2019 Doheny Blues Festival recap

Marcus King displaying his otherworldly talents
at 2019 Doheny Blues Festival.
Photo: Bob Steshetz

Lovers of blues, soul, blues-rock and roots music all found something to celebrate at the Doheny Blues Festival held at Sea Terrace Park in Dana Point, May 18-19.

The annual blues bash presented by Omega Events lived up its legacy over two wonderful days, with discerning fans of all ages rewarded with memorable performances. Here is a recap of this writer's favorite performances that played out in Dana Point over the weekend.

May 18, 2019

From left, Tom Ball and Kenny Sultan performing in
Dana Point on May 18, 2019.
Photo: Bob Steshetz

Singer-harmonica player Tom Ball and guitar master Kenny Sultan performed a breakfast set for fans lined up to get into the festival, offering up authentic acoustic stylings with warmth and early-hour firepower. 

GA-20 performing at Doheny Blues Festival.
Photo: Bob Steshetz

GA-20 is a rising talent forged in Boston, Massachusetts last year. Recalling the fiery approach of new generation blues heroes Moreland & Arbuckle and The Record Company, singer-guitarist Pat Faherty and guitarist Matthews Stubbs fired up the crowd with a number of hard-hitting tracks. "One Night Man," "By My Lonesome" and a cover of Clifton Chenier's "My Soul" were among the memorable cuts that lit up the Backporch Stage.

Joey "D" Delgado at Doheny Blues Festival.
Photo: Bob Steshetz

Opening up the action on the Dana Point Stage was East Los Angeles' the Delgado Brothers, a quintet that shined with a mix of well-crafted blues and roots rock tracks. Drummer-lead singer Steve Delgado, bassist Bob Delgado, lead guitarist Joey "D" Delgado and keyboardist David B. Kelley led the group through a powerful batch of originals including the winning title track off their latest album Two Trains. Another solid original was the tuneful "Live For Today," bolstered by great vocal harmonies and impressive fretwork courtesy of Joey Delgado.

Sue Foley in action at Doheny Blues Festival.
Photo: Bob Steshetz

To say singer-songwriter-guitar great Sue Foley and her two-man band brought down the house was to state the obvious. Performing a 45-minute set of material weighted in favor of her latest album, the terrific The Ice Queen, the Canadian star is a masterful artist who was able to further inspire via a strong performance on the Backporch Stage. The smooth "Gaslight," joyful "The Lucky Ones" and a short mini-set of flamenco blues (including the beautiful "The Dance") showcasing Foley's shining guitar work made for one of the weekend's standout sets. Foley closed out her set with the hard-charging "Run" that had everyone moving to the wild and infectious rhythm, and also participating in a fun clap-along section.

Luther Dickinson tearing it up with the must-see
North Mississippi Allstars on the Backporch Stage.
Photo: Bob Steshetz

The North Mississippi Allstars brought their signature brand of Southern rock, blues rock and jam band tradition to the Backporch, with singer-guitarist Luther Dickinson and drummer-guitarist Cody Dickinson impressing with their virtuoso chops and authentic approach. Highlights of the hour-long outing including an extended electric washboard solo from Cody, and 16-year-old guitar prodigy Brandon "Taz" Niederauer and lead guitarist Duane Betts (the son of Allman Brothers Band legend Dickey Betts) joining the band later in the set.

From left, Berry Oakley Jr., Devon Allman and Duane Betts of the Allman Betts Band.
Photo: Bob Steshetz

The Allman Betts Band's turn on the Backporch Stage recalled the musical magic and sonic stylings of The Allman Brothers Band in spades, no wonder since the seven-member group includes Devon Allman (the son of the late Gregg Allman), Berry Oakley Jr. (the son of Raymond Berry Oakley, the founding bassist of the Allman Brothers Band) and previously-noted Duane Betts. In addition to some solid originals, faithful takes on The Allman Brothers' "Blue Sky," "Ain't Wastin' Time No More" and instrumental classic "Jessica" were performed with precision and craft. I was especially impressed by the title track off the band's forthcoming debut album (Down To The River set for release on June 28, 2019), an arresting song blending classic Southern rock with soul.

Ben Harper thrilling blues aficionados to cap
day 1 at the 2019 Doheny Blues Festival.
Photo: Bob Steshetz

Ben Harper & the Innocent Criminals used their 90-minute set to deliver a searing lesson in why blues and roots music still matter. Performing on the Dana Point Stage, Harper and his outfit performed both full-band blues blasters and sparse acoustic tracks. All featured Harper's distinctive vocals and lyrical stories that resonate with real life power. The potent "Burn One Down," the trance blues of "Whipping Boy" and stirring "There Will be a Light" were among the wonderful selections that showered the night with magic.

May 19, 2019

The Reverend Peyton of Reverend Peyton's Big Damn Band at
Doheny Blues Festival in Dana Point, CA on May 19.
Photo: Bob Steshetz

Reverend Peyton's Big Damn Band opened up the Doheny Point Stage on Sunday and their was an explosion of joyful noise as the high octane trio mixed up country and blues in all the right ways. Lead singer-guitarist Reverend Peyton is a force to be reckoned with and led the band through 35 minutes of bewitching music making including the delightful "You Can't Steal My Shine." In addition to Peyton, the Brown County, Indiana-spawned group includes drummer Max Senteney and "Washboard" Breezy Peyton, the latter who lit her Cajun instrument on fire during the closing number! 

Tierinii Jackson
Photo: Bob Steshetz

Southern Avenue may not be Memphis' best-kept secret much longer. The high-energy young group brought a mix of Southern soul, blues, funk and R&B to the Backporch Stage on Sunday afternoon. Kicking things off with "Whiskey Love" off their new sophomore album Keep On, the mix of styles, infectious energy and palpable chemistry between the band members and virtuoso chops kept the set racing for the next 45 minutes. 

Singer Tierinii Jackson and her sister Tikyra Jackson showed off their great harmonies, while top-tier guitarist Ori Naftly were especially locked in as they commanded the front of the stage. Keyboardist Jeremy Powell got to shine on "It's Gonna Be Alright," a great original off the group's self-titled 2017 full-length effort. Southern Avenue closed things out with the uplifting "Don't Give Up."

John Mayall enjoying the moment.
Photo: Bob Steshetz

At 85, John Mayall remains a passionate and heartfelt champion of the blues – and so-called "British blues" in particular. In addition to his strong baritone vocals, Mayall shared his talents on keyboards, guitar and blues harmonica while also showcasing his latest lead guitarist (and sometimes lead vocalist) Carolyn Wonderland. I especially loved the performance of a loose and buoyant take on the great Curtis Salgado song "The Sum Of Something."

Nick Moss Band with harmonica great Dennis Gruneling at Doheny Blues Festival.
Photo: Bob Steshetz

Nick Moss Band with Dennis Gruneling offered up a tradition-laced take on the Chicago blues. Joined by blues harp master Grueling, singer-guitarist Moss and his band brought down the house with a forceful and energetic set. They upped the ante when they brought up area harmonica legend Rod Piazza for a full-on jam.

"Artist-At-Large" Brandon "Taz" Niederauer
performing with the Marcus King Band.
Photo: Bob Steshetz

Marcus King, left, with Brandon "Taz" Niederauer.
Photo: Bob Steshetz

The Marcus King Band delivered a jaw-dropping and blistering hour-long set on the Dana Point Stage. Led by super-talented lead guitarist/singer-songwriter Marcus King, the Greenville, South Carolina band draws comparisons with modern-day artists such as Southern Avenue and Vintage Trouble in terms of mixing up its influences and creating something that is the group's own. King was flat-out amazing on stage, with his dramatic and impressive fretwork conjuring up sonic fireworks aplenty. What wasn't to love, including the explosive "Where I'm Headed," more introspective "Mourning Light" and Southern rock power ballad "Goodbye Carolina." What's more, the collective were even joined by Niederauer to cap this incredible set.

