Doheny Blues Festival 2017 preview

Dustin & Arbuckle will perform at the 2017 Doheny Blues Festival.
Photo: Bob Steshetz

20th Anniversary Doheny Blues Festival

Who: Joe Walsh, Jason Bonham's Led Zeppelin Experience, Robin Trower, Canned Heat and more (May 20); Melissa Etheridge, Chris Isaak, Mavis Staples, Bobby Rush, JJ Grey & Mofro, Moreland & Arbuckle and more (May 21)

When: May 20-21, 2017

Where: Doheny State Beach in Dana Point, CA

Tickets: As of May 8, 2017, 1-day ($75) or 2-day ($140) general admission tickets are available, and VIP & Gold passes are available for Sun. May 21 ($150 and $250, respectively, with various amenities).

Online: DohenyBluesFestival.com

Before Coachella, Stagecoach and KAABOO festivals made their mark on the Southern California landscape, there was Orange County's own Doheny Blues Festival.

Samantha Fish is among the young up-and-coming
artists coming to the annual blues festival.

That celebrated two-day music event celebrates its 20th anniversary in 2017 and returns to Doheny State Beach in Dana Point May 20-21. Boasting three stages and a wide range of blues, roots, classic rock and Americana artists, the lineup includes Joe Walsh, Jason Bonham's Led Zeppelin Experience and Robin Trower on Saturday, and Melissa Etheridge, Chris Isaak, Mavis Staples, Samantha Fish and Moreland & Arbuckle on Sunday.

"Music festivals are very important for a lot of people and this is a completely new way to experience live music," said Rich Sherman, president of Omega Events. "Has it become harder (to produce our event)? Indeed, there is more competition than there was 20 years ago. What we found is that the competition isn’t necessarily what is happening in California, but every weekend on the calendar there is going to be a festival somewhere in North America, even the world. The real issue isn't Coachella or Arroyo Seco (the latter a new festival coming to the Rose Bowl June 24-25), it might just be a great festival in North Carolina or Florida or Texas. And so the advent of music festivals as a whole has made it tough on scheduling."

Junior Brown will perform at the 2017 festival.
Photo: Bob Steshetz

In addition, while an artist such as Staples has been a featured performer at Coachella, the majority of artists on the bill at Doheny are not necessarily being targeted to play at the other large festivals in Southern California.

What stands out about the 20th anniversary celebration is how many names are appearing for the first time on the bill.

"We've tried to secure Joe Walsh several times in the past to play the festival, but that's a complicated puzzle given (his role in) the Eagles. Joe was one of our early targets (for 2017). It's an incredible opportunity to have him coming to Doheny State Beach for sure. And Melissa, she has had this new Stax Records tribute she was working on ("MEmphis Rock and Soul," released in October 2016), and she is very serious about the live show, adding horns and backup singers to her set at Doheny (May 21) to fully represent the Stax sound from Memphis."

Chris Issak will make his first-ever
appearance at Doheny Blues Fest.
Photo: Bob Steshetz

"Chris Isaak, we've never had him play the festival, so that's exciting. He fits right in with all of the roots and rockabilly acts that have played in the past. It goes all the way through the list; Robin Trower has never played the festival before either," said Sherman, noting the legendary Trower was seminal in the development of merging blues with rock as a member of Procol Harum in the 1960s and during his subsequent solo career.

Fans can expect unique sets from headliners such as Walsh and Etheridge, as well as exciting acts extending across the bill both days. For example, famed Americana country singer-guitar virtuoso Junior Brown will be the first act to appear on the intimate Backporch Stage on Sunday morning. 

Another must-see act on Sunday is Wichita, Kansas-based Moreland & Arbuckle, whose line-up features members Dustin Arbuckle (lead vocals, harmonica), Aaron Moreland (guitar) and Kendall Newby (drums). The trio's material is a perfect amalgam of Delta blues, Southern rock, country folk and Chicago sizzle. The Record Company is among the high-profile artists whose sound recalls the style that Moreland & Arbuckle's created on their 2005 debut "Caney Valley Blues" and have continued to develop through to their celebrated 2016 album "Promised Land Or Bust" issued by Alligator Records.

