Buskers unite to aid L.A. wildfire victims in Busk-Aid, L.A., March 30, 2025

 

BUSK-AID-L.A.: BUSKERS HIT THE STREETS TO BENEFIT L.A. WILDFIRE VICTIMS, SUNDAY, MARCH 30 IN CITY’S ECHO PARK DISTRICT; PROCEEDS TO SWEET RELIEF MUSICIANS' FUND Performing at various “perches” on Sunset Blvd., artists will include Dustbowl Revival, Ronee Blakely, Ruby Friedman Orchestra, The Living Sisters, Tony Gilkyson, Rick Shea, Craig Elkins, Hollywood Highsteppers, Water Tower Band, Fernando Perdomo, Ilana Katz Katz, Jon Wahl, Magickly Delishous, Enrich'd White, Dallas Don,  Arielle Silver, Water Band, and Fat, Evil Children LOS ANGELES, Calif. – The music community wasted no time in coming to the aid of those rendered homeless following the January wildfires in and around Los Angeles, with benefit concerts popping up in arenas, theaters, nightclubs and roadhouses. Now a fleet of buskers will take to the streets for Busk-Aid-L.A., a benefit featuring both local and out-of-town performers gathering in the 1800 block of the city’s Sunset Blvd., in Echo Park, on Sunday, March 30, from 2:30 - 8 p.m. Busk-Aid-L.A. is presented in association with the Sweet Relief Musicians Fund, who will donate proceeds where most needed among musicians displaced in the fires. The Wild Honey Foundation, an organization devoted to passing on the passion, creativity, and idealism found in rock, R&B, folk, and pop music to future generations, is helping with logistics for the festival. The event is free, with performers stationed at The Echo, Stories BooksCafe, Masa and Señor Fish, all located at or around the intersection of Sunset Blvd. and LeMoyne St. in the heart of L.A.’s Echo Park. Although the music will be free, Busk-Aid will post a QR code (see below) which will link to the contribution page. Among the artists performing at Busk-Aid-L.A.: Dustbowl Revival, the Living Sisters (Eleni Mandell and Becky Stark), Rick Shea, Tony Gilkyson, Carla Olson & Todd Wolfe, Ilana Katz Katz, Ruby Friedman Orchestra, Fernando Perdomo, Magickly Delicious, E'nRICHED WHITE, Dallas Don, Hollywood Highsteppers, Water Band and Fat, Evil Children. There will be last-minute additions and surprises, including a few artists diverting from tour routing to join in. The benefit is being organized by music industry veterans Cary Baker and Liz Garo. Baker was a 40-year music publicity executive at Capitol Records, I.R.S. Records and four other labels prior to writing a book about busking, Down on the Corner: Adventures in Busking & Street Music (Jawbone Press). Garo, who heads Stepping Stone presents, is a longtime Los Angeles concert promoter, organizing shows at such venues as the Regent Theater, Echo and Echoplex, Spaceland, Love Song Bar, among others.  Co-organizer Baker says of the event: “Chicago may be my hometown – and where I saw my first buskers … street blues musicians on Maxwell Street. But L.A., my home of 40 years, is where my soul will forever live. The wildfires were an unspeakable tragedy that affected many friends and acquaintances in the L.A. music scene. I felt the best way I could give back to the community – with busking on my mind following months of book promotion – was a busking event. Not all the participating artists have busking in their past, but all are looking forward to performing on the streets for the worthiest of causes. I was fortunate to partner with Liz Garo, one of L.A.’s most respected concert promoters, and the Sweet Relief Foundation, which will put the proceeds where most needed. Thanks also to a few musicians — Ruby Friedman from Portland, Ilana Katz Katz, a well-known and very passionate subway musician from Boston — who are making long trips to join us down on the corner.” Aric Steinberg, executive director of the Sweet Relief Musicians Fund, says: “We absolutely love the idea of musicians helping musicians, and Busk-Aid-L.A. is a perfect example.  So many notable artists started out as street performers, and it’s so cool to see Cary, Liz and their team harnessing the power of busking to help Los Angeles musicians who have been displaced by the fires.  We’re here to help disburse the funds and look forward to jamming in the streets with our supporters.” Schedule  (subject to change) Echo            1822 Sunset Blvd.             2:30pm- 2:50pmFat, Evil Children 2:50pm - 3:20pm  Watertower Band            Sage Restaurant 1700 Sunset Blvd. 3:30pm - 3:50pm Enrich'd White             4pm - 4:20pm Dallas Don          4:30pm - 4:50pm  Magickly Delishous         4:50pm - 5:20pm Jon Wahl Masa 1800 W Sunset Blvd. 3:20pm - 3:40pm  Ilana Katz Katz   3:50pm - 4:10pm  Ronee Blakely    Sticky Rice                     1801 W Sunset Blvd.                       4pm - 4:20pm   Fernando Perdomo         4:30pm - 4:50pm Craig Elkins         5:20pm - 5:30pm Hollywood Highsteppers      Shoe Palace 1700 Sunset Blvd. 4:50 - 5:20 Carla Olson + Todd Wolfe 5:30pm- 5:50pm  Hollywood Highsteppers      6pm - 6:20pm   Ruby Friedman Orchestra             Stories (front) 1716 Sunset Blvd. 6:20pm - 6:45pm The Living Sisters           6:55pm - 7:30pm Arielle Silver         Stories (patio) 1716 Sunset Blvd. 7:10pm - 7:40pm  Tony Gilkyson + Rick Shea             7:50pm - 8:20pm Dustbowl Revival                   Artist bios: Dustbowl Revival Going strong into their second decade after starting from a humble Craigslist ad founder and lead songwriter Z. Lupetin posted in bohemian Venice Beach (where they started busking), some would say Dustbowl Revival’s ever-evolving collective plays a spicy cocktail of folky-funk or booty-shaking jangly rock ’n’ soul: expertly mixing their New Orleans-tinted brass section with their signature Laurel Canyon harmonies and fearless lyrics. Their albums have been streamed over 20 million times and counting with a new one on the way in 2025.   