Showing posts with label Rich Robinson. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Rich Robinson. Show all posts

Tuesday, September 05, 2023

The Black Crowes' 'The Southern Harmony and Musical Companion' Box set Announced

One of the great albums released in the 1990s is set to receive a major and expanded reissue this fall! Check out the details below...Robert Kinsler


Chris Robinson of The Black Crowes.
Photo courtesy of Daryl Weisser 


THE BLACK CROWES 
THE SOUTHERN HARMONY AND MUSICAL COMPANION 
BOXSET ANNOUNCED 
 
Set For Release December 1, 2023, via UMe
Pre-Order HERE
 
Featuring Unreleased In-Studio Recordings, B-Sides, Live Rarities and The Original Album Now Remastered

(September 5, 2023) -- Today, world-renowned rock band The Black Crowes announce the box set of their chart-topping sophomore album, The Southern Harmony And Musical Companion, via American Recordings/UMeThe album, which entered the US Billboard album chart at No. 1 upon release in 1992, was named after a post-Civil War southern hymnal and is home to some of the band's biggest hits, including "Remedy," “Sting Me,” and "Thorn in My Pride” which were #1 on the Billboard Main Stream Rock Airplay chart for a combined total of 21 weeks. Rich and Chris Robinson, alongside producer George Drakoulias, revisited the archives for the instant classic album and created a special super deluxe edition featuring unreleased studio recordingsrare B-sides, a live performance from Sam Houston Coliseum in Houston, TX, on February 6, 1993, and a newly remastered album from the original 1/4″ production master. Highlights for the forthcoming boxset include 14 unreleased recordings, including a new mix of the Memphis soul classic song "99 Pounds" originally by Ann Peebles and written by Don Bryant, and a previously unreleased studio recording of "Miserable." 

At the end of the Southern Harmony and Musical Companion recording sessions in early 1992, the band performed live on the famed Southern Tracks Studio floor in Atlanta, GA, on January 4, 1992. The session was captured by a film crew and, true to The Black Crowes form, turned into a party. These never-before-released until now, live, studio recordings, feature five songs, including their cover of Ry Cooder's "Boomer's Story." Also included in the super deluxe edition, Southern Harmony Live, featuring all the tracks off the album, performed live in Houston, TX, on February 6, 1993. This legendary and much-bootlegged show has now been mixed from the 24-track tapes and is available alongside the original album, which has been remastered from the 1/4″ production master.

The Southern Harmony and Musical Companion is available for pre-order now on stunning 4LP, 3CD, 2 CD, and 1LP formats, which will be released on December 1, 2023. An exclusive, limited-edition “Remedy” Lyric T-shirt or Trucker Hat will also be available as Fan Packs bundled with the 1LP in the Black Crowes official store HERE.  A super deluxe digital audio will also be available to preorder on October 6. Fans who preorder the digital super deluxe will immediately receive a new mix of the Memphis soul classic song "99 Pounds."  Pre-order The Southern Harmony and Musical Companion here.

The Black Crowes Chris Robinson said, “We’ve always thought that the music on Southern Harmony and Musical Companion was made of a certain magic that was in the air for us in 1992.  This special box set represents all the ingredients of the spell we were under.”

“I always felt that Southern Harmony was us coming into our own as a band and creating our sound.” The Black Crowes' Rich Robinson elaborated. “We made the record in 8 days. Every song was one or two takes. No more than that. It was a snapshot of a band possessing all of its powers, and it still resonates with me to this day.”

The Southern Harmony and Musical Companion will be available in the following formats:
  • The Super Deluxe 4LP and 3CD Box Sets include the remastered The Southern Harmony and Musical Companion from the original 1/4” production master (LP1/CD1.)  (LP2/ CD2) “More Harmony: Unreleased, Outtakes and B-Sides” features a collection of nine songs from the Southern Harmony recording sessions at Southern Tracks in Atlanta, GA between December 1991 and January 1992, including two unreleased recordings “99 Pounds” and “Miserable.” On the last day of recording, the band played live, in studio on January 4, 1992, with covers of Bob Dylan’s “Rainy Day Women #12 and 35,” and Ry Cooder’s “Boomer’s Story.” (LP3-4/ CD3) “Southern Harmony Live: February 6, 1993,” in Houston, TX., originally recorded on a 24-track tape. The performance features eight of the Southern Harmony album tracks and a seven-minute “Jam.”
     
