Thursday, October 05, 2017

Sights and Sounds: The Church, Big Head Todd and the Monsters, Marillion

Here is a roundup of some major news in the world of music from three super great artists from across the music spectrum...


the church Release 26th Album
Man Woman Life Death Infinity out Friday, October 6th
On Tour in North America now


"…the music of the church still sounds vital and challenging. They sound just as hungry and exciting as they did three decades ago."
ABC News 

"There is nothing, or not much, that is obvious and instant about the church. Songs that at first pass you by flare into life once you've paid them proper respect and attention…no doubt why people care so deeply about them."
news.com.au
 
"Arguably one of the greatest Australian bands of all time."
Tone Deaf



One of the most indelible, progressive and passionately admired rock bands of our time, the church release another masterpiece of sonic exploration, Man Woman Life Death Infinity. The ARIA Hall of Fame band's 26th album is their second with the rejuvenated line-up - Steve Kilbey, Peter Koppes, Tim Powles and Ian Haug - and is released this Friday worldwide. 

The past several years have been wildly successful for the church, pulling a 20,000 strong crowd at at Primavera Sound, a performance at SXSW, four North American tours and their first European tour in almost a decade. The band is presently touring in support of their new album in the states. Woven with classics spanning almost 50 years of underground glory, the set will feature selections from Man Woman Life Death Infinity, including the shape-shifting dreamscape of the first, exhilarating cut, 'Another Century', and its imminent follow-up, new single 'Undersea': yet another new dimension of chiming strings and kaleidoscopic images.

Man Woman Life Death Infinity is where the revitalized quartet's freshly tuned chemistry reaches a new potency and precision: ten songs, 45 minutes, and a quantum leap into unexplored territory as strange as it is irresistible. Written in two separate sessions in March across Ian Haug's Airlock Studios in Brisbane and Tim Powles' Space Junk Studios in Sydney Man Woman Life Death Infinity is the first full length since the early 90s where the band have collected their song ideas before hitting the record light and just 'going with the flow'.  Co-produced alongside long-term audio accomplice Ted Howard at Rancom Street Studios, Man Woman Life Death Infinity delivers a more succinct release than 2014's Further/Deeper. 

Singer, lyricist and bassist Steve Kilbey explains this 26th full length offering is the church's 'water record'.  "I guess water is my element. I've always marveled at the sea and rivers and rain. It wasn't conscious at all but on reflection, it definitely is a preoccupation on this record. What that means, I don't know," he says. "This is an album we’re really looking forward to exploring live," he says. "The way I write lyrics is very stream-of-consciousness. I never question them until we perform live, so I discover them in time as much as the audience."

Tour Dates:

10.03.2017     Philadelphia PA      Union Transfer
10.05.2017     Detroit MI                Magic Stick
10.06.2017     Chicago IL                Park West
10.08.2017     Minneapolis MN    Cedar Cultural Center
10.10.2017      Omaha NE              The Waiting Room
10.11.2017      Englewood CO        Gothic Theatre
10.12.2017      Salt Lake City UT   The State Room
10.13.2017      Las Vegas NV          Brooklyn Bowl
10.14.2017      Phoenix AZ              The Press Room






BIG HEAD TODD AND THE MONSTERS CONFIRM U.S. TOUR DATES
UPCOMING ALBUM NEW WORLD ARISIN’ OUT NOVEMBER 3 ON BIG RECORDS

photo credit: Jason Siegel

Colorado band Big Head Todd and the Monsters are set to tour the U.S. throughout the fall/winter in support of their forthcoming eleventh studio album, New World Arisin’, due November 3 on their own Big Records imprint. See below for a complete list of dates.
The album’s first single “Damaged One” is currently at #26 and rising on the AAA Chart. Listen HERE.
New World Arisin’ was written and produced by vocalist/guitarist Todd Park Mohr with original members Rob Squires on bass and Brian Nevin on drums and percussions. Plus, Jeremy Lawton on keyboards, lap and petal steel guitar and backing vocals. It was recorded at E-Town Studios in Boulder, Colorado and mixed by Mark Needham with engineering by James Tuttle.
Mohr explains that the songs were written over a twenty-year period. He describes that “some songs fell into place immediately, while others took many years to materialize. Yet after such a long gestating process for the writing, the recording was completed in just six days.”
Having played Denver’s historic Red Rocks Amphitheater more than nineteen times with recent dates sold out this summer, the band is part of the fabric of the Colorado music scene. The trio of Mohr, Nevin and Squires founded the band in the early ’80s in Boulder and quickly built a strong reputation in the local club circuit. The band’s debut album, Another Mayberry, arrived in 1989, though it would be another four years before their breakthrough platinum-selling third full length Sister Sweetly made them a national phenomenon with the single “Bittersweet,” which remains a rock radio staple to this day. The only personnel change in these three decades has been the addition of a fourth member, putative “new guy” Lawton, in 2004
The band has released music steadily throughout the decades leading to their most recent release 2014’s BlackBeehive. They have also released two live albums Live Monsters, Live at the Fillmore and 2015 Live at Red Rocks.
The band has proudly controlled its own business dealings and marketing from the start, releasing 2007’s All the Love You Need via their fan email list. In 2011, they formed a new project under the name Big Head Blues Clubrecording two albums under the moniker. The first 100 Years of Robert Johnson celebrates the songs of the late blues great and features legends such as B. B. King, Charlie Musselwhite, Cedric Burnside, David“Honeyboy” Edwards, Hubert Sumlin, Ruthie Forster and Lightin’ Malcolm. Their second LP Way Down Inside: Songs of Willie Dixon is a tribute to Willie Dixon featuring Mud Morganfield, Billy Branch, Ronnie Baker Brooks, and Erica Brown. The album was produced by multiple Grammy winner Chris Goldsmith and Todd Park Mohr. The band has gone on to play shows under the name Big Head Blues Club moniker inviting some of the legends featured on the album to perform with them.
Recently, band composed the theme song to programs including “NCIS: New Orleans” and “Swamp Wars.” Their music has also been included in Contraband, The To Do List, Grudge Match, Garden Party, “So You Think You Can Dance” and many more.
New World Arisin’ Track listing
1. Glow
2. New World Arisin’
3. Damaged One
4. Trip
5. Mind
6. Detonator
7. Wipeout Turn
8. Long Coal Train
9. Under Your Wings
10. Room Full of Mirrors
Big Head Todd and the Monsters Tour Dates
October 5—Kenny’s Westside Pub—Peoria, IL
October 7—Breckenridge Brewery—Littleton, CO
October 11—Jackson Hole Fireman’s Ball—Jackson, WY
November 29—Avalon Theatre—Grand Junction, CO
November 30—Park City Live—Park City, UT
December 1—Pub Station—Billings, MT
December 2—The Wilma—Missoula, MT
December 5—Revolution Event Center—Garden City, ID
December 7—Revolution Hall—Portland, OR
December 8—Hifi Music Hall—Eugene, OR
December 9—Showbox—Seattle, WA
December 12— Crest Theatre—Sacramento, CA
December 14—House of Blues—Anaheim, CA
December 15—Troubadour—West Hollywood, CA
December 16—Warfield Theatre—San Francisco, CA
December 17—Crystal Bay Club/Crown Room—Crystal Bay, NV
December 21—Aggie Theatre—Ft. Collins, CO
December 31—Belly Up Tavern—Solana Beach, CA
January 12—The Pageant—St. Louis, MO
January 13—Palace Theatre—St. Paul, MN
January 14—Pabst Theater—Milwaukee, WI
January 16—Vogue Theatre—Indianapolis, IN
January 18—State Theatre—Kalamazoo, MI
January 19—Vic Theatre—Chicago, IL
January 20—Vic Theatre—Chicago, IL
January 23—House of Blues—Cleveland, OH
January 25—9:30 Club—Washington, DC
January 26—Theatre of the Living Arts—Philadelphia, PA
January 27—Capitol Theatre—Port Chester, NY
January 28—Wilbur Theatre—Boston, MA
January 31—The National—Richmond, VA
February 1—The Ritz—Raleigh, NC
February 2—The Fillmore—Charlotte, NC
February 3—Variety Playhouse—Atlanta, GA


MARILLION RETURN LIVE IN THE USA

Fan Pre-Sale Available NOW; General On-Sale Friday, October 6

New Version of Single “Living In F E A R” Available Friday, October 6

Recently crowned Prog Band of the Year by their peers at PROG Magazine, legendary British prog pioneers Marillion, are set to return to the US in the new year announced today. Marillion will headline the next installment of Cruise to the Edge departing the port of Tampa on February 3, 2018, returning February 8, 2018, immediately followed by nine headlining dates beginning in Orlando at The Plaza Live on Friday, February 9. Complete routing below.

The nine-day run was curated in part by fans as the band will see many cities not visited in more than a decade, if ever.  Presale begins today with general onsale on Friday, October 6, 2017 (**unless noted below).  Fans can visit Marillion.com for more information.
The new single, “Living In F E A R” is available for pre-order now, releasing Friday, October 6.  With exclusive packaging, the single will include the newly recorded 4-track version, exclusive live edits of “Living In F E A R” and “The Leavers,” and two songs from the forthcoming limited live issue series.  The single will be available in multiple formats including Vinyl and CD on Amazon,  digitally on iTunes, and in the UK at HMV. The new video for “Living In F E A R” can be viewed here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6lNOv-QVeuo&feature=em-subs_digest.

Formed in Aylesbury, Buckinghamshire, England, in 1979, Marillion have sold more than 
18 million albums and are celebrated across the globe by a devoted following whom they share a most unique and intimate relationship. 
Hailed as Internet pioneers for their game-changing use of technology to unify and mobilize their global fan community, Marillion have been un-compromising with their music and vision. Their revolutionary presale campaigns, in-house label and their own Racket Records recording studio, Marillion have remained uniquely independent and paved the way for a new modern business. Marillion host a bi-annual “Marillion Weekend,” celebrated as the ‘Best Live Event’ by the Progressive Music Awards, wherein fans have an opportunity to not only see their favorite act perform different sets, multiple nights in a row, but also become immersed in the Marillion culture and history with various activities. Marillion released their critically acclaimed 18th studio album, F E A R (aka Fuck Everyone And Run) in 2016 and continue to tour an annual average of 100 sold-out shows and festival stops globally.
Marillion are Steve ‘h’ Hogarth (vocals), Steven Rothery (guitar), Pete Trewavas (bass), Mark Kelly (keyboard) and Ian Mosley (drums).

Find a better way of life at Marillion.com

Marillion by the numbers:
Studio Albums: 18
Live Albums: 9
Boxed Sets: 4
Singles: 36
Racket Records limited releases: 56
DVD and Home Video releases: 23
Front Row Club Live Releases: 43
Convention Weekends: 21
Fan Club Xmas CDs: 19
Longest Marillion Song: Ocean Cloud (17:23)

Marillion Live in the USA 2018:
February 3 – 8                              Cruise to the Edge                      Port of Miami
Friday, February 9                      The Plaza Live                               Orlando FL
Saturday, February 10               Variety Playhouse                      Atlanta GA
Monday, February 12                Carolina Theatre                         Durham NC (**October 13 onsale)
Tuesday, February 13                Palace Theatre                             Greensburg PA
Thursday, February 15              Town Ballroom                            Buffalo NY
Friday, February 16                    Royal Oak Music Theatre         Royal Oak MI
Sunday, February 18                  20 Monroe Live                           Grand Rapids MI
Monday, February 19                The Arcada Theatre                   St. Charles IL
Wednesday, February 21         Granada Theatre                        Dallas TX



Wednesday, October 04, 2017

Essential Concerts Films, Blues Album Make for Rockin' October

A trio of wonderful concert films are available on DVD and/or blu-ray, while a celebrated blues troupe is back with a joyful celebration of the genre.


Artist: The Rolling Stones
Title: From The Vault: Sticky Fingers Live At The Fonda Theatre 2015 (Eagle Rock Entertainment)
You might like if you enjoy: The Rolling Stones
Tell me more: On May 20, 2015, a fortunate group of lucky fans were treated to an intimate concert featuring the Rolling Stones at the Fonda Theatre in Hollywood. Now that already-legendary live event has been released as part of the Rolling Stones' "From The Vault" series. Available in a variety of formats, the terrific Sticky Fingers Live At The Fonda Theatre 2015 marked the first time in the Rock and Roll Hall of Famers' career that the Rolling Stones performed the entire 1971 album Sticky Fingers. Additionally, this concert marked the official kick-off of the band's North American Zip Code Tour. The audience is treated to terrific versions of many classics including the Americana-styled "Dead Flowers" and "Wild Horses," the fiery rocker "Bitch," jazz-tinged blues rocker "Can't You Hear Me Knocking," and a Chicago blues romp through B.B. King's "Rock Me Baby" featuring a lively harmonica solo courtesy of Mick Jagger. Bonus tracks include "All Down The Line," "When The Whip Comes Down" and "I Can't Turn You Loose." In addition to the top-tier performances of many of the Stones' best songs, the DVD includes insightful interviews positioned before the band performances.  For example, in one of the most revealing segments, guitarist Ronnie Wood discusses his respect for guitarist Mick Taylor (whom Wood replaced in the band). A must have film for Stones fans, From The Vault: Sticky Fingers Live At The Fonda Theatre 2015 is available on DVD+CD, Blu-ray+CD, DVD+3LP and digital formats. Information: eagle-rock.com.



Artists: Steve Lukather, Kenny Wayne Shepherd, Joe Satriani, Slash, more
Title: A Tribute to Les Paul (MVD Visual)
You might like if you enjoy: Les Paul, Slash, Steve Lukather, Kenny Wayne Shepherd
Tell me more: Originally broadcast on AXS TV and staged as a live celebration for Les Paul's 90th birthday in 2006 at Universal Amphitheatre in Los Angeles, the special event (now available as A Tribute to Les Paul) featured performances by a number of the world's greatest electric guitarists as they paid tribute to the legacy of the so-called "father of modern music." Standout performances abound on this concert film including Steve Lukather's version of the Jimi Hendrix classic "Little Wing," Joe Satriani tearing up on "Watch Boogie" and an amazing finale featuring a take on the early '70s hit "Rock & Roll Hoochie Koo" with Lukather and Kenny Wayne Shepherd trading some fiery guitar work while Edgar Winter provides lead vocals and stellar work with his saxophone. Other artists featured on the title include Slash, Joe Perry, Neal Schon, Buddy Guy and Robben Ford. Bonus features include some vintage footage of Les Paul performing early in his career and in 2006, as well as interviews with the guitarist/inventor. Information: icontvmusic.com.



Artist: Jeff Beck
Title: Jeff Beck: Live At The Hollywood Bowl (Eagle Rock Entertainment)
You might like if you enjoy: Jeff Beck, Billy F. Gibbons, Jan Hammer, Beth Hart
Tell me more: One of rock most original and influential electric guitar players, Jeff Beck's long and wide-ranging career was fully captured in the summer of 2016 when he headlined at the Hollywood Bowl. Now, that special performance is available to enjoy via Jeff Beck: Live At The Hollywood Bowl on DVD+2CD, Blu-ray+2CD and several other formats. Inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame as both a member of England's Yardbirds and as a solo artist, the new concert film features live performances of material representing all eras of his 50-year career. In addition to rousing versions of Yardbirds cuts ("Heart Full Of Soul" and "For Your Love" thrill the crowd), he performs "The Revolution Will Be Televised" (off his then newly-released album "Loud Hailer") and everything in between. Beck is joined by a number of illustrious musical friends during the night including keyboard virtuoso Jan Hammer, Chicago blues guitar great Buddy Guy, Aerosmith singer Steven Tyler and ZZ Top singer-guitarist Billy F. Gibbons. The concert concludes with a serious emotional one-two wallop — an instrumental version of the Fab Four's "A Day in the Life" and fitting tribute to Prince (who had recently passed away) via a potent "Purple Rain." Information: eagle-rock.com.




Artist: Rick Estrin & The Nightcats
Title: Groovin' In Greaseland (Alligator Records)
You might like if you enjoy: Kid Ramos, Little Walter
Tell me more: The latest disc from Rick Estrin & The Nightcats, Groovin' In Greaseland is full of infectious, dance-minded blues songs delivered with an exuberant groove sure to please both casual and hardcore blues fans. With singer-harmonica player Rick Estrin at the helm, the surrounding group of strong players includes lead guitarist Kid Andersen, keyboardist Lorenzo Farrell and drummer Alex Petersen. The far-flung material includes the moody "Tender Hearted" and "Another Lonesome Day," the Chicago-styled blues romps "I Ain't All That" and "Hands Of Time," and pedal-to-the-medal instrumental "Mwah!" Rick Estrin & The Nightcats will celebrate the release of Groovin' In Greaseland with a performance at the Riverside West Coast Blues Festival in Riverside, CA, on Oct. 14, 2017. For specific information on that day-long event, visit riversidebluesfestival.bpt.me. For more information on the artist's new album, visit rickestrin.com or alligator.com.

Robert Kinsler

Sting: Live At The Olympia Paris out November 10

Exciting news for fans of Sting with today's announcement about the release of 'Sting: Live at the Olympia Paris' early next month...




STING: LIVE AT THE OLYMPIA PARIS


LIVE DVD, BLU-RAY AND DIGITAL CONCERT FILM

TO BE RELEASED NOVEMBER 10

“At the heart of what Sting does is a supreme songwriting talent, flowing melodies, audacious grooves and meaningful lyrics delivered by a master musician...with a thrilling super-honed musical attack and swagger.”
– The Telegraph


NEW YORK, NY (October 4, 2017): Eagle Vision and Cherrytree Management today announced the release of Sting: Live At The Olympia Paris on November 10, 2017, on DVD, blu-ray and digital download. Physical pre-orders are open now.

