New Music: Hoodoo Gurus, Band of Horses, Jackie Bristow, Hank Williams

Eagerly-awaited returns from Australia's Hoodoo Gurus, American rock troupe Band of Horses and Nashville-based songstress Jackie Bristow are among the new essential titles featured in my column this week. There is also a new collection of extraordinary recordings by groundbreaking country music icon Hank Williams available now.

Artist: Hoodoo Gurus

Title: Chariot of the Gods (Big Time Phonographic Record Co/EMI Records)

You might like if you enjoy: Hoodoo Gurus, The Scientists, Ghostwriters

Tell me more: More than a decade since the release of their last album (2010's Purity of Essence) and first new music since 2014 (the EP Gravy Train), Hoodoo Gurus has returned with the brilliant Chariot of the Gods. Formed in Sydney, Australia back in 1981, Chariot of the Gods finds the quartet tearing artfully through more than a dozen outstanding originals —  utterly proving their literate and unique rock approach is fully relevant in 2022. The thundering "World of Pain," confessional "Was I Supposed To Care?," punk-styled "Hang With The Girls" and introspective "My Imaginary Friend" are early standouts on the disc. The melodic '60s-tinged "Equinox," blistering "I Come From Your Future," soaring "Carry On" and sparkling "Settle Down" keep the magic soaring on the last half of the album. Let's hope that we hear more from Dave Faulkner (vocals, guitars), Brad Shepherd (vocals, guitar), Rick Grossman (vocals, bass) and Nik Reith (drums) soon. Information: hoodoogurus.net.  

Artist: Band of Horses

Title: Things Are Great (BMG)

You might like if you enjoy: Band of Horses, Neil Young, The War on Drugs

Tell me more: While the title of Band of Horses' long awaited new album  Things Are Great  is seemingly at odds with the world around us — just think of soaring inflation, Russia's terrifying war against the innocent people of Ukraine and the continuing death toll from the global pandemic — there is no denying the marvelous experience at being immersed in the band's first new studio album since 2016. Lead singer Ben Bridwell and company have crafted another modern day masterwork; this is an album that recalls the expansive joy of 2010's Infinite Arms. The parade of enthralling originals on Things Are Great includes the soaring "Warning Signs" and "Lights," ascending "Crutch," luxurious "Tragedy of the Commons," inspired "In Need of Repair" and dreamy "Aftermath." Information: BandOfHorses.com.  

Artist: Jackie Bristow

Title: Outsider (Mesa Bluemoon Recordings)

You might like if you enjoy: Alice Wallace, Darling West, Kasey Chambers

Tell me more: Released on March 4, Outsider is Nashville-based singer-songwriter Jackie Bristow's first new album in six years. Blending rock, pop, Americana and country music across a dozen delightful tracks, Bristow's wonderful soprano is positioned amidst a backdrop of nuanced acoustic and electric guitars, banjo and pedal steel, and even strings and horns. The contributions of Bristow's longtime musical partner Mark Punch (Kasey Chambers, Tim Finn) along with a number of top-tier singers and musicians further elevate the project. The material ranges from the smooth "Livin' For Love," lovely "Shakin' My Bones" (the latter bolstered by Norwegian singers Tor Egil Kraken and Mari Kraken of Darling West fame) and bewitching "Without You" to the Southern soul-drenched "Tennessee" and the expansive jewel "Never To Late." Information: https://jackiebristow.com.  

Artist: Hank Williams

Title: I'm Gonna Sing: The Mother's Best Gospel Radio Recordings (BMG)

You might like if you enjoy: Hank Williams, Hank Snow, Gram Parsons

Tell me more: The new Hank Williams collection I'm Gonna Sing: The Mother's Best Gospel Radio Recordings marks a perfect chance to discover (or rediscover) the art of Hank Williams. Although he died when he was only 29, Williams remains one of the most significant and influential American singer-songwriters of the 20th century even nearly 70 years after his passing. The track listing on I'm Gonna Sing never falters, with harmonies-adorned pre-20th century hymns ("I Am Bound For The Promised Land," "That Beautiful Home," "The Blind Child's Prayer"), early 20th century hymnals ("The Old Country Church," "I'll Fly Away," "I'll Have A New Life"), black gospel ("When God Dips His Love In My Heart," "When the Saints Go Marching In," "Precious Lord, Take My Hand"), 1940s material ("Thy Burdens Are Greater Than Mine," "Searching For A Soldier's Grave") and Williams originals ("I Saw the Light," "Jesus Died For Me," "I'm Gonna Sing," "Jesus Remembered Me") collectively showcasing Williams' deep and life-long connection with gospel and religious music. The audio 2-CD digipak version reviewed here comes with an informative 12-page booklet that includes detailed liner notes by Williams biographer Colin Escott. The set has also been released via a three-LP triple-gatefold album pressed on 140g vinyl, marking the first time these recordings have been issued on vinyl. The 40 tracks recorded at the dawn of the 1950s sound fantastic; the collection was produced by Cheryl Pawelski while the recordings were restored and mastered by Michael Graves. Information: HankWilliams.com.

