Peter Frampton announces new album, "Carry The Light," co-created with son Julian Frampton And Featuring Sheryl Crow, Graham Nash, H.E.R., Benmont Tench & Bill Evans

Exciting news that Peter Frampton is set to return with his first new album of original material in 16 years. The first advance single "Buried Treasure" is fantastic. The official media release follows...Robert Kinsler

PETER FRAMPTON CONFIRMS FIRST ORIGINAL ALBUM IN 16 YEARS, CARRY THE LIGHT, CO-CREATED WITH SON JULIAN FRAMPTON, SET FOR MAY 15 FEATURES SHERYL CROW, BILL EVANS, H.E.R.,  TOM MORELLO, GRAHAM NASH AND BENMONT TENCH SINGLE “BURIED TREASURE” OUT NOW

photo credit: Lynn Goldsmith

March 17, 2026—Rock & Roll Hall of Fame inductee and Grammy Award-winning guitarist Peter Frampton will release Carry the Light, his first album of all-new rock material in 16 years, on May 15 via UMe—pre-order/pre-save here. Co-written and produced with his son Julian Frampton, the collection features guest appearances from Sheryl Crow, Bill Evans, H.E.R., Tom Morello, Graham Nash and Benmont Tench. “The Carry the Light album is the first new music from me in 16 years. It was one of my most enjoyable projects ever. I got to work with my son Julian—writing and producing together. A first of many for us I’m sure,” Frampton said. In advance of the album, Frampton has shared the new track “Buried Treasure,” featuring keyboardist Benmont Tench of Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers—listen here. A tribute to the late Tom Petty, the track honors the SiriusXM radio show of the same name that Petty curated and hosted for 15 years, with lyrics crafted entirely from Petty’s song titles. Frampton personally sought out Tench to add his signature style to the Petty homage. For Frampton, Carry the Light is a reflection of the present, rooted in the challenges, changes and connections that have defined recent years. The title itself is a statement of purpose; to Frampton, the light represents wisdom, something to be carried forward. At its core, the album is a deeply personal document, one that Frampton credits in large part to the experience of making it alongside his son. “This may be the best album Peter’s ever made,” said engineer and co-producer Chuck Ainlay (Mark Knopfler, Miranda Lambert, George Strait). “The songs are just so poignant, and his voice has matured in a way that really delivers what he's trying to get across.'" Frampton is surrounded on Carry The Light by an all-star supporting cast: Sheryl Crow is Frampton’s vocal foil on “Breaking the Mold,” Bill Evans adds saxophone to both “Can You Take Me There” and “Tinderbox,” H.E.R. trades guitar lines on the instrumental “Islamorada,” Tom Morello brings his signature intensity to the protest song “Lions at the Gate,” Graham Nash lends harmonies to “I’m Sorry Elle,” Benmont Tench contributes keyboards to “Buried Treasure.” Everyone asked to participate in Carry the Light gladly heeded the call to lend their support and create new material with an artist who’s been dispersing endless goodwill and great music across the globe for more than six decades and counting. Carry The Light will be released in a variety of formats, including CD, 180-gram yellow vinyl and digitally in stereo, hi-res audio and immersive Dolby Atmos® options. A special limited-edition vinyl, which will feature a premium cover treatment and be numbered, will be available exclusively via Peter Frampton’s official store, uDiscover Music and Sound of Vinyl.  Earlier this year, Peter celebrated the 50th anniversary of his iconic album Frampton Comes Alive! Upon its original release in 1976, Frampton Comes Alive! became a cultural phenomenon and remains one of the top-selling live albums of all time, with nearly 20 million copies sold worldwide. In honor of the milestone, Peter released a Vinylphyle edition of the landmark album via A&M/UMe—order here. The limited Vinylphyle double LP pressing is sourced from the original 1975 Doug Sax 1/4" production master, with lacquers cut by Joe Nino-Hernes, and pressed on 180g black vinyl at RTI. The package features a four-panel insert including a new interview with Frampton and Anthony Fantano of The Needle Drop. Over the course of a career spanning more than six decades, Peter Frampton has established himself as one of the most celebrated guitarists in rock history. In 2007, he won a Grammy for Best Pop Instrumental Album for Fingerprints; in 2014, he was inducted into the Musicians Hall of Fame; and in 2019, he received the Les Paul Innovation Award at NAMM's TEC Awards. In 2020, Frampton was inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame, his autobiography, “Do You Feel Like I Do?: A Memoir,” debuted on The New York Times Bestsellers list and he appeared on Dolly Parton’s latest album, Rockstar, as the only artist featured on two tracks. In 2023, Frampton unveiled Frampton@50 on Intervention Records, a numbered limited-edition vinyl box set featuring Frampton’s essential 1972-1975 studio releases Wind of Change, Frampton’s Camel and Frampton. He also received The Myositis Association’s Heroes in the Fight 2023 Patient Ambassador Award and unveiled his historic performance at London’s Royal Albert Hall as a live album via UMe—listen here.  In 2024, he received the Les Paul Spirit Award at Gibson Garage Nashville, was inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame and wrapped an extensive headline tour before returning to the studio to record Carry the Light. PETER FRAMPTON—CARRY THE LIGHT 1. Carry the Light 2. Buried Treasure (feat. Benmont Tench) 3. I'm Sorry Elle (feat. Graham Nash) 4. Breaking The Mold (feat. Sheryl Crow) 5. I Can't Let It Be 6. Lions At The Gate (feat. Tom Morello) 7. Islamorada (feat. H.E.R.) 8. Can You Take Me There (feat. Bill Evans) 9. Tinderbox (feat. Bill Evans) 10. At The End of The Day FIND PETER FRAMPTON ONLINE Facebook | Website | Instagram | Spotify | Twitter

