Essential box sets & multi-disc releases: The Beatles, Jimmie Vaughan, 'R&B in DC 1940-1960', Dolly Parton

Halloween is still a few weeks away but the list of incredible box sets, deluxe reissues and special audio collections is enough to fill any music lover's holiday wish list. Essential new collections from The Beatles, Jimmie Vaughan, Al Stewart, Rory Gallagher, Dolly Parton, The Bootheels and more are available now. 

Artist: The Beatles

Title: Let It Be Special Edition [5 CD/Blu-ray] (Capitol)

You might like if you enjoy: The Beatles, John Lennon, Paul McCartney, classic rock

Tell me more: The six-disc Let It Be Special Edition shines an immersive and welcome spotlight on The Beatles' twelfth and final studio album. Originally released on May 8, 1970 — almost a month after the British quartet's official break-up and in connection with the documentary film of the same name — Let It Be has been revisited via several new configurations that collectively go a long way to overcome the controversial history of the album. The six-disc "Special Edition" includes new mixes by Giles Martin and Sam Okell, as well as two audio CDs of outtakes, jams, rehearsals and studio chat; the legendary 14-track Get Back album featuring Glyn Johns' previously-unreleased 1969 mix and a Blu-ray with Dolby Atmos, 5.1 and PCM Stereo are included along with a 100-page hardback book with in-depth essays, track-by-track recording information, a wealth of unseen images and a foreword by Paul McCartney. It is an understatement to note how incredible this collection is; the original "Let It Be" was produced by the late Phil Spector, who included excerpts of studio chatter, orchestral and choir overdubs to several tracks that have always been controversial; indeed in 2003 McCartney spearheaded Let It Be... Naked as a more stripped down version of the album sans Spector's sonic ornamentation. In addition to this comprehensive look at the creation of "Let It Be," Beatles fans are being treated to "The Beatles: Get Back" film directed by Peter Jackson coming to Disney+ in November. In addition to the 6-disc edition reviewed here, Let It Be 50th Anniversary editions are available as a 5 LP box set, picture disc, 1 LP, 2 CD, 1 CD and digital versions. Information: TheBeatles.com. 

Artist: Jimmie Vaughan

Title: The Jimmie Vaughan Story (The Last Music Co.)

You might like if you enjoy: Eric Clapton, Stevie Ray Vaughan, The Fabulous Thunderbirds, Kim Wilson, Delbert McClinton

Tell me more: Singer-songwriter/guitar great Jimmie Vaughan didn't let the occasion of his 70th birthday earlier this year go to waste. Rather the Austin, Texas-based legend has issued the phenomenal The Jimmie Vaughan Story, a limited-edition five CD collection that is one of the most terrific anthologies in memory. The range of material truly celebrates Vaughan's singular career. All of disc one and most of disc two focus on his memorable recordings with The Fabulous Thunderbirds with highlights including the authentic slow blues of "She's Tuff" and enticing "Why Get Up" along with enduring radio favorites like "Wrap It Up" and "Tuff Enuff." As I journeyed through the hours of tracks I gained an even greater appreciation of Vaughan's approach and love of the blues. Highlights on the expansive set include the emotional "Cold, Cold Feeling" (with Albert Collins), rollicking "D/FW" (featuring Vaughan with his brother Stevie Ray Vaughan), the infectious "Boom Bapa Boom," nimble "He's Got A Key" (with Bo Diddley), previously unreleased "I Don't Live Here Anymore" (with Delbert McClinton), the driving Chicago blues nugget "Boom Boom" (with John Lee Hooker) and "Deep End" (with blues harp hero James Cotton). Several killer tracks ("Six Strings Down," "SRV Shuffle") honoring his late younger brother Stevie Ray Vaughan (who died in an August 1990 helicopter crash) featuring Jimmie Vaughan with Eric Clapton, Bonnie Raitt, Robert Cray, B.B. King, Dr. John and Art Neville featured on the 1994 album "A Tribute to Stevie Ray Vaughan" are welcome additions on the box set. Examples of Vaughan's work with Lou Ann Barton, Charlie Musselwhite, Susan Tedeschi, Lazy Lester, Billy F Gibbons, Little Milton and Sue Foley is also featured on the collection. As if all the music wasn't great enough, the box set comes with a 240-page book filled with historical photographs and details on his incredible career. Information: JimmieVaughan.com. 

Artists: Billy Eckstine, Lloyd Price, The Clovers, Baby Dee, The Four Dots, more

Title: R&B in DC 1940-1960: Rhythm & Blues, Doo Wop, Rockin' Rhythm And More (Bear Family)

You might like if you enjoy: Ringo Starr, The Beatles, classic rock

Tell me more: There is little doubt that 2021 is a special year when it comes to the release of memorable box sets. Look no further than R&B in DC 1940-1960: Rhythm & Blues, Doo Wop, Rockin' Rhythm And More, a massive 16-CD bo set that includes a 352-page hardcover book. Loaded with 472 tracks, there is approximately 20 hours of music on the singular collection. Highlights abound across this title, including hundreds of long-out-of-print recordings remastered from the best available audio sources. Among this listener's favorites is the gentle vocal approach of the Lyles Brothers' "Rain [Chant of the Rain]," intoxicating swing rhythms of the Billy Eckstine and His Orchestra on "Lonesome Lover Blues," Baby Dee's tender "Like He's Never Loved Me Before" and sassy "It Feels So Doggone Good," The Syncopators' rapid fire "Mule Train," Frank Motley's swing era gem "Dual Trumpets Bounce" and the Clovers' beautiful "Here Goes A Fool." Please note that R&B in DC 1940-1960: Rhythm & Blues, Doo Wop, Rockin' Rhythm And More is a limited and numbered edition of only 1,500 copies. Watch a short video on this outstanding title HERE. Indeed, an exhaustive effort went into putting together this stellar collection and my review only scratches the surface of the countless hours discerning listeners will spend getting to hear and learn more about this full-fledged survey of Washington, D.C.'s contribution to the rise of R&B music spanning from the swing era to the beginning of '60s and '70s soul.  Information: bear-family.com. 

Artist: Dolly Parton

Title: Dolly: The Ultimate Collection (Time Life)

You might like if you enjoy: Dolly Parton, Kenny Rogers, Willie Nelson

Tell me more: Dolly Parton is one of modern music's most beloved and legendary artists. Her long career is celebrated across the six disc DVD Dolly: The Ultimate Collection. Parton's skills as singer, songwriter and cultural icon are on display across this expansive collection. Highlights on the title — which includes 824 minutes of content — include 11 episodes of Parton's 1980s variety show (with the celebrated likes of Oprah Winfrey, Willie Nelson, Kenny Rogers and Burt Reynolds appearing), a 2009 "Live from London" concert, and a disc featuring Christmas specials including "A Down Home Country Christmas With Mac Davis and Burl Ives, and "Bob Hope's Jolly Christmas Show." There is also a 2019 BBC documentary ("Dolly Parton: Here I Am") and a number of music videos featuring the "Queen of Country" on the title. Information: TimeLife.com.

Robert Kinsler

'The Jimmie Vaughan Story' box set coming September 17 from Last Music Co.

Jimmie Vaughan performing at
The Coach House in 2010.
Photo: Bob Steshetz

The legendary singer-songwriter/guitar great Jimmie Vaughan is the focus of an upcoming box set coming later this summer. I first caught Vaughan when he was a member of the Fabulous Thunderbirds and the band was opening for Rush back in the mid-1980s! Vaughan has a long and winning career worthy of an in-depth dive to be sure. You can read my review of his memorable concert at The Coach House in San Juan Capistrano HERE.  Details on the forthcoming box set follow via a new media release...Robert Kinsler 

AUSTIN, Texas — Blues guitarists have been the foundation of American music for more than a hundred years, back to early acoustic musicians performing in the Deep South. The evolution of the blues has been one of the truly captivating legacies of popular music in America, from early jazz to even country and, to everlasting success, rock ’n’ roll. 

 

The guitarists in the pantheon of blues players reads like a Who’s Who of the world's finest musicians, and for the past 50-plus years one of those people has been Jimmie Vaughan. The guitarist fell in love with that most moving of styles when he was still a young teenager in early 1960s Dallas, Texas, and while it took him a few years to find a true home for what he heard in his head and felt in his heart, once he got to Austin in 1969 and found some fellow blues lovers, he set off on a journey that still continues, playing the blues whenever and however he hears it. The man has spent countless years treating the blues with full respect. 

 

The Last Music Co.'s guiding light Malcolm Mills took on the mission a few years ago to create The Jimmie Vaughan Story a five-CD box set that captures Vaughan's blues journey, starting with some of his earliest recordings from the mid-1960s and continuing all the way to his most recent in the 2020s. The result is a stunning collection of not only music, but really Vaughan’s history, on the record and in person.

 

From early bands Storm through the Fabulous Thunderbirds, including previously unreleased recordings with producers Joel Dorn and Doc Pomus; Jimmie’s collaboration with brother Stevie Ray Vaughan on 1990's award-winning Family Style album; and into the past 30 years of duets, shared albums and solo releases featuring a divergence of styles, the box showcases Jimmie’s take on the blues. Jimmie Vaughan built a world of blues from the only sound that completely captured him as a very young Texan. He is often seen as being in a party of one in this pursuit, and he wouldn't have it any other way. 

 

Along with all the powerful music and newly discovered recordings on The Jimmie Vaughan Story, there is a treasure trove of never-before-seen photos and writings in the gorgeous book included in the set. There are images of the Vaughan family, including childhood photos of Jimmie, Stevie and their parents, and a bonanza of photos that illustrate, tour-guide-like, Jimmie’s entire career, from childhood onward to today. Among the writings is an interview from the 1978 Austin Sun, considered to be the first Jimmie Vaughan ever did, along with an essay by journalist and record producer Bill Bentley, and Jimmie’s life story in his own words: a lifetime of memories, historical occurrences and family insights, all shared now for the first time.

 

The Jimmie Vaughan Story is a unique collection of music, words, and images, the kind of release that can only come based on a life of belief in the blues. It has given Vaughan an ability to take the music he loves so much on a worldwide journey of discovery, and one he is devoted to sharing with others. Listen, see and read how he’s lived it, and where it might be going.

 

COMPLETE TRACK LISTING HERE

UPCOMING TOUR DATES

Sat., Aug 21  NORWICH, NY Chenango County Fairgrounds; Chenango Blues Festival

Mon., Sept. 13 FORT WORTH, TX Dickies Arena;  with Eric Clapton

Wed., Sept. 15 AUSTIN, TX  Frank Erwin Center;  with Eric Clapton

Fri., Sept. 17   HOUSTON, TX Toyota Center;  with Eric Clapton

Sat., Sept. 18 NEW ORLEANS, LA Smoothie King Center;  with Eric Clapton

Tues., Sept. 21 NASHVILLE, TN Bridgestone Arena;  with Eric Clapton

Thurs., Sept. 23 ATLANTA, GA South Gas Arena;  with Eric Clapton

Fri ., Sept. 24  JACKSONVILLE, FL The Florida Theater

Sat Sept. 25  TAMPA, FL Amalie Arena;  with Eric Clapton

Sun., Sept. 26  HOLLYWOOD, FL  Seminole Hard Rock;  with Eric Clapton

Wed., Oct.   NEW YORK, NY  Sony Hall;  The Story Tour

Thurs., Oct. 7  FAIRFIELD, CT  The Warehouse;  The Story Tour

Fri., Oct. 8 HARTFORD, CT  Infinity Hall;  The Story Tour

Sat., Oct. 9   FALLS RIVER, MA Narrows Center;  The Story Tour

Sun., Oct. 10  SELLERSVILLE, PA  Sellersville Theater;  The Story Tour

Wed., Oct. 13  CLEVELAND, OH  The Music Box;   The Story Tour

Thurs., Oct. 14  WARRENDALE, PA  Jergels;  The Story Tour

Fri., Oct. 15  WESTLAND, MI  The Token Lounge;  The Story Tour

Sat., Oct. 16  WARREN, OH Robins Theater;  The Story Tour

Sun., Oct. 17 CINCINNATI, OH  Ludlow Garage;  The Story Tour

Wed., Oct. 20  FORT WAYNE, IN Clyde Theater;   The Story Tour

Sat., Oct. 23 MARION, IL Marion Cultural and Civic Center;  The Story Tour

Sun., Oct. 24   ST. LOUIS, MO Old Rock House;  The Story Tour

Tues., Oct. 26 MINNEAPOLIS, MN The Dakota; The Story Tour

Wed Oct. 27 OMAHA, NE Barnato; The Story Tour

Thurs., Oct. 28  KANSAS CITY, MO Knucklehead’s;  The Story Tour

Fri., Nov. 12  HOUSTON, TX The Heights Theater;  The Story Tour 

Sun., Nov. 14 SAN ANTONIO, TX Sam's Burger Joint;  The Story Tour

Jimmie Vaughan's 'The Pleasure's All Mine: The Complete Blues, Ballads and Favorites Collection' out Oct. 30 from Last Music Co.

Jimmie Vaughan performing
at the Coach House in
September 2019.
Photo: Bob Steshetz

Big news for fans of bluesman Jimmie Vaughan and for vinyl. The Texas artist's The Pleasure's All Mine: The Complete Blues, Ballads and Favorites Collection is coming next month! I was fortunate to catch Vaughan at the legendary Coach House in San Juan Capistrano in 2010 as part of his Jimmie Vaughan Plays Blues, Ballads and Favorites tour in and you can see that review that originally ran in The Orange County Register newspaper here. Also, if you didn't catch my review of Vaughan's 2019 release "Please Come Here," you can catch that here.

Here is the media release that landed in my inbox this morning:

Jimmie Vaughan's State of the Blues

AUSTIN, Texas — A decade ago Jimmie Vaughan released his definitive album Blues, Ballads and Favorites. It was a stunning collection of 15 of his favorite songs, from Billy Emerson’s “The Pleasure’s All Mine” to Willie Nelson’s “Funny How Time Slips Away,” and featured guest vocals from band members Lou Ann Barton and Bill Willis. Vaughan followed the album up in 2011 with More Blues, Ballads and Favorites, digging deep into the music that had helped shape his life in the blues.

 

Photo: Matthew Sturtevant

On October 30, 2020, the Last Music Co. will release a special 3-vinyl LP set of these two albums titled The Pleasure’s All Mine, spotlighting the music of one of the true pioneers in showcasing the roots of American music. It will also be available on a 2-disc CD collection.

“When I talk about country and blues, they’re the same thing,” Vaughan says. “Muddy Waters and Hank Williams, Webb Pierce and Jimmy Reed. When I was a kid, I didn’t understand the difference. Everybody was always asking me, ‘Why do you want to play blues? Why don’t you play country?’ But I would listen to the country guys and they would be doing a Jimmy Reed song. They’re playing the same lick. And Ray Charles, Little Milton, Guitar Junior, Lonnie Brooks, B.B. King — they all did country songs. Is Bob Wills country blues or jazz? And the answer is, it’s American music. I’m tired of trying to pigeonhole everything. I want to bring it together; it comes from the same place.”

 

When Jimmie Vaughan was a young teenager in Oak Cliff, Texas, his father told him to take guitar lessons if he wanted to really learn the instrument. But when Vaughan’s teacher told the guitar student it wasn’t going to work because the student “was too far gone” to learn from the lesson books, Jimmie knew he was on his own. Which was perfect for him, because the blues would be his teacher for life. For those who find themselves living inside this true American music, it becomes a way of life, something that provides a musical force to follow forever.

 

Vaughan became possessed by his instrument, and the blues songs played on the Black radio station in Dallas. It has been that way ever since: more than a half-century of playing the blues the guitarist hears in his head and feels in his heart. When something this strong takes over, there is no way out. Rather, it becomes a pursuit that goes deeper and deep inside.

 

When Jimmie Vaughan first heard songs like Phil Upchurch’s “You Can’t Sit Down,” The Nightcaps’ “Wine, Wine, Wine,” and B.B. King’s many hit songs in the early 1960s, he knew he had found his music. And ever since then, it’s been a constant quest to play blues, whether it was in early 1970s Austin bands like Storm and then the Fabulous Thunderbirds, or later with brother Stevie Ray Vaughan on their Family Style album, and on his own releases throughout the 1990s and in 2001.

 

Then the solo albums stopped, until in 2010 Jimmie Vaughan had an idea to start recording the Great American Blues Songbook and found a home with Proper Music in the U.K. to release the music. He assembled the kind of band most musicians can only dream about, and began recording his dream set list at the Top Hat and Wire Studios in Austin. Never one to back down from a great idea, in 2011 Vaughan and band went back into the same Top Hat Studio and recorded a second collection of some of his favorite songs, zeroing in on the music’s ability to light a fuse wherever it was heard.

 

To help celebrate the 10-year anniversary of the first album’s release, and setting the stage for Vaughan’s 70th birthday in March 2021, the Last Music Co.’s Malcolm Mills wanted to mark the special occasion with these undeniable collections. Also included for release on the same date is the vinyl reissue of 2016’s Jimmie Vaughan Trio featuring Mike Flanigin, and the Live at C-Boy’s release, which featured songs recorded at the venerable Austin nightspot that Vaughan and crew call home when they are in town.

 

In true Texas fashion, Jimmie Vaughan has helped give new life to the music that has been his lifeline all these decades, becoming a hero to those who know the life-giving strengths of America’s real gift to musical history. Even better, Vaughan still feels like he’s just getting started, devoted to making sure he is able to give back to the music that has given him so much. The blues is in his blood, and has been there since the start. And will stay there forever.

'80s Icons Shine Anew

A slew of groundbreaking 1980s hitmakers are back with terrific new albums in 2019, including The Waterboys, Jimmie Vaughan (of The Fabulous Thunderbirds), Alan Parsons, The Stray Cats and Morrissey.

Artist: The Waterboys
Title: Where The Action Is (Cooking Vinyl)
You might like if you enjoy: The Waterboys, World Party, Psychedelic Furs
Tell me more: Singer-songwriter Mike Scott and his outstanding group known as the Waterboys have returned with another must-hear album (Where the Action Is) of literate and lusty rock. Since forming the band in Scotland in the early 1980s, Scott has written and recorded heartfelt original material tinged with classic rock, folk, Celtic and alternative styles to give his material a diverse and enchanting sweep. Few songwriters tap into the day-to-day experience of living life itself like Scott, whose lyrics resonate with the power of rock's all-time greats; listen to the tear-inducing folk rocker "In My Time On Earth" and lyrics-driven "Ladbroke Grove Symphony" to get an instant feel of Scott's brilliance. Ever the sonic explorer, Scott dips back to the poetry of Robert Burns (1759-1796) for the Celtic "Then She Made the Lasses O," and even offers up a full-on rap selection via "Take Me There I Will Follow You" and seemingly proves nothing is out of reach. Information: MikeScottWaterboys.com.

Artist: Jimmie Vaughan
Title: Please Come Home (Last Music Co.)
You might like if you enjoy: Jimmie Vaughan, Kid Ramos, The Fabulous Thunderbirds
Tell me more: The new Jimmie Vaughan album Please Come Home is a thrilling and joyful celebration of the blues. On the new album, the famed singer-guitar great pays tribute to 11 classic blues tracks with a group of like-minded players who conjure up magic as they revisit timeless material penned by the celebrated likes of Lloyd Price, Lefty Frizzell, T-Bone Walker and more. Vaughan showcases his strong baritone vocals and sharp skills on guitar everywhere, from the buoyant "Just a Game" and dual saxophone-anchored "No One To Talk To" to the instrumental gem "Hold It" and disc-ending "Baby, What's Wrong," the latter bolstered by plenty of Vaughan's signature lead guitar work. Vaughan is currently on tour and has a number of upcoming dates including at the Hollywood Bowl with Buddy Guy and Charlie Musselwhite on Aug. 7, 2019. Information: jimmievaughan.com.

Artist: Alan Parsons
Title: The Secret (Frontiers Music Srl)
You might like if you enjoy: The Alan Parsons Project, ASIA
Tell me more: Alan Parsons has explored a myriad of corners of the music universe over the past 50+ years, scoring success as engineer, producer and recording artist. Parson's new album The Secret is a celebration of the symphonic and progressive rock elements that are clearly a big part of his musical DNA — after all, Parsons was an assistant engineer on The Beatles' final two albums and served as an engineer on Pink Floyd's "The Dark Side of the Moon." The wistful and melodic track "As Lights Fall" is an early highlight on the disc, with Parson's inviting vocals positioned amidst an inviting pop sheen. Jason Mraz makes a strong guest turn via the '70s style nugget "Miracle." The McCartney-esque "Fly to Me" and probing orchestra-draped "Beyond the Years of Glory" are among the glowing cuts that appear on the last half of the disc. Other high-profile guest include original Foreigner singer Lou Gramm, ukulele virtuoso Jake Shimabukuro and founding Genesis guitarist Steve Hackett. Information: AlanParsons.com.

From left: The Stray Cats are Brian Setzer, Slim Jim Phantom and
Lee Rocker. Photo credit: Russ Harrington.

Artist: The Stray Cats
Title: 40 (Surfdog Records)
You might like if you enjoy: The Stray Cats, Lee Rocker, rockabilly
Tell me more: The Stray Cats have returned with the aptly-titled 40, a celebratory album that finds the rockabilly heroes rocking with the excitement and firepower that marked their introduction to the world in the early '80s. The stripped-down approach displayed across the Peter Collins-produced album shines a welcome lights on the talents of singer-guitarist Brian Setzer, bassist-singer Lee Rocker and drummer-singer Slim Jim Phantom. There is an obvious musical chemistry when they perform the dozen cuts on the album, and the New York-spawned trio have returned with some great original tracks to show off their musical chops. While the Stray Cats certainly revisit the classic rockabilly sound that put them on the map (just listen to the blistering "Three Time's A Charm" or playful "That's Messed Up"), they explore new ground on the moody surf guitar-adorned "Cry Danger," which features some of Setzer's most innovative guitar work in memory. Other great cuts on the set include the high-flying "Cat Fight (Over a Dog Like Me)," moody instrumental "Desperado" and edgy closer "Devil Train." Information: StrayCats.com.

Artist: Morrissey
Title: California Son (BMG)
You might like if you enjoy: Morrissey, The Smiths
Tell me more: When it came time for singer Morrissey to record a full-length album of songs by other artists it should have come as little surprise it would be no average covers project. On his latest album California Son, the former Smiths frontman has dipped back to the lesser-known reaches of the 1960s and '70s covering mostly under the radar cuts from legends such as Bob Dylan, Joni Mitchell and Dionne Warwick as well as obscure cult heroes including Jobriath, Tim Hardin and Phil Ochs. Even discerning music aficionados will find themselves discovering new songs courtesy of this dozen-track set. Morrissey's voice tackles each song with artful candor; the euphoric "Morning Starship," dreamy "Don't Interrupt the Sorrow" and politically-charged take on Ochs' "Days of Decision" are among the seldom heard masterworks reintroduced here. Those looking for a familiar track should immerse themselves in Morrissey's stellar version of Roy Orbison's operatic epic "It's Over," as well as an inspired run through Gary Puckett and the Union Gap's "Lady Willpower." Information: MorrisseyOfficial.com.

Robert Kinsler

2018 Doheny Blues Festival Preview

Buddy Guy "killing it" at Doheny Blues Festival in 2018.
Photo: Bob Steshetz

Editor's note: Robert Kinsler recently was able to chat with Rich Sherman, president of festival organizer Omega Events, about the upcoming Doheny Blues Festival, coming to Sea Terrace Park in beautiful Dana Point, CA the weekend of Saturday and Sunday, May 19-20, 2018.

Jimmie Vaughan performing in
Dana Point in 2013.

Robert: "Doheny Blues Festival arrives in about a month. How is the planning coming along?"

Rich: "It's coming along great. Moving venues is not what we anticipated (the festival is coming from Doheny State Beach to nearby Sea Terrace Park). When we learned we couldn't hold it at our previous location, we met with the city right away. The city of Dana Point, area hotels and business leaders in town all wanted to keep the festival in the city.

"As it turns out, the venues (Doheny State Beach and Sea Terrace Park) are both about the same size. The layout will feel very similar. We'll have three stages with music, and all the craft beer locations and food booths that fans enjoy. Overall, the festival will feel very similar."

Robert: "I know the mix of artists has always been important. Talk a bit about this year's line-up of artists."

Rich: "When you start in January for a May festival, it's not ideal. We feel really great about the line-up given we got that late start. It's important to get great blues artists such as Buddy Guy and Jimmie Vaughan; we just felt to close the weekend with Buddy Guy was super important to us. We feel there is a great mix of artists. 

George Thorogood rocking at
Doheny Blues Festival in 2013.

"Even George Thorogood (whose blues album Party Of One was released in August 2017) extended his tour to perform at Doheny. 

Robert: "I'm a big fan of Larkin Poe (sisters Rebecca and Megan Lovell); tell me a little about how you came to bring them to the festival?

Rich: "Larkin Poe has been around for a couple of years, but in the last year kept doing tributes and making viral videos; they have covered Buddy Guy and all kinds of classic (blues) songs. They have just released a new album (titled Peach, released via Tricki-Woo Records on April 20). The album is similar to their videos, with a mix of blues covers and original material. Their story kind of reminds me of The Record Company (who thrilled the Doheny faithful on the Backporch Stage in May 2016)."

The California Honeydrops performing in Dana
Point in 2014.

Robert: "Another great young group is the California Honeydrops. Talk a little about what they bring to Dana Point?"

Rich: "They're just a party. Have to break up all the guitar players with some funk. They're great; they make you want to dance and smile.

"Anders Osborne is making his first-ever appearance at Doheny; and with Kim Wilson's Blues and Boogie, Vol. 1 and John Németh's Feelin' Freaky (produced by Luther Dickinson), we are featuring two artists who released two of the best blues albums of the year." 

Nikki Hill in 2014.

Robert: "I know it's a big deal for people who have been long-time concertgoers to think about going to a new site. What would you like to tell fans of your event, which has been in Dana Point since 1998?"

Rich: "It would be for folks to trust us. For those who think 'My festival is gone,' it's not. It has just moved up the street, and we are designing and re-imagining the festival. We are rebuilding the festival for another 20 years. It's a challenge. But those are the challenges we take on with every festival we produce.

"Our goal is to produce the best festival for all the people who will be there."






Here is the line-up for the upcoming Doheny Blues Festival:

Nathan James in 2010.

Saturday, May 19, 2018
George Thorogood & The Destroyers
Blues Traveler
Jimmie Vaughan
Anders Osborne
Eric Gales
Larkin Poe
Knock-Out Greg
Chris Cain and the All-Stars
Mitch Woods
Nathan James
Dany Franchi
Artur Menezes
The Silver Kings

Buddy Guy at Doheny Blues Fest
in May 2013.

Sunday, May 20, 2018
Buddy Guy
Eric Burdon and The Animals
Beth Hart
The California Honeydrops
John Németh Love Light Orechestra
Nikki Hill
Kim Wilson Blues All-Stars
Curtis Salgado / Alan Hager
Quinn Sullivan
Santos Y Sinners
Mercedes Moore




For more information on the Doheny Blues Festival, including how to get tickets, visit the official website here.

A special thank you to Bob Steshetz for all his wonderful photography!