Artists shoot for the stars on new releases

New releases featuring Hollis Brown, Mindi Abair and the Fallen Stars are available now and should be on everyone's summertime listening list...

Artist: Hollis Brown
Title: Ozone Park (Cool Green Recordings)
You might like if you enjoy: Collective Soul, Jackie Greene, Ben Harper
Tell me more: Queens, New York-based band Hollis Brown has just released Ozone Park, a magnificent album that blends the best elements of classic and modern rock along with other styles with authenticity and grace. Listen close to the work of the talented quintet (singer-guitarist Mike Montali, lead guitarist Jonathan Bonilla, drummer Andrew Zehnal, keyboardist Adam Bock and bassist Chris Urriola) and you'll hear rock solid instincts blended with R&B, pop, soul and more. "Do Me Right" is an infectious and alluring track, a magical musical bridge between the best melodic instincts of power pop, indie rock and synth pop masters. The triumphant "Someday Soon" strikes a similar artistic chord. Hollis Brown — named after a 1964 Bob Dylan track — impresses in other reaches of the musical universe; the lovely "After The Fire" segues into the nuanced "Forever In Me." "Bad Mistakes" is the LP's biggest surprise, a psychedelic rocker draped with buzz guitar lines and a swirling '60s feels right at home on this wonderful release. The album ends with an in-the-pocket finale courtesy of the funkafied "Go For It." Information: hollisbrown.com.

Artist: Mindi Abair and the Boneshakers
Title: No Good Deed (Pretty Good For A Girl Records)
You might like if you enjoy: Mindi Abair, Southern Avenue, Sue Foley
Tell me more: Mindi Abair and the Boneshakers' No Good Deed offers up plenty of musical firepower and infectious blues-styled songs on a fantastic set produced by famed producer Kevin Shirley (Led Zeppelin, Aerosmith, Joe Bonamassa). Recorded in a mere five days, the 10-track disc features plenty of Abair's incredible work on her collection of Yamaha soprano, alto and tenor saxophones. But listening to No Good Deed is to be instantly reminded of the skills of her Boneshakers band mates (guitarist Randy Jacobs, keyboardist Rodney Lee, drummer Third Richardson and bassist Ben White), all of whom add to the sway of the tracks. Although best known for her incredible sax playing with artists ranging from Aerosmith to Duran Duran, Abair is a first-rate vocalist; her nuanced singing on the stirring ballad "Sweetest Lies," nuanced "Who's Gonna Save My Soul?" and flat-out rocker "Movin' On" are especially persuasive. Information: mindiabair.com.

Artist: The Fallen Stars
Title: Leaves On The Wind Collection: Can't Stop the Signal (Kiss My Squirrel Music)
You might like if you enjoy: Joss Whedon's "Firefly," the Jayhawks, Gram Parsons & Emmylou Harris
Tell me more: Six years after the Fallen Stars embarked on an ambitious quest to create a cycle of songs based on the groundbreaking sci-fi western TV series "Firefly," the complete collection of 16 inspired tracks (including the pair's interpretation of the theme song from the series) has been compiled and released as the terrific "Leaves On The Wind Collection: Can't Stop the Signal." The Fallen Stars, featuring the talents of husband-and-wife duo Bobbo and Tracy Byrnes, are both big time fans of the show (which premiered in fall 2002) and the acclaimed 2005 film "Serenity." The new audio CD version of the collection allows fans of the series (known as "Browncoats") and lovers of top-tier Americana music to hear artful and rich songs based on "Firefly." The wistful "Still Flying" (bolstered by the Byrnes' blended vocal harmonies), edgy rockers "Nothing" and "Miracle," tender "Stronger Than Steel," mandolin-anchored "Goodnight Kiss" and probing "Here I Am" showcase the range of the show's themes as well as the depth of the couple's stellar songwriting. Information: TheFallenStars.com.

