Beth Hart to release inspiring and heartfelt new studio album, featuring Slash and Eric Gales

 Get news and hear new music from blues great Beth Hart...Robert Kinsler

Beth Hart To Release Inspiring and Heartfelt New Studio Album ‘You Still Got Me,' New Single “Wonderful World” now streaming on all platforms   ‘You Still Got Me’ will be released on 25 October Via Provogue / Mascot Label Group   Pre-order the album HERE    Beth Hart will be touring the US and Europe throughout 2024 and into 2025   Watch the videos for "You Still Got Me" | "Little Heartbreak Girl"

Grammy-nominated powerhouse singer-songwriter Beth Hart has announced her new studio album, ‘You Still Got Me’, which will be released on 25 October via Provogue / Mascot Label Group. The album features appearances by Eric Gales and Guns ‘n Roses’ Slash. She has also revealed her new song, “Wonderful World.” Listen to the new song here.   If you have ever seen Beth Hart live or immersed yourself in her music, you know she puts every ounce of her being into her songs. Firebrands inspire; it's what attracts people to them. However, part of those personalities' makeup is that they do not wear a harness. They thrive on the freedom and space around them. But, with that comes danger; you need an emotional crash mat, and those save lives. It is something we all need at times throughout our lives.

Watch the official lyric video for "Wonderful World" by Beth Hart

The album's video for the title track "You Still Got Me," poignantly features  her beloved husband, Scott.  Scott, along with the team around her, provide that surface to fall on when she needs it. Night after night on tour you can see the adulation she receives and that she also gives back. That connection has been forged over the last 28 years of releasing music in which she unapologetically wears her heart on her sleeve - like a warrior. Which is precisely what she is.   Today she reveals the beautiful piano ballad “Wonderful World,” which oozes optimism. "That song was written for and about my beautiful niece,” she says. “As time has gone by, I see that it’s really written for the lineage of the women in my family. All the way down the line; my great grandma, my grandma, my mom, my sisters, my niece and her daughter. So it's the lineage and how imperative it is for me to see that, and what a gift to finally see that."   Beth says about her writing process, "It's always for the joy of writing or for the challenge of writing, to seek what's going on. Sometimes, when I'm sad or scared, I check in on the piano. Sometimes a song comes, and sometimes one doesn't. Either way, there's comfort there."   The album erupts with soaring rocker 'Savior With A Razor' featuring Guns n' Roses' Slash. The epic Bond-like anthem thunders with nihilistic defiance as Beth's vocals take the listener through the shadows and smash through the ceiling as Slash's guitar wraps around the story in an electric fashion. "Beth Hart is one of my favorite artists to work with,” Slash says. “She is an incredible singer/lyricist on so many levels. But Beth is also as sincere and genuine a friend as they come. She's amazing."   Beth explains the messaging within the songs: "I leave that up to the listener to decide. Personally, I know what it is for right now. One of the beautiful things I love about songs and albums is that over time, that meaning changes. I like to keep that open because there's a lot I can learn from it."   "Little Heartbreak Girl" pierces through the clouds like spears of hope and power. "Little Heartbreak Girl, you're on your own," she yearns but follows with  "Little heartbreak girl, stronger than stone". Still, it's the lyric "You're gonna conquer the world" scattered throughout that stands atop the mountain, planting a flag into the ground.   The decadent groove-laden funk of "Suga N My Bowl" features the Southpaw wizard and longtime friend Eric Gales.  She offers up a cautionary tale on "Never Underestimate a Gal," while the Tom's Waits-esque "Drunk on Valentine" is a tender, Jazzy, smokey barroom ballad. Her "most personal and powerful song on the album" is the haunting socio-political opus "Don't Call The Police," an incredibly raw, upsetting, and observational insight on the George Floyd murder.   'You Still Got Me' is Hart's eleventh studio album, and it finds her riding a career trajectory that has been heading for the stars for several years and keeps soaring. Her most recent albums, 'A Tribute To Led Zeppelin' (2022) and 'War In My Mind' (2019), became her highest charting UK and US releases to date, along with crashing into the Top 10 in Germany, France. Sweden, Belgium, Switzerland, Poland, Austria, and The Netherlands. Selling out shows worldwide, her recent travels have taken her across the US, Canada, Europe, and all the way to India, Morocco, and Australia.   We all have our "Me" when she sings "You still got me" - a loved one, a friend, a pet, a place, a memory, a song…even in her moments of fragility, Beth Hart continues to inspire. She buries her hand deep and tears her emotions open so we can all see a mirror into ourselves, reminding us that you can feel low, but your inner strength is so much more powerful.   Beth Hart is a powerhouse in every sense of the word, and ...she is a gargantuan BADASS! 1.    Savior With A Razor (feat. Slash) 2.    Suga N My Bowl (feat. Eric Gales) 3.    Never Underestimate A Gal 4.    Drunk On Valentine 5.    Wanna Be Big Bad Johnny Cash 6.    Wonderful World 7.    Little Heartbreak Girl 8.    Don't Call The Police 9.    You Still Got Me 10.    Pimp Like That 11.    Machine Gun Vibrato Beth Hart Online www.facebook.com/officialbethhart www.twitter.com/BethHart www.instagram.com/officialbethhart www.youtube.com/user/BethHartMusic https://www.tiktok.com/@bethhartmusic www.bethhart.com

