Legends shine on via spectacular titles: George Harrison, Etta James, Nina Simone, ZZ Top

The enduring talents of several late legends are celebrated in my column this week.

Artist: George Harrison

Title: All Things Must Pass - 50th Anniversary Edition (Super Deluxe Edition sampler) (Capitol Records)

You might like if you enjoy: George Harrison, The Beatles

Tell me more: The greatest solo album by any member of The Beatles, George Harrison's 1970 masterpiece All Things Must Pass is being released in a number of formats in celebration of the album's 50 year anniversary. Capitol Records provided this writer with a sampler of 34 of the tracks ahead of the Aug. 6 release. My immediate reaction upon hearing the remastered tracks and previously-unreleased outtakes is that the seminal masterwork is more impressive than ever. Critics of the so-called "Wall of Sound" applied by co-producer Phil Spector on the original version of the 23-track triple album recorded between May and October of 1970 (and released in November of that year) will be stunned by the clarity and brightness of the 2020 mixes. Executive produced by George Harrison's son Dhani Harrison and mixed by triple GRAMMY® Award-winning engineer Paul Hicks (The Beatles, The Rolling Stones, John Lennon), the new album mixes are a dramatic improvement in every way. Harrison's singing is clear with the nuanced and emotive touch of his signature baritone truly astonishing; the talents of a parade of legendary musicians who contribute includes Ringo Starr, Badfinger, Billy Preston, Dave Mason, Klaus Voormann, Eric Clapton, Bobby Keys, Gary Wright and many more – their contributions are thankfully more vivid now. And just listen to Harrison's soaring slide guitar work. The Americana-swept version of Bob Dylan's "If Not For You" and his own "Behind That Locked Door" and "Apple Scruffs" astound. More rocking material ("Wah-Wah," "Let It Down," "Art Of Dying"), fascinating outtakes (including the rockabilly-styled "Going Down To Golders Green" and acoustic demo for "Cosmic Empire") and timeless favorites ("My Sweet Lord," "What Is Life," "Beware Of Darkness") may well have many audiophiles briefly wondering if they are hearing this artistic triumph for the very first time. All Things Must Pass 50th Anniversary Edition will be available in a variety of formats on Friday, Aug. 6. Information: GeorgeHarrison.com.

Artists: Etta James

Title: Etta James: The Montreux Years (BMG)

You might like if you enjoy: Etta James, Beth Hart, Janiva Magness

Tell me more: Montreux Jazz Festival and BMG have started releasing a new series of releases available in multiple-format configurations (including double LP, two-disc audio CD editions, and via digital download and streaming services). Etta James: The Montreux Years features the six-time Grammy winner in appearances at the Montreux Jazz Festival in Switzerland captured across three decades – indeed selections from the Los Angeles native's performances in 1977, 1978, 1989, 1990 and 1993 are featured on disc 1 of the essential collection. The wealth of outstanding material from those appearances includes the soulful blues cut "Damn Your Eyes" (featuring some killer guitar work from Bobby Murray), R&B celebration "Tell Mama" and the original rock 'n' roll-meets blues confessional "Something's Got a Hold On Me," the fiery blues-rocker "Beware" and an artful jazz medley featuring "At Last," "Trust In Me" and "Sunday Kind Of Love." Disc 2 is a true treasure; Etta James' very first concert in Europe staged at the festival's ninth edition on July 11, 1975 sounds amazing. The blues track "Respect Yourself," funky "W-O-M-A-N," Chicago blues blaster "Dust My Broom," and animated take on the B.B. King favorite "Rock Me Baby" are all here. James' rich contralto vocals are a wonder across all 21 tracks on the release. Information: bmg.com.

Artist: Nina Simone

Title: Nina Simone: The Montreux Years (BMG)

You might like if you enjoy: Nina Simone

Tell me more: Nina Simone was an artist who defied easy categorization. A top-tier vocalist, classically trained pianist, composer, arranger and civil rights champion and feminist activist, Simone's music ran the gamut from classical and jazz to blues, soul, R&B, folk, world music, pop and gospel. On Nina Simone: The Montreux Years, all the diverse elements of her musical world are revealed over the course of her performances at the Montreux Jazz Festival spanning from a full-length concert on June 16, 1968 (that fills disc 2 and marks the first-ever release of the performance on audio CD) to highlights from appearances in 1976, 1981, 1987 and 1990. The melodic "I Wish I Knew How It Would Feel To Be Free," the bewitching "See-Line Woman," valiant "Four Women," nuanced and poignant version of Janis Ian's "Stars" and stirring take on Bob Marley's classic "No Woman No Cry" are among the marvelous selections Simone performs with magnificence on the two-disc, 29-track collection. Information: bmg.com.

