New music: 'Shine On: A Tribute to Pete Ham,' Melanie, Victoria Hallman

A marvelous new tribute to Badfinger singer-songwriter Peter Ham, as well as the release of long lost recordings featuring Melanie and Victoria Hallman are available now.

Artists: Dan Baird, Sweet Lizzy Project, Shelby Lynne, Dennis Diken, Ken Sharp, more

Title: Shine On: A Tribute to Pete Ham (Y&T Music)

You might like if you enjoy: Badfinger, Matthew Sweet, Shelby Lynne, The Beatles, power pop, The Georgia Satellites

Tell me more: Badfinger lead singer/multi-instrumentalist Pete Ham was among the great rising stars of the early 1970s. Indeed, the man born Peter William Ham's parade of enduring hit originals include "No Matter What," "Day After Day" and "Baby Blue"; he also co-wrote the ballad "Without You," a hit for Harry Nilsson. Sadly, Ham died by suicide on April 24, 1975 at the age of 27 in the wake of band- and record label-related issues including financial woes. Now the Welsh artist is the focus of an ambitious and well-deserved tribute album released by Y&T Music titled Shine On: A Tribute to Pete Ham. Featuring 35 new recordings of songs written or co-written by Ham, proceeds from the project will go to Mental Health America of Southeast Florida. The charitable aim of the project is enhanced by the strength of the diverse field of artists who revisit Ham classics on the two-disc Shine On. The jangly opener "No More" features the strengths of singer Mary Lee Kortes and guitar ace Eric Ambel. Ex-Georgia Satellites lead singer Dan Baird offers up a truly rollicking take on "I Can't Take It." Andrew Hyra revisits "Shine On" via a poignant Americana-flavored reading adorned by nice harmony vocals and the slide guitar work of John Keane. Rising Cuban rockers Sweet Lizzy Project perform a stirring cover of "Perfection." Shelby Lynne's original interpretation of "Day After Day" is as dramatic as it is beautiful. Mary Lou Lord's emotive vocals capture the romantic loss at the center of the melodically sumptuous "Baby Blue." Dennis Diken (of Smithereens fame) covers the wistful Baroque pop track "Dennis." Legendary singer Melanie is featured on a sorrowful "Without You." Power pop hero Ken Sharp conjures up the spirit of Badfinger via his outstanding take on "Just A Chance." Indeed, there are so many strong versions of Ham's sterling songs showcased across this essential collection. Information: ytmusiconline.com.

Artist: Melanie

Title: The Magic Bus (Y&T Music)

You might like if you enjoy: Melanie, Joan Baez, late '60s and early '70s folk

Tell me more: The last several years have seen a number of rediscovered lost and rare recordings from legendary artist reissued for today's discerning listeners. Add to that list The Magic Bus, a live radio show captured in April 1971 featuring acclaimed singer-songwriter Melanie. The audio CD release features the complete radio program showcasing the acclaimed New York songstress interviewed by the late Curtis Schwartz at WBUS in Miami, Florida; the restored and remastered program also features Melanie's performance of 10 songs during her appearance. Accompanied by her own acoustic guitar, Melanie performs moving versions of the lovely "Poet," tender "Six String," driving "Center of the Circle," bluesy "Some Say I Got Devil" and other favorites. Information: ytmusiconline.com.

Artist: Victoria Hallman

Title: From Birmingham to Bakersfield (Omnivore Recordings)

You might like if you enjoy: Buck Owens, Susan Raye, Juice Newton

Tell me more: Omnivore Recordings continues its ongoing campaign of restoring and reissuing true sonic treasures. Singer Victoria Hallman is featured on From Birmingham to Bakersfield, a lost Buck Owens-produced album from 1982 featuring the promising singer who began her singing career at age four and was featured as a part of Owens' celebrated touring band. The never-released album will appeal to fans of '70s and '80s country music with Hallman's soprano a perfect fit with the infectious country-pop material featured across the disc. The track listing is mostly uptempo and buoyant, with "You're My Favorite Song," "Bottle Up My Tears," "Please Please Me" and "24 Hour Woman" among the shining tracks on the collection. Bonus tracks include several demos from 1980 (including an infectious version of Merle Haggard's "Mama Tried"). Information: OmnivoreRecordings.com.

