New music: Walter Trout, Lenny Williams, Raspberries

In this column I feature the latest album from modern blues-rock great Walter Trout, an important reissue from soul singer Lenny Williams and revisit an essential Raspberries title. 

Artist: Walter Trout

Title: Broken (Provogue Records)

You might like if you enjoy: Joe Bonamassa, Paul Rodgers, Beth Hart

Tell me more: Over the past few years a myriad of domestic and international challenges ranging from inflation, economic uncertainty and increasing violent crime at home to raging wars in Europe and the Middle East as well as rising tension between the U.S. and China bring a sobering reality to life in 2024. In Walter Trout's poignant liner notes on his new album Broken the blues great notes despite the darkness of modern life there is still hope. "These days it seems easy to get discouraged. It's easy to feel powerless. It's easy to feel broken," Trout writes, in part. "I still believe that music is a powerful force that can bring people together." Indeed, there is a life-affirming power across Broken that celebrates the power of the human spirit delivered via dynamic blues rock from one of the genre's greatest-ever proponents. The 12 songs on the Eric Corne-produced album resonate with an energy and urgency that taps into blues and classic rock with an authenticity sure to thrill discerning music lovers. From the heartfelt opener "Broken" featuring guest vocals from Beth Hart and the rootsy "Turn and Walk Away" (the latter featuring Trout's great harmonica work), to the nostalgia-filled "No Magic (On The Street), nuanced instrumental "Love Of My Life" and riveting closer "Falls Apart," the album is rife with highlights. This writer's favorite track is the bewitching "Talkin' To Myself," the song's mesmerizing grace enhanced by Trout's reflective lyrics and strengths as singer, guitarist and electric sitar player. Information: Waltertrout.com.

Artist: Lenny Williams

Title: Chill (Omnivore Recordings)

You might like if you enjoy: James Ingram, Peabo Bryson, Tower of Power

Tell me more: Available on audio CD for the first time in 30 years, singer-songwriter Lenny Williams' Chill proves to be a timeless listen. The one-time Tower of Power singer and lead vocalist on Kenny G's 1986 hit "Don't Make Me Wait For Love" was in full command of his incredible powers as a vocalist when he recorded Chill in 1994. Armed with a wonderfully soulful voice, Williams delivers a mix of enticing originals and artful covers on the 12-track disc. Among the notable tracks on the collection are the dance-minded "Baby, You Caught Me Eye," the tender ballad "Driftin', a grooving cover of the McFadden & Whitehead signature track "Ain't No Stoppin' Us Now," and lovely "Has Anybody Seen My Heart." Williams' artistic reading of the Daryl Hall & John Oates 1975 hit single "Sara Smile" is a delight. Information: OmnivoreRecordings.com.

Artist: Raspberries

Title: Live on Sunset Strip (Rykodisc)

You might like if you enjoy: Badfinger, Eric Carmen, Raspberries, Matthew Sweet

Tell me more: With the death of beloved singer-songwriter/multi-instrumentalist Eric Carmen earlier this month, the music world understandably began to revisit and reassess his outstanding work recorded with the groundbreaking 1970s power pop quartet Raspberries and as a solo artist. Now is the perfect time to celebrate Carmen's work via the wonderful Raspberries concert recording Live on Sunset Strip, a 2007 three-disc title that features a complete 21-track live set captured at the House Of Blues, Los Angeles during the quartet's reunion tour in 2005. The Raspberries original lineup of Carmen, guitarist Wally Bryson, drummer Jim Bonfanti and bassist Dave Smalley are all in top form across the unlikely return. Among the incredible tracks on the marathon-length live set are the earworm opener "I Wanna Be With You," killer cover of The Who's "I Can't Explain," rocking "Tonight," wistful folk rock nuggets "Should I Wait" and "Come Around And See Me," ambitious "Overnight Sensation (Hit Record)," and crunchy aptly-titled "I'm A Rocker." The band closes with their soaring anthem "Go All The Way," one of this writer's all-time favorite rock songs (the track gained renewed attention when it was featured in the 2014 film "Guardians of the Galaxy"). The title includes a bonus DVD with the filmed performances of five of the key tracks featured on the audio recording. Information: amazon.com.

