Favorites celebrated via new LPs, reissues and live sets

With the arrival of the holidays, a number of wonderful collections representing a wide range of genres and eras are available now.

Artist: Herb Alpert
Title: The Christmas Wish (Herb Alpert Presents)
Tell me more: Nearly 50 years after recording his now-classic Christmas Album with the Tijuana Brass in 1968, Herb Alpert has issued another full-length holiday music collection. The wonderful The Christmas Wish showcases the 82-year-old artist's enduring talents as a trumpet virtuoso across this set. Backed by a 45-piece orchestra and 32-member choir, there are many highlights on the album, with the stirring "Carol of the Bells" and "We Wish You a Merry Christmas" medley and potent performance of Bach's "Jesu, Joy of Man's Desiring" among this writer's favorites. Fans of the memorable holiday albums recorded throughout the 1950s and 1960s will love this old-fashioned and deeply reminiscent 15-track LP.  Information: HerbAlpert.com.

Artist: Noel Gallagher's High Flying Birds
Title: Who Built The Moon? (Caroline Records)
Tell me more: A dramatic and stylistic shift away from 2015's Chasing Yesterday, Noel Gallagher's High Flying Birds' third studio disc Who Built The Moon? certifies the greatness of Oasis' principal songwriter. Noel Gallagher's latest effort features a lavish mix of alt rock, electronica, synth pop and tinges of gospel, soul and other styles. Listening to the exuberant "It's a Beautiful World," driving New Order-mining "She Taught Me How to Fly," cosmic blues romp "Be Careful What You Wish For" and expansive "Holy Mountain" is to be spellbound by the wide range of styles collected and merged with flawless artistry. The urgent "Fort Knox," acoustic "Dead in the Water" and heavy title track are other standouts. Gallagher's voice and dazzling guitar work are seminal, while the role of noteworthy artists who guest on the album including Jason Falkner (of Beck, Jellyfish and Air fame), Johnny Marr (The Smiths, The The) and Paul Weller (The Jam) help bolster this amazing album. Who Built The Moon? is one of the best albums of 2017. Information: NoelGallagher.com.

Artist: Big Head Todd and the Monsters
Title: New World Arisin' (Big Records)
Tell me more: Big Head Todd and the Monsters have released their 11th full-length album and it's as epic as the title. New World Arisin' kicks off with the explosive "Glow," a song that expertly bridges alternative rock and blues. From there, the Boulder, Colorado-spawned quartet delves into Southern blues-rock ("New World Arisin' "), melodic alt rock ("Damaged One"), funk ("Trip") and jangly psychedelia ("Mind") – and that's just the first handful of tracks on the album. Thirty years into their illustrious career, Big Head Todd and the Monsters are still writing and performing with the firepower and creativity displayed on their breakout 1993 album Sister Sweetly.  High octane rocker "Detonator" the lovely "Wipeout Turn" and inspired blues rocker "Under Your Wings" are among the other memorably-affecting songs on the outstanding New World Arisin'. Big Head Todd and the Monsters will be performing at House of Blues Anaheim on Thursday, Dec. 14, and at the Troubadour in Hollywood on Friday, Dec. 15. Information: BigHeadTodd.com.

Artist: The Searchers
Title: Another Night: The Sire Recordings 1979-1981 (Omnivore Recordings)
Tell me more: One of England's break-out bands following the Beatles, the Searchers scored a slew of hit singles in the early 1960s including "Needles and Pins," "Don't Throw Our Love Away" and "Sweets for My Sweet." But while the group's initial string of hits stopped coming in the late 1960s, there was a revival of sorts for the group when the head of Sire Records caught the band at a performance in the late 1970s and signed them to a new contract. These recordings – featured on the new compilation Another Night: The Sire Recordings 1979-1981 – are a delight. Spirited material penned by everyone from Bob Dylan and Tom Petty to John Fogerty and Big Star's Alex Chilton afforded the Searchers plenty of ammunition to put their distinctive vocals and musical stamp on songs that draw natural comparisons with Tom Petty, the Plimsouls, Great Buildings and other melodic rockers to emerge at the dawn of the '80s. There are 29 splendid tracks splashed across two discs, representing all the album tracks, B-sides and alternate mixes from the Sire era. Listening to winning material such as "Love's Gonna Be Strong," "Feeling Fine," "It's Too Late" and a shimmering reworking of Fogerty's classic "Almost Saturday Night," it's easy to hear why the Searchers are worth discovering. Information: OmnivoreRecordings.com.

