Where has the time gone? NAMM update & more

There has been plenty of big news since I posted at the beginning of the month. Grammy and Oscar nomination announcements, lineup announcements for the forthcoming Stagecoach and Coachella fests in Indio, and of course my trip to the NAMM show in Anaheim last weekend.

I was only able to make it to make two days, for half a day on opening day, Thursday, Jan. 18, and then back for most of Saturday, Jan. 20. In addition to getting to see and check out some exciting new musical gear, I also got to meet a few musical legends including Brian Wilson (see lower photo). It was definitely surreal meeting the architect of so many amazing Beach Boys classics. But the well-chronicled story of Brian's struggles played out before my eyes on Saturday afternoon where I waited in line at the Gibson booth to get an autograph and photo with the singer-songwriter. I said "Hello" and he kind of blankly responded. There were a number of photographers and autograph seekers circling like sharks, even cutting in front of those who had patiently waited for an hour or so in line. I will both fortunate and sad to have had this up-close encounter with an icon who seems to be spending part of his life in this world, and the other part in some far-off distant place. It was sad when some kind of handler/music rep thrust a guitar in front of him and asked him to sign it, treating him like a little boy and instructing him to "sign it clearly" that I found very offensive.

After meeting Brian Wilson, I was off to catch the press conference where Duran Duran bassist John Taylor unveiled a new Peavey Liberator Series of instruments, including a bass guitar. Then he signed autographs and chatted with fans. I am a big fan of the band's most recent album, the wonderful "Astronaut," and had John sign a copy of that release (see top photo). The line to meet John Taylor was even longer than the line to meet Brian Wilson. But that might have something to do with the John Taylor event being more heavily promoted and it being held in the main hall (whereas the Gibson booth was located upstairs and away from some of the main action).

Other highlights of my trek to NAMM were getting to see fingerstyle guitarist Laurence Juber perform an acoustic set at Martin Guitar Booth on Thursday, and meeting guitar virtuoso Gary Hoey for the first time on Saturday afternoon. I will have a complete technical-styled look at NAMM published in the Orange County Register on Friday, January 26 and you might want to check that out. I had a blast checking out the new gear at Roland and saw some pretty amazing stuff at Yamaha Corp. of America too, including an 8-pad digital drum set that will be released in summer 2007.

I'll report back tomorrow with thoughts on Coachella and other musical things.

OCNYE: A music lover's festival

Orange County really knows how to party.
Indeed, the return of Orange County New Year’s Eve – better known as OCNYE – provided area partygoers with plenty of options on Sunday (Dec. 31, 2006) night. They could spend their night in a VIP tent, watching the bright Orange Drop and fireworks at midnight, and celebrate while merely catching the evening’s headliners on the Main stage.
Or they could go on a mission to catch full or partial sets from the 24 or so artists playing across six stages positioned throughout the Orange County Fairgrounds in Costa Mesa. For the bold music lover, the second annual OCNYE provided its share of thrills and disappointments. But, then, isn’t that the joy of attending a music festival?
Indeed, those only catching the action on the main stage missed the best performances of the seven-hour event. Although Tommy Tutone (in a mostly acoustic showcase, with the “867-5309/Jenny” singer-guitarist accompanied only by a drummer) disappointed in the first 10 minutes of his set, a short walk to a nearby stage rewarded with an amazing full-blown performance by the Knack. Yes, the Knack.
Despite the death of the band’s original drummer, Bruce Gary, earlier in 2006, the Knack soared across the last 35 minutes of its set. Singer-guitarist Doug Fieger, who underwent surgery for the removal of two brain tumors only five months ago, led the group in a set that worked the audience near the stage into a festive frenzy.
Performances of their best-known songs (“Good Girls Don’t” and “My Sharona”) were not the only tunes that got the crowd moving. A medley that began with a cover of the Champs’ “Tequila” morphed into a strong mostly-faithful take on the Doors’ “Break on Through (To the Other Side)” that may well have been the single-strongest performance of the night.
Ultimately, the next five hours played out with a mix of memorable and forgettable moments. The Knack may have been the most surprising, but wasn’t the only surprise of the night. Another musical voice from the past also amazed; Thomas Dolby attracts a loyal and discerning audience to his shows nowadays and even in the less-than-sober vibe at OCNYE his opening with “One of Our Submarines” brought a decidedly Coachella-like aesthetic element to the night. That performance was no fluke, when the solo performer – immersed with high tech instruments and programming keyboards – performed winning versions of his “Europa and the Pirate Twins” and “Windpower” before bringing out a horn section to join him on gems such as “Hyperactive.”
The other standout appearance of the night went to Soul Asylum, whose versions of hits such as “Black Gold” and “Without a Trace,” as well as strong new material like “Crazy Mixed Up World” cast frontman Dave Pirner and his Midwestern band mates in an especially good light this night.
Other performances, including from headliners Blondie and Violent Femmes, were of a decidedly by-the-numbers variety. Blondie delivered a wide-ranging set featuring its genre-defying material including reggae (“The Tide Is High”), punk-tinged new wave (“One Way or Another”) and early rap (“Rapture”). Violent Femmes scored best with the one-two punch of “Blister in the Sun” and “Kiss Off” early in their set. I enjoyed the Romantics while they were performing, although I sadly had to run before they undoubtedly got to their biggest hits, notably "What I Like About You."
The Orange County music scene was also well-represented by bands playing on the Orange County Music Awards and outdoor stages, with Scarlet Crush striking hard with the title song off its forthcoming disc, “Sinners and Saints.”
Uneven performances from the Tubes (“She’s a Beauty” didn’t fly), Buckcherry (even hard rockers should listen to each other when they are on stage together) and Everclear (singer Art Alexakis’ voice was hoarse and painful to listen to) didn’t mar the night. After all, with six stages to choose from and an endless number of watering holes positioned around OCNYE, there were plenty of reasons to celebrate.

My top 10 CDs of 2006: the List had to come...

