Roots, rock and reggae shine on new releases

Several new eagerly-awaited returns have been released as well as two new recordings pulled from the early 1980s.

Artist: Joy Williams
Title: Front Porch (Thirty Tigers)
You might like if you enjoy: The Civil Wars, 
Tell me more: Those missing the enticing Americana style pioneered on the Civil Wars' brief five-year path are in luck. Joy Williams — one half of the popular Grammy-winning duo that also featured John Paul White — has returned from her brief detour into a more electronic-meets-pop style via 2015's Venus to reward listeners with the luxurious Front Porch (available May 3, 2019). The beautiful title track is one of the most lovely songs this writer has heard this year; the better news is that the disc's sonic riches don't end there. The introspective and nuanced Appalachia-painted soundscapes inspire across a dozen-track run that showcases Williams' expressive soprano. The artist delivers probing material with cliche-free depth, as evidenced by mining feelings of loss ("When Does a Heart Move On," "Be With You") and romantic celebration ("One and Only," "No Place Like You") with equal artistry. Information: JoyWilliams.com.

Artist: Nils Lofgren
Title: Blue With Lou (Cattle Track Road Records)
You might like if you enjoy: Lou Reed, Neil Young, Bruce Springsteen
Tell me more: Singer-songwriter/guitar great Nils Lofgren has returned with his first studio album in eight years, and the 12-song disc reveals it was an ambitious recording project more than worth the wait. Featuring six songs that Lofgren co-wrote with the late Lou Reed, Blue With Lou is an album that would have sounded great in any era while definitely resonating in 2019. While a few of the songs that the two Rock and Roll Hall of Famers co-wrote have appeared on previous Lofgren and Reed releases, Blue With Lou features a handful of songs previously-unheard. The must-hear collaborations include the wry rocker "Attitude City," funk-tinged "Give" (featuring loads impressive and expressive Lofgren guitar work) and the poignant "Talk Thru the Tears." In addition, Lofgren has crafted two beautiful tributes on the LP; "Dear Heartbreaker" casts its magic on the memory of the late Tom Petty while the album's affecting closer "Remember You" is a poignant look at his family's dog Groucho. But at its heart, Blue With Lou a showcase for Lofgren's immense talents as singer, lead guitarist and songwriter. Information: NilsLofgren.com.

Artist: Lone Justice
Title: Live at the Palomino, 1983 (Omnivore Recordings)
You might like if you enjoy: Emmylou Harris, Lindi Ortega, the Blasters
Tell me more: The most celebrated artist on Los Angeles' early '80s cowpunk scene, Lone Justice blended old school country and honky tonk with punk, rockabilly and roots rock with authenticity and firepower during the group's short run. Omnivore Recordings has just released a previously-unavailable "Live at the Palomino, 1983" featuring 12 great songs captured on October 22, 1983. The fast-moving track list includes nuggets from their not-yet-released 1985 debut album ("Working Late," "You Are the Light") and a great take on Merle Haggard's "Working Man's Blues," and an amped up version of the Johnny Cash/June Carter duet "Jackson." The live LP is a winning reminder of the talents of the talents of Maria McKee (lead vocals, guitar), Ryan Hedgecock (lead guitar, vocals), Marvin Etzioni (bass) and Don Willens (drums). Information: OmnivoreRecordings.com.

Artist: Culture
Title: The Nighthawk Recordings (Omnivore Recordings)
You might like if you enjoy: Bob Marley, reggae music
Tell me more: Lovers of '70s-'80s roots reggae will love the terrific Culture: The Nighthawk Recordings. Lead singer Joseph Hill, who passed away in 2006, was among the genre's best singers and this collection captures the Jamaican artist at the top of his powers. The first three songs on the collection were recorded in 1981 and feature Culture (Hill, Albert Walker, Lloyd Dayes) backed by the Roots Radics; the timeless "This Time" is a highlight of those sessions. The other four tracks on the disc find Culture backed by the Wailers; several of these tracks were put away in vaults and this 2019 title marks their commercial debut. The driving "Can They Run" is particularly forceful and is bolstered by an interesting mix of vocals on the track. The other previously-unheard song, the infectious "Mr. Music," is a feel good melodic groove. Information: OmnivoreRecordings.com.


