New music: Japanese Breakfast, Ricky Byrd, Jimmy Vivino, Jeremy Graeff

In this column I focus on a diverse field of outstanding new releases available now.

Artist: Japanese Breakfast
Title: For Melancholy Brunettes (& sad women) (Dead Oceans)
You might like if you enjoy: Florence + the Machine, Mazzy Star

Tell me more: Sonically sumptuous, lyrically rich and never less than bewitching, the fourth album from Japanese Breakfast — For Melancholy Brunettes (& sad women) —  is a captivating full-length release showcasing the singular talents of singer-songwriter/multi-instrumentalist Michelle Zauner. The aptly-titled album finds Zauner delving headlong into melancholy, which she notes "as a kind of anticipatory grief, one that comes from an acknowledgement of the passage of time, from the recognition of mortality and finitude." There is dreamy quality across the disc even while each track is enhanced by a unique place in the album's thematic arc. Standouts include the lush opener "Here is Someone," single "Orlando in Love" examining the cost of desire, driving "Honey Water" with its hypnotic-fueled experimental rock drive, the baroque acoustic gem "Little Girl," infectious "Picture Window," country-flavored "Men in Bars" (the latter featuring duet vocals with Jeff Bridges) and lovely closer "Magic Mountain." Japanese Breakfast will perform at the Coachella Valley Music & Arts Festival on April 12 and April 19 in Indio. Information:  japanesebreakfast.rocks.

Artist: Ricky Byrd
Title: NYC Made (Wicked Cool Records)
You might like if you enjoy: Jeff Beck, Raspberries, Jim Carroll, Stevie Van Zandt

Tell me more: Singer-songwriter-guitarist Ricky Byrd's latest album NYC Made (available courtesy of Little Steven's Wicked Cool Records) is an authentic celebration of the Rock and Roll Hall of Famer's far-flung influences and rock and roll heroes as well as his own winning musical instincts. From catchy riff rock and tuneful power pop to heartland rock and instrumental virtuosity, the long-time lead guitarist of Joan Jett & the Blackhearts presents a wide-ranging selection of outstanding originals across the LP. The mix of material includes the infectious opener "(Ya Get) 1 Life," aptly-titled "Glamdemic Blues" (the latter recalling the stylings of Mott the Hoople and T. Rex), confessional "Sweet Byrd of Youte," celebratory "Then Along Comes You" and the emotive closer "Best Of Times." "Rhapsody in Blues (One For Jeff)" is a dazzling and emotive tribute to the late guitar master Jeff Beck — who sadly passed away in early 2023. NYC Made is a terrific album sure to please long-time fans of Byrd as well as those discovering his signature sound for the first time. Information: Rickybyrd.com.

Artist: Jimmy Vivino
Title: Gonna Be 2 of Those Days (Gulf Coast Records)
You might like if you enjoy: Joe Bonamassa, Billy F Gibbons, John Sebastian, Tab Benoit
Tell me more: While singer-songwriter/multi-instrumentalist Jimmy Vivino is best known as a long-time member of Conan O'Brien's TV show house band, his wide-ranging career has included work ranging from radio and film to Broadway. Now Gulf Coast Records has released Vivino's full-length label debut Gonna Be 2 of Those Days, a rousing celebration of his formidable talents. The 11-track disc kicks off with the catchy blues-rocker "Blues In The 21st," featuring guest guitar great Joe Bonamassa. Vivino's own skills as a songwriter, virtuoso guitarist and great vocalist shine on that opener as well as across the entire album. The nuanced 1960s-mining "Ruby Is Back," New Orleans-styled title track (the latter featuring guest John Sebastian on harmonica and acoustic guitar), driving blues rocker "Beware The Wolf," swinging romance-themed "Crossed My Mind" and Delta blues acoustic foray "Back Up The Country" are among the album's other highlights. Information: gulfcoastrecords.net.

