Buskers unite to aid L.A. wildfire victims in Busk-Aid-L.A., March 30, 2025

 

BUSK-AID-L.A.: BUSKERS HIT THE STREETS TO BENEFIT L.A. WILDFIRE VICTIMS, SUNDAY, MARCH 30 IN CITY’S ECHO PARK DISTRICT Performing at various “perches” on Sunset Blvd., artists will include Dustbowl Revival, Ruby Friedman Orchestra, Living Sisters, Tony Gilkyson, Rick Shea, Ted Russell Kamp, Hollywood Highsteppers, Fernando Perdomo, Ilana Katz Katz, and Fat, Evil Children. LOS ANGELES, Calif. – The music community wasted no time in coming to the aid of those rendered homeless following the January wildfires in and around Los Angeles, with benefit concerts popping up in arenas, theaters, nightclubs and roadhouses. Now a fleet of buskers will take to the streets for Busk-Aid-L.A., a benefit featuring both local and out-of-town performers gathering in the 1800 block of the city’s Sunset Blvd., in Echo Park, on Sunday, March 30, from 3-8 p.m. Busk-Aid-L.A. is presented in association with the Sweet Relief Musicians Fund, who will donate proceeds where most needed among musicians displaced in the fires. The Wild Honey Foundation, an organization devoted to passing on the passion, creativity, and idealism found in rock, R&B, folk, and pop music to future generations, is helping with logistics for the festival. The event is free, with performers stationed at The Echo, Stories BooksCafe, Masa and Señor Fish, all located at or around the intersection of Sunset Blvd. and LeMoyne St. in the heart of L.A.’s Echo Park. Although the music will be free, Busk-Aid-L.A. will post a QR code (see below) which will link to the contribution page. Among the artists performing at Busk-Aid-L.A. (so far, with more TBA shortly): Dustbowl Revival, Ted Russell Kamp, the Living Sisters (Eleni Mandell and Becky Stark), Rick Shea, Tony Gilkyson, Carla Olson & Todd Wolfe, Ilana Katz Katz, Ruby Friedman Orchestra, Fernando Perdomo, and the Hollywood Highsteppers. There will be last-minute additions and surprises, including a few artists diverting from tour routing to join in. The benefit is being organized by music industry veterans Cary Baker and Liz Garo. Baker was a 40-year music publicity executive at Capitol Records, I.R.S. Records and four other labels prior to writing a book about busking, Down on the Corner: Adventures in Busking & Street Music (Jawbone Press). Garo, who heads Stepping Stone presents, is a longtime Los Angeles concert promoter, organizing shows at such venues as the Regent Theater, Echo and Echoplex, Spaceland, Love Song Bar, among others. Co-organizer Baker says of the event: “Chicago may be my hometown – and where I saw my first buskers … street blues musicians on Maxwell Street. But L.A., my home of 40 years, is where my soul will forever live. The wildfires were an unspeakable tragedy that affected many friends and acquaintances in the L.A. music scene. I felt the best way I could give back to the community – with busking on my mind following months of book promotion – was a busking event. Not all the participating artists have busking in their past, but all are looking forward to performing on the streets for the worthiest of causes. I was fortunate to partner with Liz Garo, one of L.A.’s most respected concert promoters, and the Sweet Relief Foundation, which will put the proceeds where most needed. Thanks also to a few musicians — Ruby Friedman from Portland, Ilana Katz Katz, a well-known and very passionate subway musician from Boston — who are making long trips to join us down on the corner.” Aric Steinberg, executive director of the Sweet Relief Musicians Fund, says: “We absolutely love the idea of musicians helping musicians, and Busk-Aid-L.A. is a perfect example.  So many notable artists started out as street performers, and it’s so cool to see Cary, Liz and their team harnessing the power of busking to help Los Angeles musicians who have been displaced by the fires.  We’re here to help disburse the funds and look forward to jamming in the streets with our supporters.” Schedule           Echo, 1822 Sunset Blvd.       3pm - 3:20pm  Fat, Evil Children                  3:40pm - 4pm  Watertower Boys                   Sticky Rice, 1801 W Sunset Blvd.       3:50pm - 4:10pm  Craig Elkin 4:20pm - 4:40pm  Carla Olson + Todd Wolfe  Masa, 1800 W Sunset Blvd.  4:30pm - 4:50pm Ilana Katz Katz 5pm - 5:20pm  Fernando Perdomo 5:20pm   The Highsteppers cross the street  Shoe Palace, 1700 Sunset Blvd.          5:30pm - 5:50pm  The Highsteppers                            5:50pm - 6:10pm  Ruby Friedman Orchestra                              Stories (front), 1716 Sunset Blvd.      6:pm - 6:20pm   Ted Russell Kamp                6:30pm - 6:50pm   Living Sisters                 Stories (patio), 1716 Sunset Blvd.      7: 10pm - 7:40pm Tony Gilkynson + Rick Shea 8pm - 8:30pm  Dustbowl Revival Set times subject to change / suggested set times.  Artist bios: Dustbowl Revival Going strong into their second decade after starting from a humble Craigslist ad founder and lead songwriter Z. Lupetin posted in bohemian Venice Beach (where they started busking), some would say Dustbowl Revival’s ever-evolving collective plays a spicy cocktail of folky-funk or booty-shaking jangly rock ’n’ soul: expertly mixing their New Orleans-tinted brass section with their signature Laurel Canyon harmonies and fearless lyrics. Their albums have been streamed over 20 million times and counting with a new one on the way in 2025.  