New Music: Cowboy Junkies, Colin Hay, The Loud Family, Anton Barbeau

March 2022 is being marked by a number of stellar new audio releases.

Artist: Cowboy Junkies

Title: Songs of the Recollection (Proper Records)

You might like if you enjoy: Hope Sandoval, Cowboy Junkies, Mazzy Star

Tell me more: The Cowboy Junkies are back with Songs of the Recollection, a set of nine artfully reworked covers that surprise and thrill. The potent "Five Years" mines the introspective elements of the David Bowie classic, with Margo Timmins' signature vocals focused and then subsequently detached as the song purposely unravels to great effect in its burgeoning close. The cosmic country feedback-adorned reading of Gram Parsons' "Ooh Las Vegas" is equal parts Americana and shoegaze. The troupe's countrified folk rock is the perfect sonic brush to paint the lovely "No Expectations" (a Mick Jagger and Keith Richards co-write), haunting version of the Neil Young favorite "Don't Let It Bring You Down" (bolstered by some fiery electric guitar work) and atmospheric reading of Bob Dylan's "I've Made Up My Mind To Give Myself To You." Other songs artfully revisited include Neil Young's "Love In Mind," Gordon Lightfoot's "The Way I Feel," Vic Chesnutt's "Marathon" and The Cure's "Seventeen Seconds." In addition to singer Margo Timmins, Cowboy Junkies' talented lineup includes her brothers Michael Timmins (guitar) and Peter Timmins (drums) along with Alan Anton (bass guitar). Songs of the Recollection will be released via Proper Records on March 25, 2022. Information: CowboyJunkies.com.  

Artist: Colin Hay

Title: Now And The Evermore (Lazy Eye/Compass Records)

You might like if you enjoy: Colin Hay, Men At Work

Tell me more: Let's face it; the last few years have been tough. A global pandemic that continues to claim thousands of lives everyday, relentless violence across American cities — and now a terrible invasion led by Russia against the Ukraine resulting in the genocide of countless men, women and children — is all enough to make even the best of us to retreat from the real world. Leave it to singer-songwriter Colin Hay to cast a welcome ray of hope amidst the darkness. His new album Now And The Evermore (available now) finds Hay frequently tackling life and mortality with an optimistic approach. Just listen to the bona fide singalong original "Love Is Everywhere," wistful "Into The Bright Lights," defiant "The Sea Of Always" and Celtic-minded "All I See Is You" to be inspired by Hay's infectious songcraft. The title track (enhanced by terrific drumming from Ringo Starr) is aimed at making the best of the days we have left ("Nobody gets a sequel, no / Everyone gets shown the door / I'll be counting on the rising sun / To give me all my waking days / Until it sets upon the now and evermore"). Hay is able to explore loss as well, as he does on the chamber folk gem "Starfish And Unicorns," reflective "A Man Without A Name" and shimmering album closer "When Does The End Begin?" Information: ColinHay.com.  

Artist: The Loud Family and Anton Barbeau

Title: What If It Works? (Omnivore Recordings)

You might like if you enjoy: Game Theory, Anton Barbeau, Big Star, The Three O'Clock

Tell me more: Founded by singer-songwriter Scott Miller in 1982, Game Theory released a number of outstanding albums and several EPs that secured the power pop band's hero status. After the end of Game Theory in 1990, Miller recruited a new group of players and formed The Loud Family. In 2014, Omnivore Recordings began to release a series of remastered and expanded reissues of Game Theory's complete catalog. That record label's ambitious effort to champion the work of Miller now includes an expanded and deluxe edition of The Loud Family's 2006 album What If It Works, an LP which found Miller teaming with rising singer-songwriter Anton Barbeau to create a true masterpiece (sadly, Miller passed away in 2013 at the age of 53).  The material across What If It Works? is melodic to be sure, but the surrounding layers made up of literate songwriting, sharp musical arrangements, great musicianship and experimental elements make for an action-packed listen with new discoveries to be heard with every listen. Just listen to original album track-list offerings "Rocks Off" (a Rolling Stones cover), "Pop Song 99," "Flow Thee Water" and the title track, as well as bonus tracks like the cascading "Don't Bother Me While I'm Living Forever," melodic "I've Been Craving Lately," and rocking "Little Daisy." The reissue (due March 25 via Omnivore Recordings) features the original 10-track release, as well as more than a dozen bonus tracks. The wonderful packaging includes a 16-page booklet filled with photos, an essay from Stew Stewart, and a conversation between Barbeau and Scott Miller's widow (Kristine Miller) discussing the making of the album. Information: OmnivoreRecordings.com. 

Artist: Anton Barbeau

Title: Power Pop!!! (Big Stir Records)

You might like if you enjoy: Cheap Trick, Matthew Sweet, The Beatles

Tell me more: March 25th is twice as nice for songsmith Anton Barbeau; not only is Omnivore Recordings issuing a must-hear reissue of his 2006 collaboration with Scott Miller and the Loud Family, but Big Stir Records is issuing his highly-anticipated new studio album Power Pop!!! the same day. Power Pop!!! features 19 tracks, including a mix of brief entries (including the 6-second "When I Am Happy") and full-length selections that are both listenable and ambitious. Barbeau's return comes on the heels of parade of notable titles including Manbird (2020) and Oh The Joys We Live For (2021). The title Power Pop!!! is somewhat sardonic with Barbeau's melodic music gifts on display even while he bends and outright expands the genre powerfully exclaimed in the album title itself. In addition to melodic and memorable tracks such as "Power Pop," the psychedelic "American Road," Beatlesque "The Drugs," bewitching "Rain, Rain" and Baroque ballad "Valerie's Waiting"; the intoxicating instrumental "Entrez-Vous Dans Les Maisons," driving electronica-tinged "The Never Crying Wolf Boy," hard-charging minute-long "Hillbilly Village," experimental "The Sound," jazzy instrumental "Fretless Bronze (For Matthew)" and Neo-funk sortie "Free" collectively keep the listener on the edge of their sonic seat. Information: antonbarbeau.com and bigstirrecords.com.

Robert Kinsler

Believe it or not: a concert review! Donavon Frankenreiter, Matt Costa, and Iris and The Shade at The Coach House

Donavon Frankenreiter and his terrific band at
The Coach House on Thursday, May 6, 2021.

Before arriving at The Coach House last night, Thursday, May 6, 2021, it had been 420 days since I was last at the concert venue - or any concert house for that matter! Way back on March 12, 2020, I caught legendary bluesman Buddy Guy at the San Juan Capistrano, CA venue (you can read a review of that concert event HERE). That was my last taste of live music before the coronavirus pandemic put the brakes on live entertainment and just about everything else for more than a year in Southern California.

When ace photographer-good friend Bob Steshetz alerted me that we were good to go to cover the first night of singer-songwriter Donavon Frankenreiter's four-night highly-anticipated run at The Coach House, needless to say he didn't have to ask me twice. While the Coach House has to currently limit the capacity to approximately 250 concertgoers a night, it was wonderful to say "Hi" to owner Gary Folgner (who has owned and operated the venue since its opening back in 1980) and many of long-time employees who work there. Dating back to its first decade of operation, I have witnessed some of the best concerts of my life at The Coach House. Performances featuring guitar hero Alvin Lee (of Ten Years After fame), The Smithereens, The Call, Fountains of Wayne, Peter Frampton, Americana great Michael Ubaldini, singer-songwriter-guitarist Walter Trout, Rosanne Cash, dada, Aimee Mann, Bruce Cockburn, The Grays, Rock and Roll Hall of Famers The Zombies and Leon Russell, and aforementioned Buddy Guy immediately come to mind. 

Donavon Frankenreiter at The Coach House.

Just getting to catch an actual concert after 14 months was exciting enough, but the fact that the music making was so strong made the night all the more special. Having been raised in Mission Viejo, surfer-turned singer-songwriter Frankenreiter knew he had the hometown crowd behind him when he took the stage with his two-man band (bassist-harmonica master Matt Gundy and drummer Jara Harris). Blending rock, pop, blues, folk, jam rock and even jazz, Frankenreiter and company's sonic approach soared throughout a 90-minute set.

From left, Donavon Frankenreiter, Matt Gundy and
Jara Harris at The Coach House on May 6, 2021.

