Rock 'n' Roll Royalty Revisited

This week I get to champion a handful of my favorite classic rock artists, all of whom are featured on new must-have full-length releases.

Artist: Neil Young
Title: Homegrown (Reprise Records)
You might like if you enjoy: Neil Young, Nils Lofgren, Bob Dylan
Tell me more: When it comes to tales of long lost musical treasures, it's tough to beat the backstory of Neil Young's latest offering Homegrown released on June 19. Originally set for release in 1975, Homegrown was recorded between June 1974 and January 1975. Indeed, Young himself cancelled the initial commercial release of Homegrown. Is the album worth the more than 45-year wait? To be sure. Things commence with the wonderfully-ragged "Separate Ways," a mix of rootsy rock and alternative country stylings. A feel good and positive "Try" follows, a romantic invitation whose lyricism is the equal of the track's sweet-tempered grace. Another joyful standout is "White Line," where Young's acoustic delivery is enhanced by some sweet lead guitar work from Robbie Robertson sprinkled artfully throughout. A quiet and inviting "Star of Bethlehem," embellished with Young's gentle harmonica play and additional lovely vocals from Emmylou Harris bolster the LP closer. The overall feel and tone of the album is alt country, with Young mixing that soundscape with injections of the blues ("We Don't Smoke It No More"), spoken word narration ("Florida"), rock ("Vacancy") and folk ("Kansas"). "Mexico" and "Little Wing" — songs that Young delivers alone — are particularly affecting. There is a profound elegance displayed via the songs, stellar musicianship and the resplendent sound of the 12 memorable tracks lovingly restored from the original master tapes by John Hanlon. Information: NeilYoungArchives.com.

Artists: Brian Wilson and Van Dyke Parks
Title: Orange Crate Art (Omnivore Recordings)
You might like if you enjoy: Brian Wilson, The Beach Boys, Burt Bacharach
Tell me more: Fans of The Beach Boys' most adventuresome music will want to get the wonderful 25th anniversary reissue of Orange Crate Art, the ambitious 1994 collaboration between icon Brian Wilson and producer-arranger Van Dyke Parks. It is a wonderful companion to 2011's The Smile Sessions, a project that completed the Beach Boys album SMiLE (that was originally recorded in 1966 and 1967 but never completed; that LP was composed by Wilson with Dyke Parks providing the lyrics). Orange Crate Art features a collection of genre-defying songs penned by Parks, who recruited Wilson back into the studio to sing the songs; this was no easy task since Wilson was coached to sing lead vocals and all harmony vocals on the songs (just listen to "Palm Tree and Moon" and "Summer in Monterey"). This is an outstanding album of songs that collectively celebrate the mythical Southern California of yesterday; the Baroque pop title track, Beach Boys-flavored "Sail Away" and lounge chamber pop "My Hobo Heart" are early highlights. The artful rocker "San Francisco," Calypso-tinged "Hold Back Time," orchestral pop gem "Movies Is Magic" and Americana mining "This Town Goes Down at Sunset" capture the bold and zealous spirit of this truly original and captivating title. The end of the first disc includes three previously-unissued session outtakes. A second disc on the 2-CD package features 11 instrumental versions of the songs heard on the first disc. Orange Crate Art is available as a 2-CD or 2-LP vinyl set. Information: OmnivoreRecordings.com.

