Neil Young, Hot Tuna, Robbie Robertson Shine on Classics

Essential new releases from Neil Young and Hot Tuna, as well as memorable titles featuring the late Robbie Robertson are featured in my column this week. 

Artist: Neil Young
Title: Chrome Dreams (Reprise)
You might like if you enjoy: Neil Young, Nils Lofgren, Dawes
Tell me more: One of the most remarkable new releases of 2023 is actually a long lost Neil Young album that was recorded between 1974 and 1977. Originally set for release in 1977, Chrome Dreams is every bit the masterpiece that surrounded the towering legend of the 12-track album prior to its long-awaited release on Aug. 11. The track listing of Chrome Dreams includes some very familiar titles, but the recordings featured here in the album's original form include some that were the first recordings of the Young-penned favorites. The album begins with a solo acoustic version of "Pocahontas" recorded on Aug. 11, 1976, Young's signature vocals soaring amidst his shimmering guitar (this is the same version that first appeared on Rust Never Sleeps, but without the overdubs). The acoustic guitar-driven "Hold Back the Tears" includes lyrics different than the subsequent version of the song featured on his American Stars 'n Bars album. Another highlight on the masterwork is the early — and first solo version — of his beloved original "Powderfinger," the power of the song's potent lyrics and evocative musical arch showcased via a mesmerizing performance. The album also includes the haunting and decidedly sparse "Will to Love," introspective "Star of Bethlehem," otherworldly romance-minded rocker "Like a Hurricane," sorrowful "Too Far Gone" and melancholy-adorned "Look Out For My Love." One of the most important releases of 2023. Information: neilyoungarchives.com.  

Artist: Hot Tuna
Title: 3 CD Collection (Mercury Studios)
You might like if you enjoy: Hot Tuna, Jefferson Airplane, Jorma Kaukonen, Mississippi John Hurt
Tell me more: Fans of American blues-rock outfit Hot Tuna can pick up the newly-issued 3 CD Collection. The 3-disc box set includes a trio of full acoustic band performances (no drums) captured at The Sweetwater Music Hall in Mill Valley, CA, two nights in a row as well as a concert date at Stove's in Yokohama, Japan. All three 1990s performances are housed in one colorful package complete with a poster. An offshoot of Jefferson Airplane, Hot Tuna was launched in 1969 when singer-songwriter/guitarist Jorma Kaukonen and bassist Jack Casady wanted to perform a mix of blues, folk, bluegrass and country while Grace Slick was recovering from vocal surgery. To be sure, the stellar performances featured on 3 CD Collection enhance Hot Tuna's legacy. Guests at the Jan. 27, 1992 recording include singer-guitarist Bob Weir (The Grateful Dead), keyboardist Pete Sears (Jefferson Starship) and singer Maria Muldaur; noted folk singer Happy Traum guests on the Jan. 28, 1992 show. Among the terrific tracks on the early part of the collection are the Delta blues flavored "Whinin' Boy Blues" and "Nobody Knows You When You're Down and Out," breezy country blues nugget "Great Change," a breathtaking acoustic-flavored version of Jefferson Airplane's "Embryonic Journey" and riveting take on Bob Dylan's 1965 single "Maggie's Farm," the latter featuring Weir on lead vocals. The delights continue on the box set via wonderful cuts such as the joyful "Blue Moon of Kentucky," spirited "Folsom Prison Blues," infectious "Parchment Farm" and luxurious "Ice Age." Information: mercurystudios.co or hottuna.com.

Classic Titles Celebrate Robbie Robertson

Robbie Robertson seen performing
onstage at "The Last Waltz" on Nov. 25, 1976.

On Aug. 9, 2023, Canadian great Robbie Robertson passed away at the age of 80. A lead guitarist for Bob Dylan in the mid 1960s, the influential artist was best known as guitarist and songwriter with the Band from their inception in 1967 until 1978, and for several acclaimed solo albums — notably his self-titled 1987 album, 1991's Storyville and 2011's How to Become Clairvoyant.

From left, Bob Dylan, Rick Danko and Robbie Robertson performing on Nov. 25, 1976.
The event was filmed and released as Martin Scorsese's film "The Last Waltz."