Ruby Friedman Orchestra Fronted by the Portland-based/Los Angeles-bred singer-songwriter Ruby Friedman, the Ruby Friedman Orchestra has a new album, Chimes After Midnight , coming from Label 51 Recordings in June,  The record, described as “Every song, a knockout” by Willamette Week, is the successor to RFO’s highly regarded 2016 release Gem. Friedman says of her new work, “I’m giving voice to remarkable people who time will erase otherwise, ordinary men and women who changed history. Like chimes after midnight, theirs are the voices you would not hear — people in the dark.” Ronee Blakley Singer songwriter, actor, filmmaker, composer, poet. The Oscars, Golden Globes and Grammy nominee starred on Robert Altman’s Nashville, for which she appeared on cover of Newsweek. She was featured in Bob Dylan’s Rolling Thunder Revue in the 1970s and appeared on the hit single “Hurricane.” She also appeared in A Nightmare on Elm Street. Blakley has released twelve albums. She has appeared in films with Wim Wenders, Nick Ray, Walter Hill, Robert Altman and Dylan Tony Gilkyson Born in Hollywood and reared in northern New Mexico, Tony Gilkyson writes songs that speak of ghosts, travels, dreams, and landscapes. A songwriter-guitarist, Tony began recording at a young age with his father, Terry Gilkyson. He has collaborated with songwriters John Doe and Chuck E. Weiss, as well as authors Diane Stillman (29 Palms) and Michael Blake (Dances with Wolves). His musical style blends rock, folk, and Americana, with a distinctive guitar sound that combines traditional and modern influences. Throughout his career, Tony has worked with artists such as Dave Alvin, Lone Justice, Jimmie Dale Gilmore, Bob Dylan, Kris Kristofferson, K.D. Lang, and X. His guitar work has been featured in film soundtracks like Walk the Line, The Big Lebowski, All the King's Men, and Don’t Come Knockin’, with producer T Bone Burnett  Hollywood Highsteppers The Hollywood Highsteppers is a class taught at the Silverlake Conservatory of Music, a nonprofit music school serving the Silver Lake/Hollywood/Los Feliz neighborhoods. The class formed in 2019 under the direction of Michael Bolger and serves as a community band. It’s an all-ages ensemble consisting of sousaphones, drums, flutes, trumpets, trombones, saxophones, accordions, guitar, and singing. Most of the repertoire hails from the Second Line tradition of New Orleans. The band also explores other repertoire including Balkan grooves, pop songs, and funk. The Highsteppers recorded a track on a soon to be released album featuring ensembles of the Silverlake Conservatory. They march in community parades like the Doo Dah parade and the Venice Mardi Gras parade. The class is growing and bringing joy to the community.  Ilana Katz Katz Ilana Katz Katz is a blues and Appalachian fiddler, singer, songwriting musical chameleon who has been busking in Boston’s subways since 2008. Known for her signature solo performances, she also lends her fiddling prowess to a plethora of bands, internationally, as a recording artist and special guest. Ilana Katz Katz will fly cross-country to participate in Busk-Aid. The Living Sisters Eleni Mandell and Becky Stark concocted the idea of singing together over cocktails at Little Joy back in the day. Both had been pursuing solo careers as singer-songwriters but both dreamed of a side project focused on harmonizing. Becky already had the name ready and The Living Sisters were born. Their charming, heartfelt and, sometimes, goofy songs exist to spread joy, light, and harmony! Later, Inara George and Alex Lilly joined the band but they’ll be out of town during Busk-Aid. Fernando Perdomo Fernando Perdomo  is a multi-instrumentalist, producer, and singer-songwriter originally from Miami, Florida. L.A. Times dubbed him "The Millennial Answer to Todd Rundgren.” He was featured in the movie Echo in the Canyonplaying guitar for Jakob Dylan, Fiona Apple, Beck, Cat Power, Regina Spektor, Brian Wilson and others. He currently is the guitar player for Marshall Crenshaw on tour. He is a prolific recording artist with hundreds of releases available on his Bandcamp Page. He will be releasing 12 albums in 2025 titled Waves 1-12.   Rick Shea Singer, songwriter, and guitarist Rick Shea’s work speaks for itself. He’s played with legends like Dave Alvin (Shea played on his Grammy-winning album), R.E.M. (for the soundtrack to Man on the Moon) and Rock & Roll Hall of Fame member Wanda Jackson among others He cut his teeth in Southern California honky-tonks, and his songs reflect the folk, country, rock and Mexican influences he grew up with. Shea has released 12 albums to wide acclaim (his latest received 4 Stars from Mojo), and toured both the U.S. and Europe. Arielle Silver In the sun-soaked heart of California, Arielle Silver emerges a masterful storyteller, blending the soul of Americana roots with influences drawn equally from Laurel Canyon and Greenwich Village. Silver’s rich lyrics, folk-pop artistry, and enchanting stagecraft has earned her three-time ASCAP Plus Awards, 2025 Winner at the South Florida Folk and Acoustic Music Festival, 2024 and 2025 finalist in the Tucson Folk Festival, second place in the 2024 International Acoustic Music Awards, and among other accolades. Her fifth album, Watershed, premiered in The Bluegrass Situation, Americana Highways, and Twangville, and spent 18 weeks on the Americana Music Charts with adds at over 200 U.S. stations.  Enrich'd White Angeleno noisicians Doten & Sýkora improvise, process then present sound as EW. Gentle nightmare, a bit of psychotic rawk, harsh ambient, who can say? They reintroduce the lost realm of imagination while restoring the false sense of absurdity… doing so since 1985, even. Magickly Delishus  An all- acoustic ensemble of weirdos that plays a mixture of traditional Irish instrumental tunes, murder ballads, and random punk covers. They can frequently be found entertaining and confusing passersby at various neighborhood parks, but they're always down for a good cause. Water Tower Band Water Tower, founded in 2005 by Kenny Feinstein, blends punk energy with bluegrass roots, evolving from The Water Tower Bucket Boys to a Los Angeles-based phenomenon. Their fiercely loyal fanbase, "The Owls," thrives on their DIY ethos, street-busking grit, and explosive live shows. With hits like "AMPM" and "Skante Warrior," they’ve stormed major festivals (IBMA, Telluride, Warped Tour) and toured the UK, sharing stages with legends like Molly Tuttle and Sierra Ferrell. Feinstein’s charismatic emceeing amplifies their rebel spirit. A genre-defying force, Water Tower is bluegrass for the punk generation. Join the revolution. Jon Wahl Jon Wahl was the frontman/founder of LA’s avant-blues Claw Hammer and afterwards his own Amadans, and was part of countless side projects with the likes of Mark Mothersbaugh (Devo), Wayne Kramer (MC5), Ry Cooder, et al. Come see him busk away his latest songs and new twists on older stuff.                                                            # # # QR code for donations via Sweet Relief Musicians Fund below. This code will be posted at all busking locations. Thank you to John Krop (Atomic Pop Monkey) for the flyer art!