Artist: Blue Öyster Cult
Title: iHeart Radio Theater N.Y.C. 2012 (Frontiers Music s.r.l.)
You might like if you enjoy: Rush, Asia, Blue Öyster Cult
Tell me more: Blue Öyster Cult's performance at iHeartRadio Theater in New York City on Dec. 17, 2012 was staged before an intimate setting of 200 fans as part of a special concert in connection with the band's 40th Anniversary and release of a boxset The Columbia Albums Collection. Fortunately the special webcast was also captured by high-res video cameras and state-of-the-art recording equipment for the newly-released iHeart Radio Theater N.Y.C. 2012. The rock quintet (singer-lead guitarist Donald "Buck Dharma" Roeser, singer-guitarist Eric Bloom, guitarist-keyboardist Richie Castellano, bassist Kasim Sulton and drummer Jules Radino) opens with the blistering "R U Ready 2 Rock" and never looks back, delivering up powerful and convincing versions of many of the troupe's most beloved originals. Blending progressive and psychedelic rock styles, early highlights include the dynamic "Golden Age of Leather," an extended take on the infectious hit "Burnin' For You" and heavy metal favorite "This Ain't the Summer of Love." Later Blue Öyster Cult escalates the concert's power quotient with the lead guitar-anchored rocker "Shooting Shark," hard rocker "Cities On Flame with Rock and Roll," the enthralling prog rocker "The Vigil," and bona fide rock radio classics "Godzilla" and "(Don't Fear) The Reaper." The band's blend of virtuoso musicianship, creative and full harmonies and unflinching song craft make for a powerful presention across the title. iHeart Radio Theater N.Y.C. 2012 is available via audio CD/DVD, Blu-ray and vinyl formats. Information: BlueOysterCult.com.

Artist: Bob Dylan

Title: Rough and Rowdy Ways (Columbia)

You might like if you enjoy: Bob Dylan, Michael Ubaldini, Bruce Springsteen
Tell me more: Rough and Rowdy Ways is Bob Dylan's first album of original material in eight years, and first new full-length release since he received the Nobel Prize for Literature in 2016 "for having created new poetic expressions within the great American song tradition." At 79, the legendary Duluth, Minnesota native still has plenty of important things to say. Look no further than the much-discussed "Murder Most Foul," a track that fully chronicles the assassination of President John F. Kennedy on November 22, 1963. Dylan's fierce observations are delivered with a well-aged raspy baritone and beautifully framed by an acoustic piano and the embellishment of strings. But to hear the 17-minute opus as only a snapshot of that tragic moment in Dallas is to miss Dylan's ability to tap into the fears and profound sadness that greeted the nation with the murder of Kennedy, as well as a myriad of cultural and historical references that boost the poetic ride. Followers of Dylan know there is often a mystery to his enigmatic songs adorned with literary citations, and that is the case here. The blues-stamped "False Prophet" and "My Own Version of You," vulnerable ballad "I've Made Up My Mind to Give Myself to You," gorgeous "Mother of Muses" and countrified "Goodbye Jimmy Reed" are involving and thought-provoking songs in the tradition of his best work and are worth many repeated listens to be sure. Information: BobDylan.com.




Robert Kinsler

Neil Young to release 'Homegrown' on June 19 via Reprise Records

Does music news get more exciting than this? 


This just landed in my inbox and is definitely worth sharing...Robert Kinsler

May 18, 2020 (Los Angeles, CA) – Roughly forty-six years after its original recording, Neil Young announces the release of one his most storied and sought-after albums ever, Homegrown. Often referred to by fans as one of Young’s mysterious, great “lost albums,” the twelve studio tracks will be released on all formats on June 19^th, via Reprise Records. Album pre-orders begin today and will include an instant download of previously unreleased album track “Try.”  Click here to pre-order.

Neil Young describes Homegrown as “The One That Got Away,” and posted the following letter on Neil Young Archives below:

“I apologize. This album Homegrown should have been there for you a couple of years after Harvest.It’s the sad side of a love affair. The damage done. The heartache. I just couldn’t listen to it. I wanted to move on. So I kept it to myself, hidden away in the vault, on the shelf, in the back of my mind….but I should have shared it. It’s actually beautiful. That’s why I made it in the first place. Sometimes life hurts. You know what I mean. This is the one that got away. 

Recorded in analog in 1974 and early 1975, Homegrown was mixed at that time to original stereo analog master tapes. These original mixes have been restored with love and care by John Hanlon, and mastered by Chris Bellman at Bernie Grundman Mastering, making Homegrown a completely original album.

