Showing posts with label Woodstock. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Woodstock. Show all posts

Tuesday, November 05, 2019

Alvin Lee ES-335 ‘69 Festival - released worldwide by Gibson

As regular readers of my posts know, Alvin Lee was one of my favorite artists. After seeing Ten Years After's performance in the film "Woodstock," I sought out and began getting as many of his albums as I could. Those included his albums with TYA, as well as Ten Years Later and his solo efforts.

You can read my tribute to Alvin Lee that was published following his death in 2013 here. That article includes my re-posting of an article (published 25 years ago today) from The Orange County Register featuring my interview with the legendary singer-guitarist leading up to his performance at The Coach House in San Juan Capistrano. 

Read the media release below for details on the release of Gibson's "Alvin Lee ES-335 '69 Festival" electric guitar. Very cool indeed! Robert Kinsler




Gibson
 ‘Alvin Lee ES-335 ‘69 Festival’
Available Worldwide today, November 5, 2019

Blues-Rock Legend’s Signature “Big Red” Guitar From Breakout Festival Performance Released In Celebration Of
50th Anniversary Of Woodstock

“My famous Gibson 335 that I bought for £45 in Nottingham was the best investment I ever made.”
--Alvin Lee
Alvin Lee playing his Gibson 335.
Photo credit: Dan Garson
NASHVILLE, TN (November 5, 2019) Gibson, the iconic American instrument brand, has announced the worldwide release of the new, limited-edition Alvin Lee ES-335 ’69 Festival’. The leading guitar brand has created the exact ES-335 guitar in Aged Sixties Cherry. The striking guitar, which Lee called “Big Red” launched his performance to legendary status while showcasing his lightning-fast guitar playing at the original Woodstock festival in 1969. In celebration of the 50th Anniversary of Woodstock this year and Lee’s breakout festival performance, the historically accurate guitar is officially available now at Authorized Gibson Dealers worldwide. For more information, visit www.Gibson.com.

When Ten Years After took their heavy, manic blues-rock to the stage at Woodstock in 1969, the band unleashed a performance that came to define not just the legendary festival, but the spirit and sound of a movement. Following their set, which ended in a blistering, masterful rendition of “I’m Going Home,” Ten Years After catapulted to worldwide stardom and Alvin Lee rose to join Eric Clapton, Jimi Hendrix and Keith Richards as one of the most influential guitar gods of the time. In honor of the 50th Anniversary of Woodstock, Gibson is proud to present this Alvin Lee ES-335 ‘69 Festival’ guitar, built to the exact specifications of the guitar Lee used during his jaw-dropping, festival performance. The Gibson Alvin Lee ES-335 ’69 Festival’ guitar includes all of the stickers, aging, special modifications and mojo of the original. Only 50 of these limited-edition Alvin Lee ES-335 ’69 Festival’ guitars will be sold worldwide.

The Alvin Lee ES-335 '69 Festival guitar
Watch and share the following video of the new Alvin Lee ES-335 ’69 Festival’ guitar featuring Leo Lyons (Ten Years After, co-founder and bassist), Loraine Burgon (Alvin Lee’s partner 1963-1973) and Barrie Cadogan (Little Barrie, Primal Scream, The The), Here.

