Michael Ubaldini returns with 5-song vinyl EP on colored vinyl

Listen to the fantastic advance track "Storms of Trouble" from singer-songwriter great Michael Ubaldini available to stream now. His forthcoming EP is set for release on April 30, 2025...Robert Kinsler 

Michael Ubaldini is back with ‘STORMS OF TROUBLE’ - listen to the new song HERE

On 12 inch Limited edition vinyl 5 song  EP on colored vinyl

#6 In the Top Ten Mojo Magazine Playlist In-House Top Picks
#1 on CMP-UK’s Kickin’ Cuts Chart

“He wants nothing to do with contrived pop and it shows”

“Truer to the Uncompromising spirit of Hank Williams than most have been over the last six decades & not at the expense of his own sound ”-Americana roots magazine UK

 

Michael Ubaldini was on his way up.  Los Angeles Times Music Critic, Mike Boehm had declared, “Michael Ubaldini is better than Bruce Springsteen at probing the National soul.”  Ubaldini was either playing or sharing the stage with Brian Setzer, Lucinda Williams, Jerry Lee Lewis, Dave Alvin, Judy Collins, Dwight Yoakum, John Doe, or The Blind Boys of Alabama.  His book, “Lost American Nights:  Lyrics and Poems” had published.  The late Joe Strummer and the legendary John Fogerty were showing up at shows, as was Seymour Stein of Warner Brothers. He toured all over the US and UK and won numerous awards including Disc of the Year and #10 best album of the decade and 21st Best song of the decade ‘Poem To my Country  from the LA Times for his record, “Acoustic Rumble”( reissued in a legacy edition in 2023). 
 
But Ubaldini was about to be thrown a curve.  Unbeknownst to him, the Orange County, CA musician was suffering from a heart-valve infection known as endocarditis and on Thanksgiving Day 2009 the disease announced its presence.  Unable to stand or move his left arm, Ubaldini was rushed to the hospital. Once diagnosed, doctors told him that he wouldn’t be able to walk or play guitar again, but on Christmas Day his hand opened up and he was able to play guitar.  “It was a miracle,” states Ubaldini.  Hospitalized for 6 more weeks the musician underwent intense physical therapy and was able to complete his recovery. Five years later in 2015 he collapsed onstage &flat lined – but was saved again by yet another Godly miracle.
 
It’s been a hard climb back, (the story was reported by CNN, as well as several newspapers) but Michael Ubaldini was determined to make his mark in the music world.  Less than a year later he was opening for the Blasters and Judy Collins and recorded acclaimed records the pure honky tonkin’, Last of the Honky Tonks.  More recently raw Folk albums Song Of Our Time & Music Notes from the underground  & his Roots Rockin’ Gospel Blues & countrified barrelhouse  Rabbit Foot Carnival - all released in the last four years filled with his poetic verse like no other songwriter on the scene.

With the new EP under his belt as a prelude to his new album now being recorded in Nashville TN, Storms Of Trouble the limited edition EP will be released in the U.S. on April 30 & all songs will also be available on all streaming services.  Storms of Trouble was recorded live in the studio with no overdubs and on analogue tape vocals and all.  Michael Ubaldini’s known for stripping things down until all that’s left is raw and honest music and this record, holds true to that credo. “I want to lay waste to this fake, studio-created music”, Ubaldini told The Orange County Register, noting that in these days of overproduction and tracking &  people not in the same room playing together his album being recorded in Nashville  and new EP like his past releases is  “Feel over fraud.”
 
The record presents 3 brand new songs  (along with two bonus tracks) songs all written by Ubaldini whose nickname, “The Rock and Roll Poet” was given to him by fans.  From the superb opener "Storms Of Trouble" to "Lost In The Shuffle" and "Long Road back to Californy" we hear a true American roots inspired songwriter.  Recalling the music of Merle Haggard, Bob Dylan,Grams Parson, Hank Williams and even Joe Strummer, his songs on past records have held mirrors up to society also filled with characters  and echoed the forgotten regular folks where as these new songs and bonus tracks recall his own troubled fortunes and path to personal  redemption and relationships. The record has the feel of old-style roots without seeming retro. Along with Michael on guitar and vocals is Jeremy Long on Piano/organ, John Mctuige the third drums and Jared Manzo on Bass

The two rare bonus tracks  ‘Tombstone Woman’ and ‘One Good Woman Blues’ were recorded in Austin TX mastered by Jerry Tubb who’s worked on records by  John Lennon, Willie Nelson, Kris Kristofferson and Paul McCartney.
 
