Lee Rocker celebrates legacy with memorable set at The Coach House

Lee Rocker with his
iconic double bass.

Who: Lee Rocker, Buzz Campbell & The Heartaches, Moonshine

Where: The Coach House in San Juan Capistrano, CA

When: Friday, Feb. 11, 2022

Learn More: Lee Rocker's website HERE; Buzz Campbell's website HERE; Moonshine's website HERE.

Next: Lee Rocker will begin performing a string of shows in March 2022. Visit his official website HERE to see all of his forthcoming tour dates.

Singer-bassist Lee Rocker and his terrific band headlining at The Coach House in
San Juan Capistrano on Friday, Feb. 11, 2022. Performing with Rocker are 
keyboardist Matthew Jordan, drummer Larry Mitchell and guitarist Buzz Campbell.

 

Review by Robert Kinsler

Photography by Bob Steshetz

Lee Rocker at The Coach House.

Music lovers who came to the legendary Coach House in San Juan Capistrano, CA on Friday night (Feb. 11, 2022) were treated to an outstanding set from headliner Lee Rocker, as well as two strong openers (Buzz Campbell & The Heartaches, Moonshine).

Rocker achieved international fame as a founding member of The Stray Cats at the dawn of the 1980s, and has since continued to champion rockabilly and roots rock performing on stage or in the studio alongside a wide range of legendary artists including Ringo Starr, George Harrison, Keith Richards, Willie Nelson, John Fogerty and Carl Perkins.

Guitar great Buzz Campbell in 
action at The Coach House.

At The Coach House, Rocker was backed by his terrific trio featuring Buzz Campbell (guitar, banjo), Larry Mitchell (drums) and Matthew Jordan (keyboards) for an exhilarating 85-minute set. The troupe delivered a stellar showcase featuring plenty of Stray Cats favorites and energetic covers as well as highlights from Rocker's rich solo career and a gem from his stint from Phantom, Rocker & Slick (a project that featured Rocker, Stray Cats drummer Slim Jim Phantom and guitar virtuoso Earl Slick).

The quartet opened with an extended version of "Stray Cat Strut," reworked from the oft-heard Stray Cats hit into a stylish romp where Rocker, Jordan and Campbell were each able to display their masterful chops. The fiery "Runaway Boys" followed, fully rekindling the rockabilly revival that Rocker, Phantom and Brian Setzer championed more than four decades ago.

From left, Matthew Jordan, Justin Drucker, drummer Larry Mitchell, Lee Rocker
and guitarist Buzz Campbell in San Juan Capistrano, CA.

There was a joyful spirit throughout Rocker's 20-song set. After performing a spirited version of the title tracks from the Stray Cats' 1982 Built For Speed and his new album Gather Round, he brought his son Justin Drucker to the stage and turned back the clock to deliver more stripped down material including a buoyant medley of Elvis Presley's "That's All Right" and "Blue Moon of Kentucky," an animated take on Perkins' "Honey Don't" and tender reading of Steve Goodman's "City of New Orleans" – the latter bolstered by Jordan's accordion playing. He also performed an acoustic version of "The Last Offline Lovers," a song written for his wife Deborah Drucker (they celebrated their 33rd wedding anniversary on the day of the concert).

Rocker then picked up the tempo for the speedy number "When Nothing's Going Right" (a song from the Stray Cats' recent reunion disc 40) and retro-styled "Men Without Shame"; other late set highlights included the Louisiana-mining "Graceland Auctions" and '50s sounding ballad "I Won't Stand In Your Way." 

The night ended with four standouts. The blistering "Bulletproof" (the title track off his 2003 album), soaring "Rumble in Brighton," aptly-pegged "Rock This Town" and zestful closer "Rockabilly Boogie" made for the perfect parade of cuts to close out a wonderful night.

Buzz Campbell & The Heartaches performing at The Coach House.

The aforementioned Buzz Campbell opened the bill backed by his honky tonk outfit The Heartaches, performing 30 minutes of material recalling the celebrated likes of Dwight Yoakam, Buck Owens and Johnny Cash. A super talented guitarist, Campbell's vocals are also first rate. The outfit navigated a mix of solid originals and covers from a diverse field of artists including The Beach Boys and Faron Young.