"Really happy to hear that Gibson guitars is doing a limited edition 335 in honour of Alvin Lee. Alvin was a brilliant guitar player that became famous all around the world with his band-Ten Years After. He was a great friend of mine and Black Sabbath, he made a major impact on thousands of guitar players globally-including me! Thank you, Gibson - Alvin well deserves it!!”
--Tony Iommi
“Alvin was one of the most exciting Rock/blues guitarists of his generation. His red customised Gibson ES 335 not only gave him his signature sound but was also a part of his iconic stage personality.”
--Leo Lyons (Ten Years After co-founder and bassist 1966–2013)
Born in Nottingham, England, Alvin Lee began playing guitar at age 13 and formed the core of what would become the band Ten Years After by age 15. Originally influenced by his parent's prolific collection of jazz and blues records, it was the advent of Rock ’n’ Roll that truly ignited Lee’s interest and creativity with guitarists like Chuck Berry and Scotty Moore providing his inspiration.
With Lee as guitarist, singer and songwriter, Ten Years After (TYA) first toured America in 1968 at the invitation of the legendary Fillmore promoter Bill Graham. American audiences were immediately captivated by the group’s innovative mix of blues, swing, jazz and rock alongside Lee's distinctive, soulful and rapid-fire guitar playing.
Alvin Lee’s groundbreaking, virtuoso guitar performance at Woodstock festival in 1969--captured live on film in the documentary of the festival--remains a gold standard of influence today for many guitarists and continues to introduce Lee to new music fans all over the world.
Listen to Alvin Lee: https://alvinlee.lnk.to/Listen

For more information about Alvin Lee:
 
 
 
For Gibson, visit:
 
 
 
About Gibson:

Gibson Brands, the world’s most iconic guitar brand, has shaped the sounds of generations of musicians and music lovers across genres for more than 100 years. Founded in 1894 and headquartered in Nashville, TNGibson Brands has a legacy of world-class craftsmanship, legendary music partnerships and progressive product evolution that is unrivaled among musical instrument companies. The Gibson Brands portfolio includes Gibson, the number one guitar brand, as well as many of the most beloved and recognizable music brands, including Epiphone, Kramer, Steinberger and Gibson Pro Audio division brands Cerwin Vega, KRK Systems and StantonGibson Brands is dedicated to quality, innovation and sound excellence so that music lovers for generations to come will continue to experience music shaped by Gibson Brands. Learn more at http://www.gibson.com and follow us on TwitterFacebook and Instagram.


Sunday, August 11, 2019

American music takes front and center on new releases

This coming weekend marks the 50th Anniversary of Woodstock so it's the perfect time to celebrate that legendary festival with a listen of Creedence Clearwater Revival's aptly-titled Live at Woodstock. Three other essential albums from American artists are also featured this week.



Artist: Creedence Clearwater Revival
Title: Live at Woodstock (Craft Recordings)
You might like if you enjoy: John Fogerty, Creedence Clearwater Revival
Tell me more: One of the biggest names to appear at Woodstock in Bethel, New York in August 1969 was North California-based Creedence Clearwater Revival. The quartet  better known as Creedence or CCR delivered an inspired set that has finally been released in its entirety. Live at Woodstock includes many of the band's most beloved tracks. The Aug. 17, 1969 performance fully stands the test of time with singer-songwriter/guitar great John Fogerty leading the rock outfit through 11 classics. The Delta-friend "Born on the Bayou" opens the set, with the band kicking up the energy for "Green River," "Bad Moon Rising," "I Put a Spell on You," the blistering blues-flavored "Keep on Chooglin'," and an extended take on the set-ending "Suzie Q." Information: CraftRecordings.com.




Artist: The HawtThorns
Title: Morning Sun (Forty Below Records)
You might like if you enjoy: The Civil Wars, the Jayhawks, Kasey Chambers
Tell me more: Shimmering songwriting and top-tier vocals take center stage on Morning Sun, the brilliant debut from the HawtThorns. Featuring the talented husband and wife duo of singer-acoustic guitarist KP Hawthorn and singer-guitarist Johnny Hawthorn, the HawtThorns somehow blend the best of the Laurel Canyon California sound, modern Americana and melodic rock without missing a beat across 11 winning tracks. The luxurious melodic gems "Shaking" and "Morning Sun," tender countrified ballad "The 405," ambitious dream pop of "Come Back From The Stars," and amped up folk rockers "All I Know" and "Steady Fire" are among the terrific songs on the disc. Information: TheHawtThorns.com.