Artist: ZZ Top

Title: ZZ Top's First Album (Warner Bros. Records)

You might like if you enjoy: ZZ Top, Billy F Gibbons

Tell me more: The death of ZZ Top bassist-keyboardist Dusty Hill on July 28 provides the perfect reason to celebrate his 50+ year run with the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame trio by rediscovering "ZZ Top's First Album." Released in January 1971, ZZ Top's First Album was the debut LP featuring Hill, singer-guitarist Billy F Gibbons and drummer Frank Beard. The Bill Ham-produced album –  recorded at Robin Hood Studios in Tyler, Texas between June and October of 1971 – immediately set the template for the threesome's undeniable blend of hard rock, boogie and Texas-bred blues rock. Highlights of the rowdy and often-raunchy track listing includes the feisty opener "(Somebody Else Been) Shaking Your Tree," infectious electric guitar-anchored "Goin' Down To Mexico," boogie sortie "Neighbor, Neighbor" and aptly-pegged "Certified Blues."  In addition to the uptempo material, the original "Old Man" grows from a slow blues ballad into a decidedly more dynamic finale while "Just Got Back From Baby's" is a particularly wonderful blues-mining showcase for Hill's signature skills on the bass guitar. Information: ZZtop.com.

Robert Kinsler

George Harrison 'All Things Must Pass' 50th Anniversary Edition coming Aug. 6, 2021

Today (Thursday, June 10, 2021) comes word that George Harrison's ambitious All Things Must Pass will receive a well-deserved 50th Anniversary Edition this summer.

All Things Must Pass — Harrison's third studio album — was released as a triple album in November 1970.  Produced by Harrison and Phil Spector, the masterwork includes a slew of classics including the hit singles "My Sweet Lord" and "What Is Life," as well as favorites such as "Isn't It a Pity" and the stirring title track.

The Super Deluxe Edition of 'All Things Must Pass' includes five audio CDs
collecting 70 tracks including 42 previously unreleased. A Blu-ray presents
the main album in hi-res stereo, 5.1 surround sound and Dolby Atmos. The collection
also contains a 56-page scrapbook by Olivia Harrison. 

It's remarkable to reflect on all the great artists who joined Harrison for the sessions that began at London's EMI Studios in May 1970. Eric Clapton, Ringo Starr, Gary Wright, Billy Preston, Klaus Voorman and Badfinger all contributed their talents to the album. 

This news was expected, and now it's official. Check out the full media release below...Robert Kinsler

GEORGE HARRISON’S MASTERPIECE, ALL THINGS MUST PASS, 
CELEBRATED WITH SUITE OF NEW 50^TH ANNIVERSARY EDITIONS
 

SUPER DELUXE EDITION OF LANDMARK 1970 SOLO ALBUM COLLECTS 70 TRACKS OVER 5 CDS OR 8LPS INCLUDING 42 PREVIOUSLY UNRELEASED DEMO RECORDINGS, SESSION OUTTAKES, AND STUDIO JAMS

 

EXCLUSIVE ALL THINGS MUST PASS SCRAPBOOK FEATURES ARCHIVAL NOTES, TRACK-BY-TRACK ANNOTATION, RARE PHOTOS, MEMORABILIA AND MORE

 

VERY LIMITED EDITION UBER DELUXE INCLUDES 8LPS AND 5CDS IN SPECIALLY DESIGNED WOODEN CRATE ALONG WITH ELABORATE EXPANDED SCRAPBOOK, LASER CUT WOOD DETAILING FROM OAK TREE IN GEORGE’S GARDEN, 1/6 SCALE REPLICAS OF GNOMES FEATURED ON ICONIC COVER, LITHOGRAPHS, AND MORE

 

TODAY’S LAUNCH HERALDED WITH PREMIERE OF PREVIOUSLY UNRELEASED AND REMIXED “RUN OF THE MILL” (TAKE 36), AVAILABLE NOW TO STREAM AND DOWNLOAD AND WITH AN OFFICIAL MUSIC VIDEO

 

THE GEORGE HARRISON ESTATE FIRST MARKED ALBUM’S 50^TH ANNIVERSARY IN NOVEMBER 2020 WITH RELEASE OF NEW STEREO MIX OF THE TRANSCENDENT TITLE SONG

 

AVAILABLE AUGUST 6 VIA CAPITOL/UMe

 

Pre-Order All Things Must Pass 50^th Anniversary Edition
Watch/Share Album Trailer
Watch/Share “Run Of The Mill” (Take 36) Video
Listen/Share “All Things Must Pass” (2020 Mix)

 

“Even before I started, I knew I was gonna make a good album because I had so many songs and I had so much energy.
For me to do my own album after all that –  it was joyous. Dream of dreams.”