""For me, I felt like everything we did musically happened organically. We didn't set out to create this style of music that melds Mississippi country blues and 'stoner' rock. We knew we had something special but we never really thought about it being influential on anyone else," Arbuckle said in a recent phone interview.

The appearance is bittersweet, since Moreland & Arbuckle are performing their last-ever California date in Dana Point on their recently-announced farewell tour.

"We want to enjoy these last handful of shows. We've had a good run," said Arbuckle, who plans to continue to write, record and perform original music. "I want to say 'thank you' to all the people who have supported us for the past 15 years."

Mavis Staples performing at the
Doheny Blues Festival in 2011.
Photo: Bob Steshetz

Staples is another key performer on Sunday. Sherman noted that while the 77-year-old Staples is a legacy artist with a career stretching back to the 1950s, her approach is also contemporary. Indeed, Staples is featured on the Arcade Fire single "I Give You Power" released in January 2017, and the more recent Gorillaz single "Let Me Out" issued last month. 

"We're proud to be a partner with Doheny State Beach and the California State Parks system to produce this event in such a spectacular setting," Sherman said. "You can't beat enjoying great live music on the beach, and the fans have always told us ‘please, keep the festival at Doheny State Beach’ like we would ever consider leaving. Behind the scenes, we are proud to have invested in the infrastructure of the venue, having rebuilt many of the lighting structures inside the venue, so that locals can benefit from the event all through the year. Plus, we help to raise funds for the Doheny State Beach Interpretive Association, which operates the on-site visitors center, so this is truly a wonderful, long-term partnership."


Robert Kinsler

Doheny Blues Festival to mark 20th anniversary, May 20-21, 2017

Chris Isaak is coming to Dana Point.
Photo: Robert Kinsler

Attending and covering the annual Doheny Blues Festival in Dana Point, CA is always a highlight of my concert-going calendar. This year the event will mark its 20th anniversary on the third weekend in May. I can't think of a better combination than two full days of great music and terrific food enjoyed along the Pacific Ocean in beautiful Orange County, California.

Saturday, May 20, is a day geared toward rock fans with Joe Walsh, Robin Trower and Jason Bonham's Led Zeppelin Experience set as headliners. Sunday, May 21, is decidedly going to appeal to fans of soul with Melissa Etheridge's Memphis Rock & Soul (a tribute to Stax Records), gospel great Mavis Staples, JJ Grey & Mofro, and the Marcus King Band set to perform.

Other notables set to perform at the festival include singer-songwriter/guitarist Chris Isaak, singer-guitarist Samantha Fish, classic blues rockers Canned Heat, country guitar great Junior Brown, killer ensemble Rod Piazza and the Mighty Flyers, dynamic blues duo Moreland and Arbuckle, and France-based singer-guitarist Nico Duportal.

There are three stages featuring music, and there is a real positive spirit among the fans who attend the event every May. 

Mavis Staples, seen here performing in 2011,
is set to perform at the upcoming 2017 Doheny
Blues Festival. Photo: Robert Kinsler

Single Day tickets are on sale now! Please note that VIP and GOLD Weekend Passes are Sold Out!

Information: DohenyBluesFestival.com.

Robert Kinsler

Sights and Sounds: Chris Isaak, Grace Potter, Herb Alpert

Several big announcements to share today...

Chris Isaak's new album 'First Comes the Night' debuts at No. 2 in Australia; exclusive album prepiere via NPR 'First Listen'

Rock and Roll music sounds better than ever with the launch of Chris Isaak’s new album First Comes The Night set to be released this Friday, November l3.  With the album debuting at No. 2 and holding in Australia where Isaak is currently a judge on X-Factor, the exclusive album premiere on NPR First Listen and some very impressive early reviews, First Comes The Night, Isaak’s first album of original tunes in six years, is poised for success.