Top 10 albums of 2006 (With first album - Carbon Leaf - being best album of 2006)

Carbon Leaf “Love, Loss, Hope, Repeat” (Vanguard) – The potency of “Learn to Fly,” “Under the Wire” and “A Girl and Her Horse” alone might have landed this album in my top 10 for the year, but it is the strength and timeless territory of all the songs on “Love, Loss, Hope, Repeat” that make this a modern-day classic. Anyone wondering whatever happened to the supernatural quality of 1980s-era R.E.M. will find that rekindled with a listen to the latest disc from Richmond, Virginia-based Carbon Leaf.

L.E.O. “Alpacas Orgling” (Cheap Lullaby) – If you haven’t heard this album, make sure you do. There are echoes of Electric Light Orchestra, Cheap Trick and Traveling Wilburys all over the place. But with the kind of unrestrained elation exhibited across this 10-song effort, I’ll be playing these songs years from now. L.E.O. is a modern day version of the Traveling Wilburys, conceived by Bleu and also featuring notables like Mike Viola (The Candy Butchers), Steve Gorman (The Black Crowes) and Andy Sturmer (Jellyfish).

Rosanne Cash “Black Cadillac” (Capitol) – Written in the wake of the death of her mother (Vivian Liberto Cash Distin), father (Johnny Cash) and stepmother (June Carter Cash), Rosanne Cash’s “Black Cadillac” is a layered and emotional tribute that is a musical memoir to her loved ones and served to remind the rest of us that she is one of modern music’s most overlooked voices.

The Decemberists “The Crane Wife” (Capitol) – A beautiful and literate album that showcases this Portland, Oregon outfit’s unique and wide-ranging sound. From the instantly-memorable “O Valencia!” and folk rock-styled title track to the 70s-minded prog rock of the 12-1/2 minute “The Island,” Colin Meloy and company delivered a masterwork on “The Crane Wife.”

Keane “Under the Iron Sea” (Island Records) – Only time will likely tell if Keane’s broader brush strokes employed on the sophomore effort “Under the Iron Sea” will equal the accessible hits such as “Somewhere Only We Know” and “Everything’s Changing” on the trio’s “Hopes and Fears” debut. However, the darker shades that provide a strong undercurrent on “Crystal Ball,” “Try Again” and “Atlantic” made “Under the Iron Sea” one of the best rock albums of 2006.

Bruce Springsteen “We Shall Overcome: The Seeger Sessions” (Columbia) – This collection may boost material taken mostly from singer-songwriter-musicologist Pete Seeger’s songbook, but there is no denying that the sound and hootenanny- fashioned performances here capture the innumberable gifts that Bruce Springsteen brings to the musical table. Get the “American Land Edition” released in October 2006. It features an expanded 40-minute documentary and an 18-song CD that features some of the most compelling recordings released in 2006. “O Mary Don’t You Weep,” “Erie Canal,” “Pay Me My Money Down” and “Mrs. McGrath” are standouts.

The Gin Blossoms “Major Lodge Victory” (Hybrid/Red) – Every rock fan has a guilty pleasure that will bring them scorn – even from friends. I’ll admit it; I am a long-time fan of the Gin Blossoms. “Major Lodge Victory” marked a welcome return by the Tempe, Arizona rockers. And loaded with infectious rockers (“Long Time Gone,” “Learning the Hard Way”) and melodic ballads (“Heart Shaped Locket,” “The End of the World”), what’s not to love here?

The Distants “Broken Gold” (Blue Cave Records) – If members of the Cocteau Twins, Sonic Youth and Jane’s Addiction teamed to record an album in 2006, it might well sound like the Distants’ “Broken Gold.” The Los Angeles quartet is able to mix up ethereal moodiness with driving modern rock across the 10-song disc, which also includes a winning cover of the Cult’s “She Sells Sanctuary.”

Neil Young “Living with War” (Reprise) – Leave it to one of rock’s most prolific and unpredictable champions to release another classic. Written and recorded in under a month and featuring a 100-voice choir hastily recruited in Los Angeles, Neil Young’s “Living With War” rocks in a way that even the loudest contemporary metal and punk bands can’t. And more amazing, “Living with War” came a mere eight months after the release of Young’s beautiful acoustic gem “Prairie Wind.”

Los Lobos “The Town and the City” (Hollywood Records) – Is it my imagination, or does Los Lobos just keep getting better? Thirty or so years after the East L.A. outfit embarked on its musical journey, “The Town and the City” supplies a warm and wonderful overview of the quintet’s blend of rock ‘n’ roll, country, blues, country and Tex-Mex styles that make them one of rock’s most original music making groups.

Honorable Mentions, or the infamous 11-20 ranking:

Aimee Mann "One More Drifter in the Snow" (SuperEgo)

Tom Petty "Highway Companion" (Warner Bros.)

Garrison Starr “The Sound of You & Me” (Vanguard Records)

Nils Lofgren "Sacred Weapon" (Hilmer Music Publishing Co.)

Morrissey “Ringleader of the Tormentors” (Sanctuary Records Group)

Trespassers William “having” (Nettwerk)

Rock Kills Kid “Are You Nervous?” (Reprise/Warner Bros.)

Snow Patrol “Eyes Open” (A&M)

Glen Phillips “Mr. Lemons”

Delerium “Nuages Du Monde” (Nettwerk)

The return of No Doubt, the Grammys: who cares?

Okay, the phrase for today is "Humbug."

Billboard ran an article penned by Jonathan Cohen yesterday (Dec. 12, 2006) that focused on the release of Gwen Stefani's newly-released second solo album. Rather than giving me cause for concern (as if I really care if No Doubt ever completes another album), the story only served to remind me how little her music ever really mattered.

Gwen is really just a product, like Madonna. The airbrushed, Adobe PhotoShop-styled flawless image of her with these silly sunglasses and alien hairstyle only cements that perception that even if she rejoined No Doubt, music would be the last thing on the band's mind. I have to be honest I hardly glanced at the recent Grammy nominations announcement. Does it really matter?

At the end of the day, those of you who really love music and feel excited about specific songs or artists won't be influenced by who wins what award. I won't stop listening to Paul McCartney, Neil Young or Keane if they miss out in their respective fields. Just as I know fans of John Mayer, the Red Hot Chili Peppers and overhyped Dixie Chicks won't stop listening whether or not they have field days when the 49th Grammy Awards are broadcast on Feb. 11, 2007.

