New music: Cowboy Junkies, Joan Jett and the Blackhearts, Jenny Lewis

Three veteran artists are back with wonderful returns.

Artist: Cowboy Junkies

Title: Such Ferocious Beauty (Cooking Vinyl)

You might like if you enjoy: Cowboy Junkies, Mazzy Star

Tell me more: Loss. Love. Aging and mortality. Those weighty themes — and others — are addressed with otherworldly beauty and poetic candor on Cowboy Junkies' latest album Such Ferocious Beauty. The Canadian indie rock heroes' music has always demanded that listeners immerse themselves in the group's sumptuous sound and introspective songcraft. That holds true across the masterful 10-track Such Ferocious Beauty. The disc features nuggets aplenty; the rootsy "What I Lost," experimental psychedelic-tinged "Flood" and sparse Americana offering "Circe and Penelope" are among early standouts on the album. The mood-swept "Shadows 2," hypnotic "Knives," Baroque roots foray "Mike Tyson (Here It Comes)" and poignant "Blue Skies" are late album highlights. Information: CowboyJunkies.com.

Artist: Joan Jett and the Blackhearts

Title: Mindsets (Blackheart Records)

You might like if you enjoy: Joan Jett and the Blackhearts, Billy Idol, The Runaways

Tell me more: Joan Jett and the Blackhearts are back! On the new six-song EP Mindsets (released via Blackheart Records on June 2) the spirit and sonic firepower of the groundbreaking troupe's late '70s/early '80s melody-styled punk rock is fully on display. The original material — written by Blackhearts lead guitarist Dougie Needles and Jett — is full of the brash attitude of Jett's classic work (notably "Bad Reputation," "I Hate Myself For Loving You" and "I Love Rock 'n' Roll"). The infectious opener "If You're Blue," countrified foray "Whiskey Goes Good," fiery "Before The Dawn," tuneful sing-along "Rear View Mirror" and other new cuts collectively celebrate Jett's winning past as well as her continuing contributions to modern rock. The EP was produced by Jett, Kenny Laguna and Thom Panunzio. Joan Jett and the Blackhearts will perform on a strong bill with Bryan Adams at Acrisure Arena in Palm Desert on Friday, July 28, 2023. Information: joanjett.com.

Artist: Jenny Lewis

Title: Joy'All (Blue Note)

You might like if you enjoy: Jenny Lewis, The Postal Service, Rilo Kiley, Aimee Mann

Tell me more: Joy'All finds acclaimed singer-songwriter Jenny Lewis delivering a dazzling set of enticing songs that are breezy on their surface yet reveal insights into life in the here and now with her characteristically-sharp wit. The selections across Lewis' 5th solo album — produced by Dave Cobb at Nashville's celebrated RCA Studio A — are positioned in an inviting sonic sphere where pop, 1990s R&B and indie country somehow meet. The infectious dance-minded single "Psychos," tuneful country-mining "Puppy And A Truck" and "Apples and Oranges," pop-fused "Love Feel," tender "Balcony," confessional "Essence Of Life" and genre-blending "Chain Of Tears" are all first-rate songs on the wonderful disc. Information: JennyLewis.com.

Robert Kinsler

Barry Gibb’s new album 'Greenfields: The Gibb Brothers Songbook, Vol. 1" out today

There has been a lot of excitement leading up to the release of this album. Here is the official media release and a link to hear 'Greenfields: The Gibb Brothers Songbook, Vol. 1' as well...

CELEBRATED BY NPR MORNING EDITION, CBS “SUNDAY MORNING,” THE NEW YORK TIMES 

AND MORE 

THE BEE GEES: HOW CAN YOU MEND A BROKEN HEART DOCUMENTARY OUT NOW ON HBO MAX

January 8, 2021—Legendary artist, songwriter and producer Sir Barry Gibb’s highly anticipated new album, GREENFIELDS: The Gibb Brothers Songbook, Vol. 1, is out today on Capitol Records (stream/purchase). 

Produced by Grammy Award-winning producer Dave Cobb, the record finds Gibb realizing his long-time dream of working with some of the country, bluegrass and americana artists he admires the most including collaborations with Alison Krauss, Brandi Carlile, Dolly Parton, Gillian Welch and David Rawlings, Jason Isbell, Jay Buchanan, Keith Urban, Little Big Town, Miranda Lambert, Olivia Newton-John, Sheryl Crow and Tommy Emmanuel. Watch the album’s official trailer HERE. 