Artist: Little Richard
Title: Here's Little Richard (Craft Recordings/Concord Music)
Tell me more: To listen to the 60th anniversary edition of Here's Little Richard is to be joyfully transported to the early days of rock 'n' roll and gain a newfound appreciation of the artist born Richard Penniman. One of rock's founding fathers, Little Richard's debut (recorded in 1955 and 1956) more than holds up in 2017. The performances here are simply riveting, with Little Richard's signature vocals and pounding piano driving rockers such as "Tutti Frutti," Ready Teddy," "Rip It Up" and "Long Tall Sally" as well as New Orleans-flavored blues ("I Can't Believe You Wanna Leave," "Baby," "Slippin' and Sliding' "). A second disc on this essential deluxe edition features 22 must-hear demo and/or alternate recordings of the dozen songs on the original Here's Little Richard. Information: concordmusicgroup.com.

Artist: Peter Case
Title: On The Way Downtown: Recorded Live On Folkscene (Omnivore Recordings)
Tell me more: Singer-songwriter Peter Case's On The Way Downtown: Recorded Live On Folkscene features live tracks captured on Los Angles radio station KPFK-FM' syndicated radio program in 1998 and 2000. This fantastic collection features Case singing a number of his stellar originals, including the Americana-styled "On the Way Downtown" and "Honey Child," Delta blues-flavored "Let Me Fall" and introspective "Green Blanket (Part 1)" from "Full Service, No Waiting" (released in 1998); the last nine selections on "On The Way Downtown" are weighted in favor of Case's 2000 LP "Flying Saucer Blues"; songs from that disc shine in the live setting including the Appalachia spirited "Something Happens" and wistful folk nugget "Blue Distance" (with lovely fiddle work from David Perales) and the playful acoustic blues chantey "Walking Home Late." The package also features liner notes penned by Case about the radio performances featured on the disc. Information: OmnivoreRecordings.com.

Robert Kinsler

New Christmas Videos: Charles Billingsley, Vincent Poag, Lindsey Stirling, Herb Alpert

How about kicking off the week with some holiday videos?

Charles Billingsley's video for "Silver Bells." The song is featured on his new LP It's Christmas Time Again:




Vincent Poag's timely single "This Christmas (Let's Be Friends)":




Check out Lindsey Stirling's "Carol of the Bells" from her new Christmas LP Warmer In The Winter:




Finally, I have been loving Herb Alpert's first new album of Christmas music in almost 50 years, The Christmas Wish. Watch a trailer featuring Alpert and musicians in the studio working on the collection. I'll be reviewing that album in my next column:




Robert Kinsler

New Music: Taj Mahal & Keb' Mo', John Mellencamp with Carlene Carter, Ozomatli, Coco Montoya, Cait Brennan

Several much-anticipated collaborations are among essential new releases available now.

Artist: Taj Mahal and Keb' Mo'
Title: TajMo (Concord Records)
You might like if you enjoy: Taj Mahal, Keb' Mo'
Tell me more: Blues lovers are more than familiar with multiple Grammy winners Taj Mahal and Keb' Mo'. Now the two beloved artists have joined forces on TajMo, an album that more than delivers on the promise of music's latest dream team. From the album's first track, the uptempo Chicago blues-styled "Don't Leave Me Here," it's clear there is a joyous and infectious spirit across the collaboration. Both artists have terrific voices, and those voices blend together perfectly. "Don't Leave Me Here" is only one of a number of original songs on the disc; the Memphis soul-worthy "All Around the World" is a buoyant delight, and the lush ballad "Om Sweet Om" (featuring Lizz Wright) is an aptly-pegged celebration of home with famed Lee Oskar (of WAR fame) adding some magical harmonica work. There are also surefire surprises; a take on the Pete Townshend-penned Who classic "Squeeze Box" features a playful vocal exchange between the two greats while Joe Walsh adds electric guitar. A disc-ending entry features Mahal and Keb' Mo' joining forces with Bonnie Raitt for an acoustic-flavored interpretation of the timely "Waiting on the World to Change" that outdistances John Mayer's original version released in July 2006. Information: TajMo.com.

