Neil Young to release new studio album 'Storytone' on November 4

More big news to share today...

NEIL YOUNG TO RELEASE NEW STUDIO ALBUM,

STORYTONE, ON NOVEMBER 4^TH VIA REPRISE RECORDS

VINYL EDITION TO FOLLOW ON DECEMBER16^TH

PRE-ORDER AVAILABLE TODAY, OCTOBER 9^TH

LISTEN TO NEW SONG "WHO'S GONNA STAND UP?" BASED ON A LIVE PERFORMANCE WITH CRAZY HORSE, ON SOUNDCLOUD HERE; MAXI-SINGLE WITH FOUR UNIQUE VERSIONS OF THE SONG AVAILABLE FOR

PURCHASE TODAY

October 9, 2014 - (Burbank, CA.) - Neil Young will release his latest studio album, entitledStorytone, on Nov. 4, 2014 via Reprise Records.  Storytone has 10 brand new compositions recorded live in the studio with a 92-piece orchestra, choir and Young.

He took a different approach with this record, first recording the songs on his own in a solo-setting, then creating compelling versions of the songs in a new light with an orchestra and big band, resulting in a deeply-personal emotional listening experience throughout the new record.

The first track released from the album is "Who's Gonna Stand Up?," which was originally performed at Crazy Horse shows in the U.K. this summer and more recently, as part of Young's solo acoustic set at Farm Aid. The track captivated audiences in its resounding plea to end dependence of fossil fuels in hopes of protecting the Earth's fragile eco-systems for future generations. To learn more about the initiative, visit: http://www.neilyoung.com/news/.

In addition to the new single available on Soundcloud, other standout tracks from the album include the bittersweet album opener "Plastic Flowers," the bluesy swing of "I Want To Drive My Car," the aching "Tumbleweed," or the heartfelt "When I Watch You Sleeping."  Each song evokes an entirely different feel within the context of its presentation.

The pre-order for Storytone is available now at all participating digital retailers including iTunes &Amazon. Configurations include; a standard CD edition that features the 10 orchestral song versions of Storytone, the deluxe CD edition (containing both standard and solo versions), and the deluxe 180 gram double vinyl pressing, which will be released on December 16th and will feature both versions of the album.

Those who pre-order the deluxe CD edition, deluxe vinyl edition or the PonoMusic edition will receive instant downloads of both the orchestral and solo versions of "Who's Gonna Stand Up?"

Exclusive album bundles include a limited edition, heavy stock lithograph of the album artwork by Neil Young.  Click here to pre-order. 

All of the Storytone music was produced by The Volume Dealers (Neil Young and Niko Bolas), recorded and mixed by Al Schmitt with additional co-production, arrangements, orchestration, and conducted by Michael Bearden and Chris Walden.

The track-listing for Storytone is as follows:

1. Plastic Flowers
2. Who's Gonna Stand Up?
3. I Want To Drive My Car
4. Glimmer
5. Say Hello To Chicago
6. Tumbleweed
7. Like You Used To Do
8. I'm Glad I Found You
9. When I Watch You Sleeping
10. All Those Dreams

Young also has a handful of shows scheduled for the fall as follows:

Sun 10/05/14		Boston, MA	Wang Theatre - Citi Performing Arts Center
Mon 10/06/14		Boston, MA	Wang Theatre - Citi Performing Arts Center
Wed 10/08/14		Philadelphia, PA	Academy Of Music
Thu 10/09/14		Philadelphia, PA	Academy Of Music
Sat 10/25/14		Mountain View, CA	Shoreline Amphitheatre  "Bridge School Benefit"
Sun 10/26/14		Mountain View, CA	Shoreline Amphitheatre  "Bridge School Benefit"

Inbox Update: Cracker, Rock and Roll Hall of Fame announces nominees

Here is a roundup of news related to announcements this morning...

Cracker to issue 10th studio album 'Berkeley To Bakersfield' on December 9, 2014

This December Cracker will be releasing their tenth studio effort, entitled Berkeley To Bakersfield, on 429 Records.  It's a double-album that finds this uniquely American band traversing two different sides of the California landscape – the northern Bay area and further down-state in Bakersfield. With founding members David Lowery and Johnny Hickman anchoring the project, they've brought in a host of musicians to help out, including putting together the original Cracker lineup for the Berkeley side (see credits below).  Berkeley to Bakersfield was recorded by Drew Vandenberg.  429 Records will release the album worldwide on December 9th. 