Gibb continues to be widely celebrated surrounding the release, including features this week on NPR Morning Edition and CBS “Sunday Morning,” as well as a recent in-depth profile at The New York Times, who proclaims, “Gibb’s voice on ‘Words of a Fool’ is strong but also spectral…Nearly six decades after he first sang on a record, it remains one of the most otherworldly instruments in popular music.” Moreover, The Wall Street Journal praises the album, calling it “an endearing new salute to the songs of the pop-giant Bee Gees,” while Entertainment Weekly declares, “gorgeous, gospel-inflected, country-kissed.” 

In addition to the new album, Gibb is the subject of an acclaimed new documentary, The Bee Gees: How Can You Mend A Broken Heart, directed by Frank Marshall. Out now on HBO Max, the Washington Post heralds, “magnificent…thorough and beautifully appreciative,” while The Hollywood Reporter calls it, “a warm blast of musical nostalgia.” Watch the trailer HERE. 

photo credit: Desiree Prieto

Of recording GREENFIELDS, Barry Gibb shares, “From the first day we stepped into RCA Studios in Nashville (the very place where Elvis, Willie, Waylon, Roy, the Everly Brothers and so many other legends made their magic) the album took on a life of its own. I couldn’t be more grateful for the opportunity to work with Dave and all the artists who stopped by. They were all incredibly generous with their time and talent. They inspired me more than words can express. I feel deep down that Maurice and Robin would have loved this album for different reasons. I wish we could have all been together to do it…but I think we were.”

Dave Cobb comments, “It was truly an honor to work with one of my heroes. The Bee Gees’ first album has always been a staple for me and it was surreal to get to witness the genius of Barry Gibb in the studio—he’s one of the greatest of all time!”

With a career spanning more than five decades, Sir Barry Gibb stands as one of the most renowned and celebrated musicians of the modern era. As co-founder and creative leader of the Brothers Gibb—better known to the world as the Bee Gees—Barry with his brothers, Maurice and Robin, represent one of the most successful vocal groups in rock and roll history, having sold more than 200 million albums to date. With nine #1 singles as a performer, Barry is also amongst the most successful songwriters of all-time (with sixteen #1 singles) and is seventh on the list of most successful producers (with fourteen #1 singles). He is also tied with John Lennon and Paul McCartney for most #1 singles in a calendar year with seven. Among his many awards and honors are eight Grammy Awards, the Grammy Legend Award and, most recently, the 2015 Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award. He is also the recipient of the American Music Awards Lifetime Achievement Award, the BMI Icon Award, four BMI Songwriter of the Year Awards, four BMI Song of the Year Awards and is a member of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Songwriters Hall of Fame. In 2004, Barry received one of Britain’s highest honors when the Bee Gees were made Commanders of the British Empire and, in 2018, was Knighted “Sir Barry Gibb” by Prince Charles for his services to music and charity.

GREENFIELDS: THE GIBB BROTHERS SONGBOOK, VOL. 1 TRACK LIST 

 1. “I’ve Gotta Get A Message To You” with Keith Urban

   2. “Words of a Fool” with Jason Isbell

   3. “Run to Me” with Brandi Carlile

   4. “Too Much Heaven” with Alison Krauss

   5. “Lonely Days” with Little Big Town

   6. “Words” with Dolly Parton

   7. “Jive Talkin’” with Miranda Lambert, Jay Buchanan

   8. “How Deep Is Your Love” with Tommy Emanuel, Little Big Town

   9. “How Can You Mend A Broken Heart” with Sheryl Crow

   10. “To Love Somebody” with Jay Buchanan

   11. “Rest Your Love On Me” with Olivia Newton-John

   12. “Butterfly” with Gillian Welch, David Rawlings

Barry Gibb's 'Greenfields: The Gibb Brothers Songbook, Vol. 1' out January 8, 2021

NEW ALBUM FEATURING ALISON KRAUSS, BRANDI CARLILE,

DAVID RAWLINGS, DOLLY PARTON, GILLIAN WELCH, JASON ISBELL,

JAY BUCHANAN, KEITH URBAN, LITTLE BIG TOWN, MIRANDA LAMBERT,

OLIVIA NEWTON-JOHN, SHERYL CROW AND TOMMY EMMANUEL

Album cover 

November 6, 2020—A lifelong bluegrass and country music fan, legendary singer, songwriter and producer Barry Gibb has long dreamed of a project that would bring him together with some of the artists he admires the most. With the help of Grammy Award-winning producer Dave Cobb, that dream has become a reality with GREENFIELDS: The Gibb Brothers Songbook, Vol. 1—out January 8 on Capitol Records (pre-order/pre-save). Watch the album’s official trailer HERE.

