Pet Shop Boys to tour Canada and U.S.

Depeche Mode isn’t the only legendary electornica-styled artist to celebrate a big return in 2009.

On their latest release, England’s Pet Shop Boys (singer-keyboardist Neil Tennant and keyboardist Chris Lowe) also prove they haven’t lost a sonic step.

“Yes” is a bona fide gem, with the instantly- “Beautiful People” recalling the duo’s best-known classics (“West End Girls” and “It’s a Sin”). But “Yes” is a strong album from start to finish, with “Love etc.,” “Did you see me coming?” and “The way it used to be” also delivering dance-minded songcraft.

The album’s production is excellent, with the lushly-textured “King of Rome” and “Legacy” showcasing the dreamy reaches of Pet Shop Boys’ magical blend of electronic and synthesizer pop soundscapes.

Now comes word from the duo's label EMI that a Pet Shop Boys tour in coming to Canada and the U.S. later this summer. Here is the release that arrived in my inbox this morning.

PET SHOP BOYS BRING PANDEMONIUM ON TOUR TO NORTH AMERICA, Aug. 29 - Sept. 26, 2009

Month long tour kicks off in Montreal on August 29 and ends in Vegas on September 26

"Yes," that's the name of Pet Shop Boys tenth studio album.

"Yes," it's their highest-charting record since 1993's "Very."

Yes, Neil Tennant and Chris Lowe's career as Pet Shop Boys spans over two decades and they have sold over 30 million albums.

Yes, Pet Shop Boys will bring Pandemonium on tour to North America this Fall.

Yes, The Pandemonium Tour is a multi-media show that will include Pet Shop Boys' greatest hits and celebrate the new album.

Yes, it will be directed by Es Devlin, choreographed by Lynne Page with live music produced by Stuart Price.

Yes, it's a very 'up' show, one you won't want to sit down for....

Yes, Chris Lowe says 'Every night is Friday night' on the tour.

Yes, USA Today said the new album 'affirms their greatness.'

Yes, Entertainment Weekly said that 'No one writes better dance-pop odes'.

Yes, Rolling Stone said "On their excellent 10th album, the music leans toward the ornate, with snatches of Tchaikovsky and spaghetti-Western atmospherics enveloping the synths and house beats."

Yes, People said "Here they're at their best on melancholy-streaked songs such as "Beautiful People".

Yes, their website is www.petshopboys.co.uk.

The Pet Shop Boys will be offering pre-sale tickets to their online community for the up-coming North American dates. In addition, a limited number of VIP packages (including the opportunity to meet Neil and Chris) will be made available for purchase. The pre-sale will begin Monday, June 8th, at 1:00 PM in the time zone of the performance. To purchase pre-sale tickets please click here: http://tix.concertmaps.com/petshopboys

Aug 29 Montreal Metropolis

Sept 1 New York, NY Hammerstein

Sept 2 New York, NY Hammerstein

Sept 3 Washington, DC Constitution Hall

Sept 5 Boston, MA House of Blues

Sept 6 Atlantic City, NJ House of Blues

Sept 9 Miami, FL Fillmore

Sept 10 Tampa, FL Tampa Bay PAC

Sept 11 Orlando, FL House of Blues

Sept 12 Atlanta, GA Chastain

Sept 14 Chicago, IL Chicago Theater

Sept 15 Milwaukee, WI Pabst Ballroom

Sept 19 Vancouver, BC Vancouver Centre of Performing Arts

Sept 20 Seattle, WA Moore

Sept 22 San Francisco, CA Warfield

Sept 23 San Francisco, CA Warfield

Sept 24 Los Angeles, CA Greek

Sept 26 Las Vegas, NV Joint

(500) Days of Summer soundtrack coming in July

This press release caught my eye because the incredible Simon & Garfunkel and amazing Hall & Oates, as well as several of my favorite modern rock outfits from the 1980s and '00s are featured. Any collection that features The Smiths, Hall & Oates, Doves and She & Him on a single disc is worth a very strong recommendation.

SIRE RECORDS TO RELEASE ORIGINAL SOUNDTRACK TO FOX SEARCHLIGHT PICTURES' (500) DAYS OF SUMMER ON TUESDAY, JULY 14, 2009

Burbank, CA- Sire Records will release the original soundtrack to the Fox Searchlight Pictures' feature film "(500) Days of Summer" on July 14, 2009. The film received a standing ovation at its debut screening during the 2009 Sundance Film Festival and releases in select theaters on July 17, 2009.

"(500) Days of Summer" is not a love story. It is a story of boy meets girl, begins the wry, probing narrator, and with that the film takes off at breakneck speed into a funny, true-to-life and unique dissection of the unruly and unpredictable year-and-a-half of one young man's no-holds-barred love affair.
"(500) Days of Summer" is the feature film directorial debut from Marc Webb, a noted music video director who has lensed clips for such artists as Regina Spektor, My Chemical Romance, Weezer, and Green Day. So it's no surprise that pop music plays an important role in setting the tone in "(500) Days of Summer." In keeping with the film's playfully unorthodox nature, the soundtrack features a host of offbeat artists, including Regina Spektor, Feist, Black Lips, Doves, Carla Bruni, and The Smiths. In a key moment in the film, Tom (played by Joseph Gordon-Levitt) is listening to the latter's song "There Is A Light That Never Goes Out" on his iPod, while riding in an elevator with Summer (played by Zooey Deschanel), who overhears it and comments that she loves The Smiths.
"(500) Days of Summer is a movie about love, sure, but it's also a movie about music," says Webb. "These songs build bridges between Tom and Summer and they tear them down. They can make you dance and they can make you cry. They describe how we feel and express emotions that just couldn't get out any other way. Music is the soul of this movie."
Robert Davis, writing in Paste Magazine said of the film: "The dialogue is sharp and witty, the soundtrack is hip and indie, Gordon-Levitt is effortlessly funny, and wide-eyed Deschanel is a good foil for his quirks."
"(500) Days of Summer" had its world premiere at the 2009 Sundance Film Festival. Directed by Marc Webb and written by Scott Neustadter and Michael Weber, (500) Days of Summer stars Joseph Gordon-Levitt and Zooey Deschanel. The film was produced by Mason Novick, Jessica Tuchinsky, Mark Waters, and Steven Wolfe.
The track-listing for the Original Soundtrack to (500) Days of Summer is as follows:
1. A Story of Boy Meets Girl - Mychael Danna and Rob Simonsen

2. Us - Regina Spektor

3. There Is A Light That Never Goes Out - The Smiths

4. Bad Kids - Black Lips

5. Please, Please, Please Let Me Get What I Want - The Smiths

6. There Goes The Fear - Doves

7. You Make My Dreams - Hall & Oates

8. Sweet Disposition - The Temper Trap

9. Quelqu'un M'a Dit - Carla Bruni

10. Mushaboom - Feist

11. Hero - Regina Spektor

12. Bookends - Simon & Garfunkel

13. Vagabond - Wolfmother

14. She's Got You High - Mumm-Ra

15. Here Comes Your Man - Meaghan Smith

16. Please, Please, Please Let Me Get What I Want - She & Him

Cheap Trick's new album set for release this summer

I was thrilled to learn today that Cheap Trick has announced details about the band's forthcoming album, "The Latest." The CD cover is pretty cool too, huh?

Multi-platinum rock band Cheap Trick announce the pre-order of the new album "The Latest," currently available exclusively through the band’s official website- www.cheaptrick.com- and on Amazon.com. "The Latest," produced by Julian Raymond & Howard Willing, continues Cheap Trick’s reign as power-pop progenitors as they celebrate their 35th anniversary together. Julian Raymond says, “Cheap Trick are fun to record because they are each a master of their craft, and there are so many great new songs on this record. But we also included an old one called ‘When The Lights Are Out.’ I couldn’t believe it wasn’t released in ‘76 when the band did it. I insisted they put it on the record just as it was.” See the video at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ikLBEJtK6PM.Those who take advantage of this unique offer will receive the album on June 23rd just as the band kicks off their summer tour with Def Leppard (tour dates below).

Additional limited edition merchandise including the LP and 8-Track will also be available on www.cheaptrick.com. Amazon is the exclusive digital retailer of The Latest for one month with the album hitting national retail in mid-July. Cheap Trick formed in the city of Rockford, IL in 1974. The band has since released six platinum albums and had numerous hits including “Surrender,” “I Want You to Want Me" and “Dream Police." Cheap Trick features the original line-up of Robin Zander - vocals and guitar, Rick Nielsen - guitar and backing vocals, Bun E. Carlos - drums and backing vocals & Tom Petersson - bass and backing vocals.

"The Latest" track listing:

Sleep Forever

When The Lights Are Out

Miss Tomorrow

Sick Man of Europe

These Days

Miracle

Everyday You Make Me Crazy

California Girl

Everybody Knows

Alive

Times of Our Lives

Closer, The Ballad of Burt and Linda

Smile

Cheap Trick hits the road this summer for a 40-city tour with Def Leppard, including an

August 30, 2009 date at Verizon Wireless Amphitheatre in Irvine.