  • Both the LP and CD box set include a reproduction of the original 132-page promotional hymn book featuring insights on the record and a set of lithographs of classic images from the Southern Harmony photo sessions. All LPs in the box are 180g vinyl. 
     
  • A limited-edition, e-comm exclusive of the 4LP Super Deluxe version will be signed by Chris and Rich Robinson.
     
  • The digital audio from the Super Deluxe will also be available to preorder on October 6. Fans who preorder the digital deluxe will immediately receive a new mix of the Memphis soul classic song "99 Pounds." 
     
  • The Deluxe 2CD set features the 2023 remaster of the original The Southern Harmony and Musical Companion, plus a bonus CD, “The Best of the Box,” containing nine rare and unreleased sections from the super deluxe box set.
     
  • 1LP 2023 limited edition remaster of Southern Harmony and Musical Companion on 140g black vinyl, with the audio sourced from the original 1/4” production master tape.
     
  • An exclusive, limited-edition “Remedy” Lyric T-shirt or Trucker Hat will also be available as Fan Packs bundled with the 1LP in the Black Crowes official store HERE.
Track Listing
 
4-LP SET
 
LP1- The Southern Harmony & Musical Companion  
  1. Sting Me (Side A)
  2. Remedy (Side A)
  3. Thorn In My Pride (Side A)
  4. Bad Luck Blue Eyes Goodbye (Side A)
  5. Sometimes Salvation (Side A)
  6. Hotel Illness (Side B)
  7. Black Moon Creeping (Side B)
  8. No Speak No Slave (Side B)
  9. My Morning Song (Side B)
  10. Time Will Tell (Side B)
 
LP2- More Companions: Unreleased, Outtakes and B-Sides 
  1. 99 Pounds (Side C)
  2. Miserable (Side C)
  3. Rainy Day Women No 12 & 35 (Side C)
  4. Boomer’s Story (Side C)
  5. Darling of The Underground Press (Side C)
  6. Sting Me (Slow) (Side D)
  7. Bad Luck Blue Eyes, Goodbye (Side D)
  8. Sometimes Salvation (Side D)
  9. Black Moon Creeping (Side D)
 
LP3- Southern Harmony Live: February 6, 1993 (Houston, TX) 
  1. No Speak No Slave (Side A)
  2. Sting Me (Side A)
  3. My Morning Song (Side A)
  4. Jam (Side B)
  5. Thorn in My Pride (Side B)
 
 
LP4- Southern Harmony Live: February 6, 1993 (Houston, TX) 
  1. Bad Luck Blue Eyes Goodbye (Side C)
  2. Black Moon Creeping (Side C)
  3. Hotel Illness (Side C)
  4. Sometimes Salvation (Side D)
  5. Remedy (Side D)
 
3-CD SET
 
CD1- The Southern Harmony & Musical Companion 
  1. Sting me
  2. Remedy
  3. Thorn In My Pride
  4. Bad Luck Blue Eyes Goodbye
  5. Sometimes Salvation
  6. Hotel Illness
  7. Black Moon Creeping
  8. No Speak No Slave
  9. My Morning Song
  10. Time Will Tell
 
CD2- More Companions: Unreleased, Outtakes and B-Sides 
  1. 99 Pounds
  2. Miserable
  3. Rainy Day Women No 12 & 35
  4. Boomer’s Story
  5. Darling of The Underground Press
  6. Sting Me (Slow)
  7. Bad Luck Blue Eyes, Goodbye
  8. Sometimes Salvation
  9. Black Moon Creeping
 
 CD3- Southern Harmony Live: February 6, 1993 (Houston, TX)
  1. No Speak No Slave
  2. Sting Me
  3. My Morning Song
  4. Jam
  5. Thorn in My Pride
  6. Bad Luck Blue Eyes Goodbye
  7. Black Moon Creeping
  8. Hotel Illness
  9. Sometimes Salvation
  10. Remedy  
 