Artist: Bobbo Byrnes
Title: The Red Wheelbarrow (Kiss My Squirrel Music)
You might like if you enjoy: The Fallen Stars, Rhett Miller, Old 97's
Tell me more: In addition to his role in the Fallen Stars, Bobbo Byrnes is a prolific and leading voice on the independent Americana scene. That will come as little surprise after getting a listen to his new solo effort The Red Wheelbarrow. The clever "Part Time Cowboy" is a probing look at a musician finely tuned into the musical tapestry of country music even he doesn't "wear a cowboy hat…(or is not) built to wear a nudie suit." Able to deliver winning songs amidst detailed storytelling, Byrnes paints vivid musical soundscapes across the 10-song disc. The melodic nugget "Look For It," introspective "Looking At The World Thru a Windshield," countrified winner "Lovers" and freewheeling "Sally Starr" and "January" excel with equal doses of excellent song craft and rousing studio performance. Byrnes' poignant songs are brought to rich life via a cast of wonderful musicians including his wife Tracy Byrnes (bass guitar, backing vocals) and famed keyboardist Rami Jaffee (of Wallflowers fame). Information: songsandwhispers.com or bobbobyrnes.com.




Robert Kinsler

Must-hear releases include a mix of new music, reissues and live discs

An EP that wraps up a tribute to the Firefly science fiction western TV series, one of the strongest debuts in memory, a brilliant return for Boz Scaggs, an expanded two-disc reissue of the debut from Lords of the New Church and a new live set from Erasure are all available now.

Artist: The Fallen Stars
Title: Leaves on the Wind — Vol. 3: Can't Take The Sky From Me (Kiss My Squirrel Music)
You might like if you enjoy: Joss Whedon's "Firefly," the Jayhawks, Gram Parsons & Emmylou Harris
Tell me more: When Firefly first aired on the Fox network in September 2002, it immediately captured the attention of discerning fans (now known as "Browncoats") of science fiction with its unique cast of authentic characters, blend of outer space and Western landscapes, and sharp storytelling. Although the Joss Whedon-created series was cancelled after a mere 14 episodes, the influence of the series was profound (indeed the film "Serenity" was released in 2005 to critical acclaim). Look no further than the Fallen Stars' compelling trilogy titled Leaves on the Wind, with Vol. 3: Can't Take The Sky From Me having just been released. On volume 3 of Leaves on the Wind, musical duo Bobbo and Tracy Byrnes have crafted songs inspired by the final four episodes of "Firefly," as well as offering up their emotive take on Whedon's theme song for the series ("The Ballad of Serenity"). Fans of the first two "Leaves on the Wind" titles will pleased that "Can't Take The Sky From Me" is the equal with its Americana-styled songs capturing the magic of the series in song. The countrified rocker "Naked" serves as a duet for Tracy and Bobbo, whose voices shine alone or together in the spirited choruses. "Carry Me" is especially poignant, with an acoustic flavor and sweet melody that plays out in the verses and choruses. The rollicking "Home" and yearning "Here I Am" also capture the creative power of the groundbreaking sci-fi series. A portion of the proceeds from all three Leaves on the Wind titles go to support Equality Now, an organization working to end violence and discrimination against girls and women around the world. Information: thefallenstars.com.

Artist: Danny Wilkerson
Title: Wilkerson (SpyderPop Records)
You might like if you enjoy: ELO, Jellyfish, Paul McCartney, XTC
Tell me more: Listeners hungry for new music that is melodic, intelligent and ambitious almost beyond measure will be floored by Wilkerson, the brilliant debut from singer-songwriter Danny Wilkerson. The sonic ghosts of the Beatles, the Zombies, Jeff Lynne and XTC can be heard but to be sure the songs here are original and performances uniformly inspired. With songs this exceptional it doesn't hurt that Wilkerson is joined by an all-star cast of supporting players including Roger Joseph Manning Jr. (of Jellyfish, Imperial Drag and Beck fame) on keyboards and backing vocals, guitarist Pat Buchanan (Hall & Oates, Cyndi Lauper, Don Henley), multi-instrumentalist Joe Siders (The New Pornographers) and many others. If Jellyfish had teamed with Burt Bacharach it might sound something like the infectious opener "Everybody Loves to Love." The propulsive "Enough For Somebody" is buoyant and exuberant, perfectly capturing the joy of youthful love. Backed only by a string section, Wilkerson's inviting vocals shine on the probing "Endless Haze"; the Beatlesque "When Your Number's Up" puts his masterful talents as songwriter on display. The shimmering "How She Lost My Heart," lofty "Carry The One" and baroque pop "Let It Go Tonight" are late disc standouts. Produced and engineered by bleu, and mastered by Miles Showell at Abbey Road Studios in London, "Wilkerson" is an amazing debut. Information: spyderpop.com.

