Rediscover top-tier artists via outstanding releases

A handful of new releases bring much-deserved attention to an equal number of influential artists.

Artist: Marshall Crenshaw
Title: Miracle of Science (Shiny-Tone)
You might like if you enjoy: Jason Falkner, The Smithereens, Matthew Sweet
Tell me more: The newly-available reissue of Marshall Crenshaw's 1996 classic Miracle of Science is a true gem worth adding to your music library. In addition to several bonus tracks being included on the new version, Crenshaw undertook a number of technical steps to enhance the sound across the disc (it was originally recorded digitally and there was not an analog master tape; one was created this time to help create the vinyl release of the reissue). The enticing earworm "What Do You Dream Of?" is a mix of power pop and early rock 'n' roll sparkle. Track after track exudes a wealth of melodic riches and affecting song craft; the '60s-mining alt country rocker "Who Stole That Train," shimmering "Only An Hour Ago," ornate "Laughter" and mysterious "A Wondrous Place" are early standouts on "Miracle of Science." The literate "Twenty-Five Forty-One," tuneful "Starless Summer Sky" and "There and Back Again," along with the bonus tracks "What The Hell I Got" and "Misty Dreamer" extend the magic on the last half of the terrific reissue. While there are guests to be sure (including multi-instrumentalist Bill Lloyd and guitar great Pat Buchanan), the talented Crenshaw produced the album while handling lead vocals, guitar, bass, keyboards, percussion, tambourine and even "wine bottles" across "Miracle of Science." Information: MarshallCrenshaw.com.

Artist: America
Title: Heritage II: Demos/Alternate Takes 1971-1976 (Omnivore Recordings)
You might like if you enjoy: America, Andrew Gold, Neil Young, David Crosby
Tell me more: Time has been more than kind to the music of America. Recent headlining tours have helped shed a welcome reassessment of the groundbreaking trio (Dan Peek died in 2011, but Dewey Bunnell and Gerry Beckley have carried on with a top-tier touring band). Add to the renewed interest in the band the newly-issued Heritage II: Demos/Alternate Takes 1971-1976, an essential collection of demos, alternate studio takes and live jams captured during the beginning of America's time working with producer Sir George Martin. The evocative lure of "Cornwall Blank," piano-anchored Beckley ballad "Mandy" (a song previously not released), an alternate mix of the hit "Tin Man" with a focus on the backing vocals, and alternate mix of the winning "Simple Life" all add depth to America's legacy. Other highlights include an intimate demo of Beckley's baroque ballad "What Does It Matter," luxurious vocals-and-strings slice of Peek's "You" produced by Martin and engineered by Geoff Emerick, and the Bunnell folk rock original "Amber Cascades." The biggest surprise on the disc may well be the ambitious instrumental jam "Jameroony" featuring Bunnell, Beckley and Peek showcasing their skills on acoustic guitars for more than 12 glorious minutes. Information: OmnivoreRecordings.com and venturahighway.com.

Artist: Andrew Gold
Title: Something New: Unreleased Gold (Omnivore Recordings)
You might like if you enjoy: Andrew Gold, Graham Nash, 10cc 
Tell me more: A true treasure trove of previously-unheard material graces Something New: Unreleased Gold, a 16-track collection of Andrew Gold demos he originally produced with Chuck Plotkin that soon earned him a recording contract with Asylum Records. The recordings showcase Gold's mastery of writing and performing original songs. The material spans from melodic pop ("Something New," "Prisoner") and soft rock ("Resting In Your Love," "Don't Bring Me Down," "A Note From You") to ballads (the lovely "Come Down To Me," roots-swept "Ten Years Behind Me") and singer-songwriter sophistication ("What You Do Is What You See," "Timothy Corey," "To Be Someone"). The collection features liner notes penned by Grammy Award-winning producer Peter Asher. Sadly, Gold died of heart failure at age 59 in June 2011. Information: OmnivoreRecordings.com and andrewgold.com.