Across twelve of the Gibb Brothers beloved songs reborn, the album features collaborations with Alison Krauss, Brandi Carlile, David Rawlings, Dolly Parton, Gillian Welch, Jason Isbell, Jay Buchanan, Keith Urban, Little Big Town, Miranda Lambert, Olivia Newton-John, Sheryl Crow and Tommy Emmanuel. In advance of the release, “Words of a Fool,” featuring Grammy Award-winning Jason Isbell, is out today (listen HERE).

Of the experience, Barry Gibb shares, “From the first day we stepped into RCA Studios in Nashville (the very place where Elvis, Willie, Waylon, Roy, the Everly Brothers and so many other legends made their magic) the album took on a life of its own. I couldn’t be more grateful for the opportunity to work with Dave and all the artists who stopped by. They were all incredibly generous with their time and talent. They inspired me more than words can express. I feel deep down that Maurice and Robin would have loved this album for different reasons. I wish we could have all been together to do it…but I think we were.”

Dave Cobb comments, “It was truly an honor to work with one of my heroes. The Bee Gees’ first album has always been a staple for me and it was surreal to get to witness the genius of Barry Gibb in the studio—he’s one of the greatest of all time!”

Jason Isbell adds, “Barry Gibb is one of the greatest songwriters and singers in popular music history, and I’m happy to say he still has that beautiful voice and that magical sense of melody. Working with him on this project has been one of the great honors of my career. He’s a prince.”

Photo credit: Desiree Prieto

With a career spanning more than five decades, Sir Barry Gibb stands as one of the most renowned and celebrated musicians of the modern era. As co-founder and creative leader of the Brothers Gibb—better known to the world as the Bee Gees—Barry with his brothers, Maurice and Robin, represent one of the most successful vocal groups in rock and roll history, having sold more than 200 million albums to date. With nine #1 singles as a performer, Barry is also amongst the most successful songwriters of all-time (with sixteen #1 singles) and is seventh on the list of most successful producers (with fourteen #1 singles). He is also tied with John Lennon and Paul McCartney for most #1 singles in a calendar year with seven. Among his many awards and honors are eight Grammy Awards, the Grammy Legend Award and, most recently, the 2015 Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award. He is also the recipient of the American Music Awards Lifetime Achievement Award, the BMI Icon Award, four BMI Songwriter of the Year Awards, four BMI Song of the Year Awards and is a member of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Songwriters Hall of Fame. In 2004, Barry received one of Britain’s highest honors when the Bee Gees were made Commanders of the British Empire and, in 2018, was Knighted “Sir Barry Gibb” by Prince Charles for his services to music and charity.

GREENFIELDS: THE GIBB BROTHERS SONGBOOK, VOL. 1 TRACK LIST 

 1. “I’ve Gotta Get A Message To You” with Keith Urban

   2. “Words of a Fool” with Jason Isbell

   3. “Run to Me” with Brandi Carlile

   4. “Too Much Heaven” with Alison Krauss

   5. “Lonely Days” with Little Big Town

   6. “Words” with Dolly Parton

   7. “Jive Talkin’” with Miranda Lambert, Jay Buchanan

   8. “How Deep Is Your Love” with Tommy Emanuel, Little Big Town

   9. “How Can You Mend A Broken Heart” with Sheryl Crow

   10. “To Love Somebody” with Jay Buchanan

   11. “Rest Your Love On Me” with Olivia Newton-John

   12. “Butterfly” with Gillian Welch, David Rawlings

John Prine’s “I Remember Everything” debuts at #1 on Billboard Rock Digital Song Sales chart

The late John Prine's last recorded song, "I Remember Everything," is also the highest charting single of his career...

June 23, 2020—John Prine’s last recorded song, “I Remember Everything,” debuts this week at #1 on Billboard’s Rock Digital Song Sales chart making it the highest-charting single of his career as a performer.   

Written by Prine and his longtime collaborator Pat McLaughlin, the song was recorded last year in Prine’s living room with Grammy Award-winning producer Dave Cobb and engineer Gena Johnson. Watch the recording HERE.

The new song and never-before-seen footage debuted following “Picture Show: A Tribute Celebrating John Prine,” which premiered earlier this month. Viewed over 500,000 times, the tribute raised over $400,000 for NAMI, Alive, Make the Road New York and MusiCares.

Already a two-time winner in the category, Prine is once again nominated for “Artist of the Year” at the 2020 Americana Honors & Awards, which will take place September 16 at Nashville’s historic Ryman Auditorium.