Artist: Blue Highway
Title: Somewhere Far Away (Rounder Records)
You might like if you enjoy: bluegrass, Infamous Stringdusters
Tell me more: Bluegrass music lovers will find plenty to love and discover courtesy of the outstanding new Blue Highway album Somewhere Far Away. The group's gifted lineup features Tim Stafford (guitar, vocals), Wayne Taylor (bass, vocals), Shawn Lane (mandolin, fiddle, guitar, vocals), Jason Burleson (mandolin, banjo, guitar, vocals) and Gary Hultman (resophonic guitar, vocals). From the beautiful harmonies-adorned "Dear Kentucky" and wonderful instrumental "Orville's Webb" to the driving  "Cochise County" and haunting "A Place I've Never Seen," the original songcraft and stunning virtuoso musicianship makes listening to "Somewhere Far Away" pure joy. Information: BlueHighwayBand.com.


LOST CLASSIC



Artist: Psychic Rain
Title: World Ironic (Greico Records)
You might like if you enjoy: Gin Blossoms, Goo Goo Dolls, Toad the Wet Sprocket
Tell me more: In the 1990s Orange County, CA had an explosive music scene that generated countless artists ranging from punk and ska to power pop and Americana. While No Doubt, Sugar Ray and Lit scored platinum album sales, the region's most talented acts included art rockers Altered State, singer-songwriter Michael Ubaldini, countrified power pop greats Walter Clevenger & the Dairy Kings, genre-defying duo Bright Blue Gorilla and melodic rock quartet Psychic Rain. Led by singer-songwriter/rhythm guitarist Greg Stoddard and master guitarist Brian Stewart, Psychic Rain was championed by local radio station KLOS-FM and was briefly signed to Warner Bros. Records. The band's masterwork is the 1996 LP "World Ironic," a nine-song effort featuring a band able to rival contemporaries including the Gin Blossoms and Toad the Wet Sprocket. Like those better-known troupes, Psychic Rain's sound is built around songs that are literate, feature incredible arrangements and are bolstered by glorious choruses, top-tier lead vocals and musicianship. There are nothing but should-be hits on this collection including the unforgettable "Without a Sound," irresistible "Spun Out," yearning rock ballad "Whisper" and driving "Wrong." It is difficult to track down this rare title but it's well worth it. Information: amazon.com.


Robert Kinsler


Friday, July 19, 2019

Sights and Sounds: 'Woodstock: The Director's Cut' coming to movie theaters on Aug. 15; new titles from +LIVE+ and The Flaming Lips

Going into the weekend, plenty of cool music news to share...




‘Woodstock’ 50 Years Later – The Most Legendary Weekend in Music History Rocks Movie Theaters Nationwide August 15 Only

Commemorating the 50th Anniversary of the Iconic Festival,
Fathom Events Brings the Extended Director’s Cut of Michael Wadleigh’s
Oscar®-Winning Documentary to Movie Theaters



DENVER – July 19, 2019 – Before it happened, the rock-music festival on a dairy farm was billed as “An Aquarian Experience: 3 Days of Peace and Music” and no one realized the weekend would become one of the seminal moments not just in music history, but in American history.

Fifty years later, the groundbreaking film that captured the original Woodstock music festival has become one of the most acclaimed documentaries ever produced – and Fathom Events is partnering with Warner Bros. to bring it back to movie theaters for one night only. “Woodstock: The Director’s Cut” will play at 7:00 p.m. local time on Thursday, August 15, in movie theaters nationwide.

Tickets are available now at www.FathomEvents.com.

“Both as a documentary and as a pop-culture phenomenon, ‘Woodstock’ is a milestone, a pivotal moment in history captured forever, proving the enduring power of cinema,” said Ray Nutt, CEO of Fathom Events. “Fifty years later, there has never been anything quite like it, either as a music festival or as a film, and Fathom Events is proud to be part of the anniversary of Woodstock.”
Directed by Michael Wadleigh and utilizing extraordinary perspectives, including split-screen and multi-screen sequences, “Woodstock” received an Academy Award® for Best Editing for Thelma Schoonmaker, a longtime collaborator of Martin Scorsese, who is also credited (along with Stan Warnow, Yeu-Bun Yee, Jere Higgins and Wadleigh) as one of its editors. The movie features 30 musical performances, among them a five-song set by Jimi Hendrix (including “Purple Haze”); The Who; Ten Years AfterJanis Joplin; Crosby, Stills & Nash; Jefferson Airplane; and Joan Baez.