Recent reviews:

“It's been six years since Chris Isaak released an album of new material, so maybe that's why First Comes the Night is bursting with life. Even at its most languid, the Nashville-and-noir-inspired album is packed with swagger, heart and foot-stomping fun.  First Comes the Night offers up a looser-limbed and more vibrant Isaak than we've seen in a long time.” – CBC Music

“On Isaak’s previous album, 2011’s Beyond the Sun, he covered songs that had come out of Memphis’ legendary Sun Studio, where Johnny Cash, Elvis Presley, Jerry Lee Lewis and others cut classic sides in the ’50s. If that album was mid’-50s Presley at Sun, First Comes the Night is later Presley at RCA.”

– USA Today

 First Comes The Night is Isaak's singing. Isaak has a strong base that doesn't confine him. Still deliciously viscous in quieter moments and rousingly grand when he takes a verse to the max, the 59-year-old's tenor has grown rawer, lending his inquiries into heartbreak an air of menace. If his 1989 classic "Wicked Game" froze sexual enthrallment in yuppie amber, Isaak is now much freer in his expressions of angst. The meanness of "Please Don't Call," the playful plaintiveness of the Latin-tinged "Don't Break My Heart" and the gentle reflectiveness of "The Way Things Really Are" all benefit from Isaak's years of experience, as well as the worn edge in his tone. He can still sing like a dream, but Isaak's gotten better at capturing nightmares.” – NPR

Listen to the album in its entirety on NPR ‘FIRST LISTEN’ HERE: http://www.npr.org/2015/11/04/452619027/first-listen-chris-isaak-first-comes-the-night

Watch Isaak’s electrifying live performance of the single “Please Don’t Call” on X FACTOR: https://au.tv.yahoo.com/x-factor/clips/29801856/chris-isaak-please-don-t-call/?cmp=st

Mix Magazine feature story: 

http://www.mixonline.com/news/profiles/chris-isaak-takes-turn-nashville/426055

First Comes the Night is available in two configurations – a standard version with 12 songs and a deluxe edition with 5 bonus tracks. Read my concert review that ran in The Orange County Register of Chris Isaak's outstanding show in Anaheim, CA that he headlines this past August.

Grace Potter announces first leg of the 2016 Midnight Tour

Grace Potter sets upcoming tour dates.
Photo credit: Rich Gastwirt

“Midnight’s shift towards pop is nervy and refreshing… Potter retains enough bite to satisfy even diehard rock purists.”

TIME

“…a successful artistic gambit…for those adventurous enough to follow her.”

USA TODAY

“One of the greatest living voices in rock today has returned for a well-deserved moment in the spotlight.”

SPIN

“..her first solo album Midnight, pop rock gets a real kick in the cherry-red pants….With its songs about sex and dancing, self-confidence and risk, Midnight is a mid-career turn for Potter that proves genuinely freeing.”

NPR

Grace Potter and her backing band the Magical Midnight Roadshow have announced the first leg of their 2016 Midnight tour.  Kicking off in January, the U.S. headlining dates will take the band across the country in support of Potter’s solo album, Midnight, released this past August.  Potter will also travel to Australia to play the Byron Bay Bluesfest and New Zealand for the inaugural Auckland City Limits festival in March.  Presale tickets will be available to the fan club Tuesday, November 10^th  at 10am ET/ 7am PT at http://www.gracepotter.com/#tour.  To sign up for presale access click MEMBERS.  Tickets go on sale to the general public starting Friday, November 13.