Sights and Sounds: Neil Young, Queen, Bruce Springsteen

While I was on a hiking trip in Utah this week there was a number of major music news headlines. Here is a recap of some of the biggest announcements...Robert Kinsler

Neil Young's 'Harvest' to be reissued as a 50th anniversary edition on Friday, Dec. 2, 2022 via Reprise Records

Neil Young's best known album, 1972's Harvest, will be reissued in a 40th anniversary edition on Friday, Dec. 2, 2022 via Reprise Records.  Harvest was Young's third solo album and reached number 1 in many nations; the enduring album features the hit single "Heart of Gold" as well as classics including "Old Man," "The Needle and the Damage Done" and "Alabama." Among the artists who contributed to the proceedings on Harvest were Linda Ronstadt, Stephen Stills, Graham Nash, James Taylor and David Crosby. 

The 50th Anniversary Deluxe Edition Box sets will be released on vinyl and audio CD. The box sets include the original album released in February 1972, three outtakes from the Harvest sessions, two DVDs and a hard bound book tat includes 40 photographs (as well as liner notes by Joel Bernstein). 

Both the vinyl box set and the CD format will include Young's oft-bootlegged Feb. 23, 1971 BBC In Concert performance (a version of "Heart of Gold" from that show is out now, and the previously-unreleased two-hour documentary Harvest Time. Watch the video performance of "Heart of Gold" HERE.

Queen's 'The Miracle Collector's Edition' to be released on Nov. 18, 2022. Listen to the rediscovered gem "Face It Alone" featuring the late Freddie Mercury

On Nov. 18, 2022, Queen will release The Miracle Collector's Edition, revisiting the band's 13th studio album The Miracle (originally released in May 1989). 

In retrospect, the world is fortunate that the aptly-titled album was recorded. Indeed, after playing their biggest concert ever on Aug. 9, 1986, Queen took a hiatus from each other. The four members only reunited three years later to record The Miracle.

The recording of the album also played out around the same time as Mercury's positive HIV diagnosis being shared with the other band members (but not yet with the public).

The Miracle Collector's Edition will include a remastered LP version of the original album, along with a slew of bonus material including “original takes, demos and rough cuts, and six previously unreleased tracks – plus intimate fly-on-the-wall audio of the band at work in the studio.”

One of those previously unreleased tracks, “Face It Alone,” serves as a shining preview of the expanded title:

The track is the first new song featuring Mercury since 2014, when the band released Queen Forever, which included “Let Me in Your Heart Again,” “Love Kills” and “There Must Be More to Life Than This.”

A news release issued in connection with the forthcoming title provides more details about the enticing "Face It Alone":

Among its contents, the expanded set includes The Miracle Sessions: an hour-plus disc of further previously unreleased recordings, including six unpublished songs. Just as tantalising for fans, the audio includes the band’s candid spoken exchanges on the studio floor in London and Montreux, giving the most revealing window yet into the four members’ creative process and the joy, in-jokes and banter on their return to working together.