Artist: John Mellencamp featuring Carlene Carter
Title: Sad Clowns & Hillbillies (Republic Records)
You might like if you enjoy: John Mellencamp, Carlene Carter, Martina McBride, Woody Guthrie
Tell me more: The 23rd album of John Mellencamp's illustrious career, Sad Clowns & Hillbillies finds the singer-songwriter teaming with songstress Carlene Carter (the daughter of the late June Carter Cash and stepdaughter of Johnny Cash) for a 13-track journey that is one of the richest roots rock-meets-Americana collections in memory. The musical tapestry shimmers and dances with a lush mix of acoustic and electric guitars, bass, drums, harmonica and fiddle, while Mellencamp's increasingly-rustic baritone is the perfect counterpoint to Carter's sweet soprano as well as singer Martina McBride's notable contribution on "Grandview" and a chorus of other backing singers utilized at perfect points along the way (notably at the end of "What Kind of Man Am I?"). The songs themselves work in this time or for anytime with spiritual, social justrice and romantic themes explored in nuanced ways. I'm pretty certain that time will prove that Sad Clowns & Hillbillies one of the truly great albums of 2017. Information: mellencamp.com.

Artist: Cait Brennan
Title: Third (Omnivore Records)
You might like if you enjoy: David Bowie, Big Star, Todd Rundgren
Tell me more: Defying easy categorization, singer-songwriter Cait Brennan's Third is an album that delves into a number of styles and the artist's diverse influences with aplomb. The follow-up to Brennan's 2016 acclaimed full-length debut Debutante, Third was recorded at the legendary Ardent Studios in Memphis and utilized many of the actual instruments used by legendary power pop pioneers Big Star during their legendary '70s sessions. The tuneful melodic rock gem "He Knows Too Much," alluring ballad "At the End of the World" withs its blend of Brennan's high-reaching vocals and great lead guitar from creative partner Fernando Perdomo, the sublime glam rock-fueled "Benedict Cumberbatch" and all-out catchy rocker "The Angels Lie" are all standouts on this compelling release. Information: OmnivoreRecordings.com.

Artist: Coco Montoya
Title: Hard Truth (Alligator Records)
You might like if you enjoy: Walter Trout, Tommy Castro, John Mayall's Bluesbreakers
Tell me more: Coco Montoya's latest album Hard Truth rates right up there with the best of his long and celebrated career. The disc opens with the fiery blues-rocker "Before the Bullets Fly," featuring the Southern California native's powerful lead guitar work and great vocals. Other songs showcase Montoya's strengths to blend soul, gospel, R&B and even shades of swing into his potent approach, his masterful guitar playing always front and center. The Texas-minded "Lost in the Bottle" features slide guitar virtuoso Lee Roy Parnell swapping dazzling fretwork with Montoya. Because Montoya possesses such a first-rate voice, he kills on ballads too (as evidenced by the stellar "Old Habits Are Hard to Break" and Delta blues-mining "Devil Don't Sleep"). One of Montoya's true gifts is his sound and instinctive strengths will appeal to fans of both electric blues and classic rock; tracks such as "Hard As Hell" and " 'Bout to Make Me Leave Home" recall many of the great blues-rooted rockers of the '70s (Bad Company, Humble Pie, Ten Years After). Montoya will headline at the Coach House, 33157 Camino Capistrano, San Juan Capistrano, at 8 p.m. on June 2, 2017. Information: CocoMontoyaBand.com.

Artist: Ozomatli
Title: Non-Stop Mexico – Jamaica (Cleopatra Records)
You might like if you enjoy: Sly & Robbie, Herb Alpert, Juanes
Tell me more: Although groundbreaking Los Angeles group Ozomatli is well known for being a champion for Latino culture and fighting for immigrant workers' rights, the group's Non-Stop Mexico – Jamaica is their first mostly-Spanish language release in their ambitious 21-year history. The album was produced by drum and bass reggae icons Sly & Robbie (Bob Dylan, The Rolling Stones, Peter Tosh, Jimmy Cliff), and the six-member Ozomatli is joined by the far-flung likes of Gaby Moreno, Juanes, G. Love, Slightly Stoopid and Herb Alpert to perform reggae-flavored favorites of their youth. As Ozomatli proves across the rewarding 14-track disc, reggae stylings sound as great in their sonic hands as the Latin rock, hip hop, funk and other genres explored on previous albums. Among this writer's favorites is a smooth version of "Besame Mucho" blending melodic lead vocals from Asdru Sierra and rapping from Justin Poree with Alpert's trumpet. Later, Ozomatli transforms the classic "La Bamba" into a Santana-meets-Third World celebration. Ozomatli will be the musical guest on the "Morning Becomes Eclectic" radio show broadcast on KCRW-FM on May 31. Information: ozomatli.com.