Robert Kinsler

Sights and Sounds: Nils Lofgren, Rodrigo y Gabriela announce upcoming live albums

Not one, but two exciting upcoming double live albums courtesy of singer-songwriter/guitar master Nils Lofgren and dynamic duo Rodrigo y Gabriela have been announced. The official media releases are below - Robert Kinsler

Nils Lofgren to release live album 'Weathered' on Friday, August 21, 2020

Recorded between E Street Band and Crazy Horse stints, and on heels of critically acclaimed 'Blue With Lou' album, live set features Andy Newmark, Cindy Mizelle and Tom Lofgren 

In between E Street Band and Crazy Horse work, master rock singer songwriter-guitarist Nils Lofgren fit in his first tour with a full band in over 15 years. Inspired by the writing with the great Lou Reed on his last studio album, Nils knew it was time. Audience and band alike sharing their souls, gifts, spirit and energy on the tour made for a fresh, new live sound for Nils. The result is in an earthy, rockin’ album that breathes life into a world temporarily void of the excitement, energy, tenderness, and spontaneity of live music during COVID-19.  

 

The 16-track collection, entitled Weathered, and issued on Lofgren’s own Cattle Track Road Records in double-CD configuration, was produced by the musician and his wife Amy, and is due out on August 21, 2020.   

 

It was recorded on the road during select intimate tour dates in the U.S. supporting his recent Blue With Loustudio album. “My dear friends who made that album all agreed to come. Andy Newmark, Kevin McCormick, Cindy Mizelle, and my brother Tom Lofgren joining us to form an amazing band,” notes Nils. “In preparation for the tour my wonderful wife Amy hosted us all in our home and garage studio to put the show together. Amy designed our merchandise, cooked beautiful food for us and created a safe, welcoming musical environment for all. We created the show’s foundation to work from and headed out to share this fresh, new band.”

 

Improvisation has always been a key element in live performances for Nils, a veteran member of some of the greatest rock bands in history, as well as an accomplished and successful solo artist. “All the band members are old friends used to being encouraged to stretch out and improvise with me,” he explains. That freedom shows throughout Weathered. “Our crew did a fabulous job getting everything right for us to do our best every night.” He continues, “Regularly hearing inspired, improvisational surprises from your fellow bandmates elevated our interaction and made for one of a kind, unique shows every night. We all thrive in a live setting and at every show, the audience kicked the music up to a special level we only reach with their contagious, inspired energy.” That comes across brilliantly on this celebratory live album. 

 

The album contains live renditions of two of the Lou Reed/Nils Lofgren penned songs, “Don’t Let Your Guard Down” and “Give,” along with Nils’ rocking protest song “Rock or Not” and the tenderly wistful “Too Blue to Play,” all from the Blue With Loualbum. Cindy Mizelle’s heartfelt vocals complement throughout the double album, but on “Big Tears Fall” they take the lead and on the duet “Tender Love” they are especially powerful.    

 

In addition to her soulful harmonies, you’ll also hear Cindy’s improvisational “scatting” throughout, becoming another instrument inside this stellar band. The dark, minor blues “Too Many Miles” is a wonderful example of this.

 

Nils pushes his electric soloing to new heights throughout. In “Give,” a co-write and timely lyric with the great Lou Reed, you’ll hear him at his improvisational best, launching into a “backwards” guitar segment, mid solo.

 

There’s a fabulous 14-minute-plus version of the haunting “Girl in Motion,” set up by a wonderful studio story of Ringo Starr watching the original recording go down and offering amazing advice. 

