New Music: Ted Russell Kamp, Breezers, Leo Lyons' Hundred Seventy Split

New albums featuring singer-songwriter great Ted Russell Kamp, genre-defying Breezers and Ten Years After bassist Leo Lyons are available now. 

Artist: Ted Russell Kamp

Title: California Son (KZZ Records/Blue Elan)

You might like if you enjoy: Shooter Jennings, Merle Haggard, Nils Lofgren, John Mellencamp, I See Hawks in L.A.

Tell me more: Grammy-winning musician Ted Russell Kamp is back with this latest masterwork (California Son), a wonderful full length tribute to Los Angeles and Southern California. Kamp recruited a parade of musical friends to help complete the ambitious project and those top-tier contributions enhance California Son across the disc. The breezy autobiographical title track, infectious "Hard to Hold" (a co-write with Eli Wulfmeier), the countrified "Shine On" (the latter a shining collaboration with I See Hawks in L.A.), rootsy "High Desert Fever," rollicking country rocker "Miracle Mile" and captivating closer "Every Little Thing" are among the standouts on this stellar 12-track set. Information: tedrussellkamp.com.

Artist: Breezers

Title: Hideaway (Blackbird/Indie AM Gold)

You might like if you enjoy: Bright Eyes, Mazzy Star, M Ward, Beck's "Morning Phase" and "Sea Change"

Tell me more: Blending folk, Americana and Mazzy Star-tinged dreamscapes, Breezers — the moniker for Los Angeles singer-songwriter Evan apRoberts — has returned with the bewitching album Hideaway. This is an album that is as much about the luxurious moodscape as the individual songs and nuanced musicianship; the 12-track album is a truly sumptuous listen. According to the artist, the album's far-flung influences are pulled from his successful visual arts practice; apRoberts notes "I find much inspiration in the philosophies, writing and sensibilities of the Beats, The Dirty Realists, the Romantic poets from the early nineteenth century, and Ken Kesey." Highlights include the magical opener "The Last Rung," Baroque pop sortie "No Problem," Laurel Canyon-mining "Cemetery," the country-tinged "Caldera Nights," lovely "Dirt Road Dirtbag," and genre-blending foray "Mountain Lion." The album closes with "Caverns Reveal," a song apRoberts wrote back in 2007; the swirling original features apRoberts' talents on lead vocals, guitars, mandolin and banjitar. Co produced by apRoberts and Graeme Gibson, Hideaway is a sonic treasure worthy of discovery. Information: breezersmusic.com.

Artist: Leo Lyons' Hundred Seventy Split

Title: Movin' On (Flatiron Recordings)

You might like if you enjoy: Ten Years After, Black Country Communion, Bad Company

Tell me more: The legendary founding bassist of British blues heroes Ten Years After, bassist Leo Lyons, has released his first-ever solo effort (Movin' On) via his new project Leo Lyons' Hundred Seventy Split. The path to the completion of the album was not easy; Lyons along with singer-guitar great Joe Gooch and drummer Damon Sawyer originally booked studio time for March 2020 but the arrival of the pandemic delayed the recording of the Lyons-produced album for more than two years. The album's apt title Movin' On was result of Lyon's outlook that the world moving beyond the dark isolation of COVID to a better period. Indeed, the 10-track disc exudes a positive musical spirit in line with the best of British blues rock. The grooving "Walking in the Devil's Shoes," swinging blues gem "It's So Easy to Slide" (the latter bolstered by Gooch's speedy fret work), classic rock-styled "Heart of a Hurricane" and "Black River," and fiery closer "Time To Kill" are among the marvelous cuts on Movin' On. Information: hundredseventysplit.com.

Robert Kinsler

Alvin Lee ES-335 ‘69 Festival - released worldwide by Gibson

As regular readers of my posts know, Alvin Lee was one of my favorite artists. After seeing Ten Years After's performance in the film "Woodstock," I sought out and began getting as many of his albums as I could. Those included his albums with TYA, as well as Ten Years Later and his solo efforts.

You can read my tribute to Alvin Lee that was published following his death in 2013 here. That article includes my re-posting of an article (published 25 years ago today) from The Orange County Register featuring my interview with the legendary singer-guitarist leading up to his performance at The Coach House in San Juan Capistrano. 

Read the media release below for details on the release of Gibson's "Alvin Lee ES-335 '69 Festival" electric guitar. Very cool indeed! Robert Kinsler

Gibson

 ‘Alvin Lee ES-335 ‘69 Festival’

Available Worldwide today, November 5, 2019

Blues-Rock Legend’s Signature “Big Red” Guitar From Breakout Festival Performance Released In Celebration Of

50^th Anniversary Of Woodstock

“My famous Gibson 335 that I bought for £45 in Nottingham was the best investment I ever made.”