Robert Lockwood Jr., gone but not forgotten

I would guess that it was Chuck Berry, the Fabulous Thunderbirds and Ike Turner that were the biggest draws at the Doheny Blues Festival when it was staged in Dana Point in September 2004.

But the best performer of the day was not among the headliners, nor among the young up-and-comers on the bill that day. In fact, it was the appearance of Robert Lockwood Jr. that made the fest so memorable for me. Lockwood, then nearing age 90, sang and played his electric 12-string guitar with emotional weight and purpose that defied his age. Lockwood, who was taught guitar by Robert Johnson and was likely the last living music link with the legendary bluesman, performed a magical 45-minute set at the Backporch Stage, including great versions of "C.C. Rider" and "Ramblin on My Mind."
He will be missed...

News & Notes: The Fallen Stars, Coachella

Whew! Been awhile, eh?

Last Saturday night, Nov. 18, I caught a great bill at Marlin's Bar in Huntington Beach. I caught the entire hour-long set from a band I had never seen before, the quartet The Fallen Stars. Look for my feature on the band in the Orange County Register this Friday, Nov. 24.

The band delivered a great set. Wonderful songs, a strong chemistry on stage, everything really clicked. Inspired by a range of artists from Gram Parsons and Fleetwood Mac to Wilco and the Clash, the band plays frequently and there is no excuse not to catch them if you are in So Cal. Check out the band at www.MySpace.com/TheFallenStars.

Walter Clevenger & the Dairy Kings headlined. As always the band was terrific, and singer-songwriter Kenny Howes was filling in on keys for the night. Anyone who missed Walter & company can see him play a free show at the Galaxy Theatre on a bill with Scarlet Crush on Friday night, Dec. 1. Visit http://www.myspace.com/breweryrecords for more details about that special night...

Did you hear the latest? Coachella has been announced and it's growing from two days to three days. April 27, 28 and 29. How are we all to survive? Pray for cool days and cool music. It's only five months away...

DADA at the Coach House (a lifetime ago)

Has it really been more than a week since I caught DADA at the Coach House? Yes, it was way back on Saturday, Oct. 28th. And it was a great show that ran well past midnight.

I could go on and on about how the trio performed its usual blend of power-pop, alt-rock and jamming to great effect. But long-time fans of the band know all about that. What's impressive is how despite a lack of commercial airplay (at least here in So Cal) and relative lack of support by the media, the fans keep filling the Coach House whenever drummer-vocalist Phil Leavitt, bassist-vocalist Joie Calio and guitarist-vocalist Michael Gurley take the stage together.

At the Oct. 28 show, the band played plenty of classics ("Dizz Knee Land," "Dim," "Dorina"), but they also played a number of great new originals off the 2007 EP "A Friend of Pat Robertson." Talk about some great new songs! Gurley sang with hushed power during ""If Tears Were Balloons." And the song "72 Hours" was wonderful too. Another magical night courtesy of dada!

DADA is coming! DADA is coming!

Although it has been more than 2½ years since Los Angeles-based dada released a full-length album of new material, fans of the much-admired trio have been getting a well-deserved taste of dada’s latest songs online. “7.1 Stereo” is a brawny riff rocker, while “A Friend of Pat Robertson” is filled with shimmering vocal harmonies layered atop a textured sonic landscape. Both songs can be heard at www.myspace.com/dadatheband, and a new EP featuring those songs should be available commercially before the end of 2006.
In addition, Gurley’s side project, Mike Gurley and the Nightcaps, recently issued the full-length “Euphoria.” The superb disc features 10 of Gurley’s originals (including a revamped take on dada’s “Last Train Out of My Mind”), a John Gilmore tune and several standards reworked in a style sure to please lovers of neo-swing and lounge music. Gurley delivers a strong vocal performance on the classic “My Funny Valentine,” as well as his own “Spoken For.”
The Coach House is a legendary destination for fans of dada since it was at the San Juan Capistrano venue that singer-guitarist Michael Gurley and bassist-singer Joie Calio took the stage for the first time together to open for Mary’s Danish in 1991. Several months later, with the addition of drummer Phil Leavitt, dada set out on a course that has led to the release of some of the best original rock music of the 1990s and this decade.
Dada makes an eagerly-anticipated return to the Coach House on Saturday night.
In addition to performing songs from the band’s memorable debut (Dizz Knee Land,” “Dim,” “Dorina”), dada will likely be performing several songs from the trio’s forthcoming EP, and 2003’s “Live: Official Bootleg (Vol. 1),” released by Coach House Records.
The crowd on hand to catch dada this weekend will get to see something increasingly rare in modern rock; musicians who exhibit equal measures of skills as songwriters, virtuoso musicians and singers capable of dazzling with harmonies that recall the magic of the Byrds, Badfinger and Crowded House. Dada typically performs energetic and marathon-length shows at the Coach House stretching close to three hours.
Citizen Joe and Boxcar will also perform on the bill with dada at the Coach House, 33157 Camino Capistrano, San Juan Capistrano, at 8 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 28. Tickets are $20.
Information: 949-496-8930.
See you there!

Tom Petty, Jackson Browne; magic in the desert

Life is hard, no doubt.
But, on occasion, it can be a blast.
Such was the case last Saturday night (Oct. 21), when I was lucky enough to catch full-length sets from Tom Petty & the Heartbreakers and Jackson Browne at Indian Wells Tennis Garden.
On a beautiful autumn night, it wasn't hard to enjoy two Rock 'n' Roll Hall of Famers in action under the stars on a comfortable night.

Of the two artists, headliner Petty & company delivered the stronger set. As part of his current 30th anniversary tour, Petty and his strong supporting cast (notably lead guitarist Mike Campbell, singer-multi-instrumentalist Scott Thurston and keyboardist Benmont Tench) played many of their best-known songs before an adoring crowd. And, at least for this listener, the finely-tuned troupe played Petty's three best rockers too: "I Need to Know" (lead vocals courtesy of Stevie Nicks), and later in the night, "Refugee" and "Runnin' Down A Dream" in a back-to-back blowout.