 

It’s very rare for Nils to get the entire band that made a studio record out on the road with him. It pays off dramatically here. Andy Newmark on drums (John Lennon, Sly Stone, David Bowie, Eric Clapton…) Kevin McCormick on bass, vocals (Crosby, Stills and Nash, Jackson Browne, Melissa Ethridge, Keb’ Mo’…) Cindy Mizelle on vocals (Luther Vandross, Whitney Houston, Steely Dan, Bruce Springsteen…) and Tom Lofgren on guitars, keyboards, vocals, who’s been playing with Nils since his early band Grin, combine to create a fresh, inspired take on these classic Nils songs. 

   

Weathered includes “Like Rain”from Grin and seven other standards from his solo work.Nils’ brothers Mike and Mark Lofgren join the band on the Hank Williams classic “Mind Your Own Business.”The art of improvisation resurfaces during the “Jam / Papa Was a Rolling Stone,”which builds to a crescendo before his classic “I Came To Dance.”

 

“We kept the shows reckless and fun with a lot of jamming and interaction. Tour bussing from town to town all over America, we all brought our collective experience and love for performing to every show,” Nils reflects. “Turning up to ‘eleven’ and wailing inside this amazing band was a joy and revelation to me, having been away from playing with my own electric band for so long.  Proud to share this rough and ready collection that breathes new life and inspiration into the best of my songs. 

 

“After 51 years on the road, I’m so grateful to have been inspired by this band and our audiences as never before!”

http://www.nilslofgren.com

Grammy® Award-winning guitar virtuosos

RODRIGO Y GABRIELA unveil all-new double live album 

METTAVOLUTION LIVE RECORDED 'Mettavolution Live' recorded during last year's Mettavolution World Tour 

LIVE LUMBINI SESSIONS FEATURING ORIGINALS AS WELL AS COVERS OF

MOTORHEAD, BILLIE EILISH, DUA LIPA AND MORE AVAILABLE NOW

METTAVOLUTION LIVE ARRIVES

VIA RUBYWORKS/ATO ON FRIDAY, OCTOBER 2

photo credit: Ebru Yildiz

GRAMMY®-Award-winning guitar virtuosos Rodrigo y Gabriela have announced the upcoming release of METTAVOLUTION LIVE, an all-new double album recorded during last year’s METTAVOLUTION World Tour. The 13-track collection arrives as a 2LP, 2CD, and digital download via Rubyworks/ATO on Friday October 2; pre-orders are available now.

“Hearing this recording is to be able to reconnect with our marvelous fans from our live gigs during 2019,” say Rodrigo y Gabriela, “the year we got to promote our METTAVOLUTION album all over the world. That was the very moment we felt truly complete as artists and musicians.”

METTAVOLUTION LIVE is heralded by today’s premiere of an awe-inspiring, 20-minute-plus live version of Pink Floyd’s epic “Echoes,” audaciously reimagined for two acoustic guitars and streaming now.

LISTEN TO “ECHOES”

PRE-ORDER METTAVOLUTION LIVE

The release of METTAVOLUTION LIVE comes in the wake of a deeply creative period that Rod and Gab are continuing to experience in these pandemic days at home in Zihuatanejo, Mexico. One of the world’s most in-demand live acts, the duo had planned to spend this summer celebrating METTAVOLUTION and their historic GRAMMY® Award triumph with an eagerly awaited world tour. Instead, they performed an extremely popular NPR Tiny Desk (Home) performance in April, and have been releasing their daily Lumbini Sessions with inspired live versions of their favorite metal songs, film themes, jazz tunes, RyG album cuts as well as covers of Motorhead, Billie Eilish, Dua Lipa, Dave Brubeck, Van Morrison, Lil Nas X, Radiohead and more.

WATCH NPR’S TINY DESK (HOME) PERFORMANCE

WATCH THE LUMBINI SESSIONS

2019 proved a milestone year for Rodrigo y Gabriela, highlighted by the release of their GRAMMY® Award-winning new album, METTAVOLUTION (ATO). The duo’s fifth studio LP and first album in five years, METTAVOLUTION made a spectacular chart debut upon its April 2019 release, entering Billboard’s “Americana/Folk Albums” chart at #1 with first week equivalents in excess of 11,000 – Rodrigo y Gabriela’s second best sales week ever. In addition, the album arrived at #2 on Billboard’s “Rock Albums,” as well as #10 on “Top Album Sales” and #71 on the overall SoundScan/Billboard 200.