Robert Kinsler

'Chicago & Friends In Concert' Nationwide & Canadian Film release on April 18 and April 21, 2024

Fans of Chicago will want to get this on their calendar...Robert Kinsler

 

FANTRACKS DIGITAL, ICONIC EVENTS RELEASING AND MERCURY STUDIOS PROUDLY CELEBRATE THE THEATRICAL DEBUT OF CHICAGO & FRIENDS IN CONCERT -NATIONWIDE & CANADIAN FILM RELEASE APRIL 18 AND APRIL 21- FIND THEATRE LOCATIONS & TIMES HERE WATCH THE TRAILER Chicago & Friends In Concert - Film Official Trailer

Hailed as one of the "most important bands in music since the dawn of the rock and roll era.” New York (March 20, 2024) – The theatrical release of Chicago & Friends in Concert will premiere on April 18 and April 21, in select theatres via Iconic Events Releasing, Mercury Studios and FanTracks. “This concert film is a unique approach to any of our previous live performances,” said Chicago founding member Lee Loughnane. “We very rarely play with guest artists, much less seven of them. It was very interesting to work with each guest and experience their interpretations of our music.” Chicago, the legendary Rock & Roll Hall of Fame band with more than 100 million albums sold worldwide, bring their iconic sound to moviegoers across North America in this 2½ hour cinematic event. Recorded this past November at Ovation Hall at the Ocean Casino Resort in Atlantic City, NJ in front of a live audience of 10,000 fans over two nights, the band was joined by special guests Robin Thicke, Chris Daughtry, Steve Vai, VoicePlay, Judith Hill, Robert Randolph and Christone “Kingfish” Ingram. Each performance is visualized in vibrant video and animation. This once-in-a-lifetime event showcases Chicago’s greatest hits and celebrates their 55th Anniversary of their groundbreaking Double-Platinum debut album, CHICAGO TRANSIT AUTHORITY. The film also captures the “unplugged” a capella arrangements and re-imagined Chicago's hits in an emotionally moving centerpiece. Chicago & Friends In Concert’s Executive Producer Barry Summers worked directly with co-producer, Chicago’s Lee Loughnane, and each special guest on song selections. Loughnane also acted as music director and managed the post-production audio mix. Barry Summers, Award Winning Producer & Creator of the Decades Rock LIve series of which this film is the latest, exclaims “We are very excited to be presenting "Chicago & Friends in Concert" 4K UHD Dolby 5.1 at cinemas in North America. Ty Roberts, CEO, FanTracks added “We are thrilled to showcase the Decades Rock Live series in theatres which brings multiple generations together to celebrate iconic music.” The Decades Rock Live Chicago & Friends production was filmed on a custom-built LED stage set with nine 4K cameras. This film premiere contains Chicago’s greatest hits and classics with each visualized in all original full length animations shown against an amazing custom LED backdrop. Visit HTTPS://CHICAGOANDFRIENDSINTHEATRES.COM for theaters and showtimes near you. ABOUT CHICAGO The legendary rock and roll band with horns, Chicago, came in as the highest charting American band in Billboard Magazine's Top 125 Artists of All Time. Chicago recently received The Recording Academy’s Lifetime Achievement Award from the GRAMMYS and was previously inducted into the GRAMMY Hall of Fame in 2014. Band members Robert Lamm and James Pankow have been inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame in 2017. Further to that, the band has 21 Top 10 singles, five consecutive Number One albums, 11 #1 singles and five Gold singles, with a total of 48 Gold and Platinum awards. The original three band members are Robert Lamm on keyboards and vocals, Lee Loughnane on trumpet and vocals and James Pankow on trombone. The band line-up also includes Ray Herrmann on woodwinds, Walfredo Reyes Jr. on drums, Neil Donell on vocals, Ramon "Ray" Yslas on percussion, Tony Obrohta on guitar, Loren Gold on keyboards and vocals, and Eric Baines on bass and vocals. ABOUT FANTRACKS FanTracks Digital LLC is a live streaming company with