Despite being less than a five-hour drive from city to city, musically, these two regions couldn't be further apart from one another. In the late '70s and '80s a harder-edged style of rock music emerged from the Bay area, while Bakersfield is renowned for its own iconic twangy country music popularized, most famously, by Buck Owens and Merle Haggard in the '60s and '70s. Yet despite these differences, they are both elements that Cracker's two cofounders, David Loweryand Johnny Hickman, have embraced to some degree on nearly every one of their studio albums over the last two decades.

As Lowery explains, "On the Berkeley disc the band is the original Cracker lineup - Davey Faragher, Michael Urbano, Johnny and myself. This is the first time this lineup has recorded together in almost 20 years. We began recording this album at East Bay Recorders in Berkeley, CA. For this reason we chose to stylistically focus this disc on the music we most associate with the East Bay: Punk and Garage with some funky undertones.  To further match our sense of place we often took an overtly political tone in the lyrics."

"This Bakersfield disc represents the 'California country' side of the band.  Throughout the band's 24-year history we've dabbled in Country and Americana but this time we wanted to pay homage to the particular strain of Country and Country-Rock music that emerges from the inland valleys of California."

Cracker has been described as a lot of things over the years: alt-rock, Americana, insurgent-country, and have even had the terms punk and classic-rock thrown at them. But more than anything Cracker are survivors. Cofounders Lowery and Hickman have been at it for almost a quarter of a century – amassing ten studio albums, multiple gold records, thousands of live performances, hit songs that are still in current radio rotation around the globe ("Low," "Euro-Trash Girl," "Get Off This" and "Turn On, Tune In, Drop Out With Me" to name just a few), and a worldwide fan base - that despite the major sea-changes within the music industry - continues to grow each year.

Disk 1 Berkeley Tracklisting:
1. Torches and Pitchforks
2. March of the Billionaires
3. Beautiful
4. El Comandante
5. El Cerrito
6. Reaction
7. You Got Yourself Into This
8. Life In The Big City
9. Waited My Whole Life

Disk 1 Berkeley band line-up:
Davey Faragher: Bass and Backing Vox
Johnny Hickman: Guitars and Backing Vox
David Lowery: Guitars and Vocals
Michael Urbano: Drums and Percussion
With
Thayer Sarrano: Keys and backing vocals
Marc Gilley: Saxophones
Mark Golde: Additional keys

Disk 2 Bakersfield Tracklisting:
1. California Country Boy
2. Almond Grove
3. King Of Bakersfield
4. Tonight I Cross The Border
5. Get On Down The Road
6. I'm Sorry Baby
7. The San Bernardino Boy
8.. When You Come Down
9. Where Have Those Days Gone

Disk 2 Bakersfield band line-up:
Davey Faragher: Backing Vocals
John Hickman: Guitars and Vocals
Bryan Howard: Bass Guitar
David Lowery: Guitars, Banjos and Vocals
Sal Maida: Bass Guitar
Luke Moeller: Fiddle
Thayer Sarrano: Keyboards, Guitar and Vocals
Matt "Pistol" Stoessel: Pedal Steel
Jeremy Wheatley: Drums

Recorded by: Drew Vandenberg with additional engineering by John Morand, David Lowery, Bond Bergland, David Barbe and Mark Golde. Mixed By Drew Vandenberg.

Recorded at: East Bay Recorders in Berkeley, CA, Chase Park Transduction in Athens, GA, Rock Garden Studio in Appleton, WI, and We're Clothes Studios in Richmond, VA.

To preorder visit:
http://smarturl.it/CrackerAMZ

For more information visit:
http://www.429records.com
http://www.crackersoul.com
https://www.facebook.com/CrackerSoul

429 Records is a unit of The Savoy Label Group (SLG). SLG is the North American based division of Nippon Columbia the oldest music company in Japan. The Savoy Label Group has evolved into a Grammy Award winning and chart topping independent music company consistently outperforming competitors in key music categories as monitored by Billboard Magazine. The Savoy Label Group is led by Steve Vining and is based in Los Angeles, CA.

Green Day, Nine Inch Nails, The Smiths and Stevie Ray Vaughan among those nominated for induction into Rock and Roll Hall of Fame

Check out USA Today for a straightforward article on today's announcement as it relates to a strong slate of nominees hoping to gain admission into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. I am really pulling for The Smiths, Stevie Ray Vaughan and Joan Jett & the Blackhearts, but I wonder if any of those three groundbreaking artists really has a chance given the Hall's spotty record of selections in the past...Here is a media release as it relates to Nine Inch Nails, another of the artists that really deserves a place in Cleveland..

NINE INCH NAILS NOMINATED FOR INDUCTION INTO ROCK AND ROLL HALL OF FAME IN ITS FIRST YEAR OF ELIGIBILITY

Nine Inch Nails - a band regarded as a pioneer in the industrial music movement and highly influential in the evolution of electronic music - has been nominated for induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in its first year of eligibility. To be eligible for this year's ballot, an artist or band must have released its first single or album in 1989 or earlier. Nine Inch Nails' first album, Pretty Hate Machine, and first single, "Down in It,"were released in 1989. The nominees who receive the most votes will be announced toward the end of the year and inducted on April 18, 2015 at a ceremony in Cleveland, OH. Trent Reznor was working at a Cleveland recording studio when he founded Nine Inch Nails in 1988. Recordings such as Pretty Hate Machine, Broken (1992) and The Downward Spiral (1994) revolutionized detailed digital production. The band has sold more than 30 million albums worldwide, released a remarkable series of singles, including the No. 1 Modern Rock radio hits "The Hand That Feeds," "Only," "Every Day Is Exactly the Same" and "Survivalism," and received two GRAMMY® awards. 2013's Hesitation Marks debuted at No. 1 on Billboard's Alternative Albums and Top Rock Albums charts and was named one of the best albums of the year by Rolling Stone, SPIN, Alternative Press, ABC News and The New York Times' Jon Pareles. SPINdeclared, "this is the most important artistic statement from NIN leader Trent Reznor since the late '90s, when SPIN dubbed him 'the Most Vital Artist in Music Today.'" Nine Inch Nails supported Hesitation Marks with an extensive world tour that The New York Times said offered "the kind of sensory onslaught - musical, visual, emotional -that fans have missed." In a live review, the Los Angeles Times noted, "[Reznor] provedthat he's still at the vanguard of progressive machine music - and he can also make it emotionally meaningful...no band can call up a wraithful wail of noise like NIN." Praising a "mammoth, vibrant" show at Barclays Center in Brooklyn, THE FADER said, "one of Reznor's intangible talents is his uncanny ability to maintain relevancy over the decades." Building on Nine Inch Nails' long history of soundtrack work, Reznorcollaborated with Atticus Ross on scores for three David Fincher films - The Social Network (2010), The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo (2011) and the director's most recent release, Gone Girl (2014), which was No. 1 at the box office in its opening weekend.Rolling Stone hailed the Gone Girlsoundtrack as "haunting" and "sublimely uneasy." NPR Music compared the composers' fruitful collaboration with Fincher to that of Alfred Hitchcock and Bernard Herrmann, observing, "Gone Girl again fits its story's mood to perfection."Their score forThe Social Network won an Academy Award® and a Golden Globe® and the pair won a GRAMMY® for The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo score. Reznor has also turned his attention to improving how fans discover and experience recorded music. As Chief Creative Officer of Beats Music, he was instrumental in the creation of the streaming service, which launched in January 2014. Founded by Dr. Dre and Jimmy Iovine, Beats Music was acquired by Apple Inc. earlier this year. For a more extensive history of Nine Inch Nails, visit http://thehistory.nin.com/.

Sights and Sounds: The Waterboys, Colt Ford, Noel Gallagher, Eric Gales

Good morning music friends! Plenty of news to share about upcoming releases...

The Waterboys return with 'Modern Blues'

The Waterboys will release a brand new album early next year entitled Modern Blues via Kobalt on January 20, 2015.  The album is a first for the band, as it’s the first release fully recorded in Nashville, Tennessee by the group.  Produced by Waterboys leader Mike Scott and mixed by Bob Clearmountain, Modern Blues, the band’s eleventh studio album, contains nine passionate songs, evoking the very best of The Waterboys past work while forging forth to explore new ground. 

 

Mike Scott entered the studio intent on harnessing the rolling, spontaneous energy that fuelled some of The Waterboys greatest albums. “I set out to make a record with an ensemble playing live, to get that performance spirit. It’s how I recorded Fisherman’s Blues.”  To that end, he corralled old hands and new friends. Ralph Salmins, a mainstay on drums for the past four years, appears alongside Scott and talismanic Waterboy Steve Wickham, who weaves a dizzying fuzz fiddle spell on several tracks of Modern Blues.

 

Fresh to the ranks of the group are Memphis keyboard player “Brother” Paul Brown, and David Hood, legendary bassist from the heyday of FAME studios and Muscle Shoals. “I’ve got the man who played on “R-E-S-P-E-C-T” on bass!” Scott laughs. “He and Paul had a huge impact on the sound.”

 

Asked why he chose to record in Nashville, Scott (who lives mostly in Dublin) explained, “Nashville has a reputation as Music City, USA and I fancied some of that. It’s one of the few cities that still has a recording studio industry intact, which brings the spur of competition. I know that across town Jack White's making a record, The Black Keys are making theirs.  I like that competitive feeling, it’s exciting. It's a spur.”

 

In true Waterboys’ style, a spirit of exploration defines the album. Few bands have changed as much as this one. Formed in 1983, on their first three albums The Waterboyssculpted a layered post-punk sound, culminating in 1985’s sky-scraping This is the Sea. Since then the music has never ceased to evolve, from the hugely influential mix of Celtic folk, gospel, country and rock on the classic Fisherman’s Blues, to the New York guitar sounds of Dream Harder, the agitated millennial sonic exploration of A Rock in the Weary Land, and the fired-up poetic passion of 2011’s An Appointment with Mr. Yates.  In 2013 the band embarked an extensive North American tour with over 40 dates.

 

Modern Blues is an electric, eclectic, soulful, bold and gloriously freewheeling rock'n'roll record, arriving at a time when the relevance and popular reach of The Waterboys has never been greater. In 2013 Ellie Goulding scored a top 3 UK hit with their “How Long Will I Love You” and earlier this year Prince performed “The Whole of the Moon” solo at the piano during his Hit + Run show at Ronnie Scott’s in London.  “A Pagan Place” has also recently become a live staple for The War on Drugs.

 

The Waterboys have just announced two UK shows for February and a North American tour is in the works with details to be announced at a later date.

 

Modern Blues Track Listing

Destinies Entwined

November Tale

Still A Freak

I Can See Elvis

The Girl Who Slept For Scotland

Rosalind You Married The Wrong Girl

Beautiful Now

Nearest Thing To Hip

Long Strange Golden Road

 

To Pre Order The Album Visit:

http://waterboys.tmstor.es/

 

UK Tour Dates

Feb 2, 2015 - Coventry, UK              Warwick Arts Centre

Feb 3, 2015 - London, UK                 Roundhouse

Colt Ford Releases First Live Concert DVD

Crank It Up! Colt Ford Live At Wild Adventures

Country Star Colt Ford will release his first live concert DVD on November 11, 2014: Crank It Up! Colt Ford Live at Wild Adventures. Produced and released by Eagle Rock Entertainment for Eagle Vision, and Average Joes Entertainment, the 129-minute DVD+ bonus features was filmed in HD on August 2, 2014, at Wild Adventures Park in Valdosta, Georgia. Directed by Hideout Pictures’ Potsy Ponciroli, Ford and band performed an electrifying high-energy set spotlighting 20 hit tracks from over the course of his entire career. The $14.98 collectible DVD is available online and at retail outlets nationwide. An abbreviated version of the concert will also be broadcast on this winter.

Ford returned to his Georgia roots to deliver a kick-ass entertainment experience from start to finish.  Exclusive behind the scenes footage of the concert, as well as ten episodes of Ford’s “Mr. Goodtime TV,” is also included as a special bonus accompanying the 129-minute DVD. For a sneak peek of Crank It Up! Colt Ford Live at Wild Adventures, check out this link: http://smarturl.it/CrankItUpDVDTrailer

“Returning to Valdosta to film this live concert DVD was nostalgic for me,” said Colt. “This area was the first to embrace my music, and come out to my shows. These fans have been there from the beginning.”

Featured on the DVD are many of the songs culled from Ford’s new album, Thanks For Listening released this past summer. The album debuted at #3 on Billboard’s Top Country Albums chart, #1 on Billboard’s Independent Chart, and #1 on Billboard’s Rap Albums Chart.

Track List:

1.   Answer to No One

2.   The High Life

3.   Crank It Up!

4.   Back

5.   Crickets

6.   Country Thang

7.   Drivin’ Around Song

8.   Mr. Goodtime

9.   Medley: Waste Some Time/Cricket On A Line/Huntin’ The World

10. Workin’ On

11. Ride Through The Country

12.  She’s Like

13. Chicken And Biscuits

14.  Dirty Side

15. Hip Hop In A Honky Tonk

16. Washed In The Mud

17.  No Trash In My Trailer

18.  Thanks For Listening

19.  Waffle House

20.  Dirt Road Anthem

About Colt Ford: 

In 2012, Colt penned two #1 hits; Jason Aldean’s “Dirt Road Anthem,” and Brantley Gilbert’s, “Country Must Be Country Wide.” His album, Declaration of Independence, topped the Billboard Top Country Album Chart at #1, and was followed by his new release Thanks For Listening, in July 2014. To date, Colt has sold over 1 million albums, millions more song downloads, has 1.5 million Facebook Likes and over 100 million YouTube views. Colt was also featured in a two-page cover story in the "Arena" section of the Wall Street Journal (July 2013). In October, 2013, Colt hit the road on a 34-city tour with Florida Georgia Line, and is touring with Toby Keith this Fall. In addition to being a gifted songwriter and artist, Colt is also a former professional golfer, and resides with his family in Athens, GA. Follow at www.coltford.com; twitter.com/coltford; facebook.com/coltford.

Follow Eagle Rock Entertainment at:

Facebook:  www.facebook.com/EagleRockEnt

Twitter: www.twitter.com/EagleRockNews

YouTube: www.youtube.com/user/eaglerocktv

 

On Monday October 13, Noel Gallagher Will Discuss

The Forthcoming Noel Gallagher's High Flying Birds' Album With a Fan Q&A Event Live on Facebook

On Monday Oct. 13, 2014, Noel Gallagher will appear at a live Q&A event at Facebook headquarters in London. Noel made the special announcement today via Facebook to his 646,000 fans. The message can be seen on Noel's Facebook page.

During the event, hosted by BBC 6 Music's Matt Everitt, Noel will discuss the forthcoming second album by Noel Gallagher's High Flying Birds.  It's also an opportunity for fans to ask Noel any questions they like. Fans can submit questions on Noel's Facebook Page using the hashtag #NoelGallagherFBLive, or in the comment box beneath the live feed whilst the event is taking place.

If you would like the chance to attend this exclusive event, simply apply on Noel's Facebook page:

 

https://www.facebook.com/noelgallaghermusic

 

There are limited spaces so be quick! For those who aren't lucky enough to attend, you can watch Noel and Matt in action live on Noel's Facebook.