--Alvin Lee

Alvin Lee playing his Gibson 335.
Photo credit: Dan Garson

NASHVILLE, TN (November 5, 2019) Gibson, the iconic American instrument brand, has announced the worldwide release of the new, limited-edition Alvin Lee ES-335 ’69 Festival’. The leading guitar brand has created the exact ES-335 guitar in Aged Sixties Cherry. The striking guitar, which Lee called “Big Red” launched his performance to legendary status while showcasing his lightning-fast guitar playing at the original Woodstock festival in 1969. In celebration of the 50^th Anniversary of Woodstock this year and Lee’s breakout festival performance, the historically accurate guitar is officially available now at Authorized Gibson Dealers worldwide. For more information, visit www.Gibson.com.

When Ten Years After took their heavy, manic blues-rock to the stage at Woodstock in 1969, the band unleashed a performance that came to define not just the legendary festival, but the spirit and sound of a movement. Following their set, which ended in a blistering, masterful rendition of “I’m Going Home,” Ten Years After catapulted to worldwide stardom and Alvin Lee rose to join Eric Clapton, Jimi Hendrix and Keith Richards as one of the most influential guitar gods of the time. In honor of the 50th Anniversary of Woodstock, Gibson is proud to present this Alvin Lee ES-335 ‘69 Festival’ guitar, built to the exact specifications of the guitar Lee used during his jaw-dropping, festival performance. The Gibson Alvin Lee ES-335 ’69 Festival’ guitar includes all of the stickers, aging, special modifications and mojo of the original. Only 50 of these limited-edition Alvin Lee ES-335 ’69 Festival’ guitars will be sold worldwide.

The Alvin Lee ES-335 '69 Festival guitar

Watch and share the following video of the new Alvin Lee ES-335 ’69 Festival’ guitar featuring Leo Lyons (Ten Years After, co-founder and bassist), Loraine Burgon (Alvin Lee’s partner 1963-1973) and Barrie Cadogan (Little Barrie, Primal Scream, The The), Here.

"Really happy to hear that Gibson guitars is doing a limited edition 335 in honour of Alvin Lee. Alvin was a brilliant guitar player that became famous all around the world with his band-Ten Years After. He was a great friend of mine and Black Sabbath, he made a major impact on thousands of guitar players globally-including me! Thank you, Gibson - Alvin well deserves it!!”

--Tony Iommi

“Alvin was one of the most exciting Rock/blues guitarists of his generation. His red customised Gibson ES 335 not only gave him his signature sound but was also a part of his iconic stage personality.”

--Leo Lyons (Ten Years After co-founder and bassist 1966–2013)

Born in Nottingham, England, Alvin Lee began playing guitar at age 13 and formed the core of what would become the band Ten Years After by age 15. Originally influenced by his parent's prolific collection of jazz and blues records, it was the advent of Rock ’n’ Roll that truly ignited Lee’s interest and creativity with guitarists like Chuck Berry and Scotty Moore providing his inspiration.

With Lee as guitarist, singer and songwriter, Ten Years After (TYA) first toured America in 1968 at the invitation of the legendary Fillmore promoter Bill Graham. American audiences were immediately captivated by the group’s innovative mix of blues, swing, jazz and rock alongside Lee's distinctive, soulful and rapid-fire guitar playing.

Alvin Lee’s groundbreaking, virtuoso guitar performance at Woodstock festival in 1969--captured live on film in the documentary of the festival--remains a gold standard of influence today for many guitarists and continues to introduce Lee to new music fans all over the world.

Listen to Alvin Lee: https://alvinlee.lnk.to/Listen. 

For more information about Alvin Lee:

 

ALVINLEE.COM | INSTAGRAM | FACEBOOK | YOUTUBE

 

 

For Gibson, visit:

 

GIBSON.COM | TWITTER | INSTAGRAM | FACEBOOK | YOUTUBE

 

 

About Gibson:

Gibson Brands, the world’s most iconic guitar brand, has shaped the sounds of generations of musicians and music lovers across genres for more than 100 years. Founded in 1894 and headquartered in Nashville, TN, Gibson Brands has a legacy of world-class craftsmanship, legendary music partnerships and progressive product evolution that is unrivaled among musical instrument companies. The Gibson Brands portfolio includes Gibson, the number one guitar brand, as well as many of the most beloved and recognizable music brands, including Epiphone, Kramer, Steinberger and Gibson Pro Audio division brands Cerwin Vega, KRK Systems and Stanton. Gibson Brands is dedicated to quality, innovation and sound excellence so that music lovers for generations to come will continue to experience music shaped by Gibson Brands. Learn more at http://www.gibson.com and follow us on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram.