Artist: Doug "Cosmo" Clifford
Title: Magic Window (Concord Music Publishing ASCAP)
You might like if you enjoy: Bad Company, Mike and the Mechanics, CCR
Tell me more: Drummer Doug "Cosmo" Clifford rose to fame in the late 1960s as a member of Creedence Clearwater Revival and has enjoyed continued success with the related project Creedence Clearwater Revisited. But even life-long fans of both bands likely didn't see Clifford's first-ever solo album coming. The good news is that Magic Window  — recorded in 1985 and rediscovered when the artist was cleaning out his garage last year — is wonderful and makes a compelling case for a quick followup. The new album will please fans of classic rock, from the Bad Company-styled title track and swampy rocker "Born On The South Side" to the power ballad "Don't Leave Me Alone Tonight" and New Wave-tinged "Somebody Love Me Tonight" — and those are just the first four tracks on the set! Clifford proves to be a top-flight lead vocalist and strong tunesmith. The album's first single "Just Another Girl" could well have shot up the Billboard charts in the mid-80s, and it's easy to believe that the melodic rockers "Love Mode" and "Don't Let Go" as well as the power ballad "You Mean So Much To Me" would have scored radio airplay at that time too. Kudos to lead guitarist Russell DaShiell (who assisted with the production of the album), multi-instrumentalist Chris Solberg and guitarist Rob Polomsky for their contributions in the studio. Information: dougcosmoclifford.com.


Robert Kinsler

Celebrating the legacy of Adam Schlesinger

Adam Schlesinger, on the right, with Fountains of Wayne.
Photo: Courtesy of the Artist

As I write this column it's unbelievable that more than 337,000 Americans have been stricken during the coronavirus pandemic; sadly more than 9,600 persons across the U.S. have died as of April 6, 2020. 

Among those who have lost their life from complications caused by COVID-19 is singer-songwriter/multi-instrumentalist/music producer Adam Schlesinger. The famed artist — only 52 and the father of two young daughters — died on April 1, 2020 in an Upstate New York hospital after reportedly battling against the infectious disease for more than a week. 

Although Schlesinger was best known as a member of groundbreaking New Jersey-spawned power-pop quartet Fountains of Wayne, over the past 25 years he was an in-demand tunesmith and producer who achieved acclaim for far-flung projects that earned him a Grammy win along with multiple Emmy wins and even an Academy Award nomination. 

Sprinkled across Fountain of Wayne's handful of full-length albums are countless masterworks (FoW also featured lead vocalist Chris Collingwood, lead guitarist Jody Porter and drummer Brian Young). Here are some of my favorites songs that benefit from Schlesinger's artistic touch.


Fountains of Wayne

"Radiation Vibe" — A stellar cut from FoW's eponymous 1996 debut, "Radiation Vibe" is bolstered by edgy guitar (including a touch of artful feedback), a driving rhythm section and an anthemic chorus. 

"She's Got a Problem" — Another standout from Fountains of Wayne, the wistful "She's Got a Problem" is a wonderful song that is more ballad than rocker but nevertheless has a driving quality that warrants the fuzzy guitars and sonic shadows of Lou Reed. 

"Sick Day" — Brilliant. The mix of literate and observant lyrics about the challenges of going into the office day after day enhanced by a rich melodic rockscape combine for a powerful punch. Another highlight on FoW's debut. 

"Hackensack" — FoW is best known for their gloriously uptempo power-pop-meets-indie rock. However, immerse yourself in "Hackensack" (off 2003's Welcome Interstate Managers), a baroque pop ballad that is as tender and affecting as anything put on disc that decade. 

"Mexican Wine" — We could all use a little hope in these dark times, right? Just listen to the melancholy-drenched chorus from "Mexican Wine" off Welcome Interstate Managers: "The sun still shines in the summertime / I'll be yours and you'll be mine / I tried to change but I changed my mind / Think I'll have another glass of Mexican Wine." A witty and tuneful song that kicks off the album, the ambitious harmony vocals and dramatic dynamics on the track make this one of the band's most interesting cuts.

"Stacy's Mom" — Fountains of Wayne's biggest-ever hit, the 2003 single "Stacy's Mom" reached number 21 on the US Billboard Hot 100. The infectious track revisited the sound of the Cars to be sure, and the accompanying much-played music video starring model Rachel Hunter (conjuring up the 1982 teen coming-of-age flick "Fast Times at Ridgemont High") helped solidify the song's success.