Mammoth Festival of Beers and Bluesapalooza set to return Aug. 4-7: Trombone Shorty, Taj Mahal, Allen Stone, Eric Gales, Donavon Frankenreiter & more!

Summer is just around the corner. The lineup and related details for the forthcoming Mammoth Festival of Beers and Bluesapalooza have just been released. This sounds like an amazing event and Mammoth is one of the most beautiful places on the planet...Robert Kinsler

Mammoth Festival of Beers and Bluesapalooza set to return, August 4-7, 2022

Eric Gales performing at Doheny Blues
Festival in May 2018.
Photo credit: Bob Steshetz

Line-up includes Trombone Shorty & Orleans Avenue, Taj Mahal Quartet, Allen Stone, Eric Gales, Donavon Frankenreiter and many more!

Donavon Frankenreiter performing at The Coach House
in May 2021. Photo credit: Bob Steshetz

The Mammoth Festival of Beers and Bluesapalooza, the largest and longest-running music festival in Mammoth Lakes, CA, is proud to announce its line-up for the 26th Annual Event, set to take place Thursday-Sunday, Aug. 4-7, 2022.

In addition to the great and wide-ranging lineup, there will be multiple choices of craft beer available from more than 80 craft breweries including Mammoth Brewing Company. Cocktails will also be sold on all four days of the event.

Carolyn Wonderland at The Coach
House in March 2022.
Photo credit: Bob Steshetz

Festival tickets are now available in multiple price levels that include beer tasting and festival ticket combinations, early entry to the festival grounds on all four days, and grand beer tasting on Saturday and Sunday. All ticket types are available for purchase online at www.mammothbluesbrewsfest.com.

Tommy Castro will perform at the festival on Aug. 6, 2022.
Photo: Bob Steshetz

August 4 —     Donavon Frankenreiter, Ana Popovic, Jelly Bread, Brother Yusef

August 5 —     The Taj Mahal Quartet, Eric Gales, Sugaray Rayford, Beaux Gris                             Gris & The Apocalypse, Dirty Cello, Brother Yusef

August 6 —   Allen Stone, Tommy Castro & The Painkillers featuring Deanna                                Bogart, Ron Artis II & The Truth, Carolyn Wonderland, Chris Cain,                             The Atomic 44s, Sixty Grit Band, Dano Forte's Juke Joint Freak                               Show, more

August 7 —    Trombone Shorty & Orleans Avenue, The Main Squeeze, Jackie                               Venson, Deanna Bogart, Chris Cain, Sixty Grit Band, more    

Tickets and more information: www.mammothbluesbrewsfest.com.