This was no mere bit of nostalgia. Rather, the band really rocked. Petty, smiling and greeting the audience after just about every song, really seemed to be having a great time. This was not the intense kind of experience that greets you at a Pearl Jam, Neil Young or U2 show, but rather the kind of festive celebration associated with Bruce Springsteen & the E Street Band's marathon-length encores that were so fun in the 1980s.

Honorary Heartbreaker Nicks took to the stage several times to play with Petty, including her first stint joining the group to play the classic "Stop Draggin' My Heart Around." She proved her pipes still carry that magical fire, and it was consistent magic throughout the night when she and Petty would sing together, including on the acoustic-styled "Insider."

Other highlights of the night? Although he has apparently played it live before, for me the inclusion of George Harrison's Traveling Wilburys gem "Handle With Care" was incredible. Always among my favorite songs, it was a moment where I wanted to sing, but didn't because you wanted to take in each magic note washing over you.

Opener Jackson Browne was in fine voice and came with a strong band, but his set focused a bit to heavily on recent material that was often lost on the crowd. When he did connect on all cylinders, it was with his better-known material, notably the forceful "For America" and hits such as "Running on Empty" and "Doctor My Eyes." But missing were great cuts such as "Tender is the Night" and "Boulevard." When playing 70 or so minutes, he could have offered a more balanced mix of old and new.

Yoko Ono: Peace, Love and 'Show Me the Money'

There are countless Beatles fans who dislike Yoko Ono. And countless rock fans who love U2. So what do the two have in common?

Yoko Ono is a phony, a hitchhiker on the road to undeserved riches. All the way back to the 1960s, she has pretended her goal is to support and champion peace in the world, help deliver understanding for everyone else. Earth to Ono, "Start in your own Backyard."

It's not just the way she treated John Lennon's oldest son, Julian Lennon, keeping musical keepsakes from him that ultimately led to a well-publicized dispute a few years ago. Now, today comes word that Yoko has sued music company EMI Group PLC and a subsidiary for $10 million, claiming she was cheated out of royalties due from the sale of music by John Lennon.

I'm not a defender of the record industry. But the latest move from Yoko Ono, as well as recent news about Bono and the rest of U2 moving their music publishing company to the Netherlands to reduce their taxes can turn anyone into a cynic. According to a report published in Bloomberg on Oct. 16, at the same time the wealthy Bono is asking the Irish government to contribute more to Africa, he and the other members of U2 are effectively avoiding paying full taxes on the $110 million they earned in 2005. "Do as I say, not as I do" is an adage that works well here.

The Bloomberg story went on to note that guitarist David Evans (okay, okay, The Edge) has gone on the defensive, appearing on a radio station Newstalk on Oct. 2, stating "Our business is a very complex business...Of couse we're trying to be tax-efficient. Who doesn't want to be tax efficient."

I guess I wouldn't be so sarcastic if I didn't see so many people I know, specifically a number of struggling musicians, who live in small apartments or rented rooms in the decaying metropolis known as Southern California, while the members of U2 live in great big houses in wonderful neighborhoods while taking first-class vacations all around the globe. And Bono wants us to spend all of America's tax dollars too. I know a few people here at home who could use the dime.

I understand the music business is just that, a business. I just think these musicians want it both ways. They love to get up in front of a cheering crowd or at a press conference and talk about how evil big corporations and governments are. But at the end of the day, they really only care about themselves. Rock on.

Beyond 7 bringing its sound to San Clemente

With an extensive and rewarding discography that includes late 1990s efforts with Psychic Rain as well as Beyond 7’s 2004 debut “Here and Now,” the surefire duo of lead singer-guitarist Greg Stoddard and lead guitarist Brian Stewart have raised the bar again with the recently-released “Smoke.”
Armed with a dozen original songs and a strong rhythm section, Beyond 7’s “Smoke” boasts a winning combination of uptempo modern rock (“Drowning,” “Light of Day”) and strong ballads (“When You’re Gone,” “Last Man in the World”).
And, admits Stoddard, there is a kind of mathematical blueprint for the rock quartet’s winning formula.
“The songs we reject are great, but they are not quite good enough,” singer-guitarist Greg Stoddard said of the power of sonic subtraction. I interviewed him last spring in connection with the release of Beyond 7's latest studio disc. “We don’t want to cheat anybody. We want these songs to be a part of you.”
Since founding Psychic Rain a decade ago (he launched Beyond 7 with much-admired lead guitarist Brian Stewart in 2001), Stoddard has been writing and recording some of the most memorable and accessible modern rock in earshot, winning legions of fans while sharing the bill with groups such as the Gin Blossoms, Smithereens, Fixx, dada and Dramarama; in fact, Beyond 7 celebrated the release of the band’s full-length sophomore release “Smoke” when it opened for Dramarama at House of Blues in Anaheim in May.
In addition to Stoddard and Stewart, the Buena Park rock troupe features a strong one-two punch in the rhythm department courtesy of drummer Raul Hinojosa Jr. and bassist Moses Guerrero.
“We’re fortunate in all the shows we get; we couldn’t ask for anything else,” Stoddard said.
Although U2, Queen, Oasis, Cheap Trick and the Smiths might not seem to have much in common, each came to the forefront with the talents of a powerful singer and distinctive guitar player. Stoddard and Stewart bring that kind of magic chemistry to Beyond 7.
“We want to write and record great albums,” said Stoddard, noting while he continues to write many songs on his own, “Smoke” features five songs that he wrote with Stewart. “We take great pride in that.”
“Smoke” is not a concept album, yet it has that feel. Indeed, the album kicks off with the fiery “Light of Day,” which was the first song Stoddard wrote for the album.
“Since 9/11, not just myself but everybody kind of woke up; they use that as the beginning of a new era,” said Stoddard, explaining he has found many people often to refer to events having nothing to do with the War on Terror as either “pre” or “post” 9/11.
In “Light of Day,” Stoddard reflects on how he senses life has changed since the tragic events of Sept. 11, 2001, when he opens the song: “I can’t find my sunshine, rewind/I close my eyes, realize things aren’t quite right/morning’s turned to night.”
And “Smoke” ends its dozen-song run with the title cut, a poignant look at how quickly people can feel defeated by life’s relatively short run and limited chances to get it all right.
“This (the new album) is more about finding yourself and finding yourself in the world. ‘Smoke’ says everything we have is a temporary possession…our life is just like smoke,” Stoddard said. “It’s best to enjoy it while you have it and appreciate what you have.”
Beyond 7 will perform acoustic versions of the band's songs to Gordon James Grill & Bar, 110 N. El Camino Real, San Clemente, 9 p.m.-midnight on Saturdays, Oct. 21 and Oct. 28.
Information: 949- 498-9100

I can't stop listening to Carbon Leaf

Although there are more than two months remaining in 2006, I am pretty sure my favorite album of 2006 is "Love Loss Hope Repreat," the latest release from Carbon Leaf.