In addition, Robertson collaborated on a number of celebrated film and TV soundtracks — usually with director Martin Scorsese — beginning with the music documentary film "The Last Waltz" in 1978 and continuing through classics "Raging Bull" (1980), "The King of Comedy" (1983), "Casino" (1995), "The Wolf of Wall Street," "The Irishman" (2019) and most recent "Killers of the Flower Moon" (scheduled for widespread release on Oct. 6, 2023).

A few years ago, Capitol/UMe released a series of expanded and remastered 50th Anniversary reissues of the Band's beloved studio albums, including Music From Big Pink (1968), The Band (1969), Stage Fright (1970) and Cahoots (1971). Following the death of Robertson, I revisited several of these wonderful collections and was reminded how talented — and groundbreaking — the Americana-styled Canadian-American band was. The Stage Fright reissue includes a June 1971 concert recording captured at Royal Albert Hall featuring stellar performances of "The Shape I'm In," "The Weight," "I Shall Be Released," "Up On Cripple Creek," "The Night They Drove Old Dixie Down" and other enduring staples. With their winning brew of roots rock, folk, jazz, country and R&B, the Band (Robertson was the group's principal songwriter) influenced the likes of George Harrison, the Grateful Dead, Eric Clapton, Elton John, Dawes and countless others.

Robert Kinsler

New music: Sparkle*Jets U.K., Tony Valentino, Jorma Kaukonen, The Mosquitos

The intoxicating sounds of Southern California's Turn-of-the-Century music scene, as well as the groundbreaking stylings of the 1960s, 1980s and acoustic roots music are revisited thanks to a handful of great 2023 releases.

Artist: Sparkle*Jets U.K.

Title: Best of Friends (Big Stir Records)

You might like if you enjoy: Matthew Sweet, Walter Clevenger & the Dairy Kings, Psychic Rain, Jellyfish

Tell me more: For many years I wrote an award-winning column titled "Orange Pop" for The Orange County Register where I had the thrill of covering that region's explosive music scene. Many of the artists — notably No Doubt, Sugar Ray, Walter Trout and Lit — went on to global success after making a splash locally. However, many of my favorite artists achieved only cult status despite their incredible talent. It's great to see Turn-of-the-Century power pop trio Sparkle*Jets U.K. return with a fantastic new album (Best of Friends, available June 30) — the band's first new studio LP in more than 20 years. The aptly-titled Best of Friends finds Michael Simmons (lead and backing vocals, guitar, keyboards, drums), Susan West (lead and backing vocals) and Jamie Knight (bass, 12-string guitar) offers their distinctive sonic stamp on 21 gems originally recorded by Southern California-based artists who were their contemporaries. The album opens with a wistful take on Walter Clevenger's "Hold On Tight" before the band turns on a dime to deliver a glorious take on The Masticators' "He's Coming Out." A Baroque pop reading of Kompost's "One Summer Sunday," luxurious cover of Cockeyed Ghost's "Ludlow 6:18," a buoyant version of Candypants' "I Want a Pony" and rollicking run through The Dons' "Till We Meet Again" are among my other faves on the first half of the terrific title. The momentum and caliber of the collection never falters; sumptuous versions of The Shazam's "Sunshine Tonight," Linus of Hollywood's "Good Sounds," Wondermints' "In and Around Greg Lake," Kenny Howes and the Yeah!'s "Right Idea," The Negro Problem's "Mahnsanto" and The See Saw's "Probleme Romantique" on the last half of the set have me pretty sure that Sparkle*Jets U.K.'s Best of Friends will land on my favorite albums of 2023 list. Information: BigStirRecords.com.

Artist: Tony Valentino

Title: Dirty Water Revisited (Big Stir Records)

You might like if you enjoy: The Standells, the Electric Prunes, the Chocolate Watchband