Buskers unite to aid L.A. wildfire victims in Busk-Aid-L.A., March 30, 2025

 

BUSK-AID-L.A.: BUSKERS HIT THE STREETS TO BENEFIT L.A. WILDFIRE VICTIMS, SUNDAY, MARCH 30 IN CITY’S ECHO PARK DISTRICT Performing at various “perches” on Sunset Blvd., artists will include Dustbowl Revival, Ruby Friedman Orchestra, Living Sisters, Tony Gilkyson, Rick Shea, Ted Russell Kamp, Hollywood Highsteppers, Fernando Perdomo, Ilana Katz Katz, and Fat, Evil Children. LOS ANGELES, Calif. – The music community wasted no time in coming to the aid of those rendered homeless following the January wildfires in and around Los Angeles, with benefit concerts popping up in arenas, theaters, nightclubs and roadhouses. Now a fleet of buskers will take to the streets for Busk-Aid-L.A., a benefit featuring both local and out-of-town performers gathering in the 1800 block of the city’s Sunset Blvd., in Echo Park, on Sunday, March 30, from 3-8 p.m. Busk-Aid-L.A. is presented in association with the Sweet Relief Musicians Fund, who will donate proceeds where most needed among musicians displaced in the fires. The Wild Honey Foundation, an organization devoted to passing on the passion, creativity, and idealism found in rock, R&B, folk, and pop music to future generations, is helping with logistics for the festival. The event is free, with performers stationed at The Echo, Stories BooksCafe, Masa and Señor Fish, all located at or around the intersection of Sunset Blvd. and LeMoyne St. in the heart of L.A.’s Echo Park. Although the music will be free, Busk-Aid-L.A. will post a QR code (see below) which will link to the contribution page. Among the artists performing at Busk-Aid-L.A. (so far, with more TBA shortly): Dustbowl Revival, Ted Russell Kamp, the Living Sisters (Eleni Mandell and Becky Stark), Rick Shea, Tony Gilkyson, Carla Olson & Todd Wolfe, Ilana Katz Katz, Ruby Friedman Orchestra, Fernando Perdomo, and the Hollywood Highsteppers. There will be last-minute additions and surprises, including a few artists diverting from tour routing to join in. The benefit is being organized by music industry veterans Cary Baker and Liz Garo. Baker was a 40-year music publicity executive at Capitol Records, I.R.S. Records and four other labels prior to writing a book about busking, Down on the Corner: Adventures in Busking & Street Music (Jawbone Press). Garo, who heads Stepping Stone presents, is a longtime Los Angeles concert promoter, organizing shows at such venues as the Regent Theater, Echo and Echoplex, Spaceland, Love Song Bar, among others. Co-organizer Baker says of the event: “Chicago may be my hometown – and where I saw my first buskers … street blues musicians on Maxwell Street. But L.A., my home of 40 years, is where my soul will forever live. The wildfires were an unspeakable tragedy that affected many friends and acquaintances in the L.A. music scene. I felt the best way I could give back to the community – with busking on my mind following months of book promotion – was a busking event. Not all the participating artists have busking in their past, but all are looking forward to performing on the streets for the worthiest of causes. I was fortunate to partner with Liz Garo, one of L.A.’s most respected concert promoters, and the Sweet Relief Foundation, which will put the proceeds where most needed. Thanks also to a few musicians — Ruby Friedman from Portland, Ilana Katz Katz, a well-known and very passionate subway musician from Boston — who are making long trips to join us down on the corner.” Aric Steinberg, executive director of the Sweet Relief Musicians Fund, says: “We absolutely love the idea of musicians helping musicians, and Busk-Aid-L.A. is a perfect example.  So many notable artists started out as street performers, and it’s so cool to see Cary, Liz and their team harnessing the power of busking to help Los Angeles musicians who have been displaced by the fires.  We’re here to help disburse the funds and look forward to jamming in the streets with our supporters.” Schedule           Echo, 1822 Sunset Blvd.       3pm - 3:20pm  Fat, Evil Children                  3:40pm - 4pm  Watertower Boys                   Sticky Rice, 1801 W Sunset Blvd.       3:50pm - 4:10pm  Craig Elkin 4:20pm - 4:40pm  Carla Olson + Todd Wolfe  Masa, 1800 W Sunset Blvd.  4:30pm - 4:50pm Ilana Katz Katz 5pm - 5:20pm  Fernando Perdomo 5:20pm   The Highsteppers cross the street  Shoe Palace, 1700 Sunset Blvd.          5:30pm - 5:50pm  The Highsteppers                            5:50pm - 6:10pm  Ruby Friedman Orchestra                              Stories (front), 1716 Sunset Blvd.      6:pm - 6:20pm   Ted Russell Kamp                6:30pm - 6:50pm   Living Sisters                 Stories (patio), 1716 Sunset Blvd.      7: 10pm - 7:40pm Tony Gilkynson + Rick Shea 8pm - 8:30pm  Dustbowl Revival Set times subject to change / suggested set times.  Artist bios: Dustbowl Revival Going strong into their second decade after starting from a humble Craigslist ad founder and lead songwriter Z. Lupetin posted in bohemian Venice Beach (where they started busking), some would say Dustbowl Revival’s ever-evolving collective plays a spicy cocktail of folky-funk or booty-shaking jangly rock ’n’ soul: expertly mixing their New Orleans-tinted brass section with their signature Laurel Canyon harmonies and fearless lyrics. Their albums have been streamed over 20 million times and counting with a new one on the way in 2025.  