– George Harrison

 

Los Angeles – June 10, 2021 – Recorded and released in the wake of The Beatles’ April 1970 dissolution, George Harrison’s landmark solo album, All Things Must Pass, is a fully realized statement by a bold and audacious artist. Produced by Harrison and Phil Spector, the 23-track All Things Must Pass stands tall a half century later as an epic, ambitious expression of Harrison’s remarkable gift for sheer songcraft, powerful spirituality and a celebration of both his inimitable individuality and unique camaraderie with his fellow musicians.

 

All Things Must Pass was an overdue artistic release for George as a songwriter and musician. The first-ever triple studio album, All Things Must Pass overflows with a voluminous range of ideas, musical styles and influences, spanning rock ‘n’ roll, country, gospel, blues, pop, folk, R&B, Indian classical music, and devotional songs. Despite the album being wildly successful and Harrison’s affection for it, he would write in the liner notes for the 30^th anniversary remaster, released in 2001, “I still like the songs on the album and believe they can continue to outlive the style in which they were recorded,” adding however, “it was difficult to resist re-mixing every track. All these years later I would like to liberate some of the songs from the big production that seemed appropriate at the time”.

 

Decades in the making and lovingly crafted by the Harrison family, All Things Must Pass has now been completely remixed from the original tapes for a stunning suite of 50^th anniversary releases that fulfills Harrison’s longtime desire. Executive produced by Dhani Harrison, product produced by David Zonshine and mixed by triple GRAMMY® Award-winning engineer Paul Hicks (The Beatles, The Rolling Stones, John Lennon), the new mix transforms the album by sonically upgrading it - making it sound brighter, fuller and better than ever before.

 

Releasing August 6 via Capitol/UMe, All Things Must Pass 50^th Anniversary Edition will be available in a variety of formats:

 

 

UBER DELUXE EDITION

Exclusive to GeorgeHarrison.com, uDiscover, and Sound of Vinyl, All Things Must Pass 50^th Anniversary Edition will be available as a very limited Uber Deluxe Edition box set, which includes the album on 8LP (180g) and 5CD + 1 Blu-ray audio disc housed in an artisan designed wooden crate (approx. 12.4” X 12.4” X 17.5”). The collection explores the 1970 album sessions through 47 (42 previously unreleased) demos and outtakes, offering an inside look into the creative process. The Blu-ray allows fans to experience the main album in high-res stereo, enveloping 5.1 surround sound and Dolby Atmos mixes.

 

The crate contains two books, an elaborate and expanded 96-page scrapbook curated by Olivia Harrison, with unseen imagery and memorabilia from the era, handwritten lyrics, diary entries, studio notes, tape box images, a comprehensive track-by-track and more; while a second 44-page book chronicling the making of All Things Must Pass through extensive archival interviews with notes is also contained herein. The elegantly designed book pays homage to Harrison’s love of gardening and nature. The book also contains a wooden bookmark made from a felled Oak tree (Quercus Robur) in George’s Friar Park. This truly unique box will also contain 1/6 scale replica figurines of Harrison and the gnomes featured on the iconic album cover, a limited edition illustration by musician and artist Klaus Voormann, as well as a copy of Paramahansa Yogananda’s “Light from the Great Ones” and Rudraksha beads, contained in individual custom-made boxes. 

 

 

 

SUPER DELUXE EDITION

The Super Deluxe Edition box set, presented on 8LP (180g) or 5CD + 1 Blu-ray audio disc, explores the 1970 album sessions through 47 (42 previously unreleased) demos and outtakes. The Blu-ray allows fans to experience the main album in high-res stereo, enveloping 5.1 surround sound and Dolby Atmos mixes. The collection contains a beautiful 60-page scrapbook curated by Olivia Harrison, with unseen imagery and memorabilia from the era, handwritten lyrics, diary entries, studio notes, tape box images, a comprehensive track-by-track and more. It also includes a replica of the original album poster.

 

All Things Must Pass will be released in multiple physical and digital configurations, including as a 5LP or 3CD Deluxe Edition that pairs the main album with the sessions outtakes and jams. The main album will be available on its own as 2CD, 3LP or limited edition 3LP color vinyl. All versions are available for pre-order now.