Tell me more: Released on May 26, Dirty Water Revisited marks the high profile return of founding Standells' guitarist Tony Valentino. Along with singer-keyboardist Larry Tamblyn, bassist Jody Rich and drummer Benny King, Valentino was a key player in the Los Angeles-spawned quartet's groundbreaking garage rock sound showcased in their timeless 1966 hit "Dirty Water." On his return Valentino — as well as vocalist/drummer Duane Waider, keyboardist Zero E and bassist-guitarist/vocalist Gary Kaluza — revisits a handful of the enduring gems recorded by the Standells including a rousing take on the aforementioned "Dirty Water," rhythm guitar-anchored "Sometimes Good Guys Don't Wear White" (the latter bolstered by Valentino's harmonica playing), the electrifying "Barracuda" and rollicking "Try It." The Valentino-produced album also hits high marks thanks to the surf-meets-soul rocker "There Is a Storm Comin'," the blistering hardcore tribute "I'm a Sexy Punk Rocker" (the latter a nod to the Standells' influence on punk rock), infectious "Vicki" and psychedelic "Love Me." Information: BigStirRecords.com.

Artist: Jorma Kaukonen

Title: Live at the Bottom Line (Omnivore Recordings)

You might like if you enjoy: Jefferson Airplane, Hot Tuna, acoustic blues

Tell me more: Recorded live on Aug. 23, 2003, the new title Live at the Bottom Line is a fantastic concert recorded featuring legendary singer-guitarist Jorma Kaukonen (Jefferson Airplane, Hot Tuna) accompanied by Barry Mitterhoff (mandolin, octave mandolin, tenor guitar, tenor banjo) and Cindy Cashdollar (steel guitar). Captured not long after the release of his 2002 Grammy-nominated album Blue Country Heart, this is truly a flawless mix of Americana, country, blues and folk music performed by a trio of virtuoso musicians. The buoyant "Blue Railroad Train" (which includes terrific mandolin playing from Mitterhoff), countrified Jimmie Rodgers nugget "Waiting for a Train," his beautiful original "Do Not Go Gentle" (written for Kaukonen's father) and luxurious instrumental "Living in the Moment" are standouts on disc one. Disc two features an ambitious 11+ minute version of the traditional spiritual "Good Shepherd," an uplifting country blues cover of Reverend Gary Davis' "I Am the Light of This World" and masterful arrangement of the traditional "Hesitation Blues." Two decades after this magical performance was staged at New York's Bottom Line music venue, it's great that a wider audience gets to hear the magic again. Information: OmnivoreRecordings.com.

Artist: The Mosquitos

Title: this then are The Mosquitos! (Kool Kat Musik)

You might like if you enjoy: The Monkees, The Beatles, The Dave Clark Five

Tell me more: Fans of melodic '60s-mining rock will want to get a listen to the wonderful this then are The Mosquitos! The Mosquitos' story is almost as compelling as the band's music; in the mid-1980s the rising outfit called it quits on the brink of stardom (indeed, the band was named Best New Rock Group at the New York Music Awards in 1986). Now fast forward to 2023 and The Mosquitos' infectious style blending songwriting elements spanning from the 1950s and 1960s to the 1980s can be heard by all. Standouts abound on the 47-track double CD that collects many of the Mosquitos' best studio and live recordings, with shining vocal harmonies a key part of what makes the outfit's sound so special. As noted in press notes released in connection with the collection: "Since the band only recorded a third of their original songs in the studio, the rest are represented in a live setting. Much care was taken to find the best versions, and some you'll swear are studio recordings." 

"Let's Stomp" is a hyper successful mix of 1950s rockabilly and Devo-like minimalist rock that connects with a single listen. "You Don't Give a Hang (About Me)" is fully original, with layers of shimmering guitars and immersive vocals. "Darn Well," "Quit It" and "I'm So Ashamed" are rousing garage rockers; "Wrong Side of Town" and "I'll Just Hide" conjure up the bona fide excitement of the British Invasion. The band's melodic power pop nugget "That Was Then, This Is Now" (a cover of that Mosquitos original was a comeback hit for the Monkees in 1986), sumptuous "I Know a Secret," propulsive "Standing In the Rain," tender "Stephanie Says" and affecting "Christmas Dream" are other wonderful songs on the essential collection. Information: koolkatmusik.com.