LP1 
 
DISC 1
  1. Sting Me (Side A)
  2. Remedy (Side A)
  3. Thorn In My Pride (Side A)
  4. Bad Luck Blue Eyes Goodbye (Side A)
  5. Sometimes Salvation (Side A)
  6. Hotel Illness (Side B)
  7. Black Moon Creeping (Side B)
  8. No Speak No Slave (Side B)
  9. My Morning Song (Side B)
  10. Time Will Tell (Side B)
 
2CD
 
DISC 1
  1. Sting Me
  2. Remedy
  3. Thorn In My Pride 
  4. Bad Luck Blue Eyes Goodbye 
  5. Sometimes Salvation
  6. Hotel Illness
  7. Black Moon Creeping
  8. No Speak No Slave
  9. My Morning Song
  10. Time Will Tell
 
DISC 2
  1. 99 Pounds
  2. Darling of The Underground Rainy Day Women No 12 & 35
  3. Sting Me (Slow)
  4. Thorn in My Pride
  5. My Morning Song
  6. Black Moon Creeping
  7. Sometimes Salvation
  8. Remedy
 
 
DIGITAL ALBUM 
  1. Sting Me
  2. Remedy
  3. Thorn In My Pride 
  4. Bad Luck Blue Eyes Goodbye 
  5. Sometimes Salvation
  6. Hotel Illness
  7. Black Moon Creeping
  8. No Speak No Slave
  9. My Morning Song
  10. Time Will Tell
  11. 99 Pounds
  12. Miserable
  13. Rainy Day Women No 12 & 35
  14. Boomer’s Story
  15. Darling Of The Underground Press
  16. Sting Me (Slow)
  17. Bad Luck Blue Eyes, Goodbye
  18. Sometimes Salvation
  19. Black Moon Creeping
  20. No Speak No Slave
  21. Sting Me
  22. My Morning Song
  23. Jam
  24. Thorn in My Pride
  25. Bad Luck Blue Eyes Goodbye
  26. Black Moon Creeping
  27. Hotel Illness
  28. Sometimes Salvation
  29. Remedy

Photo credit: Mark Seliger


Follow The Black Crowes:
Instagram: @theblackcrowes
Facebook: @theblackcrowes
Twitter: @theblackcrowes
 
###

About The Black Crowes

In 1990, when journalists were lamenting the death of rock, as cheesy pop and hair metal dominated the charts, Atlanta’s Black Crowes gave the genre a swift and much needed kick in the ass with Shake Your Money Maker. Fueled by singles “Jealous Again,” “Twice As Hard,” “She Talks To Angels,” and the break-through cover of Otis Redding’s “Hard To Handle,” the band immediately took the rock world by storm, topping Rolling Stone’s “Best New American Band Readers Poll” in late 1990. The Black Crowes went on to release eight studio and four live albums, selling in the tens of millions along the way; they sold out shows around the world; had legendary guitarist Jimmy Page join as a member; got kicked off a tour with ZZ Top for insulting the sponsor; got screwed by bad record deals; got married and divorced, fought amongst themselves and against the rest of the world. In other words, they’ve done everything a legendary rock group should do.

Thursday, June 02, 2022

Martin Guitar Unveils the Rich Robinson Custom Signature D-28

I'll be covering the 2022 NAMM Show in Anaheim all weekend and providing updates about some of the new products and performances coming to the highly anticipated event...Robert Kinsler

Rich Robinson with his Custom Signature Edition D-28.


Nazareth, PA, (NAMM, HALL D, Booth 5602) -Thursday June 2, 2022 — C. F. Martin & Co. (Martin Guitar) is proud to announce the Rich Robinson Custom Signature Edition D-28. Based on Robinson’s 1954 D-28, that originally belonged to The Black Crowes’ guitarist's father, it is the first signature guitar Martin has built h replicates the artist’s personal instrument down to the wear and tear from decades of playing. Robinson affectionately named the model "The Appalachian" in homage to his father, who played it on stage at the Grand Ole Opry; as a traveling musician with the Hillbilly Highway; and in his folk band, The Appalachians, during the 1950s and ‘60s. 