I can't say enough great things about this disc, which somehow blends a bunch of legendary sounds and influences into something new. The Byrds-tinged 12-string guitar on "Learn to Fly" and the early-R.E.M. vibe on "Under the Wire" seem somewhat obvious, but there is something very refreshing and timeless about all the music here. So many of the songs explode with infectious hooks, but this is not power pop where the melodies hit you over the head. But it's hard not to hit repeat after "A Girl and Her Horse" or "Texas Stars" or even the introspective "The War Was in Color" end.

A truly great disc. Released by Vanguard Records, Carbon Leaf's "Love Loss Hope Repeat" is a great album.

ASIA (late, late - I know....)

I've been busy. Very busy.
So sorry, but just today I want to update you on the most recent show I caught - has it really been a full week already? I was lucky enough to catch a reunion of ASIA on Wednesday night, Sept. 20. It was my first time ever to hit the Vault 350 in Long Beach (Warning, get there late like I did and be prepared to stand).

I am old enough to have caught ASIA when they played in Long Beach (I don't recall where now; it has been 23 years or something) after the release of the band's self-titled 1982 debut. I can tell you while guitarist Steve Howe (of Yes fame), keyboardist Geoff Downes (the Buggles, Yes), singer-bassist John Wetton (King Crimson) and drummer Carl Palmer (Emerson Lake & Palmer) were great that night eons ago, they were magical on the last night of summer '06.

Performing all of the great songs from "Asia" and the sophomore effort "Alpha" with fire would have made the show memorable. But throwing in seminal tracks from their various other projects added to the power of the night.

While "Heat of the Moment" is the song best known to casual listeners and was a great way to cap the night, several of the other songs were delivered showcased the many strengths of the fifty- and sixty-something players. "Sole Survivor" has remained one of the best recordings from the 1980s and its power was increased in the live setting. The complicated arrangements of that song and others worked well, with the melodic hooks and emotive vocals of Wetton clearly hitting their marks. Other highlights of the winning night included "Don't Cry," a sparse "The Smile Has Left Your Eyes," "Only Time Will Tell" and "Roundabout." And the night's most unlikely moment came when the foursome performed a lively "Video Killed the Radio Star" (the first song/video ever aired on MTV).

And while the majority of citics continue to dismiss prog rock, I have to be honest. Far more than a guilty pleasure, songs such as "Cutting It Fine" and "Here Comes the Feeling" just flat out rocked.

The Return of The Tickets!

On Friday night, Sept. 15th, I should have been asleep. After all, I had got up at 5 a.m. (East Coast time) to catch a flight to return to Orange County from Washington, D.C. But here I was at Fitzgerald's Pub in Huntington Beach. A lack of sleep was fine, thanks to great sets from Walter Clevenger & the Dairy Kings (who opened the show with a 45-minute set), and then two-length sets from The Tickets.

It was great to see The Tickets. I hadn't seen them perform since the 1980s when I caught them at a Battle of the Bands show at Mile Square Park in Fountain Valley. The good news, the band rocked. And although it was a one-night only show (the band was celebrating the release of a CD collection issued by Brewery Records), it was magic. The band played a number of their best original songs during the opening set, and then returned to play reworked covers of songs from bands such as Led Zep and the Knack later in the night.

Here is a copy of my preview that ran in the Orange County Register on Sept. 15. Get this CD folks!

Orange Pop: Tickets finally make a CD
By ROBERT KINSLER
Special to the Register

One of the most eagerly anticipated power-pop releases of the year is actually a long-lost treasure recorded more than 17 years ago.
"The Tickets Make a Record," a 1990 cassette-only release by Orange County's the Tickets, has been scrupulously remastered by Walter Clevenger and is finally seeing the light of day in 2006. It includes a number of bonus tracks. Moreover, the longest-running lineup of the original band has reunited to perform at a CD release party tonight at Fitzgerald's in Huntington Beach.
Copies of the 14-song "The Tickets" CD will be available at the show. The Tickets featured singer-lead guitarist Bryan Shaddix, singer-rhythm guitarist Brian Martin (who replaced Donald Mabbott in 1988), drummer Marcos De La Cruz (currently a member of the popular Tijuana Dogs) and bassist Andy Winston, and were likely Orange County's most popular and talented unsigned outfit during most of the group's 1985-95 run.
"Walter gave me a call one day (in 2005) and got me interested in making a record," said Shaddix, who moved from his native Washington to Orange County in the mid-1980s to play music, but then moved to Modesto "to relax a little" in 2000.
Shaddix is thrilled with Clevenger's remix and remastering of the album. In addition to cleaning up the overall sound of the original tracks, he removed some of the dated-sounding echo and reverb that were commonly used throughout the 1980s. Clevenger also brought up the lead guitar solo in "Heartland," enhancing one of the standout songs on the disc.
"I think Walter got it. We didn't go overboard," Shaddix said. "It's definitely 'now,' but still has the Tickets feel to it."
The release of "The Tickets" on Brewery Records and the one-time reunion show by the band tonight isn't the end of renewed interest in the group. An alternative version of the song "Dream About Me" (slightly different than the cut included on "The Tickets") will also be featured on a companion CD that is being included with copies of John Borack's "Shake Some Action: The History of Power Pop," a forthcoming published guide to the 200 most essential power-pop CDs being sold by the nation's leading pop-rock label, Not Lame Recordings.
This year may long be recognized as the year that provided the world long-thought-lost recordings. Just last month, the release of YMC Records' "Waylon Sings Hank Williams" showcased a dozen Hank Williams songs recorded by Waylon Jennings in 1985. And Amoeba Records announced earlier this year that the label is preparing an album of unreleased material by the late alt-country pioneer Gram Parsons (who died in 1973) for release. Power-pop fans around the globe that have worn-out copies of the Tickets' vinyl and cassette releases will be amazed by Clevenger's remixing and mastering efforts across the disc.
"Eric (Garten) was surprised anyone contacted him after so many years; the original sessions were in 1989," Clevenger said. "He said Brian (Shaddix) was one of the most talented guys he ever worked with. And he was excited about this getting out on CD."
Garten, who co-produced "The Tickets Make a Record" with Shaddix at his For the Record studio in Anaheim, wasn't sure if he still had the master 24-track tapes. Frequently when artists don't purchase the tapes, they are wiped clean and reused. After a week-long search, Garten phoned Clevenger with the good news that he still had the master tapes with all of the original recordings.
"Eric called and said 'It sounds like it was recorded yesterday,' " Clevenger recalled.
Indeed, "The Tickets" sounds like something from the digital age, with Beatles-styled harmonies layered atop ringing guitars and in-the-pocket rhythms that equal the strong songs themselves.
"We went into it with the sense as if you are in the studio when we were recording the album," Shaddix said.
For Clevenger, imagining that he had traveled back in time to 1989 to participate in the original recording sessions couldn't have been easier.
"I've listened to this album so many times, I had it committed to memory," Clevenger said. "I made it sound as good as I could."
The Tickets' CD release party is at 9 tonight at Fitzgerald's, 19171 Magnolia St., Huntington Beach. Walter Clevenger & the Dairy Kings will open the show. Admission is $5.
Information: www.breweryrecords.com.

