Mumford & Sons’ new album "Prizefighter" out February 13

 Here is the official media release about the forthcoming Mumford & Sons album "Prizefighter," due Feb. 13. Be sure to listen to the great advance single "Rubber Band Man" featuring Hozier too...Robert Kinsler

MUMFORD & SONS’ NEW ALBUM

PRIZEFIGHTER OUT FEBRUARY 13 

CO-PRODUCED AND CO-WRITTEN WITH AARON DESSNER, FEATURES COLLABORATIONS WITH HOZIER, GRACIE ABRAMS, CHRIS STAPLETON AND GIGI PEREZ

FOLLOWS RUSHMERE, THE BAND’S RETURNING ALBUM WHICH DEBUTED AT #1 IN THE U.K. EARLIER THIS YEAR

SOLD-OUT U.K. + EUROPEAN ARENA TOUR KICKS OFF NEXT WEEK

October 29, 2025—Mumford & Sons will release their new album, Prizefighter, February 13 via Glassnote Records. Pre-order/pre-save HERE. The band’s sixth studio album, Prizefighter was co-produced and co-written with The National’s Aaron Dessner at his Long Pond Studio in upstate New York.

The record consists of fourteen tracks including the band’s new single, “Rubber Band Man (with Hozier),” which debuted last week. Listen HERE. 

A mere seven months after the arrival of RUSHMERE, the band’s long anticipated #1 album in March 2025, Mumford & Sons take full advantage of a prolific period of songwriting with another full-length record in quick succession. 

Created alongside Dessner, who the band previously worked with on their third record, Wilder Mind, Prizefighter captures the band at their most open and instinctive. In just ten days, they’d written more than an album’s worth of songs, and a collection that feels both deeply personal, instinctive and unguardedly communal. Marcus Mumford’s lyrics grapple with resilience and striving, singing with a mix of confidence and urgency.

For Mumford, Ben Lovett and Ted Dwane, the sessions were as much about rediscovery as recording. Days spent writing in Hudson cafés and nights spent around Long Pond’s kitchen table gave rise to songs that feel unpolished in the best sense—alive with first takes and the joy of simply making music together again. Reenergized, rejuvenated and in the form of their lives, Prizefighter embraces and reflects that full-strength energy and enthusiasm with fourteen songs of light, shade and everything in-between.  

That openness extended to the studio door too. Mumford & Sons welcomed collaborators into the studio, calling on the likes of Hozier, Gracie Abrams, Chris Stapleton, Gigi Perez and Dessner himself. Their presence underscored the band’s commitment to community and connection. 

Of the project, Mumford shares, “We feel like we’re hitting our prime as a creative force. We’re putting everything we have into this now, and we’re using everything about our experience so far to embrace exactly who we are. We’re comfortable in our skins these days. And Prizefighter is us going for it—serious and playful, sometimes bruised and always hopeful. We’re nowhere near done yet. I hope and believe we’re in the beginning of something we don’t want to let up on. I’m more excited to be in this band than I’ve ever been.” 

Photo credit: Conor Cunningham

PRIZEFIGHTER TRACK LIST

1. Here (with Chris Stapleton)

2. Rubber Band Man (with Hozier)

3. The Banjo Song

4. Run Together

5. Conversation With My Son

6. Alleycat

7. Prizefighter

8. Begin Again

9. Icarus (with Gigi Perez)

10. Stay

11. Badlands (with Gracie Abrams)

12. Shadow Of A Man

13. I’ll Tell You Everything

14. Clover

MUMFORD & SONS CONFIRMED TOUR DATES

November 6—Stockholm, Sweden—Avicii Arena#

November 8—Copenhagen, Denmark—Royal Arena#

November 10—Berlin, Germany—Uber Arena#

November 12—Cologne, Germany—LANXESS Arena+

November 13—Antwerp, Belgium—Antwerps Sportpaleis+

November 14—Paris, France—Adidas Arena#

November 16—Luxembourg, Luxembourg—Rockhal+

November 17—Amsterdam, Netherlands—Ziggo Dome#

November 19—Bologna, Italy—Unipol Arena+

November 20—Zurich, Switzerland—Hallenstadion+

November 21—Milan, Italy—Unipol Forum+

November 23—Barcelona, Spain—Palau Sant Jordi+

November 25—Lisbon, Portugal—Sagres Campo Pequeno+

November 29—Newcastle upon Tyne, U.K.—Utilita Arena* (SOLD OUT)

November 30—Leeds, U.K.—First Direct Arena* (SOLD OUT)

December 2—Glasgow, U.K.—OVO Hydro* (SOLD OUT)

December 3—Manchester, U.K.—Co-op Live* (SOLD OUT)

December 5—Sheffield, U.K.—Utilita Arena* (SOLD OUT)

December 7—Birmingham, U.K.—Utilita Arena Birmingham* (SOLD OUT)