Ruby Friedman Orchestra Fronted by the Portland-based/Los Angeles-bred singer-songwriter Ruby Friedman, the Ruby Friedman Orchestra has a new album, Chimes After Midnight , coming from Label 51 Recordings in June,  The record, described as “Every song, a knockout” by Willamette Week, is the successor to RFO’s highly regarded 2016 release Gem. Friedman says of her new work, “I’m giving voice to remarkable people who time will erase otherwise, ordinary men and women who changed history. Like chimes after midnight, theirs are the voices you would not hear — people in the dark.” Tony Gilkyson Born in Hollywood and reared in northern New Mexico, Tony Gilkyson writes songs that speak of ghosts, travels, dreams, and landscapes. A songwriter-guitarist, Tony began recording at a young age with his father, Terry Gilkyson. He has collaborated with songwriters John Doe and Chuck E. Weiss, as well as authors Diane Stillman (29 Palms) and Michael Blake (Dances with Wolves). His musical style blends rock, folk, and Americana, with a distinctive guitar sound that combines traditional and modern influences. Throughout his career, Tony has worked with artists such as Dave Alvin, Lone Justice, Jimmie Dale Gilmore, Bob Dylan, Kris Kristofferson, K.D. Lang, and X. His guitar work has been featured in film soundtracks like Walk the Line, The Big Lebowski, All the King's Men, and Don’t Come Knockin’, with producer T Bone Burnett Hollywood Highsteppers The Hollywood Highsteppers is a class taught at the Silverlake Conservatory of Music, a nonprofit music school serving the Silver Lake/Hollywood/Los Feliz neighborhoods. The class formed in 2019 under the direction of Michael Bolger and serves as a community band. It’s an all-ages ensemble consisting of sousaphones, drums, flutes, trumpets, trombones, saxophones, accordions, guitar, and singing. Most of the repertoire hails from the Second Line tradition of New Orleans. The band also explores other repertoire including Balkan grooves, pop songs, and funk. The Highsteppers recorded a track on a soon to be released album featuring ensembles of the Silverlake Conservatory. They march in community parades like the Doo Dah parade and the Venice Mardi Gras parade. The class is growing and bringing joy to the community. Ted Russell Kamp Ted Russell Kamp is a Grammy Award-winning bass player, singer/songwriter and producer living in Los Angeles. His music is a true gumbo of American rock and roll, blues, country and singer/songwriter styles. Rolling Stone has called Kamp an “MVP of the California Roots Music scene” as he has been a singer/songwriter and artist releasing 14 albums of his own original material while also playing bass with Shooter Jennings, Shooter Jennings Duff McKagan, Wilson Phillips, Wanda Jackson and more. Ilana Katz Katz Ilana Katz Katz is a blues and Appalachian fiddler, singer, songwriting musical chameleon who has been busking in Boston’s subways since 2008. Known for her signature solo performances, she also lends her fiddling prowess to a plethora of bands, internationally, as a recording artist and special guest. Ilana Katz Katz will fly cross-country to participate in Busk-Aid. Living Sisters Eleni Mandell and Becky Stark concocted the idea of singing together over cocktails at Little Joy back in the day. Both had been pursuing solo careers as singer-songwriters but both dreamed of a side project focused on harmonizing. Becky already had the name ready and The Living Sisters were born. Their charming, heartfelt and, sometimes, goofy songs exist to spread joy, light, and harmony! Later, Inara George and Alex Lilly joined the band but they’ll be out of town during Busk-Aid. Fernando Perdomo Fernando Perdomo  is a multi-instrumentalist, producer, and singer-songwriter originally from Miami, Florida. L.A. Times dubbed him "The Millennial Answer to Todd Rundgren.” He was featured in the movie Echo in the Canyonplaying guitar for Jakob Dylan, Fiona Apple, Beck, Cat Power, Regina Spektor, Brian Wilson and others. He currently is the guitar player for Marshall Crenshaw on tour. He is a prolific recording artist with hundreds of releases available on his Bandcamp Page. He will be releasing 12 albums in 2025 titled Waves 1-12.  Rick Shea Singer, songwriter, and guitarist Rick Shea’s work speaks for itself. He’s played with legends like Dave Alvin (Shea played on his Grammy-winning album), R.E.M. (for the soundtrack to Man on the Moon) and Rock & Roll Hall of Fame member Wanda Jackson among others He cut his teeth in Southern California honky-tonks, and his songs reflect the folk, country, rock and Mexican influences he grew up with. Shea has released 12 albums to wide acclaim (his latest received 4 Stars from Mojo), and toured both the U.S. and Europe.                                                            # # # For more information, please contact Cary Baker, link here QR code for donations via Sweet Relief Musicians Fund below. This code will be posted at all busking locations.

