AXS TV To Air the Broadcast Premiere of Music Documentary - 'Triumph: Rock & Roll Machine' on Wednesday, Jan. 25

One of Canada's great bands, it is wonderful to see Triumph is the subject of an upcoming documentary coming to AXS TV next week... Robert Kinsler

AXS TV PRESENTS THE BROADCAST PREMIERE OF TRIUMPH: ROCK & ROLL MACHINE, AIRING WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 25 AT 9 P.M. ET/6 P.M. PT

  

The Acclaimed Rock Doc Puts the Spotlight on One of Canada’s Most Iconic Bands, and Features Appearances by Kiefer Sutherland, Sebastian Bach, John 5, Brian Posehn, Lawrence Gowan, Phil X & More

 

Watch a Promo Here

Photo courtesy of Banger Films

LOS ANGELES (January 18, 2023) – AXS TV presents the broadcast premiere of the celebrated rock doc Triumph: Rock & Roll Machine—airing Wednesday, January 25 at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT.

 

The film tells the true heavy metal underdog story of Canadian outfit Triumph, whose signature sound and revolutionary stage show rocked fans around the world and skyrocketed the band to superstardom on the strength of chart-topping guitar anthems such as “Fight The Good Fight,” “Hold On,” “Magic Power,” and “Lay It On The Line.” Rock & Roll Machine shines a deserving light on band members Rik Emmett, Mike Levine, and Gil Moore, exploring the impact and influence they had on the hard rock scene throughout the ‘70s and ‘80s, and capturing their long-awaited reunion.

 

In addition to Emmett, Levine, and Moore, Rock & Roll Machine features commentary from a slate of fellow trailblazers who provide rare insight into the band’s enduring legacy. Highlights include appearances by EMMY-winning actor and musician Kiefer Sutherland, legendary vocalist Sebastian Bach, guitar mastermind John 5, Styx singer Lawrence Gowan, comedian and metal enthusiast Brian Posehn, Bon Jovi guitarist—and former Triumph member—Phil X, and more.

 

Triumph: Rock & Roll Machine was produced by Banger Films (Alice Cooper, Iron Maiden, Rush and ZZ Top) and directed by Sam Dunn and Marc Ricciardelli. The documentary was funded in part by Round Hill Music, Triumph’s global record label.

 

About AXS TV

AXS TV is a leading multi-platform music, entertainment, and lifestyle digital platform and television company owned and operated by Anthem Sports & Entertainment Inc. AXS TV’s broad library is curated to appeal to diverse and passionate fanbases across the entertainment spectrum, offering eclectic content headlined by premiere concerts and music-inspired programming, as well as exclusive celebrity interviews, acclaimed documentaries, world-class professional wrestling, hard-hitting MMA bouts, star-studded special events, and immersive pop culture series. AXS TV’s signature programs include the investigative series Music’s Greatest Mysteries; fan-favorite countdown series The Top Ten Revealed; the in-depth profile A Year in Music; and the intimate artist interview series At Home And Social. The channel is also the home of global combat sport staples IMPACT Wrestling, New Japan Pro-Wrestling and Invicta Fighting Championships. AXS TV is available nationally in the United States, and parts of Canada and the Caribbean. Additionally, AXS TV’s digital programming can be enjoyed on several different platforms including the AXS.TV website and the Network’s FAST Channel AXS TV NOW, as well as via the AXS TV App, and on the Network's official YouTube channel, Facebook and Instagram pages, and Twitter profile. For a full list of providers and territories, please visit axs.tv/subscribe.

Michael Gurley's Ultrasound to perform at The Art Boutiki in San Jose on April 30

Written by Robert Kinsler

Photography courtesy of Bob Steshetz

Michael Gurley at The Coach
House in San Juan Capistrano, CA
in April 2018.

With the release of their dazzling commercial debut Puzzle in 1992, Dada was rightly celebrated as a groundbreaking band that blended the best of alternative, melodic and psychedelic rock music stylings into an intoxicating and timeless sound. Singer-guitarist Michael Gurley, singer-bassist Joie Calio and singer-drummer Phil Leavitt went on to release a string of subsequent masterworks that equaled the ambition and sonic reach of their debut including American Highway Flower (1994), El Subliminoso (1996), Dada (1998) and How To Be Found (2004).