December 8—Cardiff, U.K.—Utilita Arena Cardiff* (SOLD OUT)

December 10—London, U.K.—The O2* (SOLD OUT)

December 11—London, U.K.—The O2* (SOLD OUT)

December 27—San Diego, CA—Wild Horses Festival

January 8-11—Cancun, Mexico—Out of the Blue Festival

February 20-22—Tempe, AZ—Innings Festival

#with special guests The Vaccines + The Barr Brothers
+with special guest The Vaccines

*with special guest Sierra Ferrell

www.mumfordandsons.com

Chris Stapleton's version of Tom Petty's "I Should Have Known It" debuts today

Check out the powerful new version of Tom Petty's "I Should Have Known It" recorded by Chris Stapleton out today. A great version. More details about "Petty Country: A Country Music Celebration of Tom Petty" is below...Robert Kinsler 

CHRIS STAPLETON’S VERSION OF

TOM PETTY’S “I SHOULD HAVE KNOWN IT” DEBUTS TODAY (Friday, April 26, 2024)

PETTY COUNTRY: A COUNTRY MUSIC CELEBRATION

OF TOM PETTY OUT JUNE 21

TRIBUTE ALBUM FEATURES DOLLY PARTON, DIERKS BENTLEY, GEORGE STRAIT, LUKE COMBS, WILLIE NELSON, WYNONNA JUDD, LAINEY WILSON, HEARTBREAKERS’ MIKE CAMPBELL & BENMONT TENCH AND MORE

April 26, 2024—Chris Stapleton’s take on Tom Petty’s “I Should Have Known It,” from the forthcoming Petty Country: A Country Music Celebration of Tom Petty, debuts today with an accompanying audio video that features vintage photos of Petty—watch/share HERE.

The track originally appeared on Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers’ 2010 album, Mojo, and again on the late rocker’s 2019 posthumous greatest hits album, The Best of Everything. Beloved by fans, “I Should Have Known It” became one of the most enduring live songs amongst Petty’s more recent material.

The new track comes ahead of Petty Country: A Country Music Celebration of Tom Petty, the country tribute album lovingly curated by some of the late rocker’s closest friends and collaborators. It’s set for release on June 21 via Big Machine Records in partnership with the Tom Petty Estate and is available to pre-order HERE.

“I Should Have Known It” arrives on the heels of “Southern Accents,” reimagined by Petty’s friend and fellow Rock & Roll Hall of Fame inductee, Dolly Parton. The beautifully intimate version of what Petty considered to be one of the best songs he ever wrote has taken on a new life in the world of country music—watch the video directed by Trey Fanjoy, featuring poignant home videos and professional footage of Petty throughout his life, HERE. Dierks Bentley’s take on the Petty classic, “American Girl,” premiered as Bentley’s highest charting single upon launch—listen/share HERE. The track is currently climbing through the Top 35 on Country radio.

Executive produced by Petty’s close confidant, Grammy award-winner George Drakoulias (Barbie, The Black Crowes, Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers), with Randall Poster (Killers of the Flower Moon, Skyfall, Wes Anderson) and Scott Borchetta (Big Machine), Petty Country finds some of the most lauded voices in country music exploring the extensive Petty catalog and putting their own personal touches on some of his greatest hits. Highlights include a handful of songs by Petty’s longtime friends and collaborators, such as George Strait, Steve Earle, Willie Nelson with Lukas Nelson, bluegrass pioneer Marty Stuart and The Heartbreakers’ Mike Campbell and Benmont Tench. Contemporary country superstars Luke Combs, Chris Stapleton, Wynonna Judd, Carly Pearce, Lady A, Margo Price, Rhiannon Giddens—who most recently played banjo and viola on Beyoncé’s “Texas Hold ‘Em”—Thomas Rhett and Lainey Wilson pay tribute to the late rocker with their own spin on fan favorites. See below for a complete track list for Petty Country.

Tom Petty, albeit widely known for his rocker grit and California anthems, is often credited as contemporary country music’s biggest rock influence. A Gainesville, Florida native, Petty straddled the American coasts, leaving his native Florida for his adopted home of Los Angeles, while keeping one foot firmly rooted in the south. The region’s influence can be heard throughout Petty’s discography, with lyrics about growing up in the south paired with his famous airtight melodies and rough vocal character that defines the state of country music today.

In celebration of the new music, the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum will feature archival artifacts seen in the “Southern Accents” music video in June as an extension of their acclaimed “Western Edge” exhibit. The exhibit will showcase select items from Petty’s career that highlight his western edge such as tour assets from his 2001 Way Out West tour, an iconic Nudie suit inspired “Planets” blazer worn famously during his 1985 Southern Accents tour, “Southern Accents” handwritten song lyrics, western style wardrobe pieces worn on and off stage and Petty’s Gretsch 6130 Roundup Western electric guitar.

