Nelson's "Funny How Time Slips Away," an urgent reading of Hank Williams' 1951 classic "Ramblin' Man" and a playful take on the Traveling Wilburys' "End of the Line" (the latter bolstered by Aaron Neville's vocals) to his own co-writes with famed guitarist Shane Theriot ("Holy Water," "Sleeping Dogs Best Left Alone," "Give Myself a Good Talkin' To"). Willie Nelson joins Dr. John on a R&B-flavored take of the traditional "Gimme That Old Time Religion." The album's closing title track (written by Jack Henderson Clement) is poignant, elevated by Dr. John's rich baritone and sparse piano work. Currently available on audio CD and digitally, Things Happen That Way will be released on vinyl on Oct. 14. Information: Rounder.com.

Artist: Rhett Miller

Title: The Misfit (ATO Records)

You might like if you enjoy: Old 97's, Wilco, John Lennon, Tom Petty

Tell me more: A notable departure from his work with Dallas, Texas' alt-country favorites Old 97's and previous solo work, singer-songwriter Rhett Miller's ninth solo album The Misfit is a rich hybrid of psychedelic pop, indie folk rock and cosmic dream-pop bound by probing songcraft. The confessional "Follow You Home," evocative psychedelic rocker "Heart Attack Days," rootsy ballad "Already There," shimmering "Just When It Gets Good," luxurious "Fascination," reflective "The White Tops" and ardent piano-anchored "Let Me Go There With You" are among the great cuts that find Miller at the top of his game. Information: RhettMiller.com.

Artists: Doug "Cosmo" Clifford with Bobby Whitlock

Title: California Gold (Cliffsong Records)

You might like if you enjoy: Doug "Cosmo" Clifford, Bobby Whitlock, Derek and the Dominos, Deep Purple's "Burn"

Tell me more: Who knew that following the breakup of Creedence Clearwater Revival and Derek & The Dominos, a principal member from each of those illustrious troupes would join forces to write and record a killer full-length album that was never released — until September 2022. CCR drummer Doug "Cosmo" Clifford and Derek & the Dominos singer-keyboardist Bobby Whitlock were joined by bassists Donald "Duck" Dunn and Tom Miller, as well as guitarists David Vega and Mike O'Neill on the previously-unissued California Gold. Recorded at the infamous Cosmos Factory and other area Bay Area studios, the 12-track disc will definitely appeal to fans of classic '70s blues rock outfits such as Humble Pie,  Grand Funk Railroad and the Doobie Brothers. The terrific track listing includes the aptly-titled "Good Times," bluesy "Get Down Fever," soul music mining "It's Always Darkest Before The Dawn," hard-edged "Do Or Die" and soaring "I'm Happy Just Being Alive." My favorite original on the album is the driving "Purple Mountain," an enticing six-minute rocker bolstered by sublime lead guitar work, deft drumming from Clifford along with Whitlock's signature lead vocals and keyboard playing. Information: DougCosmoClifford.com.

Artist: Nikki Lane

Title: Denim & Diamonds (New West Records)

You might like if you enjoy: Loretta Lynn, Kasey Chambers, Nikki Lane

Tell me more: In the wake of the arrival of the global pandemic a parade of talented artists have issued probing and powerful albums that reflect a singular moment in time when the world was seemingly stopped in its tracks. Add Nikki Lane's name to that list of musical greats issuing a standout album over the past year or so. Denim & Diamonds is a wonderful leap forward for the Nashville-based songstress, with a blend of roots rock, Americana and alt-country showcased across the 10-track disc. The album was completed at a unique point just after the last days of Lane's extended tour in support of her 2017 album Highway Queen and after the beginning of the lockdown forcing everyone indoor. Lane enlisted famed Queens of the Stone Age leader Joshua Homme to help bring her vision to life. The melodic "First High" with its undeniable chorus, haunting alt-country ballad "Faded," rousing roots rocker "Born Tough" and defiant "Try Harder" are among the early standouts on the wonderful album. The tender "Live/Love," lusty "Black Widow" and haunting closer "Chimayo" continue the album's firm reach in its last half. Information: NikkiLane.com.

