New Music: Lindi Ortega, Ritchie Blackmore's Rainbow, Kacey Musgraves, Bettye LaVette, Danielle Nicole

Several of the world's most interesting and talented female artists have just released vital new albums while legendary guitar great Ritchie Blackmore has reconnected with his groundbreaking hard rock roots via a new live collection which includes his first new Rainbow song since the mid-1990s.

Artist: Lindi Ortega
Title: Liberty (Soundly Music, LLC)
You might like if you enjoy: Ennio Morricone, Dolly Parton, The Civil Wars
Tell me more: Lindi Ortega is armed with one of the most evocative voices in all of country music and a masterful approach to writing and crafting originals, and in a perfect world her shining songs would fill the airwaves. So discerning listeners would be advised to rush out and pick up the Canadian native's fifth LP Liberty, a three-part album that artfully chronicles a mythical character's beguiling journey from dark to light. Against an expansive Ennio Morricone-inspired soundscape, the sound of "Liberty" is truly gorgeous with the bonus that the songs range from haunting ballads ("Til My Dyin' Day," "Forever Blue") and goth-Americana nuggets ("Darkness Be Gone," "In The Clear") to roots rockers ("The Comeback Kid," "Lovers In Love") and Spaghetti-Western gems ("Afraid of the Dark," "Liberty"). The cinematic-minded album concludes with Ortega's first-ever Spanish language recording; her take of Chilean composer Violetta Parra's "Gracias A La Vida" ("Thank You To Life") is a beautiful and fitting finale to an enthralling album. Information: LindiOrtega.com.

Artist: Ritchie Blackmore's Rainbow
Title: Ritchie Blackmore's Rainbow: Memories In Rock II (Minstrel Hall Music)
You might like if you enjoy: Rainbow, Deep Purple, Black Country Communion
Tell me more: Ritchie Blackmore is the rare artist able to achieve critical acclaim and commercial success as a member several different groups while focusing on different styles of music. He first found success in the late '60s, 70s' and early '80s with pioneering British hard rockers Deep Purple before forming his own heavy metal band Rainbow, and more recently with the traditional folk rock ensemble Blackmore's Night. When Blackmore relaunched Rainbow in 2016, it appeared to be a casual brief reunion to perform a trio of dates in Europe. The success of those dates led to three additional concerts in the United Kingdom in 2017, now captured on the newly-released Memories In Rock II (available as a 2CD+DVD set, on vinyl and via digital formats). In addition to Blackmore's formidable skills on the fretboard, Ritchie Blackmore's Rainbow has a mighty lineup courtesy of vocalist Ronnie Romero (a Spanish singer discovered by Blackmore's wife Candice Night), famed Swedish keyboardist Jens Johansson, bassist Bob Nouveau, drummer Dave Keith, and backing singers Lady Lynn and the aforementioned Candice Night. The recording sizzles with power via melodic rockers such as "I Surrender" and "Since You've Been Gone," heavy rockers "Smoke On The Water" and "Perfect Strangers," as well as an extended blues-rock foray ("Mistreated"). Blackmore's classical influences are woven throughout the performance, including on the baroque-tinged "Soldier of Fortune" and instrumental "Carry On Jon" (the latter a tender tribute to Deep Purple's long-time keyboardist Jon Lord, who passed away in 2012).  The album's bonus track "Waiting For A Sign" is the first new Rainbow song in ages and is worthy of Blackmore's legacy; the track is anchored by a British blues-rock groove and impressive lead guitar work. Ritchie Blackmore's Rainbow: Memories In Rock II will be released on April 6, 2018, as a 2CD+DVD set, via vinyl and on digital formats. Information: BlackmoresNight.com. 