Now Gurley is back with his aptly-named project Michael Gurley's Ultrasound, and the outfit is ready to emerge in a post-pandemic world in support of the 2020 full-length gem Ultrasound. Because Ultrasound was released during the height of the global COVID-19 health crisis, Gurley was unable to tour in support of the album. The good news is that Gurley will bring his live show to the Art Boutiki in San Jose, CA on April 30. 

"We did one show in Oceanside that was spur of the moment," Gurley recalled in a recent phone interview. "When the show came around (on Feb. 25, 2022), it was incredible. It was so much fun to play again."

Michael Gurley performing with Kiefer Sutherland at the Belly Up in May 2017.

Between 2014 and 2019, Gurley kept busy as a member of Kiefer Sutherland's band, including co-writing a track with the famed singer-songwriter/actor. During that time, Gurley and his wife Stacey also welcomed their son Harrison into the world. This writer asked Gurley if he had named his son after a certain member of The Beatles: "(It was) a name my wife really loved. He wasn't named after George Harrison, but it didn't hurt."

During the global pandemic when the world shut down, full-time musicians couldn't tour.

The artwork for the album "Ultrasound."

"When COVID happened, I couldn't play shows. Since COVID started (in early 2020), I have written more than 100 songs." In addition to the official release of Ultrasound in late 2020, Gurley has now completed a country music-aimed album (the title and release date are yet to be announced).

In addition to his top tier talents as a lead vocalist and songwriter, Gurley is a bona fide guitar master. In fact, one of the highlights on his album Ultrasound is "I Love Your Guitar," an infectious rocker that showcases Gurley's signature fretwork.

"The guitar has done so much for me. I started playing when I was seven…as you get older you appreciate it as a vocation and a hobby. The older I get the more appreciative I am," Gurley said of his love of the instrument.

Whether listening to Ultrasound or seeing Gurley in concert, it's obvious he has been influenced by a vast and diverse array of artists.

"I’ll spend a month on Chopin (composer Frédéric Chopin), and listen to him every night. Then a month on early AC/DC, then go back to the Rolling Stones, then a month on Jimi Hendrix…You learn so much. Always some formula to the greatness and mystery. (The song) 'I Had A Dream Last Night That I Had A Dream' is very ‘60s. I had a Kinks-like riff, fast tempo and right in the middle it goes into a different feel. I go into a half-time, Burt Bacharach feel, replete with major seventh chords and flugelhorn, then right back into the Kinks feel."  

Completed during COVID, Ultrasound took 2-1/2 years to complete, with Gurley producing specific tracks with Shane Soloski and others with Scott Gordon. Additional contributions on the disc included Brian MacLeod (Sheryl Crow) on drums, Sean Hurley on bass (John Mayer), and Victor Indrizzo (Beck, Chris Cornell, Willie Nelson) on drums. 

"I did it in a recording studio — I wanted that feel," Gurley said. "I think the record is more positive than some of my other projects…I didn’t want to make a downer record."

For more information, including details about the upcoming show at the Art Boutiki, visit MichaelGurleyMusic.com.

New Music: John Lee Hooker, Michael Gurley, Suzzy Roche and Lucy Wainwright Roche, Evan Wardell, Bob Gentry

A parade of news releases including a multi-format celebration of the late blues hero John Lee Hooker as well as new studio albums from Michael Gurley, Suzzy Roche and Lucy Wainwright Roche, Evan Wardell and Bob Gentry are available now.