Moonshine performing at The Coach House in San Juan Capistrano, CA on Feb. 11.

In addition to bassist Justin Drucker, Moonshine features the brother-and-sister team of singer Selena Marie and guitar master Dylan DelPizzo-Howell along with harmonica pro Travis Muniz and drummer Nick Crays. 

From left, Travis Muniz, Dylan DelPizzo-Howell
and Selena Marie of Moonshine.

The quintet's 40-minute set demonstrated an ensemble able to blend blues, rock, jazz and country styles into something that is uniquely their own. Highlights included a reworked version of Wanda Jackson's "Funnel of Love" and their own jazzy ballad "Darlin' You Blow My Mind." The breezy "The One Who Got Away" allowed DelPizzo-Howell to showcase his impressive and nuanced guitar work.

New Music: Albums shine a light on diverse sounds

Several outstanding reissues and a terrific new album are worth exploring this week.

Artist: The Go-Go's

Title: God Bless The Go-Go's (Eagle Records)

You might like if you enjoy: The Go-Go's, Belinda Carlisle

Tell me more: God Bless the Go-Go's, the Los Angeles' quintet's 2001 reunion album has just been released as a must-own deluxe edition. Celebrated in connection with its 20th anniversary, God Bless the Go-Go's has been reissued on CD, vinyl and digital formats via Eagle Records. This is the first time the original album version of the album is available on LP (pressed on 140-gram, blue colored vinyl). The deluxe CD and digital versions feature new cover art and both include two bonus tracks. The album fully captures the power and magic of the Go-Go's' groundbreaking 1981 debut Beauty and the Beat. The driving "Unforgiven" (featuring guest Billie Joe Armstrong of Green Day), "Stuck In My Car" and "Automatic Rainy Day" display a flair for melody and power pop without abandoning the group's punk roots. Equally potent are the tuneful mid-tempo confessionals "Apology," "Vision of Nowness" and "Insincere" as well as the shimmering ballad "Here You Are." The two winning bonus tracks – the straightforward rocker "I Think I Need Sleep" and melodic "King of Confusion" – definitely make this collection worth adding to your collection. Here is one fan happy to hear that singer Belinda Carlisle, lead guitarist Charlotte Caffey, singer-guitarist Jane Wiedlin, bassist Kathy Valentine and drummer Gina Schock are set to be inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame's class of 2021 on Oct. 30. Information: gogos.com.

Artist: The Palace Guard

Title: All Night Long: An Anthology, 1965-1967 (Omnivore Recordings)

You might like if you enjoy: The Animals, 1960s rock, the Kingsmen

Tell me more: The explosive sound of '60s garage rock is captured across the outstanding new compilation All Night Long: An Anthology, 1965-1967 featuring the Palace Guard. Although poor management ultimately dimmed The Palace Guard's prospects for widespread acclaim, the Hawthorne, CA-based troupe did have enough regional success in Southern California to record enough great material to fill a disc. There are rousing rockers – notably the opener "All Night Long" along with "Falling Sugar," "Oh Blue (The Way I Feel Tonight)," "Saturday's Child" and "Party Lights" – which collectively capture the spirit of the era. Just as impressive are the wistful mid-tempo rock cuts showcasing the band's wonderful vocals ("Playgirl," "A Girl You Can Depend On," "If You Need Me" and more). The psychedelia-styled "Greed" is another true gem on the set. The Palace Guard featured brothers Don, John and David Beaudoin, their roommate Mike Conley, drummer Emitt Rhodes (who subsequently enjoyed success with Merry Go Round and a solo career), bass guitarist Rick Moser and lead guitarist Chuck McClung; Terry Rae replaced Rhodes in 1966 while Teddy Rooney replaced Moser in early 1967. Information: OmnivoreRecordings.com.

