I See Hawks in L.A. release tenth album, 'On Our Way,' due out August 27

Exciting news for fans of Los Angeles' Americana heroes I See Hawks in L.A. Their new song "On Our Way" is fantastic and you can view the official music video via my post below...Robert Kinsler

LOS ANGELES, Calif. — “It was the best of times, it was the worst of times” has earned its hoary immortality in Memeville. That’s how it was from February 2020 onward. That’s how it hit I See Hawks in L.A., who played their final live show at Ben Vaughn’s Wonder Valley Festival. The evening was charged, Ben and the Hawks (as ISHILA is otherwise known) pushing against the unknown at the edge of the desert night.   I See Hawks in L.A. — who will release their first post-pandemic album, On Our Way, on August 27, 2021 — tell the rest of story in their own words:   And then, well you know. Le lockdown. For I See Hawks in L.A., it was disruptive, but we’re drawn to disruption, we create disruption, it’s a creative source, and here it was handed to us writ large by global fate. How do little old us ride this floodwave?     Well, we dove in, digitally. Without ever playing music together. As was near universal for musicians, reality was the all-embracing screen, vivid cyber images that sang and played drums and guitar.   Rob Waller and Paul Lacques went on an uncharacteristically locked-in songwriting schedule, , every Friday Facetiming it at the crack of 4 p.m., quite a challenge (you can't play guitars at the same time) — but also an oasis from chaos. Pure strange joy. We cranked out an album’s worth of songs, with big contributions from drummer Victoria Jacobs.   Social and eco commentary have always marked our lyrics. This period of genuine global and American crises have made pontificating particularly perilous and delicate. How do you state your views without exploiting genuine suffering? We went historic and oblique, with songs about Geronimo, Muhammad Ali, the Faulknerian dilemma, in language sometimes more abstract and mirroring than narration. (We take some rambles, but there are also classic Hawks two-beats and country rockers about Marin wiccans, London markets, and the [un]certainties of love and broken hearts.)   Then began the studio game, ProTools trial by error, error in abundance. Why don’t these tracks line up? Can we use an iPhone recording? (Yes.) Rob sends a vocal and guitar. Paul and Victoria cut drums, Paul Marshall cuts bass and vocs. We recut. Okay, sounds like music. We got beautiful guest performances from our compadres Danny McGough, Brantley Kearns, Dave Zirbel, Richie Lawrence, Rich Dembowski and Woody Aplanalp (Old Californio), Joe Berardi, Marcus Watkins and Marc Doten (Double Naught Spy Car), and James Combs and Ed Barguiarena (Great Willow).      There are always silver linings. A big one for us was the realization that we need music far more than it needs us. Singing and playing, even locked into computer recording, was a life raft. It seems to have gotten us to shore: some hopefully classic vibe Hawks and some new sonic directions born of the limitations and possibilities of the studio only universe.  A lurch into modernity.   I See Hawks in L.A. are Southern California’s leading alt country/Americana/folk rock band.  Noted for their lyrical celebrations of earth and ecosphere, odes to the endless highway, and wry social commentary, they’ve gathered a loyal and global tribe from many U.S. and Europe/UK tours, consistently rave reviews from critics, and a serious presence in the Top 10 of the Freeform American Roots chart, the Americana Chart, and the Euro Americana chart.   The Hawks were formally spoken into existence in 1999 by Rob Waller and brothers Paul and Anthony Lacques during a philosophical discussion and rock-throwing session on an East Mojave desert trek.     The miles and songs have launched a never-ending musical dialogue with planet Earth and its strange inhabitants, and brought the Hawks into concert or recording collaborations with Chris Hillman, Lucinda Williams, Dave Alvin, Old 97s, The Mavericks, Peter Case, Gabe Witcher, Bernie Leadon, Meat Puppets, Rick Shea, Lucinda Williams, Dave Alvin, Old 97s, The Mavericks, Peter Case, Gabe Witcher, Bernie Leadon, Meat Puppets, and Ray Wylie Hubbard.   ISHILA have headlined at McCabe's, Old Town School of Folk Music Chicago, Slims (RIP), Joe’s Pub, and Grand Performances (L.A.), where in 2019 they were honored to be house band for a night of global protest songs, and other top national venues.   Festival appearances:  Stagecoach, Strawberry Festival, Down On The Farm (Halden,  Norway), Maverick Fest (UK), Solas Fest (UK), Belladrum Tartan Heart (UK), Hempfest (Seattle), French Broad River Fest (NC), Earagail Arts Festival (Northern Ireland), Westport Bluegrass Festival (Ireland), Celtic Fusion Fest & Earagail Arts Festival (Ireland), Carter Ranch Fest (CA), Frogtown Artwalk (CA), Humboldt Summer Music And Arts Festival (CA), Cadenberge Festival (Germany), Albino Skunkfest (SC), Silverlake Street Scene (CA), Santa Monica Music Festival (CA), Los Feliz Street Scene (CA)   “For 17 years and eight albums, the Hawks have expressed ecological concerns, irreverent wit and oft-psychedelic perspective in unequaled and distinctly American music--sort of a rural Steely Dan. The house band for the hippy diaspora deliver another gem.  The finest country rock band on the planet.” —Michael Simmons, MOJO (Top Ten Americana 2018)    “One of California’s unique treasures.” —Dave Alvin "I See Hawks In L.A. delivers more timeless twang." —Randall Roberts, Los Angeles Times   Listening page Video channel here   ###