Robert Kinsler

Eclectic tastes sure to be satisfied via range of new titles

Click here to read my latest column featured in Desert Star Weekly. If you can't access the embedded article (which is featured on page 14 of the issue that will open), you can read a text version below.


Two contrasting releases from singer-guitarist Holly Golightly, as well as impressive returns from Herb Alpert and bluesman Joe Louis Walker are worth discovering.


Artist: Holly Golightly
Title: Slowtown Now! (Damaged Goods/Forced Exposure)
You might like if you enjoy: Wanda Jackson, Holly Golightly & the Brokeoffs
Tell me more: Holly Golightly has been busy in 2015. Not only did she recently release a new album with her well-established Americana project Holly Golightly & the Brokeoffs, the English artist has also released a new solo album that conjures up Cilla Black, Shirley Bassey and modern-day favorites She & Him with a sense of fun and purpose as evidenced by the tuneful sunshine pop of "Frozen In Time," the early-styled rocker "As You Go Down," and Baroque folk ballad "Forevermore." Information: damagedgoods.co.uk.

Artist: Holly Golightly & the Brokeoffs
Title: Coulda Shoulda Woulda (Transdreamer/Megaforce)
You might like if you enjoy: Holly Golightly, X, The Knitters, Brown Bird
Tell me more: The latest collaboration from Holly Golightly & the Brokeoffs (the duo of British singer-guitarist Holly Golightly and Texas-spawned multi-instrumentalist/vocalist Lawyer Dave), "Coulda Shoulda Woulda" is a dozen song set of spirited indie Americana. There is an authenticity to all of the songs here, with the duo blending blues, rock, country folk and roots rock with equal aplomb. From the straight-forward rocking blues of "Little Mule" to the more detailed acoustic Delta ballad "What He Does" and introspective Appalachia-laced vocal duet "Lonesome Grave," there is a warmth and honesty to everything here. Information: hollygolightly.com.

Artist: Herb Alpert
Title: Come Fly With Me (Herb Alpert Presents)
You might like if you enjoy: Herb Alpert, Vince Guaraldi Trio
Tell me more: The Zombies are not the only popular '60s hit makers to enjoy a full-on resurgence in recent years. Trumpeter Herb Alpert won a Grammy for his 2013 disc "Steppin' Out" and has just released the aptly-titled "Come Fly With Me," a disc that proves the 80-year-old artist is still able to deliver top-flight performances. Blending artful covers and melodic originals, all of the compositions retain the jazz meets Bossa Nova style that was a stamp of Alpert's '60s and '70s hits, although he often influses reggae rhythms into several of the pieces (including a version of Irving Berlin's "Blue Skies" and his own "Walkin' Tall"); a jazzy and especially tender instrumental version of George Harrison's Beatles classic "Something" and yearning version of Billy Strayhorn's "Take the 'A' Train" are among the other standouts on "Come Fly With Me." Information: HerbAlpert.com.

Artist: Joe Louis Walker
Title: Everybody Wants a Piece (Provogue)
You might like if you enjoy: Walter Trout, Buddy Guy, Tommy Castro
Tell me more: Blues Hall of Fame inductee Joe Louis Walker is in full form on the recently-issued “Everybody Wants a Piece.” A guitarist who isn’t afraid to tear into his electric guitar with the freewheeling approach of Buddy Guy and the late Jimi Hendrix, the Bay Area native shines as both singer and guitarist across the 11-track disc, including on the blues rocker “Do I Love Her,” soulful “Black & Blue” and “Witchcraft” (both showcasing Walker’s strong lead vocals) and Delta-minded standout “Gospel Blues.” The final track, “35 Years,” recalls the infectious spirit of Chicago blues greats Howlin’ Wolf and Muddy Waters. Information: mascotlabelgroup.com.

Sights and Sounds: Chris Isaak, Grace Potter, Herb Alpert

Several big announcements to share today...