Artist: Weezer

Title: Van Weezer (Atlantic / Crush)

You might like if you enjoy: Weezer, 1970s and '80s hard rock

Tell me more: Weezer explores their adolescent influences along with an appreciation of the electric guitar on their fifteenth album Van Weezer which has its obvious roots in the band's early love affair with melodic hard rock of the 1970s and '80s. Weezer (singer-songwriter-guitarist Rivers Cuomo, guitarist Brian Bell, drummer Pat Wilson and bassist Scott Shriner) conjures up the days of Van Halen, Ozzy Osbourne and Whitesnake to deliver a batch of instantly-likable tracks. Take "Blue Dream" – which sonically echoes Osbourne's 1980 classic "Crazy Train" – Weezer blend their signature melodic sheen with plenty of guitar-anchored hard rock attack. "The End of the Game" with its hammering guitar intro and in-the-pocket crunchy verses evokes hits by Whitesnake and 38 Special. Even while cranking up the guitars the band's melodic sense rules the day; the head-banging "1 More Hit" is bolstered by a vocals-heavy chorus and a wicked mid-song heavy metal break while "I Need Some of That" is equally strong with an undeniable chorus and tuneful guitar lines. Elsewhere, Weezer's own distinctive style is showcased on several of the disc's best cuts; "All the Good Ones" recalls the sound of their 2005 favorite "Beverly Hills" while "Sheila Can Do It" mirrors Weezer's mid-90s power pop-meets-indie rock approach. Always eager to surprise, Weezer closes with the gentle acoustic ballad "Precious Metal Girl." Information: Weezer.com.

Artists: Steve Goodman

Title: It Sure Looked Good on Paper: The Steve Goodman Demos (Omnivore Recordings)

You might like if you enjoy: Steve Goodman, John Denver, Don McLean

Tell me more: Blessed with a terrific voice and equally impressive talents as a top-tier songwriter and acoustic guitar player, Steve Goodman sadly lost his battle with leukemia at the age of 36 in 1984 – before the Chicago native could be acknowledged beyond the small and dedicated group of artists and fans who recognized his greatness during his lifetime. Los Angeles' Omnivore Recordings has gone a long way over the past several years to reintroduce Goodman to a wider audience of discerning followers; the newly-issued It Sure Looked Good on Paper: The Steve Goodman Demos is packed with 20 previously-unissued recordings that include both solo acoustic and band demos. The range and depth of the material is truly impressive; an uptempo run through his beloved original "City Of New Orleans," winning Gram Parsons-flavored decree "Eight Ball Blues," romantic "Would You Like To Learn To Dance" and "Yellow Coat," countrified standout "You Never Even Call Me By My Name" co-written with John Prine (and a 1975 hit for David Allan Coe), melancholic "Song For David" and lovely closer "The Water Is Wide." The collection features restoration and mastering by Grammy Award-winning engineer Michael Graves, who has again teamed up with Grammy-winning producer Cheryl Pawelski (who compiled this 20-track collection) to add another important chapter in celebrating the work of Goodman's legacy. Available via audio CD and gatefold double LP, the release features new liner notes by Lee Zimmerman and photos from the Goodman family archive. Information: OmnivoreRecordings.com. 

Artist: John Linnell

Title: State Songs (Craft Recordings)

You might like if you enjoy: They Might Be Giants, Fountains of Wayne

Tell me more: An expanded digital edition of John Linnell's 1999 cult classic State Songs has just been released via Craft Recordings. One half of groundbreaking outfit They Might Be Giants (along with John Flansburgh), Linnell introduced "State Songs" via a five-song EP issued in 1994; five years late a full-length album was released on audio CD by Zoë/Rounder Records. More than two decades after its creation, "State Songs" remains a fun and fascinating listen with a vast array of far-flung instruments, wide-ranging musical styles and smart lyrics fused together into something special. The instrumental carousel-flavored "Illinois," power-pop gem "The Songs of the Fifty States," sly "West Virginia," buoyant "South Carolina,"glorious "Montana" and Americana art damage cut "Pennsylvania" are among the early standouts on the timeless collection. Just as inviting are the genre-defying "Utah," lovely "Arkansas," swirling "Maine" and the catchy bonus track "Louisiana" (the latter initially released as a B-side on the 1999 vinyl single of "Montana" - a collectible die-cut record in the shape of the USA). For those who love "State Songs" the additional good news is that Linnell is readying his next solo release, "Roman Songs"; that forthcoming EP is reportedly made up of songs written entirely in Latin. Information: CraftRecordings.com.