Heralded as one of today’s best live performers, Grace Potter has played every major music festival from Coachella and Lollapalooza to Bonnaroo and Rock in Rio.  She’s had the honor of sharing the stage with artists such as The Rolling Stones, Robert Plant, the Allman Brothers, Neil Young, Mavis Staples, Kenny Chesney, The Flaming Lips, and The Roots to name just a few.  At the invitation of The First Lady, Michelle Obama, and Conan O’Brien, Grace recently performed for the troops in Qatar (where she was joined on stage by the guitar-playing O’Brien). Through the years Grace has made it a priority to support her home state of Vermont and this past week was honored with the Governor’s Award for Excellence in the Arts, the state’s highest honor in the creative sector.

Watch / Listen: Grace Potter - "Empty Heart"

https://youtu.be/ZPEE33a8ufA

Midnight was recorded and mixed at Barefoot Studios in Hollywood, CA, with producer Eric Valentine. The core studio band consisted of Potter and Valentine on most of the instruments, with Matt Burr on drums and percussion. In addition, members of Potter’s longtime band The Nocturnals: guitarists Scott Tournet and Benny Yurco and bassist Michael Libramento contributed to the sessions, as well as former tour-mates and friends singer-songwriter Rayland Baxter, Audra Mae, Noelle Skaggs of Fitz & the Tantrums, and Nick Oliveri of Queens of the Stone Age. Potter has released four studio albums through major label Hollywood Records: 2006’s Nothing But The Water, 2007’s This is Somewhere, 2010’s self-titled album and 2012’s The Lion The Beast The Beat, with the latter two both debuting Top 20 in the U.S. In 2010, Potter was featured on Kenny Chesney’s Grammy nominated, platinum-selling hit, “You and Tequila,” and his 2015 hit, “Wild Child,” which also achieved #1 status on the (billboard) Country chart.

Grace Potter tour dates are as follows:

2015

Dec. 2 – Englewood, NJ@ Bergen Performing Arts Center  †

Dec. 3 – Northampton, MA @ Calvin Theatre †

Dec. 4 – Asbury Park, NJ @ Paramount Theatre †

Dec. 5 – Ithaca, NY@ State Theatre †

Dec. 6 – Buffalo, NY @ Town Ballroom †

Dec. 8 – Concord, NH @ Capitol Center for the Arts †

Dec. 10 – Huntington, NY @ The Paramount †

Dec. 11 – Philadelphia, PA@ The Fillmore †

Dec. 12 – New Haven, CT @ College Street Music Hall

† support act Oh Whitney

2016

Jan. 13 – Memphis, TN @ Minglewood Hall

Jan. 15 – Birmingham, AL @ Iron City

Jan. 16 – Atlanta, GA @ The Tabernacle

Jan. 17 – Miramar Beach, FL @ 30A Songwriters Festival*

Jan. 20 – Roanoke, VA @ Berglund Center

Jan. 21 – Washington, DC @ 9:30 Club - SOLD OUT

Jan. 22 – Washington, DC @ 9:30 Club

Jan. 24 – Wilmington, NC @ Humanity and Fine Arts Center

Jan. 26 – Athens, GA @ Georgia Theatre

Jan. 28 – Mobile, AL @ Saenger Theatre  - Mobile

Jan. 29 – Houston, TX @ House of Blues

Jan. 30 – Austin, TX @ Austin City Limits Live at Moody Theatre

Jan. 31 – San Antonio, TX @ Aztec Theatre

Feb. 4 – Boulder, CO @ Boulder Theater

Feb. 5 – Aspen, CO @ Belly Up

Feb, 6 – Aspen, CO @ Belly Up

Feb. 8 – Jackson Hole, WY @ Jackson Hole Center for the Arts

Feb. 10 – Missoula, MT @ The Wilma Theatre

Feb. 11 – Boise, ID @ Knitting Factory

Feb. 12 – Portland, OR @ Roseland Theatre          

Feb. 13 – Seattle, WA @ Showbox

March 4 – Okeechobee, FL @ Okeechobee Music and Arts Festival*

March 19 – Auckland, NZ @ Auckland City Limits*

March 25 –Tyagarah, AU @ Byron Bay Bluesfest*

March 26 – Tyagarah, AU @ Byron Bay Bluesfest*

 * Festival dates

More dates to be announced.