Artist: John Lee Hooker and the Coast To Coast Blues Band

Title: John Lee Hooker Live at Montreux 1983 & 1990 (Eagle Rock Entertainment)

You might like if you enjoy: John Lee Hooker, Otis Taylor 

Tell me more: The late John Lee Hooker was one of blues music's most beloved and important voices. A new stellar collection celebrates the work of the Mississippi native with two significant appearances at the Montreux Jazz Festival in Switzerland. John Lee Hooker Live at Montreux 1983 & 1990 has just been issued as a 2-LP set, digital video & digital audio release. Hooker (who died in June 2001) was notable for his innovative style of breaking away from the 12-bar format and developing a hypnotic style of driving boogie blues where he used his hammering style on his fretboard and deep baritone vocals to sing powerfully of romance — be it lust, bliss or loss. The 1983 set features plenty of enticing moments, including the simmering opener  "Serves Me Right To Suffer," propulsive "Boom Boom" and the set-ending cut "Boogie Chillen," the latter an extended jam where a number of musicians (including guitar great Luther Allison, harmonica master Sugar Blue and a killer three-man horn section) join Hooker and his own amazing band on stage. 

The 1990 concert is just as impressive; for this outing an additional guitar player, sax player and female vocalist Vala Cupp provided even greater depth to the Coast To Coast Blues Band's sonic arsenal. Tracks performed included classics from his appearance six years earlier as well as the heartfelt soulful blues ballad "Mabel" and playful "I'm In The Mood" along with a couple of winning selections from his seminal 1989 Grammy® winning album return "The Healer" ("Baby Lee" and the inspired title track). Blues fans will want to get this release for its historical significance, as well as the excellent audio and video quality of the title. Indeed, the two-concert showcase is the perfect addition — or introduction — to the artistry of the four-time Grammy® Award winner and Grammy® Lifetime Achievement Award recipient. Information: JohnLeeHooker.com and eagle-rock.com.

Artist: Michael Gurley

Title: Ultrasound (Smoke Street Records)

You might like if you enjoy: dada, Jason Falkner, Blur's "The Magic Whip," the Beatles' "Abbey Road" and "Magical Mystery Tour"

Tell me more: As a member of the groundbreaking American rock trio dada, Michael Gurley's gifts as a top-tier vocalist, songwriter and guitar virtuoso have been impressing audiences since the early '90s. Along the way, the talented SoCal artist has also showcased his wide-ranging music abilities in a number of other projects including modern rock outfit Butterfly Jones, the jazz standards ensemble Mike Gurley and the Nightcaps — and until recently — lead guitarist for country music great Kiefer Sutherland. Now Gurley has released a full-length solo album Ultrasound, one of my favorite albums of 2020. As listenable as it is inventive, Ultrasound is filled with songs bolstered by soaring melody, dynamic choruses, nuanced lead vocals and Gurley's incredible lead guitar work. The atmospheric "I Don't Know Much" is an ambitious and spectacular opening, mixing folk and art rock styles along its alluring run. The stylish title track is a super cool rocker albeit with an exhilarating power pop-styled chorus that explodes amidst a sea of lush harmonies. The driving "Yes Yes Yes" boasts a dazzling British blues rock vibe complete with a searing guitar solo backed by the strong rhythm section of bassist Sean Hurley and drummer Victor Indrizzo. Turning on a dime, the gentle Baroque folk offering "Good Morning Girl" is enhanced by Gurley's subtle work on guitar as well as piano, organ, Mellotron and Wurzlitzer. "I Had A Dream Last Night That I Had A Dream" is flat out amazing; similarly the chamber pop gem "Madison Ellington" finds Gurley singing to the accompaniment of keyboards and a string section. Other standouts on this brilliant LP include the psychedelia-tinged "I Love Your Guitar," hypnotic rocker "Everything All The Time," '60s-mining "Tibetan Proverb" and beautiful guitar-anchored ballad "Under The Moon." Make sure to listen to this album with headphones everybody! Information: michaelgurleymusic.com.