 

"Since the 50^th anniversary stereo mix release of the title track to my father’s legendary All Things Must Pass album in 2020, my dear pal Paul Hicks and I have continued to dig through mountains of tapes to restore and present the rest of this newly remixed and expanded edition of the album you now see and hear before you,” says Dhani Harrison. “Bringing greater sonic clarity to this record was always one of my father’s wishes and it was something we were working on together right up until he passed in 2001. Now, 20 years later, with the help of new technology and the extensive work of Paul Hicks we have realized this wish and present to you this very special 50th Anniversary release of perhaps his greatest work of art. Every wish will be fulfilled."

 

The All Things Must Pass sessions began just six weeks after the April 1970 announcement of The Beatles’ break-up. Two days were spent recording thirty demos in Studio Three at EMI Studios, Abbey Road in St. John’s Wood, London. The first day, May 26, saw Harrison record fifteen songs backed by Ringo Starr and his longtime friend, bassist Klaus Voormann, beginning with “All Things Must Pass.” The next day, May 27, George played an additional fifteen songs for co-producer Phil Spector. The All Things Must Pass Uber and Super Deluxe Editions collects all 30 of these remarkable demo recordings, including 26 tracks never before officially released and several songs that didn’t make the album like “Cosmic Empire,” “Going Down To Golders Green,” “Dehra Dun,” “Sour Milk Sea,” and “Mother Divine.”

 

The scope of Harrison’s songwriting remains breathtaking – his deeply personal introspection and striking wit is matched by the album’s boldly extravagant production. With its densely orchestrated textures and eclectic embrace of myriad genres, Harrison and Phil Spector’s groundbreaking sonic approach set a grand blueprint for countless artists to follow.

 

George had been stockpiling material for nearly half a decade, with a number of songs – including “Isn’t It A Pity” and the title track – rehearsed with, but not recorded by, The Beatles. Further songs evinced Harrison’s growing frustration over those preceding years, including “Wah-Wah,” the dramatic “Beware of Darkness,” and “Run Of The Mill,” the latter named by both George and Olivia Harrison as one of their all-time favorites.

 

Written by George while producing Billy Preston’s 1969 Apple Records solo debut but saved for his own album a year later, the glorious “What Is Life” highlights the artist at his most exultant. At the album’s heart were songs like “My Sweet Lord,” “Awaiting On You All” and the impassioned “Hear Me Lord,” each of which epitomized Harrison’s lifelong inner journey.

 

An anthem weaving a chant of the Hare Krishna mantra and “hallelujah,” “My Sweet Lord” proved a worldwide smash upon its November 1970 single release, making history as the first solo single by a former Beatle to reach #1 in the UK or the US. Inducted into the GRAMMY® Hall of Fame in 2014, the indelible anthem of spiritual and religious unity has remained one of the world’s most beloved songs, named among the “Greatest Songs of All Time” by both Rolling Stone and NME. Last year saw a limited edition clear vinyl 7″ of “My Sweet Lord” released by the George Harrison Estate in partnership with Record Store Day‘s Black Friday event on November 27, 2020 – the official 50^th anniversary of All Things Must Pass’ original release.

 

Harrison's close friendship with Bob Dylan begat two songs: the album-opening “I’d Have You Anytime” was co-written with Dylan, while the classic “If Not For You” was at the time an unreleased Dylan composition. The All Things Must Pass Super Deluxe Edition includes previously unreleased demo recordings of both songs as well as “Nowhere To Go” and “I Don’t Want To Do It,” another original Dylan song later recorded by George for a 1985 soundtrack but remains unrecorded by Dylan himself.

 

George brought together a stunning roster of friends and fellow musicians to record All Things Must Pass, including Ringo Starr, Klaus Voormann, and Billy Preston, along with Eric Clapton and his new American bandmates, Carl Radle, Bobby Whitlock, and Jim Gordon (soon to be known collectively as Derek and the Dominoes). Badfinger’s Pete Ham, Tom Evans, Joey Molland, and Mike Gibbons contributed additional acoustics and percussion. Phil Spector’s desire for multiple pianos, layers of acoustic guitars, and more drums saw the addition of Peter Frampton and Jerry Shirley from Humble Pie, Spooky Tooth’s Gary Wright, Plastic Ono Band veteran and future Yes drummer Alan White, Traffic’s Dave Mason, Procol Harum’s Gary Brooker, and the in-demand horn section of Bobby Keys and Jim Price. Pete Drake, legendary Nashville session musician provided pedal steel guitar on several tracks. Arrangements for strings and horns came from longtime collaborator John Barham.

