Bruce Cockburn announces "True North - a 50th Anniversary Box Set" Limited Edition Vinyl on September 25, 2020

One of my favorite artists has announced an impressive limited edition vinyl set is coming this fall! Robert Kinsler

Bruce Cockburn Announces 

‘True North - A 50th Anniversary Box Set’

Limited Edition Vinyl Set Arrives September 25th, 2020

Preorder to reserve a signed and individually numbered set here.

TORONTO, ON, May 4, 2020 -- To be active and relevant in music for 50 years is a significant achievement for any individual recording artist. The same can be said for any independent record label. To achieve this milestone together as an artist and label team without interruption, has to be one of the most extraordinarily rare events in music.

To celebrate this milestone, Bruce Cockburn and True North Records have produced True North - A 50th Anniversary Box Set, a Limited Edition vinyl box set containing three of Bruce’s most significant recordings. The first album where it all started, the self-titled debut Bruce Cockburn along with two albums that have never before been released on vinyl: The Charity of Night and Breakfast in New Orleans, Dinner in Timbuktu. Each album has been re-mastered by Bruce’s long-time producer Colin Linden, and is pressed on colored vinyl. The five-180 gram discs are contained in original artwork sleeves adapted from the original designs by the acclaimed graphic designer Michael Wrycraft, and housed in an individually-numbered box signed personally by the artist. There will be only a limited initial pressing. 

Photo credit: Daniel Keebler

Bruce Cockburn was the first artist signed to True North Records, the tenacious independent label founded by Bruce’s manager Bernie Finkelstein and first operated from a Yorkville Avenue, Toronto, phone booth. Bruce’s debut self-titled album was the label’s first album release on April 7, 1970, produced by Eugene Martynec, with the catalog number TN1. Fifty years on, Bruce Cockburn still records for True North Records, which released his 34th album “Crowing Ignites” in late 2019. 

Bruce says, “In 1969, when I was feeling the need to record an album of the songs I’d been writing, I had no concept of what that might lead to. In some organic way it felt like it was time. The future wasn’t really an issue. It still isn’t. For each of us, there’s a future or there isn’t.

“But looking back over the arc of 50 years of recording, performing, and travel, not to mention relationships and personal challenges,” he continued, “I can only shake my head and mutter a word of thanks for all of it.”

Cockburn concluded: “Even if I’d been a planner by nature, I doubt I could have predicted how things have gone… and they’re still going!”

Cockburn has also scheduled fall tour dates celebrating the 50th Anniversary   Additional updates and ticket information can be found through the official Bruce Cockburn website and the complete list of tour dates is below.

Although Mr. Finkelstein sold True North Records to entrepreneurs Geoff Kulawick, Harvey Glatt and Michael Pilon in 2007, True North continues to be a vital independent label signing and releasing records by Bruce alongside many of Canada’s leading singer-songwriters and musicians including Buffy Sainte-Marie, Murray McLauchlan, Matt Andersen, Colin James, Sass Jordan, Sue Foley, Natalie MacMaster and Jimmy Rankin.

Bruce Cockburn: True North - A 50th Anniversary Box Set

TND750 - Bruce Cockburn (LP) | A Charity of Night (2LP) | Breakfast In New Orleans, Dinner in Timbuktu (2LP) - 5 x 180 Gram Colored Vinyl Discs original artwork sleeves.