Robert Kinsler

Mercury Studios to release Hot Tuna acoustic three-CD boxed set for the first time out July 7, 2023

Mercury Studios continues to issue exciting live recordings that capture a diverse mix of musical legends at the height of their powers. Check out news released today about an upcoming 3CD box set focusing on Hot Tuna...Robert Kinsler

MERCURY STUDIOS TO RELEASE HOT TUNA THREE-CD BOXED SET ACOUSTIC HOT TUNA GENIUS PACKAGED TOGETHER FOR THE FIRST TIME ~OUT JULY 7~ PRE-ORDER LINK HERE

New York, NY (May 18, 2023) — Mercury Studios will release on July 7 a special three-CD boxed set of Hot Tuna, in-concert from the ‘90’s. Complete with full acoustic band—no drums—at The Sweetwater Music Hall in Mill Valley, California two nights in a row, and at Stove’s in Yokohama, Japan. Originally released by Relix in the ‘90s, then reissued/remastered with bonus tracks by Eagle Records in 2004, the box will house for the first time all three shows in one sterling package complete with poster. Singer/Songwriter/Guitarist/Author Jorma Kaukonen and bassist Jack Casady have been performing as Hot Tuna since 1969 when they were both in San Francisco’s pre-eminent rock’n’roll band, Jefferson Airplane. When the Airplane morphed into Jeffferson Starship, the pair went on as a duo and as a collective with a rotating cast to concentrate on their blues, folk, country, early pop and jams to make Hot Tuna an early forerunner of Americana . Loved by millions for decades ever since, these shows contain the best of what they’ve been known for: hot rockin’ blues, bluegrass, folk and country. (In the ‘90s, they were even doing Jefferson Airplane covers, plus covers of Elvis, Dylan, Bill Monroe and Johnny Cash!) Special guests include Grateful Dead’s Bob Weir and folksinger Happy Traum. Of special note is an exceedingly rare version of Jefferson Airplane's 1966 "Embryonic Journey" performed acoustically with no drums. Jorma has been for years now the foremost exponent of the Southeast Piedmont Blues Guitar fingerpicking style that legends like Blind Blake, the Rev. Gary Davis, Mississippi John Hurt, Brownie McGhee and Blind Willie McTell brought to prominence. His 2018 Been So Long autobiography explains his transition from Acid Rocker to Folk Blues Hero. He now is, in fact, that which he first started out emulating: the real deal…a bluesman of the finest order. And no one adds to his oeuvre like Jack Casady. Be prepared to be blown away.

Live At Sweetwater’s CD 1  January 27, 1992  Jorma Kaukonen, vocals, guitar, dobro, pedal steel  Jack Casady, bass  Michael Falzarano, vocals, guitar, mandolin, harmonica  Guests include Bob Weir, guitar, vocals; Pete Sears, keyboards; Wavy Gravy and Maria Muldaur, vocals.    1) Whinin’ Boy Blues  2) Great Change  3) Nobody Knows You When You’re Down And Out  4) I Know You Rider  5) Embryonic Journey  6) Trouble In Mind  7) Bank Robber  8) I See The Light  9) I’ll Be There For You  10) True Religion  11) I Belong To The Band  12) Maggie’s Farm  13) That’s All Right Mama  14) Been So Long  15) Genesis  16) Ice Age  17) Praise The Lord And Pass The Snakes Live At Sweetwater’s CD 2 January 28, 1992  Same instrumentation with Happy Traum replacing Wavy Gravy, plus the additions of Bobaloo (bass) and Keith Corssan (sax). 1) Hesitation Blues  2) Dime For Beer  3) Trial By Fire  4) Death Don’t Have No Mercy  5) 99 Year Blues  6) San Francisco Bay Blues  7) Too Many Years  8) Blue Moon Of Kentucky  9) Ain’t Got No Home  10) Good Morning Little Schoolgirl  11) Walkin’ Blues  12) Third Week In The Chelsea  13) My AK-47  14) Parchman Farm  15) Folsom Prison Blues Live In Japan CD 3  January 1997  Stove’s  Yokohama, Japan  Jorma Kaukonen, vocals, guitar  Jack Casady, bass  Michael Falzarano, guitar  Pete Sears, keyboards  Harvey Sorgen, drums    1) Walkin’ Blues  2) Parchman Farm  3) True Religion  4) Been So Long  5) Uncle Sam Blues  6) Vampire Woman  7) Follow The Drinking Gourd  8) Keep Your Lamps Trimmed And Burning  9) Let Us Get Together  10) Third Week In The Chelsea  11) 99 Year Blues  12) Ice Age  13) San Francisco Bay Blues  14) Folsom Prison Blues  15) Mann’s Fate

New music: Ruthie Foster, Bruce Springsteen, Janis Joplin & Jorma Kaukonen

Songstress Ruthie Foster, rock and roll great Bruce Springsteen, and classic rock notables Janis Joplin and Jorma Kaukonen are featured on new releases.