Artist: Jeremy Graeff
Title: Live From The Wandering Bard [featuring Mark Williams] (Jeremy Graeff Music)
You might like if you enjoy: Owain Phyfe, Renaissance music
Tell me more: Jeremy Graeff' is a top-notch singer-guitarist who tours around the nation as a featured performer at Renaissance Fairs and Festivals; in the fall of 2023 he invited Mark Williams (recorder, flute, harmony vocals) to be his guest on a weekly livestream session. Now five of those bewitching selections appear on the new EP Live From The Wandering Bard, a powerful celebration of Renaissance-styled acoustic music. The opener "A La Una, Yo Naci" (translated to "At One I Was Born") is a powerful and haunting song where Graeff's lead vocals are enhanced by Williams instrumental and vocal talents. The driving "Quen A Omagen" is a work from the Middle Ages from the features a driving rhythm and Williams' dazzling musicianship. Similarly impressive is the duo's version of "Ai Vist Lo Lop" ("I Saw The Wolf"), a medieval song that dates back to the 13th century that is bolstered by Graeff and Williams' elevated harmony vocals. The evocative take on Esther Ofarim's "Una Matika De Ruda" is drenched in melancholy and otherworldly magic. The collection concludes with "Pastimes With Good Company/Quand Je Bois," a captivating medley that concludes with an astonishing display of the powerful vocal interplay between the two singers. Information: jeremygraeffmusic.com.

Robert Kinsler

Guitarist/Singer/Songwriter Ricky Byrd's new solo album, ‘NYC Made,’ out on multiple platforms on March 28 ​​

Get the latest news on acclaimed singer-songwriter-guitar great Ricky Byrd...Robert Kinsler

Guitarist/Singer/Songwriter/Producer Ricky Byrd, a 2015 inductee to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame as a member of Joan Jett & the Blackhearts, is set to release his fourth and most personal album yet, the aptly named NYC Made (Wicked Cool Records) on March 28, 2025.

A tribute to the Bronx-born, Queens-raised rock and devoted Yankee fan’s nights listening to the Top 40 radio of his youth, the first single, “Transistor Radio Childhood,” will be available on January 24, the same day pre-release orders begin for the album, available on vinyl, CD and all streaming sites March 28. The single pays homage to the melting pot AM radio of the ‘60s and ‘70s, with nods to his beloved Yankees and WABC DJ Cousin Brucie, The Beach Boys (the “ba-ba-ba-ba of “Barbara Ann”), The Kinks (“You Really Got Me”), Paul Revere and a lyrical bow to Otis Redding (“ I’ve sat on the dock of the bay, Otis whistlin’ in my ear “)Additionally, the track is The Coolest Song in the World in The Underground Garage the week of release.

“I grew up on everything from The Raspberries to The Who to The Stones to The Yardbirds to Sam Cooke,” he told Guitar Player. “If you just mix that all in a stew, I guess it comes out Ricky Byrd. I wear my influences on my sleeve. I write what I know. I just make music to make people happy… and to make me happy.”

That formula holds true for NYC Made, recorded at Parcheesi Studios with longtime co-producer Bob Stander, keyboardist/accordion Jeff Kazee (Asbury Jukes), fiddle player Tony Montalbo, drummers Steve Holley (Wings), Aaron Comess (the Spin Doctors) and Thommy Price (Joan Jett and the Blackhearts), Uptown Horns Arno Hecht and Larry Etkin and the Ba Ba Blacksheep Singers (Stevie Van Zandt, Willie Nile, Jeff Kazee and Marc Ribler) on “Translator Radio Childhood” and “Sweet Byrd of Youte.” In addition, Van Zandt, who co-produced “Transistor Radio Childhood,” “Stay Grateful” and “Sweet Byrd of Youte” with Byrd and Stander, contributes mandolin on “Anna Lee,” the finger-snapping ode to street corner doo-wop co-written by Southside Johnny Lyon with Byrd, which will be the first focus track from the album. Listed on the album credits as Consigliere, Little Steven’s Silvio Dante mob character in The Sopranos adds yet another layer of meaning to NYC Made.

NYC Made offers an overview of the music which continues to drive Byrd, with easter eggs hidden among the influences, from the T. Rex/Mott the Hoople/Queen-style rocker, “Glamdemic Blues,” and “Sweet Byrd of Youte,” his own autobiographical look back when “We were young and ready, willing and able,” to the Sam & Dave gospel soul revue of “Then Along Comes You,” the ‘50s OG spirit of Chuck Berry, Little Richard and Jerry Lee Lewis on “Louanne,” the Ziggy Stardust tip-of-the-hat to a recurring dream, “Alien” and The Who, pass-the-torch celebration of “RnR’s Demise (Has Been Greatly Exaggerated).”