Ruby Friedman Orchestra Fronted by the Portland-based/Los Angeles-bred singer-songwriter Ruby Friedman, the Ruby Friedman Orchestra has a new album, Chimes After Midnight , coming from Label 51 Recordings in June,  The record, described as “Every song, a knockout” by Willamette Week, is the successor to RFO’s highly regarded 2016 release Gem. Friedman says of her new work, “I’m giving voice to remarkable people who time will erase otherwise, ordinary men and women who changed history. Like chimes after midnight, theirs are the voices you would not hear — people in the dark.” Tony Gilkyson Born in Hollywood and reared in northern New Mexico, Tony Gilkyson writes songs that speak of ghosts, travels, dreams, and landscapes. A songwriter-guitarist, Tony began recording at a young age with his father, Terry Gilkyson. He has collaborated with songwriters John Doe and Chuck E. Weiss, as well as authors Diane Stillman (29 Palms) and Michael Blake (Dances with Wolves). His musical style blends rock, folk, and Americana, with a distinctive guitar sound that combines traditional and modern influences. Throughout his career, Tony has worked with artists such as Dave Alvin, Lone Justice, Jimmie Dale Gilmore, Bob Dylan, Kris Kristofferson, K.D. Lang, and X. His guitar work has been featured in film soundtracks like Walk the Line, The Big Lebowski, All the King's Men, and Don’t Come Knockin’, with producer T Bone Burnett Hollywood Highsteppers The Hollywood Highsteppers is a class taught at the Silverlake Conservatory of Music, a nonprofit music school serving the Silver Lake/Hollywood/Los Feliz neighborhoods. The class formed in 2019 under the direction of Michael Bolger and serves as a community band. It’s an all-ages ensemble consisting of sousaphones, drums, flutes, trumpets, trombones, saxophones, accordions, guitar, and singing. Most of the repertoire hails from the Second Line tradition of New Orleans. The band also explores other repertoire including Balkan grooves, pop songs, and funk. The Highsteppers recorded a track on a soon to be released album featuring ensembles of the Silverlake Conservatory. They march in community parades like the Doo Dah parade and the Venice Mardi Gras parade. The class is growing and bringing joy to the community. Ted Russell Kamp Ted Russell Kamp is a Grammy Award-winning bass player, singer/songwriter and producer living in Los Angeles. His music is a true gumbo of American rock and roll, blues, country and singer/songwriter styles. Rolling Stone has called Kamp an “MVP of the California Roots Music scene” as he has been a singer/songwriter and artist releasing 14 albums of his own original material while also playing bass with Shooter Jennings, Shooter Jennings Duff McKagan, Wilson Phillips, Wanda Jackson and more. Ilana Katz Katz Ilana Katz Katz is a blues and Appalachian fiddler, singer, songwriting musical chameleon who has been busking in Boston’s subways since 2008. Known for her signature solo performances, she also lends her fiddling prowess to a plethora of bands, internationally, as a recording artist and special guest. Ilana Katz Katz will fly cross-country to participate in Busk-Aid. Living Sisters Eleni Mandell and Becky Stark concocted the idea of singing together over cocktails at Little Joy back in the day. Both had been pursuing solo careers as singer-songwriters but both dreamed of a side project focused on harmonizing. Becky already had the name ready and The Living Sisters were born. Their charming, heartfelt and, sometimes, goofy songs exist to spread joy, light, and harmony! Later, Inara George and Alex Lilly joined the band but they’ll be out of town during Busk-Aid. Fernando Perdomo Fernando Perdomo  is a multi-instrumentalist, producer, and singer-songwriter originally from Miami, Florida. L.A. Times dubbed him "The Millennial Answer to Todd Rundgren.” He was featured in the movie Echo in the Canyonplaying guitar for Jakob Dylan, Fiona Apple, Beck, Cat Power, Regina Spektor, Brian Wilson and others. He currently is the guitar player for Marshall Crenshaw on tour. He is a prolific recording artist with hundreds of releases available on his Bandcamp Page. He will be releasing 12 albums in 2025 titled Waves 1-12.  Rick Shea Singer, songwriter, and guitarist Rick Shea’s work speaks for itself. He’s played with legends like Dave Alvin (Shea played on his Grammy-winning album), R.E.M. (for the soundtrack to Man on the Moon) and Rock & Roll Hall of Fame member Wanda Jackson among others He cut his teeth in Southern California honky-tonks, and his songs reflect the folk, country, rock and Mexican influences he grew up with. Shea has released 12 albums to wide acclaim (his latest received 4 Stars from Mojo), and toured both the U.S. and Europe.                                                            # # # For more information, please contact Cary Baker, link here QR code for donations via Sweet Relief Musicians Fund below. This code will be posted at all busking locations.