 "The Girl I Can't Forget" - One of the standouts on the 2005 compilation collection Out-of-State Plates is the exuberant "The Girl I Can't Forget." Few artists have ever delivered as convincing a story of youthful lust-meets-enduring love with as much force and cleverness wrapped in melodic sheen over a mere 3 and a half minutes as Fountains of Wayne achieved with this joyful ride.

"Strapped for Cash" — I was listening to "Strapped for Cash" (off 2007's Traffic and Weather) recently and memories of FoW tearing through the rocker on the main stage at Coachella in 2007 came flooding back to me. Like so many of FoW's greatest songs, there is a combination of brilliant storytelling, smart wordplay and undeniable song craft that makes for required and repeated listens. 

"Someone's Gonna Break Your Heart" — When FoW released their brilliant album Sky Full of Holes via Yep Roc Records in summer 2011 few knew this would be the band's final studio effort. As years go by, I become more bewitched by the musical magic and lyrical poetry painted across its lucky 13 tracks. "Someone's Gonna Break Your Heart" is just one of the classics on the disc. The lines enthrall, none more than this: "Melancholy comes like a robin at your window." 






Favorite Other Projects

"That Thing You Do" — The instantly-memorable title cut from the Tom Hank-directed film "That Thing You Do!" sounds as great today as it did when we first heard the Beatlesque gem in movie theaters and over the airwaves in 1997. Schlesinger wrote the song and sang back-up vocals on the recording as well.

"Work To Do" — The duo America's bona fide comeback album, 2007's "Here and Now" featured the legendary act performing Schlesinger's inspired "Work To Do." The breezy folk rock song blends the strains of Americana and tuneful pop in a beguiling track custom made for America singers Dewey Bunnell and Gerry Beckley. Here and Now also features the winning "Ride On," an acoustic-flavored nugget he co-wrote with Bunnell.

"Our Own World — Monkees fans will always be grateful for Schlesinger's production on the band's most recent two studio albums (2016's Good Times! and the 2018 holiday album Christmas Party). On the wonderful "Our Own World," Schlesinger's contribution includes writing the inviting track and playing bass guitar as well.  

"Me & Magdalena" — One of the most beautiful pop recordings in recent memory, the Ben Gibbard-penned "Me & Magdalena" may well be the highlight on the Schlesinger-produced Monkees LP Good Times! The nuanced production showcases Schlesinger's all encompassing gifts as a master in any corner of a recording studio.

"House of Broken Gingerbread" — Schlesinger teamed up with American novelist Michael Chabon to co-write the rollicking power pop salvo "House of Broken Gingerbread" for the Monkees' Christmas Party. Don't let the title fool you; Micky Dolenz delivers an amazing lead vocal performance on an instant classic that sounds as good in summer as around Christmastime. 



Robert Kinsler

America to release “Half Century” box set to Celebrate 50th Anniversary

Dewey Bunnell, left, and Gerry Beckley of America perform at the
Coach House in Orange County, CA, in December 2014.
Photo: Kelly A. Swift

This is amazing news for America fans, including yours truly. (Check out my review of the first time I caught America in concert here)...

America To Release “Half Century” Box Set To Celebrate 50th Anniversary!

Rare archival studio & live recordings consisting of alternate mixes, demos and rehearsals

The year 2020 marks the 50th Anniversary of music legends America. America Records is proud to release in early June the ultimate 8-disc Anniversary Box Set Half Century. Produced for release and Compiled by Jeff Larson for America Archives, Containing CD's of rare archival studio recordings consisting of alternate mixes, demos and rehearsals, including several previously unreleased tracks ranging from 1970 - 2000. Along with the re-mastered Bremen 1973 in studio performance and two CD's of Radio Interviews providing an audio overview of the band's career, along with a DVD of Super 8 “Home Movies” (1972-1975) to give fans a behind the scenes look at the early years of this enduring band.