Artist: Lords of the New Church
Title: Lords of the New Church: Special Edition (Blixa Sounds Records)
You might like if you enjoy: X, The Dead Boys
Tell me more: More than 35 years after its original release in 1982, the reissued and expanded deluxe edition of the self-titled debut from Lords of the New Church connects with surprising sway. The band was a supergroup of sorts, teaming punk rock pioneers Stiv Bator (The Dead Boys), Brian James (The Damned), Dave Tregunna (Sham 69) and Nick Turner (The Barracudas). The band's collective pedigree wouldn't have meant much if the Lords of the New Church didn't rock with the authority and musical might so clearly showcased across the two-disc set. The songs here highlight the band's skills to blend ferocious early punk sensibilities with classic melodic songcraft; the anti-war "Russian Roulette," goth rocker "New Church" mesmerizing rocker "Open Your Eyes" and cowpunk-flavored "Li'l Boys Play With Dolls" showcase the range of the quartet. A second disc chronicles the band's blistering full-length live performance at My Father's Place in 1982. An illustrated 12-page booklet with revealing liner notes penned by Craig Rosen adds additional depth to the title. Information: Blixa.com.

Artist: Boz Scaggs
Title: Out of the Blues (Concord Records)
You might like if you enjoy: Tinsley Ellis, Bon Scaggs
Tell me more: With his signature vocals at the helm, Box Scaggs delivers a great set of performances on the aptly-titled Out of the Blues. The self-produced collection features a mix of outstanding remakes as well as original compositions by songwriter and long-time friend Jack Walroth (including the great Chicago blues-styled "Radiator 110" and playful New Orleans rocker "Little Miss Night and Day," the latter co-penned with Scaggs). Perhaps the most affecting track on the top-tier set is a version of Neil Young's "On The Beach," the title track from Young's fifth solo album. When Scaggs sings "The world is turning / I hope it don't turn away" the listener can hear the pain and power in Scaggs' voice; the selection of this track may well have been influenced by the terrible fire that burned down the artist's home and all its contents in a massive wildfire that struck Napa, California in 2017. Scaggs has also assembled a number of famed studio pros to help bring heft to all blues-minded nine tracks — indeed drummer Jim Keltner, bassist Willie Weeks, keyboardist Jim Cox, and guitar greats Doyle Bramhall II, Ray Parker Jr. and Charlie Sexton shine at every turn. Information: BozScaggs.com.

Artist: Erasure
Title: World Be Live (Mute Records)
You might like if you enjoy: Depeche Mode, Yaz
Tell me more: There was a time when live albums were seemingly a part of most established artists' discography. Listening to the terrific two-disc World Be Live from Erasure is to wish more popular artists would release concert recordings. The seminal synth pop duo Erasure (singer-songwriter Andy Bell and keyboardist Vince Clarke) is featured performing 24 tracks on the fast-moving release. World Be Live was recorded across two shows at the Event Apollo in London at the close of the group's sold-out UK World Be Gone tour. All the hits are too, and sound great. "Opening with "Oh L'Amour" and "Ship of Fools," fans are treated to favorites "Chains of Love," "Who Needs Love (Like That)," "Always," "Sometimes" and "A Little Respect" along the way. Erasure also digs deep into their catalog, performing tracks such as the lovely ballad "Mad As We Are," the catchy "Just a Little Love" from their 2017 "World Be Gone" album and even a rousing cover of Blondie's "Atomic." "World Be Live" is available in 2CD, triple vinyl and digital formats. Erasure is currently on tour and is scheduled to perform at the Wiltern Theater in Los Angeles on Aug. 21, 24, 25, 26, and at Symphony Hall in San Diego on Aug. 22. Information: ErasureInfo.com.