fan engagement at its core, connecting fans, bands and venues. The company provides subscription and pay-per-view streaming live music events, studio grade video production, short form original contenand digital merchandise. FanTracks operates its own B2B and B2C platforms focused around music genres for artists and brands. The platform provides fans high-quality, carefully curated, and professionally produced live shows. In August 2022 FanTracks acquired jazzed, the immersive live-streaming app uniquely curated from the best in jazz, soul and blues to jazz-inspired superstars, thereby adding experienced management in music, entertainment and technology to its leadership team, who are trailblazers in creating new experiences with artists. Fantracks Live STORE – Fantracks Shop for merchandise for Chicago & Friends. About Iconic Events Releasing: Iconic Events Releasing is reinventing event cinema - focusing on bringing fans closer to the content that they love. Offering a variety of one-of-a-kind live and captured entertainment events in movie theaters nationwide, Iconic Events Releasing creates unique experiences by taking audiences behind the scenes and offering intriguing extras, audience Q&As, backstage footage, and interviews with cast and crew creating the ultimate VIP experience. Theatrical releases range from live sports (UFC Live) to classic anime (AX Cinema Nights) to music (David Bryne, David Bowie, Chicago & Friends in Concert), documentaries (The Lost Weekend), horror films (Terrifier Franchise), and faith-focused features (God of Heaven and Earth). The Iconic Events Releasing’s team is comprised of industry experts with over 80+ years of content acquisition, distribution and marketing, publicity, and sponsorship experience. To learn more visit https://iconicreleasing.com/about-us/ About Mercury Studios: Mercury Studios is a full-service production studio originating, producing, selling, distributing, and investing in scripted, unscripted, and live content. Editorially independent Mercury Studios is powered by Universal Music Group and represents the world’s leading catalogue of music-related content. Current and recent projects include If These Walls Could Sing, the untold story of the world-famous Abbey Road Studios, directed by celebrated British photographer and filmmaker Mary McCartney for Disney+; This Town, a six-part series for the BBC from writer, creator and executive producer Steven Knight; Contact High: A Visual History of Hip-Hop, a feature documentary from Oscar-winning director/producer Joseph Patel (Summer of Soul), adapted from Vikki Tobak’s best-selling book; “My Life as a Rolling Stone,” a four-part docuseries of intimate portraits of Mick Jagger, Keith Richards, Ronnie Wood and Charlie Watts; Shania Twain: Not Just a Girl, a career documentary about the superstar that is available on Netflix; and Mars, a short film based on an original universe and characters created by Yungblud, starring Yasmin Finney, that premiered at the London Film Festival. Mercury Studios’ Miles Davis: Birth of The Cool was recently honored with two Emmys for Outstanding Arts and Culture Documentary and Outstanding Sound. ZZ Top: That Little Ol' Band from Texas also received a 2021 Grammy Award nomination for Best Music Film. The feature documentaries are part of the Mercury Studios library, consisting of over 5,000 hours of programming. Visit Mercurystudios.co for more information.

Def Leppard 'One Night Only Live at The Leadmill Sheffield' - Exclusive Record Store Day 2 Silver Vinyl LP

Important news for fans of Def Leppard and Record Store Day...Robert Kinsler

Def Leppard 'One Night Only Live at The Leadmill Sheffield' coming May 19, 2023

~Exclusive Record Store Day 2 Silver Vinyl LP~

CLICK HERE TO VIEW "WASTED"

New York, NY (March 20, 2024) -- Celebrating Record Store Day at participating stores starting April 20, 2024, Mercury Studios will exclusively release the Double Silver Vinyl LP Def Leppard One Night Only Live at The Leadmill Sheffield May 19, 2023.