Vintage Trouble tearing it up at the Doheny Blues Festival.
Photo: Bob Steshetz

Vintage Trouble has proven to be one of modern music's all-time great concert acts, so it's little surprise the Los Angeles-based quartet killed it on the Backporch Stage on Sunday. While the weekend may have been winding down, Vintage Trouble had little interest in helping blues fans relax. Rather the group kept the party rolling with an intoxicating mix of rock 'n' soul. The soulful "Nobody Told Me," rocking "Blues Hand Me Down" and tender "My Whole World Stopped Without You" were early favorites. 

Vintage Trouble's Ty Taylor riding high at Doheny Blues Festival.
Photo: Bob Steshetz

The band (backed on this date by a female vocalist) continued to mix things up and keep things inspired and interesting, complete with an acapella vocal opening to open the timely "Everyone Is Everyone," slide guitar-anchored "Run Like The River" and an inventive cover of Elton John's "Rocketman." Lead singer Ty Taylor ventured out into the enthusiastic crowd several times, including when he was carried above the audience. The over-so-fast set ended with a mighty "Knock Me Out."   

Jonny Lang at Doheny Blues
Festival in Dana Point, CA.
Photo: Bob Steshetz

Jonny Lang closed out the weekend with a 75-minute set of well-known tracks, sticking closely to his long-standing set list featuring "Signs," "A Quitter Never Wins," a cover of Stevie Wonder's "Living for the City," "Lie to Me" and other faves. 

Omega Events added a special Music Preserves Stage at this year's event where artists were interviewed and concertgoers were treated to insider experiences from musicians. I caught Niederauer who talked about his passion for the blues and his excitement at performing with many of the artists at this year's Doheny Blues Fest. The aforementioned Foley, harmonica legend Rod Piazza and Southern Avenue were among other artists who spoke on the stage.




Review by Robert Kinsler

A special "Thank You" to Bob Steshetz for his wonderful photos!

Flying high with Vintage Trouble courtesy of 'Live at 35'

Editor's note: With Vintage Trouble making such a tremendous splash in 2019, we wanted to feature a post that was originally posted by Robert Kinsler on this site on May 28, 2013.

Vintage Trouble, from left, Rick Barrio Dill, Nalle Colt, Richard Danielson and Ty Taylor.
Photo: Robert Kinsler

I've interviewed and covered countless music events over the years, but my opportunity to go on a unique and exciting "Live at 35" adventure with the band Vintage Trouble on Friday, May 24 certainly ranks as one of the most memorable and exciting. Check out this video which chronicles my adventure and also provides you a chance to hear from members of the Los Angeles-based rock 'n' soul band, which offered up one of the standout performances I caught at Coachella Weekend 2 last month. It was that concert in Indio, as well as an invitation from the good folks at Taylor Guitars and Southwest Airlines that allowed me to cover this one-of-a-kind concert flight.

Rock, blues, soul, R&B and roots make for rich sonic stew

Outstanding new titles featuring Vintage Trouble, Southern Avenue, Leon Russell and Will Kimbrough are available now.

Artist: Vintage Trouble
Title: Chapter II - EP II (Ingrooves)
You might like if you enjoy: Sam Cooke, Otis Redding, Gary Clark Jr.
Tell me more: For the countless thousands of "Troublemakers" who have grooved, danced and been swept away by Vintage Trouble's memorable performances opening for the legendary likes of The Rolling Stones, The Who, AC/DC and the Dave Matthews Band or at the rock 'n' soul quartet's high-profile appearances at Coachella in 2013 or the Doheny Blues Festival in 2014, the great news is the band is set to perform at two Southern California festivals this weekend. Vintage Trouble will headline at the Joshua Tree Music Festival on May 18 and will return to the Doheny Blues Festival in Dana Point on May 19. Those upcoming performances come on the heels of the release of the band's fantastic new Chapter II - EP II, a 10-track title featuring five new studio songs and five forceful live cuts. The unbridled power and energy that Vintage Trouble brings to the stage with every performance has been difficult to fully capture on the band's commercial recordings; that is thankfully not the case with Chapter II - EP II," which finds singer Ty Taylor, guitarist Nalle Colt, bassist Rick Barrio Dill and drummer Richard Danielson unleashing their genre-bending mix of rock, blues, soul and R&B with perfection. Taylor's incredible vocals are persuasive throughout including on the modern stylings of "Everyone is Everyone" and "Don't Stop Forever," the soulful rocker "Knock Me Out" and via two versions of the nuanced soulful ballad "So Sorry" (both the live and studio versions end with stellar guitar work courtesy of Colt). The disc ends with an artfully- and amped-up live version of the Beatles' "Come Together." Information: VintageTrouble.com.

Artist: Southern Avenue
Title: Keep On (Concord Records)
You might like if you enjoy: Rhiannon Giddens, Tedeschi Trucks Band
Tell me more: Tapping into Memphis soul, Southern blues and classic R&B, Southern Avenue continues to blend their rich influences as they create something decidedly new on their sophomore effort Keep On. Memphis-bred singer Tierinii Jackson's voice astounds via performances that are nuanced and creatively in tune with the songs. The rest of the excellent group includes Israel native Ori Naftaly (guitar), Tikyra Jackson (drums), and Jeremy Powell (keyboards). The album extols a sense of exuberance and joy, whether songs are explosive ("Keep On," "Switchup," "Jive"), anthemic ("We Are Not So Different," She Gets Me High") or make their poignant mark as soulful ballads ("We're Gonna Make It," "Lucky"). Southern Avenue will perform at the Doheny Blues Festival in Dana Point on May 19. Information: SouthernAvenueMusic.com.

Artist: Leon Russell
Title: Live at Gilley's (Varèse Sarabande Records)
You might like if you enjoy: Leon Russell, Elton John, Sam Bush
Tell me more: Leon Russell and his New Grass Revival Band were in prime form when they were recorded at the celebrated Gilley's nightclub in Pasadena, Texas on Sept. 17, 1981. Brandishing the troupe's so-called "rhythm and bluegrass" style, Russell (who sadly passed away at the age of 74 in November 2016) and his five-man outfit shine across this wonderful must-hear release (Live at Gilley's). Among the many standout moments on the 12-track recording are the beautiful piano-anchored ballad "Lady Blue," countrified blues Southern rocker "In the Pines," bluegrass-on-speed take of Bill Monroe's "Uncle Pen," and signature Russell originals "A Song For You" and "Prince Of Peace." The Rock and Roll Hall of Famer's vocals are emotive and astound across the disc. Information: VareseSarabande.com.

Artist: Will Kimbrough
Title: I Like It Down Here (Daphne)
You might like if you enjoy: Tom Petty, Chris Hillman, John Mellencamp
Tell me more: Nashville-based singer-songwriter/multi-instrumentalist/producer Will Kimbrough is not a household name — he should be. Based on the power and ambitious reach displayed across his newly-released masterwork I Like It Down Here (the Alabama native's 9th solo release since 2000!), fans of authentic Americana and heartland rock 'n' roll will all find plenty to admire in his original songcraft and stellar musicianship. The great material ranges from the Tom Petty-flavored "Hey Trouble" and gritty blues of "Buddah Blues" to the melodic "I'm Not Running Away" and probing "Anything Helps." The moving and sparse "Alabama" finds Kimbrough's voice joined by that of blues singer Shemekia Copeland as they chronicle the lynching of Michael Donald in Mobile, Alabama in 1981. In addition to Copeland, other guests include singer Savana Lee Crawford, Brigitte DeMeyer and Dean Owens. Information: WillKimbrough.com.



Robert Kinsler

Classic and New Masterworks

A magnificent 40th anniversary edition of the Rush classic A Farewell To Kings, a legendary Big Star concert recording, and the latest wide-ranging masterworks from Tommy Castro & The Painkillers and NRBQ are among must-hear titles featured in my column this week.

Artist: Rush
Title: A Farewell To Kings — 40th Anniversary (UMe/Anthem/ole label group)
You might like if you enjoy: Rush, Dream Theater
Tell me more: The expanded version of Rush's A Farewell to Kings-40th Anniversary is available to fans in four distinct configurations including a Super Deluxe Edition (three audio CDs, a Blu-ray Audio disc and four high-quality 180-gram vinyl LPs), a three-CD Deluxe Edition (reviewed in this column), a four-LP Deluxe Edition and a Deluxe Digital Edition. On the version reviewed here, disc one features a 2015 remastered edition of the original album remastered at Abbey Road Mastering Studios (and available for the first time on audio CD); classic tracks including "Xanadu," "Closer to the Heart" and "Cinderella Man" sound better than ever. Spanning the full-length of discs 2 and 3 is a full-length Rush concert performed on Feb. 20, 1978. The concert — recorded London's Hammersmith Odeon and newly mixed by longtime Rush engineer and original A Farewell to Kings producer Terry Brown — is simply amazing. The legendary concert features versions of the otherworldly "Lakeside Park," dazzling prog rocker "By-Tor & the Snowdog," the yearning "Something For Nothing" and the complete "2112" suite. As if that wasn't enough, bonus features on the third CD include four newly-recorded cover versions of songs from the original album by Dream Theater, Big Wreck, The Trews and Alain Johannes; and an instrumental studio outtake of the spacey sound effects the band has creatively titled "Cygnus X-2 Eh." Information: rush.com.

Artist: Big Star
Title: Live at Lafayette's Music Room (Omnivore Recordings)
You might like if you enjoy: Big Star, the Replacements, the Minus 5
Tell me more: For long-time fans and new followers of Big Star, the release of the Memphis' band's Live at Lafayette's Music Room (available on Jan. 12, 2018) is a true revelation. Recorded in the uncertain aftermath after co-founding member Chris Bell had left the pioneering power pop outfit in January 1973, singer-guitarist Alex Chilton, bassist Andy Hummel and drummer-singer Jody Stephens were captured during an opening slot for Houston R&B ensemble Archie Bell & the Drells. The live recording has been newly-remastered from Grammy-winning Michael Graves (the concert set was previously only available as disc 4 on the Grammy Award-winning Keep an Eye on the Sky box set released in 2009). Highlights on Live at Lafayette's Music Room abound; a rollicking "When My Baby's Beside Me," a raucous "She's A Mover" complete with extended fiery guitar work from Chilton, a lovely "The Ballad of El Goodo" and artfully reworked covers of classics from The Flying Burrito Brothers, The Kinks, Todd Rundgren and T. Rex to name a few. Information: OmnivoreRecordings.com.

Artist: Tommy Castro & The Painkillers
Title: Stompin' Ground (Alligator Records)
You might like if you enjoy: Walter Trout, Vintage Trouble, John Németh
Tell me more: Tommy Castro & The Painkillers are one of the most consistently-strong and interesting modern-day blues troupes. On the group's new album Stompin' Ground a mix of blues, funk, R&B and rock 'n' roll are offered up via an invigorating 12-song run. The musical punch is strong to be sure; "Fear Is The Enemy" delivers a timely message against hatred with Tommy Castro, bassist Randy McDonald, drummer Bowen Brown and keyboardist Michael Emerson using a ferocious rock 'n' soul approach that is equal parts Motown and Springsteen. On "My Old Neighborhood," Castro turns in an especially soulful vocal performance that equals the poetic power of the introspective look at the past. On "Love Is," Castro's tandem talents as singer and guitar slinger conjure cool comparisons with Vintage Trouble's Ty Taylor and Nalle Colt. Tommy Castro & The Painkillers have several performances in Southern California this weekend, including at The Rose in Pasadena on an. 11, at The Coach House in San Juan Capistrano on Jan. 12, and at The Canyon in Agoura Hills on Jan. 14. Information: TommyCastro.com.

Artist: Ali Handal
Title: That's What She Said (Red Parlor Records)
You might like if you enjoy: Cindy Alexander, Bonnie Raitt, Sheryl Crow
Tell me more: Ali Handal's latest album That's What She Said shines as a platform for the Los Angeles-based artist's confessional songcraft, her affecting vocals and expressive work on lead and rhythm guitar. Touching on everything from her adoration of cats ("I Love My Pussy.cat") and self-assurance ("Enough For Me") to a courageous battle fighting cancer ("Let Go," bolstered by her guitar textures), Handal brings an honest and unique voice as both a songwriter and top-tier musician to the dozen tracks on "That's What She Said." She can also rework rock classics to good affect; a grooving mid tempo take on Led Zeppelin's "What Is and What Should Never Be" showcases both her soprano and skills with a slide; a sparse and candid version of Ani DiFranco's "Not a Pretty Girl" is another standout track. Information: RedParlor.com or alihandal.com.

Artist: NRBQ
Title: Happy Talk (Omnivore Recordings)
You might like if you enjoy: NRBQ, The Minus 5, Big Star, Sparks
Tell me more: Keeping things interesting and fun is at the forefront of NRBQ's 2017 EP Happy Talk. Mixing up freewheeling originals and covers without sacrificing an iota of musical excellence, the Kentucky-spawned quintet unleashes an array of great tracks including the garage rock-styled opener "Head on a Post" and countrified art damage rocker "Yes, I Have a Banana." From there, NRBQ revisits Roy Orbison's "Only the Lonely" via a Dwight Yoakam-styled country stylings before cranking things up for a dynamic "Blues Blues Blues." Things come of a thrilling close with a spirited and skillful cover of the Rodgers/Hammerstein song "Happy Talk" (from the musical "South Pacific"). Information: OmnivoreRecordings.com.

Robert Kinsler

Vintage Trouble video "Knock Me Out" debuts

You know it's a great day when there is a new Vintage Trouble video. The song "Knock Me Out" is a infectious and energetic soul rocker, and the video really captures the energy and charisma of the Los Angeles quartet. Watch the Danny Clinch-directed official music video below!

Vintage Trouble, Main Squeeze, Brother Yusef impress at House of Blues Anaheim grand opening

Singer Ty Taylor and bassist Rick Barrio Dill of the band Vintage Trouble at the opening of
House of Blues Anaheim on Saturday, Feb. 25, 2017. Photo: Robert Kinsler

Blues Brothers Dan Aykroyd, left, and Jim Belushi introducing Vintage Trouble
at the opening of House of Blues Anaheim on Saturday, February 25, 2017.
Photo: Robert Kinsler

For those who scored admission to the grand opening of the new House of Blues Anaheim on Saturday night (Feb. 25, 2017) located at the Anaheim GardenWalk, there were plenty of reasons to celebrate. There is far more room to roam than there was at the previous smaller location located in Downtown Disney that closed in May 2016; there are great sight lines in the various rooms (large and small) that featured live music throughout the event. An impressive lineup of concerts has already been announced, including performances from Orange County-based artists Social Distortion this week and Andrew McMahon in the Wilderness in early March.

Guitarist Nalle Colt and drummer Richard Danielson
of the band Vintage Trouble performing on Feb. 25.
Photo: Robert Kinsler

Beyond being among the first to see the first new House of Blues location in nine years, getting to catch up-and-coming rock 'n' soul quartet Vintage Trouble made getting into the venue a priority for yours truly. The band was the event's headliner, and delivered a powerful 65-minute set that allowed the Los Angeles-based outfit to perform well-known favorites as well as new material that will likely be featured on their next album. From the moment the foursome took the stage, they seemed on a mission to win over those who hadn't yet somehow heard of the band as well as reward longtime fans with another memorable show to treasure.

Ty Taylor of the band Vintage Trouble singing at
House  of Blues Anaheim on February 25, 2017.
Photo: Robert Kinsler

Among the early standouts in the band's set was the soulful R&B ballad "Doin' What You Were Doin'," a cut on the group's 2015 album 1 Hopeful Rd. While singer Ty Taylor is a dynamic and powerful frontman who inspires with his physical presence and dazzling stage moves, he is equally gifted with a great voice able to convey emotion with the range of the late great artists Sam Cooke and Otis Redding. 

Although it was a treat when the Blues Brothers (Dan Aykroyd in his alter ego of Elwood Blues and Jim Belushi in the role of Brother Zee Blues) introduced Vintage Trouble, imagine the crowd's surprise when the two performers joined Vintage Trouble on stage to join forces on a fun-filled version of the old '50s jump blues tune "Flip Flop and Fly." Aykroyd (in the role of Elwood Blues) blew some mighty harmonica and everyone on stage had a genuine blast in the moment. 

Vintage Trouble thrilling the crowd at the grand opening
celebration of the new House of Blues Anaheim on Feb. 25,
2017. Photo credit: Robert Kinsler

The group performed several impressive new songs (I don't know the exact titles, so I won't guess) that were strong, as well as well-known songs from their previous studio albums including the potent soulful rocker "Knock Me Out," the freewheeling "Run Like the River" where Taylor ventured far into the crowd, and the powerful "Not Alright By Me." Vintage Trouble closed with a blistering version of their infectious rocker "Blues Hand Me Down." This marked my fifth time catching Vintage Trouble live, and I remain convinced they are one of the best live acts making music today. In addition to Taylor, Vintage Trouble's original lineup includes guitarist Nalle Colt, drummer Richard Danielson and bassist Rick Barrio Dill.

Performing just before Vintage Trouble, the Main Squeeze brought a hard-hitting funk sound to Anaheim. Headed by sweet-voiced vocalist Corey Frye, the band impressed with heavy grooves and an impressive duel pitting guitarist Max Newman and keyboardist Ben "Smiley" Silverstein against each other on the cool "Dr. Funk."

Brother Yusef playing at House of Blues Anaheim.
Photo credit: Robert Kinsler

I was truly impressed by area bluesman Brother Yusef, whose self-described "organic Deep Fried Fattback Blues" really brought an authentic tone to the night. His mix of virtuoso guitar play and real life emotion came alive via "Nothing But the Blues," one of several original songs I caught him performing.


Review and photos:
Robert Kinsler

Vintage Trouble's '1 Hopeful Rd.' coming

I couldn't be more excited to learn that 1 Hopeful Rd., Vintage Trouble's first album for Blue Note Records, is coming on August 14th. Here is the full media release...

1 HOPEFUL RD. - THE NEW ALBUM FROM

VINTAGE TROUBLE - SCHEDULED FOR RELEASE ON AUGUST 14 ON BLUE NOTE RECORDS

Pre-order Launches With "Run Like The River" And "Doin' What You Were Doin'" Available Instantly To Fans Who Pre-order Digital Album

Vintage Trouble Announces August 12 Album Release Show

At The Fonda In Los Angeles

Currently Touring Europe With AC/DC, Vintage Trouble Will Also Open On North American Leg Of Australian Band's Rock Or Bust World Tour

1 Hopeful Rd. - Vintage Trouble's first album for Blue Note Records- will be released worldwide on August 14. The album pre-order is underway now on iTunes, Amazon andGoogle Play. Fans who pre-order 1 Hopeful Rd. digitally will instantly receive two tracks from the new album: the down home rhythm and blues stomper "Run Like The River"and "Doin' What You Were Doin'," a song that demonstrates the band's gift for penning startlingly honest songs about matters of the heart.Doin' What You Were Doin'can be streamed on Spotify HERE. Special bundles including the album and exclusive merchandise can be pre-ordered HERE.

Vintage Trouble / Photo: Timothy White

Produced by GRAMMY®-winning producer Don Was, who is President of Blue Note Records, the album also includes the deep soul ballad "Another Man's Words" and"Angel City, California," a joyous ode to Vintage Trouble's hometown of Los Angeles.See below for the full track listing.Vintage Trouble gives fans a behind-the-scenes look at the making of 1 Hopeful Rd. in thealbum trailer, which premiered today on VEVO and can be seen HERE.

The video "Run Like the River - The Road to 1 Hopeful Rd.," which can be seen HERE , captures Vintage Trouble on the road and offers a first listen to the album's opening track, "Run Like The River."

Vintage Trouble will play an album release show on August 12 at The Fonda in Los Angeles. The American Express® ticket pre-sale for this show begins on Wednesday, June 17, at 10 AM PT and ends on Thursday, June 18, at 10 PM PT. The Goldenvoice pre-sale runs Thursday, June 18, from 10 AM - 10 PM PT, and the password is ROAD. Tickets will go on sale to the general public HERE on Friday, June 19, at 10 AM PT.