Greg Johnson to perform two shows on June 6

For young singer-songwriters based in Europe, Australia or even relatively-nearby Canada, conquering America is a challenge. So while Greg Johnson is a well-known and celebrated name in his native New Zealand, it was ultimately his decision to relocate to the U.S. that has helped better introduce his talents here.

Based in Los Angeles since 2002, Johnson is a recipient of several New Zealand music awards including Best Male Vocalist and the prestigious Silver Scroll honor for songwriting in 1997 (for his song “Liberty”). Johnson will perform two shows as part of the Music at the Library concert series in San Juan Capistrano on Saturday, June 6, 2009.

Johnson is touring in support of his latest album “Seven Day Cure,” a disc that features 12 of his original songs.
In addition to new material off “Seven Day Cure” and the hit song “Save Yourself” from his 2007 album “Trouble Shooter’s Manual,” Johnson will likely play strong material from 2004’s “Here Comes the Caviar” and 2001’s “The Best Yet.”

With an arsenal of great songs, the ability to use his powerful voice and top-notch piano playing abilities, Johnson is sure to attract plenty of more fans when he performs as part of the Music at the Library concert series at San Juan Capistrano Regional Library, performing shows at 6:30 and 8:30 p.m. on June 6.
Tickets are $10 for adults and $5 for children under 12.
Information: 949-493-1752.

Tyler Hilton, 2000 Lbs. of Blues play South County

San Juan Capistrano and Dana Point will each be the site of a high-profile album release party this weekend.

Singer-songwriter Tyler Hilton will kick off his tour in support of “Better on Beachwood” with a show at the Coach House on Thursday night, May 28, while Orange County-based jump blues outfit 2000 Lbs Of Blues will celebrate the release of “Soul of a Sinner” with a show at Renaissance Dana Point on May 30.

Hilton, best known as the singer-actor who portrayed a young Elvis Presley in the Academy Award-winning 2005 film “Walk the Line” released his debut on Maverick Records a year earlier; the 11-song CD “The Tracks of Tyler Hilton” generated two well-known singles, “When It Comes” and “How Love Should Be.”
A native of Palm Springs, Hilton is the rare young artist – he is only 25 – who is already a celebrated musician and actor.
Hilton will perform on a bill with Terra Naomi and Danny Maika at the Coach House, 33157 Camino Capistrano, San Juan Capistrano, at 8 p.m. on May 28.
Information: 949-496-8930.

As one of the best-known blues bands in Orange County since the 1980s, the Mike Arguello-led 2000 Lbs of Blues is offering up somewhat of a different sonic approach on the forthcoming “Soul of a Sinner” disc. Although jump blues will continue to be the backbone of the troupe’s sound, Arguello said that he is stretching his musical muscle and songwriting abilities with something that is a bit edgier and darker than his previous three albums.
Of the 13 songs on the album, 12 are original tunes that range from harmonica-anchored blues to funky rockers and a Latin jazz-styled track.
Among the artists joining singer-guitarist Arguello on “Soul of a Sinner” are famed guitarist Kirk “Eli” Fletcher (of Fabulous Thunderbirds fame), harmonica player Eric Von Herzer (Social Distortion, Walter Trout) and drummer Tom Fillman (Spencer Davis Band).
2000 Lbs of Blues will perform at Renaissance Dana Point, 24701 Del Prado, Dana Point, at 8 p.m. on May 30.
Information: 949-661-6003.

Upcoming releases: B.B. King, The Rolling Stones, Hot Club of Cowtown

Hot Club of Cowtown

My inbox has been flooded in recent days with several noteworthy DVD/Blu-Ray and CD collections set for release over the next few months. Read on to hear about upcoming releases from B.B. King, The Rolling Stones and Hot Club of Cowtown.

New York, NY (May 27, 2009)—Eagle Vision, the wholly-own subsidiary of Eagle Rock Entertainment, will release the legendary king of the blues, B.B. King, Live At Montreux 1993, on Blu-Ray disc and DVD on June 2 (DVD retail sales price $14.98, Blu-Ray retail sales price $24.98).

The 17-song, 99-minute set features the then 68-year old Mississippi Blues Boy in rare form, feeding off the palpable crowd love, singing his heart out and bending those notes on ol’ Lucille, making her cry and moan. With his smokin’-hot bigband behind him punctuating every wiggle of his ample torso with staccato horn blasts, B.B. spans the gamut of blues from jump-blues and barrelhouse boogie to the kind of dramatic balladry that wrings out every last teardrop of emotion.

A special Blu-Ray exclusive features three tracks from King’s triumphant 2006 Montreux appearance: “Why I Sing The Blues,” “When Love Comes To Town” and “Guess Who.” B.B. King has, since 1949, recorded some of the greatest blues ever put to wax. With over 50 albums to his credit, he’s come from busking on the streets to being one of the most internationally beloved names in all of entertainment. He hitchhiked to Memphis as a teenager where he was tutored by his cousin, blues legend Bukka White. After Sonny Boy Williamson gave him his start on the radio, B.B. toured the south, naming his guitar Lucille after a woman who was the cause of a fight and an arson in Twist, Arkansas (where B.B. went running into the burning building to save his beloved guitar).

His first #1 hit was the “Three O’Clock Blues” and he toured to support it by playing 342 one-night stands in 1956! He has since honed his guitar style to incorporate elements of Blind Lemon Jefferson and T-Bone Walker, and has influenced every generation of axmen since including Clapton, Beck, Page, Perry and more. B.B. King has performed at the Montreux Jazz Festival a record 19 times and is scheduled there again this summer. Track Listing

1) Fanfare

2) Six Pack

3) Two I Shoot Blues

4) BB King intro

5) Let The Good Times Role

6) When It All Comes Down (I’ll Still Be Around)

7) Chains of Love

8) Caldonia

9) All Over Again

10) Since I Met You Baby

11) Playing With My Friends

12) Ain’t Nobody Home

13) Why I Sing The Blues

14) Blues Man

15) Rock Me Baby

16) Please Accept My Love

17) The Thrill Is Gone

FROM DIRTY WORK TO A BIGGER BANG: THE ROLLING STONES’ LAST FIVE ALBUMS REISSUED FOR JULY

New York, NY (May 26, 2009) – Universal Music Group have confirmed details of the third and final installment in the reissues of the re-mastered, post 1971 studio albums by The Rolling Stones.

Dirty Work, Steel Wheels, Voodoo Lounge, Bridges To Babylon and A Bigger Bang, released July 14, 2009, complete the trilogy of reissued albums, which started in May with the re-appearance of the legendary Sticky Fingers, Goats Head Soup, It’s Only Rock’n’Roll and Black And Blue and Some Girls, Emotional Rescue, Tattoo You and Undercover in June.

A rousing cover of Bob & Earl’s Harlem Shuffle, with Jagger’s distinctive vocals to the fore, heralded the arrival of Dirty Work. This single made the Top 5 on both sides of the Atlantic in 1986. Produced by Steve Lillywhite and the Glimmer Twins, the album was dedicated to the memory of Ian Stewart, the group’s original piano player and unofficial sixth member, who died the previous year.

The release of Steel Wheels in 1989 followed the group’s induction into the Rock and Roll Hall Of Fame and coincided with their eagerly-awaited return to the live arena. Recorded at Air Studios in Montserrat and Olympic in London, it made the Top 3 in Britain and in the States. It contains classic tracks like the US Top 5 single Mixed Emotions as well as Rock And A Hard Place, which boasts a trademark riff as infectious as any they’ve come up with. The incredibly atmospheric Almost Hear You Sigh also charted while Richards often reprises the ballad Slipping Away in concert.

Recorded in Dublin and in Los Angeles, and produced by Don Was, Voodoo Lounge topped the British charts on its release in 1994. The rockers Love Is Strong – featuring Jagger on harmonica – You Got Me Rocking and I Go Wild all performed strongly in the UK Top 40, while Out Of Tears continued the group’s fine tradition of late-night, soul-searching, soul-infused ballads and featured a killer vocal performance by Jagger. The singer also excelled on the equally contemplative Blinded By Rainbows, a forgotten gem in their repertoire, and the swaggering Sparks Will Fly, driven by the ever-excellent Charlie Watts on drums. Voodoo Lounge deservedly won the Grammy Award for Best Rock Album in 1995.

Originally issued in 1997, Bridges To Babylon made the Top 3 in the US and number 6 in the UK. The yearning and sinuous Anybody Seen My Baby? and the mean and moody Saint Of Me – both Top 30 hits in the UK – in particular, showed the band remained at the cutting edge. Energetic rockers Low Down and Too Tight repay further investigation as do the three tracks sung by Richards, in particular the closer How Can I Stop which features another jazz legend, Wayne Shorter, on saxophone.

A Bigger Bang, the Rolling Stones last studio album to date, made the Top 3 on both sides of the Atlantic in 2005. Its release coincided with the group’s longest ever world tour, lasting two years, a feat likely to remain unbeaten by any other rock artist. Recorded mostly in France, it recalls the informal vibe of Exile On Main Street and has sold in excess of 2.5 million copies to date. A double A-side single coupling the rocker Rough Justice and Streets Of Love, another superior soulful ballad, reached number 15 in the UK, while the Bush-baiting Sweet Neo Con made headlines in the US.. A Bigger Bang more than lived up to its title.