 

 

Fall 2023 New Music Roundup

The upcoming weeks will see both groundbreaking veterans and cult heroes featured on new audio titles. Here is a roundup of some of the most anticipated rock and Americana releases.

Artist: The Rolling Stones

Title: Hackney Diamonds (Geffen Records)
You might like if you enjoy: The Rolling Stones
Tell me more: The wait is almost over. The Rolling Stones return on Friday, Oct. 20 with their eagerly-awaited full-length studio album Hackney Diamonds. As of the writing of this preview, the British troupe has released two advance tracks from the disc (the signature rocker "Angry" and soulful gospel-tinged "Sweet Sounds of Heaven") that have added to the collective hopes of classic rock fans that the 12-track Hackney Diamonds will join the celebrated heights of some of the band's most beloved album titles. In addition to the late Charlie Watts, other notable artists featured on the Rolling Stones' first new album of original material since 2005 include Paul McCartney, Stevie Wonder, Elton John, Lady Gaga and founding Rolling Stones bassist Bill Wyman. Information: rollingstones.com.

Artist: Simple Minds

Title: New World Dream — Live From Paisley Abbey (BMG)

You might like if you enjoy: U2, Simple Minds
Tell me more: Beloved Scottish rock troupe Simple Minds returns this month with New World Dream — Live From Paisley Abbey, a one-off live performance of the band playing their 1982 masterwork New Gold Dream. The performance was captured a short distance from the band's hometown of Glasgow in the picturesque 12th century Paisley Abbey. Among the classic cuts revisited by Simple Minds (singer Jim Kerr, lead guitarist Charlie Burchill, acoustic guitarist Gordy Goldie, bassist Ged Grimes, drummer Charisse Osei and vocalist Sarah Brown) on the title are "Promised You A Miracle," "Glittering Prize" and "Someone, Somewhere (In Summertime)." Recorded in 2022, the recording is part of Sky Arts' "Greatest Albums Live" series, which captures iconic artists playing classic albums from their illustrious careers. The collection will be released via vinyl and audio CD on Oct. 27. Information: simpleminds.com. 

Artist: Jimi Hendrix Experience

Title: Jimi Hendrix Experience: Hollywood Bowl August 18, 1967 (Legacy Recordings)
You might like if you enjoy: Jimi Hendrix, Ten Years After
Tell me more: Jimi Hendrix was relatively unknown when he took the stage at the Hollywood Bowl on Aug. 18, 1967. Indeed, the Jimi Hendrix Experience — whose debut album Are You Experienced had not yet been released — was serving as the opening act for headliners the Mamas & The Papas. In front of a sold out audience of 17,000 concertgoers, Hendrix (guitar and lead vocals), Mitch Mitchell (drums) and Noel Redding (bass, backing vocals) blew away the crowd with fiery takes of songs by the Beatles, Bob Dylan, Howlin' Wolf and Muddy Waters as well as soon-to-be original classics "Purple Haze," "Foxey Lady" and "The Wind Cries Mary." Jimi Hendrix Experience: Hollywood Bowl August 18, 1967 is set for release on Nov. 10. Information: jimihendrix.com. 

Twenty-five years after its initial release, Tim Easton's
celebrated Special 20 will be reissued on Oct. 20, 2023. 

Artist: Tim Easton

Titles: Special 20; Not Cool (Black Mesa Records)
You might like if you enjoy: Tim Easton, Peter Case
Tell me more: Acclaimed singer-songwriter Tim Easton is the focus of two reissues. Black Mesa Records will release both Special 20 and Not Cool — both long out of print — on vinyl and audio CD on Oct. 20. The songs on Special 20 (the original album was released in 1998) cover a number of themes pulled from real life as well as the world of fiction. Fifteen years later, Easton went into Nashville's famed Alex the Great studio to record Not Cool. Enlisting the talents of Joe Fick, JD Simo, Jon Radford, Megan Palmer and Sadler Vaden, the fast-moving sessions resulted in one of Easton's most beloved discs. "Not Cool is the record, from start to finish, that I call my best album," Easton says in recent press notes. "Any one of the 20 songs on these two albums still rings a bell in my book. No disrespect to any of my albums, but these two are my favorites." Information: timeaston.com. 

Artist: Robert Rex Waller Jr.

Titles: See The Big Man Cry (Have Harmony, Will Travel Productions)
You might like if you enjoy: I See Hawks In L.A., Carla Olson
Tell me more: Robert Rex Waller Jr. (the frontman of Americana collective I See Hawks in L.A.) and Carla Olson (the Textones) have been collaborating on stage and in the studio for years. On Waller's upcoming See The Big Man Cry the acclaimed artist revisits classic tracks from the far-flung likes of Bobby Rydell, Bruce Springsteen, Charlie Louvin and Gene Clark on the ambitious Olson-produced 13-track project. Olson and Waller assembled an all-star cast of Los Angeles' finest America players to work on the recordings, including Olson (guitar, harmony vocals), John York (12 string guitar), Benjamin Lecourt (drums), Skip Edwards (piano) and many others. See The Big Man Cry will be released on Oct. 20. Information: robertrexwallerjr.com. 

Artist: Jon Byrd

Title: All Your Mistakes (Longleaf Pine Records)
You might like if you enjoy: Merle Haggard, Waylon Jennings
Tell me more: Jon Byrd writes and records "what they used to call country music." Fans of authentic country will be able to hear the Birmingham, Alabama native's fifth full-length album All Your Mistakes when it is released on Oct. 20. Armed with his strong baritone vocals and acoustic guitar work, the album also features the talents of pedal steel guitar player Paul Niehaus, guitarist Joe V. McMahan, drummer Bryan Owings and bassist Chris Donahue; harmony vocals are provided by Shannon Wright, Amelia White and Andrea Zone. Information: jonbyrd.com. 