“Face It Alone” was originally recorded during the band’s historic 1988 sessions for that album, a prolific period which saw the band lay down around 30 tracks, many of which were never released, but remained among those that didn’t make the final album cut. It was rediscovered when the band’s production and archive team returned to those sessions to work on The Miracle box set reissue.

“We’d kind of forgotten about this track,” admits Roger Taylor, “but there it was, this little gem. It’s wonderful, a real discovery. It’s a very passionate piece.”

Adds Brian May:

“I’m happy that our team were able to find this track. After all these years, it’s great to hear all four of us … yes, Deacy is there too … working in the studio on a great song idea which never quite got completed … until now!”

Get more details on the upcoming release via Queen's official website.

Bruce Springsteen releases video for advance track 'Nightshift' from forthcoming album 'Only The Strong Survive' coming Nov. 11, 2022

Check out the latest official music video from Bruce Springsteen; the song "Nightshift" will be featured on his forthcoming album Only The Strong Survive due on Nov. 11, 2022.

Watch the video HERE.

Déjà Vu All Over Again: Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young’s debut celebrates 50 Years

 Where have these 50 years gone? Make sure to listen to the demo recording for "Birds" by Neil Young featuring Graham Nash that was originally recorded during the sessions for "Deja Vu." 

DÉJÀ VU ALL OVER AGAIN   Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young’s Debut Celebrates 50 Years With An Expansive 4-CD/1-LP Collection Featuring The Original Album Remastered, Plus Over Two Hours Of Rare And Unreleased Demos, Outtakes, And Alternate Takes   Previously Unreleased Demo Version Of “Birds” Available Today Digitally   LISTEN NOW   5-LP Version Also Available, Exclusively At CSNY50.com And Rhino.com; Both Will Be Released On May 14 From Rhino