Hailed by Pitchfork as “fast, heavy, and relentlessly precise,” METTAVOLUTION ultimately earned Rodrigo y Gabriela their first-ever GRAMMY® nomination and first-ever GRAMMY® win for “Best Contemporary Instrumental Album.” Rodrigo y Gabriela celebrated the album with a truly global 92-city work tour, performing METTAVOLUTION in its entirety each night alongside fan favorites and classic pieces from their beloved original canon. As now captured on METTAVOLUTION LIVE, the shows saw the virtuoso duo operating at the very peak of their powers, the perfect balance of melody and metal, fire and finesse, honed over two decades of musical collaboration.

Indeed, the new album stands out as some of the most powerful music of Rodrigo y Gabriela’s remarkable career, including spectacular live versions of METTAVOLUTION’s crunching “Terracentric” and propulsive title track. The duo’s third official live release, METTAVOLUTION LIVE is further driven by breathtaking performances of such longtime concert favorites as “Diablo Rojo,” “11:11,” and “Tamacun,” offering ample evidence of Rodrigo y Gabriela’s staging virtuosity and dedicated commitment to using music as a positive force for healing and inspiration in trying times.

With career album sales now in excess of 1.5 million worldwide, Rodrigo y Gabriela have undoubtedly established themselves as the planet’s preeminent acoustic guitar duo, earning international acclaim and a fervent fan following with their awe-inspiring mastery of their instruments as well as a truly distinctive approach to melody, energy, and rhythm. Three years in the making, METTAVOLUTION embraces the duo’s passionate interest in Buddhism, the history of human evolution, and the liberation of the potential we have as a species, all expressed through the medium of two acoustic guitars. Conceived and composed in their studio in Ixtapa on the Mexican Pacific Coast, the album’s music - including six white-hot new compositions and an inspired, side-long cover of Pink Floyd’s sprawling “Echoes” – was road-tested around the world on tour in 2017 and 2018 before being recorded in Los Angeles with multiple GRAMMY®-winning producer Dave Sardy (Oasis, LCD Soundsystem, A Perfect Circle, Band of Horses) behind the board.

Along with its popular success and GRAMMY® Award win, METTAVOLUTION also drew a wide range of critical acclaim, with Pitchfork writing, “METTAVOLUTION reassures that for as long as they’re around, Rodrigo y Gabriela will be echoing their influences as only they can.” “For Rodrigo y Gabriela, the meditation is actually in the swirl of notes and rhythmic strums that circle around their music,” wrote NPR. “And if we follow their lead, there is a meditative quality for the listener as well.” “METTAVOLUTION finds the duo locked back in,” wrote Glide, “and where their last record was dedicated to their influences, this time it is all about the visceral primal passion of playing and what originally connected them to music.” “Rodrigo y Gabriela continue to impress with their ability to shift through a variety of Latin, folk and rock styles without ever taking the easy routes,” noted Uncut, while AllMusic’s Thom Jurek applauded “the abundant originality and soul R&G bring to everything they play,” adding, “METTAVOLUTION is the Rodrigo y Gabriela record where all of their gifts are on display and in sync; it sends listeners on a holistic journey of musical discovery and emotional resonance.”

RODRIGO Y GABRIELA

METTAVOLUTION LIVE

(Rubyworks/ATO)

RELEASE DATE: FRIDAY, OCTOBER 2

TRACKLISTING:

Krotona Days

Witness Tree

The Soundmaker

11:11

Diablo Rojo

Echoes

Mettavolution

Tamacun

Gabriela Solo

Electric Soul

Cumbe

Hanuman

Terracentric

CONNECT WITH RODRIGO Y GABRIELA:

OFFICIAL

INSTAGRAM

FACEBOOK

Country and Rock 'n' Roll titles entice

Is it too early to discuss a music-minded gift guide for 2020? Check out my roundup of a slew of new special deluxe editions available now...