 

The original release of All Things Must Pass collected 18 songs over two LPs alongside a third LP – dubbed “Apple Jam” – showcasing four improvised instrumentals including a pair recorded as part of Derek and the Dominoes’ first ever official recording session in June 1970. In addition, the “Apple Jam” disc includes “It’s Johnny’s Birthday,” sung to the tune of Cliff Richard’s 1968 hit “Congratulations” and recorded as a gift from Harrison to mark John Lennon’s 30^th birthday.

 

The All Things Must Pass session tapes created in 1970 include over twenty-five hours of music on forty-nine 1” eight-track tapes, four 2” sixteen-track tapes, and forty-four ¼” stereo tapes. Richard Radford, Archivist for the George Harrison Estate oversaw the preservation of the tape collection, with the original analog multi-track and stereo tapes transferred to 192 KHz/24bit digital preservation copies.

 

Hailed by Rolling Stone as “the War and Peace of rock and roll” and “an intensely personal statement and a grandiose gesture,” All Things Must Pass was met by unanimous critical acclaim and spectacular commercial success, spending seven weeks at #1 on Billboard’s “Top LPs” chart and eight weeks atop the UK’s official albums chart (though chart records until 2006 mistakenly stated that it had peaked at #4). Currently certified 6x platinum by the RIAA, All Things Must Pass later received a 1972 GRAMMY® Award nomination for “Album of the Year,” while “My Sweet Lord” earned a GRAMMY® nod for “Record of the Year.” “What Is Life,” the album’s second single, also became an international hit, reaching the top 10 in the US and Canada as well as #1 in Australia and Switzerland.

 

All Things Must Pass has only grown in influence and stature in the half-century since its initial release, including induction in the GRAMMY® Hall of Fame and inclusion on The Times of London’s “The 100 Best Albums of All Time” and Rolling Stone’s 2020 listing of “The Top 500 Albums of All Time.” Pitchfork declared it to have “changed the terms of what an album could be.”

 

GEORGE HARRISON

ALL THINGS MUST PASS
SUPER DELUXE EDITION

(Capitol/UMe)

RELEASE DATE: AUGUST 6, 2021

 

TRACKLISTING

(5CD/BR)

Disc One (Main Album)

1. I’d Have You Anytime           
2. My Sweet Lord        
3. Wah-Wah  
4. Isn’t It A Pity (Version One) 
5. What Is Life
6. If Not For You          
7. Behind That Locked Door    
8. Let It Down
9. Run Of The Mill

 

Disc Two (Main Album Cont.)

1. Beware Of Darkness             
2. Apple Scruffs           
3. Ballad Of Sir Frankie Crisp (Let It Roll)            
4. Awaiting On You All
5. All Things Must Pass             
6. I Dig Love   
7. Art Of Dying             
8. Isn’t It A Pity (Version Two)
9. Hear Me Lord          
10. Out Of The Blue *     
11. It’s Johnny’s Birthday *        
12. Plug Me In *
13. I Remember Jeep *   
14. Thanks For The Pepperoni *

* Newly Remastered/Original Mix

 

Disc Three (Day 1 Demos – Tuesday 26 May 1970) 

1. All Things Must Pass (Take 1) †
2. Behind That Locked Door (Take 2)
3. I Live For You (Take 1)
4. Apple Scruffs (Take 1)
5. What Is Life (Take 3)
6. Awaiting On You All (Take 1) †
7. Isn’t It A Pity (Take 2)
8. I’d Have You Anytime (Take 1)
9. I Dig Love (Take 1)
10. Going Down To Golders Green (Take 1)
11. Dehra Dun (Take 2)
12. Om Hare Om (Gopala Krishna) (Take 1)
13. Ballad Of Sir Frankie Crisp (Let It Roll) (Take 2)
14. My Sweet Lord (Take 1) †
15. Sour Milk Sea (Take 1)

 

Disc Four (Day 2 Demos – Wednesday 27 May 1970)

1. Run Of The Mill (Take 1) †
2. Art Of Dying (Take 1)
3. Everybody/Nobody (Take 1)
4. Wah-Wah (Take 1)
5. Window Window (Take 1)
6. Beautiful Girl (Take 1)
7. Beware Of Darkness (Take 1)
8. Let It Down (Take 1)
9. Tell Me What Has Happened To You (Take 1)
10. Hear Me Lord (Take 1)
11. Nowhere To Go (Take 1)
12. Cosmic Empire (Take 1)
13. Mother Divine (Take 1)
14. I Don’t Want To Do It (Take 1)
15. If Not For You (Take 1)

