Jeff Healey's "Heal My Soul: Deluxe Edition" 2CD set for release May 22, 2020

Very exciting to see the late blues great Jeff Healey's celebrated album 'Heal My Soul' is going to be reissued as a 2CD deluxe edition on May 22. Following is a media release with all the details...


Eagle Rock Entertainment to release Jeff Healey's 'Heal My Soul: Deluxe Edition' on Friday, May 22, 2020

On May 22, Eagle Rock Entertainment will celebrate the genius of guitarist/blues-rock vocalist Jeff Healey, with the release of a 2-disc deluxe edition of Heal My Soul. For the first time, this critically acclaimed masterpiece will be packaged with its companion album Holding On. This will also be released on digital formats.

Originally released on what would have been Healey’s 50th birthday in 2016, Heal My Soul was a “lost” album of 12 unheard songs recorded over a three-year period (from 1996-98). Written during a tumultuous period in The Jeff Healey Band’s history, these songs were shelved until his estate unearthed and restored these songs after his passing in 2008. It was a big endeavor, per Roger Costa (co-administrator/ archivist of Jeff Healey’s estate): they had to research the lost songs, recover two-inch masters, transfer the tracks to digital, and remix/remaster. “There were a lot of moments when everyone was getting choked up,” Costa states. “It was like he was there. It was like he was never gone.”

Holding On was always intended to be released as a companion to Heal My Soul - a dream that finally comes to light with this deluxe edition release. The album is a blend of five additional studio tracks and a live performance from Rockefeller Music Hall in Oslo, Norway. Accentuating the songs on Heal My Soul, Holding On serves as the perfect complement, painting the full picture of his musical direction at this time in his career.

Live in Oslo, with Healey Band veteran guitarist Pat Rush in tow, The Jeff Healey Band tore through a set of great covers and classics. Despite having to deal with some radio interference from his wireless rig between songs, Jeff was on fire that night. Then there’s the breathtaking version of Mark Knopfler’s “I Think I Love You Too Much” (which Jeff originally recorded with Knopfler for 1990’s Hell To Pay). The set is closed off by a great, playful 8 1/2 minute take on Jeff’s signature tune, “See The Light,” Jeff and Pat weaving sonic shapes that leave the audience breathless.

A Grammy nominee and JUNO Award winner, Jeff Healey amassed millions of sales worldwide with the five albums released by his Jeff Healey Band. Blind since childhood due to a rare form of eye cancer, he developed a revolutionary style of guitar playing, laying it flat like a lap-steel and fretting with all five fingers. Described by Steve Lukather as “a musician’s musician,” his instrumental dexterity allowed him to deftly maneuver between rock, blues, and jazz. His contributions to music led Healey to be inducted into the Terry Fox Hall Of Fame in 2019 (an organization recognizing Canadians who made significant contributions to enrich the lives of those with physical disabilities).

A powerful collection of material from one of Healey’s most creative periods, this deluxe edition of Heal My Soul is a majestic display of his unmatched virtuosity.

Track list:

CD 1
1. Daze Of The Night
2. Moodswing
3. Baby Blue
4. I Misunderstood
5. Please
6. Love In Her Eyes
7. Temptation
8. Kiss The Ground You Walk On
9. All The Saints
10. Put The Shoe On The Other Foot
11. Under A Stone
12. It’s The Last Time

CD 2
1. Love Takes Time
2. Every Other Guy
3. Dancing With The Monsters
4. All That I Believe
5. CNIBlues
6. My Little Girl (live)
7. Dust My Broom (live)
8. How Blue Can You Get (live)
9. I Think I Love You Too Much (live)
10. Stuck In The Middle With You/Tequila (live)
11. Macon Georgia Blue (live)
12. I Can’t Get My Hands On You (live)
13. Yer Blues (live)
14. Holding On (live)
15. See The Light (live)

Sights and Sounds: The Rolling Stones, Mark Knopfler, Buddy Guy

Just because it's Saturday doesn't mean there isn't cool music news to share...