Artist: Marty Stuart
Title: The Pilgrim: A Wall-To-Wall Odyssey (BMG Books)
You might like if you enjoy: Dwight Yoakam, Emmylou Harris, Ralph Stanley, Johnny Cash
Tell me more: At 192 pages and weighing well over three pounds, the astounding hardcover title The Pilgrim: A Wall-To-Wall Odyssey fully expands and sheds light anew on country icon Marty Stuart's brilliant "The Pilgrim." Released in 1999, The Pilgrim was Stuart's 10th album and marked a true artistic turning point for the artist. In addition to Stuart's considerable talents as singer-songwriter and musician, he is joined by the likes of Emmylou Harris, Pam Tillis, George Jones and Johnny Cash on the ambitious album inspired by true events that occurred in his hometown of Philadelphia, Mississippi. The lushly-illustrated coffee table volume features countless details about the recording of the project and what the seminal album has meant to Stuart's celebrated career; additionally, the title is enhanced by the inclusion of an audio CD featuring the original album along with 10 unreleased bonus tracks. Information: www.bmg.com.

Artist: Hank Williams
Title: Pictures From Life's Other Side: The Man and His Music in Rare Recordings and Photos (BMG)
You might like if you enjoy: Hank Williams, traditional country music
Tell me more: In addition to the wonderful edition of Marty Stuart's The Pilgrim: A Wall-To-Wall Odyssey, BMG has released the equally-crucial Hank Williams table-top book Pictures From Life's Other Side: The Man and His Music in Rare Recordings and Photos. The book includes more than 200 photos (many never-before-seen!) of the late country music hero as well as six full-length audio CDs of remastered performances pulled from his "Mother's Best" radio series. More than 65 years after his death at the age of 29 on New Year's Day in 1953, Williams remains among the most influential and important country music artists of all time. This splendid coffee table book – that comes in a slipcase and is bolstered by a treasure trove of audio recordings – serves as an enduring reminder that Williams classics such as "Cold Cold Heart," "Lovesick Blues," "I Saw the Light," "I'm So Lonesome I Could Cry" and many more set a template for country music and Americana styles that live on in 2020. Information: www.bmg.com.

Title: London, Reign Over Me
Author: Stephen Tow
Publisher: Rowman & Littlefield
Hardcover: 224 pages
Tell me more: Author Stephen Tow's informative London, Reign Over Me offers an in-depth look at the explosion of the British classic rock scene of the 1960s. While it's easy to peg the era as simply "the '60s," Tow's probing volume provides a nuanced look at the various styles that mattered including skiffle, R&B, British blues, folk and progressive rock. A key area explored is how British musicians took American blues music and made it into something that was their own, ultimately helping to forever define what we recognize today as classic rock. Much of the history of the decade comes alive via interviews with a who's who of rock legends: Rod Argent (The Zombies), Ian Anderson (Jethro Tull), Dave Davies (The Kinks), Peter Frampton (Humble Pie), Carl Palmer (ELP, Asia), Roger Glover (Deep Purple) and many more. This is a must-read for fans of classic rock. Information: www.Rowman.com.

Title: Rush: Song by Song
Author: Alex E. Body
Publisher: Fonthill Media
Paperback: 160 pages
Tell me more: While it took the establishment decades to catch on to the power and magic of Canadian rock trio Rush, diehard fans of the outfit have been championing the group since the early 1970s. The power of the band's music is celebrated in spades on writer Alex E. Body's Rush: Song by Song. I somehow missed the release of the book when it was published last summer but I wasted no time in reading the title when I discovered it earlier this month. Body really does a great job of addressing the musical layers on specific tracks, as well as details in the lyrics and how those were influenced by the times when the songs were written. Reading the book brought back a flood of memories including my high school pal Jeff introducing me to Rush via blasting Fly By Night while we cruised in his station wagon on Whittier Boulevard and catching the band in concert in the '80s, '90s and several times this century. Information: fonthillmedia.com.


Robert Kinsler

Catching up on early 2019 special sets

The first half of 2019 has seen a parade of spectacular special editions, reissues, concert recordings and limited edition releases that are essential for discerning fans of a diverse range of groundbreaking artists.

Artist: Wes Montgomery
Title: Back on Indiana Avenue: The Carroll DeCamp Recordings (Resonance Records)
You might like if you enjoy: Wes Montgomery, Lionel Hampton
Tell me more: Available on audio CD and via digital, the wonderful set of Wes Montgomery rarities Back on Indiana Avenue: The Carroll DeCamp Recordings is yet another chance to celebrate the legacy of one of the greatest jazz guitarists of the 20th century. Only 45 when he died in 1968, the Indianapolis, Indiana native is heard on this lively set of 22 tracks early in his career via two hours of previously-unheard audio recordings. Of special note are the early versions of material he would cut for Riverside Records including "Round Midnight" and "Whisper Not" from his 1959 debut The Wes Montgomery Trio, and "Sandu" and "Tune-Up" from his 1960 sophomore album Movin' Along. The audio quality and level of performance is riveting more than 60 years after the myriad of performances were put to tape with Montgomery featured in a diverse number of settings – piano quartets, organ trios, extents and with Nat "King" Cole-styled trios. Information: ResonanceRecords.org.

Artist: Bill Evans
Title: Evans in England (Resonance Records)
You might like if you enjoy: Bill Evans, Stan Getz
Tell me more: A previously-unreleased live recording featuring American jazz pianist Bill Evans, bassist Eddie Gomez and drummer Marty Morell was captured at Ronnie Scott's jazz club in December 1969, but was only released for the first time by Los Angeles-based Resonance Records in April 2019. The two-disc release (Evans in England) features the masterful concert performance along with detailed liner notes and interviews with Gomez, Morell and filmmaker Leon Terjanian. Resonance Records has released several other titles featuring Evans (who died in September 1980 at the age of 51) over the past few years including 2012's Bill Evans Live at Art D'Lugoff's Top of the Game. Listening to this title is to hear how much Evans' incredible style continues to influence jazz pianists in the 21st century. Information: ResonanceRecords.org.

Artist: Hank Williams
Title: The Complete Health & Happiness Recordings (BMG)
You might like if you enjoy: Hank Williams, Hank Snow, Michael Ubaldini, Ray Price
Tell me more: Hank Williams' tragic death at the age of 29 on Jan. 1, 1953 cut short the life and career of one of the most influential and gifted country music artists of all time. So it's not surprising that there is an interest in any available recordings featuring the late Alabama-born icon. Look no further than the recently-released The Complete Health & Happiness Recordings, featuring all eight episodes of the 1949 radio series "Health & Happiness." While the series didn't run long, the material featured on those airings included Williams performing stellar versions of his 1949 hits "Wedding Blues," "Lovesick Blues," "You're Gonna Change (Or I'm Gonna Leave)" and "Mind Your Own Business," as well as the enduring cuts "I Saw the Light," "I'm So Lonesome I Could Cry" and "I'm a Long Gone Daddy." Of particular note is one episode features Williams performing "The Tramp on the Street," the only known recording of the singer performing the probing country ballad. Information: amazon.com.

Artist: Steve Goodman
Titles: "Artistic Hair" and "Affordable Art" (Omnivore Recordings)
You might like if you enjoy: John Denver, Harry Chapin, Jimmy Buffett
Tell me more: Omnivore Recordings has continued to reintroduce deserving, under-the-radar artists via via expanded editions. A celebration of singer-songwriter Steve Goodman is being launched with reissues of his final two albums, Artistic Hair (1983) and Affordable Art (1984). Set for release on July 19, these titles not only offer the original track lists but a slew of bonus tracks. Fans of Harry Chapin, Jimmy Buffett and John Denver will all find plenty to admire in the work and artful songs of Goodman. While the artist battled leukemia throughout his career (and he sadly passed away at the age of 36 in September 1984), his positive “Cool Hand Leuk” artistic drive resulted in glowing style of songs that shines through across these two releases. The late singer-songwriter Steve Goodman is best known for his bona fide masterpiece "City of New Orleans" (a Top 20 hit for Arlo Guthrie in 1972), but his parade of top-tier songs extended far beyond that American standard as evidenced by expanded editions of these two releases. Information: OmnivoreRecordings.com.

Artist: Mrs. Henry
Title: Mrs. Henry Presents The Last Waltz (Blind Owl Records)
You might like if you enjoy: The Band, Neil Young, Bob Dylan
Tell me more: More than 40 years after the legendary concert was put to film via Martin Scorsese’s“The Last Waltz,” modern-day San Diego-based quartet Mrs. Henry recreated the event on the stage at The Belly Up in Solana Beach (a legendary venue in North San Diego County). That stunning tribute is available via the ambitious Mrs. Henry presents The Last Waltz (available on 2-disc audio CD or 3xLP vinyl). Mrs. Henry (keyboardist-vocalist Jody Bagley, guitarist-vocalist Dan Cervantes, bassist-vocalist Blake Dean, drummer Chad Lee) put in an incredible amount of work, but armed with musical passion and a parade of more than two dozen fellow musicians (including members of Sacri Monti, Louise XIV and The Schizophonics), the glorious results can now be heard by all.  Timeless tracks such as “Up On Cripple Creek,” “The Weight,” “Caledonia” and “The Night They Drove Old Dixie Down” are captured with emotion and authenticity. The collection will be released on July 12. Information: BlindOwlSD.com or www.mrshenry.com. 

Artist: Henry Townsend and Roosevelt Sykes
Title: Blues Piano and Guitar (Omnivore Recordings)
You might like if you enjoy: Walter Davis, Robert Nighthawk, Big Joe Williams
Tell me more: Earlier this year Omnivore Recordings released Henry Townsend and Roosevelt Sykes’ Blues Piano and Guitar, a two-disc set featuring 30 previously unissued tracks from a 1973 concert performance of interest to lovers of traditional blues. This incredible title features the talents of two artists who were among key players of early blues music; Roosevelt Skyes (on piano and vocals) and Henry Townsend (vocals, guitar and piano) were both born at the dawn of the 20^th century and made major contributions to the genre. On this recording the two St. Louis bluesmen are captured late in their career – just the right stage of life for each to tap into their collective experiences to mine the reaches of “Done Got Tired,” “The War Is Over” and “Ready, Willing And Able.” Information: OmnivoreRecordings.com.



Robert Kinsler

Far-flung heroes highlighted on new releases

A new album from Barry Gibb, a fitting tribute to the late Jerry Garcia, a unique collaboration celebrating loss, stoner rock from Sweden and a legendary live collection are among the far-flung sounds to be discovered via a number of exciting new releases.

Artist: Barry Gibb
Title: In The Now (Columbia Records)
You might like if you enjoy: The Bee Gees, Barry Gibb
Tell me more: Barry Gibb's first album in 32 years, In The Now showcases the former Bee Gee's fantastic voice, sterling songwriting and his uncanny gift for creating intoxicating soundscapes that demand repeated listening.  Time has been kind to Gibb's 50-year legacy as a songwriter, with "I Started a Joke," "Run to Me," "Jive Talkin'," "To Love Somebody" and "Stayin' Alive" recognized as enduring pop masterworks. On "In The Now," Gibb joins forces with his children (sons Ashley Gibb and Stephen Gibb, the latter who performs guitar on the collection) to create striking confessionals in the 21st century. The driving power pop gem "Blowin' A Fuse," affecting "Home Truth Song" and impactful "Meaning of the Word" are early standouts. Gibb celebrates the legacy of his family (his brother Andy died in 1988, while Maurice died in 2003 and Robin died in 2012) on "End of the Rainbow," written as Robin was dying; it is a lovely song that builds from a quiet ode with Gibb's voice and piano to a more swelling symphonic fanfare before the song artfully segues back to a solemn and hushed finale. Information: BarryGibb.com.

Artists: Phil Lesh, Bob Weir, Mickey Hart, Peter Frampton, more
Title: Dear Jerry: Celebrating the Music of Jerry Garcia (Rounder Records)
You might like if you enjoy: the Grateful Dead, Peter Frampton, Trampled by Turtles
Tell me more: It takes an army of talented players to bring justice to Jerry Garcia's stellar musical legacy, and fortunately that is how the stars align on the aptly-named Dear Jerry: Celebrating the Music of Jerry Garcia. Released by Rounder Records in multiple formats (Blu-ray, DVD, CD and digital download), the collection shimmers with the same magic that drew legions to follow the late Garcia and the Grateful Dead during the 30 years he led the band (1965-1995). The first track (a mini-medley of "The Wheel" and "Uncle John's Band") features Grateful Dead bassist Phil Lesh & Communion and stretches more than 16 minutes, and not a second is wasted. It's honestly tough to highlight any of the tracks without criminally ignoring others just as deserving. That being said, a bluegrass take on "Shady Grove" featuring David Grisman, a rocking "(I'm a) Road Runner" with Peter Frampton on vocals and lead guitar, a wistful "Loser" courtesy of jam rockers moe and an Appalachian version of "Brown-Eyed Woman" from Trampled By Turtles scratches the surface of the power of the two & a half hour concert event staged on May 14, 2015 that is one of the finest tributes to a modern musical hero ever captured on film and audio (with true Dolby 5.1 surround stereo). Information: jerrygarcia.com.