Robert Kinsler

Sheltering at Home with Stellar Sights and Sounds

While we all continue to shelter in place during the COVID-19 pandemic, how about some excellent musical detours to help fill your time...

Who: Steve Goodman
Title: Live '69 (Omnivore Recordings)
You might like if you enjoy: Harry Chapin, Townes Van Zandt, John Prine
Tell me more: Thanks to specialty record labels, many of music's lost treasures have been unearthed for the world to hear. Look no further than Omnivore Recordings' new release featuring the late singer-songwriter Steve Goodman's wonderful Live '69. Recorded in November 1969 when he was only 21, Goodman's hour-plus performance at the University of Illinois featured the rising singer-songwriter/guitarist performing an eclectic setlist of covers treated to his singular style. His treatment of acoustic blues and folk material is deeply affecting, thanks in large part to his strengths as a singer and acoustic guitar master. Opening up with Willie Dixon's "You Can't Judge A Book By Its Cover," he continues to delve into the blues via William Harris' "Bullfrog Blues." His power as a rising great really shows via the driving "Fast Freight," where his guitar work and dynamic vocals help propel the song in tune with the lyrical imagery of a train moving down the tracks. He equally masters Celtic stylings with the traditional "Byker Hill" and "John Barleycorn," the latter delivered via his a capella vocals sans guitar accompaniment. He also revisits classics from Bob Dylan (the driving roots nugget "Country Pie"), Merle Haggard (bolstered by Bob Hoban's harmony vocals), and Terry Fell (the spirited country-fried "Truck Drivin' Man"). Toward the end of his set, he offers up a four-song medley that weaves together diverse material (including the Beatles' "Eleanor Rigby" and Jefferson Airplane's "Somebody to Love") masterfully. Rich Warren of Chicago's WFMT-FM, who engineered the show, contributes liner notes that add depth to the title. Information: OmnivoreRecordings.com.

Who: Alex Dixon
Title: The Real McCoy (Dixon Landing Music)
You might like if you enjoy: Willie Dixon, Little Walter, Muddy Waters
Tell me more: Willie Dixon, who passed away in January 1992, is one of the most celebrated blues artists of the 20th century, particularly celebrated for his long parade of original songs covered or adapted by artists ranging from Howlin' Wolf, Muddy Waters and Led Zeppelin to the Doors and The Rolling Stones. His list of memorable classics includes "Hoochie Coochie Man," "I Just Want to Make Love to You," "Little Red Rooster" and "Spoonful." Fast forward to 2020 and it's clear from the authentic Chicago blues unleashed by Willie Dixon's grandson Alex Dixon across the winning The Real McCoy prove that the genre is alive and thriving in the 21st century. The hard-hitting "Nothing New Under the Sun," guitar- and harmonica-adorned take on Willie Dixon's "Spider In My Stew," joyful "Howlin' for My Darling" (another Willie Dixon classic), the guitar showcase "Groanin' the Blues" and swinging "Chi-Town Boogie" are among the infectious cuts on the 11-track album. The cast of players who surround Alex Dixon (who plays bass and piano across the disc) includes harmonica players Steve Bell and Sugar Blue, guitarists Melvin Tylor and Gino Matteo, and drummer Alvino Bennett. A big shout out to lead vocalist Lewis "Big Lew" Powell, whose rich baritone and personality bring the mix of material to life. Information: https://Vintagedixon.com/.