PREORDER HERE

Bruce Cockburn 2020 Anniversary Tour Dates

September 4, 2020 CNE Bandshell, Toronto, ON

October 16, 2020 Showplace Theatre, Peterborough, ON

October 17, 2020 National Arts Centre, Ottawa, ON

October 18, 2020 Empire Theatre, Belleville, ON

October 20, 2020 Isabel Bader Theatre, Kingston, ON

October 29, 2020 Academy of Music Theater, Northampton, MA

October 30, 2020 Wilbur Theater, Boston, MA

October 31, 2020 Pythian Opera House, Boothbay Harbor, ME

November 1, 2020 Higher Ground, South Burlington, VT

November 4, 2020 StageOne at FTC, Fairfield, CT

November 6, 2020 Narrows Center for the Arts, Fall River, MA

November 7, 2020 Newton Theater, Newton, NJ

November 8, 2020 City Winery, New York, NY

November 9, 2020 Birchmere, Alexandria, VA

November 11, 2020 Rams Head On Stage, Annapolis, MD

November 13, 2020 Harvester Performance Center, Rock Mount, VA

November 14, 2020 McGlohon Theater, Charlotte, NC

November 15, 2020 Songbirds Guitar Museum, Chattanooga, TN

November 17, 2020 City Winery, Atlanta, GA

November 18, 2020 Ponte Verde at Palm Beach Lakes COA, West Palm Beach, FL

November 19, 2020 Capitol Theater, Clearwater, FL

2019 Doheny Blues Festival recap

Marcus King displaying his otherworldly talents
at 2019 Doheny Blues Festival.
Photo: Bob Steshetz

Lovers of blues, soul, blues-rock and roots music all found something to celebrate at the Doheny Blues Festival held at Sea Terrace Park in Dana Point, May 18-19.

The annual blues bash presented by Omega Events lived up its legacy over two wonderful days, with discerning fans of all ages rewarded with memorable performances. Here is a recap of this writer's favorite performances that played out in Dana Point over the weekend.

May 18, 2019

From left, Tom Ball and Kenny Sultan performing in
Dana Point on May 18, 2019.
Photo: Bob Steshetz

Singer-harmonica player Tom Ball and guitar master Kenny Sultan performed a breakfast set for fans lined up to get into the festival, offering up authentic acoustic stylings with warmth and early-hour firepower. 

GA-20 performing at Doheny Blues Festival.
Photo: Bob Steshetz

GA-20 is a rising talent forged in Boston, Massachusetts last year. Recalling the fiery approach of new generation blues heroes Moreland & Arbuckle and The Record Company, singer-guitarist Pat Faherty and guitarist Matthews Stubbs fired up the crowd with a number of hard-hitting tracks. "One Night Man," "By My Lonesome" and a cover of Clifton Chenier's "My Soul" were among the memorable cuts that lit up the Backporch Stage.

Joey "D" Delgado at Doheny Blues Festival.
Photo: Bob Steshetz

Opening up the action on the Dana Point Stage was East Los Angeles' the Delgado Brothers, a quintet that shined with a mix of well-crafted blues and roots rock tracks. Drummer-lead singer Steve Delgado, bassist Bob Delgado, lead guitarist Joey "D" Delgado and keyboardist David B. Kelley led the group through a powerful batch of originals including the winning title track off their latest album Two Trains. Another solid original was the tuneful "Live For Today," bolstered by great vocal harmonies and impressive fretwork courtesy of Joey Delgado.

Sue Foley in action at Doheny Blues Festival.
Photo: Bob Steshetz

To say singer-songwriter-guitar great Sue Foley and her two-man band brought down the house was to state the obvious. Performing a 45-minute set of material weighted in favor of her latest album, the terrific The Ice Queen, the Canadian star is a masterful artist who was able to further inspire via a strong performance on the Backporch Stage. The smooth "Gaslight," joyful "The Lucky Ones" and a short mini-set of flamenco blues (including the beautiful "The Dance") showcasing Foley's shining guitar work made for one of the weekend's standout sets. Foley closed out her set with the hard-charging "Run" that had everyone moving to the wild and infectious rhythm, and also participating in a fun clap-along section.