Rolling Stones' 'Beggars Banquet (50^TH Anniversary Edition) available on Super Audio CD on Dec. 7 from ABKCO Records

On December 7, ABKCO Records will release The Rolling Stones' Beggars Banquet (50^th Anniversary Edition) on limited edition hybrid Super Audio CD. In comes on the heels of the November 16 domestic release of Beggars Banquet (50^th Anniversary Edition) on limited-edition vinyl, CD and digital formats.

Pre-order: https://www.amazon.com/Beggars-Banquet-SACD-50th-Anniversary/dp/B07JK2HX48

The SACD package itself is designed to look like a miniaturized replica of the 12” gatefold double-vinyl edition, sized to be a convenient 7” gatefold, and contain 2 hybrid SACDs, a flexi disc and expanded packaging elements exclusive to this edition. This bespoke packaging is manufactured in Japan and is of the highest quality to match the SACD audio. Special elements of the package include: replica packshots of two Japanese 7” single picture sleeves (“Jumpin’ Jack Flash” and “Street Fighting Man”) and both versions of the Beggars Banquet sleeve art are included. This SACD set is a Japanese release, which will be imported into North America in a limited quantity. 

Recorded between March and July of 1968 at Olympic Sound Studios in London, mixed at Sunset Sound in Los Angeles, Beggars Banquet was the first Stones album produced by Jimmy Miller, and marks the start of what is considered their most prolific album era. Beggars Banquet has a special place in the history of the band, as it is the final album completed with the original lineup of Mick Jagger, Keith Richards, Brian Jones, Billy Wyman and Charlie Watts. During the year of release, Jann Wenner of Rolling Stone declared it “the best record they have yet done” and “an achievement of significance in both lyrics and music.”

Each of these hybrid layered discs includes the entire musical content in both Super Audio CD (SACD) as well as standard CD, providing for complete backward and forward hardware compatibility. The discs will play flawlessly on any SACD compatible or standard CD player. In an SACD player, the laser pick-up automatically reads the SACD layer in Direct Strem Digital (DSD) format, while a standard CD player’s laser pick-up will automatically read through the SACD layer to the CD layer in Pulse Code Modulation (PCM) format. Recently remastered by eleven-time Grammy winner Bob Ludwig at Gateway Mastering Studios, the SACD audio is the exact product of his work, with no loss of fidelity whatsoever. 

The flexi disc captures a telephone interview between Mick Jagger and a representative of King Records in Tokyo, the distributor of London Records in Japan. The rare artifact’s title translated to “Hello, This Is Mick Jagger!” LONDON to TOKYO April 17, 1968” has been resotred and reissued on flexi disc with a picture sleeve lovingly restored to look just like the original. The flexi is included in the 50^th Anniversary Limited Edition SACD package (as well as vinyl package) worldwide, making it available for the first time outside Japan. A mirthful moment in the exchange captured over the telephone, halfway around the world, while the band was busy recording the yet-unnamed album Beggars Banquet in Olympic Studios, Jagger was asked “What do you think is the future direction of your music?” And with no hesitation, he responded “Sideways.” 

The original intended album cover art for Beggars Banquet was initially rejected both by London Records, the band’s U.S. label as well as Decca, their UK label. The Michael Vosse photograph of a vandalized restroom wall (Jagger and Richards provided the graffiti, the restroom was inside a Porsche dealership) was deemed offensive, possibly because the top of an open toilet is captured in the shot. The replacement cover was simply the band name and album title written in the style of a wedding invitation, and remained that way for several years before the intended bathroom photo art finally gained its rightful place on the cover. Beggars Banquet (50^th Anniversary Edition) pays tribute to both, as the package will be housed with the Vosse image, with an overwrap of the “inoffensive” wedding RSVP invitation art.