Artist: Suzzy Roche and Lucy Wainwright Roche

Title: I Can Still Hear You (StorySound Records)

You might like if you enjoy: Suzzy Roche, Lucy Wainwright Roche, the Indigo Girls, Martha Wainwright, folk music

Tell me more: Suzzy Roche and her daughter Lucy Wainwright Roche have recorded an album of immense depth and beauty created amidst a year of challenges and uncertainty. I Can Still Hear You is filled with songs that help the listener decipher the myriad of emotions that came crashing in throughout 2020 along with an even more universal look at loss and the human will to persevere even in the darkest of times. Indeed, Suzzy Roche lost both her sister Maggie and mother in 2017, and that loss was reflected in a number of songs that she penned and planned to record with her daughter in spring 2020. The sessions with producer Jordan Brooke Hamlin had just started when the growing COVID-19 pandemic mandated the women return to their homes in New York for the lockdown. The duo were able to ultimately complete I Can Still Hear You, which is bound by the two artists' beautiful voices and wonderful songs that tackle pain, love, evil, mortality and joy with candor and courageousness. The mix of originals, poignant covers and even a traditional Irish song ("Factory Girl") are magnificent; Amy Ray and Emily Saliers of the Indigo Girls lend their vocal and instrumental talents on several of the album tracks. Information: storysoundrecords.com.

Artist: Evan Wardell

Title: In Like A Lion // Out Like A Light (Moo Moo Records)

You might like if you enjoy: Color Theory, John Carrillo, The Lucy Show 

Tell me more: Written, recorded and produced by San Francisco-based artist Evan Wardell, his solo debut In Like A Lion // Out Like A Light is a chronicle of a single artist's view on the world and the rich musical translation of that vision as captured over the past seven years. Indeed, Wardell even created the album cover artwork! From the decidedly indie rocker "Gettin Across" and '80s-flavored New Wave ballad "Love Song" to the eager electronica-meets-pop romp "Get By" and zealous title cut, Wardell's album is an electrifying listen. Other highlights across the impressive 11-track disc include the indie rockers "Healthy Wise Free" and "Giving Up," evocative "With Teeth" and eerie "Like A Ghost." Information: moomoorecordsmusic.com/evanwardell. 

Artist: Bob Gentry

Title: Back On The Horse (Blue Élan Records)

You might like if you enjoy: Andrew McMahon, America, Toad the Wet Sprocket

Tell me more: After a 10-year hiatus from the music industry, Palm Springs-based singer-songwriter Bob Gentry is back with the aptly-titled Back On The Horse. A number of fateful decisions led to the artist's exit from his path as a recording artist, but his new EP makes a clear and compelling case his original music has a welcome place in the here and now. The breezy "20 Years To Life," lovely "My Mistake" (featuring guest Roan Yellowthorn), probing piano-anchored jewel "Now That You're Gone" and affecting tale of loss "Living With Your Ghost" are among the solid originals on the new set. Information: BobGentry.com.

Robert Kinsler

Comforting Sounds amidst COVID-19 outbreak

The coronavirus pandemic has had an impact around the globe, and that includes on the arts where theaters have closed and concert events have either been cancelled or delayed. During this period of uncertainty and "social distancing," it's a good time to rediscover the comforting sounds of reassuring voices to help get us through these tough times courtesy of some special greatest hits, reissues and special editions titles available now.

Artist: Paul Kelly
Title: Songs From the South 1985-2019: Paul Kelly's Greatest Hits (Cooking Vinyl)
You might like if you enjoy: Paul Kelly, Neil Finn, Tim Finn, Kasey Chambers
Tell me more: It's all about the song. Australia's Paul Kelly is one of the most celebrated artists to ever emerge from Down Under and it's no wonder. His songs exude an authenticity, warmth and sonic grace; they are also sumptuous listens that typically connect with a single listen. On the recently-released compilation Songs From the South 1985-2019: Paul Kelly's Greatest Hits, Kelly's stellar talents are showcased via 43 essential selections. From the tuneful acoustic introduction "From St. Kilda to Kings Cross" and tuneful power pop-minded "Before Too Long" and "Leaps and Bounds" to the indie rockers "Look So Fine Feel So Low" and "Sweet Guy," Kelly is expert as pulling in the best sensibilities of any number of genres to craft his finely-crafted songs. Indeed spoken word ("Bradman"), folk ("Everything's Turning to White," "When I First Met Your Ma"), and melodic rock ("Deeper Water") are also showcased on the first disc covering his work from 1985 to 1999. Bluegrass (the affecting "Our Sunshine"), baroque folk ("If I Could Start Today Again," "I'm On Your Side"), country-western ("Your Lovin' Is On My Mind," "They Thought I Was Asleep") and potent rockers ("God Told Me To," "With the One I Love") are on display on the equally strong second disc. The title closes out with a previously-unreleased cut, "When We're Both Old & Mad," an Americana duet featuring Kelly and Aussie songstress Kasey Chambers. The ambition and wide range of material on Songs from the South astounds across the outstanding set. If you haven't yet discovered Kelly's considerable talents, this two-disc collection is a wonderful place to start. Information: cookingvinyl.com.