These albums will be re-mastered and all retain the original track listings and sleeve design.
Fans will have the option of purchasing a collector’s box in which to house all 14 studio albums. The catalogue will also be available digitally. The classic album Exile on Main Street will also be released in early 2010 by UMG as part of wider plans for this title.

HOT CLUB OF COWTOWN

Internationally renowned swing/pop trio Hot Club of Cowtown is set to release their first new album, "Wishful Thinking" on Tuesday, August 18, 2009.

From the bright lights of the Grand Ol’ Opry to the UK’s Glastonbury Festival, to regular appearances on Prairie Home Companion and festival stages worldwide, The Hot Club of Cowtown has ascended from its unlikely beginnings in NYC’s East Village nearly a decade ago to become the premier ambassador of hot jazz and Western swing through sheer tenacity, virtuosity and the unstoppable power of their breathtaking live show.

On "Wishful Thinking," set for release August 18 (Thirty Tigers), we find the core group of Elana James (fiddle, vocals), Whit Smith (guitar, vocals) and upright bassist (Jake Erwin) reunited for their first new album in five years. Infusing their songwriting with a colorful montage of characters and perspectives, Wishful Thinking shows the band deftly embracing disparate influences – from the combustible "Can't Go on this Way," by Texas swing master Bob Wills – to the minor key gypsy violin line and longing chorus of "Reunion." The music here is elegant and imaginative: Elana’s spring-fingered violin solos and Whit's effortless, liquid guitar lines are propelled by Jake’s driving percussive upright bass. Across the entire album, there is a palpable sense of both genuine excitement and the keening longing expressed in ballads: Hoagy Carmichael’s “Georgia,” sung by Whit, and the album’s gorgeous closer, Elana’s "little girl lost" turn at George and Ira Gershwin’s “Someone to Watch Over Me.” Whit’s original, “Carry Me Close,” is a song of loss and regret that echoes the classic feel of Appalachian mountain ballads.

"Wishful Thinking" is also the first-ever HCCT record with drums, courtesy of Damien Llanes. The new pulse is evident on songs like “Cabiria,” inspired by one of Fellini's most famous characters, whose noir sophistication could land it on the soundtrack of a European art film as easily as late-night country radio. The shuffling brushwork on “Heart of Romain” is Elana's homage to French film actor Romain Duris and the films of Tony Gatlif and captures the musical sophistication and sizzle of Stephene Grappelli and Django Reinhardt’s Quintette du Hot Club de France.
Lauded on NPR, darlings of international stages from Japan's Fuji Rock Festival to the Stagecoach and all points in between, HCCT began as a combustible trio playing traditional music but began to develop its own sound through invitations to collaborate, tour with, and work alongside more contemporary artists. The trio was hired (and survived) tours with Bob Dylan and Willie Nelson, first opening for them then playing with them: Elana, a classically trained violinist and the legitimate heir to the great tradition of Western swing which she learned firsthand horse wrangling and working with Texas fiddle masters (and a few stolen encounters with traveling Romany fiddlers), became the first dedicated female instrumentalist to tour in Bob Dylan’s band in over 30 years.

An invitation from Bryan Ferry for HCCT to reinterpret his material coaxed the band into the modern mainstream. Rachel Ray put them in her cookbook! Their appearances at mega-festivals from Byron Bay (Australia) to Fuji Rock (Japan) to Glastonbury (UK), and performances on Jools Holland’s TV show, "Later,” have brought the band international acclaim and a little closer to the millions waiting to fall in love with their music. HCCT has taken a traditional idiom, dusted it off, transfigured it, and reinterpreted it on its own terms. The music is blazing, modern, and has more energy than ever.

But HCCT understand that the beauty and danger that makes great music lies not only in the notes that are played, but from secrets that are held close to one’s heart. They are true proponents of the old adage less is more – they never sacrifice taste and simplicity for mere dazzle. “Bob Dylan taught me that you have to keep some mystery,” confesses Elana. “Don't give it all away. The power's in holding some things back.”

HCCT is currently touring the UK for Wishful Thinking (released May 4 in Europe and the UK). The band is amassing daily 4-star reviews for their live tour dates, including The Guardian and The Independent, complemented by five sessions on BBC radio. HCCT will be alternately touring the US and abroad through the end of 2009 and well into 2010.

Colin Hay coming to the Coach House

Although Colin Hay is best known as the frontman and principal songwriter of '80s Australian rock outfit Men at Work, he has found a large and loyal audience via a long series of solo releases.

Now, Nashville-based Compass Records has reissued one of the strongest albums of his career, 1998's "Transcendental Highway," which included the hit "I Just Don't Think I'll Ever Get Over You," featured on the soundtrack of the movie "Garden State."
The album, produced by Dan Rothchild, finds Hay's distinctive and emotive voice tackling everything from the Internet frontier of the mid-1990s ("Transcendental Highway") and loss ("If I Go," "Goodbye My Red Rose") to his own roller-coaster music career ("My Brilliant Feat").

Hay will perform at 8 p.m. Saturday, May 23, 2009 at The Coach House, 33157 Camino Capistrano, San Juan Capistrano. In addition to selections from "Transcendental Highway," he'll likely perform material from his most recent album, 2007's "Are You Lookin' At Me?" and Men at Work hits such as "Who Can It Be Now?" and "Down Under."

Appearing on the bill with Hay will be Marcus Eaton and Saint John and the Revelations. Information: 949-496-8930.

New stars and legends close out Doheny Blues fest

Day 2 brings more thrills at the 12th annual event in Dana Point

Imagine the poor concert-goer who didn't bother to show up early on Sunday morning, May 17, to catch the early part of day 2 at the 12th Annual Doheny Blues Festival.

After all, Keb' Mo' (seen here in a photo I took that morning) performed an hourlong solo acoustic show on the Backporch Stage that allowed fans to get up close to the singer-songwriter.
Performing a 13-song set comprised mostly of requests from the large and enthusiastic audience packed around the small stage, the Los Angeles native used a number of different guitars and a harmonica, and chatted with the audience and told stories in an intimate setting rarely afforded the artist.

From the unprompted clap-along as he performed "Angelina" and gorgeous "Victims of Comfort," Keb' Mo's Sunday morning performance will long rank as one of my favorite sets in the long and strong history of the blues fest. His beautiful performance of "Just Like You," humorous "Keep It Simple" and love song for blues music, "Prosperity Blues," all were delivered wonderfully.

Throughout the day ahead, more magic followed. Coco Montoya, armed with a big and authentic voice and fiery guitar chops to match, unleashed high-powered electric rock blues on the Renaissance Stage, including "Last Dirty Deal," with his voice recalling the soulful delivery of Robert Cray.

Anyone familiar with singer-guitarist Tommy Castro already knows the guy can tear it up on lead guitar and has a convincing voice capable of singing with force. Performing with his Legendary R&B Revue, Castro's past appearances in Dana Point and at the nearby Coach House were bested Sunday as he teamed with an ensemble that included two horn players and the guest vocals of singer Janiva Magness. I caught a good deal of the set, and Magness's lead vocals on "Workin' on Me Baby" were enhanced by Castro's backing vocals.

Although there were also solid performances from Phillip Walker and the Hollywood Blue Flames (with Kirk "Eli" Fletcher" always a joy to watch as he plays guitar), as well as a high-energy set of Cajun music on the Renaissance stage in the early afternoon, the evening was not to be missed.

The Derek Trucks Band is simply incredible, with the 29-year-old Trucks a master of a style of guitar in which he uses a slide to achieve both melodic and textured sounds. From the beginning of his band's 90-minute set, he played with a kind of sonic explosiveness that exceeds conventional guitarists who play fast while sacrificing an audience's emotional desire to actually connect with the songs.
On Sunday, Trucks and the other members of his band undoubtedly made countless new fans with a powerful display. Legendary singer-guitarist Elvin Bishop joined the band on stage for one song, with both Trucks and Bishop playing slide guitar in tandem for a historic performance, while the Derek Trucks Band's members showcased songcraft and growing artistry with a performance of "Get What You Deserve."

Trucks' technique was a perfect fit for the Doheny fest; for those who wanted to get lost in the intensity, the band thrills. For those who wanted to hang back, it has an equally magical impact.
Omega Events has continued to find ways to expand the reach of audiences by booking classic artists, and new names that promise to take the blues into the 21st century. So the decision to book the Derek Trucks Band and have Sharon Jones and the Dap-Kings follow was welcome for lovers of new music. Jones and her eight-member Dap-Kings were fuel for those who wanted to get close in front of the Renaissance Stage and move to her infectious and accessible blend of Motown, jazz, blues and R&B.

An arresting performer, Jones danced up a storm while delivering spot-on vocals for 70 minutes.
She ended her set with a powerful "100 Days, 100 Nights."

Closing the night was B.B. King. For anyone who has seen the legendary artist, his show has not changed much in recent years. But at 83, his guitar skills are intact and his baritone continues to thrill. And something always seems right with the world when King is on stage, playing his distinctive Lucille with his top-notch band playing around him.
His performance to finish things off was highlighted by "Let the Good Times Roll" and night-ending "The Thrill Is Gone."

Elvin Bishop and John Németh

It was great for me to finally catch Elvin Bishop and John Németh in concert this past Saturday. Enjoy this photo I took during their set at Doheny Blues Fest on May 16, 2009. You can read more about their set in a review that will follow this post.