LOS ANGELES – Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young’s Déjà Vu was the most-anticipated new album in America in 1970. More than 50 years later, it’s one of the most famous albums in rock history with legendary songs, including “Carry On” and “Teach Your Children,” that still resonate today. Rhino will honor the intense creative journey that led to this milestone album with an expansive 4-CD/1-LP collection that includes a pristine version of the original album on both 180-gram vinyl and CD, plus hours of rare and unreleased studio recordings that provide incredible insight into the making of the record. The previously unreleased demo for “Birds” that was recorded during the sessions is available today on all digital download and streaming services. Click HERE to listen now. DÉJÀ VU: 50TH ANNIVERSARY DELUXE EDITION will be available from Rhino on May 14 for $99.98. Presented in a 12 x 12 hardcover book, the collection comes illustrated with rarely seen photos from the era and annotated by writer/filmmaker Cameron Crowe, whose revealing liner notes recount the making of the album through stories told by the people who were there, including David Crosby, Stephen Stills, Graham Nash, and Neil Young. On the same day, a deluxe vinyl version will also be available with the full content across 5 LPs of 180-gram vinyl. The deluxe vinyl version is available for pre-order exclusively at CSNY50.com and Rhino.com for $249.98. The music will also be available on digital download and streaming services and in high-resolution audio at www.neilyoungarchives.com. Customers that purchase any version of the release at CSNY50.com and Rhino.com will receive a high-resolution download version as well. A new line of CSNY Déjà Vu-themed, organic merch made from sustainably sourced materials is launching today exclusively at CSNY50.com and Rhino.com. Crowe recalls in the liner notes that “Déjà Vu caught the zeitgeist perfectly" and “might just be the legendary band’s most accurate portrait of their fiery individualism.” Of this new Deluxe Edition, Crowe opines: “50 years later, with the sonic aperture fully opened, it’s a wide-screen look at the big picture of Déjà Vu, with more music, including a batch of surprises, unseen photos, and a lot more clarity." On the new anniversary edition, the album’s original 10 tracks are joined by 38 more to add nearly two-and-a-half hours of music that includes demos, outtakes, and alternate takes – most of which are previously unreleased. Among them is “Know You Got To Run,” the first song the quartet recorded during its first session on July 15 at the house Stills was renting from Peter Tork in Studio City. Other unreleased highlights include the demo for Crosby’s “Almost Cut My Hair”; Stills’ outtake for “Bluebird Revisited”; and Young’s alternate version of “Helpless” featuring harmonica. Also making its debut on the set is a delightful version of “Our House” that features Nash singing with the song’s inspiration, Joni Mitchell. DÉJÀ VU: 50th ANNIVERSARY DELUXE EDITION 4-CD/1-LP Track Listing Disc One: Original Album 1.    “Carry On” 2.    “Teach Your Children” 3.    “Almost Cut My Hair” 4.    “Helpless” 5.    “Woodstock” 6.    “Déjà Vu” 7.    “Our House” 8.    “4 + 20” 9.    “Country Girl” a.    “Whiskey Boot Hill” b.    “Down, Down, Down” c.    “Country Girl” (I Think You’re Pretty) 10. “Everybody I Love You” Disc Two: Demos 1.    “Our House” – Graham Nash *    2.    “4 + 20” – Stephen Stills * 3.    “Song With No Words (Tree With No Leaves)” – David Crosby & Graham Nash 4.    “Birds” – Neil Young & Graham Nash * 5.    “So Begins The Task/Hold On Tight” – Stephen Stills * 6.    “Right Between The Eyes” – Graham Nash 7.    “Almost Cut My Hair” – David Crosby * 8.    “Teach Your Children” – Graham Nash & David Crosby 9.    “How Have You Been” – Crosby, Stills & Nash 10. “Triad” – David Crosby 11. “Horses Through A Rainstorm” – Graham Nash 12. “Know You Got To Run” – Stephen Stills * 13. “Question Why” – Graham Nash * 14. “Laughing” – David Crosby * 15. “She Can’t Handle It” – Stephen Stills * 16. “Sleep Song” – Graham Nash 17. “Déjà Vu” – David Crosby & Graham Nash * 18. “Our House” – Graham Nash & Joni Mitchell *   Disc Three: Outtakes 1.    “Everyday We Live” * 2.    “The Lee Shore” – 1969 Vocal * 3.    “I’ll Be There” * 4.    “Bluebird Revisited” * 5.    “Horses Through A Rainstorm” 6.    “30 Dollar Fine” * 7.    “Ivory Tower” * 8.    “Same Old Song” * 9.    “Hold On Tight/Change Partners” * 10. “Laughing” * 11. “Right On Rock ’n’ Roll” *   Disc Four: Alternates 1.    “Carry On” – Early Alternate Mix * 2.    “Teach Your Children” – Early Version * 3.    “Almost Cut My Hair” – Early Version * 4.    “Helpless” – Harmonica Version 5.    “Woodstock” – Alternate Vocals * 6.    “Déjà Vu” – Early Alternate Mix * 7.    “Our House” – Early Version * 8.    “4 + 20” – Alternate Take 2 * 9.    “Know You Got To Run” * LP: Original Album Side One 1.    “Carry On” 2.    “Teach Your Children” 3.    “Almost Cut My Hair” 4.    “Helpless” 5.    “Woodstock” Side Two 1.    “Déjà Vu” 2.    “Our House” 3.    “4 + 20” 4.    “Country Girl” a.    “Whiskey Boot Hill” b.    “Down, Down, Down” c.    “Country Girl” (I Think You’re Pretty) 5.    “Everybody I Love You” * previously unissued

Our Favorite 100 Songs of All Time: Episode 7 (songs #36-#40)

On the latest episode of their "100 Favorite Songs of All Time" series, TJR and Robert Kinsler each celebrate their favorite cuts, #36 through #40; check out where classics from Led Zeppelin, Van Halen, The Who, David Bowie and more land on their lists...

Sights and Sounds: Graham Nash to release exclusive CD/DVD combo on September 16 in connection with American Public Television Broadcast

Graham Nash delivered a fantastic performance at the NAMM Show in January 2016. I am happy to see a concert DVD will be included in an expanded edition of his latest album "This Path Tonight" set for release in a few weeks. The bonus content on the DVD looks promising as well...you can read my in-depth concert review of Graham Nash's solo performance staged at the City National Grove of Anaheim in November 2013 that ran in the Orange County Register by clicking here.

Shane Fontayne, left, and Graham Nash performing at the Winter
NAMM Show in Anaheim in January 2016. Photo: Bob Steshetz

Legendary singer-songwriter Graham Nash is set to release a new CD/DVD collection on September 16, 2016, featuring his critically acclaimed solo record This Path Tonight and a digital download card which includes the album plus 3 bonus tracks. Accompanying the CD is a full 1.5 hour Nash concert DVD filmed in 2015 at the Pageant in St. Louis, with bonus content that includes two official music videos, two live performances in the U.K., as well as two different interview segments. An edited version of the DVD special is currently airing across the United States on public television stations via American Public Television (APT). This exclusive CD/DVD collection will be available for purchase only through local public television stations, www.grahamnash.com, or on tour.