 

 

Michael Ubaldini returns with 5-song vinyl EP on colored vinyl

Listen to the fantastic advance track "Storms of Trouble" from singer-songwriter great Michael Ubaldini available to stream now. His forthcoming EP is set for release on April 30, 2025...Robert Kinsler 

Michael Ubaldini is back with ‘STORMS OF TROUBLE’ - listen to the new song HERE

On 12 inch Limited edition vinyl 5 song  EP on colored vinyl

#6 In the Top Ten Mojo Magazine Playlist In-House Top Picks
#1 on CMP-UK’s Kickin’ Cuts Chart

“He wants nothing to do with contrived pop and it shows”

“Truer to the Uncompromising spirit of Hank Williams than most have been over the last six decades & not at the expense of his own sound ”-Americana roots magazine UK

 

Michael Ubaldini was on his way up.  Los Angeles Times Music Critic, Mike Boehm had declared, “Michael Ubaldini is better than Bruce Springsteen at probing the National soul.”  Ubaldini was either playing or sharing the stage with Brian Setzer, Lucinda Williams, Jerry Lee Lewis, Dave Alvin, Judy Collins, Dwight Yoakum, John Doe, or The Blind Boys of Alabama.  His book, “Lost American Nights:  Lyrics and Poems” had published.  The late Joe Strummer and the legendary John Fogerty were showing up at shows, as was Seymour Stein of Warner Brothers. He toured all over the US and UK and won numerous awards including Disc of the Year and #10 best album of the decade and 21st Best song of the decade ‘Poem To my Country  from the LA Times for his record, “Acoustic Rumble”( reissued in a legacy edition in 2023). 
 
But Ubaldini was about to be thrown a curve.  Unbeknownst to him, the Orange County, CA musician was suffering from a heart-valve infection known as endocarditis and on Thanksgiving Day 2009 the disease announced its presence.  Unable to stand or move his left arm, Ubaldini was rushed to the hospital. Once diagnosed, doctors told him that he wouldn’t be able to walk or play guitar again, but on Christmas Day his hand opened up and he was able to play guitar.  “It was a miracle,” states Ubaldini.  Hospitalized for 6 more weeks the musician underwent intense physical therapy and was able to complete his recovery. Five years later in 2015 he collapsed onstage &flat lined – but was saved again by yet another Godly miracle.
 