Robert Kinsler

Well-worn territory yields pay dirt for Americana champs

Americana continues to provide one of the most nourishing genres for both established and up-and-coming artists, as evidenced by a slew of new highly-recommended albums. 


Artist: Kiefer Sutherland
Title: Down In A Hole (Ironworks Music)
You might like if you enjoy: Emitt Rhodes, Shooter Jennings, Kris Kristofferson
Tell me more: The good news for fans of actor Kiefer Sutherland is that his new debut album Down In A Hole is a solid and highly-recommended artistic effort that blends Americana, folk rock and alt-country styles with style and substance. The sparse acoustic ballad "I'll Do Anything" and piano-and-guitar blending "Calling Out Your Name" display the artist at his most confessional, but other tracks also highlight the 49-year-old Sutherland's knack for constructing top-tier songs while mining real life experiences tackling life's highs and lows. The rocking "Can't Stay Away," infectious "Going Home," sweeping "Calling Out Your Name" and Johnny Cash-styled "Shirley Jean" are among the other standout originals (co-written by Sutherland and producer Jude Cole) on the disc. Sutherland has an easy-on-the-ears raspy baritone and sings with honesty that recalls the delivery of a young Bob Dylan or Merle Haggard. Information: kiefersutherland.com.

Purchase 'Down In A Hole' here



Artist: Bobbo Byrnes
Title: Motel Americana (Bobbo Byrnes)
You might like if you enjoy: The Fallen Stars, Dawes, Steve Earle
Tell me more: As a member of the Fallen Stars, Bobbo Byrnes has long proven himself as a key voice on the international Americana scene. On his new solo album Motel Americana, the singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist continues to successfully explore roots rock and alt-country, focusing on the slightly quieter and more nuanced regions of Americana. The songs bask in a sonic glow that fuses his own voice with those of singers Tracy Byrnes and Ben Riddle and a wide range of acoustic and electric instruments (Bobbo himself handles guitar, bass, mandolin, pedal steel, dobro and more!). The infectious mandolin-anchored "APB," shimmering "I May Never Know" (love the B3 work courtesy of Rami Jaffee on this one) and confessional "Hate This Town" are among the terrific songs on the dozen-song set. Information: songsandwhispers.com or bobbo.org.




Artist: The Coal Men
Title: Pushed To The Side (Vaskaleedez Records)
You might like if you enjoy: Mo Pitney, the Mavericks, Dwight Yoakam
Tell me more: Bigger isn't always better. The Nashville-based trio known as the Coal Men offers up plenty of magic via beautiful songs that are beautifully rendered by singer-guitarist-mandolin player Dave Coleman, drummer-vocalist Dave Ray and bassist Paul Slivka. The trio (aided by special guest keyboardist Seth Timbs) across Pushed To The Side. There are upbeat songs on the 12-song album (the driving "Fast Rider" and honky tonk delight "Speeding Like a Demon" for sure), but the majority of originals here thrive via sparse and relatively quiet presentations centered on artful arrangements; the lovely "Depreciate," introspective "Pushed to the Side," ethereal "Travis" and melodic "Stones River" benefit from quiet sonics and lyrics immersed in tangible emotion and honest stories. Information: TheCoalMen.com.