George Fryer Combo rocks, off to NYC

I'm flying off to New York City tomorrow on a vacation and won't be blogging for another week or so. But before I left town I wanted to share with you about this great band I caught last Sunday, Sept. 3.
While the George Fryer Combo is one of Orange County's most talented bands, the group is equally among the most accessible and fan-friendly of music-making outfits.
There is generally never a charge when the quartet performs, and what could be more accommodating than regularly playing both evening and afternoon shows? Whereas Fryer's original songs, such as "You Make Me Happy" and "Still a Pawn," are highlights of any show, the Huntington Beach-based band gladly plays classic and modern-rock covers while making them their own.
That wide-ranging, easygoing approach has been extended into the recording studio and makes the George Fryer Combo's "New American Standards" CD a true gem.
George Fryer (lead vocals, guitar), Phil Vandermost (lead guitar, backing vocals), Dave Felde (bass) and Wolf Scheffler (drums) are uniformly strong, whether performing original material or reinterpreting the varied likes of Van Morrison, X, The Beatles and Herb Alpert.
"I (had) put out four original CDs. Every time we played a gig, I got asked, 'Do you have stuff you play live?' We went to Phil's studio and did it live," Fryer said of tracking the 15 songs on "New American Standards" in June and July of 2005. "All the instruments were live; we overdubbed vocals and guitars to sweeten it."
Vandermost had just started putting together a home studio when the George Fryer Combo was ready to record a follow-up to "Meow" (released at the beginning of 2005).
Fryer noted that "New American Standards" provides a snapshot of what the combo is doing right now. The troupe can play hundreds of songs, and many of the combo's best concert tunes are featured on the new CD. Herb Alpert's "The Lonely Bull (El Solo Toro)," Van Morrison's "Domino" and a strong and innovative medley of The Doors' "Soul Kitchen," Santana's "Evil Ways" and Cream's "Crossroads" are among the formidable classics redone, while seven of Fryer's originals are also showcased.
"We've been playing with this lineup for three years and developed a sound no one else has," Fryer said. The George Fryer Combo is the perfect house band for King Neptune's, a relaxed tavern in Sunset Beach where regulars and visitors can hang out, watch Sunday football and then catch live music.
"If someone comes in with a request, we'll try it even if we don't know it," Fryer admitted. On a recent Sunday afternoon at King Neptune's, the George Fryer Combo performed memorable versions of The Beatles' "Here Comes the Sun" and "One After 909," Neil Diamond's "Solitary Man," as well as Fryer's own "Teenage Lovesong" and "Goodbye (I Guess This Is)."
But which do they like most?
"My favorite song is everything we play," Vandermost said. "Plus, I like what George is doing with his own songs. I like to add to that."
The George Fryer Combo will perform at King Neptune's, 17115 Pacific Coast Highway, Sunset Beach, at 5 p.m. on Sept. 10 and Sept. 17 and 24. Admission to all shows is free.
Orange Slices
Orange County-based post-hard-core outfit Saosin will open for AFI at a string of upcoming area shows, including dates at the Bren Events Center in Irvine on Tuesday and the Long Beach Convention Center on Sept. 15. Saosin will be playing material off the band's self-titled Capitol Records debut, set for release Sept. 26. Several songs from "Saosin" (pronounced say-o-sin) can be heard on the band's MySpace page. Saosin will headline at the Troubadour in Hollywood on Sept. 26 in celebration of the CD release.

Dylan talks, but is he listening?

Reuters has published a story ("Dylan says modern recordings 'atrocious') today that got me to do some thinking.

According to the article filed from Los Angeles, the 65-year-old singer-songwriters was quoted by Rolling Stone magazine as saying "I don't know anybody who's made a record that sounds decent in the past 20 years, really."

I wonder if Robert Zimmerman has actually taken the time to listen. Neil Young has made a few classics during that stretch, notably "Harvest Moon" (1992) and "Mirror Ball" (1995). In fact, including efforts such as the rocking "Ragged Glory" (1990), beautiful "Prairie Wind" (2005) and raging "Living With War" (released earlier this year), Neil Young has released as many great albums since turning 40 as he did in the first part of his music-making career.

The same can be said for Canadian great Bruce Cockburn. Start with "Breakfast in New Orleans Dinner in Timbuktu" (1999), and then get a well-worth-it earful of "You've Never Seen Everything" (2003) and this year's powerful "Life Short Call Now."