On the eve of the band’s largest UK/ European run ever (including a sold out night at Wembley Stadium) and on the heels of launching their critically acclaimed and chart-topping new album, “Drastic Symphonies” (recorded at the renowned Abbey Road), Def Leppard streamed a one-off live performance from the historic Sheffield venue, The Leadmill. This unique set was from one of the most intimate shows the band has played in the UK or Europe in over 35 years, giving their fans the chance to hear and see the Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame inducted band up close performing an extraordinary stadium style set in a club setting.

Find stores and more information at recordstoreday.com

Track Listing

Side A:
1. Action
2. Fire It Up
3. Let It Go

Side B:
1. Too Late For Love
2. Excitable
3. Mirror Mirror

Side C:
1. Slang
2. Kick
3. Bringin’ On The Heartbreak
4. Switch 625

Side D:
1. Hysteria
2. Pour Some Sugar On Me
3. Wasted

ABOUT DEF LEPPARD
With more than 110 million albums sold worldwide and two prestigious Diamond Awards in the U.S., 2019 Rock & Roll Hall of Fame® inductees Def Leppard - Joe Elliott (vocals), Phil Collen (guitar), Rick Savage (bass), Vivian Campbell (guitar) and Rick Allen (drums) — continue to be one of the most important forces in rock music. Over the course of their career the band has produced a series of classic ground-breaking albums that set the bar for generations of music fans and artists alike. The group’s spectacular live shows and arsenal of hits have become synonymous with their name, leading Def Leppard to be heralded as the world’s greatest live rock band. Def Leppard’s influential career includes numerous hit singles and ground-breaking multi-platinum albums, including two of the best-selling albums of all time, Pyromania and Hysteria— the former of which is currently celebrating it’s 40th anniversary— capturing the group’s legendary tracks, bringing together classic Leppard hits such as “Rock of Ages”, Pour Some Sugar on Me” and “Foolin.” For the first time, in January 2018 Def Leppard debuted their full recording catalog worldwide via streaming and download platforms. As they did with the original release of their records, Def Leppard dominated the worldwide charts again, which found their albums charting in the iTunes Top 10 in more than 30 countries, including Hysteria at #3 in the US, and #5 in the UK (36 years after the album had charted at No 1 in the Billboard charts). Def Leppard also had the #1, #2 and #3 records on the US catalog albums chart. The band have gone on to amass a staggering 5.5 billion streams since 2018, reaching a younger 18-44 demographic that now represents 58% of their fanbase. Additionally, the band have garnered an impressive 15 million followers across their social media platforms. In May 2022, Def Leppard released their critically and commercially acclaimed twelfth studio album Diamond Star Halos. The album debuted at #1 on the Apple and Amazon Music charts. The album also scored a Top 10 debut on Billboard’s Top 200 Albums chart, marking the band’s eighth Top 10 album of their career, and garnered a #1 debut on Billboard’s Hard Rock chart. Globally, Diamond Star Halos had numerous Top 10 chart entries including a Top 5 debut in the UK. This has been followed by their 13th studio album Drastic Symphonies with the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra in 2023. The album charted at no 4 in the UK album charts – their highest UK chart entry in over 32 years—and spent an impressive 15 weeks at #1 on the Billboard Current Classical chart. In early 2023, the band scored a U.K. no. 1 Netflix film with their cameo in acclaimed movie Bank Of Dave. Following the close of their historic 2018 co-headline stadium and arena run in North America, Def Leppard sold more than 1,000,000 tickets, a massive feat in today’s touring world. Def Leppard & Mötley Crüe topped that number yet again with another sold out stadium run in 2022 & 2023 selling over 2.1 million tickets across the globe while performing in 27 countries and on five continents. As always, the group continues to push the boundaries with their electrifying live shows and are set for another North American stadium tour this summer.