Herb Alpert's 'Come Fly With Me' hits #2 on Billboard's Contemporary Jazz Chart

Annoncues reissue of 'Whipped Cream & Other Delights' to celebrate the album's 50th Anniversary; 26 additional titles to follow through 2016

Herb Alpert's new Come Fly With Me continues the legendary musicians' recent success on the charts. When the album was released on September 25, it debuted at #2 on the Billboard's Contemporary Jazz Chart and #7 on the Jazz Album Chart. Five weeks later, the album remains in the Contemporary Jazz Chart's top 10. The record features seven brand new original songs as well as signature takes on some of the most indelible melodies of the 20th century - among them George Harrison's "Something," Billy Strayhorn's "Take The A Train" and the Sinatra-popularized title track.

Alpert has stayed well acquainted with the Billboard charts throughout his illustrious five decade career - a centerpiece being the iconic LP 'Whipped Cream & Other Delights,' which hit #1 on the Billboard 200 fifty years ago this month. Famous for hits like "A Taste of Honey" and its cutting-edge cover art, the record remained the top-selling album in the country until March 1966, and has sold over six million copies to date.

On November 20th, Herb will be reissuing Whipped Cream to celebrate the album's 50th anniversary. A newly remastered version of the record will be available on LP and CD just in time for the holiday season. The re-release of 26 additional titles will follow 'Whipped Cream.' For the first time ever, all have been remastered for iTunes. Herb's 1968 'Christmas Album' is set for a November 27th re-release, and classics like The Lonely Bull, South of the Border, and Rise will follow next year.

Herb and his band will round out their 2015 touring schedule with an intimate West Coast run during the first week of December.

Tour dates:
December 2 - Saratoga, CA - Montalvo
December 3 - Saratoga, CA - Montalvo
December 5 - Oakland, CA - Yoshi's Oakland
December 6 - Oakland, CA - Yoshi's Oakland
December 7 - Oakland, CA - Yoshi's Oakland

Albums Remastered of iTunes:
The Lonely Bull
Volume 2
South Of The Border
Whipped Cream & Other Delights
Going Places
What Now My Love
S.R.O
Sounds Like...
Herb Alpert's Ninth
The Beat Of The Brass
Christmas Album
Warm
The Brass Are Comin'
Summertime
You Smile - The Song Begins
Coney Island
Main Event Live
Rise
Beyond
Magic Man
Fandango
Keep Your Eye On Me
Midnight Sun
Steppin' Out
In The Mood

Chris Isaak to release first album of original tunes in six years – 'first Comes the Night' out November 13, 2015

Earlier this month, I enjoyed a fantastic performance from Chris Isaak when he headlined a concert in Anaheim (read my Orange County Register review here). Today comes word the talented singer-songwriter-actor-guitarist is set to issue a new album or original music this fall. Here is the media release...

Rocker Chris Isaak scheduled to release first album of original songs in six years

First Comes the Night set for release on Vanguard Records on November 13, 2015

Photo By Andrew Macpherson

August 27, 2015 - Chris Isaak’s  new album  FIRST COMES THE NIGHT  produced by Paul  Worley (Dixie Chicks, Lady Antebellum), Dave Cobb (Jason Isbell) and longtime Isaak collaborator Mark Needham will be released on Vanguard Records on November 13th. Recorded primarily in Nashville and Los Angeles, FIRST COMES THE NIGHT is Isaak’s 13th studio album consisting of 12 new songs.  A second configuration - a deluxe version with five additional cuts - will be released simultaneously.  It is Isaak’s first recording of all original songs in over six years. FIRST COMES THE NIGHT is the follow up release to Isaak’s critically acclaimed 2011 BEYOND THE SUN, his breathtaking tribute album to Sun Records, Sam Phillips and the visionary artists who helped shape the early sounds of rock n’ roll.
 