 

“This guitar, which was passed down to me from my father, is the instrument I learned to play guitar on,” Robinson said. “It is the instrument on which I wrote our songs, and I played on every Black Crowes’ record. When Martin approached me about a signature model, I thought, what an amazing tribute to have for him. That's why I named it "The Appalachian," a nod to my dad and his influence on me.”

 

Creating this signature model was no small feat, but after a year of development, the design team at Martin got the look, feel, and sound just right. “When I play this guitar, it rings: it feels incredibly accurate, so close to the original,” Robinson beamed. “I wanted to make sure it had the same tuners, the same style of neck, and the same bridge. The way that it sings, the way that it all presents itself, it's just phenomenal, and I couldn't be happier with it.”

 

About the Model:

 

D-28 Rich Robinson

Calling all Black Crowes fans! Martin is proud to bring you the Rich Robinson Custom Signature Edition D-28. This model is a guitar player’s dream. This soulful representation of Robinson’s beloved 1954 D-28 is crafted with aged satin-finished East Indian rosewood for the back and sides and an aged Sitka spruce top that is finished with a very thin vintage gloss. It also features rearward-shifted non-scalloped bracing, which offers a very balanced tone and added volume. It includes some 1950s style vintage build characteristics, like Martin’s signature dovetail neck joint, authentic hide glue construction, an ebony fingerboard and bridge, and aged nickel tuners. Another custom feature requested by Robinson is a bridge with the wings slightly softened for comfort. The model includes a specially designed label signed by Robinson and numbered in sequence. 

 

List price: $6,999.

 

About The Black Crowes

In 1990, when journalists were lamenting the death of rock, as cheesy pop and hair metal dominated the charts, Atlanta’s Black Crowes gave the genre a swift and much needed kick in the ass with Shake Your Money Maker. Fueled by singles “Jealous Again,” “Twice As Hard,” “She Talks To Angels,” and the break-through cover of Otis Redding’s “Hard To Handle,” the band immediately took the rock world by storm, topping Rolling Stone’s “Best New American Band Readers Poll” in late 1990. The Black Crowes went on to release eight studio and four live albums, selling in the tens of millions along the way; they sold out shows around the world; had legendary guitarist Jimmy Page join as a member; got kicked off a tour with ZZ Top for insulting the sponsor; got screwed by bad record deals; got married and divorced, fought amongst themselves and against the rest of the world. In other words, they’ve done everything a legendary rock group should do. For more information, please visit www.theblackcrowes.com

 

About Martin Guitars and Strings:

C. F. Martin & Co.® has been Inspiring Musicians Worldwide® for nearly two centuries with their superior guitar and string products. Martin guitars and strings remain the choice for musicians around the world for their unrivaled quality, craftsmanship, and tone. Throughout the company’s long history, Martin products can be seen and heard across all genres of music and in all segments of pop culture, from concert and theater stages to television and movies.

 

With an unwavering commitment to environmental sustainability and responsible manufacturing practices, Martin continually drives the acoustic guitar market forward, introducing innovative features that have become standards across the industry. These groundbreaking innovations include the introduction of X-bracing, the 14-fret guitar, and the “Dreadnought” size guitar.

 

Martin has also led innovations in strings, such as introducing the first high-tensile strength steel-string core wire; the first nickel acoustic strings (Martin Retro®); the proprietary Titanium Core strings; and now the groundbreaking, new Authentic Acoustic line, which offers unmatched stability, tone, comfort, and longevity. Learn more here: www.martinguitar.com/aa.

 

Connect with Martin Guitars and Martin Strings on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube, and via www.martinguitar.com.

Tuesday, August 13, 2019

Sights and Sounds: 'The Best of Mister Rogers,' Salamander, The Magpie Salute, more...

A diverse field of great titles are on the way...