Blu-ray review: 'The Shootist [Limited Edition]' revisits John Wayne's final film with a myriad of features

Review by Robert Kinsler

Title: The Shootist [Limited Edition]

Details: A new high definition Blu-ray (1080p) presentation of John Wayne's final film was released on March 12, 2024. The new 2K remaster by Arrow Films is taken from the original 35mm camera negative of the 1976 Western classic

MPAA rating: PG

Director: Don Siegel

Actors: John Wayne, Lauren Bacall, Ron Howard, Scotsman Crothers, John Carradine, James Stewart

Run time: 100 minutes

Studio: Arrow Video

Tell me more: "I won't be wronged. I won't be insulted. I won't be laid a hand on. I don't do these things to other people and  require the same from them." Such is the motto of John Bernard Books, the central character played by actor John Wayne in director Don Siegel's beloved and brilliant 1976 film "The Shootist."

Wayne soars as both movie star and actor in "The Shootist," a marvelous cinematic adaption of author Glendon Swarthout's 1975 novel of the same name. Wayne's character is an aging gunfighter dying of cancer (Wayne himself was a cancer survivor at the time of the production and would die of stomach cancer on June 11, 1979), and his reputation among outlaws ultimately allows him to face death with the strength and courage that have marked his illustrious life.

John Wayne in "The Shootist"

The newly-released "The Shootist [Limited Edition]" Blu-ray provides film aficionados a chance to revisit and immerse themselves into this timeless classic. The picture quality and original lossless mono audio are excellent, allowing the viewer to be plunged into the poignant story and world of 1901.

Every member of the distinguished cast deliver powerful performances, collectively elevating the might of the film. Legendary actress Lauren Bacall, as well as a young Ron Howard and veteran greats James Stewart, Scotsman Crothers, John Carradine, Richard Boone, Sheree North and Henry Morgan are all outstanding. Siegel's signature direction and composer Elmer Bernstein's nuanced score further bolster the classic.

From left, John Wayne and James Stewart
in "The Shootist"

In addition to an outstanding print of the feature-length film, Arrow Video's limited edition Blu-ray of the movie is loaded with bonus features. For more information on this outstanding release, visit: https://mvdb2b.com/s/AV566

A list of bonus features is below: 

• LIMITED EDITION CONTENTS

  • New 2K remaster by Arrow Films from the original 35mm camera negative
  
  
  • High Definition Blu-ray (1080p) presentation
  
  
  • Original lossless mono audio
  
  
  • Optional English Subtitles for the deaf and hard of hearing
  
  
  • Brand new audio commentary by filmmaker and critic Howard S. Berger
  
  
  • The Last Day, a new visual essay by film critic David Cairns
  
  
  • A Man-Making Moment, a new interview with Western author C. Courtney Joyner
  
  
  • Laments of the West, a new appreciation of Elmer Bernstein’s score by film historian and composer Neil Brand
  
  
  • Contemplating John Wayne: The Death of a Cowboy, a new visual essay by filmmaker and critic Scout Tafoya
  
  
  • The Shootist: The Legend Lives On, archival featurette
  
  
  • Theatrical trailer
  
  
  • Image gallery
  
  
  • Reversible sleeve featuring original and newly commissioned artwork by Juan Esteban Rodríguez
  
  
  • Double-sided fold-out poster featuring original and newly commissioned artwork by Juan Esteban Rodríguez
  
  
  • Six postcard-sized lobby card reproductions
  
  
  • Illustrated collector’s booklet featuring new writing by film critic Philip Kemp

  
  

New music: The Rolling Stones, Gene Loves Jezebel, Bedsit Poets

In this column I review the latest titles featuring The Rolling Stones, Jay Aston's Gene Loves Jezebel and Bedsit Poets.