Let me point Bob to another few artists who didn't even get started until the 1990s or '00s. The Cranberries' "Bury the Hatchet" is one of the best rock albums I've ever heard and Dolores O'Riordan never sounded better. The disc boasts a lyrical journey that blends global concerns with intimate struggles, and the music soars. American radio just didn't have the guts to give it a try when it was released in 1999.

And anyone who reads this blog frequently knows how strongly I feel about the work of a number of other '90s outfits, notably dada ("Puzzle," "American Highway Flower" and "El Subliminoso" are timeless efforts), Toad the Wet Sprocket ("Fear," "Dulcinea" and "Coil" still sound as fresh as ever).

And, of course, there well-recognized landmark efforts from the Cure ("Disintegration," "Wish"), U2 ("Achtung Baby," "All That You Can't Leave Behind"), Moby ("Play"), Keane ("Hopes and Fears") and Snow Patrol ("Final Straw") that are among the countless original music masterworks released during the stretch. Again, dismissing all music is great fodder for magazine articles. But, I think Bob Dylan might be better off listening to some music once in awhile.

And if all else fails, get a soundcheck courtesy of notable releases from Charlie Musselwhite, Dead Can Dance, Depeche Mode, Radiohead, Coldplay, World Party, Vinnie James, Altered State, Pearl Jam, Lee Rocker, Bright Blue Gorilla, Scarlet Crush, Walter Clevenger & the Dairy Kings, Mel, Lunar Rover, Michael Ubaldini, Social Distortion...the list goes on.

Toad the Wet Sprocket conjures up magic at Galaxy

For me, the 1990s will forever be the decade about a handful of great bands who released strong and timeless material that has been largely overlooked by the world.
DADA, Altered State, the Cranberries and Toad the Wet Sprocket rank on the top of my list and the reason is obvious; excellent songs played with the perfect lineup of players.
On Saturday (August 19, 2006), I got to see the reunited Toad the Wet Sprocket when they made a highly-anticipated stop before a capacity crowd at the Galaxy Concert Theatre in Santa Ana.
Singer-guitarist Glen Phillips, guitarist-singer Todd Nichols, bassist Dean Dinning and drummer Randy Guss were truly firing on all sonic cylinders throughout the 22-song set, which kicked off at 9:30 p.m. and didn’t end until 11:10 p.m. I wish the band could have played all night.
Toad the Wet Sprocket – which played its first show on Sept. 3, 1986 – revisited material from throughout its small but decisive catalog, including audience favorites such as “Something’s Always Wrong” (which kicked off the 100-minute concert), “All I Want,” Crowing,” "Walk on the Ocean" and “Fly From Heaven."
The show was kind of split in half because Glen Phillips played a solo, 2-song acoustic set in the middle to showcase several recent songs. An affected “Easier” (off his “Winter Pays for Summer” disc) was especially strong, with Glen’s distinctive voice driving every line home.
It was also great to hear the ghost of Gram Parsons when the entire band played “Everything But You,” a country-styled song off his most recent disc, “Mr. Lemons.”
Toad the Wet Sprocket has always been a band able to fit comfortably into the folk rock category, but the cast artfully blends rock, pop, country and folk into a magic potion all its own.
For those who like a rock edge, “Hold Her Down” “Fall Down” and “Brother” (with Glen delivering some wah wah-anchored electric guitar work) delivered. For those who like the wistful and emotive songs, Todd sang lead vocals on a tender “Inside” and there were great readings of countrified tracks such as “Stupid,” “Nanci” and “Nightingale Song.”
And one song from 1997's tragically-overlooked “Coil” worked exceptionally well here; the confessional “Whatever I Fear” was among the night's highlights.
An aptly-placed “I Will Not Take These Things for Granted” closed the emotional show; it painfully clear the incredible night was coming to a close.
Come back soon guys, okay? We need you.

Toad the Wet Sprocket set list on Saturday, August 19, 2006:

Something’s Always Wrong
Whatever I Fear
Fly From Heaven
Windmills
Stupid
All I Want
Inside (Todd sang)
Hold Her Down
Come Back Down

GLEN ALONE WITH ACOUSTIC GUITAR
Back On My Feet (off "Abulum")
Easier (off “Winter Pays for Summer”)

ALL FOUR MEMBERS BACK ON STAGE TOGETHER
Everything But You (off “Mr. Lemons”)
Crowing
Nanci
Nightingale Song
Good Intentions
Jam
Brother
Fall Down

ENCORE
Crazy Life (Todd sang)
Walk on the Ocean
I Will Not Take These Things for Granted

Earth, Wind & Fire shows that less is more

When Earth, Wind & Fire and Chicago toured last year, each group performed separate sets and segments of the show together, with EW&F clearly delivering the best moments at a September stop at the Greek Theatre. However, because of the dual design of that bill, the most magical moments of EW&F’s set were spread over 3 1/2 hours.
In a wonderful show at Verizon Wireless Amphitheater in Irvine on Friday night (August 18, 2006) clocking in at a mere 90 minutes, the genre- and time-defying EW&F performed a mix of energetic dance numbers and emotional ballads in ways simply not possible the last time the group rolled through the region.
What has always set EW&F apart from just about any other artist is the way the large ensemble can lock into a dance groove and use a blend of R&B, Motown harmonies, pop, funk and blues to joyous effect. “Shining Star” and “Saturday Nite” were highlights in the early part of the set, but the overall energy and excitement of the band and the connection with the audience continued to build.
And while the range of material covered by the 12-member touring version of the troupe stretched from disco to soulful ballads, there was cohesiveness courtesy of lead vocalist Philip Bailey, bassist Verdine White and the three-member horn section that lifted the performance of all of the songs. Even though inserting a ballad into the middle of a set could easily squash the momentum, EW&F had no worries on this night. During beautiful renditions of “Reasons” and “After the Love Has Gone,” Bailey’s soaring vocals provided the dramatics. During dynamic dance tunes such as “Sing A Song” and “September,” the mix of funky grooves, lush vocals, layered guitars and horn blasts propelled the music in unison with the moving crowd.
In fact, many in the near-capacity crowd stood for much of the concert, providing an additional boost to EW&F as the band played most of its big hits from the 1970s and early 1980s.
In a rare moment as concerts go, the performance of “Fantasy” boasted that magical moment when the combination of great song, talented players and tuned-in audience arrive at some distant place together.
Opener Chris Botti, an accomplished trumpet player, played a solid hour-long set that was a true amalgamation of smooth and adventurous jazz material. Botti and his excellent quartet excelled during instrumental versions of “Cinema Paradiso,” “A Thousand Kisses Deep” and “My Funny Valentine.”