Robert Kinsler

CCR's Doug "Cosmo" Clifford vault release w/Bobby Whitlock - 'California Gold' out on Sept. 9, 2022

Here is cool news about legendary drummer Doug "Cosmo" Clifford and singer Bobby Whitlock...Robert Kinsler

CALIFORNIA GOLD DISCOVERED IN COSMO’S VAULT

 

Two legendary rock musicians, Doug Clifford and Bobby Whitlock join forces with a host of incredible players to create a gem that is finally being released on Sept. 9.

 

 

RENO, Nevada -- Doug “Cosmo” Clifford, the iconic Creedence drummer, has a treasure trove of unreleased recordings he’s produced over the years, all safely stored in Cosmo’s Vault.

 

This past summer he re-discovered what he thought was a long-lost album called California Gold. It features Bobby Whitlock on lead vocals, singing 10 original songs he and Cosmo co-wrote together.   The album was recorded at the infamous "Cosmos Factory" and various other San Francisco Bay Area studios and the result is indeed a newly unearthed treasure.

 

The rock luminaries joined forces to create a perfect good time rock-n-roll record.   Doug Clifford is known for his powerful drum style in one of the most popular American bands from the late 60s and early 70s, Creedence Clearwater Revival.  Co-founder of Derek & The Dominos, Bobby Whitlock is well known to rock fans, critics and music aficionados.  As well as being a singer/songwriter, guitarist and Hammond B-3 player, the musician has enjoyed his own string of hits in collaboration with Eric Clapton including “Layla,” “Bell Bottom Blues,” "Tell The Truth" and more.  

 

Doug and Bobby gathered other top shelf musicians along their journey including producer/writer and bassist extraordinaire, Donald "Duck" Dunn who ushered in the sounds of Stax and played bass on literally thousands of recordings. Other musicians include Tom Miller on bass and David Vega and Mike O’Neill on guitar.

 

The songs are a combination of roots rock and melodic blues, all natural with no filler. Whitlock’s powerful and distinctive vocals are in top form and Cosmo’s drumming is rock solid, stretching beyond his well-known Creedence grooves. 

 

For reasons that shall remain a mystery, California Gold was somehow lost in time. But now that the album has been re-discovered, perhaps its time is here and now. 

 

The California Gold release date for streaming and downloads is Sept. 9 via Cliffsong Records, distributed globally by BFD/The Orchard. CD available for pre-order now at https://orcd.co/DougCliffordCaliforniaGold

Sights and Sounds: The Rolling Stones, Ricky Byrd, Dhani Harrison

Here is a roundup of some cool music news going into the weekend...

THE ROLLING STONES – ON AIR

ALBUM RELEASED ON DECEMBER 1

‘COME ON’ RELEASED AS FIRST TRACK, AVAILABLE NOW

ON DIGITAL AND STREAMING SERVICES

www.rollingstones.com

  

(Los Angeles, CA) – December 1, 2017 will see the release of The Rolling Stones - On Air, a collection of rarely heard radio recordings from their formative years. The songs, including eight the band have never recorded or released commercially, were originally broadcast on bygone UK BBC shows such as Saturday Club, Top Gear, Rhythm and Blues and The Joe Loss Pop Showbetween 1963 and 1965.  Pre-order The Rolling Stones – On Air here.

Released via Polydor Records/UMe on CD, double CD deluxe edition, heavy-weight vinyl and special limited-edition coloured vinyl, these flashbacks offer an insight into the band as a vital and constantly surprising live unit. Such was the frequency with which they visited BBC studios in the 60’s, the group constantly set out to offer listeners something different. As well as songs that never appeared on singles or albums, there are seven tracks that were debuted over the airwaves before featuring on albums or EPs.