Omnivore Recordings to release 'The Best of Mr. Rogers' plus 'Johnny Costa Plays Mr. Rogers Neighborhood'



It’s Such a Good Feeling: The Best of Mister Rogers, a collection of 23 songs by Fred Rogers — beloved host of the landmark children’s television series Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood — will be released by Omnivore Recordings on October 4, 2019. The album, which is backed by long-time collaborator and pianist Johnny Costa, Carl McViker on bass, and percussionist Bobby Rawsthorne, features classics like “Won’t You Be My Neighbor?,” “You Are Special,” and the title track, plus five previously unissued tracks, including the show’s original closer, “Tomorrow.” 
 

The CD packaging contains photos, an introductory note from Academy Award®- and GRAMMY®-winning director Morgan Neville, and an essay by Robert Bianco, long-time TV writer for the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette and former USA Today TV critic.
 

Produced at WQED-TV in Pittsburgh and premiering on national public television more than five decades ago, Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood has long been a part of the lives of countless kids and adults who experienced and learned from Fred Rogers’ timeless wisdom. While the series’ staying power never lapsed, Neville’s acclaimed 2018 documentary Won’t You Be My Neighbor reawakened the public’s love for Mister Rogers, and introduced a new generation to him. With the upcoming November release of A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood (starring Tom Hanks as Rogers), the cherished host and his Neighborhood will once again be front and center in the hearts, minds, and ears of everyone.

Rogers found his perfect accompanist in Costa. The performances, flourishes, and embellishments that Costa and the band made during the show (all performed live) not only enhanced the experience, but also taught viewers about jazz.
 
In 1986, Rogers, Costa, McViker, and Rawsthorne teamed for the last record from Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood RecordsJohnny Costa Plays Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood Jazz. The band takes an instrumental journey through 13 of Rogers’ songs, retaining their original compositional intent, while breathing new life into them. The release has been out of print for decades, fetching top dollar from collectors. It returns for the first time on CD and Digital.
 
Director Neville contributes an introduction in the packaging, while Musoscribe’s Bill Kopp traces Costa’s history and work on the program in an informative essay.

Mister Rogers trailer: https://youtu.be/_yusJ1GF-FI
 
Track listings:

It’s Such a Good Feeling: The Best of Mister Rogers
1. Today Is A Very Special Day*
2. Won’t You Be My Neighbor?
3. I Think I’m Going To Like Today*
4. Look And Listen
5. Be Brave, Be Strong
6. Then Your Heart Is Full Of Love
7. Pretending
8. You Can Never Go Down The Drain 9. I Like To Take My Time
10. Sometimes People Are Good
11. You Are Special
12. I’m Looking For A Friend*
13. Some Things I Don’t Understand
14. The Clown In Me
15. It’s The Style To
16. Wear A Smile
17. I’m Taking Care Of You
18. It’s You I Like
19. Once Upon Each Lovely Day* Wishes Don’t Make
20. Things Come True
21. You’re Growing
22. Tree Tree Tree
23. It’s Such A Good Feeling Tomorrow*
* Previously Unissued
 
Johnny Costa Plays Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood Jazz
1. Won’t You Be My Neighbor? 
2. You Are Special
3. It’s You I Like
4. Sometimes People Are Good/Children Can Medley
5. What Do You Do?
6. I Like To Take My Time
7. Everybody’s Fancy
8. Please Don’t Think It’s Funny
9. Something To Do While We’re Waiting
10. Many Ways To Say I Love You 
11. Then Your Heart Is Full Of Love
12. Did You Know?
13. It’s Such A Good Feeling



'1993' - Previously unreleased album by Salamander is out now; Los Angeles band featured Petra and Rachel Haden 



ALBUM WAS RECORDED IN 1993


Salamander has released their debut album, 1993, originally recorded in 1993, through Bodan Kuma Records. Unmastered, lo-fi versions of songs from the album have been shared for years, so the band felt it was the right time to shine up these classic gems and release them commercially for the first time. One song in particular included on this album is "Cherry Llama," which received airplay on KROQ "Locals Only" and Rodney Bingenheimer's show "Little Steven's Underground Garage" on Sirius XM channel 23.