Robert Kinsler

The Mavericks announce a holiday concert special & premiere new “Happy Holidays” video

 THE MAVERICKS Announce Their ‘Hey! Merry Christmas!’ Holiday Concert Special For December 19^th  & Premiere New “Happy Holiday”  Video Today

 

In Exclusive Partnership With Nugs.tv, This Holiday Edition of The Mavericks’ Acclaimed Web Concert Series Will See The GRAMMY Winning Band Sharing A

Wide Variety of Mavericks Christmas Originals & Other Holiday Favorites From

Their Same Name 2018 album, Along With Special Guest Performances By

Roots Rock Prodigy JD McPherson and Cuban Band the Sweet Lizzy Project

- WATCH THE FIRST PREVIEW TRAILER HERE -

 

Pay Per View Premiere: December 19^th – 8:00pm ET/7:00pm CT

Video On Demand Availability: December 21 – January 16^th

Tickets Available Now At: http://2nu.gs/MavsChristmas

In Conjunction With Today’s Christmas Concert Announcement, The Maverick’s Also Add To Their Extensive Seasonal Music Catalogue With the Video Release of “Happy Holidays” –

(Enjoy The Whole Collection Of Maverick’s Holiday Music Videos Here)

https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLPUAFKc_BJYnGnh_GBWcuB_q9DwgFftq4

 

“Get in the Christmas Spirit With the Mavericks’ ‘Happy Holiday’ Music Video - In the Mavericks' hands, the Irving Berlin-penned classic becomes a sultry Christmas message… from the set of the band's forthcoming Christmas special. Raul Malo, sings and plays the Christmas classic with the band's signature flair.

" slowing down the song lyrics gave them an edge that put the song in a whole other light,’ Malo explains. ‘We made this video ... as an homage to those 'end of the night' feelings: a little joy, a little melancholy, a little romance, a little sadness, a little bit of everything -- like a real Christmas ..." – The Boot

- - - - - - -

 

“The Mavericks are pleased to present, in exclusive partnership with Nugs.tv, their first-ever ‘Hey! Merry Christmas!’ Holiday Special! Recorded live from their studios in Nashville, this holiday edition of the Mavericks’ acclaimed Web Concert Series finds the band sharing music, memories & more inside a beautiful winter wonderland! Featuring a wide variety of Mavericks Christmas originals & other holiday favorites from their 2018 album, along with guest performances by roots rock prodigy JD McPherson and Cuban band the Sweet Lizzy Project, this special evening of seasonal entertainment is one the whole family can enjoy. PPV Premiere: December 19^th – 8:00pm ET/7:00pm CT, Video On Demand Availability: December 21 – January 16^th - Order tickets now!”

 

“For our first-ever Holiday Special, we had the honor of hosting the one and only JD McPherson, as well as the great young Cuban rock band Sweet Lizzy Project, performing songs from their critically acclaimed Christmas records. Needless to say, it was one of the most fun shows we’ve ever done, with a festive set that had everyone in the spirit! Merry Christmas and a Happy Holiday to all...We’ll see you soon.” – Raul Malo

 

"I highly recommend tuning into the pay-per-view specials from one of my favorite bands of all time, the Mavericks. I caught the first one, and beyond the great video and crystalline audio during this performance on a soundstage--with all COVID safety protocols stringently observed, lead singer and songwriter Raul Malo assured viewers--to me it showed a way forward during this time when live music is so difficult to make... The performances were as spirited as this band always feels live… but the sharp camera work took viewers inside the band in a more intimate way than possible even if you were standing in the front row at one of their shows… One commenter nailed it: The Mavericks have created the gold standard of online performance. Another said ‘…I wasn't missing live music for the first time in 6 months - amazing how a really well filmed and recorded session with the right energy can almost put you there!”- Randy Lewis, Longtime Los Angeles Times Music Critic

 