Artist: The Lunar Laugh

Title: In The Black (Big Stir Records)
You might like if you enjoy: The Lunar Laugh, Jason Falkner
Tell me more: Oklahoma-based power pop quintet The Lunar Laugh returns next month with their latest studio LP In The Black. I absolutely loved 2021's Nighthawks! and look forward to digging my ears into the trio's fourth full length effort. The album featuring the bona fide talents of singer-songwriters Connor Anderson, Jared Lekites, Campbell Young will be available on audio CD and via streaming on Nov. 11. Information: bigstirrecords.com. 

Artist: Shooter Jennings

Title: Shooter Jennings and the Werewolves of Los Angeles Do Zevon (BCR Media)
You might like if you enjoy: Shooter Jennings, Warren Zevon
Tell me more: Based on the strength of the first advance tracks ("Excitable Boy" and "Lawyers, Guns and Money") from the forthcoming live album Shooter Jennings and the Werewolves of Los Angeles Do Zevon, the tribute to the late great singer-songwriter Warren Zevon will be an essential addition to any music lover's permanent collection. Three-time Grammy Award-winning singer-songwriter/multi-instrumentalist/producer Shooter Jennings recorded the full-length set with a top-tier band at the "Rebels & Renegades Music Festival" in Monterey, CA in late 2022. 

“This last year we had a blast doing two separate shows paying tribute to one of my favorite artists of all time, Los Angeles legend Warren Zevon,” says Shooter Jennings in a recent media release. “When Zevon was picked to be potentially inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame this year we, along with millions of Zevon fans, were hoping that he would finally get his due in the halls of Rock & Roll History. Unfortunately, Zevon didn't make it in this year and won't be honored on November 4, 2023, in New York City at the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame ceremony. Upon hearing this news, the Werewolves of Los Angeles gathered in our Wolfcave to discuss what we could do about it. We decided that even though Warren wasn't going into the Hall of Fame, we could take a special trip up to New York City that weekend and do our own celebration of Warren's bad-ass music.” 

Shooter Jennings and the Werewolves of Los Angeles Do Zevon will be released on Nov. 3. Information: shooterjennings.com. 

Robert Kinsler

New Music: Carla Olson, Tower of Power, Raul Midon

Discerning listeners with an ear for a variety of styles are in luck. A new duets project from singer-songwriter/producer Carla Olson, amazing return from soul masters Tower of Power and genre-stretching effort from jazz great Raul Midón are worth adding to your music library.

Artist: Carla Olson
Title: Have Harmony Will Travel 2 (Sunset Blvd. Records)
You might like if you enjoy: Timothy B. Schmit, Peter Noone, Gene Clark, Percy Sledge
Tell me more: Lovers of stellar duets will want to hear Carla Olson's wonderful Have Harmony Will Travel 2 (released March 20 via Sunset Blvd. Records). The album features the talented Austin, Texas spawned singer-guitarist and former leader of Los Angeles' Textones teaming up with 11 notable guests to share lead vocals on a follow-up to her 2013 disc "Have Harmony, Will Travel." The track listing is uniformly strong with a celebrated and eclectic lineup of great singers artfully joining their voices with Olson's own. The decidedly rootsy "Timber, I'm Falling In Love" (with Stephen McCarthy on vocals and guitar), the Byrds-flavored "Goodbye My Love" (featuring Herman's Hermits lead singer Peter Noone) and "After the Storm" (with actress-singer Mare Winningham), and Americana nugget "Bossier City" (featuring I See Hawks In L.A.) are among my favorites on the album. The album's final track, the folk tale "Del Gato," has legendary Gene Clark and Olson joining voices in a nuanced performance. This is an album that reveals its magic more fully with each subsequent listen. Information: SunsetBlvdRecords.com.

Artist: Tower of Power
Title: Step Up (Artistry Music)
You might like if you enjoy: Tower of Power, Earth Wind & Fire
Tell me more: After more than 50 years, Tower of Power remains a musical treasure. Just listen to the Oakland-spawned outfit's Step Up (released on March 20), an intoxicating 14-track journey through the collective's blend of R&B and funk anchored by one of the world's great and enduring horn sections. Led by founder and tenor saxophonist Emilio Castillo, Tower of Power's timeless sound is celebrated with power and zeal. "The Story of You and I" is a wonderful musical explosion featuring a driving rhythm section amidst horns, fiery lead guitar and soulful lead vocals. The soulful ballad "Who Would Have Thought," shimmering "Addicted To You," and dance-minded funk romp "Look In My Eyes" are early highlights on the disc, while the jazzy "Sleeping With You Baby" and joyful soul of "Beyond My Wildest Dreams" are among the great tracks on the latter half of Step Up. Information: TowerOfPower.com.

Artist: Raul Midón
Title: The Mirror (Artistry Music/Mack Avenue Music Group)
You might like if you enjoy: Gerald Clayton, Tyrone Wells
Tell me more: Raul Midón is back with his new album The Mirror, an outstanding jazz effort which comes on the heels of the singer-guitarist's Grammy Award nominations for his previous two LPs (2017's Bad Ass & Blind and 2018's If You Really Want). This time out there is again plenty to celebrate as the talented artist (who has been blind since birth) showcases that he has an otherworldly ability to interpret the world around him and translate that into luxurious and probing songs that resonate with a master's touch. The diversity of the material is impressive. The album kicks off with the acoustic guitar-driven "I Love the Afternoon," Midón's soulful vocals balanced by some select harmonies that augment his voice; the track is further bolstered by a strong solo on his guitar. The lovely romantic-themed "A Certain Café" finds the New Mexico native joined by vibraphonist Joe Locke. On the breezy title track, he blends his signature jazz style with some flashy blues-meets-jazz guitar licks for a stylish approach. The gorgeous "Cold Cuts and Coffee" and "Deep Dry Ocean" are other standouts. He even enthralls with two solo spoken-word works ("If I Could See" and "One Day Without War"). The Mirror is a wonderful step forward for Midón. Information: RaulMidon.com.