Listen on Apple Music HERE
Listen on Spotify HERE

Salamander consisted of sisters Petra and Rachel Haden and brothers Scott and Sean Wheatley. The four met in high school, formed a friendship, and then formed a band, bonding over their mutual interest in bands like My Bloody Valentine, Pixies, Blur, Throwing Muses, and Cocteau Twins, all of which clearly influenced the sound of Salamander.

Petra and Rachel Haden are two of a set of triplets whose father is the legendary jazz musician Charlie Haden. (The third triplet, Tanya Haden, plays cello on the album). Petra and Rachel would go on to be half of the LA band, That Dog.
 
Petra would go on to play with The Decemberists, Green Day, the Foo Fighters, Bill Frizzel, and Lucious Jackson. Her acapella reimagined version of an entire album by The Who, The Who Sellout, is considered one of the most innovative covers of an album ever. She has gone to record acapella versions of other classic songs by David Bowie, Blind Faith, and Michael Jackson, among others.
 
Rachel Haden co-founded the Rentals with Weezer's Matt Sharpe in 1995. She has guested on records by Weezer and Beck among others and has toured with Jimmy Eat World, Todd Rundgren and Brendan Perry. As for the Wheatley Brothers, Sean played in the band Pretty Mary Sunshine, which was signed to A&M Records in the mid-1990's. Brother Scott, currently an English teacher, writes silly, imaginative, and educational songs.

The Magpie Salute set to release 3-song EP 'In Here' on Sept. 6, 2019

10” VINYL AND DIGITAL FORMATS

PRE-ORDER VINYL HERE
VIEW LYRIC VIDEO FOR "IN HERE"

The Magpie Salute’s 3-song EP In Here will be available on September 6 on digital formats worldwide, as well as on 140g black 10” vinyl (in the US only). This EP precedes the full-length album High Water II out later this year, a follow up to the band’s debut album High Water I.
Produced entirely by founding member / guitarist / songwriter Rich Robinson, and recorded/mixed by Sean GenockeyIn Here was initially recorded at Dark Horse Studio in Nashville, simultaneously with the High Water I album in 2018. The band – RobinsonMarc FordSven PipienJohn HoggJoe Magistro, and Matt Slocum– continued working on these songs, with additional sessions at Rockfield Studios in the UK, after the completion of their 2018 European tour. The result is In Here, which delivers The Magpie Salute’s signature new American Roots Rock sound.
Opening with the Robinson-penned single “In Here” (the first single from High Water II, out now on all digital platforms), the EP includes the country-tinged “Lost Boy,” co-written by guitarist Marc Ford and Robinson, with contributions from special guest Alison Krauss, who supplied vocals and fiddle.
In addition to “In Here” and “Lost Boy,” which will both be included on High Water II, the band also recorded the EP-only track “Passenger”, written by Robinson and vocalist John Hogg.
Since forming in 2016 for their now acclaimed Woodstock show, The Magpie Salutehas garnered critical praise from Guitar WorldRelix, and Rolling Stone, which summed up their live set as “explosive.” Having toured with Govt. Mule, The Avett Brothers, and Blackberry Smoke throughout 2018, as well as successful shows in the US, Europe, and Japan, The Magpie Salute has engaged fans worldwide.


Friday, July 29, 2016

Blues champions unleash musical goods

Blues is not only alive and well in the 21st century, but a slew of recent releases and two outstanding Blind Boys of Alabama reissues showcase the power of the genre to move audiences anew.



Artist: Rich Robinson
Title: Flux (Eagle Rock Entertainmnet)
You might like if you enjoy: The Black Crowes, the Record Company
Tell me more: Rich Robinson's Flux is rooted in the blues and roots rock, but the 13-track disc finds the talented founding Black Crowes guitarist mixing folk, gospel and experimental studio touches along the way. While Flux track listing is eclectic, there is also a cohesive sound and spirit that recalls the greatest of albums. "Music That Will Lift Me" starts as a breezy country-tinged folk ballad, that is lifted first with a powerful guitar solo, and then with an anthemic chorus. The psychedelic-tinged "Eclipse The Night" is the kind of song that Jimi Hendrix might have crafted if he had jammed with Jerry Garcia; "Ides of Nowhere" is an absorbing and completely original rock tune that blends classic rock, prog-rock and Radiohead-worthy touches amidst Robinson's articulate lyrics. Some albums demand to be heard along their entire run, and "Flux" is certainly one of those. Information: eaglerockent.com.