Petty’s deep roots in country music saw collaborations and long-lasting friendships with a number of the genre’s greatest artists, including Carl Perkins (Petty inducted Perkins into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame), Johnny Cash (The Heartbreakers were the backing band on Cash’s Unchained), June Carter Cash, Marty Stuart, John Prine, Dolly Parton, Tammy Wynette, George Strait, Hank Williams Jr. and Willie Nelson. Today, country songwriters consistently reference their love and admiration for Petty, and in many ways, how Petty’s influence shaped their own sound.

Over his 40-year career, Tom Petty became one of the biggest cultural icons in the world. In addition to the 13 studio albums he made with the Heartbreakers, Petty recorded 3 solo albums, including the acclaimed Full Moon Fever and Wildflowers. Petty was also a member of the supergroup, Traveling Wilburys, and in the pre-Heartbreakers band, Mudcrutch. Hailed as one of the greatest rock artists of all time, Petty’s list of achievements include: multiple Grammy Award winner, 80+ million records sold, and Rock & Roll Hall of Fame inductee. Tom Petty passed away in 2017 shortly after completing his 40th anniversary tour, but his music continues to reach fans, both new and old, around the world today.

PETTY COUNTRY—TRACKLIST

1. “I Should Have Known It” by Chris Stapleton
2. “Wildflowers” by Thomas Rhett
3. “Runnin’ Down A Dream” by Luke Combs 
4. “Southern Accents” by Dolly Parton
5. “Here Comes My Girl” by Justin Moore
6. “American Girl” by Dierks Bentley
7. “Stop Draggin’ My Heart Around” by Lady A
8. “I Forgive It All” by Jamey Johnson
9. “I Won’t Back Down” by Brothers Osborne
10. “Refugee” by Wynonna Judd & Lainey Wilson
11. “Angel Dream No. 2” by Willie Nelson & Lukas Nelson
12. “Learning To Fly” by Eli Young Band
13. “Breakdown” by Ryan Hurd feat. Carly Pearce
14. “Yer So Bad” by Steve Earle
15. “Ways To Be Wicked” by Margo Price feat. Mike Campbell
16. “Mary Jane’s Last Dance” by Midland
17. “Free Fallin’” by The Cadillac Three feat. Breland
18. “I Need To Know” by Marty Stuart And His Fabulous Superlatives
19. “Don’t Come Around Here No More” by 
Rhiannon Giddens feat. Silkroad Ensemble and Benmont Tench
20. “You Wreck Me (Live)” by George Strait

Jon Batiste, Foo Fighters, H.E.R., Nas, Billie Eilish and Chris Stapleton to perform at the 64th Annual GRAMMY Awards

An update from the The Recording Academy with a number of new notables announced to perform at the 64th Annual GRAMMY Awards on April 3, 2022...Robert Kinsler

Christ Stapleton will perform at the 64th Annual 
GRAMMY Awards on Sunday, April 3, 2022.
Photo credit: Becky Fluke

JON BATISTE, BILLIE EILISH, FOO FIGHTERS, H.E.R., NAS, AND CHRIS STAPLETON TO PERFORM AT THE 64TH ANNUAL GRAMMY AWARDS®; CYNTHIA ERIVO, LESLIE ODOM JR., BEN PLATT, AND RACHEL ZEGLER ALSO TO PERFORM AS PART OF SPECIAL IN MEMORIAM SEGMENT MUSIC'S BIGGEST NIGHT® AIRS SUN, APRIL 3, 2022, ON CBS