But apart from the raw, intimate ways it captures the performances, “Woodstock” also offers extraordinary insight into the people who attended the festival, the chaotic mood of the era, and the incendiary sparks let off by the event. Entertainment Weekly called “Woodstock” “the single greatest film ever made about the 1960s.”

The 3-hour, 44-minute director’s cut features performances – like Joplin’s and Jefferson Airplane’s – not seen in the original theatrical version, which was a box-office smash when first released in March 1970. This one-night-only Fathom Events presentation is the first wide, national theatrical re-release of the film since its original run.

For more information, visitwww.FathomEvents.com.


+LIVE+
Today release the Super Deluxe 25TH Anniversary edition of their landmark 8X Multi-Platinum sophomore album 'Throwing Copper'


BAND ALSO SHARE LYRIC VIDEO FOR
“SUSQUEHANNA,”
AN UNRELEASED TRACK FROM THE ORIGINAL SESSIONS
FOR ‘THROWING COPPER’


Seminal rock band +LIVE+ today (July 19) release the super deluxe 25th anniversary edition of their landmark 8x multi-platinum sophomore album Throwing Copper on  Radioactive/MCA/UMe. The band today also shared the lyric video for “Susquehanna,” an unreleased track from the original sessions for the album. View the video here: https://UMe.lnk.to/ThrowingCopper25/YouTube. The haunting song with questioning lyrics about life, love and spirituality appears on the deluxe multi-format reissue of the album.

The Super Deluxe 25th Anniversary Throwing Copper box set edition not only features the album with bonus tracks on 2LP black vinyl, and a 12-page booklet with an in-depth interview with the band chronicling the era of the album, but it also contains 2CDs with a 26-track lineup that includes LIVE’s previously unreleased, explosive eight-song performance at Woodstock ’94 on a separate disc, mixed by +LIVE+ guitarist Chad Taylor. The 25th anniversary Throwing Copper collection is also available in a deluxe digital version, as well as a standalone 1CD set as well. Read the press release about the album here and its multiple configurations.

Initially released on April 26, 1994, Throwing Copper cemented the band’s position as one of the most instrumentally powerful and lyrically impactful bands of the modern alternative-rock era. Throwing Copper, which topped the Billboard 200 Albums chart a year after its initial release, also features a pair of No. 1 Modern Rock singles (“Lightning Crashes,” “Selling The Drama”) and has since been certified 8x multiplatinum by the RIAA, having sold over 8 million copies. The album also features the previously unreleased track “Hold Me Upwhich is spinning at rock radio stations nationwide. View the lyric video here.

This summer at amphitheatres and arenas throughout North America, +LIVE+--Ed Kowalczyk (vocals, guitar),Chad Taylor (guitar, backing vocals), Patrick Dahlheimer (bass) and Chad Gracey (drums, percussion)--ismarking Throwing Copper’s milestone on the co-headline The ALT-IMATE Tour with Bush produced by Live Nation. Among the upcoming dates are a concert at the legendary Greek Theatre in Los Angeles on Tuesday, Aug. 6, and a date at the Pacific Amphitheatre in Costa Mesa, CA on Saturday, Aug. 10.