Chris Isaak's new album 'First Comes the Night' debuts at No. 2 in Australia; exclusive album prepiere via NPR 'First Listen'

Rock and Roll music sounds better than ever with the launch of Chris Isaak’s new album First Comes The Night set to be released this Friday, November l3.  With the album debuting at No. 2 and holding in Australia where Isaak is currently a judge on X-Factor, the exclusive album premiere on NPR First Listen and some very impressive early reviews, First Comes The Night, Isaak’s first album of original tunes in six years, is poised for success.

Recent reviews:

“It's been six years since Chris Isaak released an album of new material, so maybe that's why First Comes the Night is bursting with life. Even at its most languid, the Nashville-and-noir-inspired album is packed with swagger, heart and foot-stomping fun.  First Comes the Night offers up a looser-limbed and more vibrant Isaak than we've seen in a long time.” – CBC Music

“On Isaak’s previous album, 2011’s Beyond the Sun, he covered songs that had come out of Memphis’ legendary Sun Studio, where Johnny Cash, Elvis Presley, Jerry Lee Lewis and others cut classic sides in the ’50s. If that album was mid’-50s Presley at Sun, First Comes the Night is later Presley at RCA.”

– USA Today

 First Comes The Night is Isaak's singing. Isaak has a strong base that doesn't confine him. Still deliciously viscous in quieter moments and rousingly grand when he takes a verse to the max, the 59-year-old's tenor has grown rawer, lending his inquiries into heartbreak an air of menace. If his 1989 classic "Wicked Game" froze sexual enthrallment in yuppie amber, Isaak is now much freer in his expressions of angst. The meanness of "Please Don't Call," the playful plaintiveness of the Latin-tinged "Don't Break My Heart" and the gentle reflectiveness of "The Way Things Really Are" all benefit from Isaak's years of experience, as well as the worn edge in his tone. He can still sing like a dream, but Isaak's gotten better at capturing nightmares.” – NPR

Listen to the album in its entirety on NPR ‘FIRST LISTEN’ HERE: http://www.npr.org/2015/11/04/452619027/first-listen-chris-isaak-first-comes-the-night

Watch Isaak’s electrifying live performance of the single “Please Don’t Call” on X FACTOR: https://au.tv.yahoo.com/x-factor/clips/29801856/chris-isaak-please-don-t-call/?cmp=st

Mix Magazine feature story: 

http://www.mixonline.com/news/profiles/chris-isaak-takes-turn-nashville/426055

First Comes the Night is available in two configurations – a standard version with 12 songs and a deluxe edition with 5 bonus tracks. Read my concert review that ran in The Orange County Register of Chris Isaak's outstanding show in Anaheim, CA that he headlines this past August.

Grace Potter announces first leg of the 2016 Midnight Tour

Grace Potter sets upcoming tour dates.
Photo credit: Rich Gastwirt

“Midnight’s shift towards pop is nervy and refreshing… Potter retains enough bite to satisfy even diehard rock purists.”

TIME

“…a successful artistic gambit…for those adventurous enough to follow her.”

USA TODAY

“One of the greatest living voices in rock today has returned for a well-deserved moment in the spotlight.”

SPIN

“..her first solo album Midnight, pop rock gets a real kick in the cherry-red pants….With its songs about sex and dancing, self-confidence and risk, Midnight is a mid-career turn for Potter that proves genuinely freeing.”

NPR

Grace Potter and her backing band the Magical Midnight Roadshow have announced the first leg of their 2016 Midnight tour.  Kicking off in January, the U.S. headlining dates will take the band across the country in support of Potter’s solo album, Midnight, released this past August.  Potter will also travel to Australia to play the Byron Bay Bluesfest and New Zealand for the inaugural Auckland City Limits festival in March.  Presale tickets will be available to the fan club Tuesday, November 10^th  at 10am ET/ 7am PT at http://www.gracepotter.com/#tour.  To sign up for presale access click MEMBERS.  Tickets go on sale to the general public starting Friday, November 13.

Heralded as one of today’s best live performers, Grace Potter has played every major music festival from Coachella and Lollapalooza to Bonnaroo and Rock in Rio.  She’s had the honor of sharing the stage with artists such as The Rolling Stones, Robert Plant, the Allman Brothers, Neil Young, Mavis Staples, Kenny Chesney, The Flaming Lips, and The Roots to name just a few.  At the invitation of The First Lady, Michelle Obama, and Conan O’Brien, Grace recently performed for the troops in Qatar (where she was joined on stage by the guitar-playing O’Brien). Through the years Grace has made it a priority to support her home state of Vermont and this past week was honored with the Governor’s Award for Excellence in the Arts, the state’s highest honor in the creative sector.