The release of NYC Made follows Byrd’s previous two albums, Clean Getaway (2015) and Sobering Times (2021), both of which reflected his own sobriety (this year will mark his 38th) and the songs which resulted from his leading various recovery music groups at treatment facilities around the country.

Byrd is approaching a half-century as a professional rock ‘n’ roller from his start as a 21-year-old joining the band Susan (RCA) in 1977 (after answering an ad in the Village Voice) before replacing Eric Ambel in Joan Jett and the Blackhearts in 1981, just in time to play guitar and sing vocals on the platinum-plus I Love Rock n’ Roll and the subsequent six albums over the next decade until moving on in 1991. Signing a deal with Sony Music Publishing, over the next 35 years, Ricky recorded, toured and/or shared a stage with a succession of artists he grew up idolizing, among them Roger Daltrey, Ian Hunter, Paul McCartney, Ringo Starr, Joe Walsh, Alice Cooper, Mavis Staples, Darlene Love, Smokey Robinson, The Beach Boys, Jimmy Page, Steve Miller, Ronnie Spector, Graham Nash, Sam Moore, Gary Clark Jr., Peter Wolf and Stevie Wonder.

“Come on DJ/Take my breath away,” “RnR’s Demise (Has Been Greatly Exaggerated)”

“I still get the same thrill when I hear the DJ play one of my records on the car radio,” says Ricky. “Do you need any more than that? As long as there are young, rebellious kids banging away on guitar, bass and drums in their garage, rock ‘n’ roll will survive in one form or another. And I’m still doing it.”

Ricky Byrd’s childhood fantasy has turned into a remarkable lifelong career. It’s only rock ‘n’ roll… but he likes it, loves it, yes he does. NYC Made is all the proof you need.

Information: RickyByrd.com.

Little Steven's Explosive New Concert Record, "Summer Of Sorcery Live! At The Beacon Theatre," Out Now Via Wicked Cool/UMe; Memoir Set For September 28

Check out the news about today's release of the new Little Steven and the Disciples of Soul concert release...Robert Kinsler

LITTLE STEVEN AND THE DISCIPLES OF SOUL’S EXPLOSIVE NEW CONCERT RECORDING, SUMMER OF SORCERY LIVE! AT THE BEACON THEATRE, OUT NOW VIA WICKED COOL RECORDS/UMe

 

AVAILABLE ON BLU-RAY VIDEO WITH 5.1 SURROUND, 3CD AND AS A LIMITED EDITION 5LP VINYL BOX SET

 

HIGHLIGHTS INCLUDE SPECIAL GUEST APPEARANCES FROM PETER WOLF, BRUCE SPRINGSTEEN, JIMMY BARNES, NILS LOFGREN, PETER GARRETT, NICK GRAVENITES AND MORE

 

WATCH “SUMMER OF SORCERY” (LIVE AT THE BEACON)

 

STEVIE VAN ZANDT’S MEMOIR “UNREQUITED INFATUATIONS” 

DUE SEPTEMBER 28 VIA HACHETTE

Professionally filmed and recorded before a sold-out crowd at New York City’s historic Beacon Theatre on November 6, 2019, the live concert extravaganza, Summer Of Sorcery Live! At The Beacon Theatre, expertly captures Little Steven, aka Rock and Roll Hall of Famer Stevie Van Zandt, bringing the house down with his band the Disciples of Soul as they showcase their acclaimed 2019 album, Summer Of Sorcery, a 12-track record about the first rush of summer and the electric feeling of unlimited possibilities. 

 

The full two-and-a-half-hour concert – the triumphant hometown culmination of the Summer of Sorcery’s European and U.S. tours – is out now via Wicked Cool Records/UMe in a variety of formats including Blu-ray video as well as audio-only versions on 3CD and as a limited edition 5LP 180-gram “Psychedelic Psorcery Pswirl” color vinyl box set, which is exclusively available via uDiscoverMusic  and LittleSteven.com. The Blu-ray features the entire concert in HD video with the audio offered in both stereo and 5.1 surround sound to provide the next best possible experience to being at the rock ‘n’ soul revue. The live album, which was mixed by Bob Clearmountain and mastered by Bob Ludwig, both career-long collaborators, includes thrilling performances of every song from Summer of Sorcery alongside tracks from throughout Van Zandt’s solo career, songs he wrote for Southside Johnny and the Asbury Jukes, and some souped-up covers. 