The group’s take on familiar R&B staples like “Roll Over Beethoven,” “Memphis, Tennessee” and “Beautiful Delilah” (all originated by Chuck Berry) illustrate the verve and energy the Stones regularly brought to their live shows. The BBC would urge them to perform their current singles, and while happy to do so they also relished the opportunity to showcase a fuller picture of their prowess as Britain’s foremost blues outfit, packing clubs and ballrooms night after night.

Among the 32 tracks, first heard ringing out of transistor radios over a period of just under two years, is “Come On,” the group’s debut single and also the first number laid down for the iconic Saturday Club, hosted by the late, legendary Brian Matthew. “Come On” is released as the first track from the album and is available now on digital and streaming services. Other highlights include the strutting “Fannie Mae” (originally recorded by bluesman Buster Brown in 1959), Tommy Tucker’s “Hi Heel Sneakers,” and Bo Diddley’s “Cops And Robbers.”

Nestling among the illustrious and well-chosen cover versions, are raw and vibrant renditions of Stones Jagger/Richards originals, such as “(I Can’t Get No) Satisfaction,” “The Last Time” and “The Spider And The Fly” in a form closer to the thrilling immediacy of the band’s live shows than on vinyl. These recordings bring the listener as near as possible to the excitement of the era without actually being there in person.

If last year’s collection of new recordings of past masters Blue & Lonesome presented the Stones returning to their roots after more than 50 years, On Air is the perfect “sister” compendium, a lovingly curated and restored treasure trove that puts the listener front and centre in the eye of the original storm.

To help recapture the spirit of the songs when they were first performed, the tapes have gone through a process called “audio source separation”, which involved de-mixing the transcripts and allowing engineers at Abbey Road access to the original instrumentation and voices within each track, so that they could be rebuilt, rebalanced and remixed to achieve a fuller, more substantial sound.

The end result is the Stones at their most passionate and intense, transporting listeners back to the band’s lean and hungry years when their standing as household names was already assured, and global domination was just 12 bars away.

The variety of radio shows from which the material is compiled is testament to the special relationship the Stones had with the BBC from the very beginning of their recording career. The music speaks for itself, but On Air also serves as an important historical artefact, and an essential of the group’s impressively evergreen canon.

The Rolling Stones - On Air offer a unique insight into the formative days of The Rolling Stones a few years before ‘The Greatest Rock ‘n’ Roll Band in the World’ became a reality this was a band playing the music they loved so much - Blues, R&B, Soul and even the odd country song. Performing these songs night after night in clubs and dancehalls meant they are all honed to perfection and performed with the genuine love and affection that The Stones have for their musical heritage.

This album follows the recent release of The Rolling Stones – On Air coffee table book, by Richard Havers and published by Virgin Books.

The Rolling Stones ON AIR 1963-65 - Mick Jagger, Keith Richards, Charlie Watts, Brian Jones, Bill Wyman

The Rolling Stones – On Air Track Listing

1.    Come On                                                                    Saturday Club, 1963

2.    (I Can’t Get No) Satisfaction                                    Saturday Club, 1965

3.    Roll Over Beethoven                                                Saturday Club, 1963

4.    The Spider And The Fly                                           Yeah Yeah, 1965

5.    Cops And Robbers                                                   Blues in Rhythm, 1964

6.    It’s All Over Now                                                       The Joe Loss Pop Show, 1964

7.    Route 66                                                                     Blues in Rhythm, 1964

8.    Memphis, Tennessee                                               Saturday Club, 1963

9.    Down The Road Apiece                                           Top Gear, 1965

10.  The Last Time                                                           Top Gear, 1965

11.  Cry To Me                                                                  Saturday Club, 1965

12.  Mercy, Mercy                                                             Yeah Yeah, 1965

13.  Oh! Baby (We Got A Good Thing Goin’)                Saturday Club, 1965

14.  Around And Around                                                 Top Gear, 1964

15.  Hi Heel Sneakers                                                      Saturday Club, 1964

16.  Fannie Mae                                                                Saturday Club, 1965

17.  You Better Move On                                                 Blues in Rhythm, 1964

18.  Mona                                                                          Blues In Rhythm, 1964

  