Who: Radiohead, Moby, Daft Punk, Rage Against the Machine, more
Title: Coachella: 20 Years in the Desert (Goldenvoice / Hamsterdam Productions)
You might like if you enjoy: Coachella
Tell me more: A must-see documentary that premiered via YouTube on April 10, the Chris Perkel-directed "Coachella: 20 Years in the Desert" revisits the history of the event via a mix of performance footage, revealing interviews and artful scenes of crowds amidst the inspired art installations at the Coachella Valley and Music Arts Festival. The focus is not only on the legendary performers, but how the experience of attending the festival has been enhanced by technological advances, the evolution of musical tastes and the move in 2012 to stage Coachellafest over two consecutive weekends. For more than 100 wonderful minutes, the viewer is thrilled by the diverse likes of art rock giants Radiohead, punk rock icons Rancid, K-pop quartet Blackpink, performer Beyonce, songstress Billie Eilish, Rage Against the Machine and rapper Jay-Z. Other artists featured in the parade of clips include band Tame Impala, modern rockers Arcade Fire, hip hop's Kanye West, electronica pioneer Moby, British alt rock singer Morrissey, singer-songwriter/guitar great Prince, goth rockers Bauhaus and modern rockers Weezer. Rock, electronica, dance, hip-hop and Americana have all played a part in the legacy of the event and Coachellagoers will be thrilled by every moment of the fast-moving documentary. Information: coachella.com.

Lost Classic

Who: Fountains of Wayne
Title: No Better Place: Live in Chicago (Shout! Factory)
You might like if you enjoy: Squeeze, Fountains of Wayne
Tell me more: The untimely death of singer-songwriter/multi-instrumentalist Adam Schlesinger from complications of COVID-19 on April 1 has rightfully reignited interest in his wonderful power pop troupe Fountains of Wayne. The next best thing to catching the quartet — which was together from 1995 to 2013 — in concert is enjoying the 2009 Shout! Factory-issued title "No Better Place: Live in Chicago." The concert film was the New York City-spawned outfit's first-ever DVD release and offers up energetic versions of 16 of their beloved originals including "Stacy's Mom," "Radiation Vibe," "Sink To The Bottom" and "Red Dragon Tattoo." The Joe Thomas-directed concert film was shot for broadcast in widescreen and recorded in 5.1 Surround, which wasn't always the case in 2005. As a bonus feature, a previously-unseen acoustic performance featuring five compelling tracks that was captured in a recording studio in 2007 is included. Information: amazon.com or fountainsofwayne.com.



Robert Kinsler

New music: Vance Gilbert, KARNEY, Glenn Jones shine on latest releases

Three new under-the-radar releases deserving of widespread attention are featured in my column this week.

Artist: Vance Gilbert
Title: Good, Good Man (Disismye Music)
You might like if you enjoy: Boz Scaggs, Daryl Hall, Steve Goodman, Keb' Mo'
Tell me more: Vance Gilbert's wonderful genre-defying album Good, Good Man makes one thing clear: it's all about the song. The selections here are melodic, memorable and delivered with a master's touch. Gilbert's 13th album, Good, Good Man is bolstered by his signature lead vocals, nuanced arrangements and an artful cohesiveness that brings the various styles and moods together artfully across the dozen tracks. The R&B foray "Trust," literate piano ballad "Cousin Shelly's Station Wagon," joyful "Another Great Day Above Ground," and zeal of the retro swing "Zombie Pattycake" are early standouts. The disc closes out just as powerfully via the soulful "When I Cross Over," acoustic rendition of Skylark's 1973 soft rock hit "Wildflower" and the smart spoken word celebration of Halloween "The Day Before November." Information: vancegilbert.com.

Artist: KARNEY
Title: Better (Karney Music and Sounds)
You might like if you enjoy: Sass Jordan, Heart, Linda Perry
Tell me more: Fans of top-flight classic rock looking for something new should catch a listen of of KARNEY's wonderful new EP Better. Headed by lead singer-songwriter/multi-instrumentalist Anna Karney, the Bay Area, California-based band mines '70s classic rock along with contemporary modern rock with the skill and firepower of modern day favorites Greta Van Fleet. Listening to KARNEY's compelling reworking of the Led Zeppelin classic "Ramble On" is the perfect entry to discover the joys offered up on "Better," but listen and groove along and you'll discover the anthemic nugget "Trust," the enthralling "Trust," the prog-tinged "Round and Round" and other must-hear material. KARNEY's solid lineup is rounded out by bassist Kevin White, drummer Jeff Herrera, trumpet player Bill Ortiz, and guitarists Erik Smyth and James DePrato. Information: Karney.org.