Multifaceted rockers the Mavericks bring tidings of comfort and joy on their spirited holiday album Hey! Merry Christmas! As is their way, the quartet hopscotches through a variety of sounds from country to pop to Latin-inflected numbers, all in the name of providing the perfect soundtrack for your holiday party. From the naughty (especially the winking “Santa Wants to Take You For a Ride”) to the nice… From festive crowd sing-alongs like the title track to late night mistletoe rendezvous music like “I Have Wanted You (For Christmas),” the Grammy-winning group is here to help you jingle all the way.” – Entertainment Weekly

 

“The Mavericks have always been up for some dancing and some romancing, so it makes perfect sense that they'd want to throw a little party for the holiday season., Hey! Merry Christmas! is the first seasonal album from the group, featuring nine original tunes that celebrate Yuletide in their trademark retro-pop-Latin-roots music style, along with two familiar numbers from days gone by. The Mavericks have long shown a fondness for pop music's past, and they put their skills to good use… "Santa Wants to Take You for a Ride" is a slinky R&B number with a hint of double entendre in the lyrics, "Christmas Time Is (Coming 'Round Again)" and the title cuts are rockin' numbers suitable for dancing, "Santa Does" and "One More Christmas" merge upbeat lyrics with good-natured sentimentality… Raul Malo's big-as-all-outdoors voice was made to order for this music... Hey! Merry Christmas! delivers a solid shot of good cheer for the holidays, and if this doesn't get a party started when you put it on, you and your friends need to ask Santa to bring you some coolness.”

- All Music

 

The Mavericks ‘Hey! Merry Christmas!’ Delivers New Christmas Songs With A Timeless Feel…

eight Christmas originals, with two covers thrown in for good measure… Most of the songs on this album are lively, joyful tunes aiming to spread the holiday cheer… Throughout it all, the highlight is Malo’s signature vocals, which still echoes a mixture of cool Presley inflections and sweet Orbison crooning. While Hey! Merry Christmas! is mostly comprised of new tunes, The Mavericks have a knack of creating songs that immediately sound timeless and retain a classic feel.” – American Highways

 

 

Stay Connected With THE MAVERICKs at:

www.themavericksband.com 

Instagram - Facebook – Twitter

Spotify – Apple Music - YouTube

Holiday Music Aplenty — 2020 Christmas Collections Roundup

Despite the continuing COVID-19 outbreak, the season will sound much brighter thanks to a slew of spirited holiday music collections.

Artist: Buck Owens

Title: A Merry 'Hee Haw' Christmas (Omnivore Recordings)

Tell me more: Originally released in 1970, Buck Owens' A Merry 'Hee Haw' Christmas is making its audio CD and digital debut 50 years after its vinyl debut. The wonderful collection — newly remastered from the original analog master tapes by Grammy Award-winning engineer Michael Graves — is stuffed with each and every bona fide Bakersfield country-fried cut from 1965's Christmas With Buck Owens and His Buckaroos and 1968's Christmas Shopping along with both cuts from a promotional 7-inch "Toys for Tots" public service announcements promotional single.  The range of material impresses across the 26-track disc; the uptempo "Christmas Shopping," sweet "All I Want for Christmas is My Daddy," instrumental "The Jolly Christmas Polka" and whimsical "Tomorrow is Christmas Day" are early standouts. The enchanting "Blue Christmas Lights," rollicking instrumental take on "Jingle Bells," tender "All I Want for Christmas is You," jolly "Santa's Gonna Come in a Stage Coach" and affecting "Blue Christmas Tree" keep the magic coming in the last half of the magic set. Information: OmnivoreRecordings.com.

Artist: Davy Jones

Title: It's Christmas Time Once More (Not Too Late Records)

Tell me more: Fans were wonderfully surprised by the new Monkees' holiday music set Christmas Party in 2018. Fast forward to 2020 and now fans of the '60s-spawned favorites can take in the festive sonic cheer of Davy Jones' It's Christmas Time Once More. Producer Chip Douglas — who also mixed and played a variety of instruments on this unique collection — rounded up classic vocal recordings featuring the late Jones (who passed away in February 2012) and added new musical elements and supporting voices in the creation of the new arrangements featured on this set. There is a mix of rocking uptempo cheer ("Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer," "Rockin' Around the Christmas Tree"), wistful yuletide offerings ("Silver Bells," "Mele Kalikimaka") and lovely traditional selections (notably "God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen" and "This Day in Bethlehem," both featuring the supporting voices of fellow Monkee Micky Dolenz and his sister Coco Dolenz). Davy Jones' youngest daughter, Annabel Jones, shines on a tender version of "White Christmas." Information: DavyJones.net.