Commented Isaak on his upcoming album: “I totally enjoyed recording in Nashville – a city filled with terrific musicians and what an honor to work with such great producers.  As for the new songs, I like to mix it up so there’s some dark ones, funny ones and romantic ones. You have to absolutely play these songs after the break up while you’re cleaning the house.”
 
With a stellar reputation as one of the best and funniest live performers out there, Isaak, a non-stop touring, Grammy-nominated singer-songwriter, actor and talk show host is heading to Australia momentarily to take on the role as one of the panel judges on the new season of X Factor Australia.
 
Isaak’s vocal style has garnered enormous acclaim and his songs have been featured in numerous films including “Blue Velvet,” “Married to the Mob” and “Wild at Heart.”  His vast repertoire of long-running hits include “Wicked Game,” “Forever Blue,” “Baby did a Bad Bad Thing” and “Somebody’s Crying.” He has appeared on many TV shows – most recently “Hot in Cleveland”, has acted in several films and starred in Showtime’s The Chris Isaak Show and the Chris Isaak Hour on the Biography Channel.

This Tuesday, September 1st, Isaak is scheduled to perform on the 9^th Annual ACM Honors taking place at the historic Ryman Auditorium in Nashville.

Concert review: Chris Isaak

Review and photos: Robert Kinsler

Chris Isaak

Where: City National Grove of Anaheim

When: Aug. 11, 2015

Chris Isaak’s fast-moving set at the City National Grove of Anaheim on Tuesday night (Aug. 11, 2015) offered up an outstanding mix of sterling musical performances, great comedy and something that is not typically experienced at a rock show – a pure sense of fun.

In a set that spanned just under two hours, the Stockton native and his long-time band performed more than two dozen songs, mixing up memorable originals and timeless covers all while celebrating the legacy of his own heroes and the enduring connection he has with an adoring audience.

Although Isaak’s sound has always been rooted in a retro-styled roots-rock sound that recalls the likes of Elvis Presley, Roy Orbison and Johnny Cash, his authentic delivery in Anaheim proved he is much more than a nostalgia-mining impressionist.

As a band leader, singer-songwriter, entertainer and self-deprecating comedian, Isaak has been able to perfect his chops over the course of more than 30 years and brought all those gifts to Anaheim. Kicking off with the exuberant “Best I Ever Had,” Isaak and the five members of his band immediately involved the crowd in the good times; Isaak got everyone laughing as he playfully executed a “no no” while intentionally positioning himself in front of lead guitarist Hershel Yatovitz as he was performing his first big solo of the night.

Isaak and company then showed how quickly they could turn things around, performing the beautiful “Somebody's Crying,” a highlight on his 1995 album “Forever Blue.” Isaak's voice matched the tender lyrics revolving around a romantic breakup.

“Thank you for showing up and supporting live music,” the colorfully adorned Isaak said early in his performance. “If you don't show up, there's nowhere else for me to wear this suit.”

Isaak’s set would prove to be full of highlights, whether it was a hushed and nuanced version of his early ’90s hit “Wicked Game” (displaying the full power of Isaak's still soaring falsetto vocals), a mostly-faithful and inspired take on Orbison’s “Pretty Woman,” a sweeping “San Francisco Days” featuring Isaak on lead guitar, and the beautiful acoustic ballad “Forever Blue.”

During an extended “Baby Did a Bad Bad Thing,” he was able to fit a quick run into the audience before coming back to the stage and inviting more than a dozen women on stage to dance to the infectious gem.

Isaak also performed two brand new songs, both of which were terrific. Early on he offered up “Don't Break My Heart,” a mid-tempo rocker that recalls some of the Mavericks' recent recordings. Later, Isaak somehow was able to blend the sounds of Orbison and Swedish pop legends ABBA on his own “Perfect Lover.” That song was especially impressive, with Isaak’s distinctive voice enhanced by an arrangement including a dynamic interplay between Yatovitz’s guitar and Scott Plunkett’s textures on the keyboards.