It’s been a hard climb back, (the story was reported by CNN, as well as several newspapers) but Michael Ubaldini was determined to make his mark in the music world.  Less than a year later he was opening for the Blasters and Judy Collins and recorded acclaimed records the pure honky tonkin’, Last of the Honky Tonks.  More recently raw Folk albums Song Of Our Time & Music Notes from the underground  & his Roots Rockin’ Gospel Blues & countrified barrelhouse  Rabbit Foot Carnival - all released in the last four years filled with his poetic verse like no other songwriter on the scene.

With the new EP under his belt as a prelude to his new album now being recorded in Nashville TN, Storms Of Trouble the limited edition EP will be released in the U.S. on April 30 & all songs will also be available on all streaming services.  Storms of Trouble was recorded live in the studio with no overdubs and on analogue tape vocals and all.  Michael Ubaldini’s known for stripping things down until all that’s left is raw and honest music and this record, holds true to that credo. “I want to lay waste to this fake, studio-created music”, Ubaldini told The Orange County Register, noting that in these days of overproduction and tracking &  people not in the same room playing together his album being recorded in Nashville  and new EP like his past releases is  “Feel over fraud.”
 
The record presents 3 brand new songs  (along with two bonus tracks) songs all written by Ubaldini whose nickname, “The Rock and Roll Poet” was given to him by fans.  From the superb opener "Storms Of Trouble" to "Lost In The Shuffle" and "Long Road back to Californy" we hear a true American roots inspired songwriter.  Recalling the music of Merle Haggard, Bob Dylan,Grams Parson, Hank Williams and even Joe Strummer, his songs on past records have held mirrors up to society also filled with characters  and echoed the forgotten regular folks where as these new songs and bonus tracks recall his own troubled fortunes and path to personal  redemption and relationships. The record has the feel of old-style roots without seeming retro. Along with Michael on guitar and vocals is Jeremy Long on Piano/organ, John Mctuige the third drums and Jared Manzo on Bass

The two rare bonus tracks  ‘Tombstone Woman’ and ‘One Good Woman Blues’ were recorded in Austin TX mastered by Jerry Tubb who’s worked on records by  John Lennon, Willie Nelson, Kris Kristofferson and Paul McCartney.
 
Ubaldini has been playing all over Nashville TN. & the Los Angeles area and plans to be back on the road in 2025  with regular stints at The Bluebird Café In Nashville TN.  Coming full circle, his book “Lost American Nights” is in it’s 2nd Edition released by Moontide Press and Michael is also the founder creator  of ‘Outlaws Of Folk Music Series™ -a showcase that along with himself performing includes different folk singers each month & is in its 17th year and created the new 21st century Folk Music Scene on the West Coast- He also has an indie Radio show of the same name.

When asked about his immediate music career goals, Ubaldini takes a moment and then answers genuinely, “I’d like to be a link in the chain of American music songwriters”. 

Storms of Trouble  certainly helps to lay the groundwork for that goal and his poetry within lyrics caused the UK’s R2 Magazine to call him “A gifted wordsmith with an ear for fine turn-of-phrase”
 
The release of “Storms Of Trouble heralds a new start for Michael Ubaldini and 2025 holds a wealth of promise.  Picking up where he left off, it’s full steam ahead for the musician who is glad to be back to normal.  Speaking of his illness & collapsing on “It’s in my rear view mirror. I don’t look back.” 
 
We’re glad to make the forward journey with him. 
 
For more information: www.rocknrollpoet.com

'Marvin Gaye Live!', the #1 album that marked his return to the stage, celebrates 50th Anniversary

 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 

 

MARVIN GAYE LIVE!, THE #1 ALBUM THAT

MARKED HIS RETURN TO THE STAGE,

CELEBRATES 50^TH ANNIVERSARY

 

DIGITAL DELUXE EDITION OUT MARCH 28, 2025

 

Rare Single “Come Get To This (Live In Oakland)” Available Now

 

 

Listen To “Come Get To This (Live In Oakland)” HERE

 

On January 4, 1974, Marvin Gaye stepped on to the stage at the Oakland-Alameda Coliseum to deliver his first proper live show in years. With 14,000-plus fans in front of him, he performed a rapturous set. With the release to all streaming partners of Marvin Gaye Live!: Deluxe Edition on Motown/UMe, the full show will finally be available for the first time on March 28, 2025, just a few days ahead of what would have been Gaye’s 86th birthday (April 2).