Artist: Kacey Musgraves
Title: Golden Hour (MCA Nashville)
You might like if you enjoy: Kacey Musgraves, Emmylou Harris
Tell me more: Beyond her tuneful songs and pure soprano, country singer-songwriter Kacey Musgraves continues to evolve. On her newly-released third album Golden Hour  there is melancholy aplenty even when the songstress is delivering infectious and upbeat material. "Lonely Weekend" has the breezy flow of a warm summer afternoon but not too far below the surface the Texas native's voice reveals a vulnerable disquiet; "Mother" offers a brief but deeply affecting and tender nod to her mother. "Butterflies" is a youthful tale of new love; "Oh, What A World" turns things on a dime with a two-tier theme — being both a celebration of the world around her and the romantic subject of her affection. "Love Is A Wild Thing" and the title track prove to offer particularly introspective looks at the power of love. "Rainbow" is an encouraging ballad featuring her expressive vocals accompanied only by piano. Musgraves has developed into a master at blending country and pop in ways that are both original and poignant. Musgraves is one of the featured performers that the upcoming Stagecoach Festival in Indio, CA on Saturday, April 28. Information: KaceyMusgraves.com. 

Artist: Bettye LaVette
Title: Things Have Changed (Verve)
You might like if you enjoy: Bob Dylan, Betty LaVette, Mavis Staples
Tell me more: Leave it to soul singer Bettye LaVette to deliver the perfect full-length tribute to Bob Dylan. Produced by Steve Jordan, Things Have Changed allows the 72-year-old LaVette to revisit and rework a dozen Dylan gems spanning from 1964's “The Times They Are A-Changin’” to 2006's “Ain’t Talkin’.” With her raspy but inviting deep vocals, LaVette infuses the songs and their savvy wordplay with a fresh and life-lived authenticity. "It Ain't Me Babe" is now a soulful ballad. "Do Right To Me Baby (Do Unto Others)" comes off as a freewheelin' soul rocker with LaVette's passionate voice dancing amidst the song's groove and guitarist Larry Campbell's lively riffs. "The Times They Are A-Changin'" is a cool mid tempo soul tune, artfully building in power and spirit. "Emotionally Yours" has never sounded so beautiful, with LaVette's surefire delivery fully capturing the emotional force of the song. The jazzy take on "What Was It You Wanted" is bolstered by New Orleans sensation Trombone Shorty. Information: BettyeLaVette.com.

Artist: Danielle Nicole
Title: Cry No More (Concord Records)
You might like if you enjoy: Bettye LaVette, Beth Hart, Trampled Under Foot
Tell me more: As long as there are singers as passionate and talented as Danielle Nicole, the future of the blues is in great musical hands and will thrive. On the singer-songwriter/bassist's second solo album Cry No More, Nicole ups the power quotient via 14 powerhouse performances produced by Tony Braunagel (Taj Mahal, Bonnie Raitt, Eric Burdon). From the blistering opener "Crawl" and moody "I'm Going Home" (which features some thrilling slide guitar from Louisiana legend Sonny Landreth) to the Delta-styled take on Blind Willie Johnson's "Lord I Just Can't Keep From Crying." Nicole's dynamic vocals and bass guitar elevate the far-flung blues material, and itt doesn't hurt that the lineup of players is of the upper-echelon variety; guitarist Walter Trout fires up the Nicole original "Burnin' For You" and Kenny Wayne Shepherd unleashes some impressive Buddy Guy-styled guitar play on the Chicago blues track "Save Me." Elsewhere, guitarist Luther Dickinson (of the North Mississippi Allstars) guests. Information: concordrecords.com.

Robert Kinsler

Lindi Ortega celebrates 'Liberty' at the GRAMMY Museum

Lindi Ortega, left, discussing new album 'Liberty' with Scott
Goldman at the GRAMMY Museum on Tuesday, March 27, 2018.

On March 27, photographer Bob Steshetz and yours truly were invited to the GRAMMY Museum to catch an intimate performance and conversation featuring Americana songstress Lindi Ortega. The special event was held in the GRAMMY Museum at L.A. Live's Clive Davis Theater in conjunction with the Americana

Music Association.

With the release of her terrific new three-part Spaghetti Western-infused concept album Liberty later this week (which will be available on Friday, March 30), there was plenty of interesting conversation between GRAMMY Museum Executive Director Scott Goldman and Ortega during the beginning of the program leading up to a performance featuring Ortega and several talented players (drummer-backing vocalist Ryan Brewer and guitarist Champagne James Robertson).

Ortega was first asked about the genesis of recording her first-ever concept LP (Liberty was recorded in Nashville and was produced by Skylar Wilson). She noted that every time she performs, audience members will talk to her about how "certain songs help them get through the dark times in their lives. So why not make a whole record to help them get through their struggles?"