SANTA MONICA, CALIF. (MARCH 24, 2022) — The Recording Academy® has expanded its lineup for the 64th Annual GRAMMY Awards® with current nominees Jon Batiste, Foo Fighters, H.E.R., Nas, and Chris Stapleton and a special In Memoriam performance featuring songs of Stephen Sondheim by GRAMMY® winner Cynthia Erivo, current nominee Leslie Odom Jr., current nominee Ben Platt, and Rachel Zegler. Live from MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas and hosted by Trevor Noah, the 64th Annual GRAMMY Awards will be broadcast live on Sun, April 3, 2022, at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT on the CBS Television Network and will be available to stream live and on demand on Paramount+. Previously announced performers include Brothers Osborne, BTS, Brandi Carlile, Billie Eilish, Lil Nas X with Jack Harlow, and Olivia Rodrigo.   Billie Eilish will perform at this year's GRAMMY Awards. Photo credit: Matty Vogel This year's leading nominee Jon Batiste received 11 nominations including Record Of The Year ("Freedom"), Album Of The Year (We Are), Best Traditional R&B Performance ("I Need You"), Best R&B Album (We Are), Best Improvised Jazz Solo ("Bigger Than Us"), Best Jazz Instrumental Album (Jazz Selections: Music From And Inspired By Soul), Best American Roots Performance ("Cry"), Best American Roots Song ("Cry"), Best Score Soundtrack For Visual Media (Soul), Best Contemporary Classical Composition ("Batiste: Movement 11'"), and Best Music Video ("Freedom").   Twelve-time GRAMMY winners Foo Fighters earned three nominations this year for Best Rock Performance ("Making A Fire"), Best Rock Song ("Waiting On A War"), and Best Rock Album (Medicine At Midnight).   Four-time GRAMMY winner H.E.R. has eight nominations this year, Album Of The Year (Back Of My Mind), Song Of The Year ("Fight For You"), Best R&B Performance ("Damage"), Best Traditional R&B Performance ("Fight For You"), Best R&B Song ("Damage"), Best R&B Album (Back Of My Mind), Best Contemporary Christian Music Performance/Song ("Hold Us Together (Hope Mix)") with Tauren Wells, and Best Song Written For Visual Media ("Fight For You [From Judas And The Black Messiah]"). GRAMMY winner Nas received two nominations this year, Best Rap Song ("Bath Salts") and Best Rap Album (King’s Disease II). GRAMMY winner Leslie Odom Jr. earned two nominations this year for Best Compilation Soundtrack For Visual Media (One Night In Miami…) and Best Song Written For Visual Media ("Speak Now [From One Night In Miami…]").   GRAMMY Winner Ben Platt is nominated this year for Best Compilation Soundtrack For Visual Media (Dear Evan Hansen).   Five-time GRAMMY winner Chris Stapleton has three nominations this year including Best Country Solo Performance ("You Should Probably Leave"), Best Country Song ("Cold") and Best Country Album (Starting Over).   The 64th Annual GRAMMY Awards are produced by Fulwell 73 Productions for the Recording Academy. Raj Kapoor serves as showrunner and executive producer, alongside Ben Winston and Jesse Collins as executive producers, and Jeannae Rouzan-Clay as co-executive producer. Hamish Hamilton returns as director, and Eric Cook as supervising producer with Tabitha D'umo, Patrick Menton, Fatima Robinson, and David Wild as producers.

ABOUT THE RECORDING ACADEMY The Recording Academy represents the voices of performers, songwriters, producers, engineers, and all music professionals. Dedicated to ensuring the recording arts remain a thriving part of our shared cultural heritage, the Academy honors music's history while investing in its future through the GRAMMY Museum®, advocates on behalf of music creators, supports music people in times of need through MusiCares®, and celebrates artistic excellence through the GRAMMY Awards — music's only peer-recognized accolade and highest achievement. As the world's leading society of music professionals, we work year-round to foster a more inspiring world for creators.   For more information about the Academy, please visit www.grammy.com. For breaking news and exclusive content, follow @RecordingAcad on Twitter, "like" Recording Academy on Facebook, and join the Recording Academy's social communities on Instagram, YouTube, TikTok, and LinkedIn.

Listen to Carlos Santana's new song “Joy” with Chris Stapleton

As the official release date for Carlos Santana's "Blessings and Miracles" draws near, we continue to be treated to great advance tracks from the Oct. 15 release. Check out the newly-released "Joy" featuring Chris Stapleton...Robert Kinsler

Legendary Guitarist Carlos Santana spreads Peace, Love, Light and “Joy” on new song with Chris Stapleton

 

“Joy” is the fourth song off Santana’s star-studded new album, Blessings and Miracles, due out Oct. 15 on BMG

LOS ANGELES, CA (October 11, 2021) – Multi-Grammy Award-winning Rock and Roll Hall of Fame guitarist Carlos Santana has released the fourth song off his star-studded, masterful new album, Blessings and Miracles (out via BMG on October 15), a collaboration with acclaimed Grammy-winning musician Chris Stapleton, who also produced the track, on the soul-enriching “Joy.”

 

Listen to “Joy” HERE.

 

Pre-order Blessings and Miracles HERE.

 

Spend a few minutes around Carlos Santana, and you’re bound to hear the word “joy” more than a few times, so it’s only fitting that the album’s fourth song, which teams the guitarist with Stapleton, is called “Joy.”

 

It’s a marvel that unfolds almost cinematically – one can envision mountain vistas and expansive plains – blending country, reggae, blues and gospel with a widescreen sing-along chorus. Stapleton is in peak form, plaintive and passionate, and Santana’s guitar playing, each immaculate solo and response, rises to meet him.

 

“I was very intrigued to work with Chris,” Santana says. “We talked on the phone about the Covid situation and how there’s so much fear in the world, and I said, ‘We need to create music as a healing force. We must bring hope and courage and disinfect twisted minds infected with darkness.’ That gave him the ammunition to write such incredible words. Somewhere I said, ‘flying on the wings of angels,’ so it’s a collaboration. And what an incredible song it is. The choir in it – it’s like the Staple Singers.”

 

In addition to “Joy,” the album’s first single “Move,” featuring Rob Thomas and American Authors, Santana’s collaboration “She’s Fire” with Diane Warren and G-Eazy, and the classic “Whiter Shade of Pale” featuring Steve Winwood is available now. 