Robert Kinsler

Genre-spanning titles that rock

Several live albums, a slew of welcome reissues and an impressive debut are among the large field of highly-recommended titles that will satisfy music lovers from across the spectrum.

Artist: Neil Young + Promise of the Real
Title: Earth (Reprise)
You might like if you enjoy: Neil Young and Crazy Horse
Tell me more: Neil Young is truly rock's most enduring explorer, challenging himself and his audience with songs bolstered by socially-minded lyrics and expansive rock that incorporates folk, alt-country, blues and other styles. On his latest album Earth, Young + Promise of the Real (a group headed by Lucas Nelson and Micah Nelson, Willie Nelson's sons) utilize 2015 concert recordings and studio  overdubs adorned with sounds both tranquil and jarring (mostly animal cries, but also sonics captured in the city) that add up to something that is never less than captivating. The 13-track recording fills two CDs, and includes an ambitious 26-minute take on "Love and Only Love." Other standouts include the beautiful harmonica- and organ-anchored "Mother Earth," melodic country rocker "My Country Home," and lush "Western Hero." Information: NeilYoung.com.

Purchase 'Earth' (2CD) here today




Artist: Asia
Title: British Live Performance Series (Rainman)
You might like if you enjoy: Yes, John Wetton, Carl Palmer, Geoff Downes
Tell me more: Recorded at Central Television Nottingham studios in 1990, Asia's British Live Performance Series concert release is a wonder. Capturing the supergroup as they performed highlights from their first decade together, the 13-track set includes virtuoso prog-rock ("Wildest Dreams," "Time Again"), tuneful anthems ("Voice of America," "Days Like These") and energetic takes on their biggest hits ("Sole Survivor," "Don't Cry," "Only Time Will Tell," "Heat of the Moment"). British Live Performance Series is a must-have for fans of Asia. Information: rainmanrecords.com.

Get Asia's 'British Live Performance Series' here



Artist: Charlie Faye & the Fayettes
Title: Charlie Faye & the Fayettes (independent)
You might like if you enjoy: She & Him, the Shirelles, the Ronettes
Tell me more: Some of today's most exciting artists are those who have tapped into a retro vein and made it their own. Indeed, She & Him, Gary Clark Jr. and St. Paul & the Broken Bones are among the '00s breakout acts who have artistically balanced old and new. Now comes Austin's Charlie Faye & the Fayettes (Faye is lead vocalist, and is joined by backup singers BettySoo and Akina Adderley). The glorious "Green Light," haunting "Loving Names," Burt Bacharach-styled "Carelessly," and rock 'n' soul romp "Eastside" are among this writer's faves. Information: charliefayeandthefayettes.com.

Purchase 'Charlie Faye & The Fayettes' on audio CD




Artist: The Record Company
Title: Give It Back to You (Concord Music Group)
You might like if you enjoy: Moreland & Arbuckle, 7Horse
Tell me more: Los Angeles trio The Record Company has been doing for blues-rock what Vintage Trouble has done for rock 'n soul. The Record Company (singer-guitarist-harmonica player Chris Vos, bassist-vocalist Alex Stiff and drummer-vocalist-piano player Marc Cazorla released a debut, Give It Back to You, that not only harkens back to some of the group's influences (John Lee Hooker, Muddy Waters, the Rolling Stones), but equally establishes the threesome as a contemporary and fully contemporary voice. The performances are energetic and the songs are explosive. The blistering "Off the Ground," heavy bass-filled hypnotic rocker "On the Move" and gospel-infused "Hard Day Coming Down" are undeniably catchy, and everywhere the sparse but intoxicating arrangements are a delight. Information: therecordcompany.net.

Get 'Give It Back To You' here




Artist: The Traveling Wilburys
Title: The Traveling Wilburys Collection (Concord Bicycle Music)
You might like if you enjoy: George Harrison, Jeff Lynne, Roy Orbison, Bob Dylan
Tell me more: The Traveling Wilburys' brief but brilliant career is fully chronicled on the newly-released The Traveling Wilburys Collection. Featuring the group's wonderful 1988 debut Traveling Wilburys Vol. 1 and sterling sophomore disc, 1990's Traveling Wilburys Vol. 3, the new collection offers each of those albums with bonus tracks. In addition, a DVD disc includes the documentary "The True History of the Traveling Wilburys," and five great music videos for classics including "Handle With Care," "End of the Line" and "She's My Baby." As time has flown by it almost defies belief that George Harrison, Jeff Lynne, Roy Orbison, Tom Petty and Bob Dylan took time out from their A-list solo careers to join forces in one of rock 'n' roll's greatest-ever supergroups; The Traveling Wilburys Collection is the lasting document of that joyous union. Information: travelingwilburys.com.

Buy 'Traveling Wilburys Collection' [2CD/DVD Combo][Deluxe Edition] version here



Artist: The Bangles
Title: Ladies and Gentlemen…the Bangles! (Omnivore)
You might like if you enjoy: The Bangles, Susanna Hoffs
Tell me more: Some of the Bangles' earliest recordings are gathered together on the delightful Ladies and Gentlemen...the Bangles! The wonderful 16-track disc offers up standout studio takes, demos and live recordings chronicling the group's formative years (the ensemble was originally known as the Bangs before adopting the permanent moniker the Bangles). The mix of propulsive instrumentals and melodic power pop is infectious and the songs really shine across the re-mastered set. My faves include the surf-minded instrumental "Bitchen Summer/Speedway," harmonies-rich "The Real World," Beatles-worthy "I'm In Line" and garage rocker "Want You." Information: omnivorerecordings.com.