† Previously Released

 

Disc Five (Session Outtakes and Jams)

1. Isn’t It A Pity (Take 14)
2. Wah-Wah (Take 1)
3. I’d Have You Anytime (Take 5)
4. Art Of Dying (Take 1)
5. Isn’t It A Pity (Take 27)
6. If Not For You (Take 2)
7. Wedding Bells (Are Breaking Up That Old Gang Of Mine) (Take 1)
8. What Is Life (Take 1)
9. Beware Of Darkness (Take 8)
10. Hear Me Lord (Take 5)
11. Let It Down (Take 1)
12. Run Of The Mill (Take 36)
13. Down To the River (Rocking Chair Jam) (Take 1)
14. Get Back (Take 1)
15. Almost 12 Bar Honky Tonk (Take 1)
16. It’s Johnny’s Birthday (Take 1)
17. Woman Don’t You Cry For Me (Take 5) 

 

Blu-ray Audio Disc (Main Album Only; Surround, Atmos, Hi-Res)

1. I’d Have You Anytime
2. My Sweet Lord
3. Wah-Wah
4. Isn’t It A Pity (Version One)
5. What Is Life
6. If Not For You
7. Behind That Locked Door
8. Let It Down
9. Run Of The Mill
10. Beware Of Darkness
11. Apple Scruffs
12. Ballad Of Sir Frankie Crisp (Let It Roll)
13. Awaiting On You All
14. All Things Must Pass
15. I Dig Love
16. Art Of Dying
17. Isn’t It A Pity (Version Two)
18. Hear Me Lord
19. Out Of The Blue
20. It’s Johnny’s Birthday
21. Plug Me In
22. I Remember Jeep
23. Thanks For The Pepperoni

 

For more information and other configurations go to GeorgeHarrison.com

 

50th ANNIVERSARY CREDITS
Executive Producer: Dhani Harrison
Product Producer: David Zonshine
2020 Re-Mixed & Produced in Stereo & Atmos by: Paul Hicks 
Creative Director: Dhani Harrison
Book curated by: Olivia Harrison and Rachel Cooper
Art Direction: Darren Evans
Archive Research: Don Fleming, Richard Radford and Ryan Williams

Ringo Starr & His All Starr Band thrill at the Greek Theatre

From left, Steve Lukather, Ringo Starr, Warren Ham, Graham
Gouldman, Colin Hay and Gregg Bissonette.

Ringo Starr & His All Starr Band
Who: Ringo Starr, Steve Lukather, Colin Hay, Gregg Rolie, Graham Goldman, more
Where: The Greek Theatre in Los Angeles
When: Saturday, Sept. 29, 2018

Review and photographs by Robert Kinsler


Every time I catch Ringo Starr & His All Starr Band in concert I'm reminded how much much fun rock 'n' roll can be.

Such was the case on Saturday night (Sept. 29, 2018), where the world's most famous drummer and a batch of his super-talented musical pals thrilled a capacity crowd at the legendary Greek Theatre in Los Angeles; this was the final date on his month-long U.S. tour that began back on Sept. 1 in Tulsa, Oklahoma.

Ringo Starr behind the kit of his Ludwig at the Greek Theatre.

For two magical hours, there was plenty of peace, love and classic rock offered up by Ringo Starr along with guitarist-singer Steve Lukather (Toto), keyboardist-singer Gregg Rolie (Santana, Journey), guitarist-singer Colin Hay (Men At Work) and bassist-singer Graham Gouldman (10cc). Top-notch players Warren Ham (on percussion, sax, and backing vocals) and Gregg Bissonette (drums) added deft firepower everywhere.

To thunderous cheers, Starr came on stage at 8:15 p.m. and positioned himself at the front of the stage where the band launched into "Matchbox," a 1964 hit for the Beatles. The infectious spirit of the rockabilly-styled favorite (recorded by Carl Perkins in 1956) set the tone for what would ultimately prove to be a fun night. "I love the Greek," Starr noted after the song was finished. "And it's always better when it's full." 

Colin Hay and Ringo Starr on Sept. 29.

Starr then performed one of his best-known and enduring cuts, "It Don't Come Easy," a shimmering track he co-wrote with George Harrison and his first post-Fab Four hit (released in 1971). The vocal harmonies provided by his All Star Band mates were marvelous.

