Neil Young, Hot Tuna, Robbie Robertson Shine on Classics

Essential new releases from Neil Young and Hot Tuna, as well as memorable titles featuring the late Robbie Robertson are featured in my column this week. 

Artist: Neil Young
Title: Chrome Dreams (Reprise)
You might like if you enjoy: Neil Young, Nils Lofgren, Dawes
Tell me more: One of the most remarkable new releases of 2023 is actually a long lost Neil Young album that was recorded between 1974 and 1977. Originally set for release in 1977, Chrome Dreams is every bit the masterpiece that surrounded the towering legend of the 12-track album prior to its long-awaited release on Aug. 11. The track listing of Chrome Dreams includes some very familiar titles, but the recordings featured here in the album's original form include some that were the first recordings of the Young-penned favorites. The album begins with a solo acoustic version of "Pocahontas" recorded on Aug. 11, 1976, Young's signature vocals soaring amidst his shimmering guitar (this is the same version that first appeared on Rust Never Sleeps, but without the overdubs). The acoustic guitar-driven "Hold Back the Tears" includes lyrics different than the subsequent version of the song featured on his American Stars 'n Bars album. Another highlight on the masterwork is the early — and first solo version — of his beloved original "Powderfinger," the power of the song's potent lyrics and evocative musical arch showcased via a mesmerizing performance. The album also includes the haunting and decidedly sparse "Will to Love," introspective "Star of Bethlehem," otherworldly romance-minded rocker "Like a Hurricane," sorrowful "Too Far Gone" and melancholy-adorned "Look Out For My Love." One of the most important releases of 2023. Information: neilyoungarchives.com.  

Artist: Hot Tuna
Title: 3 CD Collection (Mercury Studios)
You might like if you enjoy: Hot Tuna, Jefferson Airplane, Jorma Kaukonen, Mississippi John Hurt
Tell me more: Fans of American blues-rock outfit Hot Tuna can pick up the newly-issued 3 CD Collection. The 3-disc box set includes a trio of full acoustic band performances (no drums) captured at The Sweetwater Music Hall in Mill Valley, CA, two nights in a row as well as a concert date at Stove's in Yokohama, Japan. All three 1990s performances are housed in one colorful package complete with a poster. An offshoot of Jefferson Airplane, Hot Tuna was launched in 1969 when singer-songwriter/guitarist Jorma Kaukonen and bassist Jack Casady wanted to perform a mix of blues, folk, bluegrass and country while Grace Slick was recovering from vocal surgery. To be sure, the stellar performances featured on 3 CD Collection enhance Hot Tuna's legacy. Guests at the Jan. 27, 1992 recording include singer-guitarist Bob Weir (The Grateful Dead), keyboardist Pete Sears (Jefferson Starship) and singer Maria Muldaur; noted folk singer Happy Traum guests on the Jan. 28, 1992 show. Among the terrific tracks on the early part of the collection are the Delta blues flavored "Whinin' Boy Blues" and "Nobody Knows You When You're Down and Out," breezy country blues nugget "Great Change," a breathtaking acoustic-flavored version of Jefferson Airplane's "Embryonic Journey" and riveting take on Bob Dylan's 1965 single "Maggie's Farm," the latter featuring Weir on lead vocals. The delights continue on the box set via wonderful cuts such as the joyful "Blue Moon of Kentucky," spirited "Folsom Prison Blues," infectious "Parchment Farm" and luxurious "Ice Age." Information: mercurystudios.co or hottuna.com.

Classic Titles Celebrate Robbie Robertson

Robbie Robertson seen performing
onstage at "The Last Waltz" on Nov. 25, 1976.

On Aug. 9, 2023, Canadian great Robbie Robertson passed away at the age of 80. A lead guitarist for Bob Dylan in the mid 1960s, the influential artist was best known as guitarist and songwriter with the Band from their inception in 1967 until 1978, and for several acclaimed solo albums — notably his self-titled 1987 album, 1991's Storyville and 2011's How to Become Clairvoyant.

From left, Bob Dylan, Rick Danko and Robbie Robertson performing on Nov. 25, 1976.
The event was filmed and released as Martin Scorsese's film "The Last Waltz."

In addition, Robertson collaborated on a number of celebrated film and TV soundtracks — usually with director Martin Scorsese — beginning with the music documentary film "The Last Waltz" in 1978 and continuing through classics "Raging Bull" (1980), "The King of Comedy" (1983), "Casino" (1995), "The Wolf of Wall Street," "The Irishman" (2019) and most recent "Killers of the Flower Moon" (scheduled for widespread release on Oct. 6, 2023).

A few years ago, Capitol/UMe released a series of expanded and remastered 50th Anniversary reissues of the Band's beloved studio albums, including Music From Big Pink (1968), The Band (1969), Stage Fright (1970) and Cahoots (1971). Following the death of Robertson, I revisited several of these wonderful collections and was reminded how talented — and groundbreaking — the Americana-styled Canadian-American band was. The Stage Fright reissue includes a June 1971 concert recording captured at Royal Albert Hall featuring stellar performances of "The Shape I'm In," "The Weight," "I Shall Be Released," "Up On Cripple Creek," "The Night They Drove Old Dixie Down" and other enduring staples. With their winning brew of roots rock, folk, jazz, country and R&B, the Band (Robertson was the group's principal songwriter) influenced the likes of George Harrison, the Grateful Dead, Eric Clapton, Elton John, Dawes and countless others.

Robert Kinsler

New Music: Nils Lofgren, The Flashcubes, Lucinda Williams

Revered artists Nils Lofgren, The Flashcubes and Lucinda Williams are back with the some of most important albums of their illustrious careers. 

Artist: Nils Lofgren
Title: Mountains (Cattle Track Road Records)
You might like if you enjoy: Neil Young, David Crosby, Nils Lofgren
Tell me more: While Nils Lofgren is best known for his long-time role as a member of Bruce Springsteen's E Street Band, Neil Young's enduring Crazy Horse as well as his role as one the early members of Ringo Starr's All Starr Band, his exceptional talents as a solo artist shine just as bright across his wonderful new album Mountains. Lofgren's otherworldly skills as singer, songwriter and guitar master are displayed via a far-flung track listing that includes him performing originals amidst blues, rock, soul and Americana soundscapes. Lofgren addresses a troubled world, as well as the magical grasp of love and deep human connections on the decidedly personal album. The cast of musical greats who contribute to Mountains' might is also notable; Ringo Starr provides his singular skills behind the drum kit on the winning opener "Ain't the Truth Enough," while he adds vocals on the transcendent "Angel Blues." The beautiful ballad "Back in Your Arms" is bolstered by wonderful backing vocals from the Howard Gospel Choir; Lofgren's signature vocals are particularly poignant here. The bluesy tribute to the late Rolling Stones drummer Charlie Watts ("Won't Cry No More") is heartfelt and bewitching, Lofgren's voice blending magically with Cindy Mizelle's soprano and his own artful fret work. The countrified ballad "Nothin's Easy (For Amy)" is bolstered by guest Neil Young whose vocals blend powerfully with Lofgren's own. The late David Crosby — who passed away in January 2023 — adds his vocals on the buoyant and genre-defying "I Remember Her Name." Information: nilslofgren.com.

Artist: The Flashcubes
Title: Pop Masters (Big Stir Records)
You might like if you enjoy: Shoes, The Pale Brothers, Big Star, Raspberries, Sparks
Tell me more: Syracuse, New York-based Power Pop Hall Of Fame outfit The Flashcubes are back with the aptly-titled Pop Masters (due Aug. 11 via audio CD and all streaming services courtesy of Big Stir Records). The quartet — whose 1977-1980 lineup is intact and features guitarists Paul Armstrong and Arty Lenin, bassist Gary Frenay and drummer Tommy Allen — released only two singles during their original run ("Christi Girl" and "Wait Til Next Week"). The band reunited in the 1990s and earned a growing following thanks to the release of new recordings and acclaim for their live performances. Fast forward to 2023 and Pop Masters fully rewards power pop lovers with a dozen great cuts; indeed the collection gathers a wide range of singles that have received airplay on the likes of "Little Steven's Underground Garage," WFMU, KXLU, and more. Standouts on Pop Masters include a rousing cover of the Pezband's tuneful rocker "Baby It's Cold Outside" with the song's original writer and singer Mimi Betinis sharing lead vocals, a sophisticated take on Pilot's 1977 track "Get Up And Go," a powerful musical reading of Shoes' "Tomorrow Night," and infectious takes on the Paley Brothers' "Come Out And Play" and Motors' "Forget About You." Late disc highlights include a euphoric take on Dwight Twilley's "Alone In My Room," shimmering version of Posies' "Flavor Of The Month" and an inspired performance of Sparks' "Nothing To Do." Also essential is the version of the Eric Carmen-penned "Get The Message," a glorious track that recalls the best of '60s and '70s garage rock stylings during its rollicking run; Cyrus Erie's Randy Klawon adds guitar to the driving cover. Information: bigstirrecords.com.

Artist: Lucinda Williams
Title: Stories From A Rock n Roll Heart (Thirty Tigers)
You might like if you enjoy: Chrissie Hynde, Bruce Springsteen, Michael Ubaldini, Margo Price
Tell me more: Stories from a Rock n Roll Heart marks the first album from acclaimed Americana singer-songwriter Lucinda Williams since she suffered a debilitating stroke in November 2020, a challenging event that greatly impacted her ability to play guitar (her principal tool used to write songs). Williams, 70, is thankfully on the mend and was terrific when I caught her enticing set at the Pure Imagination Festival in Prescott, AZ in May, and her new album Stories from a Rock n Roll Heart certifies her top-tier talents as a songwriter and singer are fully intact. Williams— who produced her 15th studio album along with Tom Overby and Ray Kennedy — co-wrote the material here with Overby, Jesse Malin and Travis Stephens. Additionally, she is joined by a slew of famed artists who provide backing vocals across the 10-track collection. The songs here often chronicle the aftermath of her stroke; just listen to the countrified confessional "Jukebox" where she sings: "These days my world seems so small / I'm a prisoner inside these four walls / Going Crazy with the sound of my own voice / Going crazy if I don't get out of this house." On "New York Comeback" — where her own terrific vocals are bolstered by the backing vocals of Bruce Springsteen and Patti Scialfa — she genuinely conjures up the magic of returning to the stage: "Let me have the final say / One last chance to do it my way / One last shot, one last swing / One final song to sing." Among the other outstanding tracks on the disc are the joyful roots rocker "Let's Get the Band Back Together," the yearning "Last Call for the Truth," rollicking "Rock n Roll Heart," haunting "Hum's Liquor" and lovely "Where the Song Will Find Me," the latter a poignant exploration of the singer's mission to embrace her life's work of writing and recording new music. The album's closer is the defiant "Never Gonna Fade Away," where Williams promises: "I'm not gonna fade away / I'm never gonna fade away" — the song's emotional close is an invitation for discerning listeners to reflect and then hit "repeat" to play Stories from a Rock n Roll Heart again. Information: LucindaWilliams.com.

Robert Kinsler —

The Zombies Acquire Rights To 1960's Recordings Including "She's Not There" and "Time of the Season"

The Zombies' incredible story keeps defying the odds more than 60 years after the beloved group's formation. Here is the latest news about the groundbreaking British band...Robert Kinsler

The Zombies (from left) bassist Chris White, keyboardist Rod Argent, the late
guitarist Paul Atkinson, singer Colin Blunstone and drummer Hugh Grundy.
Photo courtesy of The Zombies

“British Invasion” pioneers, The Zombies,

acquire rights to their classic 1960’s recordings, including

“She’s Not There” and “Time of the Season”

 

***For immediate release***

 

 

Psychedelic-Pop icons, and 2019 Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Inductees, The Zombies, have acquired the rights to their 1960’s recording catalogue.  The deal includes their timeless hit singles “She’s Not There”, “Tell Her No”, and “Time of the Season”, as well as the ground-breaking 1968 album Odessey & Oracle, a regular entry in “Best Albums of All Time” lists in publications like Rolling Stone and Mojo Magazine. 

 

Via a newly-formed Partnership entity between the four surviving original members, lead singer Colin Blunstone, keyboardist Rod Argent, bassist Chris White, and drummer Hugh Grundy, along with Helen Atkinson, the widow and Estate Trustee of late guitarist Paul Atkinson, the band secured their catalogue rights from Marquis Enterprises Ltd., the independent UK production company they originally signed with as teenagers in 1964.  “Zombies Partners LLP” will house the band’s shared interests in their recordings, merchandise and life-rights, and will be overseen by Chris Tuthill and Cindy da Silva of The Rocks Management in New Jersey, the group’s managers for the past 10 years.

 

The original incarnation of The Zombies only had a short period of recorded output before splitting in late 1967, due to a perceived lack of success.  Despite this, interest in their moody jazz-inflected and harmony-laden recordings slowly compounded over subsequent decades, boosted by prominent film, television and advertising placements, including a global Chanel campaign starring Keira Knightly (“She’s Not There”), Disney’s blockbuster movie “Cruella” (“Time of the Season”), and the closing scene of the beloved “Shitt’s Creek” series finale (“This Will Be Our Year”).  Today, The Zombies boast well over 3 Million monthly listeners on Spotify - more than 3.5 Million people have opened their Shazam app to identify “Time of the Season” alone - while their physical re-issues regularly appear on vinyl sales charts. This catalogue announcement comes on the heels of the film festival premiere of Hung Up On A Dream this March at SXSW in Austin TX. The new Zombies documentary, slated for public release later this year, chronicles the band’s unusual 6-decade journey to becoming part of the 2019 Class of The Rock & Roll Hall of Fame alongside Janet Jackson and Radiohead, and is directed by musician and filmmaker Robert Schwartzman, and co-produced by Schwartzman’s Utopia Films, The Ranch Productions, and Tom Hanks’ Playtone.  At the same time, Blunstone and Argent’s current touring and recording lineup of The Zombies debuted their latest album Different Game (Cooking Vinyl Records) at SXSW, followed by a 5-week UK tour in the Spring, with a North American run on-sale for October. Keyboardist Argent reflects, “I know we’d all like to thank [Marquis Enterprises Director] Carole [Broughton] for a fantastic stewardship.  I particularly feel that in those early years, soon after the original version of the band broke up, she did a brilliant job, spreading the word abroad by tirelessly licensing and relicensing our songs  - to the point where now, all these years later, our entire catalogue is streamed and enjoyed by an audience of several millions every month, all over the world - an audience still continually growing by the addition of many new young fans.  It is so gratifying to feel that 60 years later our music still has relevance, and we are now in the position to own our own recordings.”

 

An “indie band” decades before the term existed, The Zombies innocently avoided the path of many of their peers during the dawn of Rock ‘n’ Roll, whose recordings eventually became the property of major entertainment corporations.  Formed in 1961 by Argent after scouting nascent musicians at local schools in St. Albans, a small and historic city North of London, The Zombies developed a strong regional following in the South of England before entering The Herts Beat Competition in the Spring of 1964, a battle sponsored by the London Evening News to find the best “Beat” band in Hertfordshire County.   Winning the final round with their unusual cover of Gershwin’s “Summertime”, The Zombies brought home the £250 grand prize and an offer to record a single for Decca Records.  Rather than immediately signing a contract with the prestigious record label, the band sought the advice of a family friend, producer Ken Jones, who together with his partner, publisher and “song-man” Joe Roncoroni, ran Marquis Enterprises.  Jones proposed that he would produce their first recording session, and that Marquis would negotiate terms to license the single to Decca.  Jones also suggested the band try writing original songs for the session, rather than recording the (mostly American R&B) covers they performed live.  Argent and White both took his advice, and each brought a song to the studio the next week.  Argent’s “She’s Not There” was chosen as the A-side, and mere months later, The Zombies found themselves at the forefront of the “British Invasion”, becoming the 2nd UK band after The Beatles to reach #1 in the American charts with a self-written single. 

 

The relationship with Marquis continued, although with Argent and White eventually taking over the producers’ role from Jones for their Odessey & Oracle album.  Licensed to CBS Records for release in 1968, the album initially flopped, until the final single “Time of the Season” became a surprise world-wide hit in 1969, over a year after The Zombies had disbanded.  Marquis Enterprises reclaimed control of The Zombies’ catalogue after the Decca and CBS agreements expired, and remained independent during the intervening decades.  Carole Broughton, Director of Marquis Ent., was an employee when The Zombies first signed to the company in 1964, and since acquiring Marquis in 1977, has personally overseen the licensing of the catalogue for re-issues, placements and digital distribution. "Now 60 years on I still have the same passion for the Zombies music as when I first heard and worked on “She's Not There” with Joe and Ken in 1964. I have absolutely loved working on The Zombies amazing catalogue and dealing with such a lovely bunch of guys, so it is a bittersweet moment for me to be handing the catalogue back but I wouldn't have wanted it to be in the hands of anyone other than The Zombies themselves. I personally will continue to enjoy their music for many years to come and am excited to see what the future holds for them. It has been an absolute pleasure working with them and I know the catalogue will continue to thrive and be enjoyed by their many fans."

Zombies co-manager Tuthill adds, “Together with Monika Tashman and the amazing legal team at Manatt, it’s been an absolute privilege to help bring this precious and influential catalogue into the hands of its creators.  Everyone at The Rocks Management is excited to continue building a team of champions around the band, and are thrilled to be part of sharing The Zombies’ body of work to countless future generations!” 

 

 

FOR MORE INFORMATION PLEASE CHECK THE ZOMBIES WEBSITE

https://www.thezombiesmusic.com/

 

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Rory Gallagher "All Around Man - Live In London" Vinyl / CD title available now

Hi music lovers, I somehow missed the release of this noteworthy recording was released in July 2023. Here is the media release with all the details...Robert Kinsler

Rory Gallagher

‘All Around Man - Live In London’

A brand new live album from an undocumented era of Gallagher’s exhilarating career

Released 7th of July 2023

Order now

Rory Gallagher ‘All Around Man - Live In London’ is a 23-track live album of unreleased material taken from a previously undocumented period of one of the greatest guitarists of all time.

To be released on the 7th of July as double-CD and triple-LP sets, this exhilarating album is pulled from two nights at the Town & Country Club (now the The O2 Forum) in London in December 1990.

Pre-order is available now from here.

‘All Around Man - Live In London’ was recorded from the shows that supported Gallagher’s eleventh, and sadly, last studio album Fresh Evidence that was released in May 1990. This album features captivating live versions of tracks from that album as well as songs from the 1987 ‘Defender’ album plus other career favourites.

This new album has been mixed from the recently found multi tracks and mastered at Abbey Road Studios, and the album’s cover is a painting by Irish graffiti artist Vincent Zara who has stencilled Rory’s image across his home country.

Tracklisting:

CD1

Continental Op

Heavens Gate

Don't Start Me Talkin'

Kid Gloves

Mean Disposition

The Loop

Tattoo'd Lady

The King of Zydeco

Moonchild

Out On The Western Plains

Ride On Red, Ride On

Walkin Blues

Empire State Express

CD2

Shadow Play

I Wonder Who

Shin Kicker

Middle Name

When My Baby She Left Me

Ghost Blues

Messin' With The Kid

Keep A Knockin'

Bullfrog Blues

All Around Man

Rory Gallagher’s live performances are a thing of legend, he was an artist that came alive when onstage and as a result some of his most successful albums are his live ones, such as ‘Live! In Europe’ and ‘Irish Tour ’74’. In advance of these shows, in which this album’s recordings were taken, Gallagher had spent an unprecedented six months in the studio making ‘Fresh Evidence’ (he was known for recording albums rapidly, sometimes in as little as two weeks!) and as a result Gallagher was at his live best, demonstrating his love and hunger for live performance and the recordings on ‘All Around Man - Live In London’ are testament to that raw energy.

Rory Gallagher was an Irish musician, songwriter, and producer. He formed the blues rock trio Taste in 1966, which experienced success in the UK and Europe before he pursued a solo career, releasing music throughout the 1970s and 1980s and selling more than 30 million records worldwide. Gallagher is known for his virtuoso guitar playing, which strongly influenced other guitarists such as Sir Brian May and Slash. Rory was listed as the 57th greatest guitarist of all time by Rolling Stone magazine and the Greatest Irish Music Artist by Irish Radio.

Some words from fellow guitarists:

 

Johnny Marr “The man who changed my musical life was Rory Gallagher, I picked up a guitar because of him.”

Slash “Rory didn’t sound like anybody else…He had a very individual, independent kind of tone and approach and everything. He’s always been a big hero to me.”

Brian May “He was just a magician, he’s one of the very few people of that time who could make his guitar do anything it seemed. It just seemed to be magic. I remember looking at that battered Stratocaster and thinking “how does that come out of there?”

Ritchie Blackmore “Rory was probably the most natural player I’ve ever seen. In all the gigs we did together I don’t think I ever heard him play the same thing twice… He was the ultimate performer.”

Ed Sheeran “’A Million Miles Away’ was the first song I learned on guitar. The story goes that when Jimi Hendrix was asked how it felt to be the greatest guitarist in the world, he answered, “I don’t know. Go ask Rory Gallagher.”

Eric Clapton “The man who got me back into the blues.”

Jimmy Page “I really liked Rory, he was fine guitarist and singer and lovely man”

Peter Frampton “When I was with Humble Pie and we were all just beginning to feel like we were getting it together, Rory was the one to measure yourself against. To be able to play like that with such intensity was awesome and really the only other guitarist that had that ability was Hendrix.I could never get a sound like that from my Strat no matter how hard I tried.He was a real credit to music and pushed it to another level altogether.”

Alex Lifeson “It is truly remarkable how many guitarists over the years have cited Rory Gallagher as an influence.  I was introduced to his playing during the Taste years but it was during one of Rush’s early tours opening for Rory in the fall of 1974 that left the greatest impression.  He oozed passion in his playing and I envied his ability to transcend the moment.  I learned a lot from him as a guitarist but it was his character that touched me most.”

Ace Frehley (Kiss) “Rory Gallagher he was a great player. I’ve seen him perform several times he just used to use a little Fender amp and that beat-up old Strat, but boy, he could make that guitar talk. He was another guitar player who never got the credit he deserved, it’s incredible.”

Joe Bonamassa “As soon as I heard Cradle Rock, I was hooked. I thought, ‘This is what I want to be when I grow up.’”

Bill Wyman “There’s very few true blues people. Rory stood out because he did it all the way through his life, that’s what he did. Who else is there? I can’t think of anyone that stands out as a real true honest follower of the blues and singer of the blues as Rory was.”

Larry Coryell “I see a strong similarity between the approach to improvising over the blues between Rory and Jimi Hendrix. They were both virtuosos who were able to manipulate even the minutest aspect of the blues and do things that had never been played before.”

Bob Geldof “It’s not too much to say that what like Hendrix did for the electric blues, Rory did in an Irish context. You know Hendrix was the great originator, he sought of did field hollers for the pace age you know. But Rory absolutely injected some Irish thing into it.”