Artist: Mister Rogers
Titles: You're Growing; Coming and Going; You Are Special; Bedtime (Omnivore Recordings)
You might like if you enjoy: Johnny Costa, Mister Rogers, children's music, jazz 
Tell me more: Generations have grown up watching episodes of "Mister Rogers' Neighborhood" since it premiered on television in the late 1960s. A large part of the magic of the beloved PBS-TV series were the songs that were written and sung by show host Fred Rogers. Between 1968 and 2001, Rogers created more than 200 original songs; casual fans might be surprised to learn he wrote all the lyrics and melodies heard on the children's show. Now on the heels of 2019's It's Such a Good Feeling: The Best of Mister Rogers Omnivore Recordings compilation comes four new full-length audio reissues featuring delightful music from "Mister Rogers' Neighborhood." The release of the 2018 documentary "Won't You Be My Neighbor?" and the popular 2019 film "A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood" (starring Tom Hanks as Rogers) rekindled widespread interest in the legacy of "Mister Rogers' Neighborhood." 

The four new reissues include 1992's Bedtime, You're Growing, and You Are Special, as well as 1997's Coming and Going. The four audio CDs provide a comprehensive overview of the magic created by Rogers (who is backed by long-time collaborator and pianist Johnny Costa, bassist Carl McViker and percussionist Bobby Rawsthorne). The 60 songs work on several levels with lyrics focused on teaching about a wide variety of topics while also offering up inviting jazz stylings to help young audiences develop an appreciation of jazz-flavored song craft. There is a uniform sense of fun and intelligence on this welcome series of releases. Information: omnivorerecordings.com.

Artist: Kiefer Sutherland
Title: Reckless & Me: Special Edition (BMG)
You might like if you enjoy: Merle Haggard, Johnny Cash, Waylon Jennings
Tell me more: When I first reviewed Kiefer Sutherland's excellent sophomore album Reckless & Me in 2019 I somehow missed that it was available via a two-disc special edition. The second disc features live versions of many of the finest originals from his 2016 debut Down in a Hole and last year's Reckless & Me that were recorded at a concert in Berlin, Germany. Sutherland has quickly established him as one of the strongest talents in country music, primarily because he has found a way to tap into the rich vein of outlaw music and make it his own. Whether singing intimate ballads such as "Saskatchewan," probing confessionals like "Down In A Hole" or kicking things up with "Rebel Wind," the tracks on the expanded set capture the excitement of Sutherland's recent concert tours. Information: KieferSutherland.net.

Artist: Ten Years After
DVD Title: Live from the Marquee Club, London (Store For Music)
You might like if you enjoy: Ten Years After, Alvin Lee, Joe Bonamassa, Humble Pie
Tell me more: Released back in 2012, Ten Years After's Live from the Marquee Club, London is definitely worth watching if you love classic British blues rock. Ten Years frontman Alvin Lee was a gifted singer and one of the world's first guitar heroes. On this performance captured in 1983 that was staged in celebration of the 25th anniversary of the Marquee Club, Lee and company tear through a fiery set including the masterful blues cut "Help Me," jazz jam "Woodchoppers Ball," and a marathon tear through "I'm Going Home." Information: thestoreformusic.com.





Robert Kinsler

Catching up on 2019 with impressive returns, special sets

The arrival of Christmas means the year is quickly drawing to a close. Here are some standout titles of 2019 that I had somehow missed upon their initial release that are well worth adding to your music library.