Ubaldini has been playing all over Nashville TN. & the Los Angeles area and plans to be back on the road in 2025  with regular stints at The Bluebird Café In Nashville TN.  Coming full circle, his book “Lost American Nights” is in it’s 2nd Edition released by Moontide Press and Michael is also the founder creator  of ‘Outlaws Of Folk Music Series™ -a showcase that along with himself performing includes different folk singers each month & is in its 17th year and created the new 21st century Folk Music Scene on the West Coast- He also has an indie Radio show of the same name.

When asked about his immediate music career goals, Ubaldini takes a moment and then answers genuinely, “I’d like to be a link in the chain of American music songwriters”. 

Storms of Trouble  certainly helps to lay the groundwork for that goal and his poetry within lyrics caused the UK’s R2 Magazine to call him “A gifted wordsmith with an ear for fine turn-of-phrase”
 
The release of “Storms Of Trouble heralds a new start for Michael Ubaldini and 2025 holds a wealth of promise.  Picking up where he left off, it’s full steam ahead for the musician who is glad to be back to normal.  Speaking of his illness & collapsing on “It’s in my rear view mirror. I don’t look back.” 
 
We’re glad to make the forward journey with him. 
 
For more information: www.rocknrollpoet.com

Lee Rocker celebrates legacy with memorable set at The Coach House

Lee Rocker with his
iconic double bass.

Who: Lee Rocker, Buzz Campbell & The Heartaches, Moonshine

Where: The Coach House in San Juan Capistrano, CA

When: Friday, Feb. 11, 2022

Learn More: Lee Rocker's website HERE; Buzz Campbell's website HERE; Moonshine's website HERE.

Next: Lee Rocker will begin performing a string of shows in March 2022. Visit his official website HERE to see all of his forthcoming tour dates.

Singer-bassist Lee Rocker and his terrific band headlining at The Coach House in
San Juan Capistrano on Friday, Feb. 11, 2022. Performing with Rocker are 
keyboardist Matthew Jordan, drummer Larry Mitchell and guitarist Buzz Campbell.

 

Review by Robert Kinsler

Photography by Bob Steshetz

Lee Rocker at The Coach House.

Music lovers who came to the legendary Coach House in San Juan Capistrano, CA on Friday night (Feb. 11, 2022) were treated to an outstanding set from headliner Lee Rocker, as well as two strong openers (Buzz Campbell & The Heartaches, Moonshine).

Rocker achieved international fame as a founding member of The Stray Cats at the dawn of the 1980s, and has since continued to champion rockabilly and roots rock performing on stage or in the studio alongside a wide range of legendary artists including Ringo Starr, George Harrison, Keith Richards, Willie Nelson, John Fogerty and Carl Perkins.

Guitar great Buzz Campbell in 
action at The Coach House.

At The Coach House, Rocker was backed by his terrific trio featuring Buzz Campbell (guitar, banjo), Larry Mitchell (drums) and Matthew Jordan (keyboards) for an exhilarating 85-minute set. The troupe delivered a stellar showcase featuring plenty of Stray Cats favorites and energetic covers as well as highlights from Rocker's rich solo career and a gem from his stint from Phantom, Rocker & Slick (a project that featured Rocker, Stray Cats drummer Slim Jim Phantom and guitar virtuoso Earl Slick).

The quartet opened with an extended version of "Stray Cat Strut," reworked from the oft-heard Stray Cats hit into a stylish romp where Rocker, Jordan and Campbell were each able to display their masterful chops. The fiery "Runaway Boys" followed, fully rekindling the rockabilly revival that Rocker, Phantom and Brian Setzer championed more than four decades ago.

From left, Matthew Jordan, Justin Drucker, drummer Larry Mitchell, Lee Rocker
and guitarist Buzz Campbell in San Juan Capistrano, CA.

