New music: 'Frank Sinatra Collection,' Chris Fullerton, GospelbeacH, John Williams & Simone Pedroni

A mix of old and new treasures play out via several legendary television specials featuring many of the greatest singers of the 20th century, a collaboration between composer John Williams and classical pianist Simone Pedroni, and two new albums featuring outstanding emerging artists.  

Title: The Frank Sinatra Collection; The Timex Shows Vol. 1 & Vol. 2
You might like if you enjoy: Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin, Lena Horne, Bing Crosby, Elvis Presley, Ella Fitzgerald
Tell me more: The four hour-long episodes that play out across volumes 1 and 2 of "The Frank Sinatra Collection" are true time machines. Volume 1 features two episodes of the Sinatra series, including the first episode broadcast on Oct. 19, 1959 and featuring guests Dean Martin, Bing Crosby and Mitzi Gaynor. The second episode (broadcast in late 1959) is highlighted by several appearances by legendary singer Ella Fitzgerald, including the beautiful "There's a Lull in My Life." 

Kicking off the second volume is an early 1960 episode titled "To The Ladies" featuring Sinatra joined by guests Lena Horne, Mary Costa, Juliet Prowse and former First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt. The final episode serves as a tribute to Elvis Presley, with Sinatra and a cast of notables welcoming home Presley when he returned from his U.S. Army service in March 1960. But that episode also features Ol' Blue Eyes delivering a stirring live version of "Witchcraft" while Sammy Davis Jr. sings "Come On Bess" from "Porgy and Bess"; the show comes to a dramatic close with several performances featuring the King of Rock and Roll including Sinatra and Presley joining forces for a medley "Witchcraft" and "Love Me Tender." The comedy and music across the two discs is top-rate, and the episodes really serve as a time machine for the style of musical variety programming that graced the airwaves in television's formative years. Information: eagle-rock.com.

Artist: Chris Fullerton
Title: Epilepsy Blues (Eight 30 Records)
You might like if you enjoy: Corb Lund, Michael Ubaldini, Townes Van Zandt
Tell me more: Austin-based singer-songwriter Chris Fullerton is the rare modern-day artist able to tap into the traditional sounds personified by Hank Williams and Hank Snow while delivering wry and insightful lyrics that capture life's myriad of of challenges and joys in the here and now. The title of Fullerton's new album Epilepsy Blues is not merely a clever phrase; Fullerton has epilepsy and that reality informs many of the songs on the 10-song disc. "Bad Winds" is delivered with minimal accompaniment, Fullerton's deep baritone deciphering the pain of dark places; the title track chronicles the struggles of his condition, including enduring epileptic seizures as he sings: "The first time's bad but the second time it's worse / the third time's sad and the fourth time it just hurts / but it's all downhill from there, it don't get no worse." Elsewhere the magic of life plays out in sharp contrast to the bad times. The sparse "Float On Up & See" is as beautiful and affecting as any love song released in memory, and the acoustic ballad "Come On In" is almost equal to that master stroke with its quiet power. Information: chrisfullerton.com.

Artist: GospelbeacH
Title: Another Summer of Love
You might like if you enjoy: Dawes, Simon and Garfunkel, Tom Petty, Beachwood Sparks
Tell me more: While it has been 50 years since the original Summer of Love enraptured the world in 1967, the Brent Rademaker-fronted troupe GospelbeacH conjures up that mythical season on its aptly-titled disc Another Summer of Love. With a shimmering sound that recalls the Laurel Canyon sound of the late 1960s and early 1970s, Rademaker's pleasing voice and acoustic guitar is adorned with lush arrangements that make for folk rock that is melodic and ambitious. The breezy "In the Desert," driving "California Fantasy," alt country-spirited "You're Already Home" and "The City Limits," and Byrds-meets-Tom Petty gem "(I Wanna See U) All the Time" featuring Jason Soda's 12-string guitar textures. Other musicians whose notable contributions help create the beautiful soundscape that helps define Another Summer of Love include keyboardist Jonny Niemann, drummers Derek Brown and George Sluppick, bassist Ben Reddell, backup singers Miranda Lee Richards and Pearl Charles. Information: Alive-Records.com.

Artists: John Williams, composer; Simone Pedroni, piano
Title: John Williams: Themes and Transcriptions for Piano (Varèse Sarabande Records)
You might like if you enjoy: John Williams, Simone Pedroni
Tell me more: Composer John Williams and famed classical pianist Simone Pedroni have joined forces for one of the more interesting and successful collaborations in memory. Williams and Pedroni each transcribed about half of the pieces included on John Williams: Themes and Transcriptions for Piano, with Williams' own piano suites from his "Lincoln" and "The Book Thief" among the highlights. All of the piano-only arrangements dazzle thanks to Pedroni's incredible talents at the Steinway Concert Grand piano. Fans of Williams' enduring "Star Wars" and "Harry Potter"-related scores, as well as his soundtrack for "Schindler's List" and others will find this a dynamic listening experience allowing Williams' timeless compositions to be rediscovered. Information: VareseSarabande.com.