Artist: Kiefer Sutherland
Title: Reckless & Me (BMG)
You might like if you enjoy: Merle Haggard, Michael Ubaldini, Johnny Cash
Tell me more: Although Kiefer Sutherland's outstanding Jude Cole-produced debut Down in a Hole was among my favorite albums of 2016, I somehow missed the release of the famed actor-musician's sophomore album when it was released back in April 2019 (I'll blame it on my Coachella-related duties). Well, I've finally had a chance to listen to Reckless & Me and I'm kicking myself that I didn't wrap my ears around this 10-track LP sooner. All the honest real life tales and authentic traditional country music elements that made Sutherland's debut a thrill are firmly in place this time around as well with the raspy-voiced singer demonstrating even more confidence with his signature vocals. Take "Saskatchewan," whose stirring arc includes an otherworldly musical intro, beautifully-delivered spoken word and sung sections as well as poignant literate verses worthy of the genre's greatest icons. The honky tonk gem "This is How It's Done," Leon Russell-flavored romp "Run to Him," evocative "Song for a Daughter," enthralling "Open Road," genre-busting "Agave" and countrified rock take on the 1993 Patty Loveless hit "Blame It On Your Heart" are as artistically rich as they are unquestionably listenable. One of the year's best. Information: KieferSutherland.net.

Artist: Hootie & the Blowfish
Title: Imperfect Circle (Capitol Nashville)
You might like if you enjoy: Hootie & the Blowfish, Carbon Leaf, Darius Rucker
Tell me more: It had been nearly 15 years since Hooties & the Blowfish last released a new album when Imperfect Circle was issued at the beginning of November. Fans of the South Carolina-spawned quartet's infectious blend of melodic alt and country-tinged rock will not be disappointed with this long-awaited return. The magic and innate gift the band has for creating instantly-memorable and inviting jangly roots rock is featured across the 13-track disc. The bouncy "New Year's Day," captivating "Wildfire Love" (featuring guest singer Lucie Silvas), reggae-flavored "Turn It Up," reflective "Why" and buoyant heartland rocker "Rollin' " are among the top-tier cuts on the LP. Singer Darius Rucker's rich baritone is as potent as when it was first heard on Hootie & the Blowfish's 1994 debut album Cracked Rear View. The talents of guitarist-backing vocalist Mark Bryan, bassist Dean Felber and drummer Jim Sonefeld provide nuanced musicality to the set, making this an essential listen for fans of the group. Information: hootie.com.

Artist: Andy Hill & Renee Safier
Title: Fuse32 (Andy Hill & Renee Safier)
You might like if you enjoy: Fleetwood Mac
Tell me more: Fixtures on the Southern California music scene, Andy Hill  & Renee Safier, have just issued their 16th audio CD title, Fuse32. The talented duo's wide-ranging sonic spirit extends from uptempo classic rock-styled material to affecting ballads. It is the diversity of material, their wonderful voices (whether solo and or when harmonizing together) and their ability to tap into compelling songwriting traditions that make the album such a great listen. The riff rocker "Jack (Get Me Out of the Hole)," electronic-draped "It's Fine," Bob Dylan-worthy "Blood On The Tracks," the country tearjerker "I Fall Apart" (showcasing Safier's lovely soprano), opulent "Great Big Light" and ambitious roots rocker "Fuse32" are among the excellent songs on the album. Information: andyandrenee.com.

Artists: Culture, Gladiators, the Mighty Diamonds, more
Title: Send I a Lion: A Nighthawk Reggae Joint (Omnivore Recordings)
You might like if you enjoy: Morwells, Wailing Souls, Culture
Tell me more: Reggae lovers will want to fully immerse themselves in the 20-track compilation Send I A Lion: A Nighthawk Reggae Joint. The new title gathers together Nighthawk Records founder/producer Leroy Jodie Pierson's favorite roots reggae tracks from that vital label. The range of material is bound by strong songwriting and strong production bringing out the vocals and musicians. The material is uniformly strong; my favorites on the disc include Culture's hypnotic "Calling Rastafari," Justin Hinds and the Dominoes' tender "Weeping Eyes," the Mighty Diamonds' alluring "4000 Years," celebratory horns-adorned "Bless Our Soul courtesy of the Gladiators, and Morwells' pop-tinted "Young Lover." Of particular interest is a previously-unissued demo where the Mighty Diamonds perform the aforementioned "4000 Years," where Bunny Diamond is providing the rhythm played on the back of a phone book! The retrospective contains detailed liner notes and photos from Pierson's collection adding depth to the wonderful release. Information: OmnivoreRecordings.com.