Beggars Banquet (50^th Anniversary Edition) Super Audio CD tracklist

SACD Disc 1 (original album, stereo mix)

1)    Sympathy For the Devil

2)    No Expectations

3)    Dear Doctor

4)    Parachute Woman

5)    Jigsaw Puzzle

6)    Street Fighting Man 

7)    Prodigal Son

8)    Stray Cat Blues

9)    Factory Girl

10)Salt of the Earth

SACD Disc 2

1)    Sympathy For the Devil (mono mix)

2)    Hello, This is Mick Jagger! LONDON to TOKYO April 17, 1968 (interview)

Flexi Disc

1)    Hello, This is Mick Jagger! LONDON to TOKYO April 17, 1968 (interview)

Blues icon Buddy Guy coming to Dan Rather's 'The Big Interview' on Tuesday, Nov. 20, 2018

Buddy Guy performing at the Coach House in San Juan
Capistrano, CA earlier this year. Photo: Bob Steshetz

Acclaimed blues legend Buddy Guy joins Dan Rather at his Buddy Guy’s Legends blues club in Chicago, in an all-new episode of The Big Interview on Tuesday, November 20 at 9 p.m. Eastern Time (6 p.m. Pacific Time).

In this exclusive first-look, the master of the six-string fondly remembers the first song he learned how to play on the guitar while growing up on the Mississippi River—and how excited he was to share this newfound gift with everyone he could. “John Lee Hooker had just come out with ‘Boogie Chillen’, which I think was one of his biggest records,” Guy begins. “I don’t know what happened, but I was lyin’ out there on the grass on that levee, and my fingers got locked, and I heard me sound like I had found that ‘Boogie Chillen’… I walked to everybody I knew—and in the country, that was a long ways—and I said, ‘Look what I found! Look what I found!’” The song continues to hold a special place in Guy’s heart to this day, as he charmingly concludes, “If somebody asks me, I still play it!” Watch it here.

Dan Rather, left, with bluesman Buddy Guy.

Additionally, Guy discusses his dedication to preserving the blues, and the importance of keeping it alive for future generations; sheds light on the creative process behind his latest album, The Blues Is Alive And Well, featuring Mick Jagger and Keith Richards, among others; explains why the “Chicago Blues” should really be called “The Southern Blues;” describes making his very first guitar out of a screen door and a can of lighter fluid; and recalls performing at the White House, where he sang with President Obama and was given the National Medal Of Arts by President Bush. The son of sharecroppers, Guy humbly and humorously muses, “It’s a long way from the outhouse to the White House!”

To see more of this insightful episode, tune in to The Big Interview on Tuesday, November 20 at 9pE/6pP, only on AXS TV.

Mark Knopfler's 'Down The Road Wherever' out now

Photo credit Derek Hudson

Singer-songwriter/guitar great Mark Knopfler's new album Down The Road Wherever was released on British Grove Records via Blue Note on Friday, Nov. 16, 2018.

Recorded by Knopfler at British Grove—his West London studio—Down The Road Wherever features 14 new songs inspired by a wide range of subjects, including Knopfler’s early days in Deptford with Dire Straits, a stray soccer fan lost in a strange town, the compulsion of a musician hitching home through the snow and a man out of time in his local greasy spoon diner.

Knopfler recently premiered the album tracks “Back On The Dance Floor” and “Good On You Son,” plus the video for “Good On You Son” can be streamed/shared at https://markknopfler.lnk.to/GoodOnYouSonVideo.

In celebration of the forthcoming album, Knopfler is set for an extensive North American tour kicking off on August 16, 2019 at the Foxwoods Resort Casino in Mashantucket, CT. See below for a complete list of dates; tickets for most North American shows are available for purchase now at http://tour.markknopfler.com/ and each ticket comes with a copy of Down the Road Wherever. Fans are urged to buy tickets from Knopfler’s website rather than resellers as the tickets’ authenticity and price can’t be guaranteed. Check http://markknopfler.com for the best way to buy tickets and for all details of safe fan-to-fan resale sites.

On tour Knopfler will perform with an expanded ten-piece band, most of whom have been working with him for more than two decades: Guy Fletcher (keyboards), Richard Bennett (guitar), Jim Cox (piano), Mike McGoldrick (whistle and flute), John McCusker (fiddle and cittern), Glenn Worf (bass), Danny Cummings (percussion) and Ian Thomas (drums). New additions include Graeme Blevins (saxophone) and Tom Walsh (trumpet).

‘My songs are made to be performed live,’ notes Knopfler. ‘I love the whole process of writing them alone and then recording them with the band, but ultimately the best part is playing them to an audience live. I enjoy the whole circus, travelling from town to town and interacting with this group of players is a total pleasure. I’m really looking forward to it.’

Knopfler has previously released eight solo albums, as well as Neck And Neck with guitar great Chet Atkins and All The Roadrunning with Emmylou Harris. He has also created film soundtracks for Local Hero, The Princess Bride and Cal. In addition to producing his own records, Knopfler has also produced albums for Bob Dylan and Randy Newman, amongst others. Knopfler was made an Order of the British Empire in 1999 and was given the prestigious Lifetime Achievement Award at the Ivor Novellos in 2012.

Down The Road Wherever is available via digital download, CD, double vinyl, deluxe CD with three bonus tracks and a lavish box set that includes the album on both vinyl and deluxe CD and an additional 12” vinyl EP with 4 bonus tracks, a 12” print of the artwork and a 12” guitar tablature of ‘Back On The Dance Floor.’.

DOWN THE ROAD WHEREVER

1. Trapper Man

2. Back On The Dance Floor

3. Nobody’s Child

4. Just A Boy Away From Home

5. When You Leave

6. Good On You Son

7. My Bacon Roll

8. Nobody Does That

9. Drovers’ Road*

10. One Song At A Time

11. Floating Away

12. Slow Learner

13. Heavy Up

14. Rear View Mirror*

15. Every Heart In The Room*

16. Matchstick Man

*Deluxe Edition CD bonus tracks

Stagecoach preview: Emmylou Harris, John Fogerty, Chris Stapleton

With two full weekends of the Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival having just ended, the Empire Polo Club in Indio is now set to host California's biggest country music event, Stagecoach. The annual festival runs April 29 - May 1, 2016.

Billy Joe Shaver is coming to Stagecoach.
Photo: Jim McGuire

The three-day festival always draws a diverse lineup of legendary tastemakers and groundbreaking newcomers, and this year is no exception. There are modern-day hit makers (Eric Church, Carrie Underwood, Luke Bryan), traditionalists (Luke Bell, Dale Watson, Marty Stuart) and Americana favorites (SUSTO, Rodney Crowell), as well as classic rockers (John Fogerty, the Doobie Brothers, the Marshall Tucker Band) whose sounds have heavily influenced contemporary country music icons.

Here is a preview of some "must see" names coming to Stagecoach this weekend.

Emmylou Harris, seen here in
2005, performs on day 1 of
Stagecoach.

Friday, April 29
Few country music singer-songwriters to emerge in the 1970s have displayed the timeless artistry and profound influence of 13-time Grammy winner Emmylou Harris. The Alabama native rose to fame singing with the late Gram Parsons, and has continued to champion emotional songcraft whether recording alone or with the acclaimed likes of Bob Dylan, Roy Orbison, Linda Ronstadt, Mark Knopfler, Neil Young and Willie Nelson. Her 1977 album "Luxury Liner" and 1995's "Wrecking Ball" rank as several of country music's most beloved LP releases.

Austin, Texas-based favorite Dale Watson is a bona fide honky-tonk hero and will bring a solid dose of traditional country music to Stagecoach on the first day of the festival. He hits Stagecoach armed with wonderful songs off his latest album, "Call Me Insane," which has earned Watson praise for its connections with the Lone Star State's rich country traditions. Among the highlights on that disc is the fast-paced "A Day at a Time," and "Jonesin' for Jones," the latter an infectious tribute to the late George Jones.

Another great reason to arrive on day 1 of Stagecoach is Texas singer Billy Joe Shaver, now 76, who brings his long and impressive parade of authentic outlaw material to Indio. His 1970s albums remain essential affairs, with tracks such as "Gypsy Boy," "Honky Tonk Heroes" and "You Asked Me To" among his best-known recordings. His hit "Live Forever" (co-written by his son Eddy) was performed by Robert Duvall in the movie "Crazy Heart."

John Fogerty, seen here performing in May 2007,
is returning to Stagecoach in 2016.
Photo: Robert Kinsler

Saturday, April 30
The last time rocker John Fogerty performed at Stagecoach, it was in May 2008 and he performed on the Mane Stage right before the Eagles. It was Fogerty who killed it that day, unleashing one classic high-powered hit and emotional high after another. Opening with "Born On The Bayou," his hour-long set included the likes of "Who'll Stop The Rain," "Fortunate Son," "Keep On Chooglin," "Bad Moon Rising" and set-ending "Proud Mary." Expect the singer-songwriter-guitar great to deliver the goods again this weekend. One of rock 'n' roll's true greats. 

Fans of Dawes and Band of Horses will want to catch Charleston, S.C.-based SUSTO. The band's self-titled 2014 debut featured a slew of compelling alt-cosmic country gems including the uptempo "Acid Boys" and introspective "County Line." The group is set to release its sophomore album this year, and that disc's first single "Cosmic Cowboy" tackles the cliches of Southern tradition against a compelling soundscape mixing several roots styles. 

If you missed Chris Stapleton when he performed at Coachella, the good news is the acclaimed singer-songwriter is going to perform at Stagecoach too. It's no surprise that Stapleton won six awards at the 51st Annual ACM Awards - his debut solo album "Traveller" is that great. Don't miss Stapleton when he performs favorites such as the aptly-titled "Fire Away" on Saturday.

Sunday, May 1

The Deslondes hail from New Orleans.
Photo: Sarrah Danziger 

Last year was a good one for the Deslondes; the New Orleans country-folk troupe's eponymous 2015 album received plenty of well-deserved attention and spawned the rousing hit "The Real Deal." American Songwriter magazine listed the album as one of the "Top 50 Albums of 2015," and now the New West Records artist will perform their infectious old time material at Stagecoach.

I caught RaeLynn when she opened for Rascal Flatts at Irvine Meadows in October 2015, and the young singer impressed with the acoustic-flavored "For a Boy" and even more catchy "God Made Girls." Now the 21-year-old Texas native who rose to fame during the second season of NBC-TV's "The Voice" gets to showcase her country pop in Indio.

Since forming in 1970, the Doobie Brothers have sold more than 40 million albums thanks to recording a string of amazing hits including "China Grove," "Listen to the Music," "Jesus Is Just Alright" and "Take Me In Your Arms." There is little doubt a large festive atmosphere will greet the Doobie Brothers when they take the stage on Sunday in Indio.

For more information, visit StagecoachFestival.com. 

Robert Kinsler

Mark Knopfler sets 2015 North American Tour

Still recovering from NAMM folks and I'll be sharing from news from the music industry showcase throughout the week. But this caught my eye this morning and had to share...

Mark Knopfler announces 2015 North American Tour

New album 'Tracker' set for release on March 17, 2015

Lead single 'Beryl' streaming worldwide on Vevo

 

Legendary musician and songwriter Mark Knopfler will celebrate the release of his new record, Tracker, due March 17 on Verve Records, with a 36-city North American tour that kicks off in Vancouver on September 10 and continues through the end of October. 

 

Fans that purchase tickets to ‘An Evening with Mark Knopfler and Band’ online will receive a physical copy of Tracker for each pair of tickets purchased. Fan club presales begin January 27. Public on sales begin January 30.

 

Says Knopfler, ‘Part of the fun is thinking what you might have a go at, for a new tour. For me, that’s part of the joy of it, getting that little crew together again, and setting sail once again. It’s a real adventure.’ Knopfler has always viewed touring as the final part of the process running from songwriting through recording and ending up on the road performing old and new songs. He now writes more music while actually on the road.

 

‘The songs ‘Lights of Taormina’ and ‘Silver Eagle’ came into being partly through my trips in Europe and the U.S. with Bob Dylan.’

 

See below for full tour routing.

 

Tracker marks the eight solo recording from Knopfler, who Rolling Stone praises as one of the ‘100 Greatest Guitarists of All Time.’ The single ‘Beryl’ is now streaming worldwide at Vevo here: http://po.st/Byrlv. Fans who pre-order the record digitally today will instantly receive ‘Beryl’ with the order: http://smarturl.it/MKTracker.

 

Recorded at his own British Grove Studios in West London, Tracker includes 11 new songs inspired by a wide range of subjects including Beryl Bainbridge and Basil Bunting. The album was producer by Knopfler and his long-time friend and collaborator Guy Fletcher who also plays keyboard on the record. In addition, Tracker features Mike McGoldrick on whistle and flute, John McCusker on fiddle, Glenn Worf on bass and Ian Thomas on drums. Guest musicians include Ruth Moody (from The Wailin’ Jennys) on vocals, Nigel Hitchcock on saxophone and Phil Cunningham on accordion.

 

Tracker will be available on CD, double vinyl, deluxe CD with four bonus tracks, and a box set that will include the album on both CD and vinyl with a bonus CD featuring six extra tracks, a DVD with an exclusive short film directed by Henrik Hansen and an interview with Knopfler where he talks about the new record. Sleeve notes have been specially written by acclaimed U.S. author Richard Ford and also contain a numbered art print and six photographic prints.

 

A multiple Grammy award winner as the lead vocalist and songwriter for Dire Straits, Knopfler has released seven solo albums as well as recording Neck And Neck with one of his guitar heroes, Chet Atkins and collaborated with Emmylou Harris on All The Roadrunning. He has created soundtracks for Local Hero and The Princess Bride and is currently working on a new film, Altamira. In addition to producing his own records Knopfler has also produced albums for Bob Dylan and Randy Newman amongst others. He was made an OBE in 1999 and was given the prestigious ‘Lifetime Achievement Award’ at the Ivor Novellos in 2012.

 

MARK KNOPFLER TOUR DATES

September 10                              Vancouver, BC                                           Queen Elizabeth Theatre

September 11-12                      Woodinville, WA                             Chateau Ste. Michelle Winery*

September 13                               Portland, OR                                                      Keller Auditorium

September 16                              Las Vegas, NV                            The Colosseum at Caesars Palace

September 18                               Berkeley, CA                                                     The Greek Theatre

September 19                            Los Angeles, CA                                                  The Dolby Theatre

September 20                           Santa Barbara, CA                                             Santa Barbara Bowl*

September 21                              San Diego, CA                           Humphrey’s Concerts By the Bay

September 23                              Morrison, CO                                          Red Rocks Amphitheater

September 25                                 Austin, TX            Austin City Limits Live at The Moody Theater

September 26                                 Dallas, TX                                                    The Majestic Theatre

September 28                            Kansas City, MO                       Arvest Bank Theatre at the Midland

September 29                           Minneapolis, MN                                                   Orpheum Theatre

September 30                             Milwaukee, WI                                                     Riverside Theater

October 2                                      Chicago, IL                                                          Chicago Theatre

October 3                                  Indianapolis, IN                      Old National Centre—Murat Theatre

October 4                                    Ann Arbor, MI                                                     Michigan Theater

October 6                                     Toronto, ON                                                               Massey Hall

October 7                                     Montreal, QC                 Place Des Arts—Wilfrid Pelletier Theatre

October 9                                      Boston, MA                                                        Orpheum Theatre

October 10                               Mashantucket, CT            Foxwoods Resort Casino—Grand Theater

October 11                                    Albany, NY                                                             Palace Theater

October 13                                  Pittsburgh, PA                                                                Heinz Hall

October 14                               Niagara Falls, ON                                      Fallsview Casino Resort*

October 16                                  Red Bank, NJ                                                  Count Basie Theatre

October 17                                Philadelphia, PA                                                  Academy of Music

October 18                                Washington, DC                                                       Warner Theatre

October 20                                  New York, NY                                                         Beacon Theatre

October 22                                   Durham, NC                                Durham Performing Arts Center

October 24                                    Atlanta, GA                                     Chastain Park Amphitheater*

October 25                            North Charleston, SC           North Charleston Performing Arts Center

October 27                                St. Augustine, FL                                    St. Augustine Amphitheatre

October 28                                  Melbourne, FL                        King Center for the Performing Arts

October 30                                  Clearwater, FL                                                      Ruth Eckerd Hall

October 31                              Fort Lauderdale, FL              Broward Center for the Performing Arts

                                             *On-sale at a later date                                                                          

http://www.markknopfler.com/

https://www.facebook.com/MarkKnopfler

MUSIC WORTH BUYING episode: Ace Frehley, Eric Clapton & Friends

Watch the latest episode of MUSIC WORTH BUYING where we access Ace Frehley’s Space Invader, and The Breeze: An appreciation of JJ Cale courtesy of Eric Clapton & Friends

Music-minded Gift Guide Part 2: Mark Knopfler, Boston, Steve Wariner, Bruce Springsteen, Jason Aldean, Lady Antebellum, more!

With December's arrival it's time to get serious about picking up some outstanding collections for those special and discerning music fans in your life. Here is the second of two special Music-minded Gift Guides showcasing a wide-ranging number of new collections available now.

Here are some highly-recommended albums.

Artist: Mark Knopfler
Title: Privateering (Verve)
You might like if you enjoy: Dire Straits, Nils Lofgren
Tell me more: Bound to rank on my top 10 list of best albums released in 2013, the deluxe version of singer-songwriter-guitarist Mark Knopfler's breathtaking Privateering is a cycle of songs that blend Celtic, country folk and blues styles effortlessly. Many albums released nowadays overstay their welcome and stretch a few tracks too far. Knopfler's first-ever 2-disc effort offers up 20 bona fide gems. Whether exploring the deepest corners of human emotion ("Haul Away," "Redbud Tree," "Radio City Serenade") or simply having a blast ("Corned Beef City," "Hot or What"), Knopfler's artful and intelligent songs share the spotlight with his singular guitar playing. Information: www.MarkKnopfler.com.

Get Privateering (Deluxe Version) here

Artist: Boston
Title: Life, Love & Hope (Frontiers Records)
You might like if you enjoy: Boston's classic '70s and '80s albums
Tell me more: Ten years in the making, Boston's sixth album Life, Love & Hope was released on Dec. 3, 2013 and includes lead vocals from the late Brad Delp, the group's original vocalist who died in March 2007. But it is Boston's sonic architect Tom Scholz whose work is most on display here, courtesy of his symphonic guitar, keyboard orchestrations and unique production technique. Highlights include the instrumental "Last Day of School" and inspired "Sail Away." Information: www.bandboston.com. 

Get Life, Love & Hope here



Artist: Status Quo
Title: The Frantic Four Reunion 2013 (Eagle Rock Entertainment/earMusic)
You might like if you enjoy: Thin Lizzy, early AC/DC, Humble Pie
Tell me more: From boogie blues rockers ("Junior's Wailing," "Backwater") to the fast-paced "Is There a Better Way" (which recalls early Queen) and the bluesy sing-along "Most of the Time," Status Quo's powerful set at London's Apollo Hammersmith is pure fun. The legendary British rockers' unlikely return to the stage in the wake of high-profile lawsuits and court battles makes this terrific 18-song set even sweeter. Information: http://www.statusquo.co.uk. 

Get Live on Stage: Frantic Four Tour [Blu-ray] here 



Artist: Steve Wariner
Title: It Ain't All Bad (SelecTone)
You might like if you enjoy: Glen Campbell, Chet Atkins
Tell me more: 2013 has truly been a year of eagerly-awaited returns. Boston, Mazzy Star and Toad the Wet Sprocket are not the only famed artists to return from voluntary retreats to emerge with sterling new albums. Country music singer-songwriter-guitarist Steve Wariner has released the wonderful It Ain't All Bad, his first non-instrumental recording in more than eight years. The good news about Wariner's hiatus is that he had time to write and co-write a number of fine songs (notably the rousing title track and gentle "Arrows at Airplanes") that grace this authentic comeback. Information: www.SteveWariner.com. 

Get It Ain't All Bad here




Here are some excellent titles available on DVD and/or Blu-ray.

Title: Springsteen & I (Eagle Rock Entertainment)
You might like if you enjoy: Bruce Springsteen, Paul McCartney
Tell me more: Few documentary films get inside the relationship between icon and audience like director Baillie Walsh's Springsteen & I. The newly released DVD (also available on Blu-ray) not only features the documentary film, but bonus material including Springsteen's performance at Hard Rock Calling 2012 (which featured his appearance on stage with Sir Paul McCartney too), and more! Information: www.eaglerockent.com. 

Get Springsteen & I here



Title: Night Train to Georgia (Broken Bow)
You might like if you enjoy: Jason Aldean, Eric Church
Tell me more: Filmed at the University of Georgia's Sanford Stadium in April 2013, Jason Aldean's aptly-titled Night Train to Georgia concert film features the country star returning to his home state to deliver a dozen and a half cuts, including all 10 of his number 1 tunes over the course of 90 energetic minutes. There are also guest appearances from Luke Bryan, Ludacris and Kelly Clarkson. Information: www.JasonAldean.com.

Get Night Train to Georgia here


Title: Live: On This Winter's Night (Eagle Rock Entertainment)
You might like if you enjoy: Lady Antebellum, Josh Kelley, The Band Perry
Tell me more: Seven-time Grammy winner Lady Antebellum (Hillary Scott, Charles Kelley and Dave Haywood) has released the wonderful holiday-minded Live: On This Winter's Night on both DVD and Blu-ray. In addition to performing their harmony-filled versions of Christmas classics such as "Silver Bells," "Blue Christmas" and "Silent Night," they also feature an original song "On This Winter's Night." Bonus features include acoustic versions of many of the tracks and music videos. Information: www.eaglerockent.com.  

Get On This Winters Night here


Title: Loberace - Live In Vegas (Eagle Rock Entertainment)
You might like if you enjoy: CeeLo Green, Gnarls Barkley
Tell me more: Singer, songwriter, rapper, comedian, producer, actor...you get the idea. CeeLo Green does it all and proves it on his newly-released Loberace – Live In Vegas (on DVD and Blu-ray). And at the heart of Green's talent is a soulful voice, used in the service of some great songs including his already-classic 2006 Gnarls Barkley hit "Crazy." Information: www.eaglerockent.com.

Get Loberace Live in Vegas here

Title: Move Me Brightly (TRI Studios/Eagle Rock Entertainment)
You might like if you enjoy: Jerry Garcia, The Grateful Dead
Tell me more: Celebrating what would have been Jerry Garcia's 70th birthday, musical friends gathered at Bob Weir's TRI Studios in San Rafael, California to present a musical toast the late Grateful Dead singer-guitarist. In addition to the Dead's Weir, other performers featured on Move Me Brightly include Phil Lesh, Mickey Hart, Carlos Santana and even members of Vampire Weekend, Phish and the Black Crowes. Both a concert film and a revealing documentary, Move Me Brightly will likely thrill Deadheads and music fans inspired by heartfelt performances. Move Me Brightly is out now on DVD, Blu-ray and in visual digital formats. Information: www.eaglerockent.com. 

Get Move Me Brightly: Celebrating Jerry Garcia's 70th Birthday [DVD] here