 

Pre-order/Pre-save HERE.

 

Dropping today in anticipation of the Deluxe Edition release is “Come Get To This (Live In Oakland).” Listen HERE. A rare track that appeared briefly on compact disc and DSPs and then disappeared - and was never included in the original live album - it serves as the perfect prelude to this epic performance, highlighting his instantly recognizable vocals and iconic presence.

 

The original, 9-track Marvin Gaye Live! LP first arrived on June 19, 1974, following Marvin’s previous smash album, Let’s Get It On. Driven by the ecstatically received performance of “Distant Lover,” the elaborately packaged live album hit #1 on the Soul/R&B Album Chart for two weeks in addition to climbing to #8 on the Pop Album Chart. It also garnered a GRAMMY® Award nomination for Best Male R&B Vocal Performance. This new Deluxe Edition paints the full picture of the evening, boasting the addition of four rare cuts: “Flying High (In the Friendly Sky),” “Mercy Mercy Me (The Ecology),” “Come Get To This,” and “Keep Gettin’ It On,” plus a spoken word interlude where Marvin sweetly acknowledges the band - consisting of stellar studio players including Motown legend James Jamerson on bass and a full 30+-piece orchestra - and his “Let’s Get It On” creative partner, Ed Townsend.

  

“Marvin Gaye’s return was not a concert, it was an event,” wrote a reviewer in the San Francisco Chronicle,“a gathering of Black pride and stargazers.”

 

Check out the full tracklisting below.

 

Also on March 28, the standard audio presentation of the original 9-track version will land on digital platforms for the first time. Both the original album and the new Deluxe Edition are newly remastered and available in Dolby® ATMOS for the full immersive concert appearance.

 

Last year, Motown/UMe debuted the first-ever official animated music video for Marvin Gaye’s classic signature staple, “Let’s Get It On.” Watch it HERE. The latter has amassed 2.6 million YouTube views and counting.

 

The video complemented Motown/UMe’s 2023 release of Let’s Get It On: Deluxe Edition on the fiftieth anniversary of the seminal record’s original release. Upon its arrival, Variety raved, “From the wah-wah guitar that opens the title track to the operatic closer “Just to Keep You Satisfied,” Marvin Gaye’s 1973 album “Let’s Get It On” expressed the joy — and complexity — of human sexuality like virtually none in popular music before it.” Consequence of Sound noted, “It was his first foray into funk, as he combined soul and doo-wop to establish himself as a sex icon and expand his mainstream appeal.” American Songwriter put it best, “The evergreen quality of the music hasn’t diminished in 50 years, still sounding as vibrant, sultry, and sexy as when it was recorded.” 

 

Inducted into the GRAMMY Hall of Fame in 2004, Let’s Get It On represents a pivotal moment not only in the career of Marvin Gaye but in the evolution of soul music. Gaye gave voice to intimate desire in a way that was lightning-charged. At the time, he claimed it was spiritually guided. Fifty years on, it’s never been more apparent that he was telling the truth.   

 

 

 MARVIN GAYE LIVE!: DELUXE EDITION TRACKLISTING

 

1. Introduction
2. Overture
3. Trouble Man
4. Flying High (In the Friendly Sky)
5. Mercy Mercy Me (The Ecology)
6. Inner City Blues (Make Me Wanna Holler)
7. Distant Lover
8. Come Get To This
9. Jan
10. Keep Gettin' It On
11. Fossil Medley: I'll Be Doggone/Try It Baby/Can I Get A Witness/You're A Wonderful One/Stubborn Kind Of Fellow/How Sweet It Is (To Be Loved By You)
12. Thanks to the Orchestra
13. Let's Get It On
14. What's Going On

 

MARVIN GAYE LIVE! ORIGINAL ALBUM TRACKLISTING

 

1. Introduction
2. Overture
3. Trouble Man
4. Inner City Blues (Make Me Wanna Holler)
5. Distant Lover
6. Jan
7. Fossil Medley: I'll Be Doggone/Try It Baby/Can I Get A Witness/You're A Wonderful One/Stubborn Kind Of Fellow/How Sweet It Is (To Be Loved By You)
8. Let's Get It On
9. What's Going On

 

 

 

FIND MARVIN GAYE ONLINE

 