 

Blessings and Miracles is one of the most ambitious, inspired and magical albums of Santana’s storied career, on which the legendary guitarist aims higher than ever. “The title of this album comes from my belief that we’re born with heavenly powers that allow us to create blessings and miracles,” Santana says. “The world programs you to be unworthy of those gifts, but we have to utilize light, spirit and soul – they’re indestructible and immutable. Those are the three main elements on this album.”

 

In addition to the above talents, Blessings and Miracles sees Santana collaborating with a diverse host of brilliant artists, writers and producers including Chris Stapleton, Chick Corea, Rick Rubin, Corey Glover, Kirk Hammett, Ally Brookeand Narada Michael Walden, among others, on genre-bending, hook-filled knockout musical celebrations.

 

The record also features bravura performances from members of Santana’s touring band (including drummer Cindy Blackman Santana, singer Tommy Anthony, bassist Benny Rietveld, percussionist Karl Perazzo, and keyboardist David K. Matthews), as well as impeccable vocals and keyboards by the guitarist’s son, Salvador Santana, and stunning lead vocals by daughter, Stella Santana.

 

Santana just wrapped a summer tour in the US and will continue their multi-year residency at the House of Blues at Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino in Las Vegas with upcoming dates from November 3 thru December 11.

 

For more information and tickets, please visit:

Santana.com.

 

About Carlos Santana:

For more than five decades – from Santana’s earliest days as a groundbreaking Afro-Latin-blues-rock fusion outfit in San Francisco – Carlos Santana has been the visionary force behind artistry that transcends musical genres and generational, cultural and geographical boundaries. To date, Santana has won ten Grammy Awards and three Latin Grammys, with a record-tying nine Grammys for a single project for 1999’s Supernatural (including Album of the Year and Record of the Year for “Smooth”). He has received the Billboard Century Award (1996), was ushered into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame (1998), received the Billboard Latin Music Awards’ Lifetime Achievement honor (2009), and was the recipient of the Kennedy Center Honors Award (2013). Among many other distinctions, Carlos Santana has been cited by Rolling Stone as #15 on their list of the “100 Greatest Guitarists of All Time” and has joined the Rolling Stones as one of only two bands to have an album reach the Top 10 in every decade since the 1960s. In 2018, he released his first MasterClass, and recently celebrated three epic milestones – the 20th anniversary of his groundbreaking album Supernatural, the 50th anniversary of his legendary performance at Woodstock, and the 50th anniversary of his masterpiece Abraxas.

 

About Chris Stapleton:

Kentucky-born Chris Stapleton is a multiple Grammy, CMA and ACM Award-winner and one of the country’s most respected and beloved musicians. In the midst of yet another monumental year, Stapleton leads nominees at the 55th Annual CMA Awards with nominations in five categories: Entertainer of the Year, Male Vocalist of the Year, Album of the Year (Starting Over), Single of the Year (“Starting Over”) and Song of the Year (“Starting Over”). Released last November and once again recorded at Nashville's legendary RCA Studio A with Grammy Award-winning producer Dave Cobb, Starting Over won Album of the Year at the 56th ACM Awards and landed on several “Best of 2020” lists including NPR Music, Rolling Stone, Billboard, Esquire, Vulture, The Tennessean and The New York Times, who praises, “lands precisely where country meets Southern soul: with grit, details, clarity and ache." Moreover, The Associated Press declares, "a sure-footed masterpiece…one of the year’s finest albums" and GQ proclaims, “mixes beautifully stark songwriting with blues, country, and rock melodies, allowing Stapleton’s sturdy, propulsive vocals to carry the show.” His fourth studio album, Starting Over follows Stapleton's quintuple platinum breakthrough solo debut, Traveller, as well as his two #1 albums from 2017: From A Room: Volume 1 (certified platinum) and From A Room: Volume 2 (certified gold). Adding to his triumphant career, Stapleton is currently in the midst of his extensive "All-American Road Show" tour with upcoming stops at New York's Madison Square Garden, Nashville's Bridgestone Arena, Washington State's Gorge Amphitheatre and University of Kentucky's Kroger Field among several others.

Recent Releases Roundup: Ricky Byrd, Heidi Newfield, Cidny Bullens, Brian Bromberg

A diverse field of musical styles are explored via new audio releases featured in my latest column...