There was a joyful spirit throughout Rocker's 20-song set. After performing a spirited version of the title tracks from the Stray Cats' 1982 Built For Speed and his new album Gather Round, he brought his son Justin Drucker to the stage and turned back the clock to deliver more stripped down material including a buoyant medley of Elvis Presley's "That's All Right" and "Blue Moon of Kentucky," an animated take on Perkins' "Honey Don't" and tender reading of Steve Goodman's "City of New Orleans" – the latter bolstered by Jordan's accordion playing. He also performed an acoustic version of "The Last Offline Lovers," a song written for his wife Deborah Drucker (they celebrated their 33rd wedding anniversary on the day of the concert).

Rocker then picked up the tempo for the speedy number "When Nothing's Going Right" (a song from the Stray Cats' recent reunion disc 40) and retro-styled "Men Without Shame"; other late set highlights included the Louisiana-mining "Graceland Auctions" and '50s sounding ballad "I Won't Stand In Your Way." 

The night ended with four standouts. The blistering "Bulletproof" (the title track off his 2003 album), soaring "Rumble in Brighton," aptly-pegged "Rock This Town" and zestful closer "Rockabilly Boogie" made for the perfect parade of cuts to close out a wonderful night.

Buzz Campbell & The Heartaches performing at The Coach House.

The aforementioned Buzz Campbell opened the bill backed by his honky tonk outfit The Heartaches, performing 30 minutes of material recalling the celebrated likes of Dwight Yoakam, Buck Owens and Johnny Cash. A super talented guitarist, Campbell's vocals are also first rate. The outfit navigated a mix of solid originals and covers from a diverse field of artists including The Beach Boys and Faron Young.

Moonshine performing at The Coach House in San Juan Capistrano, CA on Feb. 11.

In addition to bassist Justin Drucker, Moonshine features the brother-and-sister team of singer Selena Marie and guitar master Dylan DelPizzo-Howell along with harmonica pro Travis Muniz and drummer Nick Crays. 

From left, Travis Muniz, Dylan DelPizzo-Howell
and Selena Marie of Moonshine.

The quintet's 40-minute set demonstrated an ensemble able to blend blues, rock, jazz and country styles into something that is uniquely their own. Highlights included a reworked version of Wanda Jackson's "Funnel of Love" and their own jazzy ballad "Darlin' You Blow My Mind." The breezy "The One Who Got Away" allowed DelPizzo-Howell to showcase his impressive and nuanced guitar work.

'80s Icons Shine Anew

A slew of groundbreaking 1980s hitmakers are back with terrific new albums in 2019, including The Waterboys, Jimmie Vaughan (of The Fabulous Thunderbirds), Alan Parsons, The Stray Cats and Morrissey.

Artist: The Waterboys
Title: Where The Action Is (Cooking Vinyl)
You might like if you enjoy: The Waterboys, World Party, Psychedelic Furs
Tell me more: Singer-songwriter Mike Scott and his outstanding group known as the Waterboys have returned with another must-hear album (Where the Action Is) of literate and lusty rock. Since forming the band in Scotland in the early 1980s, Scott has written and recorded heartfelt original material tinged with classic rock, folk, Celtic and alternative styles to give his material a diverse and enchanting sweep. Few songwriters tap into the day-to-day experience of living life itself like Scott, whose lyrics resonate with the power of rock's all-time greats; listen to the tear-inducing folk rocker "In My Time On Earth" and lyrics-driven "Ladbroke Grove Symphony" to get an instant feel of Scott's brilliance. Ever the sonic explorer, Scott dips back to the poetry of Robert Burns (1759-1796) for the Celtic "Then She Made the Lasses O," and even offers up a full-on rap selection via "Take Me There I Will Follow You" and seemingly proves nothing is out of reach. Information: MikeScottWaterboys.com.

Artist: Jimmie Vaughan
Title: Please Come Home (Last Music Co.)
You might like if you enjoy: Jimmie Vaughan, Kid Ramos, The Fabulous Thunderbirds
Tell me more: The new Jimmie Vaughan album Please Come Home is a thrilling and joyful celebration of the blues. On the new album, the famed singer-guitar great pays tribute to 11 classic blues tracks with a group of like-minded players who conjure up magic as they revisit timeless material penned by the celebrated likes of Lloyd Price, Lefty Frizzell, T-Bone Walker and more. Vaughan showcases his strong baritone vocals and sharp skills on guitar everywhere, from the buoyant "Just a Game" and dual saxophone-anchored "No One To Talk To" to the instrumental gem "Hold It" and disc-ending "Baby, What's Wrong," the latter bolstered by plenty of Vaughan's signature lead guitar work. Vaughan is currently on tour and has a number of upcoming dates including at the Hollywood Bowl with Buddy Guy and Charlie Musselwhite on Aug. 7, 2019. Information: jimmievaughan.com.

