New music: Matthew Sweet, Pete Yorn, the Lickerish Quartet

 Several of the first great discs of 2021 are highlighted in my column this week.

Artist: Matthew Sweet

Title: Catspaw (Omnivore Recordings)

You might like if you enjoy: Tommy Keene, The Smithereens, Big Star

Tell me more: It's hard to believe, but Matthew Sweet's new album Catspaw is the power pop icon's fifteenth album. The good news is that the singer-songwriter/guitar great's newly-released disc bristles and soars like it's a hard-charging debut. In addition to his distinctive vocals and amazing songcraft, Sweet's edgy electric guitar work (frequently recalling Neil Young's freewheeling approach) takes center stage while Ric Menck's solid drumming holds down the rhythmic foundation throughout the dozen-track collection. Listening to the infectious "Give A Little," inspired "Challenge The Gods," tender "Hold On Tight," electrifying "At A Loss" and ambitious closer "Parade Of Lights" is to be reminded of how Sweet has an uncanny gift at fusing rock 'n'' roll instincts with showering melody and impressive musical chops to boot. Produced, recorded and mixed by Sweet at his home studio in Omaha, Nebraska, the artist handles rhythm and lead guitars, bass, piano and all lead and backing vocals on the masterwork. The lyrics here hit home as well, tackling the quest for life's meaning with artful candor. Information: MatthewSweet.com.

Artist: Pete Yorn

Title: Pete Yorn Sings The Classics (Shelly Music)

You might like if you enjoy: Crowded House, the Jayhawks, Pete Yorn

Tell me more: Singer-songwriter great Pete Yorn's wide range of influences are celebrated on his new aptly-titled Pete Yorn Sings The Classics, a 10-song set where the Los Angeles-based artist reworks well-known material into his own signature style. Among the bona fide delights on the disc are his shimmering take on The Stone Roses' "Ten Storey Love Song," a joyful version of Bob Dylan's "Lay Lady Lay," yearning musical reading of the Tracey Ullman 1983 hit "They Don't Know," rootsy version of Simon and Garfunkel's "I Am A Rock" and a magic rendition of Roxy Music's "More Than This." Yorn closes out the disc with an evocative version of the Henry Mancini/Johnny Mercer classic "Moon River." To be sure, every cut on the album is fantastic and this listener would welcome a sequel! Of the selections Yorn says: "...these songs all have one thing in common...they all stopped me in my tracks upon first discovery, simply because I loved the way they made me feel. They compelled me to listen repetitively...almost compulsively over and over again." Information: PeteYorn.com.

Artist: The Lickerish Quartet

Title: Threesome Vol. 2 (Stranger Danger Records and Tapes)

You might like if you enjoy: Jellyfish, Queen, Dada, Tears for Fears, XTC

Tell me more: The Lickerish Quartet has followed up their terrific debut EP Threesome Vol. 1 (released in May 2020) with the worthy follow-up Threesome Vol. 2. The new four-track EP again showcases a troupe able to perfectly fuse melodic power pop, art rock and intelligent lyrics with glorious results. Ex-Jellyfish members Roger Joseph Manning Jr. (Beck, Imperial Drag), Tim Smith (Noel Gallagher's High Flying Birds, the Finn Brothers) and Eric Dover (Imperial Drag, Slash's Snakepit) craft songs that enthrall with a single listen. The melodic opener "Do You Feel Better?," exhilarating "Sovereignty Blues," sweeping "The Dream That Took Me Over" and breakneck sortie "Snollyguster Goon" collectively make for a perfect listen. Information: TheLickerishQuartet.com.

Robert Kinsler

Geoff Emerick (December 5, 1945 - October 2, 2018) Remembered

Geoff Emerick with The Zombies at the Greek Theatre on Sept. 20, 2018.

I was saddened earlier today to learn of the passing of Geoff Emerick, the legendary engineer who worked on some of the most legendary recordings of the rock era (The Beatles, The Zombies, Badfinger, America, Tommy Keene and many more). 

I had the honor to hear Mr. Emerick when he gave an incredible talk at the NAMM Show in January 2018, and it was amazing to hear him discuss what it was like to work on so many legendary Beatles recording sessions. Robert Kinsler


Here are the thoughts of Rod Argent of The Zombies:

It’s with incredible sadness that we’ve just heard of the sudden and unexpected demise of Geoff Emerick. It was only two weeks ago, in Los Angeles, where we were appearing with Arcade Fire at The Greek Theatre, that Col and I last enjoyed a long, all-encompassing chat with him, of maybe an hour or so, where we shared not only reminiscences but also definite plans to do some recording together again in the near future!

Geoff was so important to us with his terrific and intuitive talent as a recording engineer, during the time of our recording of Odessey & Oracle in 1967. I remember especially clearly being absolutely knocked out with the great atmosphere he achieved as we laid down “Time Of The Season” ... a track recorded like everything else on that album in a very short timespan - probably a single three hour session. Geoff immediately captured a sound that was not only highly individual, but also entirely in harmony with the song.

My goodness, another great one suddenly gone. We’ll all really miss you Geoff. R.I.P mate, and thanks so much for all you did for us.

Rod x




Here is Sir Paul McCartney's tribute to Geoff Emerick:

Geoff Emerick (1946 - 2018)

I first met Geoff when he was a young engineer working at Abbey Road Studios. He would grow to be the main engineer that we worked with on many of our Beatles tracks. He had a sense of humour that fitted well with our attitude to work in the studio and was always open to the many new ideas that we threw at him. He grew to understand what we liked to hear and developed all sorts of techniques to achieve this. He would use a special microphone for the bass drum and played it strategically to achieve the sound that we asked him for. We spent many exciting hours in the studio and he never failed to come up with the goods. After The Beatles, I continued to work with him and our friendship grew to the point where when he got married to his beautiful wife Nicole, it was in the church close to where we lived in the country.
 
He came with me to Lagos Nigeria to record my album 'Band on the Run'. I remember arriving at the half built studio with a handful of 45s which I played for him to explain what direction I wanted to take on this particular album. I remember asking him to make sure that the tracks had a lot of space and he was happy to deliver that. We kept in touch through the years and our phone calls or messages always gained a giggle or two.
 
Having seen him as recently as this year when he came to visit us at Henson Studio in LA, where we were putting the finishing touches to 'Egypt Station', he was his usual cheerful friendly self and gave me the thumbs up to the mixes we played him.
I’ll always remember him with great fondness and I know his work will be long remembered by connoisseurs of sound.
 
Lots of love Geoff, it was a privilege to know you.
 
Love
 
Paul

Here is the official media release that arrived courtesy of Carol Kaye at Kayos Productions today...

October 3, 2018, New York—Legendary Beatles engineer Geoff Emerick died yesterday at his home in Los Angeles at the age of 72. Preliminary indications are that the cause of death was cardiac arrest.

Geoff began his career at EMI Studios in London (later better known as Abbey Road) at the age of 15. On just his second day on the job, he was witness to The Beatles’ first-ever recording session, of the song “Love Me Do.” He would go on to serve as assistant engineer for many of the group’s most well-known early hits, including “I Want to Hold Your Hand,” “She Loves You,” and “A Hard Days Night.”

At the age of 19, Geoff was promoted to full engineer and in April, 1966, recorded The Beatles’ groundbreaking LP Revolver, followed a short time later by the two-sided hit single “Penny Lane/Strawberry Fields Forever” and the album that many consider the group’s masterpiece: Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band. In the months that followed, Geoff would record tracks for Magical Mystery Tour and the White Album, departing midway through those sessions in the midst of rancor and tension within the group.

In 1968, he left Abbey Road to oversee construction and serve as studio manager for the Beatles’ Apple Studios. Soon afterwards, he was asked to record The Beatles’ swansong album Abbey Road, along with his longtime assistant Phil McDonald. Following the dissolution of the group, he worked with all four Beatles individually and manned the board for Paul McCartney’s Band on the Run, Tug of War, London Town, and Flaming Pie. He then took a position at AIR Studios, where he forged a career as an independent producer/engineer with artists such as Elvis Costello (for whom he produced the stellar Imperial Bedroom album), Badfinger, Robin Trower, America, Jeff Beck, Cheap Trick, and Art Garfunkel. He also recorded such iconic hits as The Zombies’ “Time of the Season” and Steelers Wheel’s “Stuck In The Middle With You.”

Geoff Emerick was the recipient of four Grammys, including a 2003 Special Merit/Technical Grammy Award. In 2006, he published his critically acclaimed memoir Here, There and Everywhere: My Life Recording the Music of the Beatles and in recent years continued to work actively as both an engineer and a teacher. His pioneering approach to audio engineering resulted in many innovations used to this very day, and his work influenced an entire generation of musicians and recordists.

In a statement issued on Facebook this morning, Paul McCartney said of Geoff, “He was a great engineer and friend, and even though The Beatles had many great engineers over the years Geoff was the ONE. He was smart, fun-loving and the genius behind many of the great sounds on our records. I worked with him after The Beatles and it was always fun and the sounds he managed to conjure up were always special.”

Said producer Jack Douglas, who recorded John Lennon’s Double Fantasy: “Now one more member of the most influential team to ever make music is gone. Another piece of us all is missing.” Longtime David Bowie producer Tony Visconti, who worked with Emerick on Band on the Run, added: “Geoff was a humble man, not one to put on airs or beat his chest.”

Geoff will be interred in Westwood Cemetery in Los Angeles. Funeral arrangements are being made by his family and will be announced shortly.

Videos: new Pugwash, classic Tommy Keene

Ireland's Pugwash finally has released a new album, the Jason Faulkner-produced Silverlake and it is outstanding. Watch the new video for the song "What Are You Like" featuring Pugwash singer-songwriter-guitarist Thomas Walsh and guest Matt Berry:





The music world is still mourning rocker Tommy Keene who passed away earlier this week at the age of 59. Being it's Saturday morning, watch Keene's tuneful and fun Chris Rady-directed video for his great track "Deep Six Saturday":




Heck, one Tommy Keene video isn't enough. Catch up with one of his early songs; the Rocky Schenck-directed video for the bittersweet "Places That Are Gone" can be seen below:

Robert Kinsler

Tommy Keene Remembered

Tommy Keene

Another sad day for music fans with the news that singer-songwriter Tommy Keene passed away on Nov. 22, 2017. Only 59, the Maryland native released a slew of wonderful discs beginning in the early 1980s.

Noted power pop columnist and author John M. Borack spoke for countless fans of Keene with his emotional Thanksgiving Day post left on Facebook. The Nov. 23, 2017 post reads, in part:

"I just heard the news that Tommy has passed away at the far-too-young age of 59, and I'm sitting here in shock and in tears. He'll be missed by so many, and my sincere condolences to his family and friends. On a day where we're supposed to be thankful, I'm giving thanks for all the wonderful music he gave us. But damn, this hurts. Rest In Peace, TK." John M. Borack

For those not familiar with Keene, I highly recommend the aptly-titled 2010 retrospective, Tommy Keene: You Hear Me, a two-disc set that features more than 40(!) songs. I can't say enough about this collection. I love so many of the songs, with "Baby Face," "When Our Vows Break," "Highwire Days" and a live version of "Long Time Missing" among my favorites.

You can read my review of Keene's 2015 release Laugh in the Dark here. That album was one of my favorite discs of 2015.

I also recommend Keene's wonderful 2013 release Excitement At Your Feet; the artist's 10th official studio album finds Keene reworking mostly-obscure covers including Guided By Voices' "Choking Tara," the Bee Gees' "I Laugh in Your Face," the Rolling Stones' "Ride on Baby" and Television's "Guiding Light."

Finally, writer Dw. Dunphy has written a fascinating and touching tribute to Tommy Keene and David Cassidy. You can read the column here.


Robert Kinsler

Music heroes come alive on the printed page

Fans of power pop and progressive rock as well as "Deadheads" all have some choice titles to check out.

Title: Play On! Power Pop Heroes: Volume No. 4
Author: Ken Sharp
Publisher: Jetfighter
Softcover: 528 pages
Tell me more: Play On! Power Pop Heroes: Volume 4 marks the fourth installment of author-musician Ken Sharp's ambitious series celebrating the legacy of the power pop genre. This volume features a number of artists who scored enduring commercial and/or cult success with melodic rock in the 1980s and '90s. This volume allows some of the genre's best (and best-known) architects to tell their story via their own words courtesy of insightful interviews conducted by Sharp and exclusive to Play On! Power Pop Heroes: Volume 4. There are also specific albums highlighted, where the artists provide a track-by-track overview of the songs. Several of this writer's favorites – The Bangles' All Over the Place and Matthew Sweet's Girlfriend – are among the classics featured. What's more, the hefty title is adorned with rare photographs and images of handwritten lyrics ("Blood and Roses" by The Smithereens' Pat DiNizio and  "Warren in the '60s" by Tommy Keene immediately come to mind). Among the other greats featured in the essential volume are Crowded House, the Go-Go's, Michael Penn, Teenage Fanclub and The Three O'Clock. Other memorable artists profiled in the book include the dB's, the Producers, and Redd Kross. The book is available for a limited time only and available exclusively at: http://www.goodmusicguy.com/play-on-power-pop-heroes-volume-4/
Information: ken-sharp.com.

Title: Close to the Edge: How Yes's Masterpiece Defined Prog Rock
Author: Will Romano
Publisher: Backbeat Books
Softcover: 304 pages
Tell me more: With Yes finally set to be inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame on April 7, 2017, now is a perfect time to catch up on the British band's history with a read of the enthralling tale of the progressive rock troupe's seminal 1972 masterwork Close to the Edge. Author (and well-known music journalist) Will Romano takes a look back at the events 45 years ago that shaped the creation of the London-spawned ensemble's fifth studio album, using both archival and original interviews with guitarist Steve Howe, singer Jon Anderson, bassist Chris Squire and other key players to provide rich insight into the album's creation. Romano's well-written book not only gets inside the creation of the album, but really provides insight into each of the players and their own far-flung backgrounds that ultimately provided the necessary ingredients for Close to the Edge. Information: backbeatbooks.com.

Title: Gratefully Deadicated Pin Art Coloring Book
Authors: Art by Gary Kroman with Leslie D. Kippel
Publisher: Backbeat Books
Softcover: 96 pages
Tell me more: When it comes to the Gratefully Deadicated Pin Art Coloring Book, the proof is in the pages. With an introduction about artist and a short history of "cloisonné pin art," Leslie D. Kippel gets things off to a quick start before music fans will get to delve in and complete the forty-six Gary Kroman illustrations featured in the book. The images (including many of the late great singer-guitarist Jerry Garcia) are featured on single-sided printing on high-quality paper to reduce the chance of bleed-through. Information: backbeatbooks.com.

Title: Fifty Years of Deadhead Art
Authors: Art by Gary Kroman with Leslie D. Kippel
Publisher: Backbeat Books
Softcover: 96 pages
Tell me more: The Fifty Years of Deadhead Art coloring book is the perfect companion to the aforementioned Gratefully Deadicated Pin Art Coloring Book. This volume features some amazing images created by artist Gary Kroman that capture the legacy and imagery associated with the '60s and '70s counterculture embraced by the Grateful Dead and their dedicated fans. A brief introduction by Leslie D. Kippel (the long-time editor of the Grateful Dead fan publication Dead Relix) provides insight into the psychedelic stylings featured in the book. Information: backbeatbooks.com.




Robert Kinsler

New albums roundup: Styx, Tommy Keene, Hollis Brown, Marshall Crenshaw, Pocahontas soundtrack

New music heroes and classic rock icons, as well as one of Disney's greatest-ever soundtracks are showcased via recent releases.

Artist: Styx
Title: Live at The Orleans Arena Las Vegas (Eagle Rock Entertainment)
You might like if you enjoy: Styx, Kansas, Tommy Shaw
Tell me more: Just as Rush, and subsequently Kansas have enjoyed a wide-ranging resurgence over the past few years, Styx has experienced a renewal for songs blending virtuoso musicianship, memorable songwriting and arena-worthy dynamics. Live at The Orleans Arena Las Vegas is the perfect audio showcase of Styx's contemporary powers, with the dozen-song set mixing up hits ("Lady," "Renegade," "Come Sail Away") and choice album cuts ("The Grand Illusion," "Suite Madame Blue"). The most memorable selections here are nuanced version of singer-guitarist Tommy Shaw's masterwork "Crystal Ball," and a rocking take on "Blue Collar Man (Long Nights)" where Styx is joined by former Eagles lead guitarist Don Felder. Information: eagle-rock.com or styxworld.com.

Buy 'Live At The Orleans Arena Las Vegas' here


Artist: Hollis Brown
Title: 3 Shots (Inkind Music)
You might like if you enjoy: Counting Crows, Simon and Garfunkel; Crosby, Stills and Nash
Tell me more: With an artistic spirit that recalls a myriad of roots and folk rock greats, New York-spawned quintet Hollis Brown's 3 Shots rings true via the anthemic "Cathedral," lush "3 Shots," the ambitious "John Wayne" (that grows from an acoustic lament to a roaring rocker over nearly 7-1/2 minutes), Bo Diddley-mining "Rain Dance" and tuneful "Sweet Tooth." The band also joins forces with acclaimed Americana songstress Nikki Lane on the infectious rootsy rocker "Highway 1." Hollis Brown is currently on tour and will open for Counting Crows at Irvine Meadows Amphitheatre in Irvine, CA on Oct. 2 and at Austin City Limits in Texas on Oct. 7; Hollis Brown will also headline at Hotel Cafe in Los Angeles on Oct. 3. Information: hollisbrown.com.

Buy '3 Shots' here


Artist: Tommy Keene
Title: Laugh in the Dark (Second Motion)
You might like if you enjoy: Matthew Sweet, Marshall Crenshaw, The Replacements
Tell me more: There isn't a clunker anywhere to be found on rocker Tommy Keene's Laugh in the Dark, the latest in a long line of strong discs from the Maryland native. Kicking things off with the driving "Out Of My Mind" and continuing with the romantic "Dear Heloise," Keene's songs cast their spell with a single listen. "Last Of The Twilight Girls" and "Alone in These Modern Times" mine that melody-meets-melancholy rock territory once owned strictly by the Smithereens, while the beautiful "All The Lights Are Alive," spirited Replacements-minded "I Belong To You" and genre-blending "All Gone Away" cast further delight on the singer-guitarist's potent original song craft.  Information: tommykeene.com.

Buy 'Laugh in the Dark' on vinyl here


Artist: Marshall Crenshaw
Title: #392: The EP Collection (Red River Entertainment)
You might like if you enjoy: Elvis Costello, Matthew Sweet, Tommy Keene
Tell me more: Singer-songwriter Marshall Crenshaw isn't afraid to mix things up. Evidence the Detroit, Michigan native's excellent new #392: The EP Collection, a 14-track disc that features a dozen songs drawn from his purposeful series of six 10-inch vinyl EPs that the singer-guitarist released between 2013 and 2015, as well as a pair of never-before-heard tracks specifically included in this new set. Crenshaw's wide-ranging approach is to create lush soundscapes that totally support the songs (both his own, or artful remakes). The original "Red Wine" finds Crenshaw's emotive vocal delivery positioned amidst a lush mix highlighted by shimmering guitars and organ, while "Move Now" works as both a hypnotic rocker and compelling glimpse into the modern world. An involving tale of romantic departure is rendered via the jazz-rock nugget "Stranger and Stranger," this featuring Crenshaw's excellent lead guitar work. Must-hear covers include a sparse version of Jeff Lynne's "No Time," a poignant performance of the Burt Bacharach/Hal David classic "(They Long to Be) Close to You" and faithful take of the Bobby Fuller Four's 1965 classic "Never to be Forgotten." Information: marshallcrenshaw.com.

Get '#392: The Ep Collection' here


Title: The Legacy Collection: Pocahontas (Walt Disney Records)
You might like if you enjoy: Composer Alan Menken, singer Judy Kuhn
Tell me more: Even when separated from the 1995 animated Disney classic that creatively mixed history and fantasy, The Legacy Collection: Pocahontas soundtrack is a joyful listen. Composer Alan Menken's instrumental score, as well as the songs he composed with lyricist Stephen Schwartz, shine bright more than 20 years after their creation on the newly-issued "The Legacy Collection: Pocahontas." The centerpiece "Colors of the Wind" is one of the decade's best film-related songs (far besting "My Heart Will Go On" from 1997's Titanic), and the new deluxe edition features that gem along with a number of other wonderful songs. Singer Judy Kuhn has a beautiful soprano, as heard on the soaring "Just Around the Riverbend" and dramatic "Epiphany/Savages" which features a mix of solo voices and chorus. A second disc includes some early demos (including the sweet duet "In The Middle of the River" which was not included in the final film). "Pocahontas" received two Academy Awards for its music, including Best Original Score and Best Original Song for "Colors of the Wind." Information: DisneyMusicEmporium.com.

Purchase 'Walt Disney Records The Legacy Collection: Pocahontas [2 CD]' here
Robert Kinsler

Performance of the Beatles' 'Revolver' and 'Abbey Road' to benefit Autism Think Tank and the Children’s Music Fund

Is is just me, or does it seem that just about every news release landing in my inbox this week has something to do with the Fab Four? Well, if it takes a massive 50th anniversary celebration of the Beatles arrival in the U.S. to highlight benefits like this one, that's a good thing!

WILD HONEY PRESENTS THE BEATLES’ REVOLVER AND ABBEY ROAD LIVE ONSTAGE Benefit for the Autism Think Tank and the Children’s Music Fund to take place Saturday, March 1, at the Wilshire Ebell Theatre

Colin Hay LOS ANGELES, Calif. — Benefit-concert producers the Wild Honey Foundation, with generous support fromTruetone Music, will present the classic Beatles records Revolver and Abbey Road albums, performed in their entirety and in order by a star-studded house band and guest singers. The event, which will benefit the Autism Think Tank and the Children’s Music Fund, will take place Saturday, March 1, 2014 at 8 p.m., at the historic Wilshire Ebell Theatre, 4401 W. 8th St., Los Angeles. Current members of the Wild Honey Orchestra include a who’s who of respected L.A. recording artists: musical director Rob Laufer, guitar, vocals; Jim Laspesa (Dave Davies/Susannah Hoffs), drums; Derrick Anderson (Bangles), bass; Rusty Squeezebox (Baby Lemonade, Love), guitar; Willie Aron, keyboards, vocals; Jordan Summers, keyboards; Nelson Bragg (Brian Wilson Band), percussion, vocals; multi-instrumentalist Probyn Gregory (Brian Wilson Band); Sarah Kramer, horns; and Kaitlin Wolfberg, strings; with special guest appearances by current Paul McCartney guitarist Rusty Anderson (schedule pending) and Laurence Juber (Wings). Guitar legend Laurence Juber Vocalists include The Bangles, Matthew Sweet, Al Stewart, Denny Laine (Wings, Moody Blues), Jody Stephens (Big Star), Grammy Award-winner Dan Wilson, Colin Hay (Men at Work), The Muffs, Chris Stamey (The dB’s), Paisley Underground legends The Three O'Clock, Louise Goffin, Christine Collister (Richard Thompson band),  Paul Chastain (Velvet Crush), Tommy Keene, David Marks (Beach Boys), Keith Allison (Paul Revere & the Raiders/stellar 1960s sideman), Tim Piper/Cosmo Topper (Just Imagine Show), Rob Laufer, Darian Sahanaja (Wondermints), John Wicks (The Records), John Easdale (Dramarama), Val McCullam (Jackshit, Jackson Browne), Steve Stanley (the Now People). Mike Viola, Steve Barton & Dave Scheff (Translator), Bill Berry, Kristian Hoffman, Andrew Sandoval, David Goodstein, Morty Coyle, and the always-possible Very Special Guests.  The Bangles' Susanna Hoffs and Matthew Sweet. As with last year’s sold-out Wild Honey Rubber Soul and Sgt. Pepper show at the El Portal Theatre in North Hollywood, this event will benefit the  Autism Think Tank The non-profit organization brings together a team of top autism specialists, via an Internet medical conference, to tackle the seemingly intractable and painful medical/psychological issues faced by kids like Wild Honey co-organizer Paul Rock’s nine-year-old son Jake, a non-verbal autistic boy with extreme digestive distress and self-injury issues. Thanks to Jake’s recent involvement with the Think Tank (made possible by one of the three sponsorships raised by the previous show), there has been a huge reduction in his digestive-distress-induced self-injury. Building on this success, the proceeds from this show will help the Think Tank relieve the suffering of even more kids like Jake.   The show will also support the  Children’s Music Fund, a Southern California non-profit, in their effort to provide music therapy and musical instruments for children, adolescents, and young adults with chronic or life-altering illness. Founded by Autism Think Tank member Dr. Raffi Tachdjiian, an UCLA allergist and pediatric pain specialist, the Children’s Music Fund works to harness the amazing healing power of playing and listening to music to reduce the pain and suffering of kids with autism, cancer, and many other debilitating conditions.   Dating back to 1994, Wild Honey’s grassroots benefit/tribute shows have featured appearances by Brian Wilson,Dave Davies from the Kinks, the late Alex Chilton, Danny Hutton from Three Dog Night, Chuck Negron, Dan Wilson, P.F. Sloan, John Brion, Peter Case, The Plimsouls, Victoria Williams, The Williams Brothers, Dave Alvin, The Blue Shadows, Aimee Mann, Michael Penn, Scott Miller from the Loud Family, Ann Magnuson, and so many more. The shows have been produced at various Los Angeles-area locations including the Morgan-Wixson Theater in Santa Monica, the Roxy, the Knitting Factory (Hollywood) and the El Rey Theatre. Over the years, Wild Honey shows have raised funds and awareness for the Sweet Relief Musicians Fund, Habitat for Humanity, the Liberty Hill Foundation, USC Norris Cancer Center, and the Coalition to End Gun Violence while paying tribute to musical idols:  Brian Wilson, The Kinks, The Byrds, The Everly Brothers, The Hollies, Harry Nilsson, Pete Townshend, solo Paul McCartney, and Elvis Costello.   For more information about the Autism Think Tank and the Children’s Music Fund please go tohttp://www.autismthinktanknj.com/http://thecmf.org/who-we-are For more information on the Wild Honey Foundation, please go to:https://www.facebook.com/groups/183120448393501/