"I try to live my life the best way I can and making music is such a precious joy and the fact that I get to share it is wonderful in itself," said Nash. "I certainly hope that you enjoy the music that Shane Fontayne and I created."

This Path Tonight, the new studio album and collection of 10 original songs from Graham Nash, produced by long-time collaborator Shane Fontayne, landed on seven different Billboard charts in the United States, and debuted in the Top 50 in over 10 countries internationally. The album is one of reflection and transition of a singer-songwriter whose career (the Hollies, CSN, CSNY) has spanned more than five decades and counting.

Watch the music video for the song "Myself At Last" from This Path Tonight here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dSTVJXQcY50&feature=youtu.be

Graham Nash performing in Anaheim in November 2013.
Photo: Kelly A. Swift

Graham Nash is a two-time Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Inductee and two-time Songwriter Hall of Fame Inductee, Grammy Award winner, a New York Times best-selling author, and Officer of the Order of the British Empire (O.B.E.)

For album, tour, and ticket information, please visit www.grahamnash.com.

CD Track List
1.        This Path Tonight
2.        Myself At Last
3.        Cracks In The City
4.        Beneath The Waves
5.        Fire Down Below
6.        Another Broken Heart
7.        Target
8.        Golden Days
9.        Back Home
10.      Encore
BONUS TRACKS
11.      Watch Out For the Wind*
12.      Mississippi Burning*
13.      The Last Fall*
*Digital download only

DVD Track List1. Bus Stop
2. King Midas In Reverse
3. I Used To Be A King
4. Marrakesh Express
5. Immigration Man
6. Golden Days
7. Myself At Last
8. Wasted On The Way
9. Wind On The Water
10. Our House
11. Military Madness
12. Simple Man
13. Marguerita
14. Taken At All
15. Watch Out For The Wind
16. Just A Song Before I Go
17. Cathedral
18. Chicago
19. Blackbird
20. Teach Your Children
BONUS CONTENT

• Myself At Last – Official Music Video
• Mississippi Burning – Official Music Video
• Lady of the Island – filmed 2016 in London, England
• Back Home – filmed 2016 in London, England
• Reflections on This Path Tonight interview
• Return to Salford, UK interview

2016 NAMM Show Roundup: Graham Nash, Jake Shimabukuro, Taylor Guitars, Yamaha, more

The Anaheim Convention Center hosts the annual NAMM Show.
Photo: Bob Steshetz

I spent the better part of a week at the 2016 NAMM Show in Anaheim, CA, taking in as many sights and sounds as possible, stretching from Media Preview Day (Jan. 20) through a late night performance from alternative-Americana singer-songwriter Michael Ubaldini that wrapped up just before midnight on Saturday, Jan. 23.

Here are some highlights from this year's amazing National Association of Music Merchants show, better known as NAMM.

Media Preview Day, Wednesday, Jan. 20, 2016
Over the course of a few fast-moving hours, a number of exciting new products were showcased for reporters, photographers and news crews. 

Tribal Tools showcased the new Kadabra at the
NAMM Show during Media Preview Day.
Photo: Bob Steshetz

One of the most exciting debuts on media preview day came courtesy of the Kadabra by Israel-based Tribal Tools. A trio of musicians took the stage and performed on the unique wireless instrument in something that combined world music with sci-fi synth sounds; the ergonomic design also has an adapter and can be outfitted with a microphone so the musician can sing while playing the instrument at the same time. Tribal Tools presenter Moshe Yoffe explained that the Kadabra combines high-tech electronics, motion sensors, a sleek design and smart algorithms to allow players to expand their musical expression. Information: Tribal-Tools.com.

The 660 Guitar weighs in at 7 pounds and has an aluminum body with a carbon fiber/graphite neck. According to the makers of the guitar, it is practically indestructible and has a sound that is as rich as other top-tier electric guitars in the marketplace. It retails for $2,995, and comes in a number of sleek designs and colors. Performing with the guitar was Zebrahead guitarist Dan Palmer. Every order comes with strap locks and a low-profile guitar case. Information: 660guitars.com. 