Regarded as one of the English language’s premier phrase-turners, Prine is a two-time Grammy-winner, a Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award honoree, a six-time Americana Music Award-winner, a PEN New England Lyrics Award recipient and member of both the Songwriters Hall of Fame and the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame. Since his debut in 1971, Prine released over eighteen albums and has had his songs recorded by Johnny Cash, Carly Simon, Bette Midler, Bonnie Raitt, Norah Jones, George Strait, Miranda Lambert, Zac Brown Band and many others, while drawing effusive praise from Bob Dylan, Kris Kristofferson, Bonnie Raitt, Roger Waters, Tom Petty, Bruce Springsteen and more, who knew him as a smiling, shuffling force for good.

www.JohnPrine.com

John Prine set to release 'The Tree of Forgiveness' on Friday, April 13, 2018

I had the opportunity to see John Prine when he performed at the Stagecoach music festival in 2014. I still recall his was the last performance I saw that weekend and he delivered a powerful 70-minute set in the Palomino tent. With his dramatic delivery now nearly a spoken-word approach on his effective folk compositions, Prine brought cheers with performances of “Six O’Clock News,” the beautiful ballad “Souvenirs” and his oft-remade staple “Angel of Montgomery.”  Here is news that arrived in my inbox today about the legendary artist's next studio album...

JOHN PRINE
THE TREE OF FORGIVENESS 
OUT APRIL 13

FIRST ALBUM OF NEW SONGS IN 13 YEARS

“SUMMER’S END” PREMIERES TODAY

EXTENSIVE TOUR DATES CONFIRMED

 

 Photo credit: Danny Clinch

Legendary singer, songwriter and performer John Prine will release his highly anticipated new album, The Tree of Forgiveness, on April 13, 2018 on his own independent label, Oh Boy Records (pre-order now). Produced by Grammy Award-winning Dave Cobb, the album is Prine’s first featuring new material in over 13 years. In advance of the release, the song “Summer’s End” is premiering today. Listen/share HERE.

In celebration of the album, Prine will embark on an extensive tour that will span throughout 2018, including a very special co-headline concert at New York’s Radio City Music Hall with Sturgill Simpson (solo) on album release day as well as newly announced shows at L.A.’s Ace Theatre, Boston’s Wang Theatre, Austin’s Bass Hall and Nashville’s Ryman Auditorium (two nights). Tickets for the newly added dates will be available for presale beginning Wednesday, February 14 with general on sale starting Friday, February 16. See below for complete details. Every concert ticket sold will include a copy The Tree of Forgiveness (CD only) upon its release.

Recorded at Nashville’s historic RCA Studio A, the album includes ten new songs written by Prine along with co-writers Pat McLaughlin, Roger Cook, Dan Auerbach, Keith Sykes and Phil Spector. Along with Prine (lead vocals and acoustic guitar), Cobb (acoustic guitar, mellotron, claps, kazoo) and Prine’s longtime band, the album features special guests Brandi Carlile (harmony vocals on tracks 2, 4, 10), Jason Isbell (electric guitar on track 7, slide guitar and background vocals on track 9, 10) and Amanda Shires (fiddle and background vocals on track 9, background vocals on track 10).

 

The landmark album and tour follow a noteworthy 2017, which included an “Artist of the Year” award at the Americana Music Honors & Awards and a Chicago/Midwest Regional Emmy Award for his “Chicago Voices” performance with Renée Fleming. Last year also saw the release of Prine’s debut book, John Prine Beyond Words, which includes a selection of favorites songs, photographs and stories from Prine’s beloved catalogue. More info is available here.

A two-time Grammy-winner, Prine is among the English language’s premier phrase-turners. Almost 50 years years into a remarkable career that has drawn effusive praise from Bob Dylan, Kris Kristofferson, Bonnie Raitt, Roger Waters, Tom Petty, Bruce Springsteen and others who would know, Prine is a smiling, shuffling force for good. He is a Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame member and a PEN New England Lyrics Award recipient whose classic debut album, simply titled John Prine, is recognized as part of the Recording Academy’s Grammy Hall of Fame and whose songs have been recorded by Johnny Cash, Carly Simon, Bette Midler, Bonnie Raitt, Norah Jones, George Strait, Miranda Lambert, Zac Brown Band and many others.

Following the 2015 death of his friend and business partner Al Bunetta, Prine is now President and sole owner of Oh Boy Records. He lives in Nashville, TN with his wife, Fiona, and enjoys spending time with their three sons, a daughter-in-law and his grandchildren.

