New Music: Peter Himmelman, Chris Stamey & the Fellow Travelers, Tawny Ellis, The Jason Daniels Band

If it's summertime, then it must be time to check out some wonderful new releases from established as well as emerging artists...

Artists: Peter Himmelman
Title: Press On (Himmasongs/Six Degrees Records)
You might like if you enjoy: Bruce Cockburn, Steve Forbert, Bob Dylan, Randy Newman
Tell me more: Few would argue that 2020 has been among the challenging and tumultuous of years. Leave it to gifted singer-songwriter Peter Himmelman to release another stellar batch of songs (Press On, due July 31) that capture the mood of our times without necessarily being bound by current events. At the heart of the Minnesota native's 15th album is his straightforward but simultaneously rare gift of being able to tap into the deepest of emotions and sharpest of perceptions and then communicate those via timeless songcraft. Take in the tender ode "A Place In Your Heart," the stirring "Big Red Moon" or acoustic guitar gem "Outside Looking In" to hear his artistry resonate amidst sparse settings. Himmelman delves into the spirit of early blues on the acoustic "Flyin' Sideways Cross the Blacktop" and blues-rock on the edgy "The Wall of the Trumpets and the Clatter of the Hoofbeats." Other tracks are unveiled via other styles; the spirited swing track "Truth Proffered in a Hard Time" celebrates a man's ever-deepening love professed to his wife as evidenced by the oft-heard refrain "I never loved you more than I love you today." Those troubled by a global pandemic, a developing Cold War with China, senseless violence in this nation's big cities and bitter politics will be comforted by the album's spirited title track "Press On," whose arc ranges from spoken word, several sweet instrumental sections and an infectious blues-gospel chorus. Equally comforting is the colorful confessional "This Is My Offering" that closes out the 13-track Press On. Information: PeterHimmelman.com.

Artist: Chris Stamey & the Fellow Travelers
Title: A Brand-New Shade of Blue (Omnivore Recordings)
You might like if you enjoy: Burt Bacharach, Bill Evans, Jimmy Webb
Tell me more: Chris Stamey is a bona fide music hero celebrated as singer, songwriter, composer and record producer. In addition to his early stint performing with Big Star icon Alex Chilton, he formed the groundbreaking band The dB's with Peter Holsapple in the early 1980s. More recently, he crafted a slew of great new Great American Songbook-styled entries for his marvelous 2019 release New Songs for the 20th Century. Fast forward to 2020 and Stamey's adventuresome spirit continues to be found soaring in the far-flung corners of the sonic universe. On Chris Stamey & the Fellow Travelers' enthralling A Brand-New Shade of Blue, an appreciation of the small-combo jazz sound of the late 1950s and early '60s is gloriously revisited across 13 original works. A magnificent listen from start to finish, selections include the John Coltrane inspired title song, the moving ballad "I Don't Think Of You," wistful "There's a Dream Around the Corner," swirling "Cerulean Is Lovely," and Bacharach-flavored "Speechless." The songs and instrumental pieces are evocative of the past, but have an ageless grace. Brett Harris is the principal singer on the project, with his amazing vocals bolstered by the top-tier skills of Stamey (guitar), Charles Cleaver (piano), 19-year-old tenor sax master Elijah Freeman, Will Campbell (also and soprano sax), Evan Ringel (trombone), Ben Robinson (trumpet), Dan Davis (drums), Jason Foureman (acoustic bass) and others. Information: OmnivoreRecordings.com.

Artist: Tawny Ellis
Title: Love Life (Music Building Records)
You might like if you enjoy: Neko Case, Jenny Lewis
Tell me more: Armed with a rich soprano and freewheeling spirit in tune with the world around her, songstress Tawny Ellis makes no secret of the thematic focus on her aptly-titled Love Life album. The highs and lows of love, challenges of romantic unions and mystery of it all are explored ably by the rising artist on the 10-song disc. Ellis' songs are enhanced by a wonderful cast of musicians and other notables including renowned mixer Bob Clearmountain, musician-producer Jesse Siebenberg and multi-instrumentalist Ted Russell Kamp who collectively help bring details that enlighten her songs. The magical Celtic-tinged "Moonshine" is ablaze with shimmering textures, with Ellis' on work on the Omnichord instrument a nice touch. The affecting "Pretend Love," pensive "No More," touching "Spark of Love," rocking "I Believe" and fervent "Powers That Be" are among the other standouts on the ambitious LP that blends Americana and singer-songwriter stylings effortlessly. It's not easy to cover a Steely Dan classic, but Ellis' emotive reworking of "Dirty Work" is great and marks the perfect way to cap "Love Life." Information: tawnyellis.com.

Artist: The Jason Daniels Band
Title: Downloads From The Universe (Jax-Zen Studios)
You might like if you enjoy: Ten Years Later, Sister Hazel, WAR
Tell me more: The cool vibes of British blues, jam rock, '70s funk, roots rock and even Latin blend in the captivating Downloads From The Universe, the new album featuring the Jason Daniels Band. Jason Daniels (lead vocals, lead & rhythm guitar), Murph Caicedo (drums), Rob Wicks (bass) and Chris Nash (keyboards) have a warm chemistry and their style combines good vibes, great musicianship and solid songwriting. The range of material is impressive, with the strong opener "I'm Not Going Down," the Texas-fried blues ride "I've Been Ramblin'," funky romp "39202," scorching rocker "Dead and Gone" and breezy folk rocker "Breathe" among this writer's favorites. Information: JasonDanielsMusic.com.


Robert Kinsler

RIP John Prine - the music world mourns the legend

Bonnie Raitt, left, with John Prine at the 2020 Grammys' Lifetime
Achievement Awards on January 26, 2020.
Photo courtesy of the Recording Academy.

Post by Robert Kinsler

A week after the world lost Adam Schlesinger, now comes the terrible news that COVID-19 has also taken John Prine. The two-time Grammy winner was 73. He died earlier today (April 7, 2020) at Vanderbilt University Medical Center.

Earlier this year the legendary artist was recognized with one of the Grammys' Lifetime Achievement awards. He was paid tribute by the great Bonnie Raitt, who performed an acoustic version of Prine's classic "Angel From Montgomery" in homage.

"My friend John Prine, who is sitting right over there, wrote 'Angel From Montgomery' and so many other songs that changed my life," Raitt rhapsodized following the performance, while Prine was given a standing ovation in the audience. "I love you, John."

I loved Prine's set when I last caught him at the Stagecoach Festival in Indio, CA in spring 2014. 

Noted long-time Los Angeles Times music writer Robert Hilburn just tweeted out, speaking for many: "It's a heartbreaking night for all of us who've loved John Prine's music for all these years. RIP. He was 73. On the very top shelf of American songwriters."

The band Dawes also responded to his passing: "RIP John Prine. Thanks for being so much more than we could ever deserve." 

John Prine performing at the Stagecoach Festival.

Songstress Whitney Rose also reacted: "Thank you, John. You raised the bar in every way. Rest in power knowing that you changed the world for the better." 

Roger McGuinn wrote: "Peace John Prine. He was a major influence in my life and a fellow student at the Old Town School of Folk Music in Chicago. His storytelling ability was amazing!" 


Tweeted Peter Holsapple: "We have lost a giant. Rest In Peace." 

The official account for the Stagecoach Festival spoke for many this evening: "One of the best there ever was. Love you forever John." 

John Fogerty acknowledged the tremendous loss: "Rest In Peace, John Prine. You're in paradise now." 

Bruce Springsteen wrote: "Over here on E Street, we are crushed by the loss of John Prine. John and I were "New Dylans" together in the early 70s and he was never anything but the loveliest guy in the world. A true national treasure and a songwriter for the ages. We send our love and prayers to his family." 

Bonnie Raitt tweeted following the loss of her good friend: "Words can't even come close. I'm crushed by the loss of my dear friend, John. My heart and love go out to Fiona and all the family. For all of us whose hearts are breaking, we will keep singing his songs and holding him near." 

RECORDING ACADEMY® STATEMENT REGARDING JOHN PRINE TUESDAY, APRIL 7, 2020

We join the world in mourning the passing of revered country and folk singer/songwriter John Prine. John earned 11 GRAMMY® nominations and received two GRAMMY Awards® for Best Contemporary Folk Album, one for The Missing Years at the 34th GRAMMYs® and another for Fair & Square at the 48th GRAMMYs. His self-titled debut album was inducted into the GRAMMY Hall Of Fame® in 2015, and just recently he was announced as a 2020 Recording Academy® Lifetime Achievement Award recipient for his contributions to music during his nearly five-decade career. Widely lauded as one of the most influential songwriters of his generation, John’s impact will continue to inspire musicians for years to come. We send our deepest condolences to his loved ones. Harvey Mason jr. Interim President/CEO Recording Academy “We were saddened to learn of John Prine’s passing, the loss of a true American treasure. He was admired both for his art and for his sheer humanity.  He had a nobility that radiated liked a million watt radio station just across the border. We last crossed paths at the Memphis Music Hall of Fame ceremony where he inducted Cowboy Jack Clement and we got to do the honors for Roy Orbison.  We greeted each other warmly and I vividly recall passing a most pleasant time with the genuine article.  Never to be forgotten.”  - Billy F Gibbons “In the summer of 1973, days after I’d seen my first rock concert (Grand Funk Railroad), Steve Leder, my friend and band mate, took me downstairs to his teen lair and played me John Prine’s “Dear Abby.” “Whaddya think,” he asked. ‘Country’ I thought. ‘I hate country.’ Steve picked up the needle and played the song again. And once more after that. I started to hear something in those lyrics; John Prine was speaking to me. He was wry, he made me smile, he was doing something different. It wasn’t Grand Funk. It wasn’t Alice Cooper or The Rolling Stones either. With just his acoustic guitar and a ragged voice it became clear that you didn’t need stacks of Marshall amps to blow people away. You needed only to mine the minutiae of living and take careful notes to make people feel the weight of their humanity.” - Peter Himmelman "My world, the world of songwriters and guitar pickers, is reeling from the death of John Prine yesterday. We labor at our craft in hopes we can attain some vague approximation of the easy genius of his songs. John Lennon said the artist’s role is as “a reflection of us all,” and no one did that with as much facility as Prine, in my opinion. From Mr. Peabody’s coal train to a poster of an old rodeo to hammering nails in planks to hair so unnaturally curled, any listener could relate to his characters and his takes on love and life. There was a plain generality to it, but it was filled with so many tiny bejeweled details that addressed the specific as well. And oh, the emotion from that road-worn beat-up voice. The real thing in every respect. We are left with a catalog of his songs, a phalanx of his albums and minds full of memories to assuage this loss as best we can. It’s so vast, yet I think we all hoped for even more from John, had his life not been cut short. We will have to learn to be satisfied with what we have and to revel in all of it. We hoped for a miracle that did not come for John; and when it didn’t happen, he accidentally became someone in one of his own songs." - The dB's Peter Holsapple “More than once, I saw Prine get so tickled with himself he couldn’t keep his teeth in his mouth, the grin would overtake him, but he’d keep talking anyway. I remember him pointing at the TV screen one night in the early nineties. The news was showing clips of the crowd at a folk festival that had taken place that afternoon and the people looked like they were trying to re-create Woodstock, headbands, tie dye, the usual. Prine said, ‘Look at them out there trying to be hippies. There’s not a cavity in that whole crowd. I never met a hippie chick didn’t have a mouth full of rotten teeth.’ John Prine was a realist.” —James McMurtry "My first ever live concert at the esteemed ‘mother church’  The Ryman Auditorium was John Prine...and I sat there like a school kid waiting for the spring break bell, I was so excited...he did all his greatest hits, but at that time (around 1995)...he was especially pushing his newest body of work, Lost Dogs and Mixed Blessings. I believe I had a spiritual awakening when I heard him and his full band do 'Lake Marie' for the first time, in THAT venue. I mean, my soul shook. Funny thing is, I still feel that way EVERY time I hear it now, long after....just like I do when I hear Ain’t Hurtin Nobody. All the Way with You. We Are the Lonely.   I Love you So Much It Hurts and This Love is Real. There’s not a weak song on the whole damn record, but then....that was John. He was one of those lyrical untouchables, but every word, every single word, reached out and touched you. He was the apidimi of real. All those great songs, all those great records, such a lovely man...such a gentle soul. Good God!!!  We cried in our kitchen tonight when we found out he’d passed away. Matt and I both realized we’d only met him once each, but both experiences equally important enough to remember for life. John remembered your name. He made such tender-hearted eye contact,  he shook your hand and made you feel like you were long lost family. He wasn’t a show-boater or a grand-stander and he didn’t seem like he had much use for those that were.  He wrote simple songs with fairly simple chords about real life things, but NOBODY could do em like he could. You could tell he had a mind that was deep as the deepest well and that’s why writing simple songs is so complex. It’s flat out hard to say the same ol’ thing and make it sound new, fresh, genuine, and poetic. John Prine was one of my all time favorite poets. The world will be one less honorable and talented man going forward. One less legend. Selfishly, I’d just wished I’d have gotten to sit and share lunch with him at his favorite meat and three where we met once, and visit a spell....or sing a duet with him....and watch him do his thing from a few feet away, I’ll always be a little extra sad about that. I wish love and support to his wife Fiona and his family during this confusing time in our universe. Bless you all.  One of the all time favorite quotes from the movie Daddy and Them was a line John so perfectly and timely delivered “Don’t never let it be too late...” John Prine, you were right on time, and you touched the hearts of every set of ears that got to hear you. Until we meet again, I look forward to that lunch." - Heidi Newfield  “John Prine was one of the most introspective songwriters of our time.  I was introduced to John Prine’s songs while on Navy leave in a small club in Charleston, SC. many years ago. Songs like “Dear Abbey” and “Sam Stone” drew me in as a fan of great lyrics. But “Hello In There” and “Angel From Montgomery” stole my heart and became my favorites. John Prine not only inspired me to be a songwriter, but to want to be a better songwriter. I’m still working on that...  Rest In Peace John.” - Ruthie Foster Read an outstanding remembrance of Prine's life and art just published in American Songwriter here. Finally, watch a moving October 1, 2019 performance of Prine performing "Summer's End" backstage at the John Anson Ford Theater:

New Reviews: Eagles of Death Metal, Paul Kelly, Peter Himmelman, Arcade Fire, A.J. Croce

Artist: Eagles of Death Metal
Title: I Love You All The Time: Live at The Olympia in Paris (Eagle Rock)
You might like if you enjoy: Queens of the Stone Age, Eagles of Death Metal
Tell me more: In the midst of Eagles of Death Metal's concert at the Bataclan Theatre in Paris on Feb. 16, 2016, gunmen entered the venue and opened fire. Tragically, that terrorist attack left 89 persons dead. Three months later, the Palm Desert, California-spawned rockers returned to France to complete the show as part of The Nos Amis Tour, performing at a packed Olympia Hall. That emotional return is captured on the new DVD release I Love You All The Time: Live at The Olympia in Paris. The concert kicks off with the powerful rocker "I Only Want You" and follow-up post-punk salvo "Don't Speak (I Came to Make a Bang!)," and the show never lets up. In addition to the full-length concert filmed in France, there are three memorable bonus cuts from a performance at the Taragram Ballroom in Los Angeles in October 2015; the high-octane blues rocker "Anything 'Cept The Truth" and Steppenwolf-styled '70s rocker "Bad Dream Mama" really capture the energy of the genre-blending outfit. Information: eagle-rock.com.

Artist: Paul Kelly
Title: Life Is Fine (Cooking Vinyl)
You might like if you enjoy: Neil Finn, Paul Kelly, Bruce Springsteen
Tell me more: A veritable treasure in his native Australia, singer-songwriter Paul Kelly has just released an aptly-titled album titled Life Is Fine that showcases the genuine strengths that make the artist so beloved at home. A gifted singer, songwriter and guitarist able to bring rock, folk, and Americana sounds together with ease, the new album is further elevated by the range of great singers and musicians who join Kelly on the mostly-upbeat project. The songs breathe and vibrate with life's power; the first track on the album "Rising Moon" mirrors the passion of a Springsteen track with its blend of rock dynamics, hopeful spirit and sense of the dramatic. "Finally Something Good" is a joyful exploration of love finally found. Beyond the instinctive and emotional pull of the songs is how Kelly has brought in guest vocalists Vika and Linda Bull to enhance select songs; indeed Vika Bull delivers lead vocals on the retro blues "My Man's Got a Cold." while Linda Bull sings the shimmering melodic folk rocker "Don't Explain." Kelly's own affecting baritone is more than up to the task everywhere else, including on the lively and expressive "Letter in the Rain," stirring country-flavored "Petrichor" and sparse title track. Life Is Fine will be released on Aug. 11. Information: paulkelly.com.au.

Artist: Peter Himmelman
Title: There Is No Calamity (Himmasongs Recordings)
You might like if you enjoy: Elvis Costello, Bruce Cockburn
Tell me more: Singer-songwriter Peter Himmelman's There Is No Calamity (set for release on Aug. 11) is a marvellous album that tackles intimate and universal themes in tune with a troubled and imperfect world. The titles alone often reveal the core of the matter ("245th Peace Song," "Fear Is Our Undoing," "Rich Men Run the World"), but the disc's dozen songs extend far beyond cliche or creative rote. Produced by Los Lobos' Steve Berlin, "There Is No Calamity" is a cohesive gathering of powerfully-performed songs that challenge while they entice, spun with nuanced arrangements and real world wisdom. On the folk rock album opener "245th Peace Song" Himmelman sings: "Scapegoating, killing, hating on the other / Isn't it time that we finally discover / Everyone you see could be your sister and your brother / Did you forget that in your pain? Has weakness made you insane?" The baroque pop "Burning Through the Days,"  acoustic-styled "The Depth of You" and poignant "I Pity You Poor Spirits" unlock more secrets with each listen, a testament to their depth and power. Information: peterhimmelman.com.

Artist: Arcade Fire
Title: Everything Now (Columbia Records Group)
You might like if you enjoy: Arcade Fire, the Shins
Tell me more: Make no mistake, many high-profile reviews of Arcade Fire's new album Everything Now have been negative. But while the Win Butler-led group's latest effort lacks the anthemic firepower of the band's earliest efforts (2004's Funeral and 2007 sophomore effort Neon Bible), it is simply ludicrous to ignore the joys of the Canadian troupe's 2017 effort. An intelligent exploration of today's obsession with the here and now, as well as a growing detachment of deep human connections courtesy of a dependence on technology and instant gratification make this an important album. Society's obsession with remaining young at any cost is artfully explored on the pulsating "Peter Pan," and there are other points across the 13-track disc where the dangers of celebrity culture, empty nightlife and suicide are explored amidst dance- and disco-minded soundscapes. Before dismissing this album, this writer encourages discerning listeners to check out the electronica sweep of "Creature Comforts" and the wistful "Put Your Money On Me," two fantastic songs that blend vibrant music making and topical lyrics in spades. Information: EverythingNow.com.

Artist: A.J. Croce
Title: Just Like Medicine (Compass)
You might like if you enjoy: Jim Croce, Leon Russell, Andrew McMahon
Tell me more: Bona fide talent and an independent artistic voice collectively work wonders for artists trying to escape the shadow of more famous parents. Just as drummer Zak Starkey has established himself as one of today's greatest rock drummers free of comparisons with his dad (Ringo Starr), singer-songwriter/piano great A.J. Croce has fully escaped all but passing nods to his late father Jim Croce (who sadly died in a plane crash in September 1973 at the age of 30). On his ninth full-length album Just Like Medicine, A. J. Croce puts his virtuoso talents at the keyboard and strong lead vocals on display in the service of 10 soulful songs that recall the sounds of Memphis and New Orleans. The songs here range from the graceful bluesy grooves of "Gotta Get Outta My Head" and buoyant "The Heart That Makes Me Whole" (co-written with Leon Russell) to the beautiful ballad "I Couldn't Stop," the latter injecting a bit of continental jazz into the disc's Muscle Shoals luster. The album also features a special track, "The Name of the Game," a blues-styled song that was the last song written by Jim Croce. Never recorded by the elder Croce, A.J. Croce's version is a true gem and features celebrated guitarist Vince Gill. Elsewhere on the fast-moving LP, guitar hero Colin Linden, electric guitar great Steve Cropper and the Muscle Shoals Horns are featured. Information: ajcrocemusic.com.

Robert Kinsler