Robert Kinsler

Kiefer Sutherland set to release 'Reckless & Me' album on April 26 via BMG

I was excited to hear that Kiefer Sutherland is set to release his full-length sophomore album next month. His debut album, released in 2016, was terrific (you can read my review of Down In A Hole here), and he is equally strong live (check out my review of his April 2018 performance at The Coach House here). Here is the media release with all the great details about Sutherland's next LP...

KIEFER SUTHERLAND

SET TO RELEASE SOPHOMORE ALBUM

‘RECKLESS & ME’

WORLDWIDE ON FRIDAY, APRIL 26 VIA BMG

 

LATEST SINGLE, “THIS IS HOW IT’S DONE,” OUT NOW

Kiefer Sutherland is set to release his sophomore full-length album, Reckless & Me, worldwide on Friday, April 26 via BMG. The 10-track Reckless & Me delivers Sutherland’s Americana and country rock-infused songwriting style and highlights his gift of soulful storytelling. Pre-order is available now, here. 

 

The new album holds beautifully arranged ballads and authentic country rockers such as the album’s lead single, “Open Road,” and latest offering, “This Is How It’s Done” – all delivered with Sutherland’s distinctive, whiskey-soaked and gravel-laced voice.

 

Click here to watch a video incorporating tour footage for “This Is How It’s Done.”

 

Kiefer Sutherland performing at The Coach
House in April 2018.
Photo: Bob Steshetz

Sutherland’s three-decade, award-winning acting career has made him a familiar face around the globe, but his other passion is music. “I asked myself, says Sutherland, “‘what is the thing that I love about acting, and music?’ ‘What is the common denominator?’ For me it's storytelling and music is a very different way of doing it.”

 

Produced by Jude Cole, Reckless & Me marks the follow up to Sutherland’s critically acclaimed debut album, Down In A Hole (2016), which had Jill Lawless of Associated Press identifying Sutherland’s “…unexpected, unvarnished authenticity as a singer/songwriter.” Consequence of Sound’s Collin Brennan simply raved Down In A Hole is a “…boozy, bad-ass country album.”

 

Now returning with Reckless & Me, Sutherland wants to keep touring and sharing these songs with his fans. Though he loves writing and recording, the stage holds a special place in his heart, and for the last three years, he’s toured extensively earning a reputation as a relentless road warrior. 

 

"I couldn't have imagined the depth with which I have fallen in love with touring,” says Sutherland. “To have the opportunity to convey intimate, personal stories to an audience has proven to be priceless.” 

 

U.S. tour dates are expected to be announced soon. 

 

Track listing for Reckless & Me:

“Open Road “

“Something You Love”

“Faded Pair of Blue Jeans”

“Reckless & Me”

“Blame It on Your Heart”

“This Is How It’s Done”

“Agave”

“Run to Him”

“Saskatchewan”

“Song for a Daughter”

For more information on Kiefer Sutherland, visit:

Official website / Spotify / Facebook / Instagram / Twitter

Kiefer Sutherland thrills capacity crowd at The Coach House

Kiefer Sutherland leading his band through an impressive 90-minute headlining set
of country and roots rock at The Coach House in Orange County, CA on April 26, 2018.

Kiefer Sutherland's performance at the Belly Up in Solana Beach, CA in May 2017 was one of my favorite concert performances of last year (read my review of that show here) so it should come as no surprise the artist's first-ever performance at The Coach House in Orange County, CA (delivered on Thursday night, April 26, 2018) marked another excuse to celebrate one of country music's true rising stars.