Robert Kinsler

Essential new releases: Kacey Musgraves, Neil Young + Promise of the Real, Joy Williams, Muddy Waters tribute, The Dream Syndicate

Music lovers have to be pleased with the parade of stellar releases that are being released in the first few weeks of summer.

Artist: Kacey Musgraves
Title: Pageant Material (Mercury Nashville)
You might like if you enjoy: Kacey Musgraves' debut Same Trailer Different Park
Tell me more: One of the only artists among the current crop of young country singers who connect with the genre's richest traditions free of cliche, Kacey Musgraves' outstanding sophomore effort Pageant Material is at once contemporary and classic. From the tuneful high-kicking "High Time" and "Late to the Party" to the likes of the infectious banjo- and fiddle-adorned "Biscuits," the two-time Grammy winner's album is fortified by her role co-writing all 13 tracks on the disc. The Texas native playfully revisits her meteoric rise on "Dimestore Cowboy" (name dropping 'Austin City Limits,' Willie Nelson and the ghost of Gram Parsons along the way) while Musgraves skillfully tackles life's big questions effortlessly in the contemplative "Somebody to Love" and poignant "Die Fun." Information: kaceymusgraves.com.
Buy 'Pageant Material' here


Artist: Neil Young + Promise of the RealTitle: The Monsanto Years (Reprisel)
You might like if you enjoy: Neil Young's Living With War and Psychedelic Pill albums
Tell me more: Leave it to Neil Young to continue to rattle the world's chain. Although he will celebrate his 70th birthday later this year, Young continues to champion his strong views on big business and corporate greed, destruction of the environment, threats to small-time American farmers and the world at large on his latest album The Monsanto Years. Backed by Promise of the Real (featuring Willie Nelson's sons Micah and Lucas Nelson),  Young has crafted yet another masterwork. Young's epic 2006 album Living With War is recalled via the grunge anthem "New Day For Love" while the tuneful Americana rocker "People Want to Hear About Love" would have been home on 1977's American Stars 'n Bars. Elsewhere the sparse "Wolf Moon" (with little more than minimal acoustic guitar, gentle percussion and some signature Young harmonica play) conjures up the beauty of our nation's disappearing wilderness. My favorite song is "Big Box," a lyrical diatribe against everything from corporate greed to political finance laws that blends heavy rock courtesy of Young's fiery lead guitar work with ethereal vocals that soars across an eight minute-plus ride. Information: www.NeilYoung.com.
Get 'The Monsanto Years (CD/DVD)' here


Artist: Joy Williams
Title: Venus (Sensibility)
You might like if you enjoy: The Civil Wars, Johnnyswim, Kate Bush
Tell me more: Life's challenges often spur artists to create great music. Such is the case on Joy Williams' Venus. One-half of the multi-Grammy winning Americana duo The Civil Wars, Williams first full-length outing since that duo broke up in August 2014 will please fans of her previous work courtesy of folk-minded nuggets such as "Woman (Oh Mama)" and the gorgeous "One Day I Will." But there is also material that expands her reach into art rock territory with the same gifted touch; the confessional "Before I Sleep," riveting "Sweet Love of Mine" and introspective "Not Good Enough" exhibit the songstress' expanded reach. While the events that gave life to the songs on "Venus" may have tested Williams (just listen closely to "You Loved Me," "The Dying Kind" and "Till Forever"), the album itself is a joyous and life-affirming listen. Information: joywilliams.com.
Purchase 'VENUS' here