 

WATCH “SUMMER OF SORCERY” (LIVE AT THE BEACON)

WATCH “SUPERFLY TERRAPLANE” (LIVE AT THE BEACON)

WATCH “PARTY MAMBO” (LIVE AT THE BEACON)

WATCH “CAMOUFLAGE OF RIGHTEOUSNESS (LIVE AT THE BEACON)”

 

Little Steven and the Disciples of Soul were joined throughout the Summer of Sorcery tour by an array of legendary friends and family. Summer of Sorcery Live! At The Beacon Theatre is highlighted by a surprise appearance by the one and only Peter Wolf, who lends his inimitable vocals to powerhouse versions of J Geils Band’s “Freeze Frame” and Artists United Against Apartheid’s landmark protest anthem, “Sun City.”

 

Summer Of Sorcery Live! At The Beacon Theatre is rounded out with nearly an extra hour of live music featuring seven previously unreleased bonus performances recorded throughout 2017-2019, including with such superstar special guests as Australian music legends Jimmy Barnes and Peter Garrett, longtime friend and E Street Band bandmate Nils Lofgren, and the legendary Nick Gravenites, who joins Van Zandt for a spectacular rendition of the Electric Flag’s “Groovin’ Is Easy.” In addition, Peter Wolf returns for an explosive cover of The Showstoppers’ hit, “(Ain’t Nothin’ But A) Houseparty,” recorded during the Soulfire Tour but, according to Van Zandt, “too good to leave on the shelf.” The festivities come to a rousing conclusion with a star-studded version of “Sun City,” which edits together performances with Jimmy Barnes, Jake Clemons, Sam Fender, Peter Garrett, Courtney Hadwin, Garland Jeffreys and Bruce Springsteen.

 

“We were born freaks, misfits, and outcasts,” Van Zandt writes in the album’s liner notes, which also include personal comments about each performance. “We got into this business because no other would have us. While we were here we figured we might as well create a world of our own, because we didn’t fit in the one we were being offered. Being on the road with a band is the ultimate manifestation of that fantasy. Together you travel, you perform, you dispense joy, and you get to see the world while avoiding it at the same time.

 

“Such was the case with the troubadour missionaries and part-time exorcists known as the Disciples of Soul as they sprinkled enlightenment to a dark world from May 27, 2017 to November 6, 2019. First as the Soulfire was lit in the overture and finally as the Summer of Sorcery played out its magical denouement. Herein embodies the still sparkling evidence of the latter, that which began as stranger’s prayers imagined and ended as a family’s promise fulfilled. Enjoy it at as much as we did at whatever volume is required to force your neighbors to call the cops.” 

 

Arranged and produced by Van Zandt, with production assistance by GRAMMY® Award-winner Geoff Sanoff (Bruce Springsteen, Stephen Colbert). Summer of Sorcery Live! At The Beacon Theatre kicks off with a very special introduction from counterculture icon Wavy Gravy and from there traverses across Little Steven’s genre-smashing body of work, from Summer of Sorcery and 2017’s acclaimed solo return, Soulfire through classic songs and fan favorites from the songwriter, guitarist and band leader’s illustrious career, including an incendiary three-song salvo celebrating his work with Southside Johnny and the Asbury Jukes (“Little Girl So Fine,” “Trapped Again,” and “Love On The Wrong Side Of Town”). Further highlights include spectacular covers of The Youngbloods’ “On Sir Francis Drake,” The Dovells’ “Bristol Stomp,” The Animals’ “Club-A-Go-Go,” and Bruce Springsteen’s “Tucson Train.”