Artist: The Rolling Stones

Title: Live At The Wiltern (Mercury Studios)

You might like if you enjoy: The Rolling Stones, classic rock

Tell me more: For the countless millions of Rolling Stones fans who were not able to attend the band's intimate concert at The Wiltern in Los Angeles in late 2002, the good news is that the newly-released multi-format title Live At The Wiltern puts fans squarely amidst the action at the historic concert staged at the 2,000+ seat venue on Nov. 22, 2002. Available on DVD + 2CD, Blu-ray + 2CD (the latter reviewed here), 2CD and 3LP, the show captured the Rock and Roll Hall of Famers performing a mix of enduring favorites and inspired covers before an enthusiastic crowd that included the likes of Tom Petty, Neil Young, Sheryl Crow, Johnny Depp, Stephen Stills and Eddie Murphy. This was a night where singer Mick Jagger, drummer Charlie Watts, guitarists Keith Richards and Ronnie Wood rocked for two hours; the top-tier supporting cast included bassist Darryl Jones, keyboardist Chuck Leavell, saxophone great Bobby Keys, backing vocalist Lisa Fischer and many others — all smiling and genuinely having a blast. The energy level and joyous music making never falters across the concert; from the time the Stones take the stage and open with a powerful "Jumpin' Jack Flash" the audience is treated to the thrill of a lifetime. Some of my favorites include the rollicking "Neighbours" with Richards unleashing some Chuck Berry-styled lead guitar licks, a rowdy "Going To A Go-Go" featuring Keys' stellar sax playing, the rootsy "Thru And Thru" with Richards on lead vocals, and an emotional reading of the Chicago blues classic "Rock Me Baby." The extended "Can't You Hear Me Knocking" features Watts' rapid-fire work on his kit with virtuoso turns from Keys, Jagger on harmonica and Woods' dazzling lead guitar; the 20-track setlist also includes solid performances of "Honky Tonk Women," "Brown Sugar" and "Tumbling Dice." Another key reason to grab this release is the slew of rarely-performed gems including "Stray Cat Blues," "No Expectations" and a cover of "Everybody Needs Somebody To Love," the latter featuring guest soul singer Solomon Burke. The physical package includes a wonderful 12-page booklet with detailed liner notes by Paul Sexton, as well as colorful photographs of the band members and more. Information: mercurystudios.co.

Artist: Jay Aston's Gene Loves Jezebel

Title: X - Love Death Sorrow (Cleopatra Records)

You might like if you enjoy: The Church, The Cure, Gene Loves Jezebel

Tell me more: Jay Aston's Gene Loves Jezebel is back with X - Love Death Sorrow, the Welsh gothic rocker outfit's first studio album since 2017's Dance Underwater. The 12-track disc offers up a mix of original tracks as well as artful covers of material originally performed by Magazine, The Cure, Edwyn Collins and The Only Ones. Standouts on the outstanding return include the hypnotic opener "The Man That Time Forgot," soaring "Serpent Queen" featuring Aston's poignant lead and backing vocals, mood-swept ballad "I Breathe Easy," the enchanting "Young Girl," and captivating cover of Collins' 1994 hit "A Girl Like You." Particularly beautiful is the band's haunting version of the Robert Smith-penned "In Between Days." The stylish and strong work of James Stevenson (guitar), Peter "Bugs" Rizzo (bass, synthesizers), Smiley (drums, percussion) and album producer Peter Walsh (keyboards) impress across the masterwork. Jay Aston's Gene Loves Jezebel will embark on a U.S. tour with The Alarm and Belouis Some beginning May 1, 2024. Information: genelovesjezebel.co.uk or cleorecs.com.