Title: Muddy Waters 100 (Raisin' Music Records)
You might like if you enjoy: Muddy Waters, John Primer, Gary Clark Jr., Shemekia Copeland, Johnny Winter
Tell me more: The line-up of modern-day blues icons who join singer-guitarist John Primer to celebrate the 100th birthday of Muddy Waters (the legendary bluesman died in April 1983) on Muddy Waters 100 is almost as impressive as the 15-track collection itself. Things kick off with the blues staple "Got My Mojo Working," with Primer sharing lead vocals with Shemekia Copeland. Elsewhere Derek Trucks' amazing slide guitar impresses on "Still a Fool," and James Cotton blows his blues harp with the mighty firepower he displayed on the original 1957 recording. Texas blues champion Gary Clark Jr. conjures up some magic in his expressive electric guitar work on "Forty Days and Forty Nights." Especially bittersweet is the uptempo Chicago blues gem "I'm Ready," a cover of the title track off Waters' 1978 album that was produced by Johnny Winter; on the new version Winter played slide guitar on the track a mere five weeks before his death in July 2014. Information: raisinmusic.com.
Buy 'Muddy Waters 100' today



Artist: The Dream Syndicate
Title: The Days of Wine and Roses (Omnivore Recordings)
You might like if you enjoy: Rain Parade, Three O'Clock
Tell me more: Blending the melodic instincts of the '60s with the punk-energy of the late '70s, the so-called "Paisley Underground" exploded in Los Angeles at the dawn of the 1980s bringing with it the music of The Bangles, Rain Parade, Three O'Clock, Green on Red and others. Among the most notable of the scene's champions was The Dream Syndicate thanks to the band's seminal 1982 debut The Days of Wine and Roses. Now Omnivore Recordings has reissued a deluxe edition of the album that celebrates the original indie release and piles on a slew of previously-unissued bonus material that casts additional light on the sterling lineup of Steve Wynn, Karl Precoda, Kendra Smith and Dennis Duck. Highlights on the collection include the hypnotic rhythms embedded in "That's What You Always Say," driving "Then She Remembers" and wistful "Too Little, Too Late." The bonus material is enthralling too, including the rehearsal jam "Is It Rolling, Bob?" and infectious rocker "Still Holding On To You." Information: omnivorerecordings.com.
Buy 'The Days Of Wine And Roses' here

Sights and Sounds: Led Zeppelin, Third Day, Punch Brothers, The Civil Wars, Grace Potter & the Nocturnals

Lots of news breaking today...I'll get right to it everybody!


Led Zeppelin have released a video of their performance of the epic track "Kashmir" from their forthcoming concert film, Celebration Day.

Filmed during the band's 2007 reunion show at London's O2 Arena, Celebration Day was released in theaters earlier this month and will see a retail release on CD, DVD, digital, vinyl, and Blu-Ray on November 19. Click here to watch the full performance of "Kashmir."

Third Day to kick off street week with performance on 'The Tonight Show With Jay Leno' on Friday night, Nov. 2

Third Day's new album Miracle won't arrive until next Tuesday (Nov. 6, 2012), but fans will get an early feel for the new disc when the Atlanta rockers perform the lead-off track "Hit Me Like a Bomb" on The Tonight Show With Jay Leno on Friday, Nov. 2. Following the performance of the song, there will be a limited-time free download of the potent rocker on the band's official Web site, www.ThirdDay.com.

The 12-track Miracle was produced by Brendan O'Brien (Bruce Springsteen, Pearl Jam, Train, The Killers) and recorded in the band's Atlanta studio called The Quarry.

The Punch Brothers will perform on 'Austin City Limits' on Nov. 3, 2012.

Two of Americana's best artists are being featured on Austin City Limits on Saturday, Nov. 3.

The Civil Wars and Punch Brothers will each perform sets on the next episode of the popular show, which will air on PBS stations on Saturday. Here is the release that arrived in my inbox earlier today:

Austin, TX—November 1, 2012—It's a night of great chemistry as Austin City Limits (ACL) presents new American acoustic music in a double-bill with The Civil Wars and Punch Brothers. The brand new episode airs Saturday, November 3rd on PBS (check local listings for times).