Bonus Tracks (Deluxe)

19.  I Wanna Be Your Man                                               Saturday Club, 1964

20.  Carol                                                                           Saturday Club, 1964

21.  I’m moving On                                                           The Joe Loss Pop Show, 1964

22.  If You Need Me                                                          The Joe Loss Pop Show, 1964

23.  Walking The Dog                                                      Saturday Club, 1964

24.  Confessin’ The Blues                                               The Joe Loss Pop Show, 1964

25.  Everybody Needs Somebody To Love                   Top Gear, 1965

26.  Little By Little                                                            The Joe Loss Pop Show, 1964

27.  Ain’t That Loving You Baby                                    Rhythm And Blues, 1964

28.  Beautiful Delilah                                                       Saturday Club, 1964

29.  Crackin’ Up                                                                Top Gear, 1964

30.  I Can’t Be Satisfied                                                   Top Gear, 1964

31.  I Just Want to Make Love To You                           Saturday Club, 1964

32.  2120 South Michigan Avenue                                 Rhythm and Blues, 1964

THE ROLLING STONES – ON AIR WILL BE RELEASED BY POLYDOR RECORDS/UMe

ON DECEMBER 1, 2017

www.rollingstones.com

http://www.facebook.com/therollingstones

www.twitter.com/rollingstones

www.instagram.com/therollingstones

www.youtube.com/therollingstones

HALL OF FAMER RICKY BYRD RELEASES

 

CLEAN GETAWAY

 

A COLLECTION OF ROCK AND ROLL SONGS THAT ADDRESS ADDICTION AND RECOVERY

 

~PORTION OF SALES TO BENEFIT CLEAN GETAWAY NON-PROFIT 501(c)(3)~

 

            ~OCTOBER 20, 2017~

 

Passion drives music…the deeper the passion, the larger the ripple effect.

 

This month, Rock and Roll Hall Of Famer Ricky Byrd – founder of the non-profit Clean Getaway 501(c)(3)– will release Clean Getaway, a collection of 12 songs evoking the intricacies and emotions behind addiction and recovery. The album will be available via CD Baby, iTunes, Amazon, and all other online stores, with a portion of the sales going to the Clean Getaway non-profit 501(c)(3).

 

Ricky Byrd has devoted himself to spreading the message of hope and possibilities through Rock and Roll. The mission of the Clean Getaway non-profit is to bring awareness, education, prevention and addiction resources to those suffering from drug and alcohol addiction through the healing power of music. It does this through Concert Events, Music Outreach Sessions and Early Education and Prevention programs.

 

For the past five years, Byrd has led recovery music groups in various treatment and detox facilities across the country. At the end of each session, the patients would ask where they could get the songs he played. That inspired him to raise the money via an online music campaign to record Clean Getaway, which will also be given away to patients.

 

In February 2017, he hunkered down in the studio, pulling various songs written for his music groups. Produced by Ricky Byrd and Bob Stander, the collection consists of self-penned songs, as well as a rocking cover of “Kicks” and material in which Byrd collaborated with songwriting luminaries Richie Supa and Mark Hudson. A master musical director and guitar virtuoso, Byrd is joined by several stellar musicians on Clean Getaway: Bobby Whitlock (keyboards, Derek and The Dominos), Steve Holley (drums - Wings), Bob Stander (bass), Andy Burton (keyboards, Little Steven and The Disciples Of Soul), Jeff Kazee (keyboards, Southside Johnny), John Isley and Chris Anderson of the Asbury Jukes (horns), Christine Ohlman (SNL band), Marge Raymond, Mark Hudson, and Sara Devine on vocals.

 

However, as far as Ricky is concerned, Recovery is the special guest here. “An important part of this journey is giving back and spreading the message,” he says. “I do my best talking through music…as a recovery troubadour.”

 

For more information about Clean Getaway non-profit 501(c)(3), please visit: https://www.cleangetaway.nyc.