Luther Dickinson tearing it up with the must-see
North Mississippi Allstars on the Backporch Stage.
Photo: Bob Steshetz

The North Mississippi Allstars brought their signature brand of Southern rock, blues rock and jam band tradition to the Backporch, with singer-guitarist Luther Dickinson and drummer-guitarist Cody Dickinson impressing with their virtuoso chops and authentic approach. Highlights of the hour-long outing including an extended electric washboard solo from Cody, and 16-year-old guitar prodigy Brandon "Taz" Niederauer and lead guitarist Duane Betts (the son of Allman Brothers Band legend Dickey Betts) joining the band later in the set.

From left, Berry Oakley Jr., Devon Allman and Duane Betts of the Allman Betts Band.
Photo: Bob Steshetz

The Allman Betts Band's turn on the Backporch Stage recalled the musical magic and sonic stylings of The Allman Brothers Band in spades, no wonder since the seven-member group includes Devon Allman (the son of the late Gregg Allman), Berry Oakley Jr. (the son of Raymond Berry Oakley, the founding bassist of the Allman Brothers Band) and previously-noted Duane Betts. In addition to some solid originals, faithful takes on The Allman Brothers' "Blue Sky," "Ain't Wastin' Time No More" and instrumental classic "Jessica" were performed with precision and craft. I was especially impressed by the title track off the band's forthcoming debut album (Down To The River set for release on June 28, 2019), an arresting song blending classic Southern rock with soul.

Ben Harper thrilling blues aficionados to cap
day 1 at the 2019 Doheny Blues Festival.
Photo: Bob Steshetz

Ben Harper & the Innocent Criminals used their 90-minute set to deliver a searing lesson in why blues and roots music still matter. Performing on the Dana Point Stage, Harper and his outfit performed both full-band blues blasters and sparse acoustic tracks. All featured Harper's distinctive vocals and lyrical stories that resonate with real life power. The potent "Burn One Down," the trance blues of "Whipping Boy" and stirring "There Will be a Light" were among the wonderful selections that showered the night with magic.

May 19, 2019

The Reverend Peyton of Reverend Peyton's Big Damn Band at
Doheny Blues Festival in Dana Point, CA on May 19.
Photo: Bob Steshetz

Reverend Peyton's Big Damn Band opened up the Doheny Point Stage on Sunday and their was an explosion of joyful noise as the high octane trio mixed up country and blues in all the right ways. Lead singer-guitarist Reverend Peyton is a force to be reckoned with and led the band through 35 minutes of bewitching music making including the delightful "You Can't Steal My Shine." In addition to Peyton, the Brown County, Indiana-spawned group includes drummer Max Senteney and "Washboard" Breezy Peyton, the latter who lit her Cajun instrument on fire during the closing number! 

Tierinii Jackson
Photo: Bob Steshetz

Southern Avenue may not be Memphis' best-kept secret much longer. The high-energy young group brought a mix of Southern soul, blues, funk and R&B to the Backporch Stage on Sunday afternoon. Kicking things off with "Whiskey Love" off their new sophomore album Keep On, the mix of styles, infectious energy and palpable chemistry between the band members and virtuoso chops kept the set racing for the next 45 minutes. 

Singer Tierinii Jackson and her sister Tikyra Jackson showed off their great harmonies, while top-tier guitarist Ori Naftly were especially locked in as they commanded the front of the stage. Keyboardist Jeremy Powell got to shine on "It's Gonna Be Alright," a great original off the group's self-titled 2017 full-length effort. Southern Avenue closed things out with the uplifting "Don't Give Up."

John Mayall enjoying the moment.
Photo: Bob Steshetz

At 85, John Mayall remains a passionate and heartfelt champion of the blues – and so-called "British blues" in particular. In addition to his strong baritone vocals, Mayall shared his talents on keyboards, guitar and blues harmonica while also showcasing his latest lead guitarist (and sometimes lead vocalist) Carolyn Wonderland. I especially loved the performance of a loose and buoyant take on the great Curtis Salgado song "The Sum Of Something."