ABOUT +LIVE+:
+LIVE+, the multi-platinum band from Pennsylvania--Ed Kowalczyk (vocals, guitar), Chad Taylor (guitar, backing vocals), Patrick Dahlheimer (bass) and Chad Gracey (drums, percussion)--have sold over 22 million albums worldwide and earned two number one albums (Throwing CopperSecret Samadhi). Their catalog is filled with such gems as “Lightning Crashes,” “I Alone,” “All Over You,” and “Lakini’s Juice,” which live on today as classics at rock radio. Throwing Copper—which is being celebrated in 2019 with a new deluxe 25th anniversary edition via Radioactive/Geffen/Ume--produced the band’s biggest single, “Lightning Crashes,” which was #1 at Modern Rock radio for 10 consecutive weeks. Throwing Copper reached #1 on the Billboard Top 200 and eventually surpassed sales of 10 million albums sold with Rolling Stone honoring the album with placement on their list, “1994: The 40 Best Records From Mainstream Alternative's Greatest Year.” Secret Samadhi (1997) immediately shot to #1 on the Billboard Top 200 and eventually went double platinum. The release of the platinum-selling The Distance to Here (1999) turned +LIVE+ into an international powerhouse and moved the band from arenas into stadiums. +LIVE+ has been and remains today a global concert juggernaut. The band released an acclaimed five-song EP in 2018, LOCAL 717, their first new music in over a decade.


For more information on +LIVE+, visit:



The Flaming Lips release 'King's Mouth: Music and Songs' on all formats today

NEW VIDEO “HOW MANY TIMES” OUT NOW 
 
SUMMER 2019 TOUR WITH THE CLAYPOOL LENNON DELIRIUM AND PARTICLE KID BEGINS JULY 23. TICKETS ON SALE NOW



July 19, 2019 (Los Angeles, CA) – Today, THE FLAMING LIPS release their 15th studio album, King’s Mouth: Music And Songs, via Warner Records on vinyl, CD and digital platforms. The original gold colored vinyl Record Store Day limited edition pressing sold out instantly. King’s Mouth is now widely available on all formats. To coincide with the album’s release and tour, a brand-new video from the album “How Many Times,” is also released today. In typical Lipsian fashion, the video is lysergically colorful and completely joyous in its simplicity. It was shot in the band’s hometown of Oklahoma City and directed by Wayne Coyne. Click HERE to view and share. Click HERE to purchase King’s Mouth: Music And Songs.

The Lips have previously released a lyric video for ”Giant Baby,” and a visualizer for “All For The Life Of the City,” from King’s Mouth.  

King’s Mouth: Music And Songs was produced by The Flaming Lips, Dennis Coyne and Scott Booker with additional production by Dave Fridmann and Mike Fridmann. This is The Lips’ first new studio album since 2017’s Oczy Mlody and features twelve new originals that create a conceptual storyline threaded together by the dulcet-toned narration from Mick Jones of The Clash. The music provides the soundtrack for Wayne Coyne’s immersive art installation of the same name. The album has already received critical praise in advance of its release:

“Musically, King’s Mouth is very Soft Bulletin / Yoshimi — you know, orchestral space rock psych flower power pop…there are so many great moments on this album. Glad to have that spirit back in a new Lips record. A psychedelic experience that is kind of like the last 10 minutes of 2001: A Space Odyssey.” Brooklyn Vegan

’King’s Mouth’ is planetarium-ready space pop.” – Stereogum

“Consistently weird, consistently fresh, artistically adventurous. Nowhere is the band’s bold vision more evident than on its new album KING’S MOUTH: MUSIC AND SONGS. A full-on concept album, King’s Mouth breaks new ground.” – The Daily Beast 

“’King’s Mouth’ is the most “Flaming Lips” release you could possible imagine…a psychedelic explosion of sound. Kind of a spiritual follow up [to The Soft Bulletin and Yoshimi Battles The Pink Robots] it returns to the breezy, optimistic space pop that made them the band of choice. Classic Lips…the most complete Flaming Lips album in over a decade.” – Under The Radar

Originally introduced in 2015, the art installation A King's Mouth: An Immersive Installation, showcased its psychedelic visuals and soundscapes through North America in museums such as Meow Wolf in Santa Fe, NM, the American Visionary Art Museum in Baltimore, MD, the Pacific Northwest College of Art in Portland, OR and Wayne’s own creative space, The Womb, in Oklahoma City, OK, Rough Trade NYCNashville’s Fort Houstonand currently installed at the Arts Center of the Ozarksin Springdale, AR.