Artist: Alan Parsons
Title: The Secret (Frontiers Music Srl)
You might like if you enjoy: The Alan Parsons Project, ASIA
Tell me more: Alan Parsons has explored a myriad of corners of the music universe over the past 50+ years, scoring success as engineer, producer and recording artist. Parson's new album The Secret is a celebration of the symphonic and progressive rock elements that are clearly a big part of his musical DNA — after all, Parsons was an assistant engineer on The Beatles' final two albums and served as an engineer on Pink Floyd's "The Dark Side of the Moon." The wistful and melodic track "As Lights Fall" is an early highlight on the disc, with Parson's inviting vocals positioned amidst an inviting pop sheen. Jason Mraz makes a strong guest turn via the '70s style nugget "Miracle." The McCartney-esque "Fly to Me" and probing orchestra-draped "Beyond the Years of Glory" are among the glowing cuts that appear on the last half of the disc. Other high-profile guest include original Foreigner singer Lou Gramm, ukulele virtuoso Jake Shimabukuro and founding Genesis guitarist Steve Hackett. Information: AlanParsons.com.

From left: The Stray Cats are Brian Setzer, Slim Jim Phantom and
Lee Rocker. Photo credit: Russ Harrington.

Artist: The Stray Cats
Title: 40 (Surfdog Records)
You might like if you enjoy: The Stray Cats, Lee Rocker, rockabilly
Tell me more: The Stray Cats have returned with the aptly-titled 40, a celebratory album that finds the rockabilly heroes rocking with the excitement and firepower that marked their introduction to the world in the early '80s. The stripped-down approach displayed across the Peter Collins-produced album shines a welcome lights on the talents of singer-guitarist Brian Setzer, bassist-singer Lee Rocker and drummer-singer Slim Jim Phantom. There is an obvious musical chemistry when they perform the dozen cuts on the album, and the New York-spawned trio have returned with some great original tracks to show off their musical chops. While the Stray Cats certainly revisit the classic rockabilly sound that put them on the map (just listen to the blistering "Three Time's A Charm" or playful "That's Messed Up"), they explore new ground on the moody surf guitar-adorned "Cry Danger," which features some of Setzer's most innovative guitar work in memory. Other great cuts on the set include the high-flying "Cat Fight (Over a Dog Like Me)," moody instrumental "Desperado" and edgy closer "Devil Train." Information: StrayCats.com.

Artist: Morrissey
Title: California Son (BMG)
You might like if you enjoy: Morrissey, The Smiths
Tell me more: When it came time for singer Morrissey to record a full-length album of songs by other artists it should have come as little surprise it would be no average covers project. On his latest album California Son, the former Smiths frontman has dipped back to the lesser-known reaches of the 1960s and '70s covering mostly under the radar cuts from legends such as Bob Dylan, Joni Mitchell and Dionne Warwick as well as obscure cult heroes including Jobriath, Tim Hardin and Phil Ochs. Even discerning music aficionados will find themselves discovering new songs courtesy of this dozen-track set. Morrissey's voice tackles each song with artful candor; the euphoric "Morning Starship," dreamy "Don't Interrupt the Sorrow" and politically-charged take on Ochs' "Days of Decision" are among the seldom heard masterworks reintroduced here. Those looking for a familiar track should immerse themselves in Morrissey's stellar version of Roy Orbison's operatic epic "It's Over," as well as an inspired run through Gary Puckett and the Union Gap's "Lady Willpower." Information: MorrisseyOfficial.com.

Robert Kinsler

Sights and Sounds: The Stray Cats, Nils Lofgren, 'The Big Interview'

Lots of news to share today...

Brian Setzer, Lee Rocker and Slim Jim Phantom return to celebrate their 40^TH Anniversary this year with new album and tour

Original founding members of the acclaimed American rock and roll trio set off sparks on '40,'

their first new album in 26 years!

CATCH UP WITH BAND IN STUDIO HERE

All revved up and red hot, The Stray Cats are back.