The concert came to an end too soon, but not until Isaak performed an poignant “Can't Do a Thing (To Stop Me),” a song that allowed him to again showcase his amazing voice while the band directed the song from its quiet intro to a soaring finale.

Wide range of new releases showcase new and emerging artist

Fans of pioneering L.A. rockers The Doors, as well as authentic country and blues all have reason to celebrate thanks to a myriad of recent releases now available. In addition, guitar virtuoso Eric Johnson has issued an incredible live album that captures his dynamic wizardry.

Artists: Todd Rundgren, Lou Gramm, Steve Howe, Rick Wakeman, more

Title: Light My Fire - A Classic Rock Salute to The Doors (Purple Pyramid Records/Cleopatra)

You might like if you enjoy: The Doors, Steve Morse, Ian Gillan, Todd Rundgren

Tell me more: As groundbreaking and wonderful as The Doors were, few noteworthy full-length tributes to the Los Angeles rockers have been issued over the years. Light My Fire - A Classic Rock Salute to The Doors goes a long way to revisiting the band via 16 songs that feature a wide range of classic and prog-rock heroes joining forces. The majority of tracks are remarkably faithful to the psychedelic rock versions carved out by Jim Morrison and company in the late '60s and early '70s, while reflecting the signature styles of the participating players. Standouts include "L.A. Woman" (featuring singer Jimi Jamison of Survivor fame), a rousing "Alabama Song (Whiskey Bar)" with singer Todd Rundgren and ASIA keyboardist Geoff Downes, and the ambitious "Light My Fire" featuring Deep Purple singer Ian Gillan and amazing instrumental work from Yes guitarist Steve Howe and keyboardist Rick Wakeman. Information: CleopatraRecords.com.

Get 'Light My Fire - A Classic Rock Salute To The Doors'

Artist: Ray Goren

Title: LA Sessions (RJRay Entertainment, Inc.)

You might like if you enjoy: Jonny Lang, Albert King, Robert Cray

Tell me more: At only 14, Ray Goren is already a master electric blues guitarist. On his just-released five-song EP LA Sessions, the Orange County, California-based teen proves his vocal and songwriting skills are now a match for his blazing and nuanced fret work. Produced by the legendary Eddie Kramer (Jimi Hendrix, Led Zeppelin), highlights include the uptempo soul-fused blues rockers "You Gotta Learn" and"Stop Waiting," and the tender R&B ballad "Memories."  Information: RayGoren.com.

Buy 'L A Sessions' here

Artist: Mary Sarah

Title: Bridges (Cleopatra)

You might like if you enjoy: Dolly Parton, Tanya Tucker, Lynn Anderson

Tell me more: Eighteen-year-old songstress Mary Sarah has issued the ultimate tribute, titled Bridges, singing some of her favorite songs as duets with the singers who first gave life to those tracks. Shining examples of Sarah's interpretative skills and shining soprano include an uptempo take on "Jolene" with Dolly Parton and affecting version of "Crazy" with the great Willie Nelson. My favorite version on the wide-ranging set is a powerful revisit of "Heartaches by the Number" with the late Ray Price. Information: CleopatraRecords.com.

Get 'Bridges' here

Artist: Corb Lund

Title: Counterfeit Blues (New West Records)

You might like if you enjoy: Chris Isaak, John Hiatt, Dave Alvin

Tell me more: Alberta, Canada-based singer Corb Lund is the latest in a long line of celebrated singers dating back to Elvis Presley and Johnny Cash who have journeyed to Sun Studio in Memphis to mine sonic gold. On Lund's wonderful Counterfeit Blues (recorded in a mere two days!) the ghosts of all those greats as well as more recent musical visitors (Chris Isaak and Michael Ubaldini immediately come to mind) are recalled through the freewheeling rockabilly "Big Butch Bass Bull Fiddle," countrified "Little Foothills Heaven," and spirited barn burner "Hurtin' Albertan." A deluxe version of the album includes a bonus DVD disc with an extended version of the documentary Memphis Sun that was originally aired in December 2013 on CMT Canada. Information: NewWestRecords.com.