12th Annual Doheny Blues Fest gets off to a rousing start

This post includes my review of day 1 of the 12th Annual Doheny Blues Festival (May 16, 2009), and I've included my favorite photo I took of Brian Setzer, seen here tearing it up on his Gretsch guitar. Another post will feature a number of shots I took on day 1 for you to see.

Brian Setzer, Grace Potter and Elvin Bishop stand out from a field crowded with highlights

The biggest challenge for listeners attending Saturday's first half of the 12th annual Doheny Blues Festival on Saturday, May 16, 2009, was how best to squeeze in breaks during the 10-hour run of nonstop music on three stages. With a bill boasting a dozen artists – not counting Gregg Young's appearance outside the main gate before the doors opened – it was physically impossible to catch every note.

But that's a good dilemma to have when the performances are as strong as those of the 10 artists I had a chance to catch in Dana Point.
Fans of the Stray Cats may be out of luck in terms of catching that classic trio this summer, but the rockabilly faithful were treated to the next best thing via Brian Setzer & the Nashvillains' headlining an 80-minute set on the Doheny Stage. Opening with the one-two punch of "Red Hot" and "This Cat's on a Hot Tin Roof," singer-guitarist Setzer and his outfit proceeded to tear through 19 songs that included newer originals as well as classic rockabilly staples and reworked Stray Cats hits.

While Setzer has never been known for top-tier vocals, the guy sure can play guitar. Just about every selection allowed him room to amaze the packed crowd with his fretwork. "Peroxide Blonde in a Hopped up Model Ford," "Slow Down" and the night-ending "Rumble in Brighton" were all standouts. The lengthy concert also provided stand-up bassist Ronnie Crutcher and pianist Robbie Chevrier spotlights to display their strong chops.

As entertaining as Setzer was, his wasn't the best set of the day. Several others outdistanced it thanks to artistic ambition or sheer will. Grace Potter and the Nocturnals might not be the usual choice to appear at a blues fest, but the young Vermont outfit's winning mix of blues, R&B, classic- and roots-rock, gospel and soul impressed mightily during a 75-minute set on the Renaissance Stage.
Potter, 25, is a charismatic singer backed by a revamped lineup making its first-ever public appearance. Although longtime lead guitarist Scott Tournet and drummer Matt Burr remain with the Nocturnals, bassist Catherine Pepper and rhythm guitarist Benny Yurco proved they are the perfect fit for the band.
Going back and forth from her mic at center stage to the seat behind her Hammond B3 organ, Potter led the crowd through a musical world that somehow blended the magic of Bonnie Raitt, Lucinda Williams, Neil Young & Crazy Horse, Joni Mitchell and Etta James without sounding anything close to those legendary names.
Several selections from the band's 2007 album "This Is Somewhere" easily replicated the joy of that recording, including "Ah Mary," "Apologies" and "Stop the Bus."

Elvin Bishop didn't have mighty soul singer John Németh join him on stage until an hour into his 75-minute set, but Bishop's entire performance was great. His loose, casual style of singing and smiling and playfully interacting with his band was the perfect sonic stew for the afternoon.
Highlights of Bishop's set included his signature hit "Fooled Around and Fell In Love," bolstered by emotive slide guitar work, as well as his collaboration with Németh, who provided guest vocals and strong harmonica firepower on "Night Time Is the Right Time."

Any overview of my Day 1 has to include the strong early set by the 44's, an electric blues band that kicked off the action with a set of Chicago blues crossed with primal rock 'n' roll. Another early offering featured piano man Taryn Donath tearing through some boogie-woogie on the Backporch Stage with a drummer and sax player.
Better yet was John Hammond thrilling a packed and rapt crowd packed in around the Backporch with his acoustic, Mississippi-style delivery of originals and classics by Howlin' Wolf and Buddy Guy.

Keb' Mo' again proved that his art appeals to both blues purists and those who enjoy the accessible side of the genre, while hometown heroes Big Sandy & the Fly-Rite Boys played that their mix of Western swing, rockabilly and Buddy Holly-esque rock 'n' roll that included the upbeat "It's Time" and "Love That Man."

Doves soar during riveting Mouse House performance

This review was first posted on the Soundcheck music blog on May 16, 2009.

When it comes to England’s Doves, it’s best to drop any natural impulse to compare the Britpop trio with Radiohead, Travis, Coldplay, Snow Patrol, Oasis or any of a number of outfits from the other side of the Atlantic. As evidenced by the group’s 90-minute set at House of Blues Anaheim on Friday night, May 15, 2009, singer-bassist Jimi Goodwin, guitarist-vocalist Jez Williams and drummer Andy Williams continue to be as inventive, interesting and talented as their better-known musical counterparts.

While songs such as “Jetstream” and “Winter Hill” -– both off the band’s latest album, Kingdom of Rust –- are accessible and melodic, there are also dense layers of sound and incredible arrangements that fully come across despite the obvious challenges of playing in front of an enthusiastic, capacity crowd. The country-western rhythm that propels Kingdom’s title cut and the hard-edged attack of “The Outsider” are obvious illustrations of Doves’ wide-ranging approach, and the simultaneously eerie and artful atmospherics worked as well live as they do in the recording studio.

Doves, whose sound was enhanced this night by a keyboardist, performed much of the time in front of a large screen upon which dramatic images were projected, heightening the band’s cinematic approach. Other key moments that displayed firepower: the arresting “Almost Forgot Myself,” the reflective “Ambition” and the wistful “There Goes the Fear.”

Opening for Doves was New Hampshire-based Wild Light, an energetic quartet that served up a strong set of ’80s-influenced rock enlivened by keyboards. The highlights of the outfit’s set were the driving electronic rocker “My Father Was a Horse” and “California on My Mind,” the latter a song in which the drummer used a tambourine in his right hand and a stick in his left to achieve a particularly interesting dynamic mixed with great singing

A revitalized Keane delivers energetic show in Anaheim

Keane lead vocalist Tom Chaplin, photographed by Tony Sanchez, performed at the Grove of Anaheim on May 10, 2009.

Story and photo originally posted on the Orange County Register Web site on May 11, 2009.

Before catching Keane at the Grove of Anaheim on Sunday night, May 10, 2009, I hadn't seen the British band since a show at the Greek Theater on September 30, 2005.
Back then, the young trio was riding high after an impressive performance on the main stage at Coachella a few months earlier. In addition, the group's full-length debut "Hopes and Fears" was an immediate commercial success; indeed the album has gone on to sell more than 5.5 million copies around the world since its release in 2004.

But when lead singer Tom Chaplin announced he was admitting himself for treatment resulting from alcohol- and drug-related use in summer 2006, the future of the band seemed in doubt.
Fast forward to Keane's tremendous and rousing show at the Grove of Anaheim on Mother's Day. Performing the best material off all three of their full-length albums, Chaplin, keyboardist Tim Rice-Oxley, drummer Richard Hughes and touring bassist Jesse Quin (who was also featured on the band's 2008 disc "Perfect Symmetry") hit all the right notes across a blazing 90-minute set before a near-capacity crowd.

From its earliest days, Keane could effectively unleash powerful rock celebrations wrapped in big choruses, with Chaplin's amazing tenor soaring over propulsive songs such as "Bend and Break." While Chaplin's voice is still the most lethal weapon in Keane's arsenal, artful arrangements and dynamic songcraft – combined with the instinctive ability of the band to connect with the crowd – lifted this concert to loftier heights than the first times I caught Keane four years ago.
There is no denying the power of "Bedshaped," the affecting song that has long served as an effective closer at Keane performances and hit home again this time. However, this 18-song set was enhanced by the wide-ranging set list featuring songs from 2006's "Under the Iron Sea" and 2008's "Perfect Symmetry."

Chief among the highlights was the night-opening "The Lovers Are Losing," a particularly sonically-dark "A Bad Dream" and beautiful acoustic-styled "Try Again."
"This is our first time in Anaheim. Thank you Orange County," Chaplin said in introducing "Again and Again," a '80s-styled dance rocker where he got to showcase his growing skills on guitar.
In performing "Perfect Symmetry," the singer approached the audience and was embraced by countless hands as he sang the lyric "Wrap yourself around me" as if it had been choreographed – one of many magic moments that resulted from the energy between the crowd and band this night.

Two other points in the night were standouts I won't soon forget: "Somewhere Only We Know" buoyed by the kind of joyous sing-along usually reserved for vets like Paul McCartney and U2, and the regular set-ending selection "Crystal Ball" with a strobe light blasting as the crowd clapped rapid fire and Keane played at full volume.

Of the two opening acts on the bill, the Portland-based duo the Helio Sequence turned in the better and more memorable set. Singer-guitarist Brandon Summers and fiery drummer-keyboardist Benjamin Weikel showcased their blend of accessible and driving electro-tinged rock via gems such as "Shed Your Love" and "Keep Your Eyes Ahead." The song "Lately" recalled "Joshua Tree"-era U2 with effects-heavy guitar and Summers' towering vocals.
Nashville-based singer-guitarist Mat Kearney and his backing quartet turned in a pleasing, but somewhat conventional 40-minute set of singer-songwriter folk-rock. His radio-friendly material included the melodic "Fire & Rain," urgent "Crashing Down" and popular new single, the tuneful "Closer to Love."