Artist: Bedsit Poets

Title: All Roads Lead Me Back (Think Like A Key Music)

You might like if you enjoy: Leonard Cohen, Dead Can Dance, Edward Rogers, Amanda Thorpe, Rogers & Butler

Tell me more: All Roads Lead Me Back marks the third full-length album from Bedsit Poets, a collaboration between established solo artists Edward Rogers and Amanda Thorpe. The album opens with the lush "Come See About Me," a wonderful track blending folk, art rock and world music stylings into a luxurious sonic brew. Rogers and Thorpe have voices that ignite when heard alone and when heard coming together in harmony. Highlights include the beguiling dream pop original "London Town," spirited art folk rocker "Pelican Club," Celtic-flavored "Shadows Into Ashes," the Neo garage rocker "The Dark Night," jazzy "Never Had The Chance" and dazzling Baroque pop closer "December My Dear." Among the guests who contribute to the magic on All Roads Lead Me Back are guitarist James Mastro (Ian Hunter, John Cale), bassist Sal Maida (Roxy Music, Sparks) and drummer Konrad Meissner (Silos, Graham Parker). Information: Facebook.com/BedsitPoets/ and amazon.com.

Robert Kinsler

R.I.P. Eric Carmen

I am in shock. It has just been announced that Eric Carmen passed away over the weekend. I was a tremendous fan of singer-songwriter Carmen, and especially of his work with the Raspberries. In particular, I consider that band's "Go All the Way" one of my all-time favorite songs; in fact I discussed the song on a video episode of "Top 100 Songs of All Time" on TJR's popular YouTube channel you can view HERE. Other gems from that power pop band included "Overnight Sensation," "Tonight" and "Let's Pretend." His solo hits included "All By Myself" and "Hungry Eyes." Only 74, Carmen's death has been announced by his wife Amy Carmen. Read a wonderful appreciation of the artist written by John M. Borack HERE. Learn more about Carmen's life and passing HERE...Robert Kinler

R.I.P. Karl Wallinger

I was so sorry to hear this news moments ago. I was a big fan of Karl Wallinger's work with The Waterboys and World Party...Robert Kinsler

Karl Wallinger, the Welsh-born musician and composer better known as the singular force behind World Party, died Sunday March 10. Presciently ahead of his time with songs such as “Ship Of Fools”, “Put The Message In The Box” and "Is It Like Today?", in addition to the magic of “She’s The One” and the Waterboys' “Whole Of The Moon”, Wallinger was 66. Karl leaves behind a loving family including wife Suzie Zamit, son Louis Wallinger, daughter Nancy Zamit and two grandchildren. The family invites Karl’s friends and fans to share their thoughts on his Facebook page or Instagram.

Karl Wallinger image courtesy of World Party

Rick Estrin & The Nightcats set to return with 'The Hits Keep Coming' on May 10, 2024

 Alligator Records has just announced the release of Rick Estrin & The Nightcats forthcoming new album "The Hits Keep Coming" on May 10 and check out the wonderful new advance track "The Circus Is Still In Town." (On a related note, read my review of the troupe's wonderful 2017 disc "Groovin' In Greaseland" HERE)...Robert Kinsler

Rick Estrin & The Nightcats / photo credit: Steve Jennings RICK ESTRIN & THE NIGHTCATS TO RELEASE NEW ALBUM, THE HITS KEEP COMING, ON MAY 10, 2024 First Album In Almost Five Years From "The Best Band Anywhere" (DownBeat) Lyric Video For New Song, The Circus Is Still In Town, Premieres Today