Artist: Glenn Jones
Title: Ready for the Good Times (Good Guys Music)
You might like if you enjoy: David Serby, Hank Williams, Bobbo Byrnes
Tell me more: Draped in a winning mix of folk, Appalachia and authentic country-western, singer-songwriter Glenn Jones' third studio album Ready for the Good Times has a pleasing sound sure to impress fans of Americana and roots music. The soundscape is rich, adorned with layers of guitar, mandolin, fiddle, lap steel and sumptuous vocal harmonies. The North Carolina-based artist's lyrics probe life's road with equal skill and his sonorous baritone delivers the original songs with assurance and authenticity. The infectious countrified blues of the playful "My Baby Makes Pie," bluegrass-flavored "Ripples in the Pond," reflective ballad "I Wish You Could See Me Now," and broken dreams-themed "Bury My Heart on Music Row" are among the standouts on this great album. Information: GlennJonesAcoustic.com.



Robert Kinsler

Authentic song craft works wonders on new releases

The talents of three terrific artists are featured on titles being released this month.

Artist: Vince Gill
Title: Okie (MCA Nashville)
You might like if you enjoy: Vince Gill, The Eagles, Bruce Springsteen's "Western Stars"
Tell me more: Vince Gill's new album Okie (set for release on Aug. 23, 2019) is an album that fully captures the Oklahoma native's towering talents as singer, songwriter and master guitarist. The songs here exude the authentic spirit of real people immersed in the day-to-day struggles and joys of real life, and to be sure the songs (all written or co-written by Gill) have a uniform depth wonderfully at odds with the majority of contemporary country music hitmakers. There are gorgeous ballads ("What Choice Will You Make," "When My Amy Prays"), as well as probing gems with lovely choruses ("Black And White," "The Red Words"). From the album's incredible opening song "I Don't Wanna Ride The Rails No More" to the disc-closing tribute to Merle Haggard ("A World Without Haggard"), Okie astounds. On "An Honest Man" Gill's voice echoes the enduring themes captured across Okie as he sings "Come put your arms around me / Put your heart in my hand / Let them cowboys be the heroes / I'm still an honest man." Editor's note: Gill is set to perform “Forever Changed” on NBC’s Today Show on Tuesday, August 27. Later that day he will perform an exclusive 60-minute set at the iHeartRadio Theater NY to celebrate the release of Okie. Information: VinceGill.com.

Artist: Steve Goodman
Title: Santa Ana Winds (Omnivore Recordings)
You might like if you enjoy: John Denver, John Prine, Andrew Gold
Tell me more: Omnivore Recordings' wonderful series of Steve Goodman reissues is reintroducing the world to the singer-songwriter great who passed away at the age of 36 in September 1984 following a long battle with leukemia. Santa Ana Winds was completed in the span of a week (including the recording, mixing and mastering), and 35 years later it proves to be a timeless masterpiece. Remastered and expanded in 2019, the LP features all 10 songs featured on the original 1985 release as well as eight bonus tracks (including solo acoustic versions and several previously-unissued songs). Best known for his song "City of New Orleans," Goodman's rich mix of styles is displayed in all its brilliance across Santa Ana Winds. Armed with a distinctive and emotive voice and keen observer of the world around him, the material never falters; penetrating insights abound ("Face On The Cutting Room Floor," "The One That Got Away") and humor is used with a master's touch just as convincingly (on the country-styled "Telephone Answering Tape," the rock 'n' roll flavored "Queen Of The Road" and Chicago blues tune "Hot Tub Refugee"). Guests on the disc include Kris Kristofferson, Herb Pedersen and Emmylou Harris (whose soprano shines on the beautiful "Fourteen Days"). Information: OmnivoreRecordings.com.