Founding members, Gerry Beckley and Dewey Bunnell (along with former band mate Dan Peek) met in high school in London in the late 1960s and quickly harmonized their way to the top of the charts on the strength of their signature song “A Horse With No Name.” America became a global household name and paved the way with an impressive string of hits following the success of their first #1 single. Forty plus years later, these friends are still making music together, touring the world and thrilling audiences with their timeless sound.

From their formative years, America has been a band capable of transcending borders with its uplifting music and positive message. Embracing a rainbow of divergent cultures, America's audiences continue to grow, comprising a loyal legion of first, second and third generation fans, all bearing testament to the group's enduring appeal.

“I think that the ingredients of the America sound are the basic fundamentals that translate internationally,” explains Beckley. “The Italians are huge fans of dance music, but they also love a ballad - they're romantic at heart. It's the same in the Far East. A lot of times in these countries, we see people singing along, and they don't really know what the words mean. Music is truly the international language.”

Watch the promotional film: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HLgUvP6PjgM&t=1s

Disc 1: London Demos 1970: All Previously Unreleased 
Early demos from the Fall of 1970 of the trio preceding their first Warner Bros self-titled album. This set represents the most complete set to date from this era recorded between several iconic London studios of the time.
1) Children (Dick James Session)
2) Riverside (Chalk Farm)
3) Rainy Day (Polydor Studios)
4) Here (Chalk Farm)
5) Satan (Polydor Studios)
6) Bummer (Chalk Farm)
7) Sea of Destiny (Chalk Farm)
8) How Long (Chalk Farm)
9) James Holladay (Dick James Session)
10) Children (Chalk Farm)

Disc 2: Bremen 1973 (Live on Air) – First Time Remastered Audio Release (Only previously available as a DVD) 
An on-air live recording of the Trio from 1973, in-between the albums “Hat Trick” and “Holiday.”  This recording has been remastered for the first time and includes all the un-edited studio banter.
1) Ventura Highway (Live)
2) I Need You (Live)
3) Don't Cross The River (Live)
4) A Horse With No Name (Live)
5) Moon Song (Live)
6) Lonely People (Live)
7) Wind Wave (Live)
8) Rainbow Song (Live)
9) Tin Man (Live)
10) California Revisited (Live)
11) Green Monkey (Live)

Disc 3: The Caribou Sessions 1976 - All Previously Unreleased 
Rehearsals, outtakes, and demos from February1976 for the album “Hideaway,” recorded at the famed Caribou Ranch Studios in the Rockies - Nederland, Colorado.  These recordings provide a “you are there” experience as these songs were being formed on their initial takes.
1 She's A Liar (Outtake / Alternate Mix)
2 Amber Cascades (Alternate Early Mix)
3 Today's The Day (Outtake / Walkthrough)
4 Lovely Night (Outtake / Take 1 Session
5 Hideaway PT 1 (Early Band Outtake)
6 Watership Down (Alternate Mix)
7 Letter (Alternate Mix)
8 Lovely Night (Buzz Studio Demo)
9 Jet Boy Blue (Outtake / Alternate Mix)
10 Who Loves You (Alternate Mix)
11 Caribou (Outtakes Montage)
12  I'm New In Town –(Buzz Studio Demo)

Disc 4: The Poison Oak Sessions 1981: All Previously Unreleased 
In 1981, between the album “Alibi” (1980) and “View From The Ground” (1982), the band recorded several songs at Dewey's home studio, Poison Oak, in Northern California. This set contains early incarnations and alternate versions of songs released on later America albums as well as unheard songs that have been in the vault until now.  
1. Sailors and Seagulls (unheard song)
2. Look at Me Now (Early Version)
3. My Dear (Early Version)
4. Sometimes Lovers (Early Version)
5. All The People - Whole Wide World (Early Version)
6. Coming On  (unheard song)
7. Now I Want Your Love (unheard song)
8. Inspector Mills (Early Version)
9. China Sea  (unheard song)
Bonus Tracks:
10. Doesn't The Time (unheard song)
11. Someday Forever  (unheard song)

