A last listen back at 2015 releases: City and Colour, Kinky Friedman, Fats Domino, Pat Metheny

Before becoming immersed in all things 2016, this writer wanted to take one last look (and listen) at some strong 2015 releases that I discovered late in the year.


Artist: City and Colour
Title: If I Should Go Before You (Dine Alone Music)
You might like if you enjoy: Band of Horses, Bon Iver, Neil Young
Tell me more: City and Colour is the apt moniker for singer-songwriter-guitarist Dallas Green, whose far-reaching and falsetto-adorned voice delivers Americana-styled rock that is deeply affecting on the 11-track If I Should Go Before You. City and Colour's 5th full-length album is ripe with striking song craft (the haunting "Woman," potent title track, infectious "Wasted Love" and propulsive "Runaway" are among this writer's favorites), and a disc best heard from start to finish. Information: cityandcolour.com.


Artist: Kinky Friedman
Title: The Loneliest Man I Ever Met (Avenue A Records/Thirty Tigers)
You might like if you enjoy: Willie Nelson
Tell me more: Before the release of his The Loneliest Man I Ever Met in October 2015, it had been 39 years since singer-songwriter Kinky Friedman had recorded a studio album. His new album is launched with a tuneful "Bloody Mary Morning," a duet with Willie Nelson. Offering up intimate countrified reflections with his deep baritone, the material includes a mix of heartfelt covers by the fabled likes of the aforementioned Nelson, Tom Waits, Warren Zevon as well as his own probing confessionals (particularly the winning "Lady Yesterday" and stirring title song). Information: kinkyfriedman.com.


Artist: Fats Domino
Title: Thrillin' in Philly! Live 1973 (Goldenlane Records)
You might like if you enjoy: Dr. John, Fats Domino
Tell me more: Early rock 'n' roll hero Fats Domino influenced the far-flung likes of Bob Marley, reggae star Yellowman, Elton John and the Beatles ("Lady Madonna"), and listening to the recent release of a wonderful 1973 full-length recording is to hear why the New Orleans boogie woogie piano master was one of the most significant artists to emerge in the '50s. Highlights on the outstanding 22-track Thrillin' in Philly! Live 1973 include a soulful "Blueberry Hill," his rollicking "Ain't That A Shame" and a swinging "I'm in Love Again." This concert was captured via a multi-track recording and was incidentally recorded while Domino was in the midst of a career-reviving tour. The energy and sound of the performance will thrill old and new fans alike. Information: CleopatraRecords.com.


Artist: Pat Metheny
Title: The Unity Sessions (Eagle Vision)
You might like if you enjoy: Frank Zappa, Mark Egan
Tell me more: A 20-time Grammy winner, innovative jazz guitarist Pat Metheny's impressive musicianship is displayed across The Unity Sessions, a concert event filmed at 5 Angels Theater in New York City. Much of the material featured comes from Metheny's album "KIN" recorded with the Unity Group, including the freewheeling "On Day One" (where handclaps are used magically), beautifully lush "KIN" and "Born," the latter showcasing Metheny's stellar touch on the guitar. In addition to the concert itself, there is a bonus interview with Metheny and his band. The Unity Sessions is available on DVD, Blu-ray and digital formats. Information: eagle-rock.com.

Below is an embedded version of my column as it first appeared in Desert Star Weekly on January 6, 2016:

http://issuu.com/desertstar/docs/dstarweekly_wednesday_january_6_201/14?e=5727783/32600977

Inbox Update: 'Pat Metheny - The Unity Sessions' coming to DVD, Blu-ray and digital formats on September 18, 2015

Eagle Rock Entertainment is proud to announce the release on September 18 2015 of Pat Metheny - The Unity Sessions on DVD, Blu-ray and digital formats [MSRP TBA]. Featuring new performances of songs from the Grammy winning Unity Band record, the expansive Unity Group KIN(←→) recording, and touchstones from the entirety of Metheny’s illustrious career, these are essential performances that serve as a rare visual documentation of some of the best music of Metheny’s ever expanding career.

 

Pat Metheny - The Unity Sessions finds the 20 time Grammy-winning guitarist and the youngest member of the Downbeat Hall of Fame at the helm of one of his best bands ever. This concert was filmed as they wrapped up a 150-date world tour, with an intimate studio performance filmed in at 5 Angels Theater in New York City.

 

As well as the amazing full concert itself, The Unity Sessions include an insightful filmed interview backstage with Pat Metheny and the band.

 

Eagle Rock Entertainment is the largest producer and distributor of music programming for DVD, Blu-Ray, TV and Digital Media in the world.  Eagle works directly alongside talent to produce top quality, High Definition programs, both concerts and documentaries, including The Rolling Stones, Pink Floyd, The Who, Queen, The Doors, Jeff Beck, Peter Gabriel, Paul McCartney, Ozzy Osbourne, Genesis, Alice Cooper, Eric Clapton and Aerosmith. Eagle is a Grammy Award winning company and has received over 40 multi-platinum, over 80 platinum and over 144 gold discs, worldwide.  Eagle Rock Entertainment has offices in London, New York, Paris and Hamburg.

 

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Track Listing:

1) Genealogy  

2) On Day One  

3) This Belongs To You  

4) Roofdogs 

 5) Come And See  

6) Kin  

7) Born 

8) Rise Up 

9) Adagia  

10) Sign Of The Season  

11) Go Get It  

12) Cherokee  

13) Police People  

14) Two Folk Songs (1^st)  

15) Medley