The Civil Wars bring their dynamic charisma to the Austin City Limits stage to perform tracks from the Grammy-winning debut Barton Hollow. A folk-pop duo comprised of vocalist Joy Williams and guitarist John Paul White, The Civil Wars made an appearance last year in the ACL Presents special, Americana Music Festival 2011, and ACL has been excited to have them back for a full set ever since. The magnetic pair create Appalachian-tinged folk melodies with a minimalist approach that has caught the folk-pop world by storm. The obvious chemistry between the singer-songwriters is as infectious as their grassroots success – over 250,000 copies of their critically-acclaimed debut album Barton Hollow sold without major industry support. “We are so amped to be here,” says The Civil Wars' Joy Williams from the ACL stage. “I’m still pinching myself that we get to play here tonight.” In addition to their originals, the duo wows the audience with inspired renditions of Michael Jackson's “Billie Jean” and Smashing Pumpkins' “Disarm” in their ACL debut.

Says ACL Executive Producer Terry Lickona, “I was there when Joy and John Paul performed for one minute on this year’s Grammy Awards Show, and that one minute had more impact than almost anything else on the show. That’s just the way they are – their music will grab your ear and your heart in one fell swoop!”

"When you start a band, this is all you really want to be able to do—play Austin City Limits," says Punch Brothers' leader Chris Thile from the ACL stage. Thile should know, the appearance marks his fourth turn on ACL, including two with his long-time band, the progressive bluegrass trio Nickel Creek. In 2006, mandolin virtuoso Thile assembled the all-star quintet Punch Brothers (the name comes from the Mark Twain short story Punch, Brothers, Punch!). The quintet’s boundary-less mix of indie-rock, bluegrass, classical music, jazz, folk, and pop has attracted critical acclaim and a loyal fanbase. The Grammy-nominated band performs tracks off their three albums, including 2012's Who’s Feeling Young Now? Paste Magazine calls the album “a masterpiece” and declared “every track is a small wonder of some sort,” while Rolling Stone claims it “strikes a nice balance between old-school and modern.” In October, 31-year Thile was awarded a MacArthur Foundation “Genius Grant” for his creative vision.

“I’ve been a fan of Chris’s music since he was a 13-year-old mandolin child prodigy, and it’s been inspiring to watch him take his music to new places only he can imagine,” says Lickona. “He’s got a band of kindred spirits who create music that really defies labels – unless you use all of them!”

The Civil Wars setlist:

From This Valley

My Father's Father

Billie Jean

Poison & Wine

Disarm

Barton Hollow



Punch Brothers setlist:

Movement and Location


Who's Feeling Young Now?


Next to the Trash


Flippen (The Flip)


Don't Get Married Without Me


Rye Whiskey

Season 38 Current Broadcast Schedule (seven additional episodes/artists to be announced)

October 6, 2012
Radiohead

October 13, 2012
Bon Iver

October 20, 2012
Bonnie Raitt with Mavis Staples

October 27, 2012
The Shins
Dr. Dog

November 3, 2012
The Civil Wars
Punch Brothers

November 10, 2012
ACL Presents: Americana Music Festival 2012 (Hosted by Jim Lauderdale and featuring performances by Bonnie Raitt with John Hiatt, Alabama Shakes, Carolina Chocolate Drops, Richard Thompson, The Mavericks and more)

The complete line-up for the full 13-week season, including seven episodes to air beginning January 2012, will be announced shortly. Check acltv.com for additional episode updates.

Grace Potter & the Nocturnals.

In other news released earlier today (November 1, 2012), a live performance by American rock band Grace Potter & the Nocturnals will be broadcast LIVE from Stubb’s BBQ in Austin, Texas on Thursday, November 8, 2012 exclusively on AXS TV. This premier concert event continues the AXS TV commitment to bringing fans the hottest acts, brightest stars and rising artists from all genres LIVE to a national television audience.