Artist: Steve Goodman
Title: Unfinished Business (Omnivore Recordings)
You might like if you enjoy: Steve Goodman, John Denver, John Prine
Tell me more: Originally issued in 1987, Unfinished Business ultimately proved be much more than a collection of demo recordings, outtakes and unissued material from Steve Goodman. That 10-track album – which earned a Grammy for Best Contemporary Folk Album in 1988 – has now been further expanded with nine bonus tracks. The strength of the songs and recordings that span Unfinished Business are equal to his previous releases. The nuanced "In Real Life," acoustic "The Dutchman," uptempo "Mind Over Matter" and "Millie Make Some Chili," and previously-unreleased "Kidstown U.S.A." showcase the diverse approach of Goodman's gifts as a tunesmith and recording artist. Both Unfinished Business and the previously-mentioned Santa Ana Winds feature new liner notes from music journalist Lee Zimmerman along with interviews and remembrances from family members, band members and friends. OmnivoreRecordings.com.

Artist: Mike Jacoby
Title: Long Beach Calling (Mike Jacoby Music)
You might like if you enjoy: Brian Setzer, Nick 13, Haymaker
Tell me more: Roots rocker Mike Jacoby's keen and often-wry observations combined with a multi-instrumentalist's top-tier talents are used to good effect across his newly-released third album Long Beach Calling. A multi-layered and winning tribute to life, love and his own musical heroes, Jacoby's style explores a diverse range of musical areas associated with roots and Americana music. Handling lead vocals as well as the majority of instruments heard on the 12-track disc. The driving tribute to his hometown is chronicled in the title cut; the countrified "Pine Box" takes an insightful look at how little life we have ahead once we reach middle age; the tender ballad "Know Right Away" is bolstered by a burgeoning arrangement with Jacoby's stellar lead guitar work. The playful "Hangers (A Christmas Tale)" is sure to bring a smile to the face to anyone with a sense of humor; before you catch the Rolling Stones on the band's current "No Filter" tour catch up with the band's 55-year sonic aesthetic courtesy of "Play Like Richards." Information: www.MikeJacobyMusic.com.

Catching up on early 2019 special sets

The first half of 2019 has seen a parade of spectacular special editions, reissues, concert recordings and limited edition releases that are essential for discerning fans of a diverse range of groundbreaking artists.

Artist: Wes Montgomery
Title: Back on Indiana Avenue: The Carroll DeCamp Recordings (Resonance Records)
You might like if you enjoy: Wes Montgomery, Lionel Hampton
Tell me more: Available on audio CD and via digital, the wonderful set of Wes Montgomery rarities Back on Indiana Avenue: The Carroll DeCamp Recordings is yet another chance to celebrate the legacy of one of the greatest jazz guitarists of the 20th century. Only 45 when he died in 1968, the Indianapolis, Indiana native is heard on this lively set of 22 tracks early in his career via two hours of previously-unheard audio recordings. Of special note are the early versions of material he would cut for Riverside Records including "Round Midnight" and "Whisper Not" from his 1959 debut The Wes Montgomery Trio, and "Sandu" and "Tune-Up" from his 1960 sophomore album Movin' Along. The audio quality and level of performance is riveting more than 60 years after the myriad of performances were put to tape with Montgomery featured in a diverse number of settings – piano quartets, organ trios, extents and with Nat "King" Cole-styled trios. Information: ResonanceRecords.org.

Artist: Bill Evans
Title: Evans in England (Resonance Records)
You might like if you enjoy: Bill Evans, Stan Getz
Tell me more: A previously-unreleased live recording featuring American jazz pianist Bill Evans, bassist Eddie Gomez and drummer Marty Morell was captured at Ronnie Scott's jazz club in December 1969, but was only released for the first time by Los Angeles-based Resonance Records in April 2019. The two-disc release (Evans in England) features the masterful concert performance along with detailed liner notes and interviews with Gomez, Morell and filmmaker Leon Terjanian. Resonance Records has released several other titles featuring Evans (who died in September 1980 at the age of 51) over the past few years including 2012's Bill Evans Live at Art D'Lugoff's Top of the Game. Listening to this title is to hear how much Evans' incredible style continues to influence jazz pianists in the 21st century. Information: ResonanceRecords.org.