 

Summer of Sorcery arrived in May 2019 and was immediately greeted by worldwide critical applause with Rolling Stone exclaiming, “it largely dispenses with protest songs and revels in the rock, soul and R&B of his Sixties youth,” adding it’s “the most eclectic record he’s ever made.” Van Zandt and his collaborators “pull out all the stops to make this sonic smorgasbord explode out of the speakers with passion and clout,” wrote American Songwriter. “Few artists have the artistic vision to pull off a thunderous production like this which is impressive in its scope and sheer booming audio audacity.” “A happy return for the Jersey Shore prince,” declared MOJO, while Classic Rock raved, “(Van Zandt’s) tangible labour of love defiantly captures old-school New York’s cross-pollinating melting pot with rich infusions of Latin (‘Party Mambo!’), blues (‘I Visit The Blues’), blaxploitation (‘Vortex’), classic rock ‘n’ roll (‘Superfly Terraplane’), Southside Johnny and the Asbury Jukes (‘Soul Power Twistin’’) and still making a social point on ‘Education,’” adding, “This unashamed celebration of endangered music and city life also makes a great party soundtrack.” “It’s all but impossible not to be impressed by the scope of Little Steven’s vision,” wrote All Music, “and the skill with which he and his collaborators bring it to fruition…Imagine Asbury Park, New Jersey encompassing an entire musical planet and you’ll have an idea of what Little Steven & the Disciples of Soul are doing on Summer of Sorcery, and if you dig rockin’ soul, this should be right up your alley.”

 

Van Zandt recently announced the publication of his first ever memoir, Unrequited Infatuations, due September 28 from Hachette Books; pre-orders are available now HERE. An epic tale of self-discovery, Unrequited Infatuations chronicles the twists and turns of Van Zandt’s always surprising life, from a bedroom in suburban New Jersey in the early ‘60s to the world’s largest stages in not only entertainment but activism as well. More than just the testimony of a globe-trotting nomad, more than the story of a groundbreaking activist, more than the odyssey of a spiritual seeker, and more than a master class in rock ‘n’ roll (not to mention a dozen other crafts), Van Zandt’s extraordinary odyssey shows how rock and soul has the power to change the world.

 

2021 has already seen the release of another live collection, Macca To Mecca!, a spectacular tribute to the Beatles available now via Wicked Cool/UMe on CD/DVD. The 14-track album/concert film – which includes a riveting performance of “I Saw Her Standing There,” recorded at London’s famed Roundhouse and featuring a special appearance by Paul McCartney – captures Little Steven and the Disciples of Soul’s extraordinary surprise set at Liverpool’s legendary Cavern Club during the band’s sold out 2017 European tour. The intimate lunchtime gig was a salute to the kind of shows the Beatles used to play in their early days when they would perform for local secretaries, clerks and shopkeepers during their half hour lunch break. Van Zandt decided to bring that unique idea back 50 plus years later for a rollicking, jam-packed daytime set filled that honored the band with rocking renditions of “Magical Mystery Tour,” “Good Morning, Good Morning,” “Got To Get You Into My Life,” and “All You Need Is Love,” alongside iconic songs famously performed by the nascent Fab Four, including “Boys” (originally by The Shirelles), “Slow Down” (by Larry Williams) and “Soldier Of Love” (first recorded by Arthur Alexander).

 

STREAM/PURCHASE MACCA TO MECCA!

 

SUMMER OF SORCERY LIVE! AT THE BEACON THEATRE TRACKLISTINGS

 

BLU-RAY

1. Intro: Wavy Gravy

2. Communion

3. Camouflage of Righteousness

4. Party Mambo!

5. Love Again

6. Education

7. On Sir Francis Drake

8. I Visit The Blues

9. Gravity

10. Los Desaparecidos

11. Little Girl So Fine

12. Trapped Again

13. Love On The Wrong Side Of Town

14. A World Of Our Own

15. Suddenly You

16. Vortex

17. I Am A Patriot

18. Superfly Terraplane

19. Bitter Fruit

20. Forever

21. Summer of Sorcery

22. Tucson Train

23. Freeze Frame (with Peter Wolf)

24. Sun City (with Peter Wolf)

25. Soul Power Twist

26. Out Of The Darkness

 

BONUS CONTENT

1. Bristol Stomp

2. Club A-Go-Go

3. Groovin’ Is Easy (with Nick Gravenites)

4. (Ain’t Nothin’ But A) Houseparty (with Peter Wolf)