Nick Moss Band with harmonica great Dennis Gruneling at Doheny Blues Festival.
Photo: Bob Steshetz

Nick Moss Band with Dennis Gruneling offered up a tradition-laced take on the Chicago blues. Joined by blues harp master Grueling, singer-guitarist Moss and his band brought down the house with a forceful and energetic set. They upped the ante when they brought up area harmonica legend Rod Piazza for a full-on jam.

"Artist-At-Large" Brandon "Taz" Niederauer
performing with the Marcus King Band.
Photo: Bob Steshetz

Marcus King, left, with Brandon "Taz" Niederauer.
Photo: Bob Steshetz

The Marcus King Band delivered a jaw-dropping and blistering hour-long set on the Dana Point Stage. Led by super-talented lead guitarist/singer-songwriter Marcus King, the Greenville, South Carolina band draws comparisons with modern-day artists such as Southern Avenue and Vintage Trouble in terms of mixing up its influences and creating something that is the group's own. King was flat-out amazing on stage, with his dramatic and impressive fretwork conjuring up sonic fireworks aplenty. What wasn't to love, including the explosive "Where I'm Headed," more introspective "Mourning Light" and Southern rock power ballad "Goodbye Carolina." What's more, the collective were even joined by Niederauer to cap this incredible set.

Vintage Trouble tearing it up at the Doheny Blues Festival.
Photo: Bob Steshetz

Vintage Trouble has proven to be one of modern music's all-time great concert acts, so it's little surprise the Los Angeles-based quartet killed it on the Backporch Stage on Sunday. While the weekend may have been winding down, Vintage Trouble had little interest in helping blues fans relax. Rather the group kept the party rolling with an intoxicating mix of rock 'n' soul. The soulful "Nobody Told Me," rocking "Blues Hand Me Down" and tender "My Whole World Stopped Without You" were early favorites. 

Vintage Trouble's Ty Taylor riding high at Doheny Blues Festival.
Photo: Bob Steshetz

The band (backed on this date by a female vocalist) continued to mix things up and keep things inspired and interesting, complete with an acapella vocal opening to open the timely "Everyone Is Everyone," slide guitar-anchored "Run Like The River" and an inventive cover of Elton John's "Rocketman." Lead singer Ty Taylor ventured out into the enthusiastic crowd several times, including when he was carried above the audience. The over-so-fast set ended with a mighty "Knock Me Out."   

Jonny Lang at Doheny Blues
Festival in Dana Point, CA.
Photo: Bob Steshetz

Jonny Lang closed out the weekend with a 75-minute set of well-known tracks, sticking closely to his long-standing set list featuring "Signs," "A Quitter Never Wins," a cover of Stevie Wonder's "Living for the City," "Lie to Me" and other faves. 

Omega Events added a special Music Preserves Stage at this year's event where artists were interviewed and concertgoers were treated to insider experiences from musicians. I caught Niederauer who talked about his passion for the blues and his excitement at performing with many of the artists at this year's Doheny Blues Fest. The aforementioned Foley, harmonica legend Rod Piazza and Southern Avenue were among other artists who spoke on the stage.




Review by Robert Kinsler

A special "Thank You" to Bob Steshetz for his wonderful photos!

2019 Doheny Blues Festival lineup announced! Ben Harper, Lindsey Buckingham, Taj Mahal, Jonny Lang, Vintage Trouble, more!

Wow, here it is! Here are details on the artists and the official festival poster for the Doheny Blues Festival too. This may be the best lineup in history with a mix of classic rock and blues artists, as well as emerging artists such as Brandon "Taz" Niederauer and Vintage Trouble on the bill...Get tickets and more information here.