Disc 5: The Alternate 90's Plus: All Previously Unreleased 
Alternate mixes from the albums “Hourglass” (1994) and “Human Nature” (1998) along with unreleased songs that came before, in-between and after these official releases. 
1. Young Moon (mix without inst. intro)
2. Call of the Wild (Alternate Early Mix)
3. Sleeper Train (Alternate Early Mix)
4. Ports of Call ((Alternate Early Mix)
5. Mirror to Mirror (Alternate Early Mix)
6. Whole Wide World (Alternate Early Mix)
7. Hope (unheard song)
8. The Hills Are Green (unheard song)
9. Horse (Interlude)
10. From A Moving Train (Single Version - edited shorter intro)
11. Wheels Are Turning (unheard song)
12. Town and Country (unheard song)
13 Moment To Moment (Alternate Mix)  
14. Wednesday Morning (unheard song)
15. Oloololo (unheard song)
16. Overwhelming World (Alternate Mix)
17. Moment to Moment (Alternate Mix)
18. Hot Town (unheard song)
19. Pages (Alternate Early Mix)
20. If It Is The End (Previously Unreleased)
21. Remembering (New 2020)

Discs 6 & 7 America on the Radio - All Previously Unreleased 
Various radio interviews stemming from 1974 - 2000's which provides a narrative and unique overview to their long career.
America Radio Interviews and Promo - The 70's
America Radio Interviews and Promo - The 80's
America Radio Interviews and Promo - The 90's - 2000's

EXCLUSIVE TO THE BOX SET! 

Disc 8 – America - Home Movies (DVD)- All Previously Unreleased 
“Home Movies” is all previously unreleased footage from the bands personal archive. A collection of very, “fly on the wall” footage, these films provide an amazing insight into the band, shot between 1972 and 1975, showing behind the scenes footage of, “Hat Trick at Home”, early attempts at making home making of music videos and various on the road activities. These films give the viewer an amazing view of historical events as they unfolded. To any America fan, the ultimate access all area’s time machine.
This DVD is EXCLUSIVE to this box set and will not be available beyond it.
Film 1) America Hat Trick at home 1: Rooftop Jam - Green Monkey - 1973 Kings Road, Los Angeles, CA
Film 2) America Hat Trick at home 2: Goodbye – 1973 Kings Road, Los Angeles, CA
Film 3) America Hat Trick at home 3: Sandman – 1973 Kings Road, Los Angeles, CA
Film 4) America Hat Trick at home 4: Hat Trick Rehearsal - 1973 Kings Road, Los Angeles, CA
Film 5) America: Bremen Behind The Scenes - 1973 (No Audio) Bremen, Germany
Film 6)  America: Dorothy Chandler Pavilion 1 – 1973 Los Angeles, CA
Film 7) America: Air Studios - London Misc. Footage - 1974 London, England
Film 8)  America: Airplane High Jinx 1 - 1974 (No Audio) In the Air
Film 9) America: Airplane High Jinx 2 – 1975 In the Air
Film 10) America: Tour Plane Interview – 1975 On the Ground

For more information: https://www.musicglue.com/america 

America's Christmas album 'Holiday Harmony' available worldwide

Exciting news and in tune with the holiday season, America's classic Christmas LP 'Holiday Harmony' is once again available. Here is the official media release...

Seventies hitmakers America's Christmas album “Holiday Harmony” Released Worldwide! 

Dewey Bunnell, left, and Gerry Beckley of America at Pacific Amphitheatre in Costa Mesa, CA on
July 16, 2015.  Photo: Kelly A. Swift

London - Remember the seventies, when the charts were filled with classic songs such as “A Horse With No Name”? 

Now Gonzo Multimedia has released worldwide the Christmas album from the band who had that international hit, America,  featuring ten familiar Christmas songs and three original songs. With Andrew Gold (another name from the seventies) as producer and multi-instrumentalist, fans of seventies pop music will enjoy this. 

The set opens with “Winter Wonderland,” which even reminds us of their biggest hit with its arrangement. Other tracks here also provide reminders of their hits. 