Levon Helm is drumming on some tracks, Karl T Himmel on others, Emmylou Harris singing on one, Robbie Robertson plays on one. Homegrown contains a narration, several acoustic solo songs never even published or heard until this release and some great songs played with a band of my friends, including Ben Keith – steel and slide – Tim Drummond – bass and Stan Szelest – piano. Anyway, it’s coming your way in 2020, the first release from our archive in this new decade. Come with us into 2020 as we bring you the past.” – Neil Young

Neil Young puts it best, “This album is the unheard bridge between Harvest and Comes A Time.” Recorded between June 1974 and January 1975, Homegrown was intended to come out in 1975 before Young cancelled the release. The album has remained unreleased until now, achieving a legendary status among Neil Young fans in the process.

The album is made up of twelve Neil Young songs, of which seven are previously unreleased - “Separate Ways,” “Try,” “Mexico,” “Kansas,” “We Don’t Smoke It No More,” “Vacancy” and “Florida” (a spoken word narration). Also included are the very first recordings of “Homegrown” and  “White Line”.  “Little Wing,” “Love Is A Rose,” and “Star Of Bethlehem” – different mixes of which would all later appear on other Neil Young albums, retain their original form in Homegrown. 

Young plays solo on some tracks (guitar, piano and harmonica), and is joined by a band of friends on other tracks, including Levon Helm, Ben Keith, Karl T Himmel, Tim Drummond, Emmylou Harris and Robbie Robertson.

Recorded in analog, and mastered from the original master tapes, this long-lost album is a wonderful addition to Young’s incomparable catalog.

 

HOMEGROWN Track Listing:

Separate Ways

Try

Mexico

Love Is A Rose

Homegrown

Florida

Kansas

We Don’t Smoke It No More

White Line

Vacancy

Little Wing

Star of Bethlehem

Inbox Update: the late (great!) Levon Helm to be celebrated at 55th Annual GRAMMY Awards

This just in...

NEWS RELEASE

ZAC BROWN, BRITTANY HOWARD
(ALABAMA SHAKES), ELTON JOHN,
MUMFORD & SONS, AND MAVIS STAPLES
TO JOIN TOGETHER FOR
A SPECIAL TRIBUTE TO
THE LATE LEVON HELM ON THE
55TH ANNUAL GRAMMY AWARDS^® 

NOMINEE T BONE BURNETT TO SERVE
AS MUSICAL DIRECTOR
FOR SPECIAL IN MEMORIAM SEGMENT
 

The 55th Annual GRAMMY Awards^® — Hosted by LL COOL J — Airs Live on CBS 
Sunday, Feb. 10, 8 P.M. ET/PT
#TheWorldIsListening

 

SANTA MONICA, Calif. (Feb. 6, 2013) — Nominees Zac Brown, Brittany Howard (Alabama Shakes), and Mumford & Sons, along with five-time GRAMMY^® winner, GRAMMY Legend Award^™ recipient, and 2000 MusiCares^® Person of the Year honoreeElton John and GRAMMY winner and Recording Academy Lifetime Achievement Award recipient (as a member of the Staples Singers) Mavis Staples will join together for a special tribute to the late Levon Helm as part of the annual In Memoriam segment on the 55th Annual GRAMMY Awards^® telecast. Current nominee T Bone Burnett will serve as musical director for this special tribute to Helm. Additionally, current nominees Miguel and Wiz Khalifa also are set to perform on Music's Biggest Night^®. Thirteen-time GRAMMY winner Dave Grohl, three-time GRAMMY winner and current nominee Ne-Yo, and TV and radio host/producer (and newly appointed Honorary Chair of the GRAMMY Foundation Board) Ryan Seacrestwill appear as presenters. The music industry's premier event will take place live on Sunday, Feb. 10, at STAPLES Center in Los Angeles and will be broadcast in high-definition TV and 5.1 surround sound on the CBS Television Network from 8 – 11:30 p.m. (ET/PT). The show also will be supported on radio worldwide via Dial Global, and covered online atGRAMMY.com and CBS.com, and on YouTube. Additional performers, presenters and special segments will be announced soon. For GRAMMY coverage, updates and breaking news, please visit The Recording Academy^®'s social networks on Twitter and Facebook.