In celebration of John Lennon's 75th birthday (the Beatle would have turned 75 on Oct. 9, 2015), C.F. Martin & Co. debuted the Martin D-28 John Lennon 75th Anniversary Edition guitar. The legendary guitar maker is also celebrating the 100th anniversary of its iconic Dreadnought model by unveiling the Martin D-222 100th Anniversary Edition acoustic model. Information: martinguitar.com.

Caroline Campbell playing a new Yamaha Electric
Violin at NAMM. Photo: Bob Steshetz

Famed violinist Caroline Campbell (Andrea Bocelli, Sting, Chris Botti) was brought out to showcase a new Yamaha Electric Violin; as impressive as that state-of-the-art YEV series instrument was it was one of only 100 new music-related products introduced by Buena Park, CA-based Yamaha at this year's NAMM Show. New products include high-tech digital mixing consoles, the Disklavier Enspire piano and much more. Get more information on Yamaha's range of new products that made their debut at NAMM here.

Andy Powers with new 12-string
guitar at NAMM.
Photo: Robert Kinsler

Taylor Guitars was able to showcase two exciting products. Taylor Master Guitar Designer Andy Powers shared with me about the company's 12-Fret Guitar Revival. "This year (2016) we are re-evaluating and reconsidering our heritage. Some of Taylor's 'first hit singles' were 12-string guitars," Powers said. Taylor set out to offer an expanded suite of player-friendly 12-fret models for 2016 (the design and production of the 12-string revivals has been in the works for approximately 2-1/2 years). This writer had a chance to play the all-Mahogany 562ce 12-Fret guitar and I can attest to its full rich tone, and how easy it is to play. "The guitar was too cool to not build," Powers said.

Looking to the future, Taylor announced the release of TaylorSense®, a revolutionary new technology that puts the health and vital signs of a Taylor Guitar directly into the owner's hands. TaylorSense integrates the guitar's hardware with mobile software to help players better care for their instrument and get the most out of playing it. Anchored by the TaylorSense smart battery box (which replaces the 9-volt battery box in any acoustic Taylor guitar), the box houses sensors that monitor the condition of the guitar and communicates via low-energy Bluetooth to the free Taylor Guitars iOS App. For more information about this product, its release date this spring, visit www.taylorsense.com.

Thursday, Jan. 21, 2016

Jake Shimabukuro performs during "Breakfast of
Champions." Photo: Robert Kinsler

Getting to the Winter NAMM Show early is always a good idea. While the Anaheim Convention Center doesn't generally open until around 10 a.m., making a point of hitting the show's opening "Breakfast of Champions" seldom disappoints. On the official opening day of this year's show, the surprise musical guest was Jake Shimabukuro. A true ukulele virtuoso, he blended elements of rock, blues, jazz, funk, classical and flamenco during a set that included reworkings of rock classics and original compositions. Highlights included a jaw-dropping take on Queen's "Bohemian Rhapsody" and inspired set-ending arrangement of George Harrison's "While My Guitar Gently Weeps."

After the stunning performance from Shimabukuro, NAMM's President and CEO Joe Lamond presented singer-songwriter Graham Nash (The Hollies; Crosby, Stills & Nash) with the "Music for Life" award. "The fact is that when music is a part of the school program students are less liely to join a gang, less likely to get into trouble, feel better about themselves and get better grades," Nash said. "So let's keep music in schools."

Mark Johnson, left, and Emory Lester performing
at Deering Banjo. Photo: Robert Kinsler

Thursday saw a number of other solid performances that played out. One of the first performances I caught featured banjo virtuoso Mark Johnson and guitarist-mandolin player Emory Lester playing a satisfying set at the Deering Banjo Company booth. Their long set of instrumentals allowed each to showcase their skills, and a potent version of "Will You Miss Me When I'm Gone."

Fingerstyle guitarist Laurence Juber is a regular visitor to the NAMM Show and always attracts good-sized audiences to see him perform a wide range of material showcasing his technical skill on his Martin guitar. Performing at Hal Leonard, he showcased material featured in "DADGAD Solos," a book now available now featuring his original transcriptions. Highlights included a tender version of Del Shannon's "Runaway," the Beatles' "Yesterday" and "Georgia On My Mind." He also performed a shining original, "Cobalt Blue," allowing him to showcase his own skills as a composer.