The year 2018 marks the 48th Anniversary of America. Founding members, Gerry Beckley and Dewey Bunnell (along with former band mate Dan Peek) met in high school in London in the late 1960s and quickly harmonized their way to the top of the charts on the strength of their signature song “A Horse With No Name.” America became a global household name and paved the way with an impressive string of hits following the success of their first #1 single. Forty plus years later, these friends are still making music together, touring the world and thrilling audiences with their timeless sound.

From their formative years, America has been a band capable of transcending borders with its uplifting music and positive message. Embracing a rainbow of divergent cultures, America's audiences continue to grow, comprising a loyal legion of first, second and third generation fans, all bearing testament to the group's enduring appeal. “I think that the ingredients of the America sound are the basic fundamentals that translate internationally,” explains Beckley. “The Italians are huge fans of dance music, but they also love a ballad - they're romantic at heart. It's the same in the Far East. A lot of times in these countries, we see people singing along, and they don't really know what the words mean. Music is truly the international language.”

If you enjoy America's seventies classic hits, you will love America's Holiday Harmony. As a Christmas album alone, it is undoubtedly one of the very best.

Tracks: 
Winter Wonderland | Let It Snow | White Christmas | A Christmas to Remember | Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas | Sleigh Ride | Silver Bells | Christmas in California | It's Beginning to Look a Lot Like Christmas | Winter Holidays | Frosty the Snowman | Silent Night | The First Noel | A Holly Jolly Christmas (2010 Collector’s Edition Bonus Track)

Release Date: 9th November 2018 

To purchase: http://www.gonzomultimedia.co.uk/product_details/16132 

America's official website: http://www.venturahighway.com/ 

America thrills capacity crowd at the Coach House

America delivered a mix of enduring hits and infectious rockers
at the Coach House in San Juan Capistrano on Nov. 11, 2016.
Photo: Robert Kinsler

America
With: Painbirds
Where: The Coach House, San Juan Capistrano
Next: The Saban Theater in Beverly Hills, CA, on Sunday, Nov. 13, 2016 

In recent years, a revitalized America has delivered a number of memorable concerts in Orange County, including a genuinely thrilling appearance with Orange County's own Pacific Symphony to kick off the Orange County Fair's summer concert season at the Pacific Amphitheatre in July 2015 (Read my review of that performance here).

Dewey Bunnell, left, and Gerry Beckley led America
through a terrific set at the Coach House on Friday,
Nov. 11, 2016. Photo: Robert Kinsler

On Friday night, Nov. 11, 2016, founding members Dewey Bunnell (lead vocals, guitar) and Gerry Beckley (lead vocals, keyboards, guitar) returned to the Coach House to headline at the first of two sold-out nights at the San Juan Capistrano venue. The good news is that the '70s hit makers continue to find new life in their classic discography, assisted by a particularly-strong touring band comprised of bassist Richard Campbell, lead guitarist Andy Barr and drummer Ryland Steen (an OC local who was a long-time member of the ska band Reel Big Fish). 

Those who only have a casual interest in America would have been somewhat surprised if they had been at the Coach House on Friday. To be sure, the group's set spanning the spirited opener "Tin Man" to a rousing sing-along finish with "A Horse With No Name" 90 minutes later, featured America's classic mix of folk, rock and pop. But the perception of America as creators of strictly lightweight, acoustic-styled '70s material was quickly cast aside via a 20-song set that really allowed the band to showcase its bona fide rock chops amidst all those sweet harmonies.  

Even a take of the group's second offering of the night, a pass through the 1982 pop hit "You Can Do Magic," was enhanced by Steen's propulsive work behind the kit. But it was in America's more subsequent material that was even more impressive. With Beckley working a 12-string acoustic guitar and Barr adding textures on a banjo, the Americana-styled "Don't Cross the River" was a early highlight, as was the driving folk rocker "Riverside" that was bolstered by Beckley's lead guitar work.

From left, Dewey Bunnell and Gerry Beckley jam
with lead guitarist Andy Barr on Nov. 11, 2016.
Photo: Robert Kinsler

"Here" was one of the more ambitious tracks of the night, with its slow artful build to full-scale rocker complete with blistering lead guitar and bass solos, before the song dynamics descended back into folk textures. "Hollywood" was equally powerful, with America delivering a lush symphony of vocals and Laurel Canyon rock textures. "That was dangerously close to jamming," Beckley said after the song ended. "Green Monkey" was another harder offering, with Beckley, Bunnell and Barr all wielding electric guitars for a psychedelic rock attack.

America performed the majority of its hits, including the tender "I Need You," the breezy "Ventura Highway," a wistful version of "Lonely People" (penned by the fellow America founding member Dan Peek, who died in July 2011) and infectious "Sister Golden Hair" (featuring distinctive slide guitar work from Barr) with nostalgic perfection.

The Painbirds opened for America at the Coach
House on Friday, Nov. 11. Photo: David Bro

Opening the show were Painbirds, a quintet featuring guitarist-bassist Charlie Colin (an original member of Train) and singer-guitarist Tom Luce. The group scored big cheers for stellar acoustic-styled versions of the Train hits "Drops of Jupiter" and "Calling All Angels," but mined equally-strong original songwriting instincts with the beautiful "First Big Flight" and "Rain and Sun." The members of Painbirds came on stage at the end of the rewarding night for a collective performance with America of "A Horse With No Name."

Please note this is a longer version of Robert Kinsler's review that ran on The Orange County Register Web site on Saturday, Nov. 12, 2016. You can see that review by clicking here.

America delivers enduring hits to kick off Pacific Amphitheatre Summer Concert Series

Dewey Bunnell, left, and Gerry Beckley of America at Pacific Amphitheatre on July 16, 2015.
Photo: Kelly A. Swift

BY ROBERT KINSLER

There is something to be said for a classic rock group that has performed about 100 shows a year for 45 years and is still able to challenge itself while serving up a healthy dose of nostalgia for fans.

America made that case in winning fashion on Thursday night (July 16, 2015), performing a 70-minute set with Orange County’s own Pacific Symphony to kick off the 2015 Toyota Summer Concert Series at Pacific Amphitheatre on the eve of the opening of the Orange County Fair’s annual summer run in Costa Mesa.

While the group’s set list featured all the hits that founding members Dewey Bunnell (lead vocals, guitar) and Gerry Beckley (lead vocals, keyboards, guitar) and company delivered at a decidedly more intimate concert at the Coach House in December, the artful addition of a full orchestra allowed oft-heard classics to shine anew.

On the breezy opener “Tin Man,” a lovely orchestral arrangement opened the song before the folk rock-styled song emerged in classic form. Throughout the fast-paced concert, Bunnell and Beckley both had a chance to handle lead vocals and harmonies while supported by a terrific three-man band (including Orange County’s own Ryland Steen on drums).

America’s best-known songs have blended folk rock and a touch of Americana and with that sound back big time (look no further than the recent success of outfits such as the Civil Wars, the Milk Carton Kids and the Lone Bellow), there was an energy and approach that defied America's decades-long path. The fact the ensemble was performing on a wonderful summer night under the stars didn't hurt too.

Apart from the hits sprinkled throughout the set, America delivered some potent deeper tracks including the bluegrass-tinged “Don't Cross the River” (featuring lead guitarist Andy Barr playing banjo this time around), and “Old Man Took” (with its swelling use of the orchestra) being early standouts. Later, a soaring cover of the Mamas & the Papas’ “California Dreamin’” and a performance of the rarely heard "The Last Unicorn" (a Jimmy Webb-penned song performed by America in the animated movie of the same name in 1982) were welcome additions to the set.

The biggest sonic departure came when America charged up and rocked (yes, rocked) on their early ’80s song “The Border,” which found both Bunnell and Beckley delivering memorable lead guitar work, with the orchestra adding even additional muscle to the nugget.

Of course this being a night where the majority of fans wanted to hear hits, it was the performance of radio favorites such as a tender “I Need You,” spirited “You Can Do Magic,” and beguiling “Sister Golden Hair” that kept the crowd fully engaged. The encore-fitting "A Horse With No Name" found Bunnell delivering the wistful lead vocals while Beckley played shimmering textures on his 12-string Rickenbacker guitar.

Please note this review and photo was originally posted on The Orange County Register Web site on Friday, July 17, 2015.