The band has just been announced as the opener on the North American leg of AC/DC's Rock Or Bust World Tour. The run will kick off at Gillette Stadium inFoxborough, MA on August 22 and include shows at Chicago's Wrigley Park (September 15) and Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles (September 28). See below for itinerary. Vintage Trouble is touring Europe with AC/DC this summer and will also perform at numerous festivals, including British Summer Time and Glastonbury.

Vintage Trouble - comprising Ty Taylor (vocals), Nalle Colt (guitar), Richard Danielson (drums) and Rick Barrio Dill (bass) - play live-wired, straight-shootin, dirty-mouth'd, pelvis-pushing juke music. Or, as Yahoo! Music put it, "imagine James Brown singing lead for Led Zeppelin and you'll get an idea of Vintage Trouble's muscular, in the pocket sound." The New York Times noted, "Like Otis Redding, Vintage Trouble makes music that is a little bit of everything...you can slow dance, groove, rock and let it all go."

Following the release of its debut album, The Bomb Shelter Sessions, the band was soon selling out headline shows worldwide, opening for The Rolling Stones and touring with The Who, and performing on shows like "Later...with Jools Holland,""Late Show with David Letterman," "The Tonight Show with Jay Leno," "Conan" and "Jimmy Kimmel Live"- all before Vintage Trouble had even signed to a major label.

1 Hopeful Rd. - Track Listing

1. Run Like The River
2. From My Arms
3. Doin' What You Were Doin'
4. Angel City, California
5. Shows What You Know
6. My Heart Won't Fall Again
7. Another Man's Words
8. Strike Your Light
9. Before The Tear Drops
10. If You Loved Me
11. Another Baby
12. Soul Serenity

Vintage Trouble - Tour Dates

International Dates

*6/19 - Cologne, Germany @ Jahnwiesen

*6/21 - Hannover, Germany @ Messe

*6/25 - Berlin, Germany @ Olympia Stadium

6/26 - London, UK @ Hyde Park - British Summer Time

6/27 - Glastonbury, UK @ Glastonbury Festival

*6/28 - Glasgow, Scotland @ Hampden Park

*7/1 - Dublin, Ireland @ Aviva Stadium

*7/4 - London, UK @ Wembley Stadium

7/5 - Rotterdam, Holland @ Metropolis Festival

*7/6 - Dessel, Belgium @ Graspop Metal Meeting Festival Site

7/8 - Monaco, France @ Monte Carlo Sporting Summer Festival

*7/9 - Imola, Italy @ Autodromo

7/10 - Barcelona, Spain @ Festival Cruilla

7/11 - Bilbao, Spain @ BBK Festival

*7/12 - Gelsenkirchen, Germany @ Veltins Arena

*7/15 - Roskilde, Denmark, @ Roskilde Festival Site

**7/16 - Malmö, Sweden @ Slagthuset

*7/17 - Oslo, Norway @ Valle Hovin

*7/19 - Stockholm, Sweden @ Friends Arena

*7/22 - Hammenlinna, Finland @ Open Air Park

*7/25 - Warsaw, Poland @ National Stadium

 

North American Dates

*7/31 - New York, NY - AFROPUNK @ Lincoln Center - Damrosch Park

**8/12 - Los Angeles, CA @ The Fonda

*8/22 - Foxborough, MA @ Gillette Stadium

*8/26 - East Rutherford, NJ @ MetLife Stadium

*8/28 - Quebec City, QC @ Plains of Abraham

*8/31 - Montreal, QC @ Olympic Stadium

*9/3 - Ottawa, ON @ TD Place

*9/5 - Moncton, NB @ Magnetic Hill

*9/8 - Detroit, MI @ Ford Field

*9/10 - Toronto, ON @ Downsview Park

*9/15 - Chicago, IL @ Wrigley Field

*9/17 - Winnipeg, MB @ Investors Group Field

*9/20 - Edmonton, AB @ Commonwealth Stadium

*9/22 - Vancouver, BC @ BC Place

*9/25 - San Francisco, CA @ AT&T Park

*9/28 - Los Angeles, CA @ Dodger Stadium

* supporting AC/DC            

** headline show