“This band is the best in the land…superior songwriting infused with wit, humor, and streetwise insights, traditional and adventurous grooves, impeccable musicianship, creative arrangements, harmonica tutorials and savvy production…funky and original…always fresh and vital.” –Blues Music Magazine    “Rick Estrin & The Nightcats are a formidable force. They sound better than ever [playing] stellar rockabilly, jazz, blues and rock, often in the same song, creating a unique, time-tested sound rooted in the past, bolstered by harpist/vocalist Estrin’s time-warping original compositions.” –No Depression    “Estrin defines his own brand of hip. Original blues and vintage rock-style tunes also harbor his superb harmonica work. Estrin emotes with just the right mix of kitsch and sincerity. The current litter of ‘Cats, including guitarist Kid Andersen, reigns as the best band anywhere.” –DownBeat   “Rick Estrin & The Nightcats are America’s greatest musical showmen…foot-stomping, wise-cracking contemporary songs, a combination of rockabilly, jazz, blues, rock, and big band swing. Estrin is a world class musician…the most colorful and entertaining showman around.” –Forbes

On Friday, May 10, 2024, Alligator Records will release The Hits Keep Coming, the long-awaited new album from award-winning, modern blues legends Rick Estrin & The Nightcats. The Hits Keep Coming, the band's sixth release, packs a powerful punch, with phenomenal musicianship and streetwise lyrics—both serious and humorous. Vocalist, harmonica master and songwriter Estrin, along with multi-instrumentalist/musical mastermind/producer Christoffer “Kid” Andersen, keyboardist/organ wizard/bassman Lorenzo Farrell and endlessly creative drummer Derrick “D’Mar” Martin, have created what Estrin calls, "the best music we've ever made together. This band is killer. I’m enjoying this all more than ever,” says the man who’s been performing and recording professionally since the early 1970s. “It’s a blessing—there’s so much energy, so much collaboration. The band is just so good right now. And the live show is off the charts.” The first song released from The Hits Keep Coming is an album highlight, The Circus Is Still In Town. The musically rambunctious, lyrically harrowing song premieres today on all major streaming services and also via a new video. According to Estrin, "This one's special to me. It's got a catchy hook, an infectious groove, and ironically, some grim subject matter."

RICK ESTRIN & THE NIGHTCATS -- The Circus Is Still In Town From THE HITS KEEP COMING, Full Album Out on May 10, 2024   Video By Josh Lindner

Produced by Andersen at his legendary Greaseland USA studio in San Jose, California, the album captures the band’s chemistry and magic in what is certainly among their strongest and most urgent releases so far. The Hits Keep Coming is modern blues at its most potent, intense and fun in all the right places, as Rick Estrin & The Nightcats deliver twelve groove-heavy, hard-hitting songs, including ten written or co-written by Estrin and two surprising covers (one obscurity from Muddy Waters, one from Leonard Cohen that Estrin would have liked to have written). From the foot-stomping opener Somewhere Else, to the stark reality of the title track (with backing vocals by The Sons Of The Soul Revivers), The Hits Keep Coming is a lyrical and musical tour-de-force.   In addition to Estrin’s celebrated songwriting and peerless blues harmonica playing, he and the band are among the most entertaining and colorful showmen around. Estrin’s signature streetwise vocals and hipster-cool look, Andersen’s eye-popping, off-the-cuff guitar pyrotechnics, Farrell’s mighty organ, piano and bass work and D’Mar’s dynamic, acrobatic drumming make every one of their live performances a must-see event. Over the years, Estrin has won a total of seven Blues Music Awards, including awards for Song Of The Year, Traditional Male Blues Artist, Instrumentalist—Harmonica, and twice, the prestigious Band Of The Year (for Rick Estrin & The Nightcats). The band has performed at festivals and concert stages from San Francisco to Chicago to New York, and everywhere in between. They've toured extensively in almost every country in Europe, as well as in Australia, Turkey, Russia and South America. “People don’t go out to see people who look like themselves,” says Estrin. “They want to see something special. I was schooled in this business to be a showman, and that’s what you get when you come to see us perform. We know how to put on a show. I feel sorry for anyone who has to follow us.” The Chicago Sun-Times declares, “These are serious musicians having a hotter than hot good time. It’s tough to stay in your seat when Estrin and his musical cohorts get cooking.” As No Depression says, “This is a band that always delivers the goods.”