Artists: Paul Kelly & Charlie Owen
Title: Death's Dateless Night (Cooking Vinyl)
You might like if you enjoy: Paul Kelly, Charlie Owen, John Paul White
Tell me more: Singer-songwriter Paul Kelly and multi-instrumentalist Charlie Owen mine the deepest corners of death and loss on their stunning collaboration Death's Dateless Night. The duo have recorded a mix of melancholic and contemplative covers, as well as two Kelly originals in an exploration that blends blues, folk and Americana with subtlety and expertise. Conceived by the two long-time friends at the end of a funeral in 2015, the force of the album is clear across its full length. The pensive "Pretty Bird Tree," country blues classic "Pallet on Your Floor," traditional Celtic ballad "The Parting Glass," as well as a brilliant reworking of Leonard Cohen's "Bird On The Wire"  and a stirring version of the Hank Williams hymn "Angel of Death" are among the artful arrangements on "Death's Dateless Night." Information: Facebook.com/paulkellyofficial.

Artist: Siena Root
Title: Pioneers (Cleopatra Records)
You might like if you enjoy: Deep Purple, Fu Manchu, Iron Butterfly
Tell me more: Swedish stone rockers Siena Root don't necessarily set out to explore any new ground on their new album Pioneers, but fans of classic Deep Purple, Iron Butterfly and Uriah Heep would be advised to get the disc specifically because of the strength and authenticity of the Stockholm quintet's retro approach. Widely recognized as one of the nation's best hard rock outfits, Siena Root's virtuoso chops, undeniable riffs and keen sense of melody shine across the nine-track album. The head-banging "7 Years," the British blues-flavored "Root Rock Pioneers" and Blue Cheer-flavored/slide guitar-adorned "The Way You Turn" are epic to be sure. Strong lead vocals from Jonas "Joe Nash" Ahlen, terrific keyboards from Erik "Erika" Petersson, and blazing lead guitar work from Matte Gustafsson provide dynamics that make this more than a paint-by-numbers affair. And the rhythm section of bassist Sam Riffer and drummer Love "Billy" Forsberg impresses, notably on the Ten Years After-styled "Spiral Trip." The audio CD version of the release includes a heavy metal take on Led Zeppelin's "Whole Lotta Love" as a welcome bonus track. Information: cleopatrarecords.com.

Artist: Mark Collie & His Reckless Companions
Title: Alive at Brushy Mountain State Penitentiary (Eagle Rock Entertainment)
You might like if you enjoy: John Mellencamp, Johnny Cash, Kelly Willis
Tell me more: In 2001, country-meets-rockabilly artist Mark Collie led a group of top-flight musicians into Brushy Mountain State Penitentiary in his home state of Tennessee to give several full-length performances. Collie hoped his appearance at one of the nation's most infamous prisons might help spread a message of hope and redemption, but shuffles at his record label left a commercial release of the project in limbo - until now. Now that 15-year-old concert recording has been released, and the good news is that Mark Collie & His Reckless Companions: Alive At Brushy Mountain State Penitentiary packs a punch far beyond the walls of the penitentiary that closed in 2009. The hard-rocking Collie original "One More Second Chance," a shimmering "Heaven Bound" (featuring songstress Kelly Willis on lead vocals), inspired "On The Day I Die," anthemic "Reckless Companions" and an apt take on the Johnny Cash jewel "Folsom Prison Blues" make the wait for this fine live set more than worth the wait.  Information: markcollie.com.

Artist: Radio California
Title: Pioneer's of Change (independent)
You might like if you enjoy: Violent Femmes, the B-52's, Frank Zappa, Youth Gone Mad
Tell me more: On the band's Pioneer's of Change, Radio California has captured the fierce and authentic sounds of 1980s college rock, art damage and post-punk via a captivating 10-track collection. This is rock that challenges the listener to be sure. While both the title track and "Gossip Hounds" are lilting and tuneful, the spoken word-anchored "Alligator Teeth & Coffee Grounds" and ferocious Pencils and Pistols" recall alt rock's adventuresome origins. The hypnotic "Woman" is built on a simple repeating chord change and singer-songwriter Jesseo's distinctive baritone wielded into a potent brew. "Close My Eyes" blends punk rock and spoken lyrics before a more textured and melodic chorus emerges. "Wall" is another great song, the mix of tunefulness, synthpop and lyrical repetition adding up to something riveting and original. Information: radiocalifornia.bandcamp.com.

Robert Kinsler