Artist: Ricky Byrd

Titles: Sobering Times (Kayos Records)

You might like if you enjoy: Ronnie Wood, Jim Carroll Band, the Smithereens, Willie Nile

Tell me more: Rock and Roll Hall of Fame guitarist Ricky Byrd isn't facing his demons alone. On his newly-released Sobering Times, the New York-based artist is triumphantly celebrating his recovery with the world at large via a slew of stellar rock originals marked by his straightforward confessional lyrics and infectious rock song craft. The melodic "Quittin' Time (Again)," edgy "Together," breezy "Hear My Song" (featuring Byrd's wonderful mandolin work), acoustic proclamation "Pour Me," and roots rockers "Tired" and "Recover Me" (the latter a terrific duet with Willie Nile) are among the the terrific cuts on the album. Byrd released Clean Getaway in 2017 as a musical statement about recovering from addiction, but it's clear from the strength of "Sobering Times" there was plenty of territory yet to explore this time around. Released on Sept. 25, 2020 (the 33rd anniversary of the day the former Joan Jett & the Blackhearts lead guitarist started on his sober journey), Sobering Times is a wide-ranging release that not only celebrates Byrd's stellar guitar talents and songwriting, but his expressive baritone vocals and ability to mine new pay dirt in the classic sounds of '70s and '80s rock. A stellar cast of players joins Byrd on the recording including Bob Stander (bass guitar, percussion), keyboardist-accordion player Jeff Kazee (of Southside Johnny and the Asbury Jukes fame), drummer Steve Holley (Wings, Ian Hunter, Joe Cocker), drummer Liberty Devitto (Billy Joel) and vocalist Christine "The Beehive Queen" Ohlman (Saturday Night Live band). Information: RickyByrd.com.

Artist: Heidi Newfield

Titles: The Barfly Sessions (Not Famous Enough LLC)

You might like if you enjoy: Ruthie Foster, Janiva Magness, Larkin Poe, Sass Jordan

Tell me more: Nashville, Tennessee-based songstress Heidi Newfield's explosive talents as singer, harmonica master and songwriter are exhibited across the freewheeling The Barfly Sessions. The 14-track disc finds the artist co-writing and collaborating with a number of ace songwriters and top-tier guests (Jim Lauderdale, Delbert McClinton, Chris Stapleton, Matt King and more). Produced by Newfield along with Jim "Moose" Brown, The Barfly Sessions is a mostly rousing high-octane affair as evidenced by the fiery opener "I Won't Wait Around," countrified "Wrong Side of the Bottle," aptly-titled "Bring This House Down" and rousing cover of "The Blues is My Business (with Newfield and McClinton sharing lead vocals as well as blues harp duties). Newfield also showcases her potent soprano on the soulful ballad "Three Things," tenderhearted country-flavored "Wait For It" and "Temporary Fix (For a Permanent Scar)," and the wistful "When Heaven Falls." Information: HeidiNewfield.com.

Artist: Cidny Bullens

Titles: Walkin' Through This World (Blue Lobster Records)

You might like if you enjoy: Rodney Crowell, Steve Earle, Cindy Bullens

Tell me more: The bold Walkin' Through This World marks singer-songwriter Cidny Bullens' first release as a transgender man; the album (produced by the artist and Ray Kennedy) explores and documents the real-life story of the Nashville-based artist's five-year gender transition. That story is bolstered by the bona fide artistic power and authority of the songs on the disc.   The LP opens with the tuneful "Little Pieces," Americana-mining "Purgatory Road," spoken word-centered anthem "Walkin' Through This World" and affecting "The Gender Line" – which collectively showcase the stellar variety of sounds that bring the LP's theme to life. Other highlights for this listener were the infectious roots rocker "Crack The Sky," uptempo "Call Me By My Name" and spirited rock and roller "Lucky For Me." "Walkin' Through This World" features collaborations with a number of well-known artists including guest vocalists Beth Neilson Chapman, Rodney Crowell, Mary Gauthier, Bill Lloyd and Jess Leary.  A two-time Grammy nominee as Cindy Bullens, the artist has worked with a who's who of greats including Bob Dylan, Sir Elton John and Rod Stewart. What's more, Bullens sang lead vocals on several tracks of the soundtrack of 1978's "Grease" (including "It's Raining on Prom Night" and "Freddy, My Love"). Information: CidnyBullens.com.

Artist: Brian Bromberg

Titles: Bromberg Plays Hendrix - 2020 Remix and Remaster (Artistry Music)

You might like if you enjoy: Brian Bromberg, Vinnie Colaiuta, Stan Getz, Jimi Hendrix

Tell me more: Celebrated jazz bassist Brian Bromberg has issued a remixed and remastered version of his 2008 album Bromberg Plays Hendrix. Re-released in recognition of the 50th anniversary of Hendrix's passing in September 1970, listeners will be blown away that no electric guitars are used on the album; rather, Bromberg uses both acoustic and electric basses (including overdriven electric piccolo bass, a 24-fret instrument with each string tuned an octave up) while drummer Vinnie Colaiuta is also key as they revisit some of the most beloved Jimi Hendrix classics with dazzling arrangements sure to please fans of both jazz and Hendrix. To describe this album as impressive is truly an understatement. My favorite tracks on the album include the opener "Fire," flat-out thrilling "All Along the Watchtower," jazzy "Hey Joe" and high-powered "Purple Haze." The outstanding new mix isn't all; a previously-unreleased funk-tinged rock original track titled "Jimi" recorded during the original sessions is featured here as well. Listen to Bromberg Plays Hendrix with headphones folks and be prepared to be blown away. I sure was! Information: BrianBromberg.net.