Ortega is expert at writing and singing about the darker corners of our existence, as evidenced by some of her previous masterworks (2012's Cigarettes & Truckstops and 2015's Faded Gloryville immediately come to mind), but the beauty and depth of her songs as well as her emotive vocals makes it easy to find comfort in her recordings. The musical influence of famed composer Ennio Morricone can be heard on the tracks.

"For me, whenever I hear a sad song it makes me feel less alone," said Ortega, noting she finds it much more difficult to write a happy song than darker tales.

A few years ago, Ortega's life – consumed by music (including non-stop touring and the simple fact that she missed loved ones' birthdays) without necessarily achieving more widespread attention – almost led her to give up her career.

"I went back and read all the messages from supporters...the real reward is if I can have a song that helps someone; what better reason is there to make music."

Ortega also discussed how while growing up in Canada, she was strongly influenced by the a wide range of artists and styles, particularly the songwriting of fellow-Canadian Leonard Cohen.

"My mom was Northern Irish and was a fan of classic country (including Dolly Parton and Willie Nelson). I grew up with her record collection; my (Mexican) dad liked the Gypsy Kings and Latin music."

The highlight of the night was getting to see Ortega perform in such an intimate and top-tier concert setting. Focusing on Liberty, she performed a handful of the selections she had discussed earlier.

The beautiful Americana-styled "Lovers In Love" served as a great opener. She then strapped on her acoustic guitar and used her hushed soprano to lead the musicians through "The Comeback Kid," bolstered by textured guitar work from Robertson.

"In The Clear," a strikingly beautiful ballad, blends traditional country and Celtic sounds. 

"I'm trying to remember all the words; they're all new songs," Ortega admitted in introducing the title track off Liberty. "Liberty" proved to be more upbeat than the previous selections, and was enhanced by Brewer's effective use of brushes (rather than sticks) to deliver a marching beat on his snare drum; he also added some sublime harmonies to Ortega's vocals on the Spaghetti-Western-styled original.

Ortega closed her regular set with "Gracias A La Vida" (which translates to "Thank You To Life"), which is the ending cut on Liberty. The song, composed by Chilean composer Violetta Parra, marks the first Spanish language track Ortega has recorded.

The crowd stood and cheered after the fast-moving set, and were rewarded when Ortega and her band performed the older song "Cigarettes & Truckstops." The descriptive lyrics were enveloped in a lush and evocative soundscape enhanced by her stunning voice and ability to connect with the audience.

Those of you in Southern California can catch Ortega at The Moroccan Lounge, 901 E. 1st St., Los Angeles, at 9 p.m. on Thursday, March 29, 2018. For more information on Ortega, visit her official website here.


A special thank you to Bob Steshetz for the use of his photographs taken at the special event!

Article written by Robert Kinsler

Masterworks fuel winning crop of new releases

Lovers of authentic Americana, blues and roots music, funk, as well as of the late Grammy- and Academy Award-winning composer James Horner all have reason to celebrate thanks to an outstanding crop of 2015 releases available this summer.

Artist: Michael Ubaldini
Title: Songster – The Acoustic Reels (Blackwater Records)

You might like if you enjoy: Steve Earle, Johnny Cash, Walter Clevenger, Bob Dylan

Tell me more: Discerning fans of the burgeoning Americana movement have been rightfully encouraged by the success of a slew of talented newcomers but worry about the parade of unceasing acts whose slick approach (notably Milk Carton Kids and the Lumineers) threaten the movement's delightfully-authentic rough edges that are at odds with modern country's cliché-heavy approach. Leave it to alternative Americana hero Michael Ubaldini to strip things down to their acoustic underpinnings, using nothing more than an acoustic guitar, harmonica and his emotive baritone to set free a mix of new originals, as well as reworked  standouts from his own rich discography and revisited traditional songs (the Celtic "Handsome Molly" and biting folk nugget "The Cuckoo") on the ambitious 21-track Songster – The Acoustic Reels. Ubaldini is never less than both literate and artful with his lyrical approach as evidenced by the playful "Jean Harlow," bona fide celebration of romance ("Sweet ole Riddle"), beautiful expression of loss ("Rosewood Night"), defiance and perseverance ("Walk Through Fire") and probing look at America's endangered freedoms ("Money, Bible and a Gun"). Information: rocknrollpoet.com.