Many of Frankenreiter's most beloved originals filled the set; early highlights included the lovely jazz sortie "On My Mind," the jazz-rock-funk fusion "Move By Yourself" (featuring Frankenreiter delivering up an extended guitar solo), the affecting folk rock cut "It Don't Matter To Me" (bolstered by Frankenreiter's guitar lines artfully mirroring his vocal melody and sweet blues harmonica play from Gundy) and the infectious rocker "You're High."

The momentum of the set continued to pick up speed, with the in-tune audience cheering on the trio. The playful "Big Wave," Southern rock-mining "Could Be One Of Those Days," surf rock jam "Heading Home" and funk-blues gem "That's Too Bad" were late-set standouts.

His energetic set ended with him inviting both of the night's opening acts on stage to join in for a spirited cover of The Band's 1968 classic "The Weight."

Iris and The Shade performing at The Coach House.

Orange County duo Iris and The Shade features, from left,
Alexandra Davis and Chase Perkowski.

Concertgoers attending the event were treated to not one, but two compelling openers. Kicking off the night was the rising young duo from Dana Point, CA, Iris and The Shade. The lead singer Alexandra Davis has a soprano that conjures up the mystery and reflective grace of Mazzy Star's Hope Sandoval while the twosome's sound blends Laurel Canyon folk, surf music and dream pop. Among the memorable songs that served as my introduction to the duo (Davis and singer-guitarist Chase Perkowski) was the evocative opener "Carry Me Home" and lovely duet "Moonlight."

Matt Costa performing at The Coach House on May 6, 2021.

Celebrated singer-songwriter Matt Costa — who I criminally hadn't reviewed since 2007 (read my review of that concert HERE) — performed a solo performance showcasing his marvelous songcraft and absorbing performance style. Opening with the soulful "Call My Name," his acoustic guitar and poignant vocals came in the service of the song's refrain. 

Matt Costa impressed throughout a
45-minute set at The Coach House.

The Huntington Beach native's probing songs continued to play out wonderfully, as evidenced by the crowd's strong reaction. The hopeful "Make That Change" with its timely message to "You gotta make that change / To see a brighter day soon" seemed magically aimed at overcoming an extended period of lockdowns, masks and restrictions.

Matt Costa at The Coach House.

Iris and The Shade (left) joining Matt Costa during his
set at The Coach House on Thursday, May 6, 2021.

He brought up Iris and The Shade to add emotional heft to a short medley featuring old and new material before going it alone again for the soaring genres-blending "Slow," breezy folk track "Pacific Grove," eloquent "Savannah" and several other great originals. He ended his set with "The Road," a song that speaks to the freedom of wanting to leave home and experience the adventure of discovery.

That song likely summed up a special night with the audience tapping into Costa's lyrics, that read in part: "The road is calling, so I've got to go."

The night ended with, from left, Donavon Frankenreiter, Chase Perkowski, Alexandra
Davis, Matt Costa, Matt Gundy and Jara Harris joining forces for a version of 
The Band classic "The Weight."

Donavon Frankenreiter, Matt Costa and Iris and The Shade perform at The Coach House May 7, May 8 and May 9. Call 949-496-8930 or visit the venue's official website HERE for more details.

A super special thank you to Bob Steshetz for his wonderful photographs taken at the concert! Great to see that the "Adventures of Bob and Robert" picked up right where they left off in early 2020!

Review by Robert Kinsler

New Music: 'The Go-Go's' documentary, The Band, Brigitte DeMeyer & Will Kimbrough, Beth Lee

The legacy of groundbreaking artists the Go-Go's and The Band, as well as exceptional studio albums from emerging duo Brigitte DeMeyer and Will Kimbrough, and Austin songstress Beth Lee are worth exploring.

Artist: The Go-Go's

Title: The Go-Go's (Mercury Studios / Eagle Rock)

You might like if you enjoy: The Go-Go's, Belinda Carlisle, Jane Wiedlin

Tell me more: Released via digital formats on Feb. 5, "The Go-Go's" is a compelling and satisfying documentary revisiting the story of the seminal all-female band that topped the charts in the early '80s. Directed by Alison Ellwood, "The Go-Go's" does an excellent job of chronicling the band's rise as a punk-rock outfit and their authentic movement into a more talented pop-rock territory. There are archival photos and early video of the women performing in the late 1970s and modern-day interviews that deal with the highs and lows of the collective featuring singer Belinda Carlisle, lead guitarist Charlotte Caffey, drummer Gina Schock, bassist Kathy Valentine and rhythm guitarist Jane Wiedlin.  Early in the film one of the band members notes how in the span of only a year singer the Go-Go's went from playing "dive bars to playing Madison Square Garden." Indeed, the Los Angeles-spawned band's 1981 debut Beauty and the Beat paved the way for many groups. The documentary is compelling in its ability to tap into the affecting moments such as when there was tension among members, and when the band initially broke up in 1985. "We didn't speak to each other for five years after that," recalls Caffey of that painful chapter. The documentary completes its run with a look at a 2019 reunion and the release of the group's first new song in 19 years, the infectious "Club Zero." Information: mercurystudios.co.

The Band's 'Stage Fright (50th Anniversary Super Deluxe Edition)' is being released on Friday, Feb. 12, 2021.

Artist: The Band

Title: Stage Fright (50th Anniversary Super Deluxe Edition) (Capitol/UMe)

You might like if you enjoy: The Band, Creedence Clearwater Revival, Flying Burrito Brothers

Tell me more: Rock and Roll Hall of Fame outfit The Band rose to fame in the late 1960s with a groundbreaking mix of folk, rock, country soul, R&B and jazz. On Friday, Feb. 12, the Canadian-American quintet's third full-length album Stage Fright will be released via several newly remixed, remastered and expanded 50th anniversary editions. The quality and richness of the remastered tracks is only equaled by the strength of the troupe's timeless songs and inspired performances. The loose "The W.S. Walcott Medicine Show," rollicking "The Shape I'm In," gorgeous "Daniel and the Sacred Harp" and arresting "Stage Fright" are among the early nuggets on the album. The Americana-styled rocker "Time To Kill," sweeping "Just Another Whistle Stop," gentle "All La Glory" and rowdy "Strawberry Wine" are late album standouts. Bonus tracks include alternate mixes of "Strawberry Wine" and "Sleeping." All of the editions were overseen by principal songwriter Robbie Robertson and feature a new stereo mix by Bob Clearmountain from the original multi-track master tapes. Additionally, "Stage Fright" is presented in the originally-planned song order. Other features of this 50th anniversary title include a slew of raw Calgary Hotel Recordings" captured in 1970 and an outstanding previously-unissued "Live at the Royal Albert Hall, June 1971" concert performance (which features "Stage Fright" songs along with favorites such as "The Weight," "The Night They Drove Old Dixie Down" and "Up On Cripple Creek"). Listening to this essential collection is to be reminded how enduring The Band's sound remains. Information: amazon.com.

Artist: Brigitte DeMeyer and Will Kimbrough

Title: Mockingbird Soul (BDM Music)

You might like if you enjoy: The Civil Wars, Larkin Poe, Bright Blue Gorilla 

Tell me more: On their first official full-length collaboration Mockingbird Soul, Brigitte DeMeyer and Will Kimbrough display how their individual talents as singers, songwriters and instrumentalists take on even greater resonance when they join forces. Mockingbird Soul is set in a sonic sphere rooted in blues, Americana and Southern soul, layered with their beautiful voices. The span of material extends from the shimmering vocals-drenched "Everything" and "Little Easy" to the bluegrass-mining "Running Round" and soul-meets-blues title track. The Nashville-based duo strike musical pay dirt with every offering on the album, creating a mesmerizing listen via a dozen songs that are uniformly literate and beautiful. EDITOR'S NOTE: This album was released two years ago, but I just recently discovered it in my overwhelmed music library! Information: brigittedemeyer.com and willkimbrough.com.

Artist: Beth Lee

Title: Waiting On You Tonight (Beth Lee)

You might like if you enjoy: Carla Olson, Hope Sandoval & the Warm Inventions

Tell me more: Austin-based artist Beth Lee's rewarding return Waiting On You Tonight is filled with confessional roots rockers that hit their mark. A gifted singer-songwriter armed with an authentic approach that blends Americana, Southern soul and melodic rock, Lee's soprano is perfectly suited to deliver the parade of reflective originals that are wonderfully free of cliché and instead mine deeper emotional terrain. The irresistible "Waiting on You Tonight," country rocker "Yale St and 45," amped "Pens and Needles," '50s-tinged retro delight "It Was Enough" and reflective "Understand Me" and are among the superb songs on the album. The Vicente Rodriguez-produced Waiting On You Tonight is set for release on Feb. 12. Information: BethLee.net/.

Robert Kinsler

Another Look (and Listen) at 2017

I didn't want to let 2017 fall away from view without celebrating several notable new studio albums and outstanding reissues that arrived on my radar late in the year.

Artist: Phoebe Bridgers
Title: Stranger in the Alps (Dead Oceans)
You might like if you enjoy: Aimee Mann, Julien Baker
Tell me more: Los Angeles singer-songwriter Phoebe Bridgers' full-length debut Stranger in the Alps is a beautiful album showcasing her expressive soprano offering up introspective songs. The intimate folk-rock soundscape where Bridgers sings artfully of relationships and the mysterious links that bring people together as well as divide them requires good listening skills. The songs occasionally kick it up a notch (the blissfully burgeoning "Scott Street"), but the tone overall is of lush and haunting songs that soar with quiet firepower. "Smoke Signals," "Motion Sickness" and the piano- and cello-anchored "Georgia" are among the the wonderful tracks on an outstanding debut where Bridgers' very intimate forays achieve a universal reach. Information: deadoceans.com. 

Artist: Linda Perhacs
Title: I'm a Harmony (Omnivore Recordings)
You might like if you enjoy: Hope Sandoval, Kate Bush
Tell me more: Blending folk with '60s psychedelia, singer-songwriter Linda Perhacs' compelling sound equals her unusual career arc. Until 2014 Perhacs had released only one album, 1970's Parallelograms. As fate would have it, her music was discovered by the far-flung likes of French electronica duo Daft Punk, singer-songwriter Devendra Benhart and death metal band Opeth. Fast forward to 2014 and Sufjan Stevens released Perhacs' sophomore The Soul of All Natural Things on his Asthmatic Kitty label. Now comes Perhacs' Omnivore Recordings debut I'm a Harmony, a challenging and beautiful album that evokes a myriad of sonic worlds. The 75-year-old artist is joined by a talented lineup of guests, including singer Julia Holter, Pat Sansone (Wilco, The Autumn Defense), Nels Cline (Wilco) and Chris Price. An inspired and original album, standouts include the luxurious "Winds Of The Sky," otherworldly "We Will Live," Renaissance-meets-flamenco flavored "Eclipse of All Love" and ethereal "Visions." Information: OmnivoreRecordings.com.

Artist: Keith Emerson
Title: Emerson Plays Emerson (Emersongs/Cherry Red)
You might like if you enjoy: Geoff Downes, Bill Evans, Rick Wakeman
Tell me more: Widely considered one of the greatest and most technically gifted keyboardists of the rock era, Keith Emerson enjoyed fame as a member of the Nice in the late 1960s before going on to even greater acclaim with the progressive trio Emerson, Lake & Powell in the 1970s. Since his death at the age of 71 in March 2016, there has been interest in his rich legacy. Now, a reissue of his dazzling 2002 album Emerson Plays Emerson has been released. The instrumental album features Emerson playing a diverse mix of original works and compositions by Gershwin (a wonderful arrangement of "Summertime") and Alberto Ginastera. The eclectic material ranges from classical and jazz to genre-blending music written for film soundtracks. This beautiful reissue is bolstered by a fresh transfer of the master tapes by Abbey Road, and a 2017 remaster. The booklet that comes with the audio CD contains the liner notes in English, Italian and German. Early 2018 will see a music transcriptions book of this enduring album released too. Information: KeithEmerson.com.

Artist: America
Title: Heritage: Home Recordings/Demos 1970-1973 (Omnivore Recordings)
You might like if you enjoy: America
Tell me more: Dewey Bunnell, Gerry Beckley and Dan Peek were only in their teens when they met in 1967. All sons of U.S. servicemen stationed in England, the trio of friends formed a band and soon began writing original songs. Now, the earliest demos and home recordings tracked by America have been gathered together on a terrific collection titled Heritage: Home Recordings/Demos 1970-1973. The recordings date back to demos cut at Chalk Farm Studios outside of London tracked in 1970 and showcase a trio already skilled as singers, songwriters and musicians; the driving folk rocker "Sea Of Destiny" and wistful acoustic Dan Peek track "Rainy Day" are wonders. Later cuts were tracked at Beckley's Buzz Studios in West Hollywood in '72 and '73. There is also an early take of "Ventura Highway" recorded at Record Plant West in Los Angeles in 1972. Although these are early recordings and show a group in its formative period, the recordings are wonderful and prove to be a great listen for casual and hardcore fans of America. Information: OmnivoreRecordings.com.

Robert Kinsler

Album reviews: Jeff Healey, Hope Sandoval and the Warm Inventions, Enigma, Katie Kim

This column showcases several late 2016 releases worth adding to your music collection.

Artist: Jeff Healey
Title: Holding On: A Heal My Soul Companion (Provogue)
You might like if you enjoy: Alvin Lee, Joe Bonamassa, Walter Trout
Tell me more: When Jeff Healey passed away after a battle with cancer in March 2008, the 41-year-old Canadian artist left a lasting legacy as an outstanding singer-songwriter and guitar virtuoso. Now, previously-unreleased recordings from Healey are showcased on Holding On: A Heal My Soul Companion. The release features five rare Healey studio tracks that were recorded during the same time period (1996-1998) as the recordings that were featured on his acclaimed Heal My Soul album (released on what would have been Healey's 50th birthday) as well as a concert recorded in Oslo, Norway in 1999. "Love Takes Time" is a flat-out blues rocker that explodes with heartfelt vocals and fiery guitar work; "Every Other Guy" is a more confessional song, with a melodic chorus and nuanced lead fills. Healey's guitar prowess is showcased across the disc (particularly on the studio version of  "Dancing With the Monsters") and throughout the exhilarating concert recording. Information: JeffHealey.com.

Artist: Hope Sandoval and the Warm Inventions
Title: Until the Hunter (Tendril Tales)
You might like if you enjoy: Mazzy Star, Cowboy Junkies
Tell me more: As the voice of '90s alt-music pioneers Mazzy Star, Hope Sandoval championed a dream pop sound blending neo-psychedelia, blues, alt-folk and Americana. The Los Angeles native went on to form the Warm Inventions in 2000 and that troupe released several albums including 2009's Through the Devil Softly, and returned from a five-year hiatus late in 2016 with a fantastic new album titled Until the Hunter released on the group's own independent record label Tendril Tales. Sandoval's overall style continues to mine the quieter and more introspective reaches of alternative folk rock. The new 11-track album features a tuneful duet "Let Me Get There" featuring Kurt Vile, the rootsy "The Peasant," the baroque folk of "The Hiking Song" and relatively buoyant "Isn't It True." Information: HopeSandoval.com.

Artist: Enigma
Title: The Fall of a Rebel Angel (Republic Records)
You might like if you enjoy: Moby, Enigma
Tell me more: More than 25 years after the release of Enigma's multi-platinum debut MCMXC a.D. composer-musician Michael Cretu has released "The Fall of a Rebel Angel." The first new Enigma release since 2008's Seven Lives Many Faces, the new album will certainly please fans of Cretu's previous releases, especially his 1990 debut. There is a rich mix of neo-classical, new age, worldbeat and electronica styles across the concept album, which "tells the story of a symbolic journey to redemption with everyone to define his individual path," according to Cretu. The mix of sound effects, song, spoken word, instrumentals and new age-meets-rock impulses is enhanced by guests such as Brazillian singer-songwriter Mark Josher, Indonesian singer Anggun and English pop duo Aquilo. Information: EnigmaSpace.com.

Artist: Katie Kim
Title: Salt (independent)
You might like if you enjoy: Mazzy Star, Cat Power
Tell me more: Katie Kim is the the pseudonym of Irish singer Katie Sullivan, whose third album Salt provides a thrilling and intense listen across its 9-track span. Kim uses her rich soprano in the service of ambient material that evokes haunted sonic spaces. Kim's voice is lush and lovely on the shimmering "Day is Coming," while low notes on a piano enthrall on "Body Break." The distorted droning on "I Make Sparks" recalls the darkest reaches of The Cure and The Jesus and Mary Chain. "Beautiful Human" is a fragmented journey, the artist's voice distant and alluring in the vast distance of sound. Information: katiekim.bandcamp.com.



Robert Kinsler