Concert review: Tinsley Ellis and Dennis Jones Band deliver a powerful night of blues and rock at The Coach House

Tinsley Ellis at The Coach House

Who: Tinsley Ellis, Dennis Jones Band

Where: The Coach House in San Juan Capistrano, CA

When: Monday, March 21, 2022

Information: For more information on forthcoming concert events at The Coach House, visit the venue's website HERE or call (949) 496-8930

Review by Robert Kinsler

Photography by Bob Steshetz

When Atlanta-based singer-songwriter/guitar master Tinsley Ellis released Devil May Care earlier this year via Alligator Records it marked his 20th album release. The strength of that landmark release was reflected in an energetic and inspired 100-minute performance at The Coach House in San Juan Capistrano, CA on Monday night. 

Kicking off his set with the uptempo blues track "One Less Reason" (off Devil May Care) Ellis and his two-member band showcased the power of their chops; Ellis' expressive and flashy guitar work came in the service of a song that was bolstered by a dynamic build.

What his set quickly revealed is how many corners of the blues- and blues-rock universe that Ellis explores with a master's touch. Whether using a slide guitar, his signature baritone vocals or lead guitar work he impressed when playing emotive originals or stunning standards by legendary heroes. Kudos to his long-time drummer Erik Kaszynski and 20-year-old bassist Andrew White for their excellent musicianship and energy elevating the set.

There were plenty of great selections offered up. The fast moving funk-tinged blues romp "28 Days" allowed Ellis room to cut loose with his stellar lead guitar stylings; just as impressive were his potent lead vocals as he sang with emotional urgency the equal of his fretwork. He turned on a dime for the blues ballad "Slow Train To Hell," which mined a similar theme of romantic loss while showcasing his ability to tap into the more laid back elements of the genre.

During the concert, Ellis recalled performing at nearby Segerstrom Center in Costa Mesa in March 2013 as part of a special program titled "Blues At The Crossroads 2" with James Cotton, Kim Wilson and Bob Margolin (you can read my review of that event HERE). Ellis revisited one of the songs he performed at that event nine years ago this night; his take on the Willie Dixon-penned "Little Red Rooster" (a song identified with Howlin' Wolf) was semi-acoustic but was powerful and captured the enduring spirit of Chicago blues.

Several other track deserve mention in celebrating Ellis' set. The infectious "To The Devil For A Dime," a swinging song with a catchy chorus and fiery lead guitar throughout including the use of a Wah-wah pedal in the extended finale. The expressive "A Quitter Never Wins" found Ellis juggling quick fills, full-length solos and an incredible lead vocal performance; the song's power and force grew with the masterful arrangement navigated by Ellis, White and Kaszynski.

Dennis Jones at The Coach House

Opening the night was the Dennis Jones Band. a Los Angeles-based trio that rewarded fans with an hour of hard-hitting blues rock. Jones has an arsenal of gifts, including a rich baritone voice along with stylish and virtuoso guitar chops that conjure up the illustrious likes of Jimi Hendrix, Stevie Ray Vaughan and Eric Gales. He is a charismatic performer and earned a well-deserved standing ovation at the end of his set.

The Dennis Jones Band in action on Monday, March 21, 2022.

Performing a mix of artful covers and hard-hitting originals, Jones impressed with a blistering version of the Hendrix classic "Purple Haze" and Chicago blues-styled take on Buddy Guy's "What Kind of Woman Is This?" as well as his own "Passion For The Blues," "Blue Over You" and high-energy "Front Door Man."

Masters showcased on new titles: Ronnie Wood, Walter Trout, Bobby Rush, Paul Kelly & Paul Grabowsky

One of the greatest joys of being a music writer is the chance to discover and share new work featuring a diverse and talented field of artists. Looking at the latest projects featuring Ronnie Wood, Walter Trout, Bobby Rush, and Paul Kelly & Paul Grabowsky, all of which reflect the excitement of discovery...