Brian Setzer (guitar, vocals), Lee Rocker (bass, vocals) and Slim Jim Phantom (drums, vocals)--original founding members of the iconic and acclaimed American rock and roll trio--are celebrating their 40^th anniversary in 2019 with a new album and tour (*see tour dates below).

The STRAY CATS have titled the album 40. Marking their first new album in 26 years, it will be released May 24 via Surfdog Records and distributed by BMG (CD, vinyl, digital). The song titles alone--including "Cat Fight (Over A Dog Like Me)," "Rock It Off," "Mean Pickin' Mama" and "Devil Train"--instantly let listeners know they're in for a non-stop rocking time.

Watch the band and album producer Peter Collins in the studio discussing the making of the album here.

The first instant grat track, "Cat Fight (Over A Dog Like Me)," is available now with a pre-order of the album.  The song is also streaming on Spotify.  An exclusive indie-store edition of the album--colored vinyl, with a double-sided 24x12 poster--will arrive on May 24: http://smarturl.it/StrayCats

In addition, The STRAY CATS are releasing an exclusive 12" picture disc with three songs--"Cat Fight (Over A Dog Like Me), "When Nothing's Going Right" and "Rock It Off"--on April 13, Record Store Day.

The STRAY CATS begin their select U.S. dates on August 3 on the heels of June and July overseas shows. Tickets for the shows go on sale Friday, March 8 at 10:00 AM (local time).

The STRAY CATS recorded 40 at Blackbird Studios in Nashville in late 2018 following their first North American shows in 10 years, with four concerts including sold-out headlining shows in Las Vegas and the PacificAmphitheatre in Costa Mesa, CA before wildly enthusiastic audiences. Still buzzing from the thrill of playing together again and the crowd response, they went into the studio with producer Peter Collins (Rush, Bon Jovi, The Brian Setzer Orchestra) and engineer Vance Powell (Jack White, Chris Stapleton, Arctic Monkeys). There are a dozen original songs that comprise the album.

Here's what the guys have to say:

Brian Setzer: "You have to understand how unique the Stray Cats are. It's me playing an old hollow body guitar, Slim Jim playing two or three drums, and Lee Rocker slapping a stand-up acoustic bass. I get to write new songs and then play them with my buddies. Somehow we created a new and exciting sound with this simple idea. And you know what? A lot of people agree!"

Lee Rocker: "This new album really feels like the first record we did, it's really natural and comfortable. For the recording, we went live--like doing a gig, we recorded in a real, organic way. We were all in one room standing next to each other recording live, with the amps turned up to 10, it captured the undefinable things that happen when a band is great, it captured the magic that takes place and an undefined spark."

Slim Jim Phantom: "We're very, very focused when we get into the studio, it didn't feel like a long time had passed since we had done this, it felt very natural and familiar. We were all in a row with everyone watching each other, so it felt like a gig in the set-up. We really embraced that a little bit for the album, it's like an old way of making records. The modern is meeting the vintage, which has always been our inspiration."

The Stray Cats from L-R: Lee Rocker, Brian Setzer, 

Slim Jim Phantom

By Russ Harrington

'40' Tracklisting

Cat Fight (Over A Dog Like Me)