Alison Brown's musical journey comes to San Juan Capistrano

For anyone under the misconception that the banjo is an instrument used only in bluegrass music, it's best to catch Alison Brown when she performs with her quartet in San Juan Capistrano on May 16, 2009.

The banjo virtuoso will perform as part of the Music at the Library concert series at 6:30 p.m. and again at 8:30 p.m. at the San Juan Capistrano Regional Library.

Brown, who grew up in the San Diego area and graduated from La Jolla High School, is considered one of the best banjo players on the planet. And while it was bluegrass music that inspired a 10-year-old Brown to pick up the instrument in the early 1970s, today she blends jazz, Americana, folk and Celtic styles together in a sonic brew that is as groundbreaking as it is beautiful.

She comes to Orange County in the wake of the April 9 release of "The Company You Keep," her tenth full-length release. The title is actually an acknowledgment of several areas of her professional life.
"It has a two-fold purpose," Brown said in a recent interview, where she spoke by phone from her home in Nashville, Tenn.
"The first thing I was thinking about was just wanting to do an album that brought the members of the quartet to the forefront just because the guys I am playing with have been on this musical journey with me from the beginning, basically from the first gig I did. And pianist John R. Burr in particular just brings an incredible gift to this music. I mean, my music would not be the same as it is now if I hadn't been playing with John all these years. I'm sure you can tell from listening to the record, he has great jazz chops but a wonderful folk sensibility, and we started playing together in 1993 – that's 16 years now. I can't believe it."

In addition to Brown and pianist John R. Burr, the rest of the quartet features bassist Garry West and fiddler-mandolin player-percussionist Joe Craven.
The second layer in the title of "The Company You Keep" addresses Compass Records. The independent record label was launched by Brown and West (the couple are married and have two young children) in 1995 and has released hundreds of albums by celebrated artists, including Colin Hay (Men at Work), the Bittersweets, Beoga, the Gibson Brothers and Bearfoot.
Brown admits that balancing the duties as band leader, record label executive and mother can be challenging.
"I think the way I juggle my work is the same way that any mom juggles her work," Brown explained. "And I've found that the way that seems to work best for me is that some days are more about being at the office and other days are more on the road and it's all about the music. But it is a completely different time from when I could just sit down with my banjo anytime I wanted and write a tune or just kind of daydream and play. I don't really get to do that anymore."

But listening to Brown's latest album, and the beautiful work she displays on the Celtic-flavored "Drawing Down the Moon" and jazz-styled "Rocket Summer," it's easy to hear why Brown continues to make time to champion the banjo.
"It's a challenging instrument just because most people insist on thinking it has to be like 'Hee Haw' and bank robbery music and car chase music," Brown said.
"It's just a perpetual challenge that we (banjo players) face. They (some listeners) don't recognize or they are reluctant to buy into the idea that the banjo has a long history in lots of different kinds of music and there is no reason why it can't play lots of different kinds of music, and there is absolutely no reason to be afraid of the banjo."

For more information on Brown's upcoming shows, visit http://www.musicatthelibrary.com/ or call the San Juan Capistrano Regional Library at 949-493-1752.

Eric Bibb to spill his soul at two shows on May 9

Photo credit: Michel Verlinden

Who: Eric Bibb
Where: San Juan Capistrano Regional Library, 31495 El Camino Real, San Juan Capistrano
When: 6:30 and 8:30 p.m. on May 9
How much: $10 for adults; $5 for children under age 12
Contact: Call 949-493-1752
Online: www.MusicattheLibrary.com

Eric Bibb has been performing and impressing audiences for most of his life. The New York native is the son of singer Leon Bibb and the nephew of jazz pianist-composer John Lewis of the Modern Jazz Quartet.

Not many youngsters grow up in a household where regular visitors include the likes of Pete Seeger, Odetta and Paul Robeson.

Bibb’s childhood captivation with music has continued to pay creative dividends in his adult career. Since the release of his 1997 album “Good Stuff,” Bibb has found a growing audience for his blend of blues, gospel and soul music. He has completed studio recordings with some of his heroes (Taj Mahal, Mavis Staples, Charlie Musselwhite) and toured with Robert Cray and Robben Ford. Bibb even opened for Ray Charles at a concert in summer 2002.
Local audiences have two chances to catch Bibb when he performs as part of the Music at the Library concert series in San Juan Capistrano, playing shows at 6:30 and 8:30 p.m. on May 9.

Bibb will likely be featuring original material from his excellent 2006 release “Diamond Days,” as well as his most recent album, 2008’s “Get Onboard.”
Recorded in Nashville and Stockholm, Sweden, “Get Onboard” features both Raitt and Ruthie Foster as well as a talented band including keyboardist Glen Scott, guitarist-bassist Tommy Sims and drummer Lemar Carter.

Bibb was recently nominated as International Artist of the Year as part of the Maple Blues Awards, with Bibb named in the top-notch company of James Hunter, Staples, Taj Mahal and Watermelon Slim and the Workers.
For those planning on attending the Doheny Blues Festival in Dana Point on May 16 and 17, the upcoming Bibb concerts should definitely set the right tone.

Daughtry will debut new single on 'American Idol' on May 6

Photo credit: Sang H. Park

DAUGHTRY TO DEBUT NEW SINGLE ON AMERICAN IDOL ON WEDNESDAY NIGHT, MAY 6

NEW SINGLE “NO SURPRISE” OFFERS FIRST GLIMPSE OF NEW ALBUM, THE BAND’S FOLLOW-UP TO ITS MULTIPLATINUM DEBUT

NEW DAUGHTRY ALBUM DUE JULY 14, 2009

(Los Angeles, CA) Daughtry will debut “No Surprise,” the first single from the band’s second album, during the Wednesday, May 6 episode of "American Idol." It is the first track from their 19 Recordings/RCA July 14 release. Daughtry is currently in the studio finishing the yet to be titled album, which follows the band’s GRAMMY-nominated, quadruple-platinum debut.

“American Idol fans have been so loyal to this band, we wanted to give them the first listen to our new single,” says singer Chris Daughtry.

Daughtry, bassist Josh Paul, drummer Joey Barnes, and guitarists Brian Craddock and Josh Steely recorded the new album’s 10-plus songs in Los Angeles. Boasting a more gritty sound, the new album features a band sharpened by two years on the road, where they’ve graduated from clubs and theaters to opening arenas for Nickelback and Bon Jovi.

The new album follows the runaway success of Daughtry’s 2006 debut, which scored three #1 songs and was the biggest-selling artist release for two years running. The accolades garnered by Daughtry include multiple wins at the American Music Awards, the World Music Awards and the Billboard Music Awards.

Active in the fight against global poverty and disease, Daughtry supports the ONE Campaign. Last year, the band performed at both political conventions to raise awareness for the ONE Campaign and encourage first-time voters.

I know many of my regular readers are wondering why I am focusing on an "American Idol"-related issue in this Blog. Read my glowing review of Daughtry's show at the Anaheim House of Blues that was published in the Orange County Register on Jan. 30, 2007 and learn more:

Tuesday, January 30, 2007
Daughtry proves rock steady
Review: He and his band kick off a national tour with a blend of 'American Idol' fever and melodic post-grunge.
By ROBERT KINSLER
Special to the Register

For the millions of viewers who watched strong-voiced rocker Chris Daughtry shine throughout "American Idol" last season, then get eliminated despite being widely viewed as the likely winner, there is a happy ending to the story.

The 27-year-old singer-songwriter was signed by RCA Records, released an album of mostly original material in November 2006 that quickly went platinum, and kicked off a national club tour with an impressive concert before an adoring capacity crowd at House of Blues in Anaheim on Sunday night.

The North Carolina native led his quintet, named simply DAUGHTRY, through an 11-song set that displayed his "American Idol" vocal firepower, similarly showcased on his 12-song debut.
The band's accessible, modern post-grunge brew, which draws easy comparisons to Three Doors Down, Creed and "Throwing Copper"-era Live, pleased just about everyone. Added to that was Daughtry's authentic and likable persona, which drew screams from the younger members of the audience and near-universal strong applause throughout his hour-long set.

The good news for those hoping he might have more than 15 minutes of fame is that the band proved itself able to propel the melodic rock explored in "Gone," "It's Not Over" and "Crashed" (the night's opening selection), and his hardest rocker, "What I Want." Guitarists Jeremy Brady and Josh Steely, as well as drummer Joey Barnes and bassist Josh Paul, looked as thrilled to be there as Daughtry, and all played well together.

Early in the set, Daughtry showcased his confidence. In "Used To," he used his soaring tenor without bombast, even while walking up to the front to reach out to fans. And the biggest surprise was to come: The group dealt a knockout with a mostly faithful and compelling version of U2's "Sunday Bloody Sunday."
And while there were occasional lulls between songs while equipment and instruments were adjusted, such is understandable as this unlikely young band embarks on its first tour in the wake of almost-instant success.
Indeed, Daughtry might well have been thinking he and his band were playing at nearby Disneyland as part of some kind of fantasy, rather than before 1,000 or so enthusiastic fans.
"This is our biggest show yet; thanks so much," Daughtry said early on. And he continued to thank the audience throughout the night.