Artist: Hank Williams
Title: The Complete Health & Happiness Recordings (BMG)
You might like if you enjoy: Hank Williams, Hank Snow, Michael Ubaldini, Ray Price
Tell me more: Hank Williams' tragic death at the age of 29 on Jan. 1, 1953 cut short the life and career of one of the most influential and gifted country music artists of all time. So it's not surprising that there is an interest in any available recordings featuring the late Alabama-born icon. Look no further than the recently-released The Complete Health & Happiness Recordings, featuring all eight episodes of the 1949 radio series "Health & Happiness." While the series didn't run long, the material featured on those airings included Williams performing stellar versions of his 1949 hits "Wedding Blues," "Lovesick Blues," "You're Gonna Change (Or I'm Gonna Leave)" and "Mind Your Own Business," as well as the enduring cuts "I Saw the Light," "I'm So Lonesome I Could Cry" and "I'm a Long Gone Daddy." Of particular note is one episode features Williams performing "The Tramp on the Street," the only known recording of the singer performing the probing country ballad. Information: amazon.com.

Artist: Steve Goodman
Titles: "Artistic Hair" and "Affordable Art" (Omnivore Recordings)
You might like if you enjoy: John Denver, Harry Chapin, Jimmy Buffett
Tell me more: Omnivore Recordings has continued to reintroduce deserving, under-the-radar artists via via expanded editions. A celebration of singer-songwriter Steve Goodman is being launched with reissues of his final two albums, Artistic Hair (1983) and Affordable Art (1984). Set for release on July 19, these titles not only offer the original track lists but a slew of bonus tracks. Fans of Harry Chapin, Jimmy Buffett and John Denver will all find plenty to admire in the work and artful songs of Goodman. While the artist battled leukemia throughout his career (and he sadly passed away at the age of 36 in September 1984), his positive “Cool Hand Leuk” artistic drive resulted in glowing style of songs that shines through across these two releases. The late singer-songwriter Steve Goodman is best known for his bona fide masterpiece "City of New Orleans" (a Top 20 hit for Arlo Guthrie in 1972), but his parade of top-tier songs extended far beyond that American standard as evidenced by expanded editions of these two releases. Information: OmnivoreRecordings.com.

Artist: Mrs. Henry
Title: Mrs. Henry Presents The Last Waltz (Blind Owl Records)
You might like if you enjoy: The Band, Neil Young, Bob Dylan
Tell me more: More than 40 years after the legendary concert was put to film via Martin Scorsese’s“The Last Waltz,” modern-day San Diego-based quartet Mrs. Henry recreated the event on the stage at The Belly Up in Solana Beach (a legendary venue in North San Diego County). That stunning tribute is available via the ambitious Mrs. Henry presents The Last Waltz (available on 2-disc audio CD or 3xLP vinyl). Mrs. Henry (keyboardist-vocalist Jody Bagley, guitarist-vocalist Dan Cervantes, bassist-vocalist Blake Dean, drummer Chad Lee) put in an incredible amount of work, but armed with musical passion and a parade of more than two dozen fellow musicians (including members of Sacri Monti, Louise XIV and The Schizophonics), the glorious results can now be heard by all.  Timeless tracks such as “Up On Cripple Creek,” “The Weight,” “Caledonia” and “The Night They Drove Old Dixie Down” are captured with emotion and authenticity. The collection will be released on July 12. Information: BlindOwlSD.com or www.mrshenry.com. 

Artist: Henry Townsend and Roosevelt Sykes
Title: Blues Piano and Guitar (Omnivore Recordings)
You might like if you enjoy: Walter Davis, Robert Nighthawk, Big Joe Williams
Tell me more: Earlier this year Omnivore Recordings released Henry Townsend and Roosevelt Sykes’ Blues Piano and Guitar, a two-disc set featuring 30 previously unissued tracks from a 1973 concert performance of interest to lovers of traditional blues. This incredible title features the talents of two artists who were among key players of early blues music; Roosevelt Skyes (on piano and vocals) and Henry Townsend (vocals, guitar and piano) were both born at the dawn of the 20^th century and made major contributions to the genre. On this recording the two St. Louis bluesmen are captured late in their career – just the right stage of life for each to tap into their collective experiences to mine the reaches of “Done Got Tired,” “The War Is Over” and “Ready, Willing And Able.” Information: OmnivoreRecordings.com.



Robert Kinsler