5. Ride The Night Away (with Jimmy Barnes)

6. Moon Tears (with Nils Lofgren)

7. Sun City (with Jimmy Barnes, Peter Garrett, Sam Fender, Courtney Hadwin, Jake Clemons, Garland Jeffreys, and Bruce Springsteen)

 

3CD

CD1

1. Intro: Wavy Gravy

2. Communion

3. Camouflage of Righteousness

4. Party Mambo!

5. Love Again

6. Education

7. On Sir Francis Drake

8. I Visit The Blues

9. Gravity

10. Los Desaparecidos

11. Little Girl So Fine

12. Trapped Again

13. Love On The Wrong Side Of Town

14. A World Of Our Own

 

CD2

1. Suddenly You

2. Vortex

3. I Am A Patriot

4. Superfly Terraplane

5. Bitter Fruit

6. Forever

7. Summer of Sorcery

8. Tucson Train

9. Freeze Frame (with Peter Wolf)

10. Sun City (with Peter Wolf)

11. Soul Power Twist

12. Out Of The Darkness

 

CD3
1. Bristol Stomp

2. Club A-Go-Go

3. Groovin’ Is Easy (with Nick Gravenites)

4. (Ain’t Nothin’ But A) Houseparty (with Peter Wolf)

5. Ride The Night Away (with Jimmy Barnes)

6. Moon Tears (with Nils Lofgren)

7. Sun City (with Jimmy Barnes, Peter Garrett, Sam Fender, Courtney Hadwin, Jake Clemons, Garland Jeffreys, and Bruce Springsteen)

 

5LP

LP1

1. Intro: Wavy Gravy (Side A)

2. Communion (Side A)

3. Camouflage of Righteousness (Side A)

4. Party Mambo! (Side A)

5. Love Again (Side B)

6. Education (Side B)

 

LP2

1. On Sir Francis Drake (Side A)

2. I Visit The Blues (Side A)

3. Gravity (Side A)

4. Los Desaparecidos (Side A)

5. Little Girl So Fine (Side B)

6. Trapped Again (Side B)

7. Love On The Wrong Side Of Town (Side B)

 

LP3

1. A World Of Our Own (Side A)

2. Suddenly You (Side A)

3. Vortex (Side A)

4. I Am A Patriot (Side A)

5. Superfly Terraplane (Side B)

6. Bitter Fruit (Side B)

7. Forever (Side B)

 

LP4

1. Summer of Sorcery (Side A)

2. Tucson Train (Side A)

3. Freeze Frame (with Peter Wolf) (Side A)

4. Sun City (with Peter Wolf) (Side B)

5. Soul Power Twist (Side B)

6. Out Of The Darkness (Side B)

 

LP5

1. Bristol Stomp (Side A)

2. Club A-Go-Go (Side A)

3. Groovin’ Is Easy (with Nick Gravenites) (Side A)

4. (Ain’t Nothin’ But A) Houseparty (with Peter Wolf) (Side A)

5. Ride The Night Away (with Jimmy Barnes) (Side B)

6. Moon Tears (with Nils Lofgren) (Side B)

7. Sun City (with Jimmy Barnes, Peter Garrett, Sam Fender, Courtney Hadwin, Jake Clemons, Garland Jeffreys, and Bruce Springsteen) (Side B)

 

 

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New Music: The Empty Hearts, Bill Kirchen, Juni Ata, Allman Betts Band

Supergroup the Empty Hearts, guitar virtuoso Bill Kirchen, newcomer Juni Ata and rising troupe the Allman Betts Band are back with fantastic new collections.