Chelsea (on far right) and Grace Constable performed 
with Trey Hensley at Taylor Guitars on Jan. 21, 2016.
Photo: Bob Steshetz

Taylor hosted a number of concerts each day of NAMM and I made it a point to catch as many as I could. Thursday afternoon featured the one-two guitar punch from siblings Chelsea and Grace Constable, who played a rousing set of bluegrass-meets-gypsy jazz instrumental prowess. Trading leads and displaying an obvious sense of fun throughout their set, highlights included the jazzy "Burning Steam," Americana-styled "Dad's Song" and an incredible version of Dire Straits'"Sultans of Swing." Taking a well-deserved encore, the Constables they were joined by singer-guitarist Trey Hensley for a rousing version of the blues standard "Mystery Train" and a set-ending take on the Johnny Cash classic "Folsom Prison Blues." 

Following the sisters' impressive NAMM debut, Hensley performed a solo set that showcased the Nashville-based artist's love of traditional country music and bluegrass. Highlights of his short set included a beautiful self-penned ballad "That's What Leaving's For" (set to be included on his next album) and an energetic take on Merle Haggard's "Mama Tried." He closed his set with a cover of Jimmy Martin's "Freeborn Man," with his dazzling arrangement even including a bit of John Lennon's "Norwegian Wood" thrown into the solo.

Shane Fontayne, left, and Graham Nash performing at
Winter NAMM Show. Photo: Bob Steshetz

Thursday night, Nash was the featured performer on the Grand Plaza Stage. In addition to featuring some of his best-known hits from the Hollies and CSN, he also played several songs off his forthing album This Path Tonight, set for release on April 15. Nash performed with CSN guitarist Shane Fontayne.

Opening with melodic rendition of the Hollies' 1966 hit "Bus Stop," Nash acknowledged the audience after the song: "That was a long time ago." Nash continued to mine the past and went on to deliver a dream set of material, often providing the background on what led to some of his most famous songs. "Marrakesh Express," "Our House," "Fieldworker," "Immigration Man" and others benefited from the mix of storytelling and song. 

The strongest single performance of the night came when Nash went to the piano and, after recalling how David Crosby got him to come along on an extended sailing trip, he performed "Wind on the Water," a beautiful moment that brought a sense of stirring emotion throughout the crowd standing in front of the stage.

Among the new songs from his upcoming "This Path Tonight" was "Golden Day," a song where he celebrates life now and the everyday joys that overcome the world's obvious challenges. Another new song, "Myself At Last," also tapped into that optimistic tone.


Saturday, Jan. 23, 2016
James Grey is one of several Orange County-based artists I made a point of catching on Saturday. A talented songwriter and guitarist, he sang a number of songs while utilizing the talents of guitar great Bob Hawkins. Grey's songs often blend soul, rock, pop and Americana, with the specific art of songcraft always anchoring his originals. "Seabreeze" and the soulful "Home" were among the standouts featured in his 33-minute set that played out on the Hilton Stage.

John and Jacob tearing it up at Taylor Guitars.
Photo: Robert Kinsler

John & Jacob were impressive when I saw them perform at Stagecoach Festival in Indio in 2015, but the quintet simply blew me away when I caught their set at Taylor Guitars. Somehow coming across as a masterful blend somewhere between Arcade Fire, Mumford and Sons and the Everly Brothers, the Nashville-based group includes singer-guitarist John Davidson, singer-guitarist-trumpet player Jacob Bryant, singer-guitarist-keyboardist Austin T. Smith, bassist Jake Thrasher and drummer Trevor Davis. Among the songs that impressed me (along with everyone else yearning for more in Taylor) was the anthemic opener "Coming Back For You," the country-leaning rocker "Done," and driving country-meets-rock harmonies-filled standout "Give It Away" that closed the outstanding set. Learn more about this exciting ensemble here: http://johnandjacob.com.

Michael Ubaldini performing at the 2016 NAMM
Show. Photo: Robert Kinsler

Michael Ubaldini is rightfully considered a leader of the regional Americana scene, having long ago mastered how to blend rockabilly, pop, folk, country blues and other roots styles together in the service of his intelligent songs. Over the course of 45 minutes on the Sheraton Acoustic Stage, Ubaldini used nothing more than an acoustic guitar, harmonica and his potent vocals in the delivery of gems such as the rousing "Jean Harlow," pensive "Shadows and Ghosts" and blistering "Scratch My Back." 

Robert Kinsler