Robert Kinsler

Blu-Ray Essentials: 'Masked and Anonymous' and 'CMA Awards Live Greatest Moments: 2008-2015'

Those who have Blu-ray systems and love great music will want to get two newly-available titles on the format. The Bob Dylan-starring "Masked and Anonymous" and "CMA Awards Live Greatest Moments: 2008-2015" provide top-tier entertainment for discerning music audiences.

Title: Masked and Anonymous (Shout Select / Shout! Factory)
Tell me more: What do actors Jeff Bridges, Penélope Cruz, John Goodman, Jessica Lange, Luke Wilson, Angela Bassett, Val Kilmer and Bruce Dern have in common? All are among the Hollywood greats who appear alongside legendary Bob Dylan in the genre-defying cult classic "Masked And Anonymous." The newly-released Blu-ray edition features the film in high definition and immersive 5.1 audio. Seventeen years after its release, "Masked and Anonymous" remains a groundbreaking and revealing film that works on a myriad of levels. Dylan portrays folk singer-songwriter Jack Fate, a one-time traveling troubadour who is released from jail by his desperate manager to headline an ill-fated benefit concert. The 2003 Larry Charles-directed masterwork ultimately provides a deep appreciation of Dylan's music and mythos amidst a storyline that was far ahead of its time in terms of its look at a nation in decline, the unethical music business, brutal governments and a less-than-objective press. Performing alongside a long parade of acting greats, Dylan is an arresting presence on camera and that palpable on-camera command is enhanced when he performs with his band throughout the movie. In addition to the brilliant feature film, bonus features on the title include a new interview with the director, deleted scenes, a "making of" feature and theatrical trailers. Information: ShoutFactory.com.

Title: CMA Awards Live Greatest Moments: 2008-2015 (Time Life)
Tell me more: For more than 50 years, the CMA Awards have featured performances featuring the top names in country music. Now "Country Music's Biggest Night" is showcased for the first time on the blu-ray format in high definition via "CMA Awards Live Greatest Moments: 2008-2015." The parade of performances are strong from the get-go; the title begins with a tender acoustic-flavored "More Like Her" from Miranda Lambert and winning collaboration featuring Brooks & Dunn with Reba McEntire ("Cowgirls Don't Cry") captured at the 42nd Annual CMA Awards in 2008. The evolution of contemporary country music where traditional stylings are fused with pop, rock and urban tinges is showcased as the telecasts move forward through to the 49th Annual CMA Awards presented in 2015. My favorite performances on the fast-moving 139-minute compilation include the melodic "Need You Now" from Lady Antebellum, "As She's Walking Away" (with the Zac Brown Band and Alan Jackson joining forces), Alan Jackson and George Strait paying tribute to George Jones via an emotional performance of "He Stopped Loving Her Today" and a soulful collaboration where Chris Stapleton and Justin Timberlake performing the mini-medley of "Tennessee Whiskey/Drink You Away." Bonus features on the title include an interview with CMA Awards Executive Producer Robert Deaton, and chapters focused on songstress Miranda Lambert and hit-maker Blake Shelton. Information: TimeLife.com.


Robert Kinsler

'IMAGINE: John Lennon 75th Birthday Concert' out this Friday, Jan. 18, 2019

John Fogerty performing at the 'John Lennon 75th Birthday
Concert in 2015.

Friday, Jan. 18, 2019, will see the release of IMAGINE: John Lennon 75th Birthday Concert, the all-star tribute concert filmed at Madison Square Garden in 2015, on CD, CD/DVD, and LP formats via Blackbird Presents. John Lennon was one of the most significant cultural figures of the 20th century, both as a member of The Beatles, and as a solo artist.

You can watch a video of the finale featuring a performance of "All You Need Is Love" here.

Peter Frampton performing at Madison Square Garden in 2015.

Imagine: John Lennon 75th Birthday Concert features captivating performances, in-depth interviews, and compelling behind-the-scenes action with Aloe Blacc, Eric Church, Sheryl Crow, Brandon Flowers, John Fogerty, Peter Frampton, Juanes, Kris Kristofferson, Pat Monahan, Tom Morello, Willie Nelson, The Roots, Spoon, Chris Stapleton and Steven Tyler.

Wide-ranging Titles Worth Discovering

Countrified indie folk rockers The Cowboy Junkies, pianist-composer Vince Guaraldi, bluesman Mike Zito and stellar multi-genre hero Marty Stuart all are featured on essential releases available now.