Starr's comical asides and light-hearted personality have been a constant since his Beatles days and it was fully on display this night via an introduction to a musical reading of the Beatles' country-flavored track "What Goes On," first recorded in late 1965. "There is one song credited to Lennon, McCartney and Starkey; I know it's in the wrong order, what can you do?" The performance of that classic benefitted from Starr's strong vocals and a sweet guitar solo from Lukather.  

The great thing about this night was the opportunity to not only hear Starr performing many of his most beloved Beatles-era tracks and subsequent solo hits, but to hear iconic numbers from the members of his winning band. Highlights came often, and the line-up of players were able to effortlessly move about a number of genres including reggae (1978's 10cc track "Dreadlock Holiday" sung by Gouldman), Latin rock (Santana's hits "Evil Ways," "Black Magic Woman," "One Como Va", all sung by Rolie), classic rock (Toto's "Hold the Line," "Africa" and "Rosanna" courtesy of guitar great Lukather) and artful modern rock (a trio of wonderful Men At Work hits sung by Hay).

There was a palpable admiration by the musicians for not only Starr but for each other that enhanced the performance across the fast-moving concert. 

"It's such a great honor to be in this band," Lukather said early in the night before a performance of "Rosanna." That performance featured Lukather's solid vocals and signature guitar work, as well as soaring saxophone playing from Ham and wonderful work on the Hammond B-3 from Rolie. That infectious jam ended with Lukather's guitar playing again featured.

Colin Hay playing harmonica during
"Don't Pass Me By" at the Greek.

Hay proved to be a fantastic addition to the 2018 line-up of the All Star Band, as evidenced by his lead role in the performance of "Down Under," "Overkill" and "Who Can It Be Now?" as well as the nuanced backing vocals, sublime guitar work (notably on the Beatles classics "Boys" and "I Wanna Be Your Man") and harmonica playing (on the Beatles' "Don't Pass Me By") during the show.

Starr's well-known campaign to bring a heavy dose of peace and love to the planet was celebrated with his infectious and aptly-titled "Anthem," whose positive message received a musical boost from the band's in-the-pocket chops.

Other highlights from the show (an argument can be made the entire event was a highlight!) included a sweeping and inspired take on the 1983 classic "Africa," a gorgeous "The Things We Do for Love" (a hit for 10cc in 1976), a rollicking run through the countrified Buck Owens hit "Act Naturally" and wistful take on Starr's 1973 hit "Photograph" (the latter bolstered by Lukather's playing on a 12-string acoustic guitar).

Starr's already-illustrious band took on additional star power for the final song, a rousing version of "With a Little Help From My Friends" where ace studio drummer Jim Keltner (who has recorded drums on classic John Lennon, Harrison and Starr albums) got behind the kit while Joe Walsh, Gary Wright and Edgar Winter came on stage to add group vocals. As Starr exited the stage, the band segued into Lennon's "Give Peace a Chance" capping a truly remarkable concert.


Ringo Starr & His All Starr Band Setlist at the Greek Theatre

1. Matchbox (Carl Perkins / The Beatles)

2. It's Don't Come Easy (Ringo Starr original)

3. What Goes On (The Beatles)

4. Dreadlock Holiday (10cc)

5. Evil Ways (Santana)

6. Rosanna (Toto)

7. Down Under (Men At Work)

8. Boys (The Beatles)

9. Don't Pass Me By (The Beatles)

10. Yellow Submarine (The Beatles)

11. I'm Not In Love (10cc)

Guitarist Steve Lukather with keyboardist
Gregg Rolie at the Greek Theatre on Sept. 29, 2018.

12. Black Magic Woman (Santana)

13. You're Sixteen (Johnny Burnette cover)

14. Anthem (Ringo Starr original)

15. Overkill (Men At Work)

16. Africa (Toto)

17. Oye como va (Santana)

18. I Wanna Be Your Man (The Beatles)

19. The Things We Do For Love (10cc)

20. Who Can It Be Now? (Men At Work)

21. Hold the Line (Toto)

22. Photograph (Ringo Starr original)

23. Act Naturally (Buck Owens cover)

24. With a Little Help From My Friends (The Beatles)

25. Give Peace a Chance (John Lennon)

Wild Honey presents The Beatles' 'White Album' live on stage

The Beatles, the ninth studio album released by the Fab Four and better known as the White Album, was one of the group's most unique titles. The two-disc release, issued in November 1968, spelled the beginning of the end of the group (Ringo Starr briefly quit the band during the recording sessions and missed recording drums on several tracks). Yet, there is no doubt that the White Album is filled with timeless and brilliant classics. Now 45 years after the album's release, a special performance of the entire album by a number of wonderful musicians will raise money for an important cause. Read the just-issued media release below...