Watch / Listen: Grace Potter - "Empty Heart"

https://youtu.be/ZPEE33a8ufA

Midnight was recorded and mixed at Barefoot Studios in Hollywood, CA, with producer Eric Valentine. The core studio band consisted of Potter and Valentine on most of the instruments, with Matt Burr on drums and percussion. In addition, members of Potter’s longtime band The Nocturnals: guitarists Scott Tournet and Benny Yurco and bassist Michael Libramento contributed to the sessions, as well as former tour-mates and friends singer-songwriter Rayland Baxter, Audra Mae, Noelle Skaggs of Fitz & the Tantrums, and Nick Oliveri of Queens of the Stone Age. Potter has released four studio albums through major label Hollywood Records: 2006’s Nothing But The Water, 2007’s This is Somewhere, 2010’s self-titled album and 2012’s The Lion The Beast The Beat, with the latter two both debuting Top 20 in the U.S. In 2010, Potter was featured on Kenny Chesney’s Grammy nominated, platinum-selling hit, “You and Tequila,” and his 2015 hit, “Wild Child,” which also achieved #1 status on the (billboard) Country chart.

Grace Potter tour dates are as follows:

2015

Dec. 2 – Englewood, NJ@ Bergen Performing Arts Center  †

Dec. 3 – Northampton, MA @ Calvin Theatre †

Dec. 4 – Asbury Park, NJ @ Paramount Theatre †

Dec. 5 – Ithaca, NY@ State Theatre †

Dec. 6 – Buffalo, NY @ Town Ballroom †

Dec. 8 – Concord, NH @ Capitol Center for the Arts †

Dec. 10 – Huntington, NY @ The Paramount †

Dec. 11 – Philadelphia, PA@ The Fillmore †

Dec. 12 – New Haven, CT @ College Street Music Hall

† support act Oh Whitney

2016

Jan. 13 – Memphis, TN @ Minglewood Hall

Jan. 15 – Birmingham, AL @ Iron City

Jan. 16 – Atlanta, GA @ The Tabernacle

Jan. 17 – Miramar Beach, FL @ 30A Songwriters Festival*

Jan. 20 – Roanoke, VA @ Berglund Center

Jan. 21 – Washington, DC @ 9:30 Club - SOLD OUT

Jan. 22 – Washington, DC @ 9:30 Club

Jan. 24 – Wilmington, NC @ Humanity and Fine Arts Center

Jan. 26 – Athens, GA @ Georgia Theatre

Jan. 28 – Mobile, AL @ Saenger Theatre  - Mobile

Jan. 29 – Houston, TX @ House of Blues

Jan. 30 – Austin, TX @ Austin City Limits Live at Moody Theatre

Jan. 31 – San Antonio, TX @ Aztec Theatre

Feb. 4 – Boulder, CO @ Boulder Theater

Feb. 5 – Aspen, CO @ Belly Up

Feb, 6 – Aspen, CO @ Belly Up

Feb. 8 – Jackson Hole, WY @ Jackson Hole Center for the Arts

Feb. 10 – Missoula, MT @ The Wilma Theatre

Feb. 11 – Boise, ID @ Knitting Factory

Feb. 12 – Portland, OR @ Roseland Theatre          

Feb. 13 – Seattle, WA @ Showbox

March 4 – Okeechobee, FL @ Okeechobee Music and Arts Festival*

March 19 – Auckland, NZ @ Auckland City Limits*

March 25 –Tyagarah, AU @ Byron Bay Bluesfest*

March 26 – Tyagarah, AU @ Byron Bay Bluesfest*

 * Festival dates

More dates to be announced.

Herb Alpert's 'Come Fly With Me' hits #2 on Billboard's Contemporary Jazz Chart

Annoncues reissue of 'Whipped Cream & Other Delights' to celebrate the album's 50th Anniversary; 26 additional titles to follow through 2016

Herb Alpert's new Come Fly With Me continues the legendary musicians' recent success on the charts. When the album was released on September 25, it debuted at #2 on the Billboard's Contemporary Jazz Chart and #7 on the Jazz Album Chart. Five weeks later, the album remains in the Contemporary Jazz Chart's top 10. The record features seven brand new original songs as well as signature takes on some of the most indelible melodies of the 20th century - among them George Harrison's "Something," Billy Strayhorn's "Take The A Train" and the Sinatra-popularized title track.