GUITAR PHENOM ERIC GALES' "GOOD FOR SUMTHIN'" CD SET FOR RELEASE ON OCTOBER 28 FROM CLEOPATRA RECORDS

Acclaimed musician Eric Gales' newest CD release, GOOD FOR SUMTHIN', is an autobiographical journey from his Memphis upbringing to his current status as one of the most influential guitarists on the blues rock scene. The new CD, his 14threlease, is scheduled to arrive on October 28 from independent Cleopatra Records. GOOD FOR SUMTHIN' features the searing guitar work that has often brought Gales comparisons to Jimi Hendrix, but actually combines his own early influences -- musicians who themselves were Hendrix devotees such as Robin Trower, Frank Marino, Stevie Ray Vaughan and Eric Johnson. Says Gales, "Each of them has a different style, so I'm inspired by a lot of different music. All play a big part for me being who I am."    As Gales says, "Growing up and developing my music, I wanted to be able to emulate Eric Johnson... so to wind up touring with this him and having him on my record is like a dream come true!" The feeling is apparently mutual as Johnson, who appears on the album's closing song, "E2 (Note For Note)," reported: "Eric has created a new record filled with incendiary guitar licks that are inspired and inspiring to listen to. He has also added to this a bundle of cool vocal harmonies and excellent lead vocals.I'm happy to be a part of it, and may it shoot high towards the bright stars above."  This 1991 Guitar World Best New Talent Winner has never been one to rest on his laurels, and the past year has seen him on the road touring with the Experience Hendrix Tour-joining a line-up that includes a true who's who of guitar masters. Headliners include Eric Johnson and Black Label Society's Zakk Wylde, both of whom make guest appearances on GOOD FOR SUMTHIN'. Produced by Grammy™ winning producer and recording artist Raphael Saddiq and using lush harmonies and intricate guitar work, the songs on GOOD FOR SUMTHIN' tell Gales' life story in a potent mix of musical genres... alternately bluesy, psychedelic, funky and rock. "Raphael is one of my best friends, and when I asked him if he minded producing, he said, 'I want to do this...you're one of the baddest cats I know!' So just having the opportunity to work with him was amazing. And to do it with one of my best friends-who just happens to be one of the baddest producers, musicians, arrangers and composers in the business- just gives me goosebumps!" The blues-rock track "Going Back to Memphis" is a collaborative effort, with rock industry pioneer Mike Varney contributing the lyrics. The song features strong vocal harmonies and intense soloing, and summarizes Gales' career journey, which will culminate at a CD release party to celebrate the new album in his hometown of Memphis. Making the event at Minglewood Hall even more special is its occurrence on the eve of his 40th birthday. "I don't know how I feel about turning 40," he says, "but with this CD release, it ain't so bad!"  Gales' well-crafted CD features smartly written songs with a message and his exuberant musicianship, which range from the toneful solos on "You Give Me Life" that double his smooth vocals to the intense guitar interplay with guest Zakk Wylde on "Steep Climb." "Show Me How" combines a contemporary modern sound with influences of the 60's and 70's, while the collaborations continue on "Six Deep" as Gales' wife LaDonna joins the band on back-up vocals. In Gales' own words, this record was a long time coming.  And as he sings on the CD's title track, "We all need music to bring about some change. All you gotta' do is listen, and I think you'll feel the same." Look for Gales on the upcoming Lauryn Hill release, as the Grammy winning singer has requested him to play on several tracks of her new CD. A big fan of Hill's, Gales could not be more thrilled about the collaboration. Eric Gales' excitement about his craft is contagious.  "I am so proud of this new album," he says.  "I really put everything that I have into this one.  I wanted it to have an impact and be powerful, and the end result is just that! * * * * * GOOD FOR SUMTHIN' Track List: 1. Come A Long Way 2. 1019 3. Going Back To Memphis 4. Good For Sumthin'  5. Six Deep 6. You Give Me Life 7. Heaven's Gate 8. Tonight (I'm Leaving) 9. Show Me How 10. Miss You 11. Steep Climb featuring Zakk Wylde 12. E2 (Note For Note) featuring Eric Johnson

Ageless Tony Bennett dazzles in Costa Mesa

My review of Tony Bennett's wonderful Sunday night, October 5, 2014 concert was originally posted on The Orange County Register site on Monday afternoon, Oct. 6, 2014. A special "thank you" to Kelly A. Swift for the use of her outstanding photographs!

Tony Bennett on Sunday, Oct. 5, 2014. Photo: Kelly A. Swift

The 88-year-old singer performs before a packed house at Segerstrom Hall.

When Tony Bennett and Lady Gaga’s jazz album Cheek To Cheek debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard Jazz Album and Traditional Jazz Album Charts last week, the 88-year-old Bennett broke his own record of being the oldest artist to score a No. 1 release.

Watching the multiple Grammy winner dazzle a capacity crowd at Segerstrom Hall on Sunday evening, it was easy to see how the New York native can still wow. While any artist with his continuing legacy might be deserving of a standing ovation, Bennett earned each of his with a powerful and nuanced touch that struck at the core of the timeless standards he has popularized over a 60-year career.

Tony Bennett at Segerstrom Hall.
Photo: Kelly A. Swift

For 75 minutes, Bennett and his jazz quartet performed a mix of pop standards and jazz selections that showcased how impressive he remains as a singer and how the timbre of his voice has changed little over the decades. Early highlights included the uptempo “They All Laughed,” with Bennett using his hands to exaggerate key lyrics that elicited cheers from the audience. He was then able to change things up quickly, bringing depth and potency to the ballad “Maybe This Time.” The song featured an incredible build with his voice artfully matching the dynamics of his band.

The approach was generally that Bennett would perform an uptempo song, followed by a ballad, with frequent opportunities to showcase all four musicians via impressive solos. That straightforward formula never got in the way of the parade of amazing songs that comprised the set. From a bubbly “I Got Rhythm” and melancholy-filled “Stranger in Paradise” to Steven Sondheim's “Old Friends,” performed as a vocal duet with his daughter Antonia Bennett, this was a night that flew by.

Late set highlights included a playful “The Best is Yet to Come” that had everyone clapping along in time with the band, and a beautiful “The Way You Look Tonight.”

The single most affecting performance of the night was a tear-inducing version of Charlie Chaplin's “Smile” (Bennett recalled receiving a letter from Chaplin for having made the song popular again).

How did Bennett end his amazing concert? Simply by setting aside his microphone and hushing the crowd as he sang “Fly Me to the Moon” to the sparse accompaniment of guitarist Gray Sargent. A crooner for the ages.

Antonia Bennett on Oct. 5. Photo: Kelly A. Swift

Bennett’s daughter Antonia opened the concert with a 20-minute set of standards. Her voice lacks the unique characteristics of her father, but she displayed plenty of technical skills, especially on a wonderful version of the Noel Coward song “Sail Away.”

Stagecoach festival announces lineup

STAGECOACH:

CALIFORNIA’S COUNTRY MUSIC FESTIVAL

ANNOUNCES 2015 LINEUP:

TIM McGRAW, MIRANDA LAMBERT AND BLAKE SHELTON TO HEADLINE

Los Angeles, CA – OCTOBER 6, 2014 - STAGECOACH 2015--set for Friday, April 24, Saturday, April 25 and Sunday, April 26, 2015--marks the festival’s ninth year at the Empire Polo Club in Indio, CA.  This year, Tim McGraw, Miranda Lambert and Blake Shelton headline the 3-day event with additional performances by Jake Owen, Kip Moore, Dierks Bentley, Justin Moore, The Band Perry, Sara Evans, Merle Haggard, Kacey Musgraves, ZZ Top, Eli Young Band, Gregg Allman, Cassadee Pope andmany more. (Full line-up as of October 6^th can be seen on the official poster at the top of this post). 

Tickets for STAGECOACH: CALIFORNIA’S COUNTRY MUSIC FESTIVAL will go on sale Tuesday, October 14th at 10:00 AM PDT at Stagecoachfestival.com.  Three-day GA weekend passes are $269. Due to an overwhelming response, the Corral is back for 2015! Choose either the Corral Standing Pit, a standing room only section directly in front of the Mane stage OR Corral Reserved Seating, each will have VIP access to the Saloon located right of stage. All taxes, shipping and fees are included in listed ticket prices.  What you see is what you pay!  Layaway options available.  Children 10 and under are free.

The “RV RESORT” continues to provide a personal and comfortable camping experience option.  Campers can choose between 30amp, 50amp or dry camping spots.  Owned, borrowed and Rental RV's are allowed.

For complete festival information, to review reserved seating options or to apply for an RV spot in the Stagecoach RV Resort, please visit www.stagecoachfestival.com. 

Sights and Sounds: Dave Grohl, Metallica, Bruce Springsteen to perform on Veterans Day

This sounds like a pretty promising special HBO special set to air on Veterans Day next month. Here is the media release...

HBO and Starbucks Salute U.S. Veterans and Their Families with the Concert for Valor, Live on the National Mall in Washington, D.C. Tuesday, Nov. 11

Live talent to Include Eminem, Jamie Foxx, Dave Grohl, Metallica, John Oliver, Rihanna, Bruce Springsteen, Carrie Underwood, Zac Brown Band, among others, as well as special appearances by Meryl Streep, Tom Hanks and Steven Spielberg at concert to honor the courage and sacrifice of America’s veterans and their families

Concert to be Executive Produced by Gary Goetzman, Tom Hanks and Joel Gallen

HBO and Starbucks Coffee Company (SBUX) will host THE CONCERT FOR VALOR, a first-of-its-kind concert to honor the courage and sacrifice of America’s veterans and their families on the National Mall in Washington, D.C., to be presented live on HBO this Veterans Day, Tuesday, November 11 (7:00 p.m. ET/4:00 p.m. PT).

The concert will feature a broad array of talent from the worlds of music and entertainment, including Eminem, Jamie Foxx, Dave Grohl, Metallica, John Oliver, Rihanna, Bruce Springsteen, Carrie Underwood and Zac Brown Band, as well as special appearances by Meryl Streep, Tom Hanks and Steven Spielberg, among many others.

THE CONCERT FOR VALOR will provide a national stage for ensuring that veterans and their families know that their fellow Americans’ gratitude is genuine. Millions of people, including veterans, active duty service members, their families and Americans from all walks of life are expected to watch the free concert in person or on television, with the goal of raising awareness for veterans service organizations dedicated to education, wellness, reemployment and reintegration. The event will be presented from the National Mall between the Capitol and the Washington Monument, and HBO will offer its affiliates the opportunity to open the signal, allowing nonsubscribers to view the special. Former US Secretary of Defense and Starbucks board member Robert Gates and former Chairman of the US Joint Chiefs of Staff Admiral Michael Mullen are serving in an advisory capacity with regard to veterans outreach and veteran service organizations that will be recipients of concert donations.