Ben Harper performing at the Doheny Blues Festival in 2013. He returns to the event this year!
Photo: Bob Steshetz

Lindsey Buckingham is bound for the Doheny Blues Festival,
coming to Dana Point May 18-19, 2019.
Photo: Kelly A. Swift

Vintage Trouble will perform in Dana Point as part of this year's
Doheny Blues Festival. Photo: Robert Kinsler

Emerging blues-rock great Brandon "Taz" Niederauer is returning to Orange County
in May 2019 to perform at the Doheny Blues Festival. Photo: Bob Steshetz

BEN HARPER AND THE INNOCENT CRIMINALS

Harper's 2018 release with Charlie Musselwhite was honored with a GRAMMY nod, and now the global star returns to Doheny Blues with his soulful, funky ensemble The Innocent Criminals

LINDSEY BUCKINGHAM

Widely considered one of the greatest guitarists, songwriters and musical expressionists of our time, Buckingham is a a Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductee, 3-time GRAMMY winner, and best known as the producer, guitarist, vocalist and chief songwriter for Fleetwood Mac and as a celebrated solo artist

TAJ MAHAL QUARTET

A legend who has singlehandedly reshaped the definition of blues music, with his infusion of instruments and exotic sounds from the Caribbean, Africa and the South Pacific

Jonny Lang in action at the NAMM Show on Jan. 23, 2014. Photo credit: Bob Steshetz

JONNY LANG

At the age of 38, Jonny has been recording chart-topping albums and touring the world for over two decades, led by his gritty vocals and searing guitar work

THE ROBERT CRAY BAND

A true superstar of the music world, Cray has been bridging the lines between blues, soul and R&B for the past four decades, with 5 GRAMMY wins and 21 acclaimed albums

THE MARCUS KING BAND

Marcus may be young at 22 years old, but his eloquent songs, expressive guitar playing, and ecstatically soulful singing mark this gifted, thoughtful young prodigy as a force to be reckoned with

VINTAGE TROUBLE

Live-wired, straight-shootin', dirty-mouthed pelvis-pushin' juke music

ALLMAN BETTS BAND

Led by Devon Allman and Duane Betts, with new addition Berry Oakley Jr., the new ABB configuration will release a album this spring and tour in celebration of the 50th Anniversary of their parents' legendary band, The Allman Brothers

JOHN MAYALL BAND with Carolyn Wonderland

At 85, the Godfather of British Blues shows no signs of slowing down, with a new record coming, a European tour scheduled and his first female lead guitarist Carolyn Wonderland

NORTH MISSISSIPPI ALLSTARS

Luther & Cody Dickinson continue to blend hill country blues, fatback funk & soul

THE PALADINS

Considered the preeminent Rockabilly/Blues band in America, the boys return to Doheny Blues led by Dave Gonzales (guitar) and Thomas Yearsley (bass)

ROY GAINES' TRIBUTE TO T-BONE WALKER

The 84-year old guitarist brings his 9-piece band to pay tribute to his mentor

NICK MOSS BAND featuring DENNIS GRUENLING

Their new release The High Cost of Low Living is a joyous sonic blast of pure blues power, led by the 30-year guitar veteran of the Chicago blues scene

REVEREND PEYTON'S BIG DAMN BAND

One of the foremost country blues finger-style pickers, Rev. Peyton and his Big Damn Band hit you like a freight train with their self-titled wildman blues sound

SUE FOLEY

The Canadian-born guitarist, now an Austin legend, released a celebrated CD The Ice Queen in 2018 with friends Jimmie Vaughan, Billy F Gibbons and Charlie Sexton

SOUTHERN AVENUE

Soulful, funky, rock n' roll stew built on a solid foundation of the blues

B.B. & THE BLUES SHACKS from Germany

It's the 30th Anniversary for one of Europe's top jump blues bands

BRANDON "TAZ" NIEDERAUER - Artist At Large

The 15-year old returns to Doheny Blues as a guest to several bands

LINDSAY BEAVER

Blues-rocking, soul-singing drummer, songwriter and bandleader from Austin

THE DELGADO BROTHERS • THE FOURTY FOURS and Friends

GA-20 • TOM BALL & KENNY SULTAN • JOHNNY & JAALENE and more!