Sting: Live At The Olympia Paris captures the musician’s critically-acclaimed guitar-driven rock tour as it hit the French capital for a very special performance at the iconic venue in April, 2017. Hailed “the show of a lifetime” (The Vancouver Globe & Mail), Live At The Olympia Paris celebrates highlights from across the 16-time Grammy® Award winner’s illustrious career, with blistering performances of new songs from his latest album 57th & 9th including the infectious first single,“I Can’t Stop Thinking About You”, and the anthemic “50,000”, alongside classic hits from The Police as well as Sting’s solo career. Sting: Live At The Olympia Paris showcases the wide range of his eclectic style and songwriting influences in one momentous live show.
Sting is joined onstage by a 4-piece band including his longtime guitarist, Dominic Miller, Josh Freese (drums), Rufus Miller (guitar) and Percy Cardona (accordion), with backing vocals from Joe Sumner plus Diego Navaira & Jerry Fuentes of Warner Music Nashville recording artists, The Last Bandoleros. Bonus content features 9 performances from Sting and special guests.
Praise for the 57th & 9th World Tour includes “This one was a treat for the fans” (Vancouver Sun); “Nothing short of brilliant” (Mass Live); ”Sting’s current incarnation finds him at his best” (The Daily Gazette, Saratoga); “It may look effortless – but being this good for this long takes something very special.” (The Independent)
The sold out 57th & 9th World Tour was presented by Live Nation and began on February 1 in Vancouver, Canada. After a total of 115 concerts throughout North America, Asia, Latin America & Europe, the tour will conclude on October 17 in Romania. Sting’s latest album, 57th & 9th was released in November 2016 by A&M/Interscope Records, and was a Top 10 album in multiple countries around the globe.
Sting is managed by Martin Kierszenbaum at Cherrytree Management.


About Sting
Composer, singer-songwriter, actor, author, and activist Sting has received 16 Grammy awards as a solo artist and with The Police. He was inducted into the Songwriter’s Hall Of Fame in 2002, and into the Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame (with The Police) in 2003. Sting has sold over 100M albums from his combined work with The Police and as a solo artist. He is 2017’s recipient of the Polar Music Prize. Sting’s support for human rights organizations such as Rainforest Fund, Amnesty International & Live Aid mirrors his art in its universal outreach.
http://www.sting.com/
About Eagle Vision
EAGLE VISION is the world’s largest producer and distributor of music programming for cinema, TV, DVD and Digital Media. Eagle produces quality HD programs, both concerts and documentaries, directly alongside artists including Sting, Madonna, Mumford & Sons, OneRepublic, Paul McCartney, Katy Perry, The Rolling Stones, Fall Out Boy and Imagine Dragons. Eagle is a multiple Grammy® Award winner and has received numerous multi-platinum sales awards around the world. Eagle Vision is a division of Eagle Rock Entertainment (a Universal Music Group company), and headquartered in London, UK.
http://www.eagle-rock.com/

Tuesday, October 03, 2017

Tribute to Tom Petty

TJR and Robert Kinsler have posted a tribute to Tom Petty, who passed away yesterday (Oct. 2, 2017) at the age of 66. Watch the episode below:


Monday, October 02, 2017

R.I.P. Tom Petty

Tom Petty at The Hollywood Bowl on Thursday, September 21, 2017.
Photo: Drew A. Kelley
I am heartbroken that Tom Petty has died.

A number of media outlets are reporting that he was rushed to UCLA Santa Monica Hospital in Southern California on Sunday night after going into cardiac arrest in his Malibu home.

Only 66, the Gainesville, Florida native had been unconscious and was apparently just taken off life support. (Editor's Note: his death was officially announced tonight, Oct. 2, 2017 at around 9 p.m. Pacific Time)

I just saw him late last month at the first of his three final dates of his 40th Anniversary Tour where he played a fantastic concert at The Hollywood Bowl on September 21, 2017. You can read my review of that show here.

A truly great artist, Tom Petty has a great career with the Heartbreakers and also was a member of the Traveling Wilburys in the late 1980s, a group also comprised of Bob Dylan, George Harrison, Jeff Lynne and Roy Orbison. His debut album was released in November 1976 and his most recent album was 2014's Hypnotic Eye. Amazing to think that while Tom Petty's music career spanned from 1970 to 2017 (he reportedly joined the band Mudcrutch when he was only 17), it was not nearly long enough. He will truly be missed by all of us...

Robert Kinsler