Robert Kinsler

Album Reviews Jack White and Corb Lund

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Get Counterfeit Blues (CD+DVD)

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

Corb Lund's "Counterfeit Blues" recorded at Sun Studio to be released July 1 on New West Records

Very excited to be introduced to Corb Lund's authentic and original brand of songcraft at the Stagecoach Festival in Indio, California last month. This media release just landed in my inbox today...

NEW WEST RECORDS TO RELEASE CORB LUND'S 

COUNTERFEIT BLUES RECORDED AT LEGENDARY 

SUN STUDIO IN MEMPHIS 

AVAILABLE JUNE 17 IN CANADA AND JULY 1 IN U.S.  

SPECIAL 2-DISC CD/DVD SET WITH HOUR-LONG 

DOCUMENTARY "MEMPHIS SUN" CAPTURES THE 

STRIPPED DOWN RECORDING SESSION

'Counterfeit Blues' is due out July 1 in the U.S.

LOS ANGELES, CA, May 14, 2014 - A spirited set of rockabilly, rock n' roll and honky tonk country, Corb Lund's Counterfeit Blues, due June 17 in Canada and July 1 in the U.S. via New West Records, was recorded live, off the floor, at Sun Studio in Memphis, Tenn. in much the same way Elvis Presley and Johnny Cash did 60 years before in that same room. Lund and his band the Hurtin' Albertans recorded the rousing collection over a breakneck two days resulting in an album that as Lund puts it is "raw, organic and dirty."

"It turned out really well," Lund exclaims. "Partly because we know the songs inside out and have played them live a thousand times and partly because recording at Sun is a very old fashioned, low-tech process that ends up sounding really great if you can pull it off. My band has been playing behind me for ten years or more, with all the same members so it was a great way to capture the live chemistry we've developed over many, many tours. You can't fake that."

Armed with just a couple guitars, some mics, a pedal steel guitar, stand-up bass, drums and the amps they plugged into, the foursome eschewed studio trickery for the lightning in a bottle approach and blasted through 12 songs with a confidence and swagger that can only come from years of playing together. The end result serves as both an exciting introduction to the acclaimed band for the uninitiated and as a fun must-have for the fans.

Counterfeit Blues will be available on CD, vinyl and digital download as well as a special two-disc CD/DVD set comprised of the documentary "Memphis Sun," which originally aired this past December on CMT Canada. The film documents the band's journey from the north of Alberta to the south of Memphis for the two-day recording session in the hallowed ground where rock and roll was born. The DVD will feature three bonus tracks - "Bucking Horse Rider," "Good Copenhagen," and "Shine Up My Boots" - that were not on the original hour-long broadcast.

Lund and his band just played the Stagecoach Music Festival in Southern California and are currently wrapping up their Spring Thaw tour of the Western U.S. and Canada. The fourth-generation rancher and former frontman of the punk/metal band The Smalls has been a road warrior since releasing his album Cabin Fever in 2012, which shot to #1 in Canada and earned him significant new fans in the U.S and abroad. Over the last couple years he has played upwards of 200 shows throughout North America, including opening an arena date for self-professed fans Miranda Lambert and Dierks Bentley, a tour with friend Hayes Carll, who co-wrote and duets on the hilarious stand out "Bible on the Dash," a showcase at SXSW and tours in Australia, New Zealand and all across Europe. 

A Juno Award winner (Canadian Grammys) who has multiple Canadian Gold Records to his name, he has played on bills, at festivals, and special events with The Who, Emmylou Harris and Robert Plant, Keith Urban, Tim McGraw, James Taylor, and Joni Mitchell. He has also won the Canadian Country Music Awards Roots Artist of the Year eight times running. Cabin Fever made the Polaris Prize longlist and has received raves from the likes of NPR, Uncut (9 out of 10) the New York Times and the Washington Post, which exclaimed:"Lund is a revelation, laconic and scary smart, with a devil's eye for details."

Lund is currently working on his ninth studio album for release in 2015.

Counterfeit Blues Track List

1.  Counterfeiters' Blues

2.  Good Copenhagen

3. Big Butch Bass Bull Fiddle

4. Hair In My Eyes Like A Highland Steer

5. Little Foothills Heaven

6. Five Dollar Bill

7. Buckin' Horse Rider

8. Hurtin' Albertan

9. (Gonna) Shine Up My Boots

10. Truck Got Stuck

11. Roughest Neck Around

12.  Truth Comes Out

"Memphis Sun" DVD Track List

1. Hurtin' Albertan

2. No Roads Here

3. Little Foothills Heaven

4. Counterfeiters' Blues

5. Roughest Neck Around

6. Big Butch Bass Bull Fiddle

7. Hair In My Eyes Like A Highland Steer

8. Truck Got Stuck

9. Truth Comes Out

10. Five Dollar Bill

BONUS VIDEOS

1. Buckin' Horse Rider

2. Good Copenhagen

3. (Gonna) Shine Up My Boots