The evening kicked off with a 30-minute set from Baltimore-based Cinder Road. Thanks to strong songs such as "Should've Known Better," "I'm So Sorry" and "Get In Get Out" – delivered by energetic singer-guitarist Mike Ruocco, fiery lead guitarists Pat Patrick and Chris Shucosky, drummer Mac Calvaresi and bassist Nat Doegen – the band's accessible material boasted solid songwriting, catchy choruses and powerful musicianship recalling Sister Hazel or a hard-edged Toad the Wet Sprocket.

Sadly, New York City quartet Eve to Adam failed to justify its position on the bill. With the exception of the hard-rocking "Rise" and folk-rock tune "Comin' Home," the set failed to deliver anything approaching the strength of the opening and closing acts.

Jimi Nelson plays traditional country

Photo credit: April Ray McCarty

Jimi Nelson and the Drifting Cowboys
Where: Swallow’s Inn, 31786 Camino Capistrano, San Juan Capistrano
When: 8 p.m. on May 2
How much: Free
Contact: Call 949-493-3188
Online: www.myspace.com/theJimiNelsonBand

Growing up in Moline, Illinois, Jimi Nelson was introduced to some of country music’s greatest artists, with Nelson’s parents playing the music of Johnny Cash, Hank Williams, Waylon Jennings, Willie Nelson and early Elvis Presley.

So it’s not surprising when he was given his first guitar at age 12 that Nelson began to master the genre.

Now it is Nelson who is headlining concerts, bringing his original blend of classic and modern country music to stages throughout the West. Nelson and the Drifting Cowboys, who won the award for country/rock band of the year at the Los Angeles Rock City Music Awards in 2008, will headline at the Swallow’s Inn in San Juan Capistrano on Saturday night, May 2, 2009.

Nelson’s Drifting Cowboys features lead guitarist Eddie “Bareback” Montes, bassist Paul “Humbolt Country” Jaeger, drummer Ryan “The Bronc ‘O’” Connor and pedal steel player Chris Harvey.
The concert will provide a chance for fans to hear Nelson and company to showcase material from their newly-issued Tumblewead Records release, the aptly-titled “Do Drop In.”
Fans of artists such as Merle Haggard, Dwight Yoakam, Buck Owens and the aforementioned Jennings will love the authentic honky-tonk minded sound of the troupe. Highlights on “Do Drop In” include the Gram Parsons-styled “Baby Come Home,” beautiful ballad “Who Needs You” and authentic Bakersfield sound of “100 Tears.”
The cover of “Purple Rain” is another standout on the album, with Nelson completely reworking the Prince classic.Nelson will be selling and signing copies of “Do Drop In” at Swallow’s Inn on Saturday night.

Classic Moody Blues concert set for DVD release

THE MOODY BLUES: LIVE AT THE ISLE OF WIGHT FESTIVAL will be released on DVD May 26, 2009.

On July 30, 2006, I saw The Moody Blues deliver an incredible full-length concert at the Pacific Amphitheatre in Costa Mesa. The legendary band's show was wonderful and a reminder of the timeless power of a band whose unique and groundbreaking sound continues to resonate with audiences today.

Earlier today, I received an exciting press release that Eagle Vision will soon release The Moody Blues' 1970 concert at The Isle Of Wight on DVD next month.

Here is a copy of the news release:

New York, NY (April 27, 2009)—Eagle Vision, the wholly-owned subsidiary of Eagle Rock Entertainment, will release The Moody Blues: Live At The Isle Of Wight Festival 1970 on DVD for the first time May 26 (pre-book order date May 5, retail sales price $14.98). This is the legendary much talked-about 79-minute 11-song performance that The Moody Blues—at the height of their popularity and creative powers—totally entranced the hippie audience with on a hot night in August off the coast of England.

Bonus material includes a 20-minute documentary keying in on the behind-the-scenes machinations that took place before, during and after this remarkable event. This historic set of Classic Rock stands complete and unexpurgated as performed by guitarist/vocalist Justin Hayward, bassist/vocalist John Lodge, vocalist/flutist Ray Thomas, drummer Graeme Edge and keyboardist/vocalist Mike Pinder. Touring in support of A Question Of Balance album, The Moody Blues, at this point in time, had had four albums all in the Top 5 U.K. (with two #1s). The audience on this night topped half a million. It was an era that will never be duplicated. This is one of the most indelible, groundbreaking and iconic live performances of the Classic Rock era.

The Isle Of Wight Festival itself is one of the most cherished fests of rock history. It debuted in 1968, continues today, and is most famous for its 1970 lineup that included ELP, Tull, Hendrix, Baez, Kristofferson, Miles, Sly, The Doors, The Who, Moodies and more. The Moody Blues: Live At The Isle Of Wight Festival 1970 has been heard but not seen. Until now…when it all comes stunningly alive on this DVD. Track Listing1) Gypsy2) Tuesday Afternoon3) Never Comes The Day4) Tortoise And The Hair5) Questions6) Sunset7) Melancholy Man8) Nights In White Satin9) Legend Of A Mind10) Ride My See Saw11) Conclusion

Eagle Rock Entertainment is an international media production and distribution company operating across audio visual entertainment programming. Eagle Rock Entertainment works directly alongside talent to produce the highest quality programming output covering film, general entertainment and musical performance.

Read all about it: Doves' latest and musical duo

As many of you know, I sometimes get around to writing about some of the best new albums that come my way and musician-writer TJR is kind enough to post those on his www.MusicWorthBuying.com site. Earlier today, he posted my review of the latest effort from Doves. Make sure to check that out if you are a fan of adventuresome Brit-pop and indie modern rock.

Also, the Orange County Register ran my review of the next Lord of the Strings concert, featuring guitarist Richard Smith and cello player Julie Adams. Here is the story that was posted on the Register's Web site on April 21, 2009:

Few instruments sound as wonderful together as the guitar and cello, especially when played by 2001 National Fingerstyle Champion guitarist Richard Smith and award-winning cellist Julie Adams.
The Nashville, Tenn.-based musicians – who are celebrating their 10th wedding anniversary this year – will perform two concerts in south Orange County this week, appearing in Dana Point on Friday, April 24 and Mission Viejo on Saturday, April 25.
Smith, who was born in England in 1971, has been playing guitar since age 5. A childhood prodigy, Smith began to learn guitar after hearing his father play a cover of a notable Chet Atkins-Merle Travis recording, "Down South Blues." Though Smith is left-handed and his father's right-handed guitar was too large for the youngster's small hands, by the end of the day Smith had learned to play both the chords and the melody.
More than three decades later, Smith is considered one of the world's best fingerstyle guitarists, and he performs a wide-ranging repertoire that includes bluegrass, jazz, country, pop, rock and classical.
Adams was raised in Dayton, Ohio, and received her training in music at the Interlochen Center for the Arts and the Cincinnati Conservatory.
Though her early training was in classical music, Adams also has extended her interest in contemporary music with the 2000 recording "Theme for Two Friends" with well-known guitarist Muriel Anderson.
Adams also is a well-known studio musician, having played on Top 10 albums and major film scores.
Smith and Adams released their first collaboration, "Living Out a Dream," in 2001. The album features original compositions by Smith and Anderson, as well as interpretations of standards such as "Somewhere Over the Rainbow" and classical works such as "Flight of the Bumblebee" and "Ave Maria."
For more information on these two shows, call Tim Johnson at 949-842-2227.

MATTHEW SWEET AND SUSANNA HOFFS TO RELEASE 'UNDER THE COVERS VOL. 2' ON JULY 21

Matthew Sweet and Susanna Hoffs. Photo courtesy of Shout! Factory.

Great news for those of us who loved (and still love) the fantastic power pop-minded effort from singer-songwriter Matthew Sweet and Bangles singer-guitarist Susanna Hoffs "Under the Covers Vol. 1" released in 2006.

I just got the press release from Shout! Factory this morning that the 70s-minded sequel "Under the Covers Vol. 2" is on the way. I interviewed Matthew Sweet about the project last year and he told me it was coming, and now after seeing the track listing, I'm even more excited. And, isn't it cool that I'm not the only one who thinks Bread was cool? Here is the press release:

MATTHEW SWEET AND SUSANNA HOFFS
COZY UP TO THEIR FAVORITE SONGS OF THE 70’S WITH UNDER THE COVERS VOL. 2

Featuring Special Guests Lindsay Buckingham,
Dhani Harrison and Steve Howe

In Stores July 21, 2009

Los Angeles, CA – Power-pop sensation Matthew Sweet and Bangles vocalist Susanna Hoffs, otherwise known as “Sid & Susie,” will unveil their newest project July 21 on Shout! Factory, titled Under The Covers Vol. 2. This delightful collection features 16 of the duo’s favorite tunes from the 1970’s, and is the much anticipated follow up to the highly-praised 60’s compilation Under The Covers Vol. 1, released in 2006.