 

 

THE TREE OF FORGIVENESS TRACK LIST

1. “Knockin’ On Your Screen Door” (by John Prine and Pat McLaughlin)

2. “I Have Met My Love Today” ft. Brandi Carlile (by John Prine and Roger Cook)

3. “Egg & Daughter Nite, Lincoln Nebraska, 1967 (Crazy Bone)” (by John Prine and Pat McLaughlin)

4. “Summer’s End” (written by John Prine and Pat McLaughlin)

5. “Caravan of Fools” (by John Prine, Dan Auerbach, and Pat McLaughlin)

6. “The Lonesome Friends of Science” (by John Prine)

7. “No Ordinary Blue” (by John Prine and Keith Sykes)

8. “Boundless Love” (by John Prine, Dan Auerbach, and Pat McLaughlin)

9. “God Only Knows” (by John Prine and Phil Spector)
10. “When I Get to Heaven” (by John Prine)

JOHN PRINE 2018 TOUR DATES

April 11—Woodstock, NY—Levon’s Place
April 13—New York, NY—Radio City Music Hall (co-headline with Sturgill Simpson (solo))

April 14—Philadelphia, PA—Merriam Theatre (with Kurt Vile)April 25—Milwaukee, WI—Riverside Theatre (with Milk Carton Kids)
April 27—Chicago, IL—Chicago Theatre (with Milk Carton Kids)
April 28—Champaign, IL—Virginia Theatre (with Milk Carton Kids)
May 11—Beaver Dam, KY—Beaver Dam Amphitheater* (with Tyler Childers)
May 12—Indianapolis, IN—Clowes Hall (with Tyler Childers)
May 18—Los Angeles, CA—Ace Theatre (with Sam Outlaw)

May 19—San Diego, CA—Balboa Theatre (with Sam Outlaw)May 23—Folsom, CA—Harris Center (with Ramblin Jack)
May 24—San Francisco, CA—The Warfield (with Sam Outlaw)

June 1—Vienna, VA—Wolf Trap (with Margo Price)
June 2—Norfolk, VA—Chrysler Hall (with Margo Price)

June 8—Louisville, KY—Palace Theatre (with Colter Wall)

June 9—Cincinnati, OH—Taft Theatre (with Tyler Childers)

June 13—Burlington, VT—Flynn Theatre (with Valerie June)

June 15—Boston, MA—Wang Theatre  

June 16—Concord, NH—Capitol Theatre (with Valerie June)

June 29—Dallas, TX—AT&T Center (with Amanda Shires)

June 30—Austin, TX—Bass Hall (with Amanda Shires)

July 14—Somerset, KY—Musicians Festival

July 20—Pittsburgh, PA—Heinz Hall (with Langhorne Slim)

August 2—Glasgow, U.K. – Kelvingrove Bandstand (with John Moreland)

August 3—Birmingham, U.K.—Town Hall (with John Moreland)

August 5—Cambridge, U.K.—Cambridge Folk Festival

August 8—Oslo, Norway—Konserthurst (with Tanya McCole)

August 10—Amsterdam, Netherlands—Paradiso (with Tanya McCole)

August 13—Dublin, Ireland—National Concert Hall (with Tanya McCole)

September 14—Huntsville, AL—Von Braum Center (with Kelsey Waldon)

September 15—Memphis, TN—Orpheum Theatre (with Kelsey Waldon)

September 19—Eugene, OR—Hult Center (with Todd Snider)

September 21—Portland, OR—Schnitzer Theatre (with Todd Snider)

September 22—Seattle, WA—Paramount Theatre (with Todd Snider)

September 28—Columbus, OH—Ohio Theatre (with Lilly Hiatt)

October 3—Knoxville, TN—Tennessee Theatre (with Kelsey Waldon)

October 5—Nashville, TN—Ryman Auditorium

October 6—Nashville, TN—Ryman Auditorium

November 7—Breckenridge, CO—Riverwalk Center (with Nathaniel Rateliff)

November 8—Grand Junction, CO—Avalon Theatre (with Nathaniel Rateliff)

November 10—Denver, CO—Buell Center (with Nathaniel Rateliff)

December 12—Las Vegas, NV—Westgate Theatre (with John Paul White)

December 14—Phoenix, AZ—Celebrity Theatre (with John Paul White)

December 15—Tucson, AZ—Fox Theatre (with John Paul White)

*tickets excluded from album bundle

BOLD presale February 14, general on sale February 16

www.johnprine.com