Artist: Tinsley Ellis
Title: Red Clay Soul (Heartfixer Music)
You might like if you enjoy: Robert Cray, Tommy Castro
Tell me more: Armed with a stellar baritone voice, deft skills on guitar and his infectious songs, Tinsley Ellis taps into his Georgia roots across the aptly-titled Red Clay Soul. Ellis has the innate ability to fuse blues with soul and R&B (as evidenced by the emotive "Callin'," "Hungry Woman Blues" and Robert Cray-styled "Don't Cut It"). He can also fuse his Southern fried blues with a rock edge; the straightforward "All I Think About," slow burner "Circuit Rider" and Latin-flavored "Estero Noche" allow him to showcase his gifts to combine authentic riffs and strong lead guitar work. On the catchy "Givin' You Up," Ellis also adds some great blues harmonica work while bringing Oliver Wood (of Wood Brothers fame) in to provide additional guitar and vocals to the memorable track. Information: tinsleyellis.com.


Artist: Gary Hoey
Title: Dust & Bones (Provogue)
You might like if you enjoy: Gary Hoey's "Deja Blues," Alvin Lee, Lita Ford
Tell me more: Guitar virtuoso Gary Hoey follows up his 2013 exploration of the blues (Deja Blues) with a potent follow-up, the newly issued Dust & Bones" Kicking things off with the slide guitar-anchored "Boxcar Blues," Hoey kicks things up with his fast-fingered guitar work on the uptempo "Who's Your Daddy" and on the Texas-styled blues rocker "Born to Love You." Other highlights include the probing title track, the rousing "Steamroller" (a tribute to Johnny Winter), and the affecting duet with Lita Ford "Coming Home." A big plus across the disc is that Hoey proves to be a great vocalist too. Information: GaryHoey.com.

Artist: The Blind Boys of Alabama
Title: Spirit of the Century (Omnivore Recordings)
You might like if you enjoy: The Blind Boys of Alabama
Tell me more: Originally released in 2001, Spirit of the Century was the most commercially successful of the group's albums to date (quite an achievement, since the American gospel group released its first record in the late 1940s). The deluxe edition of the album recently issued by Omnivore Recordings is the perfect way to rediscover a disc that earned the group a Grammy win for Best Traditional Soul Gospel Album. Famed guests such as blues harmonica great Charlie Musselwhite, guitarist David Lindley, and bassist John Hammond add firepower to the group's authentic vocals. The standout on the album is the group's innovative version of "Amazing Grace" that blends that track's iconic lyrics with the music of "House of the Rising Sun." As if the original album wasn't fantastic enough, the new edition features seven tracks recorded live at New York's the Bottom Line in 2001. Information: omnivorerecordings.com.

Artist: The Blind Boys of Alabama
Title: Higher Ground (Omnivore Recordings)
You might like if you enjoy: The Blind Boys of Alabama, Robert Randolph and the Family Band, Ben Harper
Tell me more: On Higher Ground, the obvious power of the Blind Boys of Alabama is enhanced by the involvement of Robert Randolph and the Family Band as well as singer-guitarist Ben Harper on several of the selections. Whether singing introspective reworkings of modern favorites (Custis Mayfield's "People Get Ready," Prince's "The Cross") or old-time gospel ("Wade in the Water," "Precious Lord"), there is a exuberant spirit and timeless joy in the group's sound honed since 1944. The liner notes here are very detailed and add insight and understanding to the effort that went into the original 2002 release. Bonus materials on this expanded edition include seven tracks recorded on a "Morning Becomes Eclectic" session featured on radio station KCRW-FM in 2002. Information: omnivorerecordings.com.

Robert Kinsler

Thursday, February 04, 2016

Rich Robinson expanded re-imagined catalog releases: PAPER, LLAMA BLUES out Feb. 27; THROUGH A CROOKED SUN, WOODSTOCK SESSIONS coming April 15

This year has already seen the release of a number of strong reissues, and today brings news of several anticipated catalog reissues from Rich Robinson...