Under The Radar Releases Worth Discovering

In addition to featuring a number of recent must hear releases, this column marks the debut of a new feature where I will profile a different "Lost Classic" release each week.

Artist: Beth Bombara
Title: Evergreen (All The Right Pills/Lemp Electric)
You might like if you enjoy: Aimee Mann, Phoebe Bridgers
Tell me more: Singer-songwriter Beth Bombara's new album Evergreen (set for release on Aug. 9) finds the songstress tapping into that magical sonic-sphere comprised of equal parts melancholy, melody, literate verse and solid songcraft. The Michigan native who now calls St. Louis home created the 10-song disc while spending time in a remote cabin nestled in the wilderness of the Rocky Mountains and the results are glorious. The luxurious opening track "I Only Cry When I'm Alone" recalls some of Aimee Mann's best work; as if that wasn't enough of a recommendation the disc's subsequent cuts offer endless opportunities to hear the power of the singer-guitarist's knack for crafting undeniable material that showcases her emotive soprano and the importance of arrangements that are nuanced and come in the service of the songs. Great songs abound on "Evergreen" as evidenced by the shimmering title track, haunting "Anymore," Americana-tinged "Tenderhearted" and "Does It Echo?," and the melodic rocker "Good News." Information: www.bethbombara.com.

Artist: Radio California
Title: Chewing Gum Kind of Day (Jesse Ojeda)
You might like if you enjoy: Youth Gone Mad, Hüsker Dü
Tell me more: Southern California-based avant-garde prog rockers Radio California are back with another batch of edgy, groundbreaking and original tracks that mix and mash punk, rock, blues and art damage across the involving Chewing Gum Kind of Day. The 10-track album challenges the listener at every turn, with multi-layered tracking of instruments and hypnotic vocals courtesy of leader Jesse Ojeda. Standouts on this album include the wistful "You Can't Go Back," driving "Giant," and haunting "When Love is Gone." The lyrics capture the edginess of modern life to be sure but there is also a hopeful spirit where there is always a promise of something better ahead. An interesting and independent album worth discovering. Information: https://store.cdbaby.com/Artist/RadioCalifornia1.

Artist: Blue Moon Marquee
Title: Bare Knuckles & Brawn (Blue Moon Marquee Music)
You might like if you enjoy: Robert Johnson
Tell me more: Listening to Canadian Gypsy blues duo Blue Moon Marquee's Bare Knuckles & Brawn is to be transported back to the early 20th century even while the artful mix-up of genres provides a welcome modern twist. Indeed all 11 tracks on Bare Knuckles & Brawn are original (courtesy of British Columbia's singer-guitarist A.W. Cardinal and bassist-vocalist Jasmine Colette); the duo and a collection of talented guests blend early blues with western swing (just listen to "Smoke Rings For My Rider"!), jazz and New Orleans stylings. The ambitious LP was recorded in a mere three days, an approach that helped yield the authentic and infectious spirit of the album. The arc of the disc can be uptempo and swing with excitement, and quickly journey to introspection. The beautiful jazz-flavored ballad "Hard Times Hit Parade" and apt "As I Lay Dying" showcase the impressive range of Blue Moon Marquee's approach. Information: www.bluemoonmarquee.com.



LOST CLASSIC

Artist: Ten Years After
Title: Ssssh (Chrysalis Records)
You might like if you enjoy: Led Zeppelin, Alvin Lee
Tell me more: Those planning to catch the 50th anniversary showing of "Woodstock: The Director's Cut" when it returns to movie theaters on Thursday, August 15 should be sure to catch one of the concert film's key performances - Ten Years After's "I'm Going Home." Recorded two months before that legendary performance and released in August 1969, Ssssh was the British blues rock band's third album and endures as one of the best albums of the genre. Although the album charted at #4 in the United Kingdom and #20 in the U.S. the LP has sadly slipped away from the spotlight over the past 50 years. Listening to the essential 2018 reissue of the disc is to be reminded of the freewheeling approach and virtuoso musicianship of Alvin Lee (guitar, vocals), Leo Lyons (bass), Ric Lee (drums) and Chick Churchill (keyboards). In addition to scorching blues rockers (including "Bad Scene," "Stoned Woman," "I Woke Up This Morning") and acoustic blues nuggets ("Two Time Mama," "If You Should Love Me") penned by Lee, the album also features a fiery take on Sonny Boy Williamson's "Good Morning Little School Girl." Information: amazon.com.

Robert Kinsler