Artist: Ronnie Wood

Title: Somebody Up There Likes Me (Eagle Rock Films)

You might like if you enjoy: The Rolling Stones, Keith Richards, director Mike Figgis

Tell me more: "Somebody Up There Likes Me" is a Mike Figgis-directed film tracing guitar great Ronnie Wood's 50-year career as a member of The Birds, The Jeff Beck Group, The Faces and The Rolling Stones. The documentary film will be released in North America as a virtual cinema event starting on Friday, Sept. 18. The documentary features brand new interviews with Wood's long-time Rolling Stones band mates Mick Jagger, Keith Richards and Charlie Watts, as well as his Faces band mate Rod Stewart, his wife Sally Wood and several other notable players in the music industry. In addition to a wealth of interviews, the documentary features performance segments of Wood playing guitar and harmonica, as well as footage of him painting in the studio (he has increasingly become celebrated for his fine paintings). The pacing of the film is wonderful, with segments of quiet beauty where Wood is immersed creating art in his studio intermixed with historic and recent performance footage along with a wealth of revealing interviews touching on his hardships (including abusing himself with addictions to drugs, heavy smoking and alcohol) and successes (beating cancer and emphysema, discovering a love of music early in life). "He's as tough as nails," Richards says of Wood in one interview. What the film ultimately reveals is how Wood also has a profound gratitude for the music, people and fateful events in his life that have made it so rich. Information: RonnieWoodMovie.com.

Artist: Walter Trout

Title: Ordinary Madness (Provogue)

You might like if you enjoy: Joe Bonamassa, Eric Gales

Tell me more: Since its release on Aug. 28, Walter Trout's latest album Ordinary Madness has struck a resonant chord with blues lovers; for the 1-week period ended Sept. 10 the album was number 1 on the British Blues & Jazz album chart and number 2 on the Billboard Blues Chart here in the U.S. The album showcases the wide range of Trout's strengths in full — his fiery fretwork, emotive lead vocals and confessional songwriting are on display everywhere. The 11-track disc finds Trout exploring a vast number of topics with purposeful candor. The title track that opens the collection somehow captures this uncertain time where months of quarantine, economic hardship and burgeoning turmoil in society have millions questioning their immediate and long-term future. But Trout can still see the good in the frayed world; just crank up "Wanna Dance," a blues rocker that finds the artist battling demons and mortality but armed with his music to heal — an explosive and infectious track that builds with each measure. Now 69, Trout celebrates his life and Baby Boomer generation with the rousing "OK Boomer." Loss and doubt are explored on the mid tempo "All Out Of Tears" and soulful ballad "My Foolish Pride; deep and consequential romantic love is revealed in the gorgeous "Heaven In Your Eyes." The inspired "Heartland" is an expressive account of a young woman who dreams of a larger world than the one she knows; this song is bolstered by rich Americana stylings (including Terry Andreadis' accordion and Drake "Munkihaid" Shining's Hammond B3 organ) and particularly expressive playing from Trout. Perhaps the most poignant selection on the album is "The Sun Is Going Down," where Trout — who survived liver failure and received a transplant in May 2014 — acknowledges the ill effects of time. The song starts with a laid back Delta-tinged vibe that gradually builds to a full-on rocking tour de force rife with his masterful lead guitar play.  An epic return to be sure. Information: WalterTrout.com.

Artist: Bobby Rush

Title: Rawer Than Raw (Deep Rush/Thirty Tigers)

You might like if you enjoy: Bobby Rush, Robert Johnson, Willie Dixon, Muddy Waters
Tell me more: Anytime we get new music from Bobby Rush — now 86 — it is reason for true celebration. The fact that the Grammy winner and Blues Hall of Famer has released an album as potent as Rawer Than Raw is all the more sweet. The 11-track disc finds Rush covering a handful of legends from his adopted home state of Mississippi who influenced him when he was learning to play music and first performing. Although he was born in Louisiana, Rush has long called Mississippi home. Listening to his decidedly-loose acoustic covers of material from pioneering blues greats Robert Johnson and Skip James along with his 1950s and '60 contemporaries Howlin' Wolf, Muddy Waters and Sonny Boy Williamson II is to be transported back to the beginnings of the genre. The joyful "Shake It For Me" (a Willie Dixon-penned track originally recorded in the 1960s by Wolf), sparse "Sometimes I Wonder" and hypnotic blues harp-adorned "Let's Make Love Again," expressive "Honey Bee, Sail On" and blazing "Dust My Broom" are among the enthralling cuts on the outstanding album. Information: BobbyRushBluesman.com.