Current nominee Miguel is up for five awards: Song Of The Year, Best R&B Performance, and Best R&B Song for "Adorn," and Best Urban Contemporary Album for Kaleidoscope Dream, and Best Rap Song (along with Olubowale Akintimehin, S. Joseph Dew, Jerrin Howard, and Walker Johnson) for "Lotus Flower Bomb."

Twelve-time GRAMMY-winning producer T Bone Burnett, Brittany Howard (Alabama Shakes), and Wiz Khalifa each have two nominations: Burnett is nominated twice in Best Song Written For Visual Media for "Abraham's Daughter" (from The Hunger Games) (along with Win Butler and Régine Chassagne) and "Safe & Sound" (from The Hunger Games) (along with Taylor Swift, John Paul White, and Joy Williams); Howard is up for Best New Artist and Best Rock Performance for "Hold On" (both with Alabama Shakes); and Wiz Khalifa is nominated for Best Pop Duo/Group Performance for "Payphone" (with Maroon 5), and Best Rap Song for "Young, Wild & Free" (along with Calvin Broadus, Chris Brody Brown, Peter Hernandez, Philip Lawrence, and Ari Levine).

Zac Brown has a Best Country Album nod for Uncaged.

Previously announced performers for the 55th Annual GRAMMY Awards are current nominees Dierks Bentley and Miranda Lambert, The Black Keys, Kelly Clarkson, FUN.,the Lumineers, Mumford & Sons, Frank Ocean, Rihanna, Taylor Swift, Carrie Underwood, and Jack White, as well as Elton John and current nominee Ed Sheeranperforming live together for the first time, Alicia Keys and current nominees Maroon 5, current nominee Bruno Mars, Rihanna, and Sting in a special performance, and Justin Timberlake. The Black Keys, FUN., Howard, the Lumineers, Miguel, Ocean, Sheeran, and Wiz Khalifa will perform on the GRAMMY telecast for the first time. Previously announced presenters are nominees Beyoncé, Hunter Hayes, Carly Rae Jepsen and Katy Perry, actor Kaley Cuoco, actor and three-time Emmy^® Award winner Neil Patrick Harris, five-time GRAMMY winnerFaith Hill, singer/actor Jennifer Lopez, three-time GRAMMY winner Tim McGraw, actorPauley Perrette, seven-time GRAMMY winner Prince, and four-time GRAMMY winnerKeith Urban. Two-time GRAMMY winner LL COOL J returns as host of the music industry's premier event.

The 55th Annual GRAMMY Awards are produced by AEG Ehrlich Ventures for The Recording Academy. Ken Ehrlich is executive producer, Louis J. Horvitz is director, and David Wild and Ken Ehrlich are the writers.

Established in 1957, The Recording Academy is an organization of musicians, songwriters, producers, engineers and recording professionals that is dedicated to improving the cultural condition and quality of life for music and its makers. Internationally known for the GRAMMY Awards — the preeminent peer-recognized award for musical excellence and the most credible brand in music — The Recording Academy is responsible for groundbreaking professional development, cultural enrichment, advocacy, education and human services programs. The Academy continues to focus on its mission of recognizing musical excellence, advocating for the well-being of music makers and ensuring music remains an indelible part of our culture. For more information about The Academy, please visit www.grammy.com. For breaking news and exclusive content, follow @TheGRAMMYs on Twitter, like "The GRAMMYs" on Facebook, and join The GRAMMYs' social communities on Foursquare, GetGlue, Google +, Instagram,Pinterest, Tumblr, and YouTube.

Inbox Update: Tim McGraw, 'Holidays Rule' collection, Levon Helm documentary

There are a number of new and upcoming releases set to land between now and early 2013. Here are some recent highlights pulled from my inbox.