Purchase 'Songster' -the Acoustic Reels today

Artist: Rock Candy Funk Party
Title: Groove Is King (J&R Adventures)

You might like if you enjoy: Daft Punk, Mark Ronson, Prince, Joe Bonamassa

Tell me more: Music rarely gets funkier or grooves harder than the joyous Rock Candy Funk Party sophomore effort Groove Is King. Blending rock, funk, electronica, jazz, and R&B across its 16 tracks, RCFP offers up a mostly instrumental affair over its 70+ minute run; the wonderful exception is an amazing reworking of Peter Gabriel's "Digging in the Dirt" where Zia offers up some vocal shadings. Fans of guitar great Joe Bonamassa will want to wrap their ears around "Uber Station," where Bonamassa's masterful fret work is featured amidst the heavy grooves and a soulful horn section (featuring Randy Brecker, Ada Rovatti and James Campagnola); his graceful work on the heretofore noted "Digging in the Dirt" and speedy jazz licks on "Rock Candy" are a wonder. Everywhere the music making is outstanding, with performances that technically dazzle while simultaneously motivating the listener to move. The physical edition of the album comes with a bonus DVD that includes 50 minutes of in-studio footage of RCFP. Information: rockcandyfunkparty.com.

Buy 'Groove Is King [CD/DVD Combo]' here

 

Artist: Lynyrd Skynyrd (and guests)
Title: One More For the Fans (Loud & Proud Records)

You might like if you enjoy: Lynyrd Skynyrd, Peter Frampton, Robert Randolph, Gregg Allman, Cheap Trick

Tell me more: A full-length concert featuring Lynyrd Skynyrd and a cast of acclaimed guests was staged in Atlanta, GA on Nov. 12, 2014, and has now been thankfully released via a must-have deluxe package including the event presented on two audio CDs and on DVD. While the highlight may well be the band itself delivering an incredible marathon-length take of "Free Bird," the rest of the 19-track set is pure joy. Imagine no more what it would be like for power-pop greats Cheap Trick to tackle Skynyrd; the quartet delivers a fiery version of "Gimme Back My Bullets." Later Gov't Mule powers through an emotionally-charged Southern Rock-styled "Simple Man" while country great Jamey Johnson offers up a bluesy "Four Walls Of Raiford." Peter Frampton offers up great fretwork and top-flight vocals on a version of "Call Me The Breeze." Other sterling performances come courtesy of Alabama ("Gimme Three Steps") and Gregg Allman ("Tuesday's Gone"). Information: loudandproudrecords.com.

Buy 'One More For The Fans' here

Artist: James Horner

Title: Southpaw (Sony Classical)

You might like if you enjoy: James Horner's previous soundtracks 

Tell me more: Whether enveloping the listener with tense and unsettling soundscapes ("The Preparations," "A Fatal Tragedy," "A Cry for Help") or touching our emotions at the deepest of levels ("A More Normal Life," "Dream Crusher," "The Funeral, Alone…"), composer James Horner's Southpaw is a compelling listen for lovers of modern-day soundtracks and contemporary symphonic music. With its mix of traditional orchestral layers and electronica textures (just listen to "Suicidal Rampage"), Southpaw demonstrates Horner's unique ability to bring additional depth in support of diverse film projects. Sadly, following the completion of this soundtrack, Horner died at the age of 61 when the single-engine plane he was piloting crashed into the Los Padres National Forest in Southern California on June 22, 2015. Among Horner's best-known scores were Star Trek II: The Wrath of Kahn (1982), Aliens (1986), Titanic (1995) and Avatar (2009). Information: sonyclassical.com.
Purchase 'Southpaw (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack)' here

Artist: The Pinder Brothers
Title: Melancholy Sea (Inner World Music)

You might like if you enjoy: The Fray, Ben Folds 5, America

Tell me more: Although The Pinder Brothers' wonderful 11-song Melancholy Sea was released in winter, the duo's bright melodic rock sound is ideally suited to summer. From the wistful "Same Mistake" (whose sound spans folk rock to psychedelia along its run) to the longing "Driving You Home," brothers Michael Lee Pinder and Matt Pinder have an innate instinct how to meld infectious melodies with heartfelt song craft. The lyrics, straightforward and earnest, are delivered amidst nice harmonies and creative arrangements. Information: pinderbrothers.com.

Get 'Melancholy Sea' here

Artist: Blinddog Smokin'
Title: High Steppin' (Silver Talon Records)

You might like if you enjoy: Billy Branch, Bobby Rush, Boxing Gandhis

Tell me more: Although high-powered funk collective Blinddog Smokin' earned a well-deserved Grammy nomination for 2014's Decisions (a collaboration with legendary soul-blues singer Bobby Rush), the seven-member troupe is still deserving of plenty more attention. The newly-released High Steppin' disc might just be the ticket. The nine-track LP is an inviting addition to the group's strong discography. The range of material is wide, with the songs all hitting the mark. Highlights include the infectious funk blast "Pimp Shoes," heavy Chicago blues song "Tell 'Em Shuffle" (featuring some incredible blues harmonica work from Carl Gustafson), New Orleans-styled "Don't Put No Money On Me," and the emotive "If I Died Today." Information: silvertalonrecords.com.

Get' High Steppin' ' today

Artists: B.B. King & Eric Clapton

Title: Riding With The King (Audio Fidelity)

You might like if you enjoy: Eric Clapton, B.B. King, Robert Johnson

Tell me more: Originally released in June 2000, Riding With The King was the first –and ultimately only – full-length studio collaboration teaming blues greats B.B. King and Eric Clapton. With Riley B. King's death in May 2015, the sterling reissue of the dozen-track collection via Marshall Blonstein's Audio Fidelity label as a limited edition Hybrid SACD (that plays on all SACD and CD players) is worth discovering again (or for the first time). The set originally earned the 2000 Grammy Award for Best Traditional Blues Album, and time has only amplified the strength of the material and performances captured on the disc. Among the gems on the album are a rollicking cover of John Hiatt's "Riding With The King" featuring King and Clapton sharing lead and harmony vocals, King's original blues ballad "Ten Long Years," the buoyant rockabilly-styled "Days of Old" and the heartfelt "Marry You." Information: audiofidelity.net.
Purchase Riding With The King directly via the Audio Fidelity Web site here

Artist: Lindi Ortega

Title: Faded Gloryville (Last Gang Records)

You might like if you enjoy: Nikki Lane, Whitney Rose, Emmylou Harris

Tell me more: When Lindi Ortega sings the title track on her most recent album Faded Gloryville, the songstress is recounting her own path while also singing for the countless other great artists who have created an amazing body of work while working mostly under the radar. A singer and songwriter of incredible depth, the Canadian native now based in Nashville had released a trio of albums before Faded Gloryville that earned uniformly-strong critical acclaim but failed to bring her much-deserved commercial success. Faded Gloryville continues to cast a bright light on the talented Ortega; the Juno Award winner has a voice capable of mining the deepest of emotions as evidenced by the confessional "Ashes," tender "Someday Soon" and a remarkable version of the Bee Gees' 1967 hit "To Love Somebody." Fusing rockabilly, alt country, folk and Americana into an original soundscape is the final masterstroke in Ortega's winning approach on the wonderful Faded Gloryville. Information: LindiOrtega.com.
Purchase 'Faded Gloryville' here


Artist: Whitney Rose
Title: Heartbreaker of the Year (Cameron House Records)
You might like if you enjoy: Emmylou Harris, Dolly Parton, Kacey Musgraves
Tell me more: Produced by celebrated Mavericks frontman Raul Malo, singer-songwriter Whitney Rose's sophomore album Heartbreaker of the Year (available on Aug. 21, 2015) is a beautiful collection that straddles the worlds of neo-traditional country and classic girl group-styled '60s pop. There are gorgeous authentic country ballads ("The Last Party," "Lasso"), spirited pop-rock ("Little Piece Of You," "Only Just A Dream"), tunes that blend both styles ("My First Rodeo," "Ain't It Wise"), a touch of country blues ("The Devil Borrowed My Boots") and a captivating cover of the Ronnettes' "Be My Baby" featuring Rose trading vocals with Ralo's tenor - all delivered with a contemporary energy that both celebrates and defies the wealth of retro influences that add luster to the rich collection. Information: whitneyrosemusic.com.

Purchase 'Heartbreaker of the Year' here