Produced and recorded by Sweet and Hoffs in Sweet’s Lolina Green Studios in Los Angeles , Sweet and Hoffs treat the songs with reverence, showing their appreciation for this captivating decade of music. Under The Covers Vol. 2 features the pair’s perfectly harmonized voices on favorites from the genres of power-pop, glam, classic rock and even prog-rock. The pair get a little help from Lindsey Buckingham on their cover of Fleetwood Mac’s “Second Hand News,” Dhani Harrison playd on George Harrison’s “Beware of Darkness,” and Steve Howe guests on their version of the Yes song “I’ve Seen All Good People: Your Move/All Good People.”

The tracks on Under The Covers Vol. 2 cover a diverse range of music, including huge hits such as Carly Simon’s “You’re So Vain,” Rod Stewart’s “Maggie May,” and Mott The Hoople’s “All The Young Dudes,” as well as lesser known cult favorites, including Big Star’s “Back Of A Car” and Todd Rundgren’s “Couldn’t I Just Tell You” (one of two Todd Rundgren songs included on the disc). Other treasured songs given the Sid & Susie treatment include John Lennon’s “Gimme Some Truth,” Derek & The Dominoes’ “Bell Bottom Blues,” The Grateful Dead’s “Sugar Magnolia,” The Raspberries “Go All The Way,” Tom Petty And The Heartbreakers’ “Here Comes My Girl,” Little Feat’s “Willin’,” Todd Rundgren’s “Hello It’s Me,” and Bread’s “Everything I Own.”

Matthew and Susanna have long performed at each other’s shows, and collaborated with comedian Mike Myers as members of Austin Powers’ on-screen band Ming Tea in Austin Powers: International Man of Mystery and Austin Powers in Goldmember before collaborating on Under The Covers Vol. 1. Matthew and Susanna will have a number of tour dates to support the release in addition to separate shows by both Matthew Sweet and the Bangles.

Matthew Sweet released his 10th studio album, Sunshine Lies, on Shout! Factory in 2008. Produced by Sweet, the album featured Hoffs on the title track, and also featured Sweet’s longtime cohorts Richard Lloyd (Television), Ivan Julian (Richard Hell & the Voidoids), noted session player Greg Leisz and drummer Ric Menck (Velvet Crush). Born in Lincoln , Nebraska , Sweet was part of the developing music scene in Athens , Georgia in the 1980s and came to fame in 1991 with his hit “Girlfriend,” off his certified gold album of the same name. After releasing a number of other excellent solo albums, Sweet formed The Thorns with fellow singer-songwriters Shawn Mullins and Pete Droge, and they released one self-titled album to positive reviews. Sweet then returned to his solo efforts, releasing Living Things and Kimi Ga Suki.

One of the most successful female groups of all time, the Bangles, made up of Susanna Hoffs (vocals/guitar), Debbi Peterson (vocals/drums), Vicki Peterson (vocals/lead guitar), and Michael Steele (vocals/bass), first hit the radar as a fixture on the LA music scene in 1981 with their
distinctive pop sound and gorgeous harmonies. The band’s sophomore album, the multi-platinum A Different Light, contained the hit singles “Manic Monday,” “Walk Like an Egyptian” and “Walking Down Your Street.” 1988's Everything delivered the hits “In Your Room” and “Be With You,” and the international #1 single “Eternal Flame.” The band broke up in 1989 and each of the band members went on to participate in various other projects, which only contributed to their creative growth. In 2003 they reunited and released Doll Revolution. Shout! Factory released their first-ever live DVD , Return To Bangleonia, in 2007, which featured the original lineup performing their hits at The House of Blues in Los Angeles .

Shout! Factory is a diversified entertainment company devoted to producing, uncovering and revitalizing the very best of pop culture – The Stuff You Grew Up On But Never Outgrew. Founders Richard Foos, Bob Emmer and Garson Foos have spent their careers sharing their music, television and film faves with discerning consumers the world over. Shout! Factory’s DVD offerings serve up classic, contemporary and cult TV series, riveting sports programs, live music, animation and documentaries in lavish packages crammed with extras. The company’s audio catalogue boasts Grammy®-nominated boxed sets, new releases from storied artists and lovingly assembled album reissues. These riches are the result of a creative acquisitions mandate that has established the company as a hotbed of cultural preservation and commercial reinvention. For more on Shout! Factory, visit www.shoutfactory.com.

Under The Covers Vol. 2
Distributed by Sony BMG
Release Date: July 21
Selection No.: 826663-11306
Suggested List Price: $15.98

Track Listing:
1. Sugar Magnolia (The Grateful Dead)
2. Go All The Way (The Raspberries)
3. Second Hand News (Fleetwood Mac)
4. Bell Bottom Blues (Derek & The Dominoes)
5. All The Young Dudes (Mott The Hoople)
6. You’re So Vain (Carly Simon)
7. Here Comes My Girl (Tom Petty And The Heartbreakers)
8. I’ve Seen All Good People: Your Move/All Good People (Yes)
9. Hello It’s Me (Todd Rundgren)
10. Willin’ (Little Feat)
11. Back Of A Car (Big Star)
12. Couldn’t I Just Tell You (Todd Rundgren)
13. Gimme Some Truth (John Lennon)
14. Everything I Own (Bread)
15. Maggie May (Rod Stewart)
16. Beware Of Darkness (George Harrison)

8th annual Orange County Music Awards held on April 4, 2009

With so many musical categories recognized at the 8th Annual Orange County Music Awards (affectionately known as the OCMAs) on Saturday night, April 4, 2008, and the majority of nominees only up for a single award, it was especially impressive that Venus Infers picked up three trophies on the night.

But the outstanding feature about this event was the camaraderie among the generations of musicians, as well as the palpable positive spirit that this truly marked a new beginning with Martin Brown, founder and producer of the OCMAs, honored with a Lifetime Achievement Award and passing the torch on to the 2009's producer Luke Allen.

"I wanted to officially hand over the music awards to Luke," said an obviously-surprised Brown, who didn't know until a video presentation was made that he was being honored with a Lifetime Achievement Award. "I started these eight years ago … and this was a time for a change. I'm proud of what I achieved with this, but it needed fresh blood and Luke is definitely the person to do this. I am very happy that he has taken this over.
"This is it, officially (my) goodbye and thank you Orange County for everything you have done for me," said Brown, who now lives in Madrid, Spain. "All the best luck; tell all your friends to support Luke and this organization for as long as you possibly can."

Fallen Stars bassist-singer Tracy Byrnes noted that in past years, many of the artists would get up and leave after their category was named. This year, she noted in a chat after the ceremony, most attendees stuck around to the end and took advantage to network and hang out with other musicians.

Brian Hazard, whose performance moniker Color Theory, has had a strong 2009. In addition to his best electronic nomination, his song "If It's My Time To Go" was included on the 2009 OCMAs mp3 compilation at the ceremony and is already a grand prize winner as part of the John Lennon Songwriting Contest. He was one of several musicians interviewed who didn't take home a trophy, but still seemed to having a great time.
"When I was nominated for the 2009 O.C. Music Awards, I wasn't sure what to expect," said Hazard. "I was overwhelmed by the depth of talent here in Orange County. It was truly an honor just to be nominated. I'll be back next year for sure, if only as an audience member."

The mix of eight performances was a perfect sampling of the area scene, with performances by HumanLab, Suburban Legends and Venus Infers especially memorable.
Indeed, the entire evening was about celebrating the local scene.
"That was awesome; let's give it up for these bands," Allen told the crowd, most getting to their feet in a sense of solidarity. "Thanks guys; these are your awards."

LIST OF WINNERS

Lifetime Achievement Award: Martin Brown
New artist: Japanese Motors
Jazz: Translucent Ham Sandwich Band
Punk: TSOL
Live acoustic: Cory Case
Hip-hop: Mickey Avalon
Alternative: Venus Infers
Blues: Parker Macy Blues
Indie: Venus Infers
World: The Fenians
Electronic: Faded Paper Figures
Pop: The Bolts
Country/Americana: The Fallen Stars
Metal: Atreyu
Live band: The Union Line
Surf: Japanese Motors
Club DJ: Free the Robots
Latin: Boogaloo Assasins
Rock: The Shys
Song: "No Harm Done," Aushua
People's Choice: Duress
Album: "The Truth About Venus Infers," Venus Infers
OC Impact Award: The Vandals

The Smithereens Play Tommy

I just received this press release and thought it was worth featuring here. The Smitheerns have released several Beatles tributes this decade, and the New Jersey outfit's approach with The Who's 1969 rock opera looks promising.

Punk Rock Opera Meets the Godfathers of Pop! The Smithereens to Release "The Smithereens Play Tommy," a 40th Anniversary Tribute to the Landmark Album by The Who, on May 5, 2009
New Studio Album to Hit in Fall 2009
Tuesday March 31, 2009

Pop legends The Smithereens are set to release "The Smithereens Play Tommy," a tribute to the landmark rock opera by The Who, on May 5, 2009.
The band is also currently in rehearsals with 12 new tracks for its upcoming new studio album, due later in 2009.

