Robert Kinsler's Favorite 20 Albums of 2016; top 20 reissues, live sets and special collections too

As many of you know, I have long given up trying to rank my favorite albums of the year; I prefer to list my favorite titles alphabetically and don't necessarily restrict myself to a "Top 10" if there is a greater number deserving of the attention.

2016 was an especially strong year from my perspective with a mix of high-profile returns, break-out debuts, local indie releases and even several holiday collections warranting my attention. This year was also outstanding in terms of the parade of outstanding deluxe reissues and expanded editions that I have listed following my favorite new studio albums.

Artist: Bobbo Byrnes
Title: Motel Americana (Bobbo Byrnes)
Tell me more: As a member of the Fallen Stars, Bobbo Byrnes has long proven himself as a key voice on the international Americana scene. On his 2016 solo album Motel Americana, the singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist continues to successfully explore roots rock and alt-country, focusing on the slightly quieter and more nuanced regions of Americana. The songs bask in a sonic glow that fuses his own voice with those of singers Tracy Byrnes and Ben Riddle and a wide range of acoustic and electric instruments (Bobbo himself handles guitar, bass, mandolin, pedal steel, dobro and more!). Information: songandwhispers.com or bobbo.org. 



Artist: David Bowie
Title: Blackstar (Columbia)
Tell me more: David Bowie celebrated his 69th birthday on Jan. 8, 2016 with the release of his 25th studio album Blackstar. Only two days later the legendary artist was dead following an 18-month battle against cancer. Blackstar is a powerful and riveting sonic ride, providing the groundbreaking artist to blend rock, jazz, electronica and other styles as only he could; the ambitious 10-minute title track, stunning "Lazarus" and driving disc-ending "I Can't Give Everything Away" are among the instantly-affecting songs here. Information: davidbowie.com.




Artist: Cheap Trick
Title: Bang, Zoom, Crazy...Hello (Big Machine Records)
Tell me more: Cheap Trick's resurgence was not limited to the band's induction into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame on April 8, 2016. The quartet's first new full-length studio album since 2009, Bang, Zoom, Crazy...Hello is a bona fide triumph filled with the band's characteristic brand of high-octane melodic rock. The highlight on the album is "When I Wake Up Tomorrow," a melancholia-drenched original that bridges Cheap Trick's power-pop instincts with the sonic territory explored by David Bowie in "Heroes." Information: cheaptrick.com.




Artist: The Cult
Title: Hidden City (Cooking Vinyl)
Tell me more: The Cult's Hidden City is a superb effort, branded with the band's blend of hard and goth rock. On the band's first album since 2012's Choice of Weapon, singer Ian Astbury and guitar hero Billy Duffy lead the ensemble through a dozen original songs that deliver on the outfit's past glories while forging ahead. "Dark Energy," "No Love Lost" and the infectious "Dance the Night" rock with unbridled power yet capture the shadowy sonics that have been a part of the group's sound since the 1980s. The Cult is no one-trick pony and explores an expansive and lush modern rock soundscape on the reflective "In Blood." The hypnotic "Birds of Paradise," rocking "Goat" (which recalls the Cult's Electric period) and progressive "Deeply Ordered Chaos" are other standouts on a stunning return. Information: thecult.us. 


Artist: Neil Diamond
Title: Acoustic Christmas (Capitol Records)
Tell me more: Neil Diamond brings his rich baritone and signature style to some of the season's most beloved standards and several originals on his Acoustic Christmas. The sparse arrangements bring depth and introspective enchantment to all the performances, from the weighty "O Holy Night" and "Do You Hear What I Hear" to the anthemic "Hark the Herald Angels Sing" and delightful Celtic-flavored "Christmas in Killarney." The album features two new shining originals, notably the lovely piano-anchored "Christmas Prayers." Information: NeilDiamond.com. 



Artist: Dr. Dog
Title: The Psychedelic Swamp (Anti-Records)
Tell me more: On The Psychedelic Swamp, Dr. Dog has found a way to experiment at every turn while creating songs that are both fearless and intoxicating. With a mix of folk rock, art damage, Americana, baroque pop and retro-styled sound effects, the Pennsylvania-spawned outfit keeps things interesting via the spaghetti western-draped "Golden Hind," oldies rock-mining "Dead Record Player" and grooving Bowiesque "Bring My Baby Back." A concept album that chronicles the tale of a "man who attempts to escape his boring existence by entering The Psychedelic Swamp," the important thing here is that bandmates Scott McMicken and Toby Leaman have penned an involving opus that makes you think. Information: drdogmusic.com.


Artist: Garbage
Title: Strange Little Birds (STUNVOLUME)
Tell me more: On Garbage's sixth album "Strange Little Birds," singer Shirley Manson and company explore the better parts of the band's electronica and alt rock personalities with equal zeal. The songs are powerful, deeply affecting and never anything less than original. Singer Shirley Manson remains one of modern rock's greatest lead vocalists, and is backed by a quartet of talented musicians able to unleash powerful and affecting songs that are never anything less than original. The ethereal "Blackout," propulsive "Empty" and alluring electronica-tinged "Night Drive Loneliness" provide more than enough reasons to pick up Garbage's brilliant Strange Little Birds. Information: garbage.com.




Artist: GoGo Penguin
Title: Man Made Object (Blue Note)
Tell me more: Manchester, UK-based trio GoGo Penguin crafts soundscapes as lush and exciting as any young jazz troupe in memory. Man Made Object  finds trio Rob Turner (drums), Nick Blacka (double bass) and Chris Illingworth (piano) influenced by heroes such as Robert Glasper and the Vince Guaraldi Trio but carving out 10 extraordinary instrumentals that are clearly their own. While the mesmerizing "Branches Break" and ""Surrender to Mountain" are the most accessible, tracks such as "Weird Cat," "Quiet Mind" and the haunting piano-anchored "Gbfisysih" also have an enormous power to evoke emotions. Information: gogopenguin.co.uk.

Artist: James Hunter Six
Title: Hold On! (Daptone Recording Co.)
Tell me more: On Hold On! the James Hunter Six offers up uptempo rock 'n' soul and ballads with authenticity and fervor. Like modern-day soul revivalists Vintage Trouble, British singer-songwriter-guitarist James Hunter has found a wealth of musical riches in the old school rhythm and blues sonic territory of genre pioneers Sam Cooke and Otis Redding. On Hold On! uptempo rock 'n' soul ("If That Don't Tell You," "Stranded") and soulful ballads ("This Is Where We Came In," "Something's Calling," "In the Dark") are delivered with authenticity and fervor. Hunter is a fantastic guitarist, as evidenced by the captivating instrumental "Satchel Foot." Information: JamesHunterMusic.com.


Artist: The Jayhawks
Title: Paging Mr. Proust (Sham)
Tell me more: On the Jayhawks' outstanding ninth album Paging Mr. Proust, singer-guitarist Gary Louris and company venture where their musical hearts desire, offering up shimmering power-pop ("I'll Be Your Key," "Leaving the Monsters Behind"), baroque pop ("Pretty Roses in Your Hair") and alt country ("The Devil Is In Her Eye").  Paging Mr. Proust moves the Jayhawks forward while showcasing the impeccable song craft, amazing vocal harmonies and instrumental chops that have made the band an American treasure for three decades. Information: JayhawksOfficial.com.



Artist: Kansas
Title: The Prelude Implicit (InsideOutMusic)
Tell me more: Before the release of The Prelude Implicit in late 2016, it had been 16 years since progressive rockers Kansas had released an album of new material. The good news is the seven-member ensemble has returned with an epic album that builds on the legacy of the band's 1970s masterworks (Leftoverture and Point of No Return) via virtuoso musicianship, ornate song craft and timely lyrics that explore love, sacrifice, faith and mortality with poetic force. Information: insideoutmusic.com.



Artist: Paul Kelly
Title: Seven Sonnets & A Song (Cooking Vinyl)
Tell me more: One of the world's most interesting and talented songwriters, Australia-based Paul Kelly has surprised yet again with his newly-released Seven Sonnets & A Song, an ambitious collection anchored by original songs created using six William Shakespeare sonnets. The Clown's Song ("O Mistress Mine") from the Bard of Avon's "Twelfth Night" as well as a lyrical work penned by Shakespeare contemporary Sir Philip Sidney titled "My True Love Hath My Heart" (the latter featuring soprano Vika Bull on lead vocals) round out the wonderful collection. The splendid verse is adorned with Kelly's lush soundscapes which range from jazz ("Sonnet 138) and folk ("Sonnet 73," "O Mistress Mine") to Americana ("Sonnet 18") and piano-anchored ballads ("Sonnets 44 & 45"). Information: paulkelly.com.au.




Artist: The Monkees
Title: Good Times! (Rhino)
Tell me more: The magic that plays out across the Monkees' aptly-titled Good Times! is the mythical likes of which conjures up smiles and tears all at the same time. Guided and produced with a master's touch by the gifted Adam Schlesinger (of Fountains of Wayne fame), Good Times! is the Monkees' first new collection in nearly 20 years and ranks as one of the group's best albums ever. The infectious power-pop selections “She Makes Me Laugh” (penned by Weezer frontman Rivers Cuomo) and “Our Own World” (written by Schlesinger), as well as the piano-anchored baroque pop masterpiece “Me & Magdalena” penned by Death Cab for Cutie’s Ben Gibbard) are the most accessible tunes on the 13-song set, but to be sure brilliant songcraft abounds everywhere. Pete Tork’s original “Little Girl” is a wistful and affecting ballad; the late Davy Jones’ tenor shines on a cover of Neil Diamond’s “Love to Love” (work on the track began in early 1967, and was completed earlier this year). For those who admired the Monkees deepening artistry showcased on “Headquarters” and the “Head” soundtrack, just get a listen of the amazing “Birth of an Accidental Hipster” (co-written by Noel Gallagher and Paul Weller) and the deeply-affecting Michael Nesmith-sung original “I Know What I Know.” Information: rhino.com.




Artist: Pet Shop Boys
Title: Super (Kobalt)
Tell me more: The Pet Shop Boys (lead vocalist Neil Tennant and keyboardist Chris Lowe) followed up their terrific 2013 album Electric with the equally fine 2016 disc Super. The aptly-named "Happiness," lush "The Pop Kids" and propulsive "Burn" are among the many outstanding tracks here. Information: petshopboys.co.uk.





Artist: The Pretenders
Title: Alone (BMG)
Tell me more: The Pretenders returned big time in 2016 thanks to the release of Chrissie Hynde and company's widely-praised 12-song collection produced by The Black Keys' Dan Auerbach. Highlights on Alone include the yearning "Let's Get Lost," the rollicking "Holy Commotion," wistful "Never Be Together" (featuring guest guitar legend Duane Eddy) and the raw "I Hate Myself." Information: ThePretenders.com.




Artist: Radiohead
Title: A Moon Shaped Pool (XL Recordings)
Tell me more: The release of Radiohead's ninth studio album A Moon Shaped Pool in spring 2016 solidified that the British quintet remains rock's greatest contemporary artist. Listening to the 11-track release is to be immersed in a world blending acoustic, symphonic and electronic soundscapes adormed with enthralling rhythms, sound effects and singer Thom Yorke's ethereal vocals. Information: radiohead.com.




Artist: The Record Company
Title: Give It Back to You (Concord Music Group)
Tell me more: Likely the flat-out best debut of 2016, The Record Company's Give It Back to You that not only evokes back to some of the group's influences (John Lee Hooker, Muddy Waters, the Rolling Stones), but equally establishes the trio as a contemporary force that kills it in concert too. Information: therecordcompany.net.







Artist: Sturgill Simpson
Title: A Sailor's Guide to Earth (Atlantic Records)
Tell me more: An amazing follow-up to his 2014 sophomore album Metamodern Sounds in Country Music, Sturgill Simpson's third disc A Sailor's Guide to Earth confirms the Kentucky native's greatness. On the album's first track, "Welcome to Earth (Pollywog)," Simpson somehow blends authentic country music, orchestral textures and soul into a single five-minute arc. A few songs into A Sailor's Guide to Earth it's obvious that Simpson has somehow blended far-flung genres into a single sound built around an eight-track song cycle written following the birth of his first child in the summer of 2014. The thematic collection also includes a musical intermission where he delivers a magical and completely reworked cover of Nirvana's "In Bloom." Information: sturgillsimpson.com.



Artist: Seth Swirsky
Title: Circles and Squares (Grimble Records)
Tell me more: Seth Swirsky is a true power-pop master, able to tap into the best of his influences and create something as contemporary as it is original. His latest album Circles and Squares marks another milestone for the singer-songwriter/multi-instrumentalist (who plays the majority of instruments across the 16-song set). The shimmering "Shine" (which could have been at home on the Beach Boys' Pet Sounds), wistful "Far Away" (tapping into a Jeff Lynne-meets-Paul McCartney vibe), beautiful baroque pop musical proposal "Let's Get Married" and sparse acoustic ballad "The Simplest Way" are among the many fantastic originals on the album. Information: seth.com.





Artist: Michael Ubaldini
Title: Starshaker (Blackwater Records)
Tell me more: Alt-Americana rocker Michael Ubaldini's Starshaker is very much of our time even while it is steeped in authentic songcraft that ensures it is a masterwork for the ages. While even gifted songwriters are often content to revisit the same themes over and over again, Ubaldini is able to draw inspiration aplenty from a far-flung assortment of places, as evidenced by the potent "Politician Superstar," "Jeanie Lees Phone," and "Ballad of Brian Jones." Information: rocknrollpoet.com.



RECOMMENDED REISSUES, LIVE SETS & SPECIAL COLLECTIONS

Artist: The Bangles
Title: Ladies and Gentlemen...the Bangles! (Omnivore Recordings)

Artist: The Beatles
Title: Live at the Hollywood Bowl (Capitol)

Big Star's 'Complete Third'
was among the outstanding
special releases of 2016.

Artist: Big Star
Title: Complete Third (Omnivore Recordings)

Artist: Ritchie Blackmore's Rainbow
Title: Memories in Rock - Live in Germany (Eagle Rock Entertainment)

Artist: The Blind Boys of Alabama
Title: Go Tell It On The Mountain (Omnivore Recordings)

Artist: Jeff Buckley
Title: You and I (Columbia/Legacy Recordings)

Artist: Peter Case
Title: Peter Case (Omnivore Recordings)

Artist: Game Theory
Title: The Big Shot Chronicles (Omnivore Recordings)

Artists: Paul Kelly & Charlie Owne
Title: Death's Dateless Night (Cooking Vinyl)

Artist: The Mavericks
Title: All Night Live Volume 1 (Mono Mundo Recordings)

'The Complete Trio Collection'
was one of the finest releases
of 2016

Artists: Dolly Parton, Emmylou Harris, Linda Ronstadt
Title: The Complete Trio Collection (Rhino)

Artist: Linda Ronstadt
Title: Silk Purse (Varese Sarabande Records)

Artist: Rush
Title: 2112 40th Anniversary Super Deluxe (XXXXXX)

Artist: Mitch Ryder & The Detroit Wheels
Title: All-Time Greatest Hits (Varese Sarabande Records)

Artist: Queen

Queen's 'On Air' is essential for fans
of the British quartet

Title: Queen On Air (Hollywood Records)

Artist: Scorpions
Title: Live in Munich 2012 (Eagle Rock Entertainment)

Artist: The Searchers
Title: The Very Best of the Searchers (Varese Sarabande)

Artist:  The Rolling Stones
Title: Havana Moon (Eagle Rock Entertainment)

Artist:  Temple of the Dog
Title: Temple of the Dog (A&M Records)

Artist: Hank Williams
Title: The Complete Mother's Best Collection...Plus! (Time Life)

The Zombies' "The BBC Radio
Sessions' sheds additional
light on the band's legacy

Artist:  The Zombies
Title: The BBC Radio Sessions (Varese Sarabande Records)

Artists: Judy Henske & Jerry Yester
Title: Farewell Aldebaran (Omnivore Recordings)

Various Artists: Phil Lesh, Bob Weir, Mickey Hart, Peter Frampton, more

Title: Dear Jerry: Celebrating the Music of Jerry Garcia (Rounder Records)


Robert Kinsler

Concert review: Doheny Blues Festival 2016 Roundup

Singer-guitarist Roy Rogers, left, with fiddler Carlos
Reyes at Doheny Blues Festival. Photo: Robert Kinsler

Editor's Note: This is an expanded version combining my two reviews that ran earlier this week in The Orange County Register.  A special thank you to photographer Bob Steshetz for letting me use a number of his wonderful photos with my review.


Doheny Blues Festival
When: May 21-22, 2016
Where: Doheny State Beach, Dana Point, CA

Review by Robert Kinsler

Day 1, Saturday, May 21, 2016

Day 1 of Doheny Blues Festival 2016 featured a number of wide-ranging artists appearing on three stages and elsewhere. Noteworthy performances stretched from a breakfast set staged outside the Dana Point venue courtesy of Steve Copeland & Raging Sun to headliners Lynyrd Skynyrd. 

Johnny Van Zant of Lynyrd Skynyrd.
Photo: Bob Steshetz

In recent years Lynyrd Skynyrd has performed at a number of high profile spots including Stagecoach in May 2014, at Pacific Amphitheatre in August 2014 and at the NAMM Show in Anaheim last year. And while guitarist Gary Rossington remains the only original member of the groundbreaking Southern rock outfit (a majority of the members were killed in an October 1977 plane crash), the band's well-chronicled tale of survival and an enduring collection of FM radio favorites is celebrated at each show. 

The band (fronted by singer Johnny Van Zant, younger brother of original lead singer Ronnie Van Zant) finally made its first-ever appearance at the Doheny Blues Festival on Saturday, delivering a rousing and memorable 90-minute show that blended classics ("Free Bird," "Sweet Home Alabama," "Simple Man"), a sweet tribute to the late Merle Haggard (a spirited version of the Hag's "Honky Tonk Night Time Man") and more obscure material ("Cry For the Bad Man," "Whiskey Rock-A-Roller"). 

James Hunter at Doheny Blues Fest.
Photo: Bob Steshetz

The single best set of day 1 may well have belonged to the James Hunter Six, who blasted through more than an hour of exciting, dynamic and fun songs that blended rock 'n' soul, R&B and blues. From the opening notes of their first song, the uptempo "She's Got a Way" to the two dozen or so songs that followed, Hunter and his five talented band mates personified how much fun a great concert can be in the hands of masters. Highlights came fast and furious, from the title track of Hunter's latest album ("Hold On!") to the spirited "The Gypsy" (where Hunter unleashed some amazing guitar work to finish out the track) and beautiful ballad "Something's Calling," this set was a complete triumph for the soulful Hunter.

No artist traveled further to get to Dana Point that Finland-based songstress Ina Forsman with the Helge Tallqvist Band. Forsman, who noted this was her first time in California, made the most of the trek to showcase a mix of her emotive originals and beloved material from both Etta James and Amy Winehouse. Highlights included her own reggae-meets-blues nugget "Farewell" and the potent ballad "Don't Hurt Me Now," the latter showcasing Forsman's incredible soprano. Harmonica master Helge Tallqvist impressed throughout their set.

Making a well-deserved return to the concert stage were the Rockin' Rebels, a loose and fun-styled rockabilly quartet that delighted discerning listeners on the Backporch stage. The area quartet is set to release a new CD on Rip Cat Records this summer.

The first artist to appear on the Backporch via an early Saturday turn, singer-songwriter John Long performs authentic original songs that sound as if they were being written and performed in the early 20th century. His first song, the Delta blues-styled "Pressure Cooker ('Bout to Blow)" and the infectious slide guitar-anchored "Baby Please Set a Date," the latter the wonderful lead-off track off Long's 2016 return Stand Your Ground (his first studio album since 2006's Lost & Found). Guest Al Blake blew some great blues harmonica during "Baby Please Set a Date." During much of the set, Long was joined by Fred Kaplan (piano), Bill Stuve (upright bass) and Washington Rucker (drums).

Kicking off the day was an appearance of Steve Copeland & Raging Sun. The talented Copeland (guitar, vocals), was joined by lead guitarist-vocalist Terry "The Count" Medeiros and harmonica virtuoso River Blue for an acoustic set that displayed the power of one of the ensemble's full-band outings. While a medley featuring Rolling Stones, Steve Miller and Creedence Clearwater Revival classics was fun, an artistically-reworked version of Kris Kristofferson's "Me & Bobby McGee" was amazing. …Robert Kinsler

The Walter Trout Band remains a force of nature.
Photo: Bob Steshetz

Day 2, Sunday, May 22, 2016

Two things marked the 2016 entry of Doheny Blues Festival: amazing weather and great guitar playing. That was especially true on Sunday, with Roy Rogers, Walter Trout, Tommy Castro, Tommy Harkenrider (guesting with England's Si Cranston and his Soul Revue) and Brian Setzer displaying some flat-out amazing guitar work. 

Concertgoers certainly didn't have to wait long to take in amazing music making on Sunday. Widely considered one of the greatest slide guitarists ever, Roy Rogers' performance on the Backporch stage offered the chance to see the legendary artist in an intimate performance that offered a chance to see the artist as he put his virtuoso guitar talents in the service of a wide range of material with his trusted Delta Rhythm Kings and guest fiddler/Paraguayan harp player Carlos Reyes.

Songs from Rogers' latest album, 2015's Into the Wild Blue, provided fuel for part of the 70-minute set, including the blues rocker "She's a Real Jaguar" and the Keb' Mo'-styled "Don't Let Them Win." Among the selections perfectly suited for Rogers and Reyes to shine while playing in tandem was an uptempo take on Willie Dixon's "Built for Comfort."

Walter Trout's appearance at the blues fest was his first since undergoing a liver transplant in May 2014, and the Huntington Beach singer-songwriter-guitarist made the most of his set by featuring songs from his latest album Battle Scars, which documents his brush with death and miraculous recovery. "Almost Gone," "Haunted By the Night" and acoustic-flavored "Please Take Me Home" were powerfully rendered and captured the depth of the songs during the performance. Trout also brought up his sons Jon (on guitar) and Dylan (on drums) to play a few tracks too. Trout's winning vocals and flat-out impressive guitar chops are as strong as ever, and the crowd cheered his return to Dana Point.

The Record Company rocking the Backporch.
Photo: Bob Steshetz

The Record Company is clearly one of the better young bands that have tapped into hard rocking blues elements of the 1970s and found a way to work those influences into something new that connects and excites modern-day audiences. At the trio's incredible performance on Sunday afternoon, the Record Company attracted a large and enthusiastic crowd with its sure-fire and infectious sound. "We are the Record Company," said singer-guitarist/harmonica blaster Chris Vos when he took the Backporch stage with band mates Alex Stiff (bass) and Marc Cazoria (drums). "We play rock 'n' roll."

Indeed, the Los Angeles-based threesome tore through a set of original rock, many of the songs from the group's 2016 debut Give It Back To You. The amped-up opening shot "On the Move," nuanced country-flavored "Hard Day Coming Down" and blues-drenched "Rita Mae Young" were among the many great songs performed by the exciting outfit.

Closing out the action on the Sailor Jerry Stage were long-time favorites Tommy Castro & the Painkillers. Like Trout, Castro is as talented as a singer-songwriter as a guitarist, so his 75-minute set worked on a number of levels. Early, he honored his hero B.B. King with an inspired Chicago blues take on "Bad Luck," the arrangement showcasing Castro's skilled lead guitar work. Castro also brought soul into his blues mix via the infectious "I'm Qualified" and tore up the place with his anthem-styled blues rocker "Can't Keep A Good Man Down."

Brian Setzer at Doheny Blues Fest.
Photo: Bob Steshetz

The festival's final act was a great one. Brian Setzer's Rockabilly Riot offered up a dream set of Stray Cats gems (a scorching "Rumble in Brighton," extended "Runaway Boys" with some great guitar work, the crowd-pleasing "Stray Cat Strut"), as well as great material off his 2014 Rockabilly Riot! album; the song "Vinyl Records" featured some of Setzer's greatest vocals of the set. Everywhere his lead guitar work impressed, including on some great covers (Carl Perkins' "Put Your Clothes On," Jerry Lee Lewis' "Great Balls of Fire," Johnny Cash's "Folsom Prison Blues" and more). 

Make sure to read writer George A. Paul's comprehensive report of the Doheny Blues Fest. We both covered the two-day festival for The Orange County Register, and he was able to cover several of the acts I missed. You can access his day 1 report here. His day 2 report is here.

A special collective "thank you" to the talented staff at 100.3 FM (better known as "The Sound") who spent some time with the Register's writing crew and shared musical stories. I got to meet Mimi Chen, Cynthia Fox and Uncle Joe Benson after listening to all of them for many years on the Southern California "airwaves." It was very cool and they are truly passionate about music - and great people too.

From left, writer George A. Paul, 100.3 FM radio host Mimi
Chen and Robert Kinsler. Photo: Bob Steshetz

Review by Robert Kinsler 

Doheny Blues Festival hits Dana Point this weekend

Walter Trout performs at 2011 Doheny
Blues Festival. Photo: Bob Steshetz

Doheny Blues Festival
Where: Doheny State Beach, 25300 Dana Point Harbor Dr., Dana Point
When: Saturday, May 21 and Sunday, May 22, 2016
With: Lynyrd Skynyrd, Aaron Neville, the James Hunter Six, Edgar Winter Band and more (May 21); Brian Setzer's Rockabilly Riot!, Kenny Wayne Shepherd Band, the Blind Boys of Alabama, Walter Trout, Tommy Castro and more (May 22)
How much: Gold Weekend passes and VIP tickets are sold out; some single day Gold tickets ($230), single-day general admission ($60) and two-day general admission ($115) tickets were available as of press time
For more: DohenyBluesFestival.com

Launched by Omega Events in 1998, the Doheny Blues Festival has hosted some of the most legendary names in blues, rock 'n' soul, gospel and classic rock, including the likes of B.B. King, Bonnie Raitt, John Fogerty, the Black Crowes, Etta James, Mavis Staples, John Lee Hooker and Al Green. 

"When we start the booking process, we always target a headliner that has never performed before at Doheny...and a returning headliner that is a sure fire home run," explained Rich Sherman, president of Orange County-based Omega Events. 

This weekend's festival delivers on that mark, with Rock and Roll Hall of Famers Lynyrd Skynyrd set to headline the event on Saturday night, while singer-guitarist Brian Setzer will close things out on Sunday. Among the other returning favorites are Bay Area singer-guitarist Tommy Castro, and Orange County's own Walter Trout.

Walter Trout performing at the
Coach House in July 2015.
Photo: Bob Steshetz

Trout is making his first appearance at the festival since he received a liver transplant in May 2014. 

"They (Omega Events) wanted me there last year, but I wasn't ready. I didn't do a gig until June 2015 (he performed two songs at the Lead Belly Fest at London's Albert Hall).

"I really thought I was going to die," Trout confessed of the challenging months leading up to his successful liver transplant. 

But Trout has been getting stronger with each passing day, and his performances are as strong as ever. On May 5, Trout earned his first-ever Blues Music Awards (for "Rock Blues Album" for 2015's "Battle Scars," and "Best Song of the Year" for the powerful "Gonna Live Again"). His forthcoming album, Alive In Amsterdam, is set for release on June 17 and celebrates his return to the stage.

"It's awesome man - it's awesome to be anywhere," said Trout, a long-time resident of Huntington Beach. "I have a new-found joy, and appreciation for what we do. It's an incredible experience to be up there. I savor every moment. As you know I play a lot of notes; I love and saver every single note."

After Trout performs in Dana Point on May 22, he flies to Canada to perform at the "Jeff Healey: A 50th Celebration" to commemorate the late Jeff Healey. Trout will be joined by Albert Lee, Sonny Landreth and other guitar greats at Massey Hall in Toronto on May 26.

Tommy Castro in concert. Photo: Mitchell Glotzer

Tommy Castro & the Painkillers is another favorite, and will return armed with material featured on his latest album, "Method To My Madness." The Bay Area artist is known for his top-tier guitar playing and strong vocals. While his new album features mostly original material, he does cover B.B. King's 1956 standout "Bad Luck" on the disc.

"B.B. was a little more than one of my influences; he was my main influence," Castro said in a recent interview. When Castro was growing up he gravitated to blues and rock greats ranging from Taj Mahal and Elvin Bishop to Eric Clapton. "I started digging back to see where these guys got it from; B.B. King comes up with everybody."

Castro did a couple of summer tours opening for King, and the two both performed the same day at Doheny in 2009. Like King and Trout, performing blues is in Castro's DNA and he can't imagine not performing.

"I've been at this with our band for 25 years," said Castro, who just purchased a new tour bus last year dubbed "The Doghouse."

"I still enjoy it. I don't have any plans to stop doing it anytime soon."

Sherman is very excited with the line-up of artists performing at the event this year.

"Lynyrd Skynyrd is an American institution, one of the greatest Southern Rock bands ever formed, and they have been riding a wave of renewed popularity the last few years, headlining country music events and touring with the likes of Kid Rock and Bad Company," Sherman said.

Sherman is just as excited by some of the international acts he is bringing to Dana Point, including James Hunter and Si Cranstoun (from from the U.K.). 

"Usually these acts are making noise in their own countries before we start talking to them, like another import act this year Ina Forsman from Finland. What is for sure, though, is that when these acts make their debut in Dana Point, they usually steal the show because the Southern California fans haven't seen them yet. It's a blast to watch," Sherman said.

When asked about the enduring popularity of blues music, and popular events such as the Doheny Blues Festival, Trout noted: "The blues is a gift to the world; a gift this country gave to the world. The blues is the basis of all popular music."


Robert Kinsler

Editor's note: Robert's review originally was published on The Orange County Register Web site on Thursday, May 19, 2016.

MUSIC WORTH BUYING: James Hunter Six, Elton John

Watch the latest episode of MUSIC WORTH BUYING where TJR and Robert discuss the new James Hunter Six album Hold On! and Elton John’s Wonderful Crazy Night: