Sights and Sounds: Eric Clapton, Ron Sexsmith, Kacey Musgraves, Mike Porcaro, Billy Idol

Happy St. Patrick's Day everybody! I'm listening to one of my new favorite Irish bands Pugwash (the wonderful 2014 Omnivore Recordings collection "A Rose in a Garden of Weeds") in celebration of the day!

Now on with a slew of news to share...

Legendary songwriter, vocalist, guitarist and 19-time Grammy Award-winner Eric Clapton will release a brand-new 'Best Of' compilation, entitled Forever Man, via Reprise Records on April 28, 2015 in the U.S.

Featuring 51 tracks over three CDs, Forever Man spans three decades of Clapton's Reprise Records years and features classic studio tracks and a Blues-themed disc.

The collection traces much of Clapton's career featuring the Grammy Award-winning tracks"Change The World", "Tears In Heaven", "Bad Love" and including materials form Eric's Grammy Award-winning albums From The Cradle and Unplugged. Guest performers include B.B. King and J.J. Cale.

The release of Forever Man coincides with an upcoming tour, which includes nine concert dates in celebration of his 70^th birthday on March 30^th. The shows will take place at New York City's famed Madison Square Garden on May 1^st and 2^nd and at London's Royal Albert Hall on May 14^th, 15^th, 17^th, 18^th, 20^th, 21^st, and 23^rd. The shows will feature Clapton, accompanied by his band members Paul Carrack, Steve Gadd, Nathan East, Chris Stainton, Sharon White, and Michelle John, with opening support act Andy Fairweather Low and the Low Riders.

Forever Man is available for pre-order beginning today, March 17, and will be available in multiple configurations: a 3-CD, 2-CD, a vinyl 2-LP set and digital downloads. The package also comes with liner notes written by noted rock journalist and author Malcolm Dome. Click here or here to pre-order.     

Please see below for all Forever Man track-listings.

3CD and Digital Download Edition:

CD1- Studio

1. Gotta Get Over
2. I've Got A Rock 'N' Roll Heart
3. Run Back To Your Side
4. Tears In Heaven
5. Call Me The Breeze
6. Forever Man
7. Believe In Life
8. Bad Love
9. My Father's Eyes
10. Anyway The Wind Blows - with J.J. Cale
11. Travelin' Alone
12. Change The World
13. Behind The Mask
14. It's In The Way That You Use It
15. Pretending
16. Riding With The King - with B.B. King
17. Circus
18. Revolution 

CD2 - Live

1. Badge
2. Sunshine Of Your Love
3. White Room
4. Wonderful Tonight
5. Worried Life Blues
6. Cocaine
7. Layla (Unplugged)
8. Nobody Knows You When You're Down & Out (Unplugged)
9. Walkin' Blues (Unplugged)
10. Them Changes - with Steve Winwood
11. Presence Of The Lord - with Steve Winwood
12. Hoochie Coochie Man
13. Goin' Down Slow
14. Over The Rainbow

CD3 - Blues

1. Before You Accuse Me
2. Last Fair Deal Gone Down
3. Hold On, I'm Comin' - with B.B. King
4. Terraplane Blues
5. It Hurts Me Too
6. Little Queen Of Spades
7. Third Degree
8. Motherless Child
9. Sportin' Life Blues - with J.J. Cale
10. Ramblin' On My Mind
11. Stop Breakin' Down Blues
12. Everybody Oughta Make A Change
13. Sweet Home Chicago
14. If I Had Possession Over Judgement Day
15. Hard Times Blues
16. Got You On My mind
17. I'm Tore Down
18. Milkcow's Calf Blues
19. Key To The Highway - with B.B. King 

2CD and Digital Download Edition:

CD1

1. Gotta Get Over
2. I've Got A Rock 'N' Roll Heart                              
3. Anyway The Wind Blows - with J.J. Cale                      
4. My Father's Eyes                                            
5. Motherless Child                                            
6. Pretending                                                  
7. Little Queen Of Spades                                      
8. Bad Love                                                    
9. Behind The Mask
10. Tears In Heaven
11. Change The World
12. Call Me The Breeze
13. Forever Man
14. Riding With The King - with B.B. King
15. It's In The Way That You Use It                             
16. Circus
17. Got You On My Mind
18. Travelin' Alone
19. Revolution

CD2 - Blues

1. Before You Accuse Me
2. Last Fair Deal Gone Down
3. Hold On, I'm Comin' - with B.B. King
4. Terraplane Blues
5. It Hurts Me Too
6. Little Queen Of Spades
7. Third Degree
8. Motherless Child
9. Sportin' Life Blues - with J.J. Cale
10. Ramblin' On My Mind
11. Stop Breakin' Down Blues
12. Everybody Oughta Make A Change
13. Sweet Home Chicago
14. If I Had Possession Over Judgement Day
15. Hard Times Blues
16. Got You On My mind
17. I'm Tore Down
18. Milkcow's Calf Blues
19. Key To The Highway - with B.B. King

Vinyl Edition:

Side 1

1. Gotta Get Over
2. I've Got A Rock 'N' Roll Heart                              
3. Anyway The Wind Blows - with J.J. Cale                      
4. My Father's Eyes                                            
5. Motherless Child                                            

Side 2

1. Pretending                                                  
2. Little Queen Of Spades                                      
3. Bad Love                                                    
4. Behind The Mask 

Side 3

1. Tears In Heaven
2. Change The World
3. Call Me The Breeze
4. Forever Man
5. Riding With The King - with B.B. King 

Side 4

1. It's In The Way That You Use It                             
2. Circus
3. Got You On My mind
4. Travelin' Alone
5. Revolution

Canadian singer-songwriter Ron Sexsmith is preparing for the release of his new studio album, Carousel One, out in North America on Tuesday, March 31, 2015. The album will be released in the U.S. via Compass Records and in his home country by Warner Music Canada. Carousel One, produced by Jim Scott, features 14 new Sexsmith originals. It was recorded with an incredible cast of musicians including bass player Bob Glaub (John Lennon, Lucinda Williams, Jackson Browne), guitarist Jon Graboff (John Lee Hooker, Dr John), drummer Don Heffington (Bob Dylan, Emmylou Harris), and keyboard player John Ginty (Dixie Chicks).  Carousel One finds Sexsmith in surprising territory for a man often pegged as a downbeat balladeer: he’s actually contented. "I didn’t realize until we were putting the songs together for Carousel One that this would be more outgoing. There's a lot more humour,” says Ron. “I mean, there’s even a smiling picture on the cover, which I've just never had before. I just hope it doesn't scare the children."

Watch the official lyric video for "Saint Bernard" via the embedded link above The first single off Carousel One, “Saint Bernard,” is a tribute to an anonymous family dog from a photograph picked up in a second-hand shop by Ron's  wife. "They’ve always been my favorite type of dog," says Ron, recalling the genesis of the song. "I was sitting in the kitchen one day playing guitar. I had this melody but no lyrics, so I looked up at the picture and just started singing the opening lines. I guess the album is kind of a travelogue of music that I like which was mostly a happy accident."

Mercury Nashville singer/songwriter Kacey Musgraves earns the No.1 most added song at Country radio this week with her new single “Biscuits.” From her upcoming sophomore album, the Grammy winner co-wrote the tune with good friends Shane McAnally and Brandy Clark. The same trio wrote the gold-certified “Follow Your Arrow” which won the 2014 CMA Song of the Year. “Biscuits” is available now at digital retailers worldwide:http://umgn.us/BiscuitsSingle.

“‘Biscuits’ is just another example of why Kacey is one of the most brilliant and original singer-songwriters in country music today.” – Johnny Chiang, OM KKBQ

Musgraves earned numerous accolades for her critically-acclaimed debut album Same Trailer Different Park including 2014 ACM Album of the Year and 2014 Grammy Awards Best Country Album. The Texas native recently took her ‘Same Tour Different Trailer’ tour to Australia for several shows including a performance for the CMC Music Awards. She will continue the remaining US dates of the tour on March 26^th in Washington, DC. Musgraves’ second album is set to be released later this year.

Tickets and additional information can be found at www.KaceyMusgraves.com.


I was very sad to hear the passing of long-time Toto bassist Mike Porcaro over the weekend. Here is the statement from The Recording Academy's Neil Portnow on the passing of the gifted musician:

The Recording Academy Statement^® re: Mike Porcaro
Monday, March 16, 2015
 
Mike Porcaro, three-time GRAMMY^® winner and longtime bassist for the multi-platinum selling rock group Toto, was a dynamic musician and performer. Mike joined his brothers Steve Porcaro and the late Jeff Porcaro in the band in 1982, around the time of the release ofToto IV, which ultimately earned Album Of The Year honors. Throughout his career, his love for music and performing was always evident, and was showcased frequently due to the group’s relentless touring and international popularity. Our music community has lost an influential and charismatic creator, and his legacy will continue to inspire and entertain. Our thoughts go out to his family, friends, and fellow group members, as well as to all who have been entertained by his exceptional talent.
 
Neil Portnow
President/CEO
The Recording Academy


Finally, make sure to check out writer George A. Paul's review of Billy Idol's tell-all autobiography Dancing With Myself here. Anyone interested in not only Idol, but the costs of rock stardom will find the honest look at the rocker's life a good read.

Toto to release first album in 10 years on March 24, 2015 in North America

Toto has enjoyed a welcome resurgence over the past few years, so it's great the band is set to release a new studio album in early spring. Here is the media release...

TOTO XIV to be issued on March 24, 2015 in North America

First New Studio Album in Ten Years Out In Europe 3/20,

The UK and Oceania on 3/23, and North America on 3/24

World Tour Commences In Glasgow on May 21, 2015

North American Dates To Follow

Los Angeles, CA --- Frontiers Music Srl has announced a March 20 release date for TOTO XIV in Europe, with The UK and Oceania on 3/23, and North America on March 24.  The album will hit retail globally, with specific dates for territories in Asia, South America and others to follow. Configurations include CD, with a deluxe edition available featuring a "making of" documentary on DVD, expanded booklet that includes an in depth story and interview about the new album alongside exclusive pictures in ecol-book packaging. Additionally Toto XIV will be available as a 2LP vinyl set, and a Super Deluxe limited edition which includes the Deluxe CD/DVD edition, 2LP vinyl, an exclusive poster, t-shirt (large size only), and lithograph.  The album will be available via all digital retailers.  A pre-order has gone live via Amazon for the LP (http://geni.us/TotoXIVLPAmz), CD (http://geni.us/TotoXIVRegAmz) and Deluxe Edition (http://geni.us/TotoXIVDlxAmz).

The new album is a realized vision three plus decades in the making exhibiting world-class musicianship, masterful arrangements, topical lyrical commentary, and melodies that the collective genius of Lukather, Paich, Porcaro, Williams and their assembled band-mates bring to life. TOTO XIV is the band’s first album of new material since 2006’s Falling In Between.  However, the band personally considers the new album to be the true follow-up to TOTO IV, which made the band global superstars.

Keyboardist Steve Porcaro reveals, "This is opposite of going through the motions.  We are treating this like it is Toto V, our follow-up to TOTO IV.  We just want to be the best version of ourselves that we can be.  Be true to ourselves and make the best music we can.  Entertain people which is what we were put on this Earth for."  Keyboardist David Paich reflects, "I think of TOTO as a unit and a band that carries a responsibility when it goes out there in to the public consciousness.   There is so much negativity and darkness that I think you have to be as Quincy Jones puts it, 'beams of light that blast through the darkness'." 

As they began the process of a return the studio, all of the principle long-term members brought their A-game to the table.  Guitarist Steve "Luke" Lukather offers, "When you put us in a room, and everybody brings in their pieces, the next thing you know it all fits together. Everybody's performances are top notch.  We are really bringing our best out, forcing ourselves to make personal best choices, what's best for the music.  I'm really excited to hear what people think."  Singer Joseph Williams adds, "We are talking about a band where everybody is a writer, and everybody is a lead singer, and everybody is a player.  All involved brought this trio to the table where it could just live on its own." 

Founding bassist David Hungate returns to the fold, about whom Luke simply offers, "No one plays like David Hungate." Drums were performed by Keith Carlock who's commitments to Steely Dan prohibit him from participating in the 2015 World Tour.  Shannon Forest will be behind the kit, who was a part of the band's 2014 North American run. Luke offers, "Shannon is a world class drummer and we are honored to have him back with us."

The sessions were co-produced by CJ Vanston, who Paich looks upon as, "everything a producer is supposed to be and more - a musicians producer."  Vanston states, "There have never been better musicians on the planet, especially in a band together.  This is an amazing record and I am completely thrilled to be a part of it.  This is a dream job for me."  Porcaro offers an additional thought stating, "I think the band is hit upon a very healthy creative tension for this project.  I'm very excited about it."  For Williams he reflects, "Just imagine being able to stand on stage in front of enormous crowd of people, and you are playing great music with the best musicians in the world, and you look around, and they are some of your best friends in the world.  It's the best feeling any person could have."  For Porcaro he shares, "It is kind of hard to find words of what it means to have a smile on your face to go to work every day and we have the fans to thank for that - so thank you."

The band will hit the ground running with an extensive European headline arena tour with appearances at key festivals. The itinerary begins in Glasgow on May 21, and takes Toto through the UK, France, Luxembourg, Netherlands, Denmark, Sweden, Norway, Germany, Switzerland, Austria, Poland, Hungary, Romania, Bulgaria, Serbia, Italy, and Belgium.  Ticket sales came out of the box with strength, with some appearances selling out within days of on-sale.  A North American tour will follow in the summer of 2015.  The band is also in the planning stages for their return to Asia later this year.

The last couple of years have been active, with a seven show sold-out tour of Asia that took them through Nagoya, Osaka, Tokyo, Sendai and Sapporo in April, 2014.  Also that month, the 35th Anniversary Tour - Live In Polandtitle was released, debuting at #1 in territories across the globe.  Last August and September, the band hit the road travelling across North America as co-headliners with Michael McDonald, which when it was all said and done was their most comprehensive tour on the continent in years. 

Historically, few ensembles in the history of recorded music have individually or collectively had a larger imprint on pop culture than the members of TOTO.  As individuals, the band members’ imprint can be heard on an astonishing 5000 albums that together amass a sales history of a HALF A BILLION albums.  Amongst these recordings, NARAS applauded the performances with 225 Grammy nominations.  TOTO sold 35 million albums, and today continue to be a worldwide arena draw staging standing room only events across the globe.  They are pop culture, and are one of the few 70s bands that have endured the changing trends and styles, and 35 plus years in to a career enjoy a multi-generational fan base.  It is not an exaggeration to estimate that 95% of the world's population has heard a performance by a member of TOTO. 

Toto also continues to raise awareness for ALS, for their brother and friend, Mike Porcaro, who has been diagnosed with ALS, Lou Gehrig's Disease.  The band commits energies towards fundraising for Police and Fire Departments of California and the Fallen Heroes initiative (http://www.fallenheroes.org/), and help the United Nations in their humanitarian endeavors through music.

An EPK featuring the band's insights can be viewed here: http://youtu.be/vsBf9hSkOPQ

TOTO XIV TRACK LISTING

1.     Running Out Of Time

2.     Burn

3.     Holy War

4.     21st Century Blues

5.     Orphan

6.     Unknown Soldier (For Jeffrey)

7.     The Little Things

8.     Chinatown

9.     All The Tears That Shine

10.  Fortune

11.  Great Expectations

TOTO TOUR DATES

5/21     Glasgow, UK                                                  Glasgow Royal Concert Hall

5/23     Dublin, Ireland                                                Vicar Street (SOLD OUT)

5/25     Manchester, UK                                             02 Apollo Manchester

5/26     London, UK                                                    Apollo Hammersmith

5/28     Paris, France                                                   Zenith

5/29     Esch Sur Alzette, Luxembourg                       Rockhal

5/30     Amsterdam, Netherlands                                Ziggo Dome

6/02     Sonderborg, Denmark                                     Molleparkens Friluftscene

6/03     Copenhagen, Denmark                                    Falkoner Theatre

6/04     Solvesborg, Sweden                                        Sweden Rock Festival

6/06     Bergen, Norway                                              Bergen Calling

6/07     Oslo, Norway                                                 Sentrum Scene (SOLD OUT)

6/10     Bremerhaven, Germany                                  Stadthalle

6/11     Berlin, Germany                                             Tempodrome

6/12     Leipzig, Germany                                           Parkbuhne

6/13     Dresden, Germany                                          Junge Garde

6/15     Cologne, Germany                                          Tanzbrunnen

6/16     Offenbach, Germany                                      Stadthalle

6/17     Stuttgart, Germany                                         Freilichtbuhne Killesberg

6/18     Abenberg, Germany                                        Burg Abenberg

6/20     Hinwil, Switzerland                                        Rock The Ring Festival

6/21     Klam, Austria                                                 Castle Clam

6/23     Wroclaw, Poland                                             Orbita Hol

6/24     Warsaw, Poland                                              Torwar

6/26     Budapest, Hungary                                         Petofi Hall

6/27     Bucharest, Romania                                        Sala Palatului

6/28     Sofia, Bulgaria                                                 Arena Armeec

6/30     Belgrade, Serbia                                               Kalemegdan Fortress

7/03     Milan, Italy                                                     City Sound Milan

7/05     Rome, Italy                                                     Cavea Auditorium

7/08     Munich, Germany                                          Olympiahalle

7/13     Morzine, France                                             Morzine Harley Days

7/15     Nimes, France                                                 Festival de Nimes

7/16     Vienne, France                                                Theatre Antique