Legends and upstarts impress on new titles

Several bona fide legends are featured on new must-own DVD/Blu-ray and audio CD titles, while several under-the-radar releases will also awe discerning listeners.

Artist: The Rolling Stones
Title: Olé Olé Olé! A Trip Across Latin America (Eagle Rock Entertainment)
You might like if you enjoy: The Rolling Stones, Keith Richards, Mick Jagger
Tell me more: One of the most interesting and insightful rock 'n' roll documentary films in memory, director Paul Dugdale's Olé Olé Olé! A Trip Across Latin America chronicles The Rolling Stones' historic 2016 tour through 10 Latin America cities. This is a multi-layered film; while the obvious focus of the documentary is to champion the legendary British band's legacy and the complex bond shared between the members of the group, the film provides a simultaneous look at the challenging logistics of setting up a free concert in Cuba amidst an ambitious tour attracting massive and adoring audiences from Argentina north to Mexico. The film is beautifully shot and really captures the colorful places and people throughout the Rolling Stones' tour. In addition to the full-length film, bonus features on the title include seven full-length performances caught along the way including an incredible version of "Out Of Control" in Buenos Aires, Argentina and free wheeling "Miss You" delivered in Lima, Peru. Information: eagle-rock.com.

Artist: Little Steven
Title: Soulfire (Wicked Cool Records)
You might like if you enjoy: Bruce Springsteen, Tommy Castro, Little Steven
Tell me more: When you're a member of Bruce Springsteen's acclaimed E Street Band, have been busy acting in several great TV dramas ("The Sopranos," "Lilyhammer") and also hosting the popular "Little Steven's Underground Garage" syndicated radio show since 2002, it's easy to see why Steven Van Zandt hasn't released a new studio album in more than 15 years. But heck, it sure is great to hear the singer-songwriter-guitarist back on the aptly-titled Soulfire. The songs here explode with soul, rhythm and blues and the groundbreaking sounds that influenced the rocker in his youth. The title track has Little Steven's raspy vocals perfectly tuned to the soulful rocker's clarion call; "I'm Coming Back" is a lush and lovely reminisce of the past that is bolstered by some creative guitar play and wonderful backing gospel vocals. Lovers of Southern blues will be swept up by the rousing cover of "Blues is my Business," while a tinge of garage rock helps fuel the R&B delight "I Saw the Light." He even even revisits the sounds of vocal harmonies-centered '50s Doo-wop on the winning "The City Weeps Tonight." Little Steven and long-time friend Springsteen co-wrote "Love On the Wrong Side of Town," a gorgeous tale of romantic loss adorned with symphonic textures layered atop of Little Steven's emotive vocals. Information: universalmusicenterprises.com or LittleSteven.com.

Artist: Bad Company
Title: Live in Concert 1977 & 1979 (Rhino)
You might like if you enjoy: Paul Rodgers, Free
Tell me more: During Bad Company's initial run from 1973 to 1982, the British outfit was a true rock 'n' roll juggernaut scoring hit singles and albums, and filling stadiums on both sides of the Pond. Yet the majority of fans of the supergroup's potent live shows from that period have had to rely mostly on memories or bootlegs to revisit the power of those concerts. Rhino Records' release of Bad Company's Live in Concert 1977 & 1979 is an epic audio CD release featuring two full-length shows with the group's original lineup of singer Paul Rodgers, guitarist Mick Ralphs, drummer Simon Kirke and bassist Box Burrell. Disc one features Bad Company performing in Houston, Texas in May 1977, while the second disc includes a concert recording taped in Wembley, London in 1979 (and an additional track, a terrific version of "Hey Joe" recorded in Washington, DC that same year). Across the two discs, the band delivers epic versions of their best-known material ("Burnin' Sky," "Ready For Love," Shooting Star," ""Feel Like Making' Love" and more) as well as affecting takes on a slew of other album tracks. Information: rhino.com.

Artist: Samantha Fish
Title: Chills & Fever (Ruf Records)
You might like if you enjoy: Janiva Magness, James Hunter Six
Tell me more: The fourth album release from singer-songwriter-guitarist Samantha Fish finds the Kansas City, Missouri native stretching her sonic wings to inject an authentic blend of Motown soul and R&B into her established blues-meets-roots rock brew. Armed with a far-reaching soprano and dexterity on the fretboard to match, Fish has somehow found a musical place that recalls the classic sounds of Motown mixed with electric blues. Recorded at The 45 Factory in Detroit, Chills & Fever teams Fish with a supporting cast that includes a horn section that adds particular magic to the tracks. Standouts on the excellent 14-song disc include the dynamic "He Did It," the playful title cut and lead guitar-anchored "You Can't Go." Information: rufrecords.de.

Artist: Fastball
Title: Step Into Light (33 1/3)
You might like if you enjoy: Weezer, Fastball, the Jayhawks
Tell me more: Fastball is back. The Austin, Texas-based trio's new studio album Step Into Light is a wonderful collection of melodic and smart pop-rock tunes sure to please lovers of top-tier songcraft. Fastball's first album since 2009's Little White Lies, the new 12-song set Step Into Light features a wide range of infectious songs including the rocking lead-off track "We're On Our Way," the shimmering power pop gem "Just Another Dream," surf rock-styled instrumental "Tanzania" and the sweeping Americana-flavored title track. "Step Into Light" also finds Fastball's all-original lineup (Tony Scalzo, Miles Zuniga and Joey Shuffield) stretching their sound as evidenced by the album-ending art rocker "Lillian Gish" and genre-defying "Frenchy and the Punk." Fastball is on tour, and will be performing at House of Blues in Anaheim on Thursday, June 29. You can get more information on that concert date here. Information: fastballtheband.com.


Robert Kinsler

Gregg Allman Remembered

Gregg Allman performing at
Doheny Blues Festival in Dana Point
on May 17, 2014.
Photo: Bob Steshetz

I am very sad to learn that musical great Gregg Allman has died. He was only 69.

“Gregg struggled with many health issues over the past several years. During that time, Gregg considered being on the road playing music with his brothers and solo band for his beloved fans, essential medicine for his soul. Playing music lifted him up and kept him going during the toughest of times,” according to a statement posted on Allman's official website.

The Allman Brothers Band also confirmed the sad news via Twitter: “It is with deep sadness we announce that Gregg Allman … passed away peacefully at his home.”

The Recording Academy™ issued the following statement regarding Gregg Allman on

May 27, 2017:

"As a founding member of the Allman Brothers Band, Gregg Allman helped give birth to Southern rock, blazing a trail for a generation of musicians who were equally influenced by the blues, Southern soul, and rock. His earthy vocals graced songs that have become rock standards, including "Midnight Rider" and "Whipping Post”, in addition to his own solo records. The band won a GRAMMY^® Award in 1995 for Best Rock Instrumental Performance for "Jessica," a Recording Academy Lifetime Achievement Award in 2012, and their groundbreaking album At Fillmore East was inducted into the GRAMMY Hall Of Fame^® in 1999. We have lost a pioneering force in American music, and our condolences go out to Gregg's family, friends, colleagues, and music fans everywhere." 

Neil Portnow
President/CEO
Recording Academy

Gregg Allman, left, with Billy F Gibbons.

ZZ Top singer-guitarist Billy F Gibbons was among Allman's many friends from the music community who issued statements about Allman's passing:

“The sudden passing of Gregg Allman leaves us at a loss yet, at the same time, we stand alongside the millions thankful that Gregg was in our lives.  Gregg was, of course, a brilliant and intuitive player with a depth of soul reflected in his works in a truly moving manner.  Brother Gregg was generous with his talent, his spirit and, of course, his great voice.  We were fortunate enough to have been touched by him and those moments remain treasured encounters.  Some truly positive, uplifting experiences.  Gregg will be remembered as someone who made a big difference in the lives of many and whose sonic legacy continues that memorable course.”

You can learn more about Allman's long legacy and death via a story on CNN here:

I most recently got to see Allman when he performed a memorable set at the Doheny Blues Festival in Dana Point in May 2014.

See my album review of a tribute collection titled All My Friends: Celebrating the Songs & Voice of Gregg Allman released in 2014 here.

Robert Kinsler

Sights and Sounds: U2, Nick Lowe, Silversun Pickups, Third Eye Blind

Before we all break for the holiday weekend, here is a round-up of notable music news!

To mark 30 years since the release of U2's fifth studio album The Joshua Tree, an anniversary edition of the seminal record will be released by Island Records on June 2nd, 2017.

Alongside the 11-track album, the super deluxe collector's edition includes a live recording of The Joshua Tree Tour 1987 Madison Square Garden concert; rarities and B-sides from the album's original recording sessions; as well as 2017 remixes from Daniel Lanois, St Francis Hotel, Jacknife Lee, Steve Lillywhite and Flood; plus an 84-page hardback book of unseen personal photography shot by The Edge during the original Mojave Desert photo session in 1986.

Released to universal acclaim on March 9, 1987 and featuring hit singles 'With Or Without You', 'I Still Haven't Found What I'm Looking For' and 'Where The Streets Have No Name', The Joshua Tree went to #1 in the U.K, U.S., Ireland and around the world, selling in excess of 25 million albums, and catapulting Bono, The Edge, Adam Clayton and Larry Mullen Jr '...from heroes to superstars' (Rolling Stone). Time Magazine put U2 on its cover in April 1987, proclaiming them 'Rock's Hottest Ticket' and the 12 months that followed saw U2 create iconic moments including the traffic-stopping Grammy Award-winning 'Where The Streets Have No Name' video on the roof of a Los Angeles liquor store, and go on to win a BRIT Award and two Grammys - including Album of the Year - their first of 22 received to date; as well as a triumphant return home for four unforgettable shows in Belfast, Dublin and Cork in the summer of 1987.

This collector's boxset includes:

-The Joshua Tree 2007
-Live from Madison Square Garden 1987
-The Joshua Tree 2017 Remixes
-The Joshua Tree B-Sides & Outtakes

The Joshua Tree Photographs by The Edge. An 84-page hardback book of personal never-before seen photography by The Edge, taken during the original Mojave Desert Joshua Tree shoot, 1986 and a folio of 8 rare 12' Anton Corbijn colour prints.

Yep Rock has just announced that music fans can now own six Nick Lowe reissues! Nick the Knife, The Abominable Showman, Nick Lowe and His Cowboy Outfit, The Rose of England, Pinker and Prouder Than Previous, and Party of One are coming to both CD and Vinyl! When you purchase them from Yep Rock together, you also get a deep price discount and a limited edition Nick Lowe lunchbox for free! Cool.

These albums mark the period in Nick Lowe's career where he was experimenting with numerous genres, ranging from roots rock to country to reggae to the pub rock and power pop sounds that he made so famous. These albums are absolutely worthy of second listen and showcase his collaborations with artists such as Elvis Costello, Huey Lewis, Paul Carrack and many more.

Bundle all six reissues together and save over 30% + get a limited edition Nick Lowe lunchbox! Click here to order yours.

Photo Credit: Citizen Kane Wayne

Silversun Pickups are sharing "Latchkey Kids (Joywave Remix)" as they get set to kick off a 30-date "Summer Gods" Amphitheater Tour with Third Eye Blind beginning on June 9, 2017. Here is the media release that landed in my inbox this morning:

SILVERSUN PICKUPS SHARE “LATCHKEY KIDS (JOYWAVE REMIX)”

KICK-OFF 30-DATE “SUMMER GODS” AMPHITHEATER TOUR WITH THIRD EYE BLIND ON JUNE 9th

BETTER NATURE OUT NOW

“It’s...time to finally give the Pickups their influential due.”  —Los Angeles Times  “Better Nature is a clearly realized vision of rocking guitar, deep musical landscapes and fluid style.” —The Daily Beast

This morning, Silversun Pickups shared “Latchkey Kids (Joywave Remix)”, a swirling and frenetic iteration of the third single off 2015’s Better Nature, remixed by Rochester, NY band, Joywave. Listen to “Latchkey Kids” (Joywave Remix) here: http://bit.ly/2qqYs3g Silversun Pickups will embark on a 30-date amphitheater tour opening for Third Eye Blind. The “Summer Gods” Tour celebrates Third Eye Blind’s 20th anniversary, and kicks off on Friday, June 9 in Miami, FL with stops including New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, Toronto, and New Orleans. Dates below and tickets are now on sale here. Their fourth studio album, Better Nature, which Entertainment Weekly called “…worth the wait,” was released on September 25th, 2015 via the band’s own New Machine Recordings. Produced by Jacknife Lee (U2, Two Door Cinema Club, Crystal Castles) and mixed by GRAMMY winner Alan Moulder (My Bloody Valentine, Nine Inch Nails, Royal Blood), Better Nature is a revelatory manifestation of a band entirely in touch with the muse and each other. Hailed for their inimitable merging of ethereal melodies and pure sonic force, Silversun Pickups are among the most dynamic and creative rock bands of the modern era. From the indie rock opening salvo of 2005's Pikul EP to 2012's far-reaching Neck of the Woods, each successive release has seen the Silver Lake-based band boldly venture into uncharted terrain, bravely pushing their imagination and ability toward new and surprising summits. Their 2009 album Swoon featured the Billboard Hot 100 hit "Panic Switch" and earned the group a nomination for Best New Artist at the GRAMMYs that year. Better Nature marks the debut release from Silversun Pickups' own New Machine Recordings. The label — which takes its name from the Pikul favorite, "…All The Go Inbetweens" — allows the ever-autonomous band to fully determine its own course without any interference. Silversun Pickups’s video for “Latchkey Kids” was directed by Maryam L'Ange, and explores the realities and challenges of adolescence through the eyes of a teenager, played by Julian Rapaport, and you can watch it here: http://bit.ly/2gEMBwR Silversun Pickups also performed at Chicago’s Grant Park for 2016’s Lollapalooza Festival, and you can watch their stirring performance of "Panic Switch," off 2009’s Swoon, which garnered the band a Grammy nomination for Best New Artist, here: http://bit.ly/2gTeAqd SILVERSUN PICKUPS TOUR DATES- Tickets at http://silversunpickups.com/tour/ “SUMMER GODS” DATES WITH THIRD EYE BLIND Fri, Jun 09           Miami, FL- Bayfront Park Amphitheatre Sat, Jun 10          Clearwater, FL – Coachman Park Sun, Jun 11         Jacksonville, FL- Daily’s Place  Tue, Jun 13          New Orleans, LA- Bold Sphere Music at Champions Square Thu, Jun 15          Nashville, TN- Ascend Amphitheater Fri, Jun 16            Charlotte, NC- Charlotte Metro Credit Union Amphitheatre Sat, Jun 17           Raleigh, NC- Red Hat Amphitheater Sun, Jun 18          Baltimore, MD- Pier Six Pavilion Wed, Jun 21         Boston, MA- Blue Hills Bank Pavilion Fri, Jun 23            Holmdel, NJ- PNC Bank Arts Center Sat, Jun 24           Wantagh, NY- Nikon at Jones Beach Theater Sun, Jun 25          Philadelphia, PA- Festival Pier at Penn’s Landing Wed, Jun 28        Toronto, ON- TD Echo Beach Thu, Jun 29          Darien Center, NY- Darien Lake Performing Arts Center Fri, Jun 30             Syracuse, NY- Lakeview Amphitheater Sat, Jul 01             Saratoga Springs, NY- Saratoga Performing Arts Center Sun, Jul 02            Wallingford, CT- Toyota Oakdale Theatre Thu, Jul 06            Chicago, IL- Huntington Bank Pavilion at Northerly Island Fri, Jul 07              Detroit, MI- DTE Energy Music Theatre Sat, Jul 08             Cleveland, OH- Jacobs Pavilion at Nautica Sun, Jul 09            Indianapolis, IN-- Farm Bureau Insurance Lawn at White River State Park Tues, Jul 11          St. Louis, MO- Hollywood Casino Amphitheatre Wed, Jul 12          Rogers, Arkansas- Walmart AMP Fri, Jul 14              Houston, TX- Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion Sat, Jul 15             Dallas, TX- Starplex Pavilion Tue, Jul 18            Phoenix, AZ- Comerica Theatre Thu, Jul 20            Los Angeles, CA- Greek Theatre Fri, Jul 21              San Diego, CA- Cal Coast Credit Union Open Air Theatre Sat, Jul 22             Las Vegas, NV- The Joint at Hard Rock Sun, Jul 23            Berkeley, CA- Greek Theatre SILVERSUN PICKUPS BETTER NATURE TRACKLISTING Cradle (Better Nature) Connection Pins & Needles Friendly Fires Nightlight Circadian Rhythm (Last Dance) Tapedeck Latchkey Kids Ragamuffin The Wild Kind

Arroyo Seco Weekend update: Great Music, Chef-Curated Picnic Baskets, Kidspace, more!

Arroyo Seco is only a month away and the news just keeps getting better and better...

Mike Campbell and Tom Petty of the Heartbreakers perform at Verizon Wireless Amphitheater in October 2010. Photo: Kelly A. Swift  ARROYO SECO WEEKEND JUNE 24 & 25, 2017 STARRING TOM PETTY &THE HEARTBREAKERS AND MUMFORD & SONS Arroyo Seco Weekend Announces Chef-Curated Picnic Baskets; Kidspace Programmed Family Jam; Magic Giant & Rachel Platten Added To Lineup Rivers Cuomo of Weezer performs at Pacific Amphitheatre in August 2011. Photo: Kelly A. Swift Goldenvoice's inaugural Arroyo Seco Weekend Festival, coming June 24th and 25th to the shady oaks and parkland of Brookside next to the iconic Rose Bowl Stadium, has announced its chef-curated picnic basket program from celebrated local restaurants Crossroads Kitchen, République, Barrel & Ashes, Rose Cafe and Redbird.  A modern take on the classic picnic, each basket is packed with a full three-course meal for two, beverage vouchers, snacks and unique festival necessities. Order your picnic basket now to secure preferred pricing. Available for pre-order from Thursday, June 1 at 10 a.m. via the festival site. Deadline for orders is Wednesday, June 21, 2017. Tom Petty is Arroyo Seco bound. Photo: Kelly A. Swift The festival, headlined by Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers, Mumford & Sons, Alabama Shakes, Weezer, The Meters and The Shins, has now added two further artists to the line up: Magic Giant and Rachel Platten. Arroyo Seco Weekend can also reveal details of its unique Kidspace Family Jam created by Pasadena's renowned Kidspace Children's Museum. The museum will be closed for the weekend as its staff joins Arroyo Seco Weekend to create a program of entertainment and interactive activities for families attending the festival. From noon - 7 p.m. each day Family Jam will feature an array of activations, including make your own instruments, jam with drummers, rock star photo booth, instrument petting zoo and create your own concert buttons. More information on the Kidspace event page. Arroyo Seco Weekend is a world class culture event featuring three stages of live music along with the most sought-after dishes and award-winning restaurants the Los Angeles and Pasadena communities have to offer. The selection offers a wide range of cuisine, from classic Italian dishes, authentic Mexican, to Korean BBQ and gluten-free and vegan options celebrating Los Angeles' melting pot of a food scene.  With an extensive line-up of craft beers by Beer Belly and an incredible raw and natural wine list, participating chefs and restaurants include:

CHEFS: Bruce Kalman | Union Dakota Weiss | Sweetfin Poke Ilan Hall | Ramen Hood Jason Neroni | Rose Cafe Neal Fraser | Red Bird Marcel Vigneron | Wolf Phillip Frankland Lee | Frankland Crab & Co Ray Garcia | Broken Spanish Rory Herrmann | Barrel & Ashes Steve Samson | Sotto Walter Matzke | République

RESTAURANTS: Beer Belly Chego Dog Haus Fat Dragon Fritzi Coop Genghis Cohen Kettle Black Kogi LocoL NoMad Petty Cash Sawyer Sumo Dog Tikifish

The festival will include performances by: SATURDAY JUNE 24: Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers Alabama Shakes The Meters Dawes Live Broken Social Scene Charles Bradley & The Extraordinaires Preservation Hall Jazz Band Jeff Goldblum and the Mildred Snitzer Orchestra Roy Ayers William Bell John Mayall The Bennie Maupin Ensemble SUNDAY JUNE 25: Mumford & Sons Weezer The Shins Fitz & the Tantrums Andrew Bird Lukas Nelson & Promise of the Real Galactic The Revivalists Andy Grammar ZZ Ward Lettuce Jamtown (ft.. G. Love, Donavon Frankenreiter & Cisco Adler) Alice Smith The Mowgli's David Lindley Con Brio NK Band Rachel Platten Magic Giant Mumford & Sons during on the opening night of U2's North American tour on May 12, 2017. Photo: Kim Kinsler Pass Prices Single day GA:  $125 + fees Weekend GA:  $225 + fees Weekend Preferred parking:  $50 Picnic Basket Pricing & Options: Chef curated basket (available for purchase in advance)  $100 - $120   Festival basket (available for purchase in advance and on site) $80 Baskets Include: Entree for two, salad for two, 2 side dishes, dessert, snack and two drink vouchers. Comes with utensils. Restaurant curated baskets (available as pre-order only): Crossroads' Mediterranean Basket  - Chef Tal Ronnen / Crossroads Kitchen - $120 Classic French Bistro Basket -  Chefs Walter Manzke & Margarita Manzke / Republique - $120 Barrel's Best BBQ Basket - Chef Rory Herrmann / Barrel & Ashes - $100 Beachside Basket  - Chef Jason Neroni  / Rose Cafe - $110 Angeleno Picnic Basket - Chef Neal Fraser / Redbird - $110 Arroyo Seco Weekend is truly Pasadena taking its name from The Arroyo Seco stream, meaning "dry stream" in Spanish, that passes through Brookside Golf Course and Pasadena from the San Gabriel Mountains. Arroyo Seco Weekend: Website * Facebook * Twitter *  Instagram * YouTube About Goldenvoice:  Goldenvoice, creators of Coachella Valley Music & Arts Festival and Stagecoach: California's Country Music Festival, also operates successful Los Angeles music venues including the Fonda Theatre, El Rey Theatre, and Shrine Auditorium.  Beginning as an independent punk rock promoter in the early 1980s, Goldenvoice grew to be the preeminent alternative promoter in Southern California by forging strong relationships with both bands and music fans.  Goldenvoice promotes over 1400 concerts a year in California, Nevada, Alaska, Arizona, Hawaii and Canada.