The live event will be executive produced by Gary Goetzman, Tom Hanks and Joel Gallen, who will also direct. Hanks, who devoted his time and talent to support the construction of the World War II Memorial, has, with Goetzman, executive produced such projects as the Emmy®-winning HBO miniseries “The Pacific,” “Band of Brothers” and “John Adams,” as well as the HBO music specials “The 25th Anniversary Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Concert” and the recent “2014 Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony,” both of which were directed by Gallen.

HBO chairman and CEO Richard Plepler said, “We are honored to play a small role to help raise awareness and support for our service men and women. Their immeasurable sacrifice deserves our nation’s gratitude. This event will not only celebrate their service, but help remind Americans of the many challenges they face on and off the battlefield. We are delighted to join with Starbucks in our mutual effort to pay tribute to our veterans and those serving in the military."

Starbucks chairman, president and ceo Howard Schultz said, “The post-9/11 years have brought us the longest period of sustained warfare in our nation’s history. The less than one percent of Americans who volunteered to serve during this time have afforded the rest of us remarkable freedoms – but that freedom comes with a responsibility to understand their sacrifice, to honor them and to appreciate the skills and experience they offer when they return home. As many now seek reemployment, now is the time to offer them opportunities to work in our communities to do what they do best: solve problems and lead with selfless service. THE CONCERT FOR VALOR represents a significant and historic opportunity to demonstrate our country's potential to come together as a nation, and do right by those who have done so much for us. They’ve stepped up. Now it's our turn.”

Last November, Starbucks committed to hiring at least 10,000 veterans and military spouses over the next five years. In April, the Schultz Family Foundation, co-founded by Schultz and his wife, Sheri, committed $30 million to support veterans’ transition to civilian life. Schultz is also co-authoring “For Love of Country,” which reports on the sacrifices veterans have made, the bravery and leadership they demonstrate, and the huge economic benefit and opportunity that transitioning veterans bring to American communities and companies. The book, co-written with Rajiv Chandrasekaran of The Washington Post, will be published by Knopf and available nationwide in early November. The authors will donate proceeds from the sale of the book to veterans service organizations. You can learn more about the book here:http://knopfdoubleday.com/2014/10/01/media-center-for-love-of-country-by-howard-schultz-and-rajiv-chandrasekaran/.

HBO has a long history of original programming devoted to supporting veterans and examining veterans’ experiences from diverse perspectives. In addition to the miniseries “Band of Brothers” and “The Pacific,” the network has presented the original movies “Taking Chance” and “The Tuskegee Airmen,” the miniseries “Generation Kill,” and the documentaries “Alive Day Memories: Home from Iraq,” “Wartorn 1861-2010,” “Baghdad ER,” “Section 60: Arlington National Cemetery,” “Crisis Hotline: Veterans 1” and the upcoming “The Last Patrol,” among many others.

HBO and Starbucks are proud to present THE CONCERT FOR VALOR with the support of the Trust for the National Mall. As the official nonprofit partner of the National Park Service dedicated to restoring and improving the National Mall, the Trust is committed to preserving the sacred space where America’s military veterans are honored and free speech – both spoken and sung – is protected. The Trust will provide event volunteers and logistical assistance to support the concert and preserve the grounds of the National Mall.

While less than one percent of American adults serve in the U.S. military today, there are currently more than 20 million American veterans. This includes more than 2.5 million 9/11-era veterans who are facing a range of challenges as they make the transition back to civilian life.

About HBO

Home Box Office, Inc. is the premium television programming subsidiary of Time Warner Inc. and the world’s most successful pay TV service, providing the two television services – HBO® and Cinemax® – to approximately 127 million subscribers worldwide. The services offer the most popular subscription video-on-demand products, HBO On Demand® and Cinemax On Demand®as well as HBO GO® and MAX GO®, HD feeds and multiplex channels. Internationally, HBO branded television networks, along with the subscription video-on-demand products HBO On Demand and HBO GO, bring HBO services to over 70 countries. HBO and Cinemax programming is sold into over 150 countries worldwide.

About Starbucks

Since 1971, Starbucks Coffee Company has been committed to ethically sourcing and roasting high-quality arabica coffee. Today, with stores around the globe, the company is the premier roaster and retailer of specialty coffee in the world. Through our unwavering commitment to excellence and our guiding principles, we bring the unique Starbucks Experience to life for every customer through every cup. To share in the experience, please visit us in our stores or online at www.starbucks.com.