Rock It Off

I've Got Love If You Want It

Cry Danger

I Attract Trouble

Three Time's A Charm

That's Messed Up

When Nothing's Going Right

Desperado

Mean Pickin' Mama

I'll Be Looking Out For You

Devil Train

DAY	DATE	CITY/STATE	VENUE
Friday	6/21	Vitoria, Spain	Azkena Rock Festival
Sunday	6/23	Birmingham, United Kingdom	Birmingham O2Academy
Tuesday	6/25	Manchester, United Kingdom	Manchester O2 Apollo
Wednesday	6/26	London, United Kingdom	London Eventim Apollo
Thursday	6/27	London, United Kingdom	London Eventim Apollo
Saturday	6/29	Tilloloy, France	Retro C Trop
Monday	7/1	Amsterdam, Netherlands	AFAS Live
Wednesday	7/3	Berlin, Germany	Columbiahalle
Thursday	7/4	Cologne, Germany	Palladium
Saturday	7/6	Tours, France	American Tours Festival
Sunday	7/7	Belfort, France	Les Eurockeennes
Tuesday	7/9	Stuttgart, Germany	Killesberg
Thursday	7/11	Munich, Germany	Zenith
Saturday	7/13	Aix-Les-Bains, France	Musilac Festival
Thursday	7/18	Pori, Finland	Pori Jazz Festival
Saturday	7/20	Falun, Sweden	Summer Jamboree-Falun
Saturday	8/3	Atlantic City, NJ	Ocean Resort Casino-Ovation Hall
Tuesday	8/6	New York, NY	Pier 17 at South Street Seaport
Tuesday	8/13	Vienna, VA	Wolf Trap
Wednesday	8/14	Huber Heights, OH	Rose Music Center
*Thursday	8/15	Grand Rapids, MI	Meijer Garden
Sunday	8/18	Welch, MN	Treasure Island Casino
*Monday	8/26	Salt Lake City, UT	Red Butte Garden
Wednesday	8/28	Los Angeles, CA	Greek Theatre
*Saturday	8/31	San Diego, CA	Humphrey's

*Note: italicized dates will be on sale at a later date (TBD)

About The STRAY CATS:

The STRAY CATS, the band that put Rockabilly music back on the record charts in the early '80s, scored several big hits on both sides of the Atlantic thanks to a striking visual 1950's style brought "up to date" with exaggerated pompadours and colorful tattoos and as well as genuine musical chops that evoked the best players of rockabilly's original heyday. Formed by guitarist/vocalist Brian Setzer, upright bass player Lee Rocker and drummer Slim Jim Phantom in the Long Island town of Massapequa, NY, in 1979, the trio shared a love for Rockabilly music. After banging around New York for a few months, in the summer of 1980, and seeing a pompadoured kid on the cover of UK magazine NME, they hopped a plane to London where a rockabilly revival movement was just beginning to emerge. Their massive hits and videos include "Runaway Boys," "Rock This Town," "Stray Cat Strut" "(She's) Sexy + 17," and "I Won't Stand in Your Way."

For more information on The STRAY CATS, visit:

Official Website | Facebook

Nils Lofgren gets 'Blue With Lou'

LOS ANGELES, Calif.— Master rock singer-songwriter-guitarist Nils Lofgren returns on April 26 with Blue With Lou, an all-new collection featuring a dozen dazzling, forceful songs, half of which were penned in collaboration with the late, legendary Lou Reed.

The 12-track collection, issued on Lofgren’s own Cattle Track Road Records in single-CD and double-LP configurations, and due out on April 26, 2019, was produced by the musician and his wife Amy. Basic tracks were recorded live at his home studio in Arizona with longtime collaborators Andy Newmark (drums) and Kevin McCormick (bass). Saxophonist Branford Marsalis is featured on a new recording of the Lofgren-Reed composition “City Lights.”

Five more songs co-written by the Rock and Roll Hall of Famers have never seen the light of day and have remained in the trunk for decades.

Producer Bob Ezrin, who had worked with Lofgren, and previously worked with Reed on his concept album Berlin suggested the collaboration, leading to Lofgren and Reed spending a long night at Lou’s New York City apartment discussing the collaboration which led to 13 songs penned together.

Nils Lofgren
(Photo by Carl Schultz)

“I kind of forgot about the idea,” Lofgren recalls. “About a month after that, I was sound asleep, the phone rang at 4:30 in the morning, and I answered it in the dark. ‘Hey, Nils, it’s Lou Reed.’ That woke me up. He said, ‘I’ve been listening to the tape you sent, and I love it. I’ve been up for three days and nights straight. I haven’t slept. I’ve been working on your tape. I’ve completed 13 sets of lyrics that I love.’ And I’m like, ‘You’ve gotta be kidding me.’ Then he said, ‘If you wanna get a pad and pencil, I’ll dictate them to you.’ We spent two more hours on the phone. You can imagine my excitement.”

Ultimately, the co-written songs “A Fool Like Me,” “I Found Her,” and “I’ll Cry Tomorrow” (the last co-written with guitarist Dick Wagner) appeared on Nils, while Reed claimed “City Lights,” “Stupid Man,” and “With You” for his own 1979 album The Bells. The pair’s “Life” appeared on Lofgren’s Damaged Goods (1995), while “Driftin’ Man” was recorded for his Breakaway Angel (2001).