Whether it was The Who or The Kinks that created the very first "Rock Opera," or whether "TOMMY" is even an "Opera" at all, the May 23, 1969 release of the double "Tommy" album was a true landmark in rock history. Who fans had already been galvanized by the album's first single, "Pinball Wizard," released in March of '69 and already a huge hit. But critics and fans alike were unprepared for what they would hear on the album.
Meticulously arranged and produced in the studio, the album's sound shocked many Who fans who were expecting that familiar power guitar sound made famous by songs like "Substitute," "Can't Explain," or even the electrified version of "Summertime Blues" that The Who debuted on their celebrated 1968 tour. Instead, Pete Townshend played mainly acoustic guitars, and the album featured multiple overdubs including keyboards, percussion, French horn and other parts. Listening to the album now, even the remastered version of the album sounds somewhat brittle, thin and theatrical.

When asked about this album, The Smithereens frontman Pat DiNizio stated, "This is punk rock opera meets the godfathers of pop. Plain and simple."
The Smithereens decided to make a proper, all-out studio version of one of the albums that inspired their rock dreams of becoming a band in the first place for this 40th anniversary tribute. The Who's unique sound will never be duplicated, but then again neither will The Smithereens' sound that has made them enduring rock icons over the past 25 plus years. The result is part Who, part Smithereens. Part totally familiar, and part unexpectedly unique... and 100% tour de force. The Smithereens' "musical dreams ain't quite what they seem" -- the result is more than a loving tribute and much more like an inspired re-imagining. After listening to this album a few times, you may never hear any of The Who's versions of Tommy the same way again.

Having released 7 albums -- and reaching Gold and Platinum status along the way -- during their career, The Smithereens spawned several Top 40 radio hits, including, "A Girl Like You," "Too Much Passion," "Blood and Roses" and more.
Look for the new studio albumin Fall 2009!

James Hunter to perform at the Coach House on March 25

James Hunter will perform at The Coach House on March 25, 2009.

PHOTO COURTESY OF CHRIS RAMIREZ

If you haven't heard of singer-songwriter James Hunter, you have now.

And plan on hearing plenty more about the singer-songwriter in the years ahead.
Songs such as "Don't Do Me No Favours," "The Hard Way" and "Carina" explode out of the speakers, recalling greats such as Sam Cooke, Ray Charles and Bobby "Blue" Bland.
Hunter spent two decades playing under the commercial radar, typically appearing in small venues in his native England, looking for an audience.
With the release of his album "People Gonna Talk" in March 2006, the world has opened its ears to Hunter's infectious retro-minded style of soulful blues. "People Gonna Talk" was nominated for Best Traditional Blues Album of the Year at the Grammy Awards. His artistry drew additional attention with the release of his 2008 disc, "The Hard Way."

The past three years, Hunter and his band have performed on bills with the likes of Los Lonely Boys, Aretha Franklin, Van Morrison and Boz Scaggs.
Blending New Orleans R&B, Philadelphia soul and old time rock 'n' roll against a backdrop of Motown-flavored horn blasts, Hunter's authentic approach outdistances fellow British soul seekers Amy Winehouse, Joss Stone and Corinne Bailey Rae. And the fact that Hunter can tear it up on guitar is sonic icing on the musical cake.

Hunter has gone from an opening act to a headliner, and he will perform next Wednesday, March 25, 2009 at The Coach House in San Juan Capistrano. Orange County singer-songwriter-guitarist Michael Ubaldini will open the show. Singer-songwriter Ryan Shaw will also appear on the bill.

Laurence Juber to play 'Lord of the Strings' this weekend

Laurence Juber will perform in Dana Point on March 13 and in Mission Viejo on March 14.

When a musician is in a band with Paul McCartney, it’s natural to assume that even the most talented of artists will have a difficult time emerging from the long shadow of the former Beatle.

But don’t tell that to Laurence Juber. A member of Paul McCartney and Wings in the late 1970s and early ‘80s, the East London, England native is widely recognized as one of today’s most talented and innovative fingerstyle guitarists.

Juber won a Best Rock Instrumental Grammy for the track “Rockestra” (featured on Wings’ 1979 album “Back to the Egg”), and picked up a second Grammy when his solo guitar arrangement of “The Pink Panther Theme” was featured on Solid Air Records’ “Henry Mancini – Pink Guitar” collection in 2004.
“The gratifying thing is that people have paid attention and the process to me has been just really doing what comes naturally,” said Juber, when I interviewed him at the NAMM music show in Anaheim on Jan. 15, 2009. He has released more than a dozen full-length discs since his debut “Solo Flight” was released in 1990.

Juber said his success in the niche world of solo acoustic guitar is a credit to more than virtuoso skills on his instrument, but to the efforts of Seal Beach-based Solid Air Records president James Jensen to help introduce and promote this type of music to a wider audience.
“Because of the synergy between what I do and what James does with Solid Air Records where his vision and my vision really are on the same track, to express myself through the solo guitar and to get the kind of response, it’s a process. I’m coming up on 20 years of doing it.”
Juber returns to Orange County to perform twice this month as part of the Lord of the Strings concert series. He will play at the Dana Point Community House on March 13 and at the Mission Viejo Civic Center on March 14.

Juber is on tour in support of his latest solo album, the aptly-titled “Pop Goes Guitar.” The 12-song collection features dazzling versions of material by the likes of the Beach Boys, the Police, the Rolling Stones, the Fab Four and Wings all arranged for solo guitar.
“Well, the trick is to squeeze it all on the guitar, because with a tune like ‘Every Breath You Take’ for example, it has an intricate Andy Summers guitar line on it and then the (vocal) melody sits on top,” Juber explained.
“Well, with standard tuning you can’t play the melody and accompaniment at the same time – it just doesn’t physically work. But I figured out a way of doing it because I use alternate tunings in my work.”

The genesis of the recording of “Pop Goes Guitar” actually was launched when Juber set out to publish a book featuring his original arrangements.
“One of the weird things about the music publishing business…the Beatles stuff is very restricted. So we’ve been trying to get a deal to put out a book of my Beatles arrangements,” explained Juber, who not only performed with McCartney but also played guitar with George Harrison on his song “Breath Away From Heaven,” and with Harrison and Ringo Starr on the sessions for “Stop And Smell The Roses” in 1981.
“As it turned out they gave permission to put out two Wings and three Beatles songs. We made a deal that I would do a transcription book (musical translations of his instrumental guitar arrangements) that would include those five songs plus another seven to make it up to a healthy book.”

Juber then began compiling a list of all of his favorite pop songs and then gave that to the respective publishers to see which ones he could get permission to include in his book, and ultimately on the companion “Pop Goes Guitar” album.
“I wanted stuff that was compatible with the Beatles things. I didn’t want to go into any old standards because I already did that with my previous album (2006’s ‘I’ve Got the World on Six Strings’), and I didn’t want to get anything too contemporary either. So what we ended up with was a group of really compatible songs, so the selection came about backwards. Normally you do the album, and then you do the transcription book. This time the book came first and the album was done as a supplement to the book.”
Juber is looking forward to his two upcoming Lord of the Strings concert dates, which will mark his first shows in Orange County since appearing at the NAMM music conference in Anaheim in January.

“I think the shows that I’m doing this year; the rock musician part of me has been a little bit sublimated in that I’ve been doing shows that are more structured. There is not a lot of improvisation,” Juber said.
“I don’t want to be self-indulgent because it’s really important to entertain the audience which is why I mix it up with original tunes, with standards, pop songs and some rock ‘n’ roll, some jazz – it’s a bit of everything.”

Where: Dana Point Community House, 24642 San Juan Ave., Dana Point
When: 7:30 p.m. on Friday, March 13

Where: Mission Viejo Civic Center, 200 Civic Center, Mission Viejo
When: 7:30 p.m. on Saturday, March 14

How much: $25
Online: www.LordOfTheStringsConcerts.com or
Call: Concert series president Tim Johnson at 949-842-2227

Reggae veteran brings beats to Coach House

Photo credit: Anthony Castellano

This story was originally published in the Capistrano Valley News on Thursday, March 5, 2009.

Anyone who caught the reggae festival featuring the Wailers, Eek-A-Mouse and Pato Banton at the Pacific Amphitheatre in Costa Mesa last summer knows the best artist of the night was the night’s opener. Banton and his Mystic Roots Band delivered a dazzling concert set, highlighted by “Stay Positive” and other original songs.

Now the native of Birmingham, England, returns to Orange County when he headlines at The Coach House in San Juan Capistrano on Sunday, March 8, 2009. Those who enjoyed his brief 35-minute set in July 2008 will now get to see Banton deliver a full-length set.

Not only does Banton’s music revolve around positive themes, but his songs are memorable and recall the infectious sonic brew of reggae-minded artists such as the English Beat and General Public that found widespread success in the 1980s.

Banton first rose to fame in the early 1980s, when he was featured on “Hip-Hop Lyrical Robot” and “King Step” on UB40’s 1985 “Baggariddim” album. He also found acclaim in the rock universe when he teamed up with Pretenders singer Chrissie Hynde on a cover of “I Got You Babe.” That single reached No. 1 in the United Kingdom.

Banton has released a wealth of strong solo efforts, including 1988’s “Visions of the World,” 1990’s “Wize Up!” (featuring his college radio hit cover of the Police classic “Spirits in the Material World”) and 2000’s Grammy-nominated “Life Is a Miracle.”

When he performs at The Coach House, Banton will likely feature recent material from his “Positive Vibrations” (2007) and “Destination Paradise” (2008) CDs.

For more information, call the Coach House at 949-496-8930.