This exciting concert broadcast will bring GPN’s electrifying live show to living rooms around the country. Grace Potter and the band, who are currently promoting their critically acclaimed new album The Lion The Beast The Beat on their “Roar Tour,” will perform a thrilling set blending classic hits and new fan favorites.


“There is no better place to bring the AXS TV audience a rockin’ show from Grace Potter & the Nocturnals than Austin, the live music capital of the world,” said Evan Haiman, Vice President of Music Production at AXS TV. “Everyone tuning in from their living room at home will feel like they are in the landmark Stubbs’ audience from opening to encore.”


Tune in and rock out as Grace Potter & the Nocturnals join AXS TV’s continuous lineup of LIVE performances from extraordinary artists including: Alanis Morissette, Sara Evans, Tedeschi Trucks Band, Brandi Carlile, plus all the artists joining us on AXSLive!

Grace Potter will appear on AXSLive as she invites them to join her on the Los Angeles stop of her tour and talks about the upcoming LIVE concert event on AXS TV. AXSLive airs Thursday, November 1 at 8 p.m. ET / 5 p.m. PT.

The Grace Potter & the Nocturnals special AXS TV live concert event airs on Thursday, November 8, 2012 starting at 10:15 p.m. Eastern  / 7:15 p.m. Pacific.

About AXS TV

Launched in July 2012 under the vision and stewardship of entrepreneur Mark Cuban, AXS TV is the premier destination for live events, breaking news, and as-they-are-happening trends in the worlds of pop culture, music, fashion, and entertainment.
AXS TV Concerts is the premier source on television for 100% live music. From multi-day festivals to stadium tours to club acts, AXS TV delivers an unparalleled shared experience for fans of all genres. Leveraging the network’s vast landscape, artists expand their reach to live behind-the-scenes moments, live fan Q&As, social media engagement and more unique opportunities specifically for the AXS TV audience. With multiple live concerts weekly, AXS TV is the number one destination for artists and their fans to experience and share a pure live event in the world of music and pop culture. Live LIVE!

The largest independently owned and operated network, AXS TV was developed by entrepreneur Mark Cuban and General Manager Philip Garvin. The network partners include Mark Cuban, AEG, Ryan Seacrest Media and Creative Artists Agency (CAA). AXS TV is available in the U.S. via AT&T U-verse, Charter, Comcast/Xfinity, DIRECTV, DISH Network, Insight, Suddenlink, Verizon FiOS, and other TV providers.

AXS TV can be found online at www.axs.tv, on Facebook at www.facebook.com/axstv and on Twitter at www.twitter.com/axstv. AXS TV Concerts can be found online at www.axs.tv, on Facebook at www.facebook.com/axstvconcerts and on Twitter at www.twitter.com/axstvconcerts.

The Civil Wars bring harmony to Wiltern

There are countless modern music makers who can rock with force. Indeed, punk, alt rock and metal outfits share that pedal-to-the-metal approach in spades.
Rarer is the contemporary artist who can touch audiences with artful songcraft, stunning harmonies and heartfelt performances.
The Civil Wars - singer-keyboardist Joy Williams and singer-guitarist John Paul White - are that rare young duo able to have somehow found a large audience despite having a musical approach rooted in folk and Americana.
Over the course of 75 wonderful minutes at the Wiltern Theatre in Los Angeles on Saturday (Nov. 19), the Civil Wars performed 17 songs that offered up nearly flawless artistry from two musicians who only began playing together three years ago. In addition to performing more than a dozen original songs, they reworked (and I mean REWORKED) The Smashing Pumpkins' “Disarm” and Michael Jackson's "Billie Jean" to add additional power to the night. Impressive.

I would encourage everyone to read writer George Paul's comprehensive review of the show that was posted on the Orange County Register's Soundcheck blog today.