Tim McGraw unveils details for his next album, 'Two Lanes of Freedom,' set to land on Feb. 5, 2013

McGraw to debut brand new single "One Of Those Nights" live on the CMA Awards on Nov. 1, 2012

Nashville, TN - Oct. 30, 2012 – Country music icon Tim McGraw announced today that his first album on Big Machine Records TWO LANES OF FREEDOM will be released Feb. 5, 2013. The new single "One Of Those Nights" will make its national television debut on ABC's live broadcast of the 2012 CMA Awards this Thursday night (Nov. 1, 2012), as it will simultaneously be delivered to country radio.


"I always go into the studio to make the best record I can possibly make, and this one is no different. But 'Freedom' is a powerful word," said McGraw. "To come into a situation where there's some weight lifted, some refreshment going on, you can feel that in the music. I think you can feel the horses gallop on this record, and where I might go and what I might do when my engines are revving."

For 20 years, McGraw has been providing a powerful connection with his audience. With TWO LANES OF FREEDOM, the singer returns as co-producer with long-time friend Byron Gallimore. The album covers his broadest emotional range yet, with a set of songs that looks forward and back, gets deep and gets loose, and reveals that even the biggest stars can continue to grow with consistency and maturity.

"I feel like we really found some great songs for this record, and 'One Of Those Nights' perfectly sets the tone for the project," explained McGraw. "It's about reflecting on old times with a sense of nostalgia, but it's also about creating new memories and living in the moment and looking towards the future. I am doing that in my own life and career now, and I can't wait for my fans to hear the single and album. It's an unbelievably exciting time for me!"

Fans will have the first chance to preview the upcoming album’s carefree new single “One Of Those Nights” today when McGraw appears on The Ellen DeGeneres Show. He'll also surprise some unsuspecting fans in Las Vegas and chat with Ellen about the new album (check local listings).

In his record-shattering career, McGraw has sold over 40 million albums, and dominated the charts with 32 No. one singles. Since the release of his debut album in 1993, he has won three GRAMMY’s, 14 ACM Awards, 11 CMA Awards, and 10 AMA’s, while simultaneously maintaining a parallel career as a successful actor in such films as The Blind Side, Country Strong, and Friday Night Lights—as well as hosting Saturday Night Live, a rare honor for a singer in any genre. McGraw has never been afraid of breaking new ground; over the years, he has collaborated with musicians from Nelly to Tony Bennett to Def Leppard.

For more information on the new album and single, visit www.timmcgraw.com.

'Holidays Rule' kicks off season with tracks courtesy of Sir Paul, the Civil Wars, the Shins and more!

With Halloween set to arrive tomorrow (where the heck has 2012 gone?), today marks the release of one of the most high profile holiday-minded music releases of the year. Holidays Rule (Hear Music/Concord Music Group) features new recordings from Paul McCartney, Americana favorites the Civil Wars, the James Mercer-led Shins, fun., the Punch Brothers, the Fruit Bats and many others.

Click here to read writer George A. Paul's full-length overview on his Music Minded blog.

'Ain't In It For My Health: A Film About Levon Helm' to be released in 2013

Kino Lorber has announced the acquisition of all North American distribution rights to the documentary AIN’T IN IT FOR MY HEALTH: A FILM ABOUT LEVON HELM, an in-depth and intimate look at music legend Levon Helm, who died of cancer in April 2012.


This announcement comes on the heels of the recent “Love for Levon” tribute concert in New Jersey earlier this month where nearly 20,000 Helm fans packed the Izod Arena to hear musicians including Roger Waters, Gregg Allman, Mavis Staples, Joe Walsh, Lucinda Williams, and many others celebrate the legacy of the much beloved founding member of The Band who died earlier this year.

Kino Lorber is planning to release the film in theaters across North America in early 2013, followed by a VOD and home video release set for the summer along with other digital and television distribution.

Levon Helm was in the middle of an intensively creative period in the years just before his death. In addition to establishing the Midnight Ramble concert series as a must-see music experience, Helm’s Dirt Farmer (Vanguard/Dirt Farmer Music) earned the Grammy Award for Best Traditional Folk Album in February of 2008, and in November of that same year, Rolling Stone magazine ranked him among The 100 Greatest Singers of All Time. In 2010, his follow up album Electric Dirt, also won a Grammy Award in the inaugural category of ‘Best Americana Album.’ In 2011, his live album Ramble at the Ryman was nominated for the Grammy in the same category – and won.

Director Jacob Hatley's intimate documentary finds Mr. Helm at home in Woodstock, NY, in the midst of creating his first studio album in 25 years. Shot during the course of two-plus years, this highly anticipated film focuses in on the four-time Grammy winner and Rock and Roll Hall of Fame member after his 2007 comeback album, Dirt Farmer, brought him back to the spotlight.

While this period was artistically productive, AIN’T IN IT FOR MY HEALTH: A FILM ABOUT LEVON HELM also shows Helm dealing with the burdens of renewed celebrity, continuing financial obligation and returning health problems. The man known worldwide for his soulful voice, (as well as his singular and unparalleled drumming and multi-instrumental skills), permitted a camera crew inside his home to show the world an intimate side of his art and life.

Of the film, longtime Helm collaborator and musical director Larry Campbell says, “Jacob was the perfect fly on the wall for many months as we experienced the ups and downs of a wonderful time in all our lives. The result is a rare, artful, and honest glimpse into the fascinating world of one of our true American treasures, Levon Helm.”


The deal was negotiated between Kino Lorber CEO Richard Lorber and Stephen Brower, Senior VP of the Welk Music Group/Sugar Hill Records/Vanguard Records.

Mr. Lorber commented: “It was a privilege to meet Levon at one of his last Midnight Rambles and verify personally how insightfully this music-packed film captured the generosity of spirit, the humanity and the immense talent of one of America’s greatest musical artists. We see this as a mission now to be able to open the film, and Levon’s life, to legions of fans, followers and new audiences, who will be thrilled to discover the scope and depth of his contribution.”

About Kino Lorber

Kino Lorber, Inc. was founded in 2009 by industry veterans Donald Krim and Richard Lorber, combining the staffs, libraries and resources of Kino International, Lorber Films and Alive Mind to create the new leader in film distribution. Through its varied group of labels, Kino Lorber, Inc. offers the best in contemporary, classic and documentary films that aim to engage, provoke, stimulate, and entertain today's audiences.

With a library of more than 700 titles, Kino Lorber, Inc. releases over 20 films per year theatrically under its Kino Lorber, Kino Classics and Alive Mind Cinema banners. Moreover, the company brings over 60 new titles per year to the home entertainment market through Blu-ray, DVD and digital distribution on Internet platforms and VOD services. www.kinolorber.com


Additional Information:
www.levonhelm.com

www.vanguardrecords.com

Joe Walsh, Toto, Gin Blossoms stand out at another satisfying Jack FM show in Irvine

My original (and somewhat shorter) review of Jack's 7th Show held on Saturday, Sept. 15, 2012 was originally posted on The Orange County Register's Soundcheck blog on Sunday morning, Sept. 16, 2012. A special "thank you" to Bob Steshetz for the use of his photos and video footage with this post.

Gin Blossoms lead singer Robin Wilson ventured into the crowd during the band's set at Jack's 7th Show on Sept. 15.

With six artists performing over the course of exactly six hours – Missing Persons kicked things off at 4:48 p.m. and Joe Walsh wrapped everything up at 10:48 – Jack’s 7th Show offered up a menu sure to please casual concert-goers out to party hard on a Saturday night.

With all acts playing relatively short sets at Verizon Wireless Amphitheater in Irvine, hits were the main course, giving the audience all the substance they needed to feed on at an event that started at about the same time temperatures mercifully began to drop from the 100-degree mark.