Get 'Pushed to the Side' right here




Artist: Hymn for Her
Title: Drive Til U Die (Hymn for Her)
You might like if you enjoy: Bright Blue Gorilla, Brown Bird, Alabama Shakes
Tell me more: Making music that is so potent the listener feels as if they can touch it sums up the sound and approach of Americana duo Hymn for Her. Lucy Tight and Wayne Waxing's latest album Drive Til U Die crackles with fire on countrified alt rockers (the blistering "Devil's Train," the psychedelic "Milkweed") and captures a lust for life even on the ballads (the pretty "Mazzy Star" and acoustic "Seas of Croatia"). Writing about what you know is almost always the best advice for indie artists, and because Hymn for Her live on the road (the duo call a 1961-vintage Bambi Airstream towed by a Ford van home) there is an authenticity about their blend of blues, alt-country, rock and folk that is infectious. The aforementioned "Seas of Croatia," rousing "Hi Ho Silver" (written about the challenges of hitching and unhitching their home on wheels), lovely "Acetylene" and disc-ending bluesy rocker "The Road Song" provide an inspired glimpse into the lives of the original Hymn for Her. Information: HymnforHer.com.

Buy 'Drive Til U Die' here



Artist: Lauren Adams
Title: Somewhere Else (Lauren Adams)
You might like if you enjoy: Mary Chapin, Carpenter, Carol Martini, Alice Wallace
Tell me more: On her latest album Somewhere Else, Los Angeles singer-songwriter Lauren Adams mixes the sounds of modern-day Americana, '70s soft rock, blues and authentic roots music in the service of original material. Adams has a straightforward style of songwriting that benefits from her nice soprano voice as well as a number of guest players and a solid line-up of players who bring richness to the wide range of material. One of Adams' greatest strengths comes in that each song is its own little slice of life, with a sparse ballad ("Heavy, Heavy Heart"), intimate folk rocker ("Miss You") or playful country rocker "We Try Harder" each taking the listener to a very different place. The album closes with a powerful reworking of John Anderson's "Seminole Wind," a powerful roots rocker that is bolstered by vocal harmonies, Nick Kirgo's electric guitar work and a strong Native American-minded environmental message delivered by Adams with emotional force. Information: LaurenAdams.com.

Purchase 'Somewhere Else' here


Robert Kinsler

The Fallen Stars premiere 'Leaves On The Wind' songs at Can't Stop The Serenity event

A taste of Comic-Con came to Irvine, California on Saturday night, Sept. 21 thanks to the arrival of Can't Stop The Serenity, an event presented with the support of the non-profit California Browncoats. The special charity screening presented at Starplex Woodbridge Movies 5 benefitted Equality Now (an organization working to stop abuse and violence against women and girls across the globe) while giving fans of Joss Whedon's groundbreaking 2002 television show Firefly a chance to witness the popular episode "Out of Gas" and subsequent 2005 film Serenity on the big screen.

In addition, Huntington Beach-based Americana outfit The Fallen Stars also performed live, celebrating the official release of Leaves On The Wind - Vol. 1 Still Flying with a stellar performance of original songs from the Firefly-centric project. After opening with a crowd-pleasing version of Sonny Rhodes' "The Ballad of Serenity," the Fallen Stars proceeded to perform a number of their original songs including the five winning tracks on volume 1 of their Leaves On The Wind EP.

Firefly's now-famous blend of gritty American West realism and science fiction goes well with the Fallen Stars' authentic Americana musical approach. The band's songs work well on their own, but took on additional depth in front of a capacity-crowd packed into the movie house. The hopeful "Still Flying" with Tracy Byrnes' sweet soprano positioned against Georgianna Hennessy's vibrant fiddle, the more fierce "Nothing" with Bobbo Byrnes' blazing guitar work and drummer Matt Froehlich igniting the song, and wonderful "Stronger Than Steel" (praising the lead ladies of the show) were among the highlights of the Fallen Stars' two mini-sets. A "shiny" night to be sure.

The Fallen Stars on Sept. 21. Photo: Natalie Moreno

Leaves On The Wind - Vol. 1 Still Flying is available via the Fallen Stars' own Kiss My Squirrel Music label. You can learn more about the project via the band's official Web site: www.TheFallenStars.com. 

I will be reviewing the fantastic new Fallen Stars disc in an upcoming column and highlight that in a future post on Rock 'n' Roll Truth.