Artist: Ruthie Foster

Title: Healing Time (Blue Corn Music)

You might like if you enjoy: Mavis Staples, the Staple Singers, Ruthie Foster

Tell me more: Ruthie Foster's stirring ninth studio album Healing Time is a fantastic disc of genuine and authentic soul. No surprise that Foster delivers another batch of winning songs that soar, her vocals a constant wonder across the dozen-track disc that simultaneously showcases her immense skills as a top-tier songwriter. The gospel mining "Feels Like Freedom" brings chills with its power and beauty all while avoiding the modern day bombast that would diminish the might of the track. The potent and anthemic "Soul Searching" is an explosive celebration of love. Blues lovers will appreciate the longing "What Kind Of Fool," where the Austin songstress uses her full vocal range across the song's wonderful arc. The wistful "Lie Your Way To The Truth" dips into pop, but the soundscape shares more in common with the artful sonics of Florence + the Machine than the disposable and robotic approach of so many contemporary R&B hitmakers. Other memorable selections on Healing Time include the spiritual-minded "I Was Called," tuneful "Finish Line," acoustic blues foray "4 AM" and majestic "Paradise." Information: RuthieFoster.com.

Artist: Bruce Springsteen

Title: Only The Strong Survive (Columbia Records)

You might like if you enjoy: Sam Moore, Bruce Springsteen, classic Motown

Tell me more: On his first new album since 2020's Letter To You, Bruce Springsteen revisits a number of Gamble and Huff, Motown and Stax classics on the rousing 15-track Only The Strong Survive. Rather than recreate faithful takes on the material (such as the approach KISS lead singer Paul Stanley took on Paul Stanley's Soul Station's impressive debut album in 2021), Springsteen fuses his own signature sound with the well-known musical stylings identified with the original versions. Among the memorable tracks is an emotive take on the Commodores' 1985 track "Nightshift," the joyous Frank Wilson 1965 hit "Do I Love You (Indeed I Do)," nuanced reading of the Walker Brothers 1966 hit "The Sun Ain't Gonna Shine Anymore," a tender version of the Four Tops' "When She Was My Girl" and the sorrowful "I Wish It Would Rain," the latter a song recorded by the Temptations in 1967. Springsteen is joined by 87-year-old soul music great Sam Moore on the inspired "Soul Days" and lovely "I Forgot To Be Your Lover." Across the album the receives backing from The E Street Horns, full string arrangements by Rob Mathes, as well as backing vocals from Lisa Lowell, Doozie Tyrell, Curtis King Jr., Michelle Moore, Dennis Collins and Fonzi Thornton. Information: BruceSpringsteen.net.

Artist: Janis Joplin & Jorma Kaukonen

Title: The Legendary Typewriter Tape: 6/25/64 Jorma's House (Omnivore Recordings)

You might like if you enjoy: Janis Joplin, Jefferson Airplane, Hot Tuna

Tell me more: Set for release on Dec. 2, The Legendary Typewriter Tape: 6/25/64 Jorma's House is an important and historical release featuring singer Janis Joplin and guitarist Jorma Kaukonen (Jefferson Airplane, Hot Tuna) — along with Jorma's wife Margareta Kaukonen typing away intermittently in the background — recorded on a reel-to-reel machine at the beginning of their respective careers. Although the recording has previously been available via inferior bootlegs, the official version released by Omnivore Recordings today (Dec. 2, 2022) features restoration and mastering from Grammy-winner Michael Graves and sounds wonderful. There are a mix of originals and reworked blues standards. Joplin's own "Kansas City Blues," the evocative "Hesitation Blues," a moving take on Jimmie Cox's "Nobody Knows You When You're Down and Out," and the fiery Joplin-penned "Daddy, Daddy Daddy" are among the winning performances captured back in the summer of 1964. Information: OmnivoreRecordings.com.

Robert Kinsler