The Attraction pushes punk's envelope

It's no wonder the Attraction picked up honors in the Best Punk category at the Southern California Music Awards in February of 2006, and then nabbed top honors in the same category at the Orange County Music Awards two months later.
The group's 12-song debut, "Step Right Up!" is a must have for discerning listeners who love punk. And the Huntington Beach-based outfit's sound is vast enough to include alt-rock, power pop and reggae. The Roundhouse Productions-issued disc features instantly-memorable melodic tracks such as "Tales of a Liar" and "Farewell," as well as the wistful U2-flavored "Christmas Song," the hardcore assault of "Bleed" and reggae tune "Subject to Change." While the original July 2005 pressing of "Step Right Up!" recently sold out, the Attraction is repressing the disc in a special edition format that will include some live cuts.
"These are the greatest and most easy going guys I've ever been with in a band," said drummer Humper T, in an interview conducted after the Attraction tore through a strong 45-minute set at diPiazza in Long Beach on Aug. 10. The band's all-original lineup also features lead singer Lance Romance, guitarist Master John and bassist Beaver.
Watching the quartet perform together on stage, connect with a crowd and talk about the magic of firing on all cylinders, it's easy to see why the Attraction is likely the most aptly-titled outfit around. It's not the great songs alone; dressing in colorful attire and using some select lighting and sound effects to open their performances, they deliver a show that truly combines a powerful rock aesthetic with theater.
"It's fun. We all have grown," said Master John. "We've come in with an open mind. We throw the spaghetti against the wall and see what sticks." Added Lance Romance: "It's not just a band, it's a bond."
The Attraction has found a fast-growing fan base, thanks to airplay on Los Angeles' Indie 103.1 FM, as well as shows at large venues such as the Galaxy Concert Theatre in Santa Ana and opening for Guttermouth at Vault 350 in Long Beach. The band also headlined at the 15th annual Inkslinger's Ball, performing in front of its largest-ever audience at Angel Stadium in April.
Since playing its first show at Gallagher's in Huntington Beach on Oct. 11, 2003, the band has been writing, recording and playing music – all built around a mix of melodic choruses, catchy guitar riffs and enthralling shows. Very soon the Attraction will see if far-off audiences are as receptive as those in their own backyard; the band is playing at the Celebrity Night Club in Las Vegas tonight. In addition, it is going on a nationwide tour in October, including shows in connection with the CMJ Music Marathon festival in New York.
"This band is a second chance at life for me," admitted Beaver, who hadn't played music in several years before the Attraction. "I met Lance and we started the band three years ago. This is everything music should have been when I first started, being involved with a band that is more than four guys playing music. There is so much heart behind every song, but at the same time it's pure fun."
Lance Romance agrees: "I'm of the opinion, that (live) music has lost its entertainment value." That said there is no lack of substance in the Attraction's material. The ramifications of war ("Johnny") and the loss of loved ones ("Still Breathing" was written in the wake of the death of the lead singer's sister three years ago) are among the Attraction's most memorable songs.
"The word of mouth on us is ridiculous," Beaver said. "We haven't done pay to play (the system in which some clubs require artists to sell a minimum number of tickets to play). Once they (audiences) see us, they're sold."
The Attraction will perform at the South Bay Music Awards, 710 Pier Ave., Hermosa Beach, at 8 p.m. on Sept. 9.
Information: www.theattraction.net.

Santana; a sound of his own

Like B.B. King, Carlos Santana is one of a handful of guitarists who have a sound so readily recognizable it has become a timeless style all its own. Performing before a near-capacity crowd at Verizon Wireless Amphitheater on Monday night, July 31, 2006, the legendary guitarist led his nine-member troupe on a 2-1/2-hour journey that reached artistic highs even while making some missteps. Before Santana was catapulted back into the spotlight with the success of his 1999 album “Supernatural,” he was best known by fans for his distinctive guitar work and his band’s puercussion-heavy jams. But with that release, and the similarly-formatted followups(“Shaman” and “All That I Am”) boasting well-known guests such as Rob Thomas, Dave Matthews and Los Lonely Boys, Santana has also become a hitmaker. Over the course of his concert on what should have been a beautiful night under the stars (I barely survived all the cigarette smoke engulfing me from every which way...), the 59-year-old guitarist juggled those two sides of his career effectively. There were extended jams where he traded solos with wonderful organ player ChesterThompson and several other members of his band, and he mixed up the set list to reflect flamenco, blues andLatin rock genres he has explored since forming his first group 40 years ago. His fiery and virtuoso guitar work, often delivered amidst a backdrop of horns, congas, timbales and the driving work of drummer Dennis Chambers usually was on the mark. Santana’s guitar work was great throughout the night, but the ensemble at large scored best with material that broke up the extended jams and solos that frequently slowed the momentum of the show. Indeed, along drum solo delivered during the early part of the encore actually proved to be the perfect incentive formany concertgoers to beat the traffic and call it anight. So when Santana and company performed relatively faithful versions of hits such as “Smooth” and the classic “Black Magic Woman,” it actually swept the audience back into the show, getting many on their feet to dance and bring a necessary ingredient to Santana’s pleasing mix. “No One to Depend On” was particularly effective in fusing the best musical and vocal elements that define the Santana sound. Singer Andy Vargas was an energetic and strong-voiced singer throughout the night, while trombone player JeffCressman’s work was particularly strong. All eight songs in Anthony Hamilton’s eight-song set were played well and the Charlotte, North Carolina native delivered serviceable R&B with the help of a strong six-man band and three female backing vocalists. But with the exception of a rousing “Chyna Black,” there was predictability to the sound and the set ultimately didn't catch fire.