Kiefer Sutherland performing
on April 26, 2018.

Sure, the star of Designated Survivor has been an acclaimed actor for more than 30 years, but the release of his full-length debut album Down in a Hole in August 2016 was truly a surprise. Filled with detailed and confessional original material blending traditional and alt-country styles, the album's stellar songs gain even more depth via Sutherland's compelling concert appearances. That definitely proved to be the case over the length of a fast-moving, 90-minute performance as part of his 2018 Reckless Tour that was staged in San Juan Capistrano last night.

Country rocker Kiefer Sutherland.

While the Coach House set list featured included many of the same songs featured last year, there was an added confidence, depth and power this time around. In addition to Sutherland's obvious star power and bona fide talents as both singer and songwriter, credit the strength of a top-tier band featuring guitar great Michael Gurley (of DADA and Butterfly Jones fame), drummer Jess Calcaterra, guitarist Austin Valleijo and bassist Joseph DeLeo with further bolstering the night.

There was a strong rhythm to the night, with Sutherland and company coming out rocking with the song "Run to Him," Sutherland working a tambourine as he took the stage. Strong guitar work from both Gurley and Valleijo injected further firepower in the opener.  

The night featured uptempo countrified rockers, poignant ballads, and winning covers that consistently worked. There were also the concise but revealing asides where Sutherland would discuss the genesis of his own tracks and affection he had for the covers and the artists that created them in the first place.

There were many high marks of the night. The early part of the show featured the confessional blues-country tune "Reckless & Me" with Gurley's ethereal slide guitar work adorning Sutherland's heartfelt vocals; the emotional rocker "Going Home" with its big finish leading into the tender ballad "I'll Do Anything" came next.

A rousing rollicking cover of Patty Loveless' "Blame It On Your Heart" was pure fun; a cover of the late Merle Haggard's "The Bottle Let Me Down" was faithful in both its power and in traditional country stylings.

Kiefer Sutherland on April 26.

Late set highlight were just as powerful with the country-folk nugget "Faded Pair of Blue Jeans," haunting "Calling Out Your Name" (the ambitious arrangement spanned from a quiet opening to a sweeping Neil Young-styled blast to finish), Americana rocker "Down in a Hole" (complete with a duel between Gurley and Valleijo) and terrific honky tonk-worthy cover of Lone Justice's "Ways to be Wicked" adding to the momentum.

The show ended with palpable power. After performing the apt acoustic tribute to professional truck drivers ("Open Road"), Sutherland and his band were off to the races. They unleashed the mighty country rocker "Rebel Wind," a fitting freewheeling tribute to the late Tom Petty ("Honey Bee") and finally finished off the inspired night with a new original Latin rock track, "Agave."

To be sure, the same artistic talents Sutherland has displayed on screen are evident in his strengths as a singer, songwriter and sonic storyteller.

Visit Kiefer Sutherland's official music site here.

Rick Brantley performing at the
Coach House on April 26, 2018.

Opening the show was Macon, Georgia-spawned singer-songwriter Rick Brantley, whose Southern charm helped get the crowd to sing along on some of his fun-styled material but thankfully never masked the power of his probing acoustic numbers. Highlights of his 45-minute set included the sparse Bruce Springsteen-tinged "40 Days, 40 Nights," eloquent study of suffering, the affecting "Hurt People." His soulful cover of the Otis Redding classic "Try a Little Tenderness" was a justified crowd pleasing moment with everyone riveted by Brantley's inspired vocals and strong rhythms on his acoustic guitar.



Review by Robert Kinsler

Photography by Bob Steshetz


Kiefer Sutherland Concert at the Coach House Setlist
Run to Him / Something You Love / Reckless & Me / Going Home / I'll Do Anything / Blame It On Your Heart (Patty Loveless cover) / The Bottle Let Me Down (Merle Haggard cover) / Faded Pair of Blue Jeans / Saskatchewan / Calling Out Your Name / All She Wrote / Down in a Hole / Can't Stay Away / Ways to be Wicked (Lone Justice cover) / Rebel Wind / Honey Bee (Tom Petty cover) / Agave