Artist: The Empty Hearts
Title: The Second Album (Wicked Cool Records)
You might like if you enjoy: The Cars, The Knack, early Cheap Trick
Tell me more: The Empty Hearts are back with their aptly-titled sophomore effort The Second Album, an essential follow-up to the supergroup's self-titled 2014 debut. Rock and Roll Hall of Fame greats guitarist Elliot Easton (The Cars) and drummer Clem Burke (Blondie) along with singer-guitarist Wally Palmar (The Romantics) and bassist Andy Babiuk (The Chesterfield Kings) bring together their collective talents to create a winning blend of '60s garage rock and British Invasion sounds that are bolstered by a modern-day edge. The 13-track LP provides plenty of highlights, notably the shimmering power pop gem "Remember Days Like These" (featuring Ringo Starr on drums), explosive Big Star-meets-Cheap Trick blaster "Coat-Tailer," the melodic "If I Could Change Your Mind," and blistering snapshot of our times titled "The World's Gone Insane." The propulsive "The Best That I Can," mid-tempo retro rocker "Jonathan Harker's Journal," heavy blues rock sortie "Death By Insomnia," melodic harmonies-adorned "Come On And Try It" and rowdy Memphis soul-flavored "Well, Look at You" are other standouts on the awesome album. Information: TheEmptyHearts.com.

Artist: Bill Kirchen
Title: The Proper Years (The Last Music Co.)
You might like if you enjoy: Marty Stuart, Sonny Landreth, Elvis Costello, Norton Buffalo, Dan Hicks, Nick Lowe, Paul Carrack
Tell me more: The Proper Years offers a full-fledged appreciation of the monumental force of "The Titan of the Telecaster" guitar master Bill Kirchen. And while his guitar playing astounds at every turn, Kirchen – a founding member of Commander Cody and his Lost Planet Airmen in 1967 – is also a top-tier singer and songwriter as evidenced across the wonderful two disc collection. Collecting every original and cover recorded as part of his sessions for 2006's Hammer of the Honky-Tonk Gods, 2010's Word to the Wise and 2013's Seeds and Stems albums, The Proper Years is packed with 38 great cuts; a who's who of greats are featured across the two discs. Indeed, Nick Lowe (bass, backing vocals), Elvis Costello (whose signature vocals shine on "Man In The Bottom Of The Well"), Norton Buffalo (harmonica), Commander Cody (piano), Dan Hicks (acoustic guitar, vocals) and Maria Muldaur (vocals) are among the illustrious greats whose contributions add to the magic. The gentle "Rocks Into Sand," countrified ballads "Skid Row In My Mind" and "Truth Be Told," the jazzy "One More Day" and rockabilly-amped "Heart Of Gold" and Bump Wood" are among my favorite selections on disc one. The swinging "Word To The Wise" (featuring Dan Hicks), lovely duet with Maria Muldaur "Ain't Got Time For The Blues," country rollick "Valley Of The Moon," infectious "Truck Stop At The End Of The World," an inspired and completely reworked cover of Bob Dylan's "The Times They Are-A-Changin'" are among the wide-ranging nuggets on disc two. Information: billkirchen.com/official.

Artist: Juni Ata
Title: Saudade (Flying On Fire Records)
You might like if you enjoy: Dawes, Travis
Tell me more: Don't be surprised if you don't know the music of Juni Ata, the moniker for singer-songwriter/multi-instrumentalist Jesse Daniel Edwards. The artist's brilliant debut Saudade (a Portugese word pronounced "sow-da-day" loosely translated as "a deep emotional state of nostalgic or profound melancholic longing") is wonderfully out of step with the majority of his contemporaries, strikingly original and is definitely worth discovering. With a deeply affecting tenor, the singer-songwriter/multi-instrumentalist crafts powerful songs that are emotional and authentic. Edwards – who was raised in a deeply religious home in a small mountain town in Southern California where he had little exposure to secular music  – never had an intention to record and release his original songs. However, through fate and the encouragement of a friend, the album has arrived and is a captivating listen. There are times of remarkable intimacy, where romantic loss and personal perseverance are rendered with stirring intensity; "Hard Letting You Down Easy" and "Fight Hard, Run Fast" are utterly astonishing in their soul-filled sentiment. At other times, such as "Philadelphia" and "When It Rains In LA," there is a rich presentation with horns and symphonic flourish. Juni Ata is no one-trick pony as evidenced by the rousing rocker "Good Enough Ain't Bad," colorful "I'll Try Anything Twice" and tender country-tinged "Not Going Anywhere." Information: amazon.com.

