New Music: Greta Van Fleet, Cheap Trick, Ken Sharp, Jon Klages, Jarrod Lawson

Fans of modern and classic rock, power pop, jazz, Americana and blues all have reason to celebrate thanks to a particularly strong field of new releases.

Artist: Greta Van Fleet

Title: The Battle at Garden's Gate (Republic)

You might like if you enjoy: Greta Van Fleet, Led Zeppelin, Bad Company

Tell me more: There is a common oft-repeated perception that rock music is dead. Don't tell that to rising young rock quartet Greta Van Fleet, whose epic full-length sophomore album The Battle at Garden's Gate will be released on Friday, April 16. The Frankenmuth, Michigan-spawned outfit follows up their outstanding 2018 full-length debut Anthem of the Peaceful Army with a 12-track Greg Kurstin-produced album that is decidedly ambitious and filled with songs that simultaneously challenge and entice the listener. The evocative seven-minute "Age of Machine," luxurious "Broken Bells" (which spans from ballad to soaring anthem over its daring run) and absorbing "Heat Above" tap into everything that lovers of classic '70s rock love so much; dynamic performances featuring a mighty lead singer (Josh Kiszka's voice is a wonder), killer solos that masterfully propel each song's arc (lead guitarist Jake Kiszka delivers), and a strong rhythm section (bassist Sam Kiszka and drummer Danny Wagner). Every track is crucial; other exceptional originals include the dazzling "Built By Nations," acoustic-flavored "Tears By Rain" and electrifying "The Barbarians." Information: GretaVanFleet.com. 

Artist: Cheap Trick

Title: In Another World (Universal Music Enterprises)

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

Tell me more: Enduring rock outfit Cheap Trick is back with In Another World, the quartet's first new album since 2017's Christmas Christmas holiday celebration. No band has ever fused power pop with hard rock as powerfully as the Rockford, Illinois-spawned Rock and Roll Hall of Famers and that is very much in evidence across their latest LP. Singer Robin Zander's signature vocals are as sharp as ever; just listen to the driving rocker "Boys & Girls & Rock N Roll" (bolstered by Rick Nielsen's fiery guitar work) and even heavier "Light Up The Fire" (which recalls the AC/DC meets Beatles approach of the Smithereens' best material). The parade of tracks is charged from start to finish; the shimmering harmonies-filled opener "The Summer Looks Good On You," tuneful "Quit Waking Me Up," Beatlesque "Passing Through" and inspired take on John Lennon's "Gimme Some Truth" are among my other faves. Originally set to be released in late 2018, In Another World was delayed by the arrival of the COVID-19 global pandemic. Nice to be able to crank this one up now. Information: CheapTrick.com.

Artist: Ken Sharp

Title: Miniatures (Ken Sharp)

You might like if you enjoy: Paul McCartney, Badfinger, Pugwash

Tell me more: Singer-songwriter Ken Sharp uses Miniatures to convincingly prove that less can certainly be more. The songs on his new LP are short and sweet to be sure; all clock in at under two minutes. With an impressive 32 tracks on Miniatures, there are tune-filled joys aplenty. The chamber pop confessional "Me and My Big Fat Mouth," McCartneyesque "Susannah Silently Shining" and "Rise," up-tempo folk rocker "Day In Night," jazzy "A Kind of Blue and Smokey Too," nostalgic "Stack O' Records" and shining "My Lullaby" are early nuggets. The wealth of riches continues with the romantic "If I Called You," the confessional "Growing Up So Fast," dreamy "Perfect Sun," biting "Down The Drain," infectious power-pop confection "Somethings Happening" and the poignant "Jeanne I Will Remember." The disc closes with the stellar Baroque-styled title track, enhanced by exquisite toy piano magic. Information: ken-sharp.com.

Artist: Jon Klages

Title: Fabulous Twilight (Danbury Fair Recordings)

You might like if you enjoy: Raul Midón, Dire Straits, Jon Klages

Tell me more: The leap from rock to a decidedly more diverse soundscape is not an easy one, but but that hasn't deterred indie rock hero Jon Klages (The Individuals, Richard Lloyd Band) whose wonderful Fabulous Twilight is an inviting and polished collection of 11 new originals. Chief among the jazzy gems here are the breezy opener "Best That We Can," lovely "Rosalie," playful "Long-Tailed Cat," and wistful "1133 Ave. of the Americas (For Enoch Light)." Klages also delves into an array of other styles via the cool '60s-flavored instrumental "Too Cool for Spy School," the sparse blues of "Red-Dirt Country," funk-tinged "Kazoos Are People Too" and country tale of musical discovery titled "God Bless the Columbia House Record Club." Klages' smooth vocals and skilled fret work take center stage (just listen to the blazing "Remains"), with keyboardist Neil Larsen, bassist Davey Faragher, drummer Pete Thomas, backing vocalist Arnold McCuller and the Honey Whiskey Trio fortifying the album's impact. A portion of the proceeds of the album will benefit the Wild Honey Foundation's ongoing quest to aid for advancement in autism research. Information: JonKlages.com.

Artist: Jarrod Lawson

Title: Be the Change (Dome Records Ltd)

You might like if you enjoy: Gavin DeGraw, Donny Hathaway

Tell me more: With a rich soulful voice set amidst a rich palette of jazz, R&B, gospel, funk and other styles, Jarrod Lawson's "Be the Change" is a nice invitation to an immersive blend of musical riches. A top-flight singer and keyboardist, Lawson showcases his vocal talents on the grooving funk track "Battlefield," lush ballad "Love Isn't Always Enough," scintillating "Universal Chord," tender ballad "Evalee," smooth jazz swoop "Connected," soulful celebration of song "Soul Symphony" and bewitching "How Long." He is joined by guest vocalist Moonchild on the captivating duet "I'll Be Your Radio." Information: JarrodLawsonMusic.com. 

Robert Kinsler

Greta Van Fleet + New Single, Music Video: "My Way, Soon"

Greta Van Fleet is back!

GRETA VAN FLEET RETURNS WITH A

JOYOUS NEW SINGLE AND MUSIC VIDEO, "MY WAY, SOON"

"This song was inspired by what three years of touring did by opening so many doorways.  This is my truth, how I feel about all of our travels, but I know it echoes the experiences and changes of perspectives for Jake, Sam, and Danny as well." - Josh Kiszka

LOS ANGELES, CA - Friday, October 9, 2020 - Today, Greta Van Fleet releases its first new song in more than a year, "My Way, Soon" (Lava/Republic Records.)  The song is a liberating and jubilant track that celebrates and reflects the band's personal transformation over the past three years.  Also released is the track's companion music video, which was shot, edited, and directed by the band.  Go HERE to check out "My Way, Soon."

L-R:  Danny Wagner, Jake Kiszka, Josh Kiszka, Sam Kiszka
Photo Credit:  Matthew Daniel Siskin

When Greta Van Fleet released  "Highway Tune" in March of 2017, a song that they wrote in their parent's garage before any of them had turned 18, they had no idea the change it would bring to their lives.  The song would go on to become an international hit and Top 

Billboard's Mainstream Rock Singles chart.   "Highway Tune" would be followed by three more consecutive #1 singles, a debut album that entered Billboard's

 Top Rock Albums and Top Album Sales charts at #1, a Grammy Award for "Best Rock Album," appearances on "The Tonight Show" and "Saturday Night Live," a Gold-certified debut album, an overflow crowd at their Coachella debut, a personal phone call from Elton John inviting them to perform at his Academy Awards Viewing Party, and most consequentially, 246 sold-out tour dates in 13 countries over five continents.

 

The four Greta Van Fleet band members - Josh and his twin brother Jake Kiszka (guitars), younger brother Sam (bass, keyboards), and long-time family friend Danny Wagner (drums) - were still under the legal drinking age, and two of them hadn't yet graduated from high school.  However, within a few months, they left their safe and familiar family homes in Frankenmuth, Michigan, and entered a whole new - and entirely unanticipated - whirlwind of a world.  A world where they would learn and grow beyond their wildest imagination.

 

As Danny explains, "The definition of 'normal' has very much broadened over the past couple of years, and it has affected us as musicians, especially in the writing and recording of this new album.  We realized that while growing up, we had been shielded by a lot of things, we were unaware of a lot of things.  And then we were thrown out into this huge world, and it was a bit of a culture shock at first."

 

"We've seen how people live in different parts of the world," added Sam, "and we've developed intrinsic respect for different cultures and people.  We've gone from driving down a highway to a show and seeing endless miles of shantytowns in Sao Paulo, to playing some of the richest places on earth." 

 

Added Jake, "The more we've seen - different cultures, people, and traditions - we've also seen a similarity between ourselves and these different cultures.  It surprises me how similar we all are."  

Greta Van Fleet Official Website

Greta Van Fleet, Queen, Ace Frehley shine on new collections

The jaw-dropping full-length debut from Greta Van Fleet, the Bohemian Rhapsody soundtrack featuring Queen, and solid return from former KISS guitarist Ace Frehley were all released on October 19.

Artist: Greta Van Fleet
Title: Anthem Of The Peaceful Army (Republic Records)
You might like if you enjoy: Led Zeppelin, Bad Company
Tell me more: While many classic rock fans cling to the hope of a Led Zeppelin reunion they are sadly missing out on the emergence of that band's mind-blowing musical descendant Greta Van Fleet. Since emerging with its breakout single "Highway Tune" in March 2017, Greta Van Fleet has been conjuring up an explosive sound blending the best of Led Zep with their own 21st century creative instincts — all leading up to the terrific new album Anthem Of The Peaceful Army released on Oct. 20. "The Cold Wind" is a stylish rocker wrapped up with an undeniable groove. The ambitious "Watching Over" feels like a rock ballad, but only briefly, before it builds to a majestic mid-tempo gait highlighted by Jake Kiszka's stellar guitar work and singer Josh Kiszka's inviting wails. The troupe can also scale back as evidenced by the acoustic-flavored "You're The One" with its warm choruses and sweet embrace. This writer's favorite track is "Brave New World," which sounds nothing like any of the band's '70s influences. A song that is both heavy and melodic "Brave New World" is bolstered by a nuanced musical soundscape featuring an intoxicating rhythm, artful guitar playing and singer Josh Kiszka's otherworldly vocals. Armed with skills as top-tier songwriters and musicians, Greta Van Fleet's mesmerizing Anthem Of The Peaceful Army is an incredible work whose power is both obvious and rare. The Michigan-spawned quartet's authentic rock 'n' roll attitude doesn't hurt either. Information: GretaVanFleet.com.

Artist: Queen
Title: Bohemian Rhapsody (Hollywood Records)
You might like if you enjoy: Queen
Tell me more: One of rock's greatest and most creative artists, Queen's well-deserved legacy is celebrated across the newly-released Bohemian Rhapsody soundtrack. In addition to 11 number 1 hits, the 22-track collection features a mix of deep album cuts and live recordings. The lush prog rock-flavored "Doing All Right" (recorded when the group was known as Smile and featured vocalist Tim Staffell prior to the founding of Queen with Freddie Mercury), a fiery live recording of "Keep Yourself Alive" (featuring Brian May's guitar playing and a cool Roger Taylor drum mini-solo), a blistering "Fat Bottomed Girls" performed in Paris in 1979, and a moving "Love of My Life" recorded at the Rock in Rio festival in Brazil in January 1985 (with an audience of 300,000 singing along) are among the rarities on display. The release is highlighted by the inclusion of the audio from the band's complete Live Aid performance at Wembley in July 1985. That 21-minute set — "Bohemian Rhapsody," "Radio Ga Ga," "Hammer To Fall" and "We Are The Champions" — is widely viewed as one of the most memorable live performances ever. I can't wait to catch the film "Bohemian Rhapsody" when it opens in theaters on Nov. 2. Information: QueenOnline.com.

Artist: Ace Frehley
Title: Spaceman (Entertainment One)
You might like if you enjoy: KISS, Ace Frehley, Ozzy Osbourne
Tell me more: Fans of early KISS know that lead guitarist Ace Frehley was essential to the power of the band's best-known rockers. Now Frehley is back with Spaceman, his third solo LP in four years. The good news for fans of the brash, bar chord crunch of
'70s KISS is that Frehley has found plenty of new sonic pay dirt in that classic rock style across the new nine-track disc. "Without You I'm Nothing" is a hypnotic rocker with Frehley's flashy lead guitar front and center. Frehley also displays his finesse on his electric guitar via the tuneful "Your Wish Is My Command," the autobiographical "Bronx Boy" and hard-charging anthem "Pursuit of Rock and Roll." "Rocking With The Boys" comes closest to conjuring up the musical ghost of vintage KISS while elsewhere Frehley showcases his growth as an artist, particularly on an inspired reworking of Eddie Money's confessional "I Wanna Go Back" and his own cosmic "Mission To Mars." Frehley closes out the fast-moving LP with the amazing instrumental "Quantum Flux," a wonderful mix of folk rock and electric guitar prowess. Information: AceFrehley.com. 



Robert Kinsler