Alpert has stayed well acquainted with the Billboard charts throughout his illustrious five decade career - a centerpiece being the iconic LP 'Whipped Cream & Other Delights,' which hit #1 on the Billboard 200 fifty years ago this month. Famous for hits like "A Taste of Honey" and its cutting-edge cover art, the record remained the top-selling album in the country until March 1966, and has sold over six million copies to date.

On November 20th, Herb will be reissuing Whipped Cream to celebrate the album's 50th anniversary. A newly remastered version of the record will be available on LP and CD just in time for the holiday season. The re-release of 26 additional titles will follow 'Whipped Cream.' For the first time ever, all have been remastered for iTunes. Herb's 1968 'Christmas Album' is set for a November 27th re-release, and classics like The Lonely Bull, South of the Border, and Rise will follow next year.

Herb and his band will round out their 2015 touring schedule with an intimate West Coast run during the first week of December.

Tour dates:
December 2 - Saratoga, CA - Montalvo
December 3 - Saratoga, CA - Montalvo
December 5 - Oakland, CA - Yoshi's Oakland
December 6 - Oakland, CA - Yoshi's Oakland
December 7 - Oakland, CA - Yoshi's Oakland

Albums Remastered of iTunes:
The Lonely Bull
Volume 2
South Of The Border
Whipped Cream & Other Delights
Going Places
What Now My Love
S.R.O
Sounds Like...
Herb Alpert's Ninth
The Beat Of The Brass
Christmas Album
Warm
The Brass Are Comin'
Summertime
You Smile - The Song Begins
Coney Island
Main Event Live
Rise
Beyond
Magic Man
Fandango
Keep Your Eye On Me
Midnight Sun
Steppin' Out
In The Mood

Sights and Sounds: Gary Clark Jr., First Aid Kit, The Ramones, Herb Alpert

Good morning. Here is the latest roundup of gems plucked from my inbox, including news on singer-songwriter-guitarist Gary Clark Jr....If you missed my review of the Austin-based artist's recent performance at House of Blues Anaheim, click here to read it on the Music News Nashville site. Now on with all the news...

GARY CLARK JR. APPEARS IN RON HOWARD-DIRECTED DOCUMENTARY MADE IN AMERICA, PRODUCED BY JAY Z, BRIAN  GRAZER, AND RON HOWARD MADE IN AMERICA PREMIERES THIS FRIDAY, OCTOBER 11, 2013 ON SHOWTIME AT 9 p.m. ET/PT CATCH GARY CLARK JR. ON THE QUEEN LATIFAH SHOW THIS WEDNESDAY OCTOBER 9, AND ON THE LATE SHOW WITH DAVID LETTERMAN ON NOVEMBER 7

