NAMM 2019: Gibson Guitars is Back!

On a new episode videotaped at the NAMM Show earlier today, TJR, Bob Steshetz and Robert Kinsler report on Gibson's return to the limelight:

Gibson's NAMM Jam brings parade of talent to Anaheim

Billy F Gibbons, left, and Peter Frampton at Gibson's NAMM Jam in Anaheim on Jan. 24, 2019.
Photo: Bob Steshetz

Gibson Brands, Inc., brought a parade of emerging artists and bona fide superstars to City National Grove of Anaheim on Thursday night (Jan. 24, 2019) to celebrate the guitar maker's return to the NAMM Show.

For just under three hours, an enthusiastic, music industry-filled audience was treated to fast-moving performances that showcased a diverse mix of styles (ranging from country and blues-rock to classic rock), all genres associated in large part with Gibson's signature guitar models. What's more, those styles were performed by the very groundbreaking players who helped popularize the instruments.

Indeed, the amazing bill featured Billy F Gibbons (ZZ Top), Robby Krieger (The Doors), Peter Frampton and Nancy Wilson (Heart). And with a house band that included drummer Kenny Arnoff (John Fogerty, John Mellencamp), bassist Daryl Jones (The Rolling Stones), keyboardist Jeff Young (Jackson Browne, Steely Dan) and guitarist Jimmy Vivino (who led the house band for the Conan TV show), attendees knew they were in for a special night. Gibson had promised a night of "Legends and New Icons," and the event fully delivered on that promise.

The future of rock and blues-rock is often debated but it appears to have a solid future, in part, in the hands of 13-year-old Toby Lee. He impressed leading the aforementioned house band before joining forces to rock with emerging guitar great Jared James Nichols. 

Emily Wolfe performing on Jan. 24.
Photo: Robert Kinsler

Helping highlight the diversity of players who use Gibson guitars was country songstress Cam, who performed the tender ballad "Palace" (a song she co-wrote with Sam Smith; the track was featured on that artist's 2017 LP The Thrill Of It All).

More impressive was Raleigh, NC native and long-time Austin, Texas artist Emily Wolfe. 

Delivering a knock out blow from the moment she took the stage, the formidable singer-guitarist was riveting as she used rapid-fire fret work and forceful vocals, notably on her 2016 single "Atta Blues."

Also making quite a musical statement on stage was the hard-rocking duo Black Pistol Fire, with a heavy sound and alternative rock style.

Kevin McKeown of Austin, Texas- based Black Pistol Fire going
airborne during Gibson's NAMM Jam at the City National Grove of
Anaheim on Thursday, Jan. 24, 2019. Photo: Bob Steshetz

Ray Goren, left, dueling with Doors guitarist Robby Krieger at NAMM Jam in Anaheim on 
Jan. 24, 2019.  Photo: Bob Steshetz

The show's star power really picked up when Doors guitarist Krieger was introduced. His too-short stay was a reminder of his winning skills as guitarist and songwriter, and guest vocalist Lauren Ruth Ward added lead vocal stylings fully in tune with the '60s psychedelic-blues-rock sound developed by the Doors. Performances of "Love Me Two Times" and a 10-minute run through "Roadhouse Blues" were terrific, the latter allowing young Los Angeles guitar player Ray Goren and Krieger to joyfully duel with their electric guitars.

Nancy Wilson at NAMM Jam.
Photo: Bob Steshetz

Nancy Wilson delighted and surprised fans with a bluesy acoustic rock-styled take on Paul McCartney's "Let Me Roll It" (a standout cut on 1973's Band On The Run).  Nichols (who Wilson noted was a player she heard about via her 19-year-old son) then teamed up with Wilson for a ferocious take on a Robin Trower song.

Peter Frampton received a hero's welcome, and the crowd was rewarded with a couple of amazing performances. There was a mostly-instrumental arrangement of Soundgarden's "Black Hole Sun" that was one of the magic moments of the night. Frampton's extended "Do You Feel Like We Do" had the crowd on its feet, singing along and videotaping the British artist's guitar work and talk box vocal delivery.

Peter Frampton coming alive
during the NAMM Jam.
Photo: Bob Steshetz

Billy F Gibbons capped off the NAMM Jam affair with a 50-minute appearance that culminated with a full-on jam session featuring most of the night's players sharing the Grove stage.

Enroute to that freewheeling and festive close (a rousing performance of ZZ Top's 1973 classic "La Grange"), Gibbons and the house band showcased several old blues classics, as well as an artfully-reworked take on the Jimi Hendrix classic "Foxy Lady."

Billy F Gibbons performing at NAMM Jam in Anaheim.
Photo: Bob Steshetz

One thing that stood out about the night was the true sense of fun being had by all of the musicians. (I think the images captured by photographer Bob Steshetz that are featured along with this writer's review capture that!)

The audience (including yours truly) was basking in the glow while enjoying some truly great music making.


Review by Robert Kinsler

Photography: Bob Steshetz

Celebrating the blues are 13-year-old Toby Lee, left, with Jimmy Vivino at NAMM Jam.
Photo: Bob Steshetz

Wide range of new releases showcase new and emerging artist

Fans of pioneering L.A. rockers The Doors, as well as authentic country and blues all have reason to celebrate thanks to a myriad of recent releases now available. In addition, guitar virtuoso Eric Johnson has issued an incredible live album that captures his dynamic wizardry.

Artists: Todd Rundgren, Lou Gramm, Steve Howe, Rick Wakeman, more

Title: Light My Fire - A Classic Rock Salute to The Doors (Purple Pyramid Records/Cleopatra)

You might like if you enjoy: The Doors, Steve Morse, Ian Gillan, Todd Rundgren

Tell me more: As groundbreaking and wonderful as The Doors were, few noteworthy full-length tributes to the Los Angeles rockers have been issued over the years. Light My Fire - A Classic Rock Salute to The Doors goes a long way to revisiting the band via 16 songs that feature a wide range of classic and prog-rock heroes joining forces. The majority of tracks are remarkably faithful to the psychedelic rock versions carved out by Jim Morrison and company in the late '60s and early '70s, while reflecting the signature styles of the participating players. Standouts include "L.A. Woman" (featuring singer Jimi Jamison of Survivor fame), a rousing "Alabama Song (Whiskey Bar)" with singer Todd Rundgren and ASIA keyboardist Geoff Downes, and the ambitious "Light My Fire" featuring Deep Purple singer Ian Gillan and amazing instrumental work from Yes guitarist Steve Howe and keyboardist Rick Wakeman. Information: CleopatraRecords.com.

Get 'Light My Fire - A Classic Rock Salute To The Doors'

Artist: Ray Goren

Title: LA Sessions (RJRay Entertainment, Inc.)

You might like if you enjoy: Jonny Lang, Albert King, Robert Cray

Tell me more: At only 14, Ray Goren is already a master electric blues guitarist. On his just-released five-song EP LA Sessions, the Orange County, California-based teen proves his vocal and songwriting skills are now a match for his blazing and nuanced fret work. Produced by the legendary Eddie Kramer (Jimi Hendrix, Led Zeppelin), highlights include the uptempo soul-fused blues rockers "You Gotta Learn" and"Stop Waiting," and the tender R&B ballad "Memories."  Information: RayGoren.com.

Buy 'L A Sessions' here

Artist: Mary Sarah

Title: Bridges (Cleopatra)

You might like if you enjoy: Dolly Parton, Tanya Tucker, Lynn Anderson

Tell me more: Eighteen-year-old songstress Mary Sarah has issued the ultimate tribute, titled Bridges, singing some of her favorite songs as duets with the singers who first gave life to those tracks. Shining examples of Sarah's interpretative skills and shining soprano include an uptempo take on "Jolene" with Dolly Parton and affecting version of "Crazy" with the great Willie Nelson. My favorite version on the wide-ranging set is a powerful revisit of "Heartaches by the Number" with the late Ray Price. Information: CleopatraRecords.com.

Get 'Bridges' here

Artist: Corb Lund

Title: Counterfeit Blues (New West Records)

You might like if you enjoy: Chris Isaak, John Hiatt, Dave Alvin

Tell me more: Alberta, Canada-based singer Corb Lund is the latest in a long line of celebrated singers dating back to Elvis Presley and Johnny Cash who have journeyed to Sun Studio in Memphis to mine sonic gold. On Lund's wonderful Counterfeit Blues (recorded in a mere two days!) the ghosts of all those greats as well as more recent musical visitors (Chris Isaak and Michael Ubaldini immediately come to mind) are recalled through the freewheeling rockabilly "Big Butch Bass Bull Fiddle," countrified "Little Foothills Heaven," and spirited barn burner "Hurtin' Albertan." A deluxe version of the album includes a bonus DVD disc with an extended version of the documentary Memphis Sun that was originally aired in December 2013 on CMT Canada. Information: NewWestRecords.com.

Purchase 'Counterfeit Blues (CD+DVD)' here

Artist: Eric Johnson

Title: Europe Live (Provogue)

You might like if you enjoy: Eric Johnson's previous studio albums

Tell me more: When it comes to real-life guitar heroes, few can equal the technical skills, artistic touch and compositional depth of Eric Johnson. The Grammy Award-winning musician, who burst on the world stage with his 1990 masterwork Ah Via Musicom, has released another essential collection. His newly-issued Europe Live not only features energetic reworkings of previous compositions but includes several new selections (the dazzling "Intro" and astounding blues-on-steroids "Evinrude Fever"). Whether reflecting on his youth in the stirring "Austin" or simply unleashing breathtaking runs that sing during "Zenland" or "Cliffs of Dover," Johnson remains a marvel. Information: EricJohnson.com.

Buy 'Europe Live' here

Robert Kinsler

Day 2 at Doheny Blues Festival 15: Otis Taylor, Steve Miller Band and Buddy Guy among standouts

My review originally ran on The Orange County Register site on Monday, May 21. A special thanks to photographer Bob Steshetz for the use of his great pics! You can visit his Bob By Request site here.

Steve Miller at 2012 Doheny Blues Festival.
Photo: Bob Steshetz

Live review: Steve Miller, Buddy Guy, Otis Taylor keep Doheny Blues smokin’ through Day 2


The second half of the 15th annual Doheny Blues weekend (May 19-20, 2012) in Dana Point played out with a strength that gripped the first day.

The festivities began with an impressive set from singer-guitarist Ray Goren (seen on right), who at the mere age of 12 already plays his Fender like a master, and the event didn’t end until Steve Miller Band proved that the troupe’s recent creative revival continues to make its recent blues-centered shows more than a nostalgic romp. In between came plenty of other highlights, notably how Otis Taylor, at 63, brings to blues what bands like Radiohead and Arcade Fire do for rock.

It’s amazing to think how much better Steve Miller and his outstanding five-man band were in their headlining appearance Sunday night than the last time the veteran rocker performed at the Doheny Days fest on this same site in September 2000, on a bill with the late John Lee Hooker.


But it wasn’t just his FM radio staples that sounded better almost a dozen years later. Since the release of two notable blues discs (2010′s Bingo! and last year’s Let Your Hair Down Down) and the death of longtime friend and harmonica great Norton Buffalo in 2009, Miller exhibits an obvious appreciation for where he’s been. He recalled playing rhythm guitar for Buddy Guy when he started out, for instance, and thanked him and all the other artists who shared the bill Sunday.


He also knows what is at stake in making the most of here and now, and has been a champion of getting young people into the blues and American music. It was great to see several teens positioned close to the stage singing along with Miller’s songs as if he was the next big thing.

His set was carefully structured to kick off with some of his biggest hits (“Jet Airliner,” “Take the Money and Run,” “Abracadabra”) and then go into an extended set of blues, during which he had lead guitarist Doug Hamblin on hand. That early Chicago feel that influenced Miller (seen on right) was highlighted in spirited renditions of obscurities and old standbys where he shared lead vocals with Sonny Charles.


“Ooh Poo Pah Doo” and “Tramp” were standouts amid that segment, the rich music ideally suited for a blues fest. Miller’s singing was fine and his guitar playing flawless whether indulging his well-known smashes or gems of old across a wonderful 100-minute set.


Other veterans in the mix Sunday also proved they remain at the top of their game.

Guy, the 75-year-old legend (seen on the left), brought his high-powered approach to the Doheny Stage a bit earlier in the day, blending dazzling technique, comedic storytelling and his booming voice — all more impressive here than at City National Grove of Anaheim last September. His version of Hooker’s “Hoochie Coochie Man” was a highlight, as he playfully turned his guitar around and scratched it against his chest, creating unique sounds and proving that his still-speedy leads aren’t the only sparks he can bring to the stage.



Taylor may have been a bit under the weather (he apologized several times for hoarseness), but that didn’t stop him and his mighty backing band from bringing their scorched-earth sound to the Backporch Stage. That area is normally a quiet place for people to relax and kick back while taking in acoustic performances, but Taylor would have none of that.

In songs that blended his intoxicating, open-to-interpretation stories with driving rhythms, Taylor (seen on left) had fans cheering and moving. His self-penned “Rain So Hard,” “Blind Piano Teacher” and a version of the rock standard “Hey Joe” (best known by Hendrix) were all potent this afternoon. Amazing fiddler Anne Harris (who plays violin like Guy wields his guitar) and the rest of Taylor’s band — an ensemble diverse and strong enough to stand out at Coachella — seemed to bring their A-game to this gig.


Other noteworthy performances included a pleasing breakfast set from singer and harmonica player San Pedro Slim; a wow-factor outing from Irvine’s own Goren, who at only 12 showed he not only plays like Jonny Lang but sings with convincing emotion while improvising on artful arrangements of the Beatles’ “Let It Be” and Bill Withers’ “Ain’t No Sunshine.”


Two other sets also really smoked: Trombone Shorty & Orleans Avenue offered up a heavy dose of funk, blues and horn-anchored soul on the Sailor Jerry Stage early in the evening, while rockabilly and American roots were celebrated during the Paladins‘ 75-minute stint on the Backporch.