A true handcrafted marvel, it consists of a giant metallic head that welcomes spectators inside. Once inside of the foam mouth, an LED light show begins in tandem with music from the album. Now, the record doubles as the sonic companion to the exhibit and allows fans to experience the aural side at any time. Further expanding this multi-faceted world and detailing a fascinating creation myth, the accompanying literary tome, King’s Mouth: Immerse Heap Trip Fantasy Experience tells the story of the King’s Mouth through words and visuals by Coyneadds yet another dimension to the project, which ranks among the bands most ambitious thus far. About the vision, Coyne wrote, “The King’s Mouth immersive/child-like qualities are born from the same spark and womb as The Flaming Lips’ live performances. The King’s Mouth adventure was made for humans of all sizes, ages, cultures, and religions.” Click HERE to view and share the making of the KING’S MOUTH Part 1. HERE for Part 2. HERE for Part 3, and Part 4 HERE.

King’s Mouth: Music And Songs Track listing:
We Don’t Know How And We Don’t Know Why
The Sparrow
Giant Baby
Mother Universe
How Many Times
Electric Fire
All For The Life Of The City
Feedaloodum Beedle Dot
Funeral Parade
Dipped In Steel
Mouth Of The King
How Can A Head

In other Lips news, Steven Drozd has created a podcast that covers their 35-year recording career. This multi-part series will illustrate their inimitable and out there creative process covering their aural oeuvre in their own words: THE SORCERER’S ORPHAN: A SONG BY SONG HISTORY OF THE FLAMING LIPS: Episode 6 “King’s Mouth”— is available now. Check out the latest episode HERE. Catch up on previous episodes HERE.

As previously announced, THE LIPS have confirmed a twelve-date summer tour with The Claypool Lennon Delirium with support from Particle Kid. Click HERE for further details. Special VIP packages will also be available for those who want the ultimate LIPS experience. This will include early access to the venue, so fans can be part of the pre-show warm up on stage during soundcheck for a few songs. Wayne and members of The Lips will then spend some time for an intimate meet and greet before fans have the chance to grab the best seats in the house close to the stage or be first at the merch booth before the crowds enter the venue.
 
The Flaming Lips/The Claypool Lennon Delirium and Particle Kid Summer 2019 US Tour:
July 23            Wichita, KS                              Wave
July 24            Des Moines, IA                         Water Works Park Amphitheater
July 26            Indianapolis, IN                        Farm Bureau Insurance Lawn @ White River State Park
July 27            Lewiston, NY (Niagara Falls)   Artpark Amphitheater
July 28            Asbury Park, NJ                       Stone Pony Summer Stage
July 30            Port Chester, NY                      Capitol Theatre
July 31            New Haven, CT                        College Street Music Hall (w/o The Claypool Lennon)
Aug 02            Utica, NY                                  Saranac Brewery
Aug 03            Worcester, MA                          The Palladium Outdoors
Aug 05            Charlotte, NC                           Charlotte Metro Credit Union Amphitheatre
Aug 06            Charlottesville, VA                    Sprint Pavilion
Aug 07            Raleigh, NC                             Red Hat Amphitheater

Europe/U.K./Australia Headline:
Sep 01            Prato, ITL                                Piazza Duomo
Sep 05            Edinburgh, UK                        Usher Hall
Sep 06            Manchester, UK                      Manchester Academy
Sep 07            London, UK                             O2 Brixton Academy
Sep 28            Brisbane, AU                           Fortitude Music Hall
Sep 30            Sydney, AU                             Sydney Opera House
Oct 01             Sydney, AU                             Sydney Opera House

 
Dates below are Festivals:
Sep 13            Chicago, IL                              Riot Fest Chicago
Sep 20            Louisville, KY                           Bourbon and Beyond Festival
Oct 03-04        Melbourne, AU                        Melbourne International Arts Festival
Oct 10-13       Lake Perris, CA                        Desert Daze


Follow The Flaming Lips:
Twitter: @TheFlamingLips