October 8th, 2013 - (Burbank, CA.) - Singer, songwriter, and guitarist extraordinaire Gary Clark Jr. is featured in the upcoming documentary Made In America, which will have its world premiere this Friday, October 11th, on Showtime at 9 p.m. PT/ET. Directed by Oscar-winner Ron Howard (A Beautiful Mind, Apollo 13, etc.) and produced by Howard, Grammy Award-winning music icon artist Jay Z, and Oscar winner Brian Grazer, the film captures Jay Z uniting the biggest names in music - including Clark, D'Angelo, Janelle Monáe, Pearl Jam, Skrillex, Run-D.M.C., Kanye West - to perform at a star-studded, multi-genre, two-day "Made in America" festival in Philadelphia. The film chronicles the inspirational event, which emphasizes "the diversity of musical genres that appeal to today's youth, the cultural heterogeneity of the festival's target audience - and, perhaps most important, the myriad possibilities for success that exist for those willing to do the hard work of making dreams come true," as Variety put it in its review. Watch a trailer here. In other news, Clark has been dominating network television as of late, having made recent appearances on Jimmy Kimmel Live (for the second time), The Queen Latifah Show (which airs tomorrow, October 9th), The Arsenio Hall Show, The Tonight Show with Jay Leno (his third appearance), and The Late Show With David Letterman (his fourth appearance, this time solo, which airs on November 7th). Check local listings for details. Clark is currently on the road supporting his major-label debut album Blak And Blu. All upcoming tour dates are listed below. 10/10    Salt Lake City, UT         The Depot 10/11    Denver, CO                  Ogden Theatre 10/13    Mexico City                  Corona Capital Festival 10/15    Nashville, TN                Marathon Music Works 10/16    Atlanta, GA                  Tabernacle 10/18    Charlottesville, VA         Jefferson Theater 10/19    Atlantic City, NJ            Borgata Hotel Casino & Spa - Music Box 11/10    Boston, MA                  Royale Nightclub 11/11    Boston, MA                  Royale Nightclub 11/12    Washington, DC            9:30 Club 11/13    Washington, DC            9:30 Club 11/14    New York, NY               Apollo Theater 11/16    New York, NY               Terminal 5 11/18    Toronto, ON                 Danforth Music Hall 11/20    Minneapolis, MN            First Avenue 11/22    Indianapolis, IN             The Vogue Theatre 11/23    Columbia, MO               The Blue Note 11/25    New Orleans, LA            House of Blues 11/26    Houston, TX                 Warehouse Live - Ballroom 11/27    Dallas, TX                    House of Blues 11/29    Austin, TX                    Stubb's

For more about Made In America: http://www.sho.com/sho/reality-docs/titles/3394200/jay-z-made-in-america#/index For more about Gary Clark Jr., visit: http://www.garyclarkjr.com/ http://www.facebook.com/GaryClarkJr http://twitter.com/#!/garyclarkjr http://www.youtube.com/user/garyclarkjr

First Aid Kit, photo credit: Annika Berglund FIRST AID KIT PERFORM "EMMYLOU" ON THE LATE SHOW WITH DAVID LETTERMAN OCTOBER TOUR CONCLUDES THURSDAY WITH RADIO CITY MUSIC HALL SHOW SUPPORTING RODRIGUEZ DRUNKEN TREES DEBUT EP VINYL REISSUE OUT OCTOBER 15TH, 2013 VIA WICHITA RECORDINGS

Stockholm, Sweden's First Aid Kit performed their celebrated single "Emmylou" last Tuesday night (October 1, 2013) on The Late Show with David Letterman, and the heartwarming rendition can now be seen online here: http://www.cbs.com/shows/late_show/video/FtkmWuPa1HhmuB4IJH9ehi30CqqhXPQQ/david-letterman-first-aid-kit-emmylou/.  "Emmylou," chosen by Rolling Stone as the magazine's #10 'Single of the Year' in 2012, is off the duo's acclaimed sophomore album The Lion's Roar. Released on January 17th, 2012 via Wichita Recordings, the album has sold over 75,000 copies in the US to date. First Aid Kit - sisters Klara and Johanna Söderberg - began their run of October US tour dates last week with a headlining show at the Henry Miller Library in Big Sur, CA on October 3rd. Over the weekend, they also performed at Hardly Strictly Bluegrass in San Francisco (about which the SF Weekly's All Shook Down blog wrote "...Söderberg sisters sounded bright and energetic during the penultimate set of the day") and the Way Over Yonder Festival in Los Angeles, CA. They return to New York City this Thursday, October 10th, to support Rodriguez at the historic Radio City Music Hall. A current itinerary is below. On October 15th, First Aid Kit's debut EP Drunken Trees will be reissued on 180 gram white vinyl in the US via Wichita Recordings. Drunken Trees was first released by The Knife-owned label Rabid in 2008 when the Söderbergs were only teenagers, and re-released by Wichita Recordings in 2009. First Aid Kit tour dates: OCT. 10           NEW YORK, NY                       RADIO CITY MUSIC HALL* * supporting Rodriguez www.thisisfirstaidkit.com www.facebook.com/firstaidkitofficial www.twitter.com/firstaidkitband www.instagram.com/firstaidkit www.wichita-recordings.com www.cobracamanda.com

Music Minded blog features timely updates on The Ramones and Herb Alpert

George A. Paul has posted an update about The Ramones' collected works being reissued. Click here to read his post on Music Minded. In addition, he has a post about the release of new music from Herb Alpert; click here to read that update.

You can visit the Music Minded home page here and subscribe to George A. Paul's blog as well.