Trio of Top-Tier Artists Return With Stellar Titles

Tommy Shaw performing with the Contemporary Youth Orchestra.

Fans of classic rock, modern art rock and first-rate Americana will want to discover exciting new releases available now.

Artist: Tommy Shaw and Contemporary Youth Orchestra 
Title: Sing for the Day! (Eagle Rock Entertainment)
You might like if you enjoy: Styx, the Moody Blues
Tell me more: Filmed before a fervent audience at the Waetjen Auditorium in Cleveland in May 2016, Sing for the Day! was a unique concert featuring singer-songwriter/guitarist Tommy Shaw and the Contemporary Youth Orchestra (CYO) that truly celebrates and expands the legacy of Shaw as well as the power of music to bridge generations. Under the direction of CYO founder Liza Grossman, the large group of young musicians and singers are joined by guitarist/music director Will Evankovich; together with Shaw they revisit and rework many of his best-known hits from Styx and Damned Yankees. The versions here are mostly acoustic with a heavy dose of symphonic coloring that enhances many of the selections. This writer's favorite performance on the title is a deeply affecting version of "Crystal Ball," which also serves as the first commercially-available recording with a lost verse that was never heard until this performance. Other standouts include an ambitious take of "Man in the Wilderness," and a rousing version of "Renegade" — the latter with the audience's impromptu clapping and a duel between Shaw on electric guitar and CYO alum violinist Lavinia Pavlish taking full advantage of the orchestra's range. Sing for the Day! is available as a 13-track audio CD, as well as expansive blu-ray and Digital Audio/Video versions that include the 2016 concert. On the Blu-ray version (reviewed here), there is bonus audio of four tracks offered to a slide show with images captured during rehearsals and the actual performance.  Information: eagle-rock.com.

Artist: Florence + the Machine
Title: High As Hope (Republic Records)
You might like if you enjoy: Kate Bush, Peter Gabriel, Bat for Lashes
Tell me more: Since the release of Florence + the Machine's debut Lungs in 2009, songstress Florence Welch and company have mined art rock, soul and baroque pop to create something that is truly their own. Fast forward to 2018 and Welch's passionate and powerful vocals continue to shine on the troupe's fourth full-length LP, High As Hope. In concert — notably a massive setting such as Coachella where Florence + the Machine have thrilled — the near-bombastic approach taken in favorites such as "Shake It Out," "Only If for a Night" and "Dog Days Are Over" can thrill. But what Florence + the Machine have done on the 10-track High As Hope is craft a more nuanced and emotionally intimate journey via Welch's sweeping impressions of love, loss, hope and faith. Sure there are big choruses where Welch can lift her wonderful soprano to the heavens, but the emotional quiet provides a masterful counterpoint across the disc. The lovely "Grace" and intoxicating "Patricia" are bolstered by this two-sided approach; earlier the lead-off cut "June" is anchored mostly by Welch's voice until the song's climatic finale. The Neo-classical ascent of "The End of Love" and confessional closer "No Choir" provide other rich forays on the disc. Those looking for the signature soulful rock need listen no further than the dramatic "Hunger," an undeniable song that demands repeated listens. Information: florenceandthemachine.net.

Artist: I See Hawks in L.A.
Title: Live and Never Learn (Western Seeds Records)
You might like if you enjoy: Gram Parsons, Kris Kristofferson, Merle Haggard
Tell me more: Discerning music fans from Southern California know some of the region's greatest artists of the '80s, '90s and '00s somehow never got their due. Psychic Rain, Altered State, dada, August Burning, Vinnie James, and Walter Clevenger & the Dairy Kings immediately come to mind. Sadly, Americana troupe I See Hawks in L.A. — whose eponymous debut was released on Sept. 11, 2001 — has been the recipient of critical praise even while being largely ignored by commercial radio. But fans should rush out and grab the band's newly-released Live and Never Learn, an LP of remarkable depth and beauty. I See Hawks in L.A.'s first full-length release since 2013's Mystery Drug, the 14-track masterwork bristles with authenticity and welcome grit. No wonder considering the backdrop in the lives of the members; lead vocalist-guitarist Rob Waller lost his mother to pancreatic cancer in March 2015; guitarist/album producer Paul Lacques recently lost both of his parents. Many of the songs were written and recorded while bandmates were dealing with adversity. Whether performing a traditional country ballad (the lovely "Poour Me," acoustic "Singing in the Wind"), harmonies-adorned folk rock ("Live and Never Learn," "My Parka Saved Me," "Spinning") or vintage-styled rock 'n' roll ("The Last Man in Tujunga," "King of the Rosemead Boogie"), Waller's resonant baritone and the band's masterful playing enriches the winning range of original roots material. Information: Iseehawks.com.


Robert Kinsler

Sights and Sounds: Atoms for Peace, Def Leppard, Stagecoach Festival, 'Battle of the Blues Harps'

I'm still weary, having made the long trek up to Los Angeles last night to catch Atoms for Peace at the Hollywood Bowl. My short review: fantastic performance (Thom Yorke and Flea led the genre-busting electronica rock quintet), lousy crowd. We had the chatterbox hipsters seated behind us, so we moved to some empty seats elsewhere in our row. Still could hear them. Not nice.

Now on with more positive news...

VIVA! HYSTERIA LIVE DOUBLE ALBUM AND DVD OUT OCTOBER 22^nd ON FRONTIERS RECORDS

Limited Edition of VIVA! Hysteria Sold Exclusively Via Best Buy 

Def Leppard’s anticipated live double album and DVD - VIVA! Hysteria - will be released on October 22, 2013 in North America on Frontiers Records.  In addition to the previously announced 2CD/DVD, DVD, Blu-Ray digital editions, the band has recently revealed that a limited edition of VIVA! Hysteria will be available via Best Buy that  includes the live double album and concert on Blu-Ray. Fans wishing to pre-order this edition can do so at www.bestbuy.com.

The VIVA! Hysteria concert was filmed over two nights during the band's Spring 2013 residency at Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Las Vegas’ intimate music venue – The Joint. The concert features the band performing their classic, 12x platinum album Hysteria in its entirety, plus many of the band's greatest hits.

Earlier this month, the concert was shown in theaters nationwide courtesy of Fathom Events. Thousands of fans experienced the concert as special theatrical event, taking them on nostalgic ride of the band’s high energy performance and showcasing their elaborate set design created only for the Las Vegas residency.  Guitarist Phil Collen told the Associated Press, "It was fun, actually, and a totally different way of doing it." He continues to say, "It was a different dynamic doing the album in full, and it was much more theatrical."

PRESS HERE to read the exclusive story and watch the trailer for Viva! Hysteria concert on Billboard.com 

Fans can pre-order VIVA! Hysteria now by visiting www.defleppard.com, amazon.com, iTunes and as previously mentioned www.bestbuy.com

Praise for VIVA! Hysteria concert:

“Def Leppard were one of the biggest rock bands on the planet, dominating radio with their polished arena-rock. But as they demonstrated earlier this year with their Viva Hysteria! concert series (at the Hard Rock Hotel in Las Vegas), the band's diehard fans remain loyal and rabid.” – RollingStone.com

“I appreciate how tightly and powerfully it's played, and also the interesting echoes of Queen.” – The Guardian

Def Leppard brought Hysteria cuts like “Animal,” “Love Bites,” and “Run Riot” to life again with precision and a sonic clarity that would make the album’s producer (and infamous studio perfectionist) Robert “Mutt” Lange gleam with pride.  - Noisecreep

The full track listing for Viva! Hysteria: 
Cd1

“Women;” “Rocket;” “Animal;” “Love Bites;” “Pour Some Sugar on Me;” “Armageddon It;” “Gods of War;” “Don't Shoot Shotgun;” “Run Riot;” “Hysteria;” “Excitable;” “Love and Affection;” “Rock of Ages*;” “Photograph*.”

*extra non Hysteria tracks

Cd2

Ded Flatbird - night 1

“Good Morning Freedom;” “Wasted;” “Stagefright;” “Mirror Mirror (Look Into My Eyes);” “Action Not Words;” “Rock Brigade;” “Undefeated;” “Promises

Ded Flatbird - night 2;” “On Through The Night;” “Slang;” “Let It Go;” “Another Hit And Run;” “High 'n' Dry (Saturday Night);” “Bringin' On The Heartbreak;” “Switch 625.”

The VD tracklisting is as above but also includes bonus content of the acoustic medley: “Where does love go when it dies”/”Now”/”When Love & Hate Collide”/”Have You Ever Needed Someone So Bad”/”Two Steps Behind.”

DVD / Blu Ray menu

- Viva Hysteria

- Ded Flatbird Night 1

- Ded Flatbird Night 2

- Acoustic Set

- Photo Montage

Stagecoach Fest tickets update

Just an important reminder that Stagecoach Festival tickets go on sale at 10 a.m. (Pacific Time) on Friday, Oct. 18 (that's tomorrow!). The annual event to be held Friday - Sunday, April 25-27, 2014, will feature Eric Church, Jason Aldean, Luke Bryan, Florida Georgia Line, Shelby Lynne, John Prine, Michael Nesmith, Susanna Hoffs, Trampled by Turtles, Loretta Lynn, I See Hawks in L.A. and so many other country music/Americana artists. Visit the official Stagecoach Festival Web site for artist and ticket information. You can also view a much larger version of the poster seen here on the right!

Top Four Blues Harmonica Bands Compete in Finals this Saturday, Oct. 19, 2013

On Saturday, Oct. 19 four blues harmonica based bands will vie for cash awards and the opportunity to perform as the opening act at Southland Blues Magazine’s 26th Annual Battle of the Blues Harps, Southern California’s longest running blues harmonica event held on Thanksgiving Eve at Golden Sails Hotel in Long Beach. Top name bands such as Rick Estrin and the Nightcats, Rod Piazza and the Mighty Flyers, White Boy James and the Blues Express and the 44’s are slated for the Nov. 27 show.

The competing bands are first place winners from four Saturday qualifying rounds which kicked off Sat. Sept. 21 as part of the 4th Annual Road to the Battle of the Blues Harps held at the Orange County Market Place, the weekend swap meet at the O.C. Fair & Event Center in Costa Mesa, California.

Twelve bands were selected from electronic auditions to perform, with three bands competing each Saturday.  First place winners from each qualifying round return for the finals.  The first place winner receives $1,000 cash in addition to opening at the Thanksgiving Eve event.  Second place winner receives $750, third place, $500 and fourth place, $250.

Three of the top four bands landed in the finals last year.

San Diego based Red Lotus Revue, the Sept. 21 winner and third place last year, performs at noon and features Karl Cabbage on harmonica.Cabbage is known for playing with West of Memphis (SDMA nominated Best Blues Band in 2009), and the Smokin’ Knights, voted by Blues Lovers United of San Diego to represent their organization in the 2010 International Blues Challenge in Memphis. 

H. T. Richmond and The Southland Jukes, a contemporary blues band with Tom Richmond on harp and vocals, the Sept. 28 winners, will follow at 1 p.m. The band placed fourth in last year’s finals.

Chef Denis aka Denis Depoitre, an executive chef at the Langham Huntington Hotel in Pasadena who is as comfortable in the kitchen as he is on harmonica placed second last year.   This year he won the third round of competition on October 12 and will be on stage at 2 p.m.

New to the contest is Catfish and the Hollywood Hound Dogs, the fourth round winner on October 12, performs at 3 p.m.  But Gilbert Mares, the band’s harmonica player, is not new to the harp. His band formed in 2009 and recently released a new CD Rite On! Right Now!

Judging is based on harmonica artistry and proficiency, lead vocals, band musicianship, showmanship, song selections and audience response.

“We had a very strong lineup of bands this year. Competition is tough but it isn’t just about that.  This contest is really more of a coming together of the blues community. It’s also a way of keeping the blues alive and well while exposing it to people who might not otherwise have the opportunity to see this kind of talent in one setting, “said Mark Liddell, coordinator for the Road to the Battle of the Blues Harps.

Other harp players and bands participating this year included Dan Forte’s Juke Joint Freak Show, Slick & The BBQ Kings, The Silver Kings, Satin Blue, The Juke Joint Preachers, Jon Garner & The Humor Kings, and 60 Grit Blues Band.

Last year’s winner was Jumpin’ Jack Benny.   

The Saturday Oct. 19 finals are free with swap meet admission which is $2 or free for children 12 and under. Free parking is available and preferred parking is $5.

More information may be found at www.ocmarketplace.com or by calling 949-723-6616.  For details on the Battle of the Blues Harp Thanksgiving Eve event visit www.southlandblues.com/harpbattle.htm or call 714-423-5525.