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'South Park 25th Anniversary' 3 Vinyl Set out April 18, 2025

Exciting news for fans not only of "South Park," but of vinyl releases and pop culture...Robert Kinsler

South Park 25th Anniversary Concert Featuring Trey Parker & Matt Stone, Primus and Ween with Special Guest Performance by Geddy Lee & Alex Lifeson of RUSH ~3 vinyl set Drops April 18, 2025~ Celebrating 25 years of Comedy Central’s Emmy® and Peabody® Award-winning animated series South Park

New York, NY (March 3, 2025) – On April 18, 2025, Mercury Studios will release a 3LP package of the South Park 25th Anniversary Concert.  Recorded over two nights on August 9 and 10, 2022 at the famed Red Rocks Amphitheatre in Morrison, Colorado, this concert features performances from South Park creators Trey Parker & Matt Stone, along with Primus and Ween. Also included is a special performance of “Closer to The Heart” with Geddy Lee and Alex Lifeson from the band Rush. It is available for preorders now at https://mercury-studios.lnk.to/SouthPark25AnniversaryConcert Featuring performances of fan favorites from the South Park TV series, films “South Park: Bigger, Longer & Uncut”, “Team America: World Police” and “Cannibal! The Musical”, this triple LP spans the creative life of Trey Parker and Matt Stone with help from Primus and Ween.   Previously released for April 2024’s Record Store Day as an individually numbered limited edition “Towelie Blue” 3LP package, the South Park 25th Anniversary Concert was one of the hottest titles for RSD, with copies selling out at most retailers within minutes of opening. This new version will be available to all retailers and is being pressed on black vinyl.   Track Listing Side A:  1. There’s Magic Inside You – Trey Parker & Matt Stone 2. Here Come The Bastards – Primus & Ween 3. Uncle F**ker – Trey Parker & Matt Stone (with Primus & Ween) 4. Montage - Trey Parker & Matt Stone (with Primus & Ween) 5. Jackin’ It In San Diego - Trey Parker & Matt Stone (with Primus & Ween) Side B: 1. It’s Easy MMkay - Trey Parker & Matt Stone (with Primus & Ween) 2. South Park Themes – Les Claypool & Primus, Trey Parker, Matt Stone 3. Butters Theme Song / Robot Friend – Trey Parker & Matt Stone 4. Blame Canada - Trey Parker & Matt Stone (with Primus & Ween) Side C: 1. Closer To The Heart – Geddy Lee & Alex Lifeson of Rush (with Primus & Matt Stone) 2. Colorado Farm - Trey Parker & Matt Stone (with Primus & Ween) 3. Gay Fish - Trey Parker & Matt Stone Side D: 1. The Mollusk – Ween 2. Tommy (Butters) The Cat – Primus, Matt Stone 3. Let’s Fighting Love - Trey Parker & Matt Stone (with Primus & Ween) 4. When I Was On Top Of You – Trey Parker & Matt Stone Side E: 1. Buckingham Green – Ween 2. The Ballad of Lemmiwinks - Trey Parker & Matt Stone (with Primus & Ween) 3. Kyle’s Mom’s a Bitch - Trey Parker & Matt Stone Side F: 1. What Would Brian Boitano Do? - Trey Parker & Matt Stone (with Primus & Ween) 2. Boogers & Cum - Trey Parker & Matt Stone (with Primus & Ween) 3. America, F**k Yeah / America Medley - Trey Parker & Matt Stone (with Primus & Ween)   ABOUT MERCURY STUDIOS Mercury Studios is a full-service production studio, focused on telling compelling stories through the lens of music. Current and recent projects include Oscar and BAFTA award nominated American Symphony, directed by Matthew Heineman for the Obamas’ Higher Ground Productions/Netflix, If These Walls Could Sing, directed by Mary McCartney for Disney+,        My Life as a Rolling Stone for the BBC and MGM+, Shania Twain: Not Just A Girl for Netflix, This Town, a six-part series for the BBC from writer, creator, and executive producer Steven Knight, Linda Perry: Let it Die Here, which premiered at Tribeca Film Festival and the recently announced One to One: John & Yoko from Oscar and BAFTA award winning director, Kevin Macdonald. Mercury Studios also produced Sam Smith: Live at the Royal Albert Hall for BBC, Billie Eilish’s Overheated at the O2 London and Lang Lang Plays Disney for Disney+. Editorially independent, Mercury Studios is powered by Universal Music Group and represents the world’s leading catalog of music-related content, consisting of thousands of hours of premium music-driven film and television programming.

New music: 'Elvis Presley Connection, Vol. 4,' The Dynamo Hymn, Etta James, Max Hightower, Joey Molland

This column features a wide-ranging mix of fantastic new audio releases, as well as a reposting of my review of Joey Molland's final studio album released in 2020. Sadly, Molland passed away on March 1.

Artists: Neil Diamond, Mac Davis, Jerry Reed, Charlie Rich, more
Title: The Elvis Presley Connection, Vol. 4: 28 Roots and Covers of Elvis Presley (Bear Family Records)

You might like if you enjoy: Elvis Presley, Jerry Reed, Charlie Rich, Ray Charles, Bobby Darin

Tell me more: Fans of early rock, blues, country and Americana music will be thrilled by the wide range of incredible recordings featured on The Elvis Presley Connection, Vol. 4: 28 Roots and Covers of Elvis Presley. The compelling title covers Presley's creative period spanning from 1967 to 1967, with the King of Rock and Roll's cover versions of previously released songs and originals arranged in chronological order. This period included Presley's legendary NBC-TV '68 Comeback Special, his ambitious Memphis sessions and the 1969 stage comeback in Las Vegas.  

The 76-minute collection features a stellar array of artists performing original and cover versions of well-known songs recorded by Elvis Presley between 1967 and 1969; this includes some demos — a number of them available on audio CD for the very first time. Among the notable artists featured on the early part of the collection are Jerry Reed (whose driving rockabilly-minded "Guitar Man" and bluesy "Big Boss Man" kick off the disc), Charlie Rich (who offers up a decidedly uptempo take on "Big Boss Man"), Don Gibson (whose tender ballad "Just Call Me Lonesome" captures the emotion of Presley's approach), Andy William delivering a bewitching "You'll Never Walk Alone," Mac Davis (whose soulful "A Little Less Conversation" is a delight) and LaVern Baker's joyful gospel track "Saved." 

The magic on The Elvis Presley Connection, Vol. 4 continues via wonderful offerings from Vern Stovall (whose countrified "Long Black Limousine" was tracked in 1961), Ned Miller's Buddy Holly-minded "From A Jack to a King," Mac Davis' emotive sumptuous reading of his own "In The Ghetto," Mark James' symphonic "Suspicious Minds," Neil Diamond's glorious "And The Grass Won't Pay No Mind" and Johnny Tillotson's tender ballad "It Keeps Right On A-Hurtin'." The disc closes with a moving take by Chuck Jackson of Burt Bacharach's soulful "Any Day Now (My Wild Beautiful Bird)." The 36-page color booklet contains rare photos and insights about the recordings, as well as detailed liner notes by Presley expert Helmut Radermacher. The Elvis Presley Connection, Vol. 4: 28 Roots and Covers of Elvis Presley is one of the most exciting titles of early 2025. Visit HERE to learn more about this essential title. 

Artist: The Dynamo Hymn
Title: The Dynamo Hymn (Kool Kat Musik)

You might like if you enjoy: Pugwash, The Beatles' "White Album," Badfinger, World Party

Tell me more: Fans of 1960s-infused baroque pop, melodic rock and soaring songcraft will want to get the self-tiitled debut from the Dynamo Hymn. Released as a download-only release in 2024, Kool Kat Musik has now released the nine-track The Dynamo Hum on audio CD. Featuring the original songs of singer-bassist Shaun McGee of Pugwash fame, The Dynamo Hymn shines across its intoxicating run. Opening with the reflective Baroque-styled gem "Ardy's Waltz," the album's magic continues with a wide-range of winning tracks including the freewheeling folk rockers "The 3rd Time 'Round" and "Just A Matter Of Time," swirling "Satellite," psychedelic rocker "Colours," genre-defying nugget "It's Too Late" and sumptuous closer "Without." Also key to the Dynamo Hymn's powerful artistry are the talents of guitarist/keyboardist Tosh Flood, drummer Joe Fitzgerald and multi-instrumentalist Duncan Maitland— all of whom who had also previously played with Pugwash. Information: koolkatmusik.com.

Artist: Etta James
Title: Etta James Rocks (Bear Family Records)

You might like if you enjoy: Etta James, Billie Holiday, Little Richard

Tell me more: Etta James Rocks is an essential new 79-minute collection that takes a deep dive into the most rocking recordings tracked by singer Etta James early her career. The tracks featured on the title were collected from the Modern/Kent and Chess/Argo archives and collectively highlight the Los Angeles native's ability to triumph when singing R&B, jump, hard blues, doo-wop, hot soul and emotive ballads. The rollicking self-penned "Tough Lover" kicks off the title, an infectious rocker recorded in 1956 that recalls the spirit and sound of Little Richard's best hits. The energy and power of the recordings thrills across the length of the set; "Dance With Me, Henry," "W-O-M-A-N," aptly-titled "Next Door To The Blues," the early hit "Good Rockin' Daddy," bluesy "Spoonful" (the latter a wonderful duet with Harvey Fuqua) and "The Wallflower (Roll With Me Henry)" are early standouts. A fervid take on Willie Dixon's "I Just Want To Make Love To You," the New Orleans-flavored "Market Place," jump blues gem "Good Lookin'," the fiery live track "What'd I Say," rousing "Strange Things Happening" and the 1955 rockabilly romp "That's All" are among the terrific cuts that propel Etta James Rocks on its last half. Etta James Rocks includes 29 selections; what's more the marvelous digipak package housing the audio CD includes an informative 36-page booklet with Bill Dahl's liner notes, archival photographs and ephemera. Information: www.bear-family.com.

Artist: Max Hightower
Title: Nothin' But the Truth (MoMojo Records)

You might like if you enjoy: The Fabulous Thunderbirds, Tinsley Ellis, Bob Margolin

Tell me more: Blues singer/guitarist/harmonica great Max Hightower has released Nothin' But the Truth, a dozen-track album that masterfully blends Southern blues, New Orleans funk and R&B into an authentic mix. Hightower's considerable skills as well as those of Brandon Phelps (drums), Steadman "Fleetwood" Williams, Sr. (bass), Big Jon Atkinson (lead guitar), James Beaumont (sax), Rob Davis (keyboards, backing vocals) and others bring the original material to life. Standouts include the rousing opener "Double Bubble," R&B nugget "It's On Me," funkified "Here She Comes," the bluesy ballad "My Baby & Me" (the latter bolstered by Hightower's blues harp), gritty "Thick Jello" and jazz-tinged instrumental closer "Assmoghraph." Information: momojorecords.com and maxhightower.com.

Artist: Joey Molland

Title: Be True To Yourself (Omnivore Recordings)

You might like if you enjoy: Badfinger, the Beatles

Tell me more: Classic rock aficionados often cite the story of Welsh/English rock band Badfinger as one of the era's most tragic tales. Despite being the first non-Beatles artist signed to Apple Records and scoring a number of timeless hits (including "Come and Get It," "No Matter What," "Day After Day," and "Baby Blue"), the band was struck with the suicide of several members (Pete Ham in 1975, Tom Evans in 1983) and sudden death of Mike Gibbins following a brain aneurysm in 2005. Sadly, singer-guitarist Joey Molland — the band's last surviving member of the quartet's classic early '70s lineup —  passed away at the age of 77 on Saturday, March 1, 2025. Molland released his first album of new material (Be True To Yourself) in nearly 10 years on Friday, Oct. 16, 2020. And what a glorious collection of power pop it is. Lovingly produced by Mark Hudson (who also co-wrote the tracks with Molland), Be True To Yourself explodes with tunefulness, exceptional song craft and undeniable hooks associated with Badfinger's best recordings. The shimmering "Better Tomorrow," Beatlesque "Rainy Day Man," dreamy "Heaven," melodic power pop ballad "Loving You" and chamber pop foray "Be True To Yourself" only begin to paint a sonic picture of the magic displayed across "Be True To Yourself." Among the notable names contributing to the recording are Julian Lennon (who also took the amazing front and back cover photographs seen on the album), Micky Dolenz, Jason Scheff and Steve Holley. Information: OmnivoreRecordings.com.

Robert Kinsler