Purchase 'Counterfeit Blues (CD+DVD)' here

Artist: Eric Johnson

Title: Europe Live (Provogue)

You might like if you enjoy: Eric Johnson's previous studio albums

Tell me more: When it comes to real-life guitar heroes, few can equal the technical skills, artistic touch and compositional depth of Eric Johnson. The Grammy Award-winning musician, who burst on the world stage with his 1990 masterwork Ah Via Musicom, has released another essential collection. His newly-issued Europe Live not only features energetic reworkings of previous compositions but includes several new selections (the dazzling "Intro" and astounding blues-on-steroids "Evinrude Fever"). Whether reflecting on his youth in the stirring "Austin" or simply unleashing breathtaking runs that sing during "Zenland" or "Cliffs of Dover," Johnson remains a marvel. Information: EricJohnson.com.

Buy 'Europe Live' here

Robert Kinsler

Stagecoach 2012: Americana artists shine

Chris Isaak led his band through a wonderful hour-long set at the Stagecoach Festival in Indio on Saturday, April 28, 2012.

Although I would encourage you to check out all my full-length posts (as well as those penned by Ben Wener and George A. Paul) on the Soundcheck blog, I wanted to provide a brief overview of all the acts I caught yesterday. I didn't get to review either singer-fiddler Sara Watkins, Ralph Stanley & His Clinch Mountain Boys or The Mavericks for The Register. But I did get to see them perform all (or part) of their respective sets on Saturday in Indio. It's impossible to catch all of the action on all three stages.

The winner for sure was the comeback concert from The Mavericks, the legendary band that kicked off their current North American tour at the festival. Raul Malo sounded terrific, his tenor soaring in that ethereal way it did when I first reviewed the band back in the 1990s. And the band was terrific (if bit mixed a bit loud through the P.A. system). "What a Crying Shame" (my favorite song from the band) was amazing to hear again, as was the Mavericks' progressive mix of traditional country music and rockabilly.

Earlier I enjoyed seeing the legendary Ralph Stanley, who is now in his mid eighties! He sounded great and everybody (thankfully) yelled out and cheered their appreciation for this bluegrass pioneer.

Saturday kicked off for me with the chance to see Carlsbad, California based fiddler-singer Sara Watkins warm up the crowd. I loved her new song (I think the title is "Lock and Key") off her forthcoming new album. She has a nice soprano voice and her touch on the fiddle was perfect.

Sights and Sounds: Bruce Springsteen, Stagecoach bound

Bruce Springsteen & the E Street Band performed a hard-hitting, powerful show in Los Angeles on Thursday, April 26, 2012.
Photo courtesy of Kelly A. Swift

And here we go. Today I'll be out at the annual Stagecoach Festival as part of The Orange County Register's team of writers and photographers covering the annual country and Americana festival in Indio, California. Among the acts on the festival's 3-day bill are JD Souther, the Jayhawks, Chris Isaak and the Mavericks. Should be a hoot! To keep up with all my writings, as well as those from George A. Paul and Ben Wener, keep checking back at the newspaper's Soundcheck blog for reviews and photo slide shows.

I'm more than weary having gone to Bruce Springsteen & the E Street Band's terrific show at the Los Angeles Sports Arena. I don't have a lot of time to say much other than it was an amazing show (loved the versions of "Promised Land" and "The Rising") despite my terrible seats in the last row up behind the stage (why does the Boss charge so much for lousy seats like that? I thought he cared about the ordinary folks? And why are T-shirts that cost $2 to make priced at $45!)...

Read Ben Wener's great review of the show here: