Blu-ray & DVD 2025 Gift Guide

In this column I highlight a number of music-minded titles from several different genres that would make great gifts for a favorite music lover.

Rock

Artist: Def Leppard

Title: Diamond Star Heroes: Live From Sheffield (Mercury Studios)
You might like if you enjoy: Def Leppard, Queen
Tell me more: On May 22, 2023, British rockers Def Leppard returned to their hometown to perform their second-ever stadium concert at Bramall Lane in Sheffield, England. Diamond Star Heroes: Live From Sheffield is available on Blu-ray+2CD, 4K UHD, 2CD and 2LP. The 4K UHD version of the title marks Def Leppard's first-ever 4K release and includes "One Night Only Live At The Leadmill," a 13-track concert staged in front of an intimate crowd of 900 die-hard fans in 2023. Diamond Star Heroes: Live From Sheffield features a parade of Def Leppard's classics including "Let's Get Rocked," "Foolin'," Bringin' On The Heartbreak," "Pour Some Sugar On Me," "Rock Of Ages" and "Photograph." Information: mercurystudios.co.

Artist: The Rolling Stones

Title: Black and Blue (Interscope/UMe)
You might like if you enjoy: The Rolling Stones, Jeff Beck, classic rock
Tell me more: Nov. 14, 2025 marked the highly-anticipated reissue of The Rolling Stones' 1976 album Black and Blue. Available as a 5LP vinyl box set and a 4CD box set, both editions include a Blu-ray Disc, a 100-page hardback book and a replica tour poster. Black and Blue is The Rolling Stones' 13th studio album and features classic cuts including "Hot Stuff," "Hands of Fate" and "Fool To Cry." Among the bonus tracks featured on the collection are the rowdy "Shame, Shame, Shame" and several tracks featuring Jeff Beck. There is also a full live concert recording from the English band's six night residency at London's Earls Court Exhibition Centre as well as a previously unreleased TV broadcast of the Stones' 1976 show at Les Abattoirs in Paris, plus Dolby Atmos surround sound mixes of both the studio album and the live Earls Court concert. Information: rollingstones.com.

Artist: Peter Gabriel

Title: Taking The Pulse (Mercury Studios)

You might like if you enjoy: Peter Gabriel, Radiohead, elbow
Tell me more: Peter Gabriel's "Taking The Pulse" is an ambitious concert film that finds the groundbreaking English. artist and the New Blood Orchestra reworking 16 selections sans guitars, bass and drums. Working with arranger John Metcalfe, the concert filmed on Sept. 26, 2010 captured Gabriel, several backing singers and a full orchestra under the baton of Ben Foster performing at the legendary Arena di Verona in Italy. Directed by Anna Gabriel, "Taking The Pulse" fuses dazzling concert footage with dramatic lighting and artful graphics to deliver Peter Gabriel's theatrical vision across the 97-minute performance. Information: mercurystudios.co.

Opera & Classical

Artist: Andrea Bocelli

Title: The Celebration: 30th Anniversary (Mercury Studios)
You might like if you enjoy: Andrea Bocelli, Jon Batiste, Brian May
Tell me more: Marking three decades as a celebrated performer, Italian singer Andrea Bocelli's The Celebration: 30th Anniversary features the artist performing at the open air amphitheater Teatro del Silenzio (Theatre of Silence) in 2024 in his hometown of Tuscany with a star-studded lineup of stellar guests. The two-disc 4K UHD package features two shows — "The Celebration" and "30 Years of Musical Inspiration" collectively featuring more than 4 and a half hours of performances! Bocelli is joined by an 80-member orchestra along with a cast of more than 200 musicians including Ed Sheeran, Jon Batiste, Shania Twain, Brian May and others. In addition to the aforementioned 4K version, the title is also available via several other two-disc and four-disc deluxe formats. Information: mercurystudios.co.

Artist: Luciano Pavarotti

Title: The Lost Concert — Live at Llangollen 1995 (Mercury Studios)

You might like if you enjoy: Luciano Pavarotti, Placido Domingo, opera
Tell me more: The aptly-titled "The Lost Concert — Live at Llangollen 1995" is a previously-unavailable concert performance featuring the late Luciano Pavarotti recorded at the prestigious Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod in North Wales in 1995. The historic concert event features Pavarotti performing with the BBC Philharmonic as well as soprano Atzuko Kawahara and Corale Gioachino Rossini. The winning concert event combines popular operatic arias and choruses as well as Neapolitan songs, one of Pavarotti's own compositions and orchestral interludes. The essential new title (set for release on Friday, Nov. 21) will be available on Blu-ray, TVOD and digital platforms. Information: mercurystudios.co.

Artists: Bryan Register, Catherine Foster, Annika Schlicht, more

Title: Tristan Und Isolde (Arthaus Musik)
You might like if you enjoy: German Opera, composer Richard Wagner 
Tell me more: German composer Richard Wagner once called love "the most beautiful of all dreams" and that observation likely fueled the creation of his 1865 masterwork "Tristan and Isolde." Now a production of the three-act opera starring tenor Bryan Register as Tristan and the Bayreuth-celebrated soprano Catherine Foster as Isolde is out on DVD. The filmed production also features singers Annika Schlicht, Andreas Jäpel and Dimitry Ivashchenko. The production was created for the stage of the State Theater in Cottbus, Germany. Running nearly four hours in German, the filmed version on the DVD has English subtitles provided. Information: mvdshop.com. 

Artists: Placido Domingo, Carlos Kleiber

Title: Carmen (Monad Music)
You might like if you enjoy: Placido Domingo, French opera
Tell me more: Fans of composer Georges Bizet's beloved "Carmen" are in luck. A historic 1978 production of the 154-minute opera conducted by Carlos Kleiber and starring then-young lyric tenor Placido Domingo (as Don Jose) and soprano Elena Obraztsova in the title role is now available on Blu-ray. The staging was completed by director Franco Zeffirelli (who also directed the production for TV) and the performance was captured at Vienna State Opera. This is a groundbreaking filmed version of Bizet's 1875 French opera. Information: monarda-music.com.

Robert Kinsler

2025 NAMM Show brings the full power of music to Anaheim

The 2025 NAMM Show

Where: The Anaheim Convention Center

When: Jan. 20-25, 2025

Next: The Summer NAMM Show will return to Nashville, TN, June 29-July 1, 2025

Information: NAMM.org

Rising violinist Mia Asano performing during Global Media Day at the NAMM Show
in Anaheim, CA on Wednesday, Jan. 22, 2025.
Photo credit: Bob Steshetz

Article by Robert Kinsler

Photography by Bob Steshetz and Robert Kinsler

Major concert events, intimate booth performances, new groundbreaking music making products unveiled for the first time and educational sessions are all a part of the annual NAMM Show.

The year's 2025 NAMM Show was held at the Anaheim Convention Center Jan. 20-25, 2025.

Peter Frampton at The NAMM
Show on Jan. 22, 2025.
Photo credit: Bob Steshetz

Attending Global Media Day (held on Jan. 22) provided me a perfect chance to get an early, in-depth glimpse at several music-making products, watch a couple of cool performances and even catch recent Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductee Peter Frampton discuss his career.

Because he is suffering of inclusion body myositis (IBM) — a progressive muscle disorder characterized by muscle inflammation and weakness — Frampton announced his farewell tour in 2019. However, despite the impacts of the disease, Frampton has continued to record and perform.

"Well, I keep saying that's the last one," Frampton said of each tour; he noted he will perform a short series of shows in April and again in June of 2025. "I'm going to keep going as long as my fingers still work. It's getting more difficult now."

The legendary guitar great said he has to work harder to play guitar, and explore different ways so he can keep playing.

"I will keep doing music the rest of my life." 

Scott Mulvahill performing with his "DataBass" at
Global Media Day on Jan. 22, 2025.
Photo credit: Bob Steshetz

Among the other highlights I caught at Global Media Day was upright bassist Scott Mulvahill, who performed on a one-of-a-kind instrument he invented dubbed the "DataBass." The instrument combines the benefits of an upright bass with the power of MIDI sampling, and the artist showcased its unique magic throughout a strong five-song set.

Singer-songwriter/guitarist Yvette Young playing a state-of-the-art
Yamaha TransAcoustic TAG3 C guitar at the NAMM Show.
Photo credit: Bob Steshetz

Another instrument that wowed media was Yamaha's TransAcoustic TAG3 C acoustic guitar. I was able to spend some time playing the 2nd Generation TransAcoustic Guitar and it's a real wonder. It plays like a top-tier acoustic guitar, but comes equipped with Bluetooth allowing the user to connect their smart devices and play their favorite songs directly through the instrument. There is also an onboard looper, so you can record and play back your performances. There is built-in reverb, chorus and delay effects with simple controls. And there is a rechargeable battery and magnetic charging connection providing more than five hours of play time.

In terms of eye candy, Martin Guitars showcased its beautiful one-of-a-kind double-neck instrument, the Grand J-28E DN (see images above). The first double-neck guitar produced by Martin in more than a century, this all-new instrument combines Martin's renowned craftsmanship with modern cutting-edge innovation; it features an acoustic-electric with a 12- and six-string neck. The Grand J-28E DN features two compound dovetail neck joints and unique X bracing. The guitar also includes built-in custom Fishman electronics, making it ready for any stage or studio setting.

Alicia Witt performing at the NAMM Show on Thursday, Jan. 23, 2025.
Photo credit: Robert Kinsler

Alicia Witt with Ernest, a rescue dog who accompanies her
onstage during performances. Photo credit: Bob Steshetz

In her two 30-minute appearances at the Casio booth, singer-songwriter/pianist Alicia Witt impressed with her winning and sumptuous original songs bolstered by her lovely soprano and virtuoso skills displayed using the "Harmonious Mustard" Privia PX-S7000 Privia digital piano. Among the terrific songs she performed at the NAMM Show was the introspective "Witness," emotional "Friend," the triumphant rocker "What About Me?" and the bewitching "Chasing Shadows" (watch the official "Chasing Shadows" music video HERE). 

Rachael Sage performing at the Casio booth on Friday, Jan. 24.
Photo credit: Robert Kinsler

Also performing at Casio was famed singer-songwriter/pianist Rachael Sage, who I caught when she performed on Friday. Performing her singular blend of pop, rock and  folk, I was particularly thrilled with her dynamic genre-blending cut "Trouble" featuring some finger snap accents.

Harmonica great Lee Oskar blasting away on the Yamaha Grand Plaza Stage on
Thursday, Jan. 23, 2025. Photo credit: Bob Steshetz

A former member of the band War, Harmonica great Lee Oskar brought his latest project — the Lee Oskar Harmonicas Blues & Beyond Showcase — to the Yamaha Grand Plaza Stage on Jan. 23. The highlight of the troupe's set was a nine-minute version of War's 1975 hit "Low Rider."

Fingerstyle guitarist Laurence Juber performing on the Martin Stage at NAMM.
Photo credit: Bob Steshetz

Virtuoso fingerstyle guitarist Laurence Juber performed at the Martin Stage on Thursday, wowing the crowd with signature instrumental versions of his own compositions and classic rock favorites artfully arranged to be performed solo on his OMC-21 Martin guitar. His wonderful "Cobalt Blue," artful take on Paul McCartney's "Maybe I'm Amazed," a first-ever live performance of his astonishing version of The Who's "Won't Get Fooled Again" and a tender "While My Guitar Gently Weeps" (the latter George Harrison-penned gem was dedicated to the Los Angeles community impacted by a number of wildfires over the past few weeks) all thrilled NAMMgoers.

Singer-songwriter/guitarist Mary Spender performing at The NAMM Show.
Photo credit: Robert Kinsler

Also performing on the Martin Stage was British singer-songwriter-guitarist Mary Spender, who appeared on Friday afternoon. Armed with her talents as an amazing singer and acoustic guitar player, she treated the crowd to a 30-minute set of infectious originals including the introspective "Darling, You Need Therapy," Baroque folk-flavored "Primrose" and the catchy sing-along closer "Blues Duet."

Jon Batiste performing on the Yamaha Grand Plaza Stage at NAMM
on Friday night, Jan. 24, 2025.
Photo credit: Bob Steshetz

Because I missed Jon Batiste's performance when I attended Coachella in April 2024, I was delighted to catch the Louisiana native's headlining set at the Yamaha Grand Plaza Stage at NAMM on Friday night, Jan. 24. Batiste and his excellent backing troupe performed a thrilling mix of soul, R&B, classical, funk, hip hop, New Orleans jazz and more during their full-length set. I was especially impressed with Batiste's virtuoso skills playing a number of keyboards and piano, as well as behind the drum kit. He is also a top-tier vocalist and band leader.

Jon Batiste performing at NAMM
on Friday night, Jan. 24, 2025.
Photo credit: Bob Steshetz

Batiste is a generous performer and seemed to relish every second he was on stage, interacting with his band mates, backing singer and the enthusiastic audience. During one extended segment he led the band in walking through the crowd and performing a high-powered medley, including a sing-along of "When The Saints Go Marching In." 

The highlight for me was an absolutely gorgeous performance of "Butterfly" that he performed alone at a grand piano.

Learn more about Batiste via his official website HERE.

For more information on The NAMM Show, visit NAMM.org. 

And be sure to check out the colorful images taken by photographer Bob Steshetz below capturing so many sights and sounds on display during the NAMM Show!

Jon Batiste performing at the Grand Plaza Yamaha Stage on Friday night,
Jan. 24, 2025. Photo credit: Bob Steshetz

Blues-rock singer-songwriter/guitarist Harris Sweetwater checking out a guitar during
the NAMM Show in Anaheim, CA. Photo credit: Bob Steshetz

From left, violinist Mia Asano performing on stage with saxophonist Grace Kelly
in the Yamaha booth on Jan. 23, 2025.
Photo credit: Bob Steshetz

The Lee Oskar Harmonica Blues & Beyond Showcase thrilled concertgoers on
Thursday, Jan. 23, 2025. Photo credit: Bob Steshetz

Violinist Mia Asano performing during Global Media Day.
Photo credit: Bob Steshetz

Jacob Collier performing during the NAMM Show in Anaheim, CA.
Photo credit: Bob Steshetz

Grace Kelly performing at the Yamaha booth during the NAMM Show in
Anaheim, CA. Photo credit: Bob Steshetz

Yamaha Announces The 2025 NAMM Show Artist Lineup

 BUENA PARK, Calif., Jan. 8, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Yamaha, the world-leading manufacturer of musical instruments, has unveiled an extraordinary lineup of renowned artists set to captivate audiences at The NAMM Show. Kicking off January 23, Yamaha will host a two-night concert series featuring exclusive performances from Jon Batiste and CeCe Winans that promise to light up the Yamaha Grand Plaza Stage.

Jon Batiste Photographed by Jonny Marlow

Adding to the excitement, Yamaha will showcase the custom Yamaha pianos created for Alicia Keys' 2023 "Keys to the Summer Tour." Designed and rendered by Justin Elliott, these iconic instruments once played by Alicia Keys include a dazzling plexiglass grand with silver sparkle and a sleek plexiglass upright. Attendees can also visit the Yamaha booth to experience additional live performances from a diverse roster of talented artists.

"This year at NAMM, we are thrilled to present two brilliant, can't-miss performances on our Yamaha Grand Plaza Stage. On Thursday, the annual Night of Worship will feature the soul-stirring magic of gospel legend CeCe Winans! Friday will feature the infectious musical joy and uplifting energy of the wildly talented Jon Batiste," says Chris Gero, vice president and chief artist relations executive at Yamaha Artist Relations Group, who continues to say, "These amazing concerts promise unforgettable nights for all."

This year's featured performances include:

• Legendary gospel singer CeCe Winans will headline the Night of Worship on Thursday, January 23. 
  • CeCe Winans: The best-selling and most-awarded female gospel artist of all time, Winans has long since cemented her status as one of the most accomplished and celebrated women in music history.

• An Evening With Jon Batiste on the Yamaha Grand Plaza Stage will feature a performance by award-winning performer and instrumentalist Jon Batiste on Friday, January 24.
  • Jon Batiste: The Grammy and Academy Award-winning instrumentalist, composer, bandleader and singer, Batiste is taking over the music world with his unique voice on piano and his many hit collaborations with notable artists. Batiste recently released his eighth studio album, Beethoven Blues (Batiste Piano Series, Vol. 1), earning his first No. 1 on Billboard's Classical Albums Chart.

To experience everything Yamaha offers at The NAMM Show, visit booth #300DE in the Anaheim Convention Center from January 23 - 25, 2025. For more information, please visit https://usa.yamaha.com/namm/

ABOUT YAMAHA
Yamaha Corporation of America is the largest subsidiary of Yamaha Corporation, the world-leading music and sound company based in Hamamatsu, Japan. The Yamaha team is committed to helping everyone progress, express and connect through music and sound. We offer innovative, finely crafted, award-winning products for your entire musical journey including pianos, brass instruments, woodwinds, strings, electronic keyboards, guitars, drums, professional and home audio equipment.

SOURCE Yamaha - https://usa.yamaha.com/namm/

Coachella 2024 Weekend 1 recap: established favorites and rising newcomers set to return for Weekend 2

With a lineup featuring approximately 50 different artists performing each day over its 3-day run, the Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival has something for everyone.  Electronica, rock, pop, R&B, soul, urban, dance and Americana are among the genres celebrated at the fest.

Weekend 1 of the 2024 edition of Coachellafest delivered on the promise of the event, with a wide ranging field of both established legends and rising names bringing their A game to the Empire Polo Field in Indio, April 12-14. Superstar acts typically perform on the large "Coachella" and "Outdoor Theatre" stages, while up-and-comers perform at the festival's smaller stages.

Amber Mary Bain, aka the Japanese House performs at Coachella on April 12, 2024.
Photo courtesy of Getty Images for Coachella 

Among the early highlights of day 1 were driving alt rock outfit Late Night Drive Home, singer-songwriter the Japanese House (the moniker for English songstress Amber Mary Bain) and New Zealand indie-pop band The Beths.

From left, Elizabeth Stokes and Benjamin Sinclair of
The Beths performing at Coachella.
Photo credit: (YouTube)

Later in the day American singer-songwriter Faye Webster thrilled at the Mojave Stage with her introspective and literate original song craft while singer-guitarist Brittany Howard blended soul, gospel, R& B in her set on the Gobi Stage. The day's headliner, Lana Del Rey, delivered a high-profile set including turns from guest stars Jon Batiste, Jack Antonoff (Bleachers) and Billie Eilish.

Vampire Weekend lead vocalist-guitarist Ezra Koenig at Coachella on April 13.
Photo credit: (YouTube)

Day 2 of the festival featured an equally strong and diverse lineup of artists. Early Saturday attendees were rewarded with a fun set from Huntington Beach-spawned rock band The Aquabats, as well as a stunning return from indie rock great Vampire Weekend (the latter a last-minute addition to this year's festival), and an inspired set from singer-songwriter/multi-instrumentalist Jon Batiste.

Blur guitarist Graham Coxon performing with the Desert Cahuilla Desert Bird Singers on
Saturday, April 13, 2024. Photo credit: (YouTube)

The Coachella Stage hosted terrific full-length sets on Saturday afternoon and evening, with impressive performances from Southern California reggae rockers Sublime, groundbreaking Britpop rock quartet Blur, and the reunion performance by Orange County, CA-spawned No Doubt performing live together for the first time in nine years (Olivia Rodrigo was a guest at the latter's set during a performance of "Bathwater"). Late into the night, The Drums thrilled with a 10-song set of '80s-tinged New Wave originals on the Mojave Stage. 

Olivia Dean performing on April 14, 2024.
Photo credit: (YouTube)

The final day of Weekend 1 saw outstanding sets from pop punk rockers Taking Back Sunday, American R&B singer-songwriter Victoria Monét and experimental English electronica duo Jockstrap. I was most impressed by Neo soul singer Olivia Dean; performing on the Gobi Stage, the 25-year-old English singer used her soprano in the service of terrific original songs (including the heartfelt "Carmen" and wonderful closer "Dive") that fully connected with the audience during her 40-minute set.

The good news for fans of the annual event is the same lineup is scheduled to return to Indio, Friday-Sunday, April 19-21. Music lovers who are not able to attend the fest in person can catch the majority of performances being live-streamed on the Coachella YouTube site. Visit that Coachella Livestream site HERE.

Information: Coachella.com.

Robert Kinsler