The death of Michael Jackson

There were two sides to Michael Jackson.
One one hand, there was the singer-dancer-songwriter who recorded a score of good albums in the 1970s and 1980s; the so-called King of Pop whose heyday was, in truth, long ago.

There was also the admittedly-freakish, troubled and hard-to-look-at "Wacko Jacko" (the name given to him by the tabloids) who admitted to sharing a bed with children, wore a surgical mask, was briefly married to Lisa Marie Presley and had an odd interest in exotic animals.

For my part, I will focus only on his music since the celebrity-driven media will focus on the tragic side of his life. I might be the odd man out/music critic who lost interest in Michael Jackson's music after 1982's "Thriller." That album, as well as his previous solo album "Off The Wall" (1979), were masterworks. But in retrospect, with the benefit of 25+ years of hindsight, I think the endless comparisons of his recordings with The Beatles and other music icons is a stretch.

The Beatles wrote and recorded an amazing number of now-classic songs while having an incredible impact on society. Michael Jackson is best remembered for dangling his infant son over a hotel balcony in Berlin back in 2002, his Neverland ranch, dancing on top of a car outside a courtroom, and a handful of music videos directed by others (John Landis' "Thriller," Steve Barron's "Billie Jean" and Disney's "Captain EO" immediately come to mind).

His best-remembered musical moment is likely a 1983 appearance in connection with the 25th anniversary celebration of Motown, which featured his moonwalking and brief reunion with his brothers. His musical recordings for the most part, whether it were his poor duets with Paul McCartney or co-writing credit for "We Are the World," simply can't match the excitement and power of pop music's best records.

Until his death yesterday, I truly can't remember the last time I've heard any music he has recorded after 1982 on the radio or television. And until a brief video clip was run yesterday, I had forgotten completely about his song "Ben." Much of his music doesn't hold up when played today.

Time will likely sort all this out, but don't count me among the many who will run out and purchase/download Michael Jackson music this week.

Carbon Leaf, Joie Calio, Trevor Hall - a night to remember

I snapped this photo of Carbon Leaf while the band was performing "Learn to Fly" unplugged to kick off their encore.

Carbon Leaf
With: Joie Calio, Trevor Hall
Where: The Coach House, San Juan Capistrano
When: Wednesday night, June 24

When it comes to magical performances, sometimes they happen when you least expect it.
Count the satisfying triple bill that played at the Coach House in San Juan Capistrano on Wednesday night, June 24, 2009, as one of those amazing shows that will linger in my memory years from now.

Being a Wednesday night, the venue was sadly less than capacity despite a promising lineup that featured a rare Orange County appearance by Richmond, Virginia’s Carbon Leaf, as well as Laguna Beach singer-songwriter Trevor Hall and Seattle-based singer-songwriter Joie Calio.

The last time I caught Calio with Dada, he played several acoustic songs in the middle of the band’s set, but that didn’t prepare me for how strong he could be for a 45-minute solo set armed only with his soaring voice, an acoustic guitar and hand-written notes positioned nearby.
Playing a mix of songs from his 2003 solo debut “The Complications of Glitter,” as well as Dada, his 2008 release with X Levitation Cult and material from a forthcoming untitled effort, Calio’s nine-song set was somewhat of a revelation with dense Dada material such as “Feet to the Sun” and the X Levitation Cult rock tune “Happiness In Hell (Spaceman)” translating easily to his singer-songwriter approach.
He also recognized the significance of the setting, noting 17 years earlier Dada performed their first-ever show on the stage of the Coach House.

Hall, singing and playing guitar, mixed a Southern California folk-rock vibe with reggae rhythms to good affect, particularly on the hard-driving “Volume” and new single “Unity” (a song he co-wrote with Matisyahu).

There was likely no way that Carbon Leaf could please everyone, considering the quintet has released a number of strong full-length albums since the mid-1990s. Carbon Leaf is one of those bands where you could ask five listeners to name a favorite song and you would get five different titles.
The troupe’s set list this night was a strong one, drawing heavily from the group’s ‘00s albums. Including gems such as the folk-rock of “Life Less Ordinary,” infectious “What About Everything,” alt-countrified “One Prairie Outpost,” ”haunting“ The War Was in Color” and regular set-ending “Miss Hollywood” proved effective across the 110-minute set.

Fans that have wisely picked up the Amazon.com exclusive edition of “Nothing Rhymes With Woman” were not as surprised as some concertgoers with the band’s occasional breaks from a standard full band presentation. After all, one of the highlights of that special release is an acoustic version of “Lake of Silver Bells” that captures the magic of the original rock version, while also showcasing an ensemble especially skilled at playing traditional folk minus clichés.

So when it came time for an encore, Carbon Leaf stepped away from their microphones and positioned themselves with their acoustic instruments at the utmost front of the stage. The group then performed a beautifully-rendered version of “Learn to Fly,” with Barry Privett’s emotive voice soaring over the acoustic instruments and harmony vocals.
One couldn’t help but wish that Carbon Leaf will be back around real soon.

Immediately after performing (12:10 a.m!), the band members came out into the crowd to chat with fans. My friend and I ran into Barry Privett when we were getting up and he couldn't have been nicer. And then when I was purchasing a copy of the band's "5 Alive!" CD at the merchandise booth, Terry Clark came up to us (not knowing we were both music writers) to thank us for coming to the show. Wow, the perfect way to cap a memorable night.

Guitarist Pete Huttlinger comes to Orange County

Photo credit info: Kim Sherman

There are two sides to Nashville, Tennessee-based Pete Huttlinger’s musical world.

There is his acclaimed role as a sideman, playing alongside the late John Denver, as well as recent appearances with LeAnn Rimes. In fact, Rimes selected Huttlinger to play guitar with her when she appeared on the popular BBC-TV series “Live From Abbey Road” in 2007.
There is also the talented fingerstyle guitarist’s burgeoning solo career, which has included a growing number of strong albums such as “Catch & Release” (1995), “The Santa Rita Connection” (2004) and “Things Are Looking Up” (2007). He has also released a number of instructional titles on DVD, including “The Songs of Gordon Lightfoot,” “Arrangements for Solo Acoustic Guitar” and four discs focusing on John Denver’s songbook.

In March 2009, Huttlinger released his latest full-length album, “Fingerpicking Wonder: The Music of Stevie Wonder.” Huttlinger’s instrumental versions include an up-tempo “I Wish” and “Sir Duke,” a beautiful “My Cherie Amour” and tender “You Are The Sunshine Of My Life.”
The challenge of translating Wonder’s music – usually centered on his keyboard playing and distinctive vocals – might seem at odds with instrumental guitar. Huttlinger, a 1984 graduate of the Berklee College of Music in Boston, proves otherwise throughout his outstanding 10-song tribute to Wonder.

“Anytime you take music which is predominately keyboard oriented and translate it to guitar or some other instrument, you are immediately faced with some interesting challenges,” Huttlinger said in a recent interview conducted via email.
“But that is part of the work and the joy of playing music – how in the world am I going to make this work? Sometimes we get lucky and everything falls into place.”
In crafting the arrangements and recording the disc, Huttlinger faced a number of choices – and challenges – that made the project every bit as demanding as completing an album of all-original material.
“With this new CD, the song ‘I Wish’ is the most difficult to play,” Huttlinger explained. “But I think that ‘My Cherie Amour’ may have been a little more difficult to record because I wanted that second guitar part to hint at the style of the 70’s but I wanted to make sure I didn’t overdo it.”
Those who catch Huttlinger when he performs in Orange County on Friday and Saturday night can count on hearing the acclaimed guitarist perform selections from his tribute to Wonder, as well as his other outstanding releases.

“Yes, I will be performing some of that (Wonder) music at these concerts. It’s what we do whenever we have a new CD – we have to get out there and perform the new material,” Huttlinger said when asked about his upcoming set lists.
“I try not to repeat myself too much if I’ve been somewhere before but I also try to take into account which tunes get a great response from the audience. I also like to take requests from the audience. That way I am sure to make the most people happy that they came out.”

Here is more information about Huttlinger's performances this weekend:

Where: Dana Point Community House, 24642 San Juan Ave., Dana Point
When: 7:30 p.m. on Friday, June 26

Where: Mission Viejo Civic Center, 200 Civic Center, Mission Viejo
When: 7 p.m. on Saturday, June 27

How much: $25
Call: 949-842-2227
Online: www.LordoftheStringsConcerts.com

OC Fair's Pacific Amphitheatre Concert Series Schedule Finalized

OC FAIR ANNOUNCES PACIFIC AMPHITHEATRE COMPLETE SCHEDULE

DAILY CONCERTS FEATURE DURAN DURAN, TEARS FOR FEARS,
THE MOODY BLUES & MORE


Costa Mesa, Calif. (June 24, 2009) – The OC Super Fair Summer Concert Series at Pacific Amphitheatre runs from July 10 – Aug 9 and tickets start at $12.50 (all tickets include Fair admission). Super Pass holders may purchase seats for select concerts at a 2-for-1 price – starting at $6.25. For more information, visit: ocfair.com. Schedule:
· Heart: Fri, July 10, 8 p.m.
· Duran Duran: Sat, July 11, 7:30 p.m.
· Rick Springfield: Sun, July 12, 8 p.m.
· Smokey Robinson: Wed, July 15, 8 p.m.
· An Evening with Joan Jett & The Blackhearts: Thurs, July 16, 8 p.m.
· Tears For Fears: Fri, July 17, 8 p.m.
· Anita Baker: Saturday, July 18, 8 p.m.
· The B-52's / The 88: Sun, July 19, 7:30 p.m.
· The Moody Blues: Wed, July 22, 8 p.m.
· Kelly Clarkson: Thurs, July 23, 8 p.m.
· X with special guest Maria McKee: Fri, July 24, 7:30 p.m.
· Maldita Vecindad: Sat, July 25, 8 p.m.
· Pat Benatar & Blondie / with special guest The Romantics: Sun, July 26, 7 p.m.
· Pacific Symphony performs The Magical Music of Disney: Wed, July 29, 8 p.m.
· Huey Lewis and The News: Thurs, July 30, 8 p.m.
· KC & The Sunshine Band/ Evelyn “ Champagne ” King: Fri, July 31, 7:30 p.m.
· Steve Miller Band: Sat, Aug 1, 8 p.m.
· Mariachi Sol de Mexico de Jose Hernandez / Mariachi Reyna de Los Angeles / Mariachi de Las Vegas: Sun, Aug 2, 7:15 p.m.
· Judas Priest / Whitesnake/ PopEvil: Wed, Aug 5, 6:30 p.m.
· Alan Jackson: Thurs, Aug 6, 8 p.m.
· The Black Eyed Peas: Fri, Aug 7, 7:30 p.m.
· Melissa Etheridge: Sat, Aug 8, 8 p.m.
· Three Dog Night: Sun, Aug 9, 8 p.m.
For more information, please visit www.ocfair.com or pacamp.com. Tickets can be purchased online at Ticketmaster.com or from the OC Fair Box Office at Pacific Amphitheatre, open Wednesday-Friday 10 a.m.-6 p.m.; Saturday and Sunday 10 a.m.-4 p.m.

Follow us on twitter.com/ocfair09 or be our friend on Facebook: OC Fair

Carbon Leaf to perform in SJC on June 24

Photo credit: David Johnson

This story was originally posted on the Orange County Register Web site on Monday, June 15, 2009.

One of modern rock's best bands is coming to San Juan Capistrano later this month.

Richmond, Virginia-based Carbon Leaf – on tour in support of the quintet's excellent 2009 album "Nothing Rhymes With Woman" – will headline a strong bill that also includes singer-songwriter Trevor Hall and a rare solo appearance by Joie Calio (of Dada fame) at the Coach House on June 24.

"It's a good venue and definitely a good spot to hit," said lead singer-song lyricist Barry Privett of Carbon Leaf returning to the Coach House. The band last performed at the venue in September 2006.
"When you play along California, you make either make the decision to play in L.A. and then San Diego, or you can really dig in a little bit more and hit the great spots in between and that's what we do. We want to hit as many places as we can and the Coach House is a great room, and we've been fortunate to have people show up and listen."

In addition to Privett (who also plays penny whistle, acoustic guitar and bagpipes), the band's lineup currently includes Terry Clark (guitar, vocals), Carter Gravatt (guitar, mandolin, vocals), Jason Neal (drums) and Jon Markel (bass).
Carbon Leaf's previous full-length disc "Love, Loss, Hope, Repeat" was this writer's top album of 2006, beating out strong