After Reed’s death in 2013, Lofgren revisited the idea of recording their unheard songs. He says, “They got left by the wayside. Years went by, and it kept nagging at me. I thought, look, Lou’s not here to deliver these lyrics. He was inspired when he did this. It would be a shame not to share it.”

Lofgren began shaping those tunes and refining his own new original songs during his stint with Bruce Springsteen’s E Street Band during the group’s tour in Australia, 2017.

“I began preparing, arranging, and practicing to be able to have every lyric written, every melody,” he recalls. “The goal was that by the time my old friends Andy Newmark and Kevin McCormick got to the house to record, I could perform every song live with no problem. I wanted to go for live takes, no matter what instrument I was playing. Then it would be fine to go in and fill in the blanks, add background vocals, add extra sounds. But I wanted to keep it a very simple record. I practiced for that a long time while I was preparing the sessions.”

Captured live in the studio following a solid week of rehearsal time with the rhythm section, the newly recorded Lofgren-Reed compositions — “Attitude City,” “Give,” “Talk Thru the Tears,” “City Lights,” “Don’t Let Your Guard Down,” and “Cut Him Up” — exhibit the combination of swagger and sensitivity that has always characterized the work of both artists.

Those taut, hard-hitting songs are complemented by six all-new Lofgren numbers, his first fresh original material since 2011’s Old School. Not unexpectedly, Blue With Lou takes its title from a song honoring his late colleague.

“I had the title and the groove,” he says, “and I worked from that like a jigsaw puzzle on this homage to Lou and what I took from him, which is, yes, we’re in a mess here, but there’s beauty and hope in all art. The theme of the record is about being expressive, keeping it live and raw, and moving forward, trusting your instincts.”

That theme and that attitude extends to the anthemic track “Rock or Not.” Lofgren says, “In the climate that we’re in, it turned into my version of a protest song — come on, talk’s cheap, sh*t or get off the pot, let’s freakin’ get some stuff done.”

Blue With Lou also features the deeply affecting ballad “Too Blue to Play,” which Lofgren describes as a metaphorical look at his relationship with wife and creative partner Amy, and two songs of loss, “Remember You” (a reminiscence about the family’s beloved dog Groucho), and “Dear Heartbreaker” (a tribute to his longtime friend Tom Petty).

He says of the latter two numbers, “All these things, these people and friends that are gone, are not forgotten. You’ve got to find their spirits and hook into them as companions moving forward. I felt those songs went together and they needed to be at the end of the album.”

Riding a sound that is straight-ahead and largely unadorned, save for a small men’s choir and the featured vocals of Cindy Mizelle, Blue With Lou is as direct and hard-hitting as any recording of Nils Lofgren’s long and distinguished career. He says, “I definitely feel a greater urgency and inspiration in the music, thanks to all that we laid out to accomplish on this heartfelt project.”

In early May, Lofgren will kick off a U.S. tour in support of the album.

NILS LOFGREN TOUR DATES

Fri., May 10  MINNEAPOLIS, MN  Dakota

Sat., May 11  MILWAUKEE, WI Potawatomi Casino

Sun.-Mon., May 12-13  CHICAGO, IL City Winery

Wed., May 15  CINCINNATI, OH Longworth-Anderson Series at Memorial Hall 

Thurs., May 16 KENT, OH Kent Stage

Sat., May 18  BOSTON, MA City Winery

Sun.-Mon., May 19-20  NEW YORK, NY City Winery

Tues.-Wed., May 21-22  ALEXANDRIA, VA  The Birchmere

Fri.-Sat., May 24-25 NASHVILLE, TN  City Winery

Sun.-Mon., May 26-27  ATLANTA, GA City Winery

Thurs., May 30  AUSTIN, TX  04 Center

Fri., May 31  HOUSTON, TX The Heights Theater

Sat., June 1  BEAUMONT, TX Jazz & Blues Fest at Jefferson Theatre 

Sun., June 2  DALLAS, TX The Kessler Theater

Popular AXS TV original series 'The Big Interview' returns for a seventh season, kicking off with former Journey singer Steve Perry in a rare sitdown on Tuesday, April 16 at a new time: 8 P.M. ET

Dan Rather, left, with singer Steve Perry.