Artist: The Cowboy Junkies
Title: All That Reckoning (Latent Recordings)
You might like if you enjoy: Mazzy Star, Rosanne Cash, the Cowboy Junkies
Tell me more: Don't be fooled by the Cowboy Junkies' mostly-quiet, nuanced dreamlike blend of folk and Americana that is showcased on All That Reckoning. The lyrics and smoldering performances are as focused and pointed as their harder rocking counterparts. Whether exploring the intimate ties of romance, the unsettling tides of contemporary world affairs or the eternal search for self, there is plenty for discerning listeners to ponder about while doused in the Cowboy Junkies' glorious soundscape. Singer Margo Timmins' voice remains a subtle wonder, able to convey deep emotions against the vast backdrop painted by her brothers (guitarist Michael Timmins and drummer Peter Timmins) and bassist/keyboardist Alan Anton. The dark "When We Arrive" and "Wooden Stairs," uncharacteristic hard rocker "Sing Me A Song" and reflective "Mountain Stream" are early LP standouts; the last half of the album continues to reveal great moments courtesy of the sizzling roots rocker "Missing Children," luxurious "Shining Teeth" and probing closer "The Possessed." Information: CowboyJunkies.com.

Artist: Vince Guaraldi
Title: The Complete Warner Bros. – Seven Arts Recordings (Omnivore Recordings)
You might like if you enjoy: Vince Guaraldi
Tell me more: Fans of pianist-composer Vince Guaraldi – best known for his beloved work composing and performing music for more than a dozen animated Peanuts television specials including "A Charlie Brown Christmas" – celebrated and extended his groundbreaking instrumental jazz stylings via a trio of albums released by Warner Bros. Records beginning in 1968. Now in celebration of the 50th anniversary of the first of those releases comes The Complete Warner Bros. – Seven Arts Recordings that includes all three Warner Bros.-Seven Arts albums remastered on two audio CDs. The first of those albums Oh, Good Grief! featured new versions of some of his Peanuts favorites, although with the classic sound of piano, bass and drums enhanced by the addition of electric guitar and electric harpsichord. In particular, the inspired "Linus and Lucy" and buoyant "Red Baron" – the latter with its catchy rhythm, dynamic percussive keyboards and great guitar work – provide joyful listens via the remastered treatment. There are also a myriad of highlights to be found of The Eclectic and Alma-Ville discs revisited on the collection. The lovely "Nobody's Else," affecting take on Tim Hardin's "Reason to Believe" (featuring Guaraldi's pleasing lead vocals), and textured "It Was a Very Good Year" are among the great tracks on The Eclectic, while the original "The Masked Marvel," "Uno Y Uno" (featuring a rare guitar solo from Guaraldi) and a stunning reworking of The Beatles' "Eleanor Rigby" shine on the even stronger Alma-Ville (his final-ever album). Add to the trio of stunning remastered albums on the title four previously-unissued bonus tracks as well as revealing liner notes penned by Guaraldi's official biographer Derrick Bang, and The Complete Warner Bros. – Seven Arts Recordings is an essential release. Information: OmnivoreRecordings.com.

Artist: Mike Zito
Title: First Class Life (Ruf Records)
You might like if you enjoy: Tommy Castro, Boz Scaggs, Mike Zito's 2016 album "Make Blues Not War"
Tell me more: Blues-rock has a powerful proponent in the hands of Texas singer-songwriter-guitarist Mike Zito. On the bluesman's latest LP First Class Life, the electrified sounds of his roots play out via 11 potent tracks. The playful title track, heartfelt blues ballad "The World We Live In," blazing "Mama Don't Like No Wah Wah," breezy Chicago blues-flavored "Dying Day" and heavy slide guitar-driven "Old Black Graveyard" showcase the captivating range of Zito's reach within the genre. Zito's winning raspy vocals are the perfect companion to his stylish guitar work and the expert accompaniment of a small collection of great players (keyboardist Lewis Stephens, drummer Matthew Johnson, bassist Terry Dry and guest guitarist Bernard Allison) featured on First Class Life. Information: MikeZito.com.

Artist: Marty Stuart and His Fabulous Superlatives
Title: Way Out West (Superlatone Records)
You might like if you enjoy: Johnny Cash, The Byrds, Marty Stuart
Tell me more: Shame on me. Marty Stuart and His Fabulous Superlatives released their terrific Way Out West in March 2017, but I only recently discovered the full-length album. After catching Stuart and his amazing three-man band perform several memorable cuts off the LP during Chris Stapleton's All-American Road Show in Anaheim, CA on Aug. 17, I was able to immerse myself in the 15-track concept album masterfully produced by Mike Campbell (the lead guitarist of Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers). With a mix of original songs (the melodic 12-string guitar adorned "Time Don't Wait," wistful ballad "Please Don't Say Goodbye" and countrified "Whole Lotta Highway (With A Million Miles To Go)" are my favorites) and reworked covers as well as intoxicating instrumentals (including the stirring "Quicksand" and driving "Torpedo," both composed by guitarist Kenny Vaughan), the performances here are inspired and collectively celebrate the Old West – notably the expansive and bewitching Southern California desert. Information: MartyStuart.net.


Robert Kinsler