Ironically, it was on a similarly blistering day almost 30 years ago that Missing Persons and Walsh shared the same stage at the US Festival. This writer’s most vivid memories of that concert (May 30, 1983, at Glen Helen Park in San Bernardino) is how Missing Persons was placed in a true no-win situation when that band had to follow just-breaking U2, which simply blew away the massive crowd with one of the most compelling sets ever in Southern California.

Walsh, who went on much later that day under cooler skies, delivered a solid set that lacked the power of U2 or David Bowie’s impressive finale, yet it was exactly the sort of entertaining rock show he brought to his headlining 75-minute turn in Irvine on Saturday (Sept. 15, 2012).

A successful member of several classic bands (principally James Gang and the Eagles), the 64-year-old Hall of Famer also has scored with solo smashes along the way. This night Walsh performed a bit of everything in a cohesive and winning set, launching with his 1973 hit “Rocky Mountain Way.”

Highlights centered on his distinctive vocals and slide guitar work. Crowd favorites came courtesy of the comedic “Life’s Been Good” and Eagles tracks like “In the City” and the night-ending “Life in the Fast Lane,” but even better were his tribute to late friend and Band drummer Levon Helm (via “I Shall Be Released”) and the weighty title track from his June return Analog Man, Walsh’s first solo album in 20 years.

Toto's Steve Lukather

Pat Benatar is usually a solid bet to deliver a rousing show but a summer-long outing with Journey seems to have taken some of the luster from her normally powerful soprano. Throughout her hour-long set, she sometimes clipped notes or simply backed off the microphone.

But the singer, her husband-guitarist-keyboardist Neil Giraldo and their backing band definitely pleased the crowd with hard-rocking versions of “All Fired Up,” “Invincible,” “Promises in the Dark” and the finisher, “Heartbreaker,” which included a middle break where Benatar and Giraldo effectively sang a bit of the Johnny Cash classic “Ring of Fire.”

Toto’s songs lack the kind of big arena-filling sound that makes it easier for hard rock bands to strike at these sorts of festivals, but thanks to incredible musicianship all around (notably guitarist Steve Lukather’s dazzling solos), the crowd was quickly won over. “Hold The Line” and “Rosanna” got many people on their feet, while a beautiful take on “Africa,” featuring guest bassist Nathan East’s baritone vocals, added a world-music vibe to that classic. In addition to East and Lukather, the band features Steve Porcaro (keyboards, vocals), Simon Phillips (drums) and Joseph Williams (lead vocals). Bassist Mike Porcaro, who sadly has been diagnosed with ALS (Lou Gehrig's Disease) is no longer touring with the band. Formed in Los Angeles in 1977, Toto will celebrate their 35th anniversary in 2013.

Hammer time.



MC Hammer’s short 20-minute set may have been marred by bass-heavy sound that muddied everything, but his still-impressive dance moves and performance of his two monster hits (“2 Legit 2 Quit” and “U Can’t Touch This”) were a welcome opportunity for the crowd to enjoy the cooling air and get on their feet and dance.

It has been 20 years since Gin Blossoms released their striking major-label debut, New Miserable Experience, yet the Tempe quintet’s melodic brand of country-tinged power-pop sounds as relevant and tuneful as when they first set out in 1987. Whether on big hits (“Hey Jealousy,” “Follow You Down”) or new gems (“Miss Disarray”), Robin Wilson’s melancholy vocals, embellished by the twin guitar work of Scott Johnson and Jesse Valenzuela, thrilled throughout 40 fleeting minutes. Make sure to check out the video of the band performing "Lost Horizons" at the bottom of this post, courtesy of Bob Steshetz.

Like poor Hammer, Missing Persons, still led by singer Dale Bozzio, faced a mix drowned in low end. Still, the group offered up energetic versions of New Wave favorites like “Mental Hopscotch,” “Words” and their best song, “Walking in L.A.,” much to the delight of those who braved the heat and got to the show early.