EAGLE ROCK ENTERTAINMENT TO RELEASE NEW EXPANDED VERSIONS OF
 
RICH ROBINSON
 
PAPER, LLAMA BLUES
~FEBRUARY 26, 2016~
 
THROUGH A CROOKED SUN, WOODSTOCK SESSIONS
~APRIL 15, 2016~
 

ON CD, COLORED VINYL, AND DIGITAL FORMATS
 
~NEW ALBUM IN MAY 2016~

New York, NY (February 4, 2016)—Rich Robinson, the celebrated guitarist and co-founding member of The Black Crowes, will issue new expanded catalog releases from his solo career via Eagle Rock Entertainment. These CD, LP, and digital formats will lead up to the May 2016 release of Robinson’s new solo album.
 
These newly re-imagined albums -- PaperLlama Blues (February 26), Through A Crooked Sun, and Woodstock Sessions (April 15) – include previously unreleased tracks and penned essays from Robinson himself. The LP versions will be issued as colored vinyl: Llama Blues in blue, Paper in red, Through A Crooked Sun in white, and Woodstock Sessions in brown.
 
In the aftermath of the Black Crowes dissolution in 2001, Robinson set out to realize his first solo album. Originally recorded in New York City in 2002, Paper was released in 2004. With its release – complete with an original painting by Robinson serving at its cover artwork – Paper showcased an array of diverse musical influences and superb guitar world. Eight years later, the 2” master tapes for Paper, which were housed at Robinson’s New Jersey storage facility along with his gear, fell victim to Hurricane Sandy. When the opportunity came to include the album as part of this catalog initiative, Robinson approached the restoration of these masters with fresh ears: he recorded new vocals, changed the sequencing, and remixed / remastered the album. Packaged with three previously unreleased tracks from these 2004 sessions, the February 26 release is the completely re-imagined version of Paper.
 
Robinson’s second full-length solo album, Through A Crooked Sun, was conceived amidst an extended break from the Black Crowes, and was released in 2011. Recorded at Applehead Studios in Woodstock, NY, this recordenjoyed wide acclaim from Robinson’s worldwide audience and represented a progression in his direction as a solo artist.
 
The Llama Blues EP, which boasted blues-based songs, was previously limited to 1,000 CDs when it was released in 2013. This album quickly became a prized commodity for Robinson fans who reveled in the guitarist’s embrace of the blues idiom. Robinson captured the spirit of the blues pioneers who had inspired him, recording the sessions in a small room with one vintage RCA ribbon microphone.
 
The Woodstock Sessions, originally released in November 2014, captures Robinson and his band performing live before an intimate audience at Applehead Studios. The album was recorded over two days, with two sets per day – one acoustic, one electric. Through the recording, the fans were just as much a part of the album’s creation as the band. They interacted with the band, and witnessed the artist’s creative process in a manner that most never get to experience. Robinson deftly mixed staples from his solo career with superb rendition of such signature classics as “Got To Get Better In A Little While” (which makes its debut on this expanded edition) and the Velvet Underground’s “Oh! Sweet Nuthin’”. This experiment, breaking down the barriers between musician and fan, is what makes The Woodstock Sessions so special.
 
Additionally, a limited edition 7” of Oh! Sweet Nuthin’ press on blue vinyl was released on Black Friday Record Store Day and quickly sold out.
 
This line-up of releases is the perfect lead-up to Robinson’s upcoming new studio album this Spring.
 
Eagle Rock Entertainment is the world’s largest producer and distributor of music programming for TV, DVD, Blu-Ray and Digital Media. Eagle produces quality HD programs, both concerts and documentaries, directly alongside artists including Imagine Dragons, Paul McCartney, Katy Perry, The Rolling Stones, Pink Floyd, The Who, Queen, and Peter Gabriel. Eagle is a multiple Grammy® Award winner and has received numerous multi-platinum sales awards around the world.  Eagle Vision is headquartered in London, and is a Universal Music Group company. 
 
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