Get 'Ladies And Gentlemen... The Bangles!' here




Artist: Gypsy Soul
Title: True (Off the Beaten Track Recordings)
You might like if you enjoy: Sarah McLachlan, the Civil Wars
Tell me more: Indie music duo Gypsy Soul has a loyal and discerning following that has followed singer Cilette Swann and multi-instrumentalist Roman Morykit as they have carved out an impressive discography filled with material blending Celtic, folk, jazz, rock and other styles with a master's touch. Gypsy Soul's thirteenth album True offers an engaging and eclectic collection of songs sure to thrill fans; the Americana "We Are What We Believe," beautiful acoustic ballad "6,000 Miles," introspective folk rocker "Long, Long Ride" and stripped down soulful exploration of Leonard Cohen's "Hallelujah" all shine here. Information: gypsysoul.com.

Purchase 'True' here


Artist: RAZ
Title: The Best of RAZ (Gonzo Multimedia)
You might like if you enjoy: Early Cheap Trick, Big Star, Joey Molland
Tell me more: The high-octane and infectious songs that fill The Best of RAZ recall the early days of power pop, namely the groundbreaking sounds of Big Star and early Cheap Trick. The rollicking "The Boy," New Wave-styled rocker "Say Ya Love Me," saxophone-adorned riff rocker "Back in the Shadows" and alt country rocker "Sitting On My Bed" (the latter featuring Carla Olson on lead vocals) are simply a blast. In addition to the talents of leader Michael Raz Rescigno (vocals, guitar), the range of recordings featured on the best-of disc includes guest players Joey Molland (Badfinger), Joe Vitale (Joe Walsh, The Eagles), Stu Cook (Creedence Clearwater Revival) and aforementioned Olson. Information: gonzomultimedia.co.uk.

Purchase 'The Best of Raz' here




Artist: The Rides
Title: Pierced Arrow (429 Records)
You might like if you enjoy: Stephen Stills, Kenny Wayne Shepherd, Kim Wilson
Tell me more: Lightening strikes twice for the Rides, the supergroup (featuring singer-guitarist Stephen Stills, singer-guitarist Kenny Wayne Shepherd and keyboardist Barry Goldberg), whose new sophomore effort is a top-notch followup to 2013's "Can't Get Enough." Armed with a collection of soulful originals (the blues-rocker "Kick Out of It," smooth soul rocker "I've Got to Use My Imagination" and bluesy "Game On" among the great tracks) and a cover of Willie Dixon's "My Babe," the trio is rounded out by drummer Chris Layton and bassist Kevin McCormick. One of the most powerful songs on the set is "Virtual World," whose Buffalo Springfield-styled musical palate and right-on lyrics of the emotional cost of living in a technology-immersed society should be required listening. Information: 429records.com.


Artist: Glen Campbell
Title: For the Good Times (Varèse Sarabande Records)
You might like if you enjoy: Glen Campbell, Keith Urban, Alan Jackson
Tell me more: Although Glen Campbell is best known for a string of timeless crossover hits he scored in the 1960s and '70s, the singer-guitarist had a busy decade in the 1980s focusing on country music. Standouts and previously-unreleased material from that decade is featured on the newly-issued For the Good Times, a 16-track collection that includes the theme song from the 1980 hit film "Any Which Way You Can," an affecting previously-unheard version of Dave Loggins' "Please Come To Boston" and a beautiful banjo-anchored take on JD Souther's "Faithless Love," the latter showcasing Campbell's high-soaring tenor vocals. Campbell's talent was always such that he could make songs penned by others his own; listening to a tender version of Jimmy Webb's "Do What You Gotta Do" serves as a painful reminder of Campbell's absence from the music scene. Information: VareseSarabande.com.




Artist: The Muffs
Title: Blonder and Blonder (Omnivore Recordings)
You might like if you enjoy: The Pixies, the Pandoras
Tell me more: The deluxe re-release of the Muffs' Blonder and Blonder is a fan's dream come true. Not only does the original 14-track 1995 release sound better than ever, but the disc includes seven bonus tracks (two U.K. B-sides and five previously unissued Kim Shattuck demo recordings). The straight-up post-punk album includes so many great songs, stretching from the opening blast "Agony" and scream-laced "Oh Nina" to the crunchy rocker "Red Eyed Troll" and tuneful "Just a Game." Omnivore Recordings has issued "Blonder and Blonder" on audio CD, and on baby-blue vinyl. The 20-page full-color booklet that comes with the CD is wonderful, providing extensive liner notes, photos and even a song-by-song reflections by Shattuck. Information: omnivorerecordings.com.

Artist: Band of Horses
Title: Why Are You Ok (Interscope)
You might like if you enjoy: Neil Young and Crazy Horse, Band of Horses' 2010 album "Infinite Arms"
Tell me more: If Neil Young and Crazy Horse had joined forces with members of Oasis and the Shins it might sound something like the dreamy expanse minded so masterfully by Band of Horses. The quintet's new album Why Are You Ok is a beautiful triumph, with the ambitious "Dull Times/The Moon" growing from an ethereal soundscape to a raging rocker. The lush "Solemn Oath," introspective "Hag," country-styled "Throw My Mess" and driving "Casual Party" are among the other masterfully penned and performed songs on the disc. Information: bandofhorses.com.



Artist: Garbage
Title: Strange Little Birds (STUNVOLUME)
You might like if you enjoy: Garbage, the Pretenders
Tell me more: Garbage's sixth album Strange Little Birds finds the rock quintet exploring the better part of its electronica and alt rock personalities with equal zeal. Singer Shirley Manson remains one of modern rock's greatest lead vocalists, and is backed by a quartet of talented musicians able to unleash powerful and affecting songs that are never anything less than original. The ethereal "Blackout," propulsive "Empty" and alluring electronica-tinged "Night Drive Loneliness" provide more than enough reasons to pick up Garbage's brilliant Strange Little Birds. Information: garbage.com.

Robert Kinsler