Artist: The Allman Betts Band
Title: Bless Your Heart (BMG Rights Management)
You might like if you enjoy: The Allman Brothers Band, the Grateful Dead, Neil Young & Crazy Horse
Tell me more: Those looking for new rock that is steeped in traditional songwriting while wrapped up in a mix of Southern rock, folk, vintage R&B and blues will want to check out the Allman Betts Band's outstanding sophomore effort Bless Your Heart. The double-LP opens with Pale Horse Rider," a killer track that has sonic echoes of Neil Young & Crazy Horse; the song's mix of multiple lead guitars and wistful voices are showcased as the song builds to a stunning finale. The lush Southern rocker "Magnolia River" and gospel track "Carolina Song" are lush blasts from the past, recalling the classic work of the band's celebrated influences. The troupe features Devon Allman, Duane Betts and Berry Duane Oakley, sons of founding Allman Brothers members Gregg Allman, Dickey Betts and Berry Oakley. While the Allman Betts Band has definite ties with the past, there are plenty of numbers that showcase a band with a voice of its own. The lovely "Southern Rain" is an emotional tour de force somehow enchanting via a coupling of R&B and rock styles; the melancholic "Ashes Of My Lovers" simultaneously defies and embraces a slew of far-flung sounds. The majestic "The Doctor's Daughter" brings a bit of psychedelia into the group's Southern approach; "Savannah's Dream" is a masterful instrumental that clocks in at 12 minutes and displays the nuance and bona fide chops of the seven-member ensemble. Information: AllmanBettsBand.com.

Robert Kinsler

The Empty Hearts return with new music

Make sure to check out the wonderful music video for The Empty Hearts' "Run and Hide From You." It is embedded at the bottom of this post. That song, as well as the new tracks "Remember Days Like These (featuring Ringo Starr) and "Tell Me Reasons Why" are all great power pop gems sure to please fans of the melody-minded genre...

The Empty Hearts release new music featuring Ringo Starr on Stevie Van Zandt's Wicked Cool Records / The Orchard

New York, NY, - Valentine’s Day is the perfect time for new music by The Empty Hearts. Dubbed a “Rock‘n Roll super group,” by Billboard Magazine and USA Today when their first album was released in 2014, The Empty Hearts, have released their second single with Stevie Van Zandt’s Wicked Cool Records, “Remember Days Like These” b/w “Tell Me Reasons Why.” The Empty Hearts include Rock and Roll Hall of Famers Elliot Easton of The Cars and Clem Burke of Blondie; as well as Wally Palmar of The Romantics and Andy Babiuk of The Chesterfield Kings. In addition to the all-star lineup, the iconic Ringo Starr joins the band on drums for the A-side, “Remember Days Like These”

“Having Ringo Starr guest on our new single is a truly profound event for our band,” says Easton. “The Beatles are pretty much the reason that we do what we do; their importance to us cannot be overstated. To have started by seeing them play on the Ed Sullivan show at 10 years old, to travel for so many years down this long and winding river that we call life, and to come full circle, to the point where you're making music with one of them...it's everything.”

Easton continues, “Our newest album is a big leap for us creatively, with more adventurous writing, some wild sonic exploration (or as we call it, 'ear candy'), and a desire to make the sort of record that we've always loved. Not just a bunch of isolated songs, but more of a total 'experience' or voyage that takes the listener from point A and drops them off at point Z. We want everybody to hop on the train and take that trip with us.”

In September of 2019, the band released their first single with Wicked Cool Records, “Coat-Tailer.” The limited edition vinyl single sold out within the first two weeks of release. 

For the band, releasing with Wicked Cool Records is coming full circle. Stevie Van Zandt named the band. Early on, The Empty Hearts struggled to find a name that was not already in use, eventually turning to Van Zandt to see if he had any ideas."He had a list of 20 kickass names and we looked up the ones we liked and somebody was using it," says Babiuk, noting they were legally advised to be cautious with regards to a name. "About three weeks later I get a text from Steven. 'Did you guys come up with a freakin’ name yet?” I replied ‘No.’ Then Steven texts back, ‘You guys are going to be called The Empty Hearts, I said so!' I copied the whole text to other guys in the band and said 'If any of you guys want to argue with Silvio Dante, be my guest. Other than that I guess we’re gonna be called The Empty Hearts!”

The Empty Hearts invite you to hear their new music digitally and on limited-edition color vinyl (black and blue splatter). Please visit this link to stream, download, and buy:

https://orcd.co/rememberdayslikethese