 

 

DHANI HARRISON RELEASES FIRST SOLO ALBUM IN///PARALLEL 

AVAILABLE TODAY (Friday, October 6, 2017)

 

 

UPCOMING APPEARANCES ON 'Jimmy Kimmel Live!' and 'Conan' 

LISTEN + PURCHASE IN//PARALLEL HERE

Hear the singles "Admiral of Upside Down", "All About Waiting" and "Summertime Police"

 

 

"In///Parallel announces the arrival of an unexpectedly intense artist, whose mission is to tell stories not just with words but cannily developed sonic realms."

- Tom Moon (NPR)

 

"A sonic marvel and mystery that should reveal and reward over repeated listening." - Jeff Karoub (Associated Press)

 

"Psychedelic electro-rock odyssey filled with throbbing synthesizers and psychological pondering." - Ryan Reed (Rolling Stone) (on first single "All About Waiting")

 

"Dhani Harrison's solo debut is anything but a throwback." - Vulture

LOS ANGELES, CA, OCTOBER 6, 2017 - Grammy Award winning musician Dhani Harrison's new album IN///PARALLEL is available today through BMG Records.

 

IN///PARALLEL offers a soundtrack to self-exploration, and gives audiences a perspective into Harrison's own personal developments in creating his first solo record. Echoing influences from his time as a composer over the past few years, the music of the new record paints a cinematic soundscape. 

 

"I have a fairly lucid memory. I remember events from my life and put music to them," shares Harrison of the new album. "Each track is pretty much a scene from my past. My gift from the universe is that I really enjoy changing, and that's why I'm now happy being Dhani Harrison. With everything you accomplish, you gain a freedom to do something else in your life, not unlike a video game, where you unlock different levels, powers and weapons. I had to go through the process, and I unlocked a lot of different stuff in myself, which allows me to be who I am now."

 

Harrison will be touring the U.S. in support of the new album in November. He also has appearances scheduled for Jimmy Kimmel Live! on Monday, October 9, and CONAN on Monday, October 30.

 IN///PARALLEL Album

1.    Never Know

2.    #WarOnFalse

3.    Úlfur Resurrection

4.    Downtown Tigers

5.    London Water
6.    Summertime Police

7.    Poseidon (Keep Me Safe)

8.    The Light Under The Door

9.    All About Waiting

10. Admiral of Upside Down

 

Tour Dates

Nov 6th - New York - Knitting Factory (tickets)

Nov 7th - Washington, DC - U Street Music Hall (tickets)

Nov 19th - Seattle - The Crocodile (tickets)

Nov 20th - Portland - Doug Fir Lounge (tickets)

Nov 22nd - San Francisco - The Chapel (tickets)

Nov 27th - Solana Beach, CA - Belly Up (tickets)

Nov 28th - Santa Ana, CA - The Observatory (tickets)

Nov 30th - Los Angeles - The El Rey (tickets)

  

Watch the new album release teaser for IN///PARALLEL here.

 

Purchase the album with limited edition bundle packages here.

 

For concert tickets, click here.

 

About Dhani Harrison:

Dhani Harrison has more than paid his dues in a career that includes three albums and two EPs with his band project thenewno2, along with a role in the supergroup Fistful of Mercy (with Ben Harper and Joseph Arthur). He co-produced (with Jeff Lynne) his father's posthumous 2004 album Brainwashed, which earned three Grammy nominations and won the award for Best Pop Instrumental Performance ("Marwa Blues"). He's also collaborated with an eclectic array of musicians during his career including like-minded artists such as The Wu-Tang Clan, Regina Spektor, Pearl Jam, UNKLE and Prince. In addition, Harrison has become an accomplished soundtrack composer, creating memorable scores for Richard La Gravenese's Beautiful Creatures and his TV show The Divide (with Tony Goldwyn), as well as the feature Learning to Drive (with Sir Ben Kingsley) and TV series, including executive producer Paul Giamatti's Outsiders, the Amazon original series Good Girls Revoltand Showtime's White Famous. Now focusing on his solo project, the new album IN///PARALLEL will be released on October 6 through BMG Records.