Artists: Paul Kelly & Paul Grabowsky

Title: Please Leave Your Light On (Gawd Aggie/Cooking Vinyl North America)

You might like if you enjoy: Bruce Cockburn, Paul Kelly, Paul Grabowsky
Tell me more: What happens when a celebrated singer-songwriter and noted jazz pianist join forces for the first time? In the case of Paul Kelly & Paul Grabowsky, heard on the dazzling Please Leave Your Light On,  the results are marvelous and create a bewitching experience for the listener. The versions here rework the songs without diminishing their power. The jazz aura on "True To You," the playful "Young Lovers," wistful take on Cole Porter's "Every Time We Say Goodbye" (the only non-Kelly composition on the disc) and intimate title track all extend their reach via the new arrangements featuring Kelly singing his wondrous songs to the lone accompaniment of Grabowsky's piano. The lovely tear-inducing "If I Could Start Today Again" closes out the extraordinary album. Information: paulkelly.com/au.

Robert Kinsler

Reviews: Vinyl Box Set, New Albums

A trio of outstanding collections are available now, including a newly-issued vinyl box set featuring The Zombies and new albums from Eric Gales and Nick Waterhouse.

Artist: The Zombies
Title: The Complete Studio Recordings (Varèse Sarabande Records)
You might like if you enjoy: The Zombies, the Hollies
Tell me more: With The Zombies set to be inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame later this month, there is no time better than the present to grab a copy of a special box set that features both U.S. studio albums, two great compilations as well as a bonus collection of rare singles and United Kingdom-only album tracks. The Complete Studio Recordings features five LPs on 180 gram vinyl and proves to be the most comprehensive vinyl collection of The Zombies' '60s recordings ever gathered together. The packaging is as beautiful as the sound and all five albums are housed in a box to help protect and treasure this amazing set. As for songs, casual rock fans will immediately appreciate the sound of timeless hits such "She's Not There," "Tell Her No" and "Time of the Season," while discerning fans will be immersed in each and every of the 60+ cuts. The blend of R&B, jazz and rock celebrated in sophisticated and groundbreaking recordings that made the British quintet so original from their formation in the early '60s is fully on display via this incredible collection. Information: VareseSarabande.com.

Artist: Eric Gales
Title: The Bookends (Mascot Label Group)
You might like if you enjoy: Gary Clark Jr., Doyle Bramhall II, Beth Hart, Gary Clark Jr.
Tell me more: Singer-songwriter/guitar virtuoso Eric Gales' latest album The Bookends will appeal to fans of blues-rock, jaw-dropping guitar work and top-tier songcraft. The Memphis, Tennessee native's 11-track disc boasts a number of style-rich moodscapes. "Something's Gotta Give" (featuring guest B. Slade) features a breezy intro with acoustic guitar forming the backdrop before the song excels via a soulful-pop funk run. The tender R&B-flavored "Southpaw Serenade (with guest Doyle Bramhall II) builds to an explosive finale; the powerful "Reaching For A Change" is a riff-rock blues-rock blaster with introspective lyrics that speak of life's uncertain journey and the quest to beat the hard times and fight the pain. Gales also revisits one of the Beatles' great originals, with his reworking of "With A Little Help From My Friends" matching his strong baritone with the emotive soprano of Beth Hart. The Bookends is a masterful album from start to finish. Information: MascotLabelGroup.com.

Artist: Nick Waterhouse
Title: Nick Waterhouse (Innovative Leisure)
You might like if you enjoy: JD McPherson, Dean Martin
Tell me more: Retro sounds of the mid-1950s are everywhere on the self-titled album from Nick Waterhouse. A listen through the 11-track LP is a trip to a bygone era even while the music surges with the energy and feel of a modern-day release. The disc has a super cool vibe as evidenced by the '60s-mining R&B of "By Heart" and "I Feel An Urge Coming On," rockabilly-meets-garage rock of "Song For Winners," and Rhythm 'n' Blues of "Black Glass." The swinging "Wreck The Rod" is another standout, complete with blasting horns, the pounding piano and Waterhouse's wonderful baritone growl. Information: NickWaterhouse.com.