LOS ANGELES, Calif. — Benefit-concert producers the Wild Honey Foundation will present the classic Beatles self-titled album, better known as The White Album, performed in its entirety and in order by a star-studded house band and guest singers. The event, which will benefit the Autism Think Tank, will take place Saturday, February 28, 2015 at 8 p.m., at the historic Alex Theatre, 216 N. Brand Blvd. in downtown Glendale, Calif.  

Current members of the Wild Honey Orchestra include a who’s who of respected L.A. recording artists: musical director Rob Laufer, guitar, vocals; Jim Laspesa (Dave Davies/Susanna Hoffs), drums; Derrick Anderson (The Bangles), bass; Rusty Squeezebox (Baby Lemonade, Love), guitar; Willie Aron, keyboards, vocals; Jordan Summers, keyboards; Darian Sahanaja (Wondermints, Brian Wilson Band), keyboards/vocals, Damon Fox (Big Elf), keyboards, Nelson Bragg (Brian Wilson Band), percussion, vocals; multi-instrumentalist Probyn Gregory (Brian Wilson Band); Sarah Kramer, horns; and Kaitlin Wolfberg, strings.

Guest performers include: Dave Gregory (XTC), Vicki & Debbi Peterson (The Bangles), Chris Collingwood (Fountains of Wayne), Mitch Easter (Let’s Active), Susan Cowsill, John Cowsill, Alain Johannes (Eleven, Queens of the Stone Age), Dream Weaver Gary Wright (Spooky Tooth), Iain Matthews (Fairport Convention, Matthews’ Southern Comfort), The Muffs, Paisley Underground legendsThe Three O'Clock, Christine Collister (Richard Thompson band), Cindy Lee Berry Hill, Steven McDonald (Redd Kross) stellar 1960s sideman Keith Allison (Paul Revere & the Raiders), Cosmo Topper (Just Imagine Show), Anna Warnakor & Rachel Haden (That Dog), Nick Guzman,  Thomas Walsh (Pugwash), Skylar Gudasz, Brett Harris, Django Haskins (The Old Ceremony), Lyle Workman(Todd Rundgren, etc.), Dirk Hamilton, John Wicks (The Records), John Easdale (Dramarama), Steve Stanley (The Now People), Translator, Morty Coyle (All Day Sucker), and the always-possible Very Special Guests.   

As with last year’s sold-out Revolver/Abbey Road show at the Big Star Third shows at the Wilshire Ebell Theatre, this event will benefit the Autism Think Tank. The non-profit organization brings together a team of top autism specialists, via an Internet medical conference, to tackle the seemingly intractable and painful medical/psychological problems faced by kids like Wild Honey co-organizer Paul Rock’s ten-year-old son Jake, whose own issues have improved since his involvement with the group.

Dating back to 1994, the 501(3)(c), non-profit Wild Honey’s numerous grassroots benefit/tribute events have featured appearances by Brian Wilson, Dave Davies from the Kinks, the late Alex Chilton, the Bangles, Al Stewart, Denny Laine, Danny Hutton from Three Dog Night, Chuck Negron, Matthew Sweet, Colin Hay, Dan Wilson, P.F. Sloan, John Brion, Peter Case, The Plimsouls, Victoria Williams, The Williams Brothers, Dave Alvin, The Blue Shadows, Aimee Mann, Michael Penn, Scott Miller from the Loud Family, Ann Magnuson, and so many more. The shows have been produced at various Los Angeles-area locations including the Morgan-Wixson Theater in Santa Monica, the Roxy, the Knitting Factory (Hollywood) and the El Rey Theatre.  

Over the years, Wild Honey shows have raised funds and awareness for the Sweet Relief Musicians Fund, Habitat for Humanity, the Liberty Hill Foundation, USC Norris Cancer Center, and the Coalition to End Gun Violence while paying tribute to musical idols: Brian Wilson, The Kinks, Big Star, The Byrds, The Everly Brothers, The Hollies, Harry Nilsson, Pete Townshend, solo Paul McCartney, and Elvis Costello.

For more information about the Autism Think Tank, please go to http://www.autismthinktanknj.com/ 

For more information on the Wild Honey Foundation, please go to: https://www.facebook.com/groups/183120448393501/