Artist: Sweet Lizzy Project

Title: And So This Is Christmas (Mono Mundo/Thirty Tigers)

Tell me more: Rising rock troupe Sweet Lizzy Project is set to release their first-ever Christmas release, the four-song EP And So This Is Christmas on Nov. 20. What a delight! The welcome collection includes two terrific originals, the aptly-pegged "This Christmas I'm Not Coming Home" (the group left their native Havana, Cuba a few years ago and is now based in Nashville) which is a real showcase for lead singer Lisset Diaz and rousing "It's Christmas (Everything Will Be Alright)," the latter co-written with Raul Malo from The Mavericks. Sweet Lizzy Project also delivers deeply affecting takes on The Pretenders' "2000 Miles" and the John Lennon classic "Happy Xmas (War Is Over)." And if you love the quintet's And So This Is Christmas make sure to check out their outstanding full-length American debut LP Technicolor that was released earlier this year. Information: SweetLizzyProject.com.

Artist: Goo Goo Dolls

Title: Christmas All Over Again (Warner Records)

Tell me more: Goo Goo Dolls bring their signature rock sound to their first-ever holiday music album, delivering a great mix of original and reworked covers to Christmas All Over Again. Kicking things off with a tuneful cover of the spirited Tom Petty favorite "Christmas All Over Again," the 10-song set continues to deliver seasonal cheer. Frontman John Rzenik and company dip headlong into swing revival territory with the fun-filled "Shake Hands With Santa Claus." Other surprises include the shimmering "Let It Snow," heartwarming "Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas" and uplifting "Hark! The Herald Angels Sing." The two originals are especially strong; the stirring "This Is Christmas" and mischievous jazzy tune "You Ain't Getting Nothin' " are among the disc's highlights. "It's Christmas All Over" is available on audio CD and via vinyl. The band is also offering exclusive merchandise bundles including a red vinyl LP, a Goo Goo Dolls Crosley record player and additional limited run items via the band's official website. Information: GooGooDolls.com.

Artist: The Bird and the Bee

Title: Put Up The Lights (No Expectations / Release Me Records)

Tell me more: Acclaimed Los Angeles-based duo The Bird (Inara George) and the Bee (Greg Kurstin) bring their formidable talents to their first-ever Christmas-minded collection, Put Up The Lights. A timeless touch is displayed across the album, with the mix of lovingly revisited classics and stirring originals hitting their mark. The original "Merry Merry" has a captivating and soulful groove. The original "You And I At Christmas Time" is gorgeous, a jazz-meets-dreampop melodic jewel enhanced by George's incredible soprano. That luxurious approach also works wonder on their take on "The Christmas Song" and "Christmas Time Is Here." A fully original interpretation of Handel's "Hallelujah Chorus" is an absolute wonder. "Little Drummer Boy" — featuring Dave Grohl on drums — adds a decidedly rock overtone to the duo's sheen. Every selection on the eight-track album is a joy. Information: thebirdandthebee.com. 

Artist: Carrie Underwood

Title: My Gift (Capitol Nashville)

Tell me more: Country music singer Carrie Underwood's first-ever Christmas album My Gift is a welcome addition to her winning discography. The seven-time GRAMMY Award winner uses her soprano in a nuanced and artful way across the title to propel a wide range of material on the album. The album begins with a quiet and introspective rendition of the traditional "Joyful, Joyful, We Adore Thee." She likewise brings an emotive touch to other oft-visited classics such as "O Come All Ye Faithful" and "Away In A Manger" with beautiful vocal performances enhanced by expressive arrangements. Her vocal performance on "O Holy Night" is truly amazing. She brings a more contemporary touch to the season with her piano-anchored duet with John Legend, "Hallelujah," and "Sweet Baby Jesus," the latter a touching song she co-wrote with Brett James and David Garcia. Information: CarrieUnderwoodOfficial.com.

Artist: Grant-Lee Phillips

Title: Yuletide (Yep Roc Records)

Tell me more: Grant-Lee Phillips' four-song EP Yuletide is a wistful and evocative listen that features the original Americana-styled "Winterglow," as well as refined reworkings of Nat King Cole's "Take Me Back to Toyland" and Frank Sinatra's "An Old-Fashioned Christmas." The EP closes out with a sparse "Auld Lang Syne." If you enjoy Yuletide make sure to pick up Phillips' 10th solo album, Lightning, Show Us Your Stuff, released in June 2020. Information: GrantLeePhillips.com.

Artist: Tori Kelly

Title: A Tori Kelly Christmas (Capitol Records)

Tell me more: R&B songstress Tori Kelly brings a contemporary touch to traditional and original songs on her first-ever holiday collection A Tori Kelly Christmas. Executive produced by 11-time GRAMMY winner Kenny "Babyface" Edmonds and Scooter Braun, highlights abound across the album. The gospel-styled "O Holy Night" showcases Kelly's high-soaring vocals. A yearning "Christmas Time Is Here" is magical. Also featured are two originals, the enticing dance track "25th" and joyful "Gift That Keeps On Giving." Elsewhere Kelly joins forces with Edmonds for a cool retro take on "Let It Snow." My favorite selection on the disc is a lovely medley that begins with a touching "O Come, O Come Emmanuel" that builds into a uplifting gospel-seasoned "O Come All Ye Faithful." A Target exclusive version edition includes two exclusive tracks, "All I Want For Christmas Is You" and a third original song, "Kid Again On Christmas." Information: ToriKellyMusic.com.

Artist: Dolly Parton

Title: A Holly Dolly Christmas (Butterfly Records/12Tone Music)

Tell me more: This year's Christmas music roundup wouldn't be complete without celebrating A Holly Dolly Christmas, legendary singer-songwriter Dolly Parton's first new collection of yuletide songs in 30 years. This is a full-fledged celebration of the season, including several high-profile duets including the lively "Cuddle Up, Cozy Down Christmas" with Michael Bublé, fun "All I Want For Christmas is You" with Jimmy Fallon and soaring "Christmas Is" with Miley Cyrus. "Pretty Paper" is a particularly lovely country track where Parton teams with fellow country music icon Willie Nelson. Of course, Parton can handle things on her own just fine as evidenced by the inviting "Holly Jolly Christmas," Baroque folk pick "Circle of Love" and haunting "Mary, Did You Know?" Information: DollyParton.com.

Robert Kinsler

New Music: Sweet Lizzy Project, Bobby Hatfield, Robert Vincent, Michael Doucet

Discerning music fans are in luck. A handful of terrific titles tapping into a number of musical styles with aplomb are set for release over the next couple of weeks.

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                       

Artist: Sweet Lizzy Project
Title: Technicolor (Mono Mundo Recordings / Thirty Tigers)
You might like if you enjoy: Sass Jordan, The Mavericks
Tell me more: Lovers of both classic and modern rock will discover plenty to love about Cuban quintet Sweet Lizzy Project. The emerging Havana-spawned band's new full-length American debut LP Technicolor bristles with a palpable energy and true originality across 10 alluring tracks. From the experimental psychedelic title cut to the reggae-tinged "Turn Up The Radio," there is a confidence and ambition that defies the group's humble roots planted far from from the long-established American rock scene. Case in point: the edgy "Ain't Nobody To Call" is an exhilarating and mesmerizing 3½-minute rush. Lead vocalist and lyricist Lisset Diaz has an expressive and lovely soprano, her vocals resonating whether singing in English or Spanish (just listen to the power ballad "These Words"). Her duet with Mavericks singer Raul Malo – the Baroque pop sortie "The Flower's In The Seed" – is another standout on the wonderful album. On "Travel to the Moon," Diaz sings of hopes for a peaceful future when humanity will venture into the cosmos while leaving behind the turmoil that grips our world in the here and now. The disc-ending "December 31st" is a gorgeous and sweeping genre-defying masterpiece that draws favorable comparisons with the heights reached by modern day heroes Radiohead, Other Lives and elbow. Sweet Lizzy Project's winning lineup is completed by co-writer and bandleader Miguel Comas (guitar), keyboardist Wilfredo Gatell, bassist Alejandro Gonzalez and drummer Angel Luis Millet. This is one writer – and admitted fan – who hopes America and the rest of the world catches on to this amazing young band. Technicolor will be released on Feb. 21, 2020. Information: SweetLizzyProject.com.

Artist: Bobby Hatfield
Title: Stay With Me: The Richard Perry Sessions (Omnivore Recordings)
You might like if you enjoy: The Righteous Brothers, Harry Nilsson
Tell me more: Armed with a distinctive tenor, Bobby Hatfield was one-half of the acclaimed Righteous Brothers duo that scored a number of enduring mid-1960s hits including "You've Lost That Lovin' Feelin' " and "Unchained Melody." After the Righteous Brothers broke up in 1968, Hatfield embarked on a solo career that led to a fortuitous meeting with producer Richard Perry (Barbra Streisand's Stoney End and Harry Nilsson's masterwork Nilsson Schmilsson). In 1971, Perry produced a number of tracks for Hatfield – most of which have never been commercially released. That changes on Feb. 14, 2020 with the release of Stay With Me: The Richard Perry Sessions.  The 13-track set includes completed songs, as well as alternate takes in development that were never finalized. The sessions that yielded the track listing were primarily recorded at Apple Studios in London with an all-star cast of top-tier musicians including drummer Ringo Starr, bassist Klaus Voormann and multi-instrumentalist Al Kooper. The range of material here spans from the bluesy rocker "Baby Don't You Do It" (several versions of the song are included) to inviting reworked renditions of George Harrison's "What Is Life" and "Sour Milk Sea." The blue-eyed soul vocalist also thrills on the inspired ballad "Stay With Me" and '70s-styled rocker "Rock 'N Roll Woman." Sadly, Hatfield died in 2003 after suffering a heart attack. He was only 63. Stay With Me: The Richard Perry Sessions provides another reason to celebrate his legacy. Information: OmnivoreRecordings.com.  

Artist: Robert Vincent
Title: In This Town You're Owned (Thirty Tigers)
You might like if you enjoy: David Serby, Bruce Springsteen, Waylon Jennings
Tell me more: Singer-songwriter Robert Vincent hails from Liverpool, England but his authentic Americana-styled album In This Town You're Owned (set to land on Feb. 14) will have listeners believing he mastered his craft on this side of the Atlantic. But make no mistake, the rich tapestry that stretches from '50s rockabilly ("My Neighbours Ghost") and Memphis soul ("The Kids Don't Dig God Anymore," "If You Were You") to the Latin-flavored "The Ending" and a score of countrified acoustic knockouts ("Conundrum," "This Town," "The End of the War") rings true with every note on "In This Town You're Owned." Vincent's artistic reach extends to the far corners of roots music as evidenced by the cosmic sounds of "Husk of a Soul" and the ambitious "I Was Hurt Today But I'm Alright Now." Information: ThirtyTigers.com. 

Artist: Michael Doucet
Title: Lâcher Prise (Compass Records)
You might like if you enjoy: BeauSoleil, Dr. John
Tell me more: Singer-fiddler Michael Doucet's new album Lâcher Prise is a lively and spirited romp through Southwest Louisiana, with infectious rhythms and refined performances from the artist and his new group known as Michael Doucet avec Lâcher Prise (Doucet along with bassist Chris French, guitarist Chad Viator, drummer Jim Kolacek and singer-guitarist Sarah Quintana) sure to delight. The songs on the disc delight with the dance-minded "Marie Catin," captivating "Chere Emelie," spaghetti western detour "He's Got All the Whiskey" and wistful "Walking on Mardi Gras Day" among this writer's favorites. Those unfamiliar with the intoxicating sounds of Cajun music should explore the wonderful Lâcher Prise set for release on Feb. 14. Information: CompassRecords.com.   



Robert Kinsler