Robert Kinsler

Wide range of artists thrill at Doheny Blues Festival

Blues Traveler performing on the PCH Stage at the Doheny Blues
Festival in Dana Point, CA, on Saturday, May 19, 2018.
Photo: Bob Steshetz

Artur Menezes in action.

After two decades, the Doheny Blues Festival moved from Doheny State Beach to its new home at nearby Sea Terrace Park in Dana Point this year. The annual blues bash — held Saturday, May 19 and Sunday, May 20 — was staged under mostly overcast skies. But neither the move nor an early case of June gloom dampened the spirit of those attending the fest or the artists who performed mostly memorable sets across three stages (four, if you count the "breakfast sets" that played out for folks waiting to get inside the venue).

Nearly two dozen artists performed and I had the good fortune to catch the majority of all, or part, of the sets across the two days. What follows is my recap of my favorite performances.






Day One - Saturday, May 19

Artur Menezes bringing musical magic to The Backporch stage
(and nearby tables!) at the 2018 Doheny Blues Festival.
Photo: Bob Steshetz

I had never heard of singer-songwriter-guitarist Artur Menezes before I caught his early morning appearance on the Backporch Stage. In my notebook, I jotted down "Gary Clark Jr. meets Alvin Lee," meaning Menezes' smooth and passionate vocals draw comparisons with Clark's contemporary style while his ability to thrill with speedy fretwork reminded me of the late Ten Years After guitarist. But make no mistake, the Brazilian artist who now calls Los Angeles home is a talent who must be seen. Backed by a four-member group, Menezes' set combined Chicago-styled blues, heavier blues-rock and even a Robert Cray-styled soulful cut. A key point to recognize about Menezes is that there was purpose in his lead guitar solos extending beyond merely being flashy. Make sure to get a copy of Menezes' new Josh Smith-produced LP Keep Pushing, set for release on May 28.

Eric Gales thrilling the Doheny
Blues Fest faithful.
Photo: Bob Steshetz

Performing on the Dana Point Stage was Eric Gales, whose hour-long set showcased the artist's powerful blues-rock style via stellar guitar work and great first-rate vocals. 

Showcasing both his own work and several covers (including Freddie King's "Boogie Man," a track featured on his 2017 Middle Of The Road album), the Memphis, Tennessee native's approach was all about explosive power but never over-the-top bombast. His Hendrix-inspired guitar work was thrilling in the expansive outdoor setting, but there was an emotional epicenter that insured the material connected with the crowd on a deeper level. One of the clear standouts of his set was a cover of Buddy Guy's "Baby, Please Don't Leave Me," complete with poignant vocals and nuanced guitar work that grew mightier and the use of a DigiTech pedal to bolster his lead with some screaming effects. Nice!

Larkin Poe's Rebecca, on left, and Megan Lovell.
Photo: Bob Steshetz

Larkin Poe delivered an incredible set that drew a packed crowd at the Backporch Stage. The Georgia-based duo (sisters Rebecca and Megan Lovell) were backed by a simple rhythm section, but there was nothing simple about their astonishing 75-minute outing before a packed and awe-struck audience. Featuring tracks off their most recent album (2017's terrific Peach), the siblings performed with the kind of power and authority that Doheny audiences recall with The Record Company's set in 2016 and Vintage Trouble's killer turn in 2014. Larkin Poe's reworkings are undeniably a great way to bring in new fans (a version of Lead belly's "Black Betty" was simply epic), but the originals showcased were also special. The intoxicating "Look Away" and "Freedom" were early favorites, with Rebecca's work on electric guitar and Megan's deft handling on a lap-steel guitar bewitching. 

Larkin Poe performing at The Backporch.
Photo: Bob Steshetz

In addition to their power as singers, musicians and masters at fusing blues, Southern rock and roots music together, the Lovell sisters just seemed to be having a great time. Indeed, earlier in the day I spotted them on the side of the stage enjoying Gales' set. "What a fantastic festival," Rebecca Lovell said about mid-way through their fast-moving set. " Larkin Poe is scheduled to perform at a number of high-profile festivals this summer. Check out their tour page for upcoming performance dates.

George Thorogood in Dana Point.
Photo: Bob Steshetz

Blues Traveler delivered a decidedly different vibe with their freewheeling jam style on the PCH Stage. The group's "Run-Around" remains one of rock's most catchy singles from the '90s, and the performance here got a large crowd moving and dancing to the blues-rock groove.

Closing out day 1 was legendary classic rockers George Thorogood and the Destroyers, whose set of rowdy, party-minded Chuck Berry-inspired rockers included "Who Do You Love" and "Night Time," the latter a terrific cover of The Strangeloves' early 1960s classic.










Day Two - Sunday, May 20

Singer-blues harp player Curtis Salgado and guitarist Alan Hager joined forces for an inspired set on the Backporch Stage for an early morning set of traditional blues. My favorite selection was a moving version of Little Walter's 1954 hit "Last Night." In addition to Salgado's tasty harmonica playing, Hager was featured on a long solo celebrating Chicago blues. Salgado — who recently received the award for Soul Blues Male Artist of the Year at the 39th Annual Blues Music Awards — recently teamed up with Hager on the Alligator Records-issued release Rough Cut.

Kim Wilson in action.
Photo: Bob Steshetz

Kim Wilson has been such a fixture at the Doheny Blues Festival over the years, it's easy to take the talented singer-harmonica virtuoso for granted. Having performed at the festival many times in the past (as both a solo artist and with his Fabulous Thunderbirds), his performance here with the Blues + Boogie Revue was a wonder. Highlights of his hour-long outing included a fiery version of Chuck Berry's "Back in the U.S.A." and a high-octane run with the Chicago blues Elmore James classic "Shake Your Moneymaker."

John Nemeth and the Love Light Orchestra showcased a different side of the Northern California-based artist. A past visitor who had previously wowed crowds with his top-tier soul vocals and stellar blues harp work, this time Nemeth's vocals still thrilled courtesy of a five-man horn section and full band sans his harmonica. Highlights included the classic-styled original "Poverty" and soulful take on Bobby Blue Bland's 1961 classic "I've Been Wrong So Long."

Also based in the Bay Area, The California Honeydrops came to Dana Point on the heels of the release of a terrific new album (Call It Home: Vol. 1 & 2). Like Larkin Poe's set a day earlier, the California Honeydrops secured a full 75-minute slot and that allowed the group to really explore a myriad of sounds that make the group so exciting. Blending R&B, New Orleans jazz, funk, blues and soul, the ensemble performed with an infectious spirit; the performance was bolstered by fantastic musicianship, the mix of three lead vocalists and stunning harmonies.

Nikki Hill at Doheny Blues Fest.
Photo: Bob Steshetz

The 3:45-5 p.m. slot featured simultaneous performances from Eric Burdon & The Animals on the Dana Point Stage and Nikki Hill at the Backporch. I found Hill the stronger of the two artists, particularly her rock 'n' blues foray "Struttin'."


Making a highly-anticipated return to the festival was singer-songwriter-keyboardist Beth Hart, whose blues ballads and rockers connected powerfully with a huge crowd gathered in front of the PCH Stage. With long-time guitarist Jon Nichols adding firepower everywhere, this must-see set featured favorites the piano-anchored "Love Gangster" and gospel-tinged blues rocker "Bottle of Jesus" and a cover of the blues ballad "I Love You More Than You'll Ever Know."


Closing out the strong two-day affair was legendary Buddy Guy, 82, who thrilled with a 90-minute set of hard-edged Chicago blues, compelling stories and great sense of humor. While the entire 90-minute set was great, I was floored by a short but rousing cover of "Hoochie Coochie Man" (complete with Guy playfully rubbing his electric guitar  on various parts of his body for comedic effect) and a true masterpiece from the artist, "Feels Like Rain" (the latter a song penned by John Hiatt).

Buddy Guy at Doheny Blues
Festival.
Photo: Bob Steshetz

He later brought on teen guitar virtuoso Quinn Sullivan, who thrilled the crowd with hard-rocking jams centered around Hendrix and Cream tracks. Guy reached another thrilling high mark with a performance of "Skin Deep," a timeless blues ballad he has made his own. 

The good news for those who missed the Doheny Blues Fest this past weekend, Buddy Guy is scheduled to headline at The Coach House in San Juan Capistrano on Thursday, Aug. 9, 2018. 


Review by Robert Kinsler

Photography courtesy of Bob Steshetz

Doheny Blues Festival reveals more artists for 2018: Blues Traveler, Beth Hart, Nikki Hill and more!

Cool news for a Friday! Blues Traveler, Beth Hart and Nikki Hill are among the featured artists set to join George Thorogood & The Destroyers and Jimmie Vaughan at the Doheny Blues Festival in Dana Point the weekend of May 19-20, 2018. See the official media release and poster below...

BLUES TRAVELER & BETH HART ADDED TO THE LINEUP

DANA POINT’S DOHENY BLUES FESTIVAL, MAY 19 & 20, 2018

SINGLE DAY TICKETS NOW AVAILABLE!

[Dana Point, CA] – The DOHENY BLUES FESTIVAL is excited to reveal the second wave of artists performing at the 21^st Annual event, taking place May 19 & 20 at Sea Terrace Park. Joining this year’s impressive lineup of previously announced acts, such as George Thorogood and Jimmie Vaughan, will be Grammy-winning blues band BLUES TRAVELER, blues-rock powerhouse BETH HART and many others. Single Day tickets are on sale now!

BLUES TRAVELER has a proven reputation for their improvisational live shows and tireless touring. Their music includes blues rock, psychedelic rock, folk rock, soul and southern rock. With a total of twelve studio albums – four gold, three platinum, and one six-times platinum – they have sold more than 10 million combined units worldwide, and played over 2,000 live shows in front of more than 30 million people. Their hit ‘Run-Around’ is the longest-charting radio single in Billboard history and earned them a GRAMMY^® for Best Rock Performance in 1996.

BETH HART is on fire right now. The Grammy-nominated blues rocker is riding a creative tidal wave, firing out acclaimed albums, hooking up with the biggest names in music as a head-turning vocalist for guitar heroes like Joe Bonamassa and Jeff Beck, and rocking the house each night with that celebrated burnt-honey voice. Every live performance gets a standing ovation because no one knows how to rock the house better than Beth Hart.

Joining Blues Traveler and Beth Hart is New Orleans’ ANDERS OSBORNE, blues-rock guitarist ERIC GALES, “The Southern Fireball” NIKKI HILL, and KNOCK-OUT GREG & THE JUKES. The full lineup will be revealed in the next few weeks and will include a very special guest announcement! The festival will feature three stages of alternating music with 20+ performances throughout the weekend.

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The festival is also excited to release Single Day tickets before the full lineup is announced! Prices range from $80 (Single Day GA) and $140 (GA Weekend), to $160 (Single Day VIP) and $275 (Weekend VIP), to $260 (GOLD Single Day) and $475 (GOLD Weekend). Tickets are available online at www.dohenybluesfestival.com.

WHAT                         21^st Annual Doheny Blues Festival

WHEN                         May 19 & 20, 2018               Hours:            10:00 a.m. – 9:00 p.m. Saturday

                                                                                                10:00 a.m. – 8:30 p.m. Sunday

WHERE                       Sea Terrace Park

                                    Pacific Coast Highway & Niguel Road, Dana Point, CA 92629

MAY 19                       George Thorogood & The Destroyers, Blues Traveler, Jimmie Vaughan, Anders Osborne, Eric Gales, Larkin Poe, Knock-Out Greg and The Jukes, Chris Cain All-Stars feat. Jim Pugh, Tony Braunagel, Larry Taylor & Nancy Wright, and more to be announced!

MAY 20                       Beth Hart, The California Honeydrops, John Nemeth & The Love Light Orchestra, Nikki Hill, Kim Wilson’s Blues & Boogie Revue, and more to be announced – including a very special guest!

WHAT ELSE               The festival will feature three alternating stages of music, an expanded selection of food & beverage offerings with participation from Dana Point’s top restaurants, an eclectic vendor promenade, VIP viewing areas and community booths with fundraising opportunities for local non-profits.

TICKETS                     www.dohenybluesfestival.com

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