Other Notable Season Seven Guests Include Paul Stanley, Cyndi Lauper, Carl and Rob Reiner, Billy Bob Thornton, Travis Tritt, REO Speedwagon, Boz Scaggs, Paul Shaffer, & More

Los Angeles, CA (March 7, 2019) – AXS TV announced today that the popular celebrity sit-down series The Big Interview has been given the greenlight for a seventh season, premiering in a new timeslot on Tuesday, April 16 at 8 p.m. ET. The upcoming season, hosted by veteran TV journalist and host Dan Rather, will feature 10 all-new episodes with some of entertainment’s most influential artists in its first cycle of shows this season.

Season seven puts the spotlight on a roster of superstars from across the entertainment spectrum who join with Rather each week to candidly discuss their lives, legacies, and incredible careers. The season kicks off with a rare sit-down with rock superstar—and former Journey singer— Steve Perry, who talks about his decision to leave the band at the peak of their success, a decision that was brought on by the overwhelming feeling that the passion for music had left him in this first look clip. He explains, “I could not find the honest passion for singing… and then, I think, my voice was also suffering.” Perry continues, “Eventually, the feeling just got very clear to me that I need to just stop.” Also during the interview, Perry reflects on growing up as a child of divorce and the impact it had on him, examines the highs and lows of fame, and opens up about his personal life offstage.

   

The new season also includes conversations with beloved KISS frontman Paul Stanley; pop pioneer Cyndi Lauper; Foreigner members Mick Jones and Lou Gramm; Kevin Cronin, Neal Doughty, Bruce Hall, Dave AmatoandBryan Hitt of REO Speedwagon; Oscar®-winning actor, writer, director, and musician Billy Bob Thornton; comedic genius Carl Reiner and acclaimed filmmaker Rob Reiner; iconic Country star Travis Tritt; celebrated singer, songwriter, and guitarist Boz Scaggs; and multi-talented musician, television personality, and radio host Paul Shaffer, among others.

   

“I’m incredibly proud to see The Big Interview returning for season seven,” Rather said. “It has been my honor to sit down with these entertainment trailblazers every week, as they welcome me—and viewers across the world—into their personal lives. Hitting our 100TH episode last season was truly a landmark moment, but it was only the beginning. I look forward to what the future has in store as we continue to build upon that success.”

   

“The Big Interview has strongly resonated with our viewers, and Dan Rather is a major reason for that,” said Evan Haiman, vice president of music programming and production, AXS TV. “He has a unique ability to get larger-than-life figures to open up in a deeply personal way, showing viewers a side of these icons that they don’t usually get to see. Season seven continues that proud legacy, offering up even more of the legendary guests and in-depth discussions that have come to define the series throughout the years.”

BROADCAST SCHEDULE*  (Tuesdays at 8 p.m. ET)

• April 16 – Steve Perry
• April 23 – Paul Stanley
• April 30 – Cyndi Lauper
• May 7   – Foreigner (Mick Jones & Lou Gramm)
• May 14  – REO Speedwagon (Kevin Cronin, Neal Doughty, Bruce Hall, Dave Amato & Bryan Hitt)
• May 21  – Billy Bob Thornton
• May 28 – Carl and Rob Reiner
• June 4  – Travis Tritt
• June 11 – Boz Scaggs
• June 18 – Paul Shaffer

*(subject to change)

About AXS TV

Launched in 2012 by visionary entrepreneur CEO Mark Cuban in conjunction with AEG, Ryan Seacrest Media, Creative Artists Agency (CAA), and CBS, AXS TV has established itself as the premier destination for music and entertainment programming. The network delivers an eclectic programming roster that includes original series such as The Big Interview With Dan Rather,Rock & Roll Road Trip With Sammy Hagar, and Real Money, as well as hard-hitting mixed martial arts events, and a slate of acclaimed documentaries and iconic concerts from some of music’s most influential artists. AXS TV is also the U.S. home of the popular New Japan Pro Wrestling and WOW-Women Of Wrestling promotions and Legacy Fighting Alliance (LFA).  AXS TV is currently available nationally in the United States and parts of Canada, Mexico, and the Caribbean. For a list of providers, visitaxs.tv/subscribe . For more information, see www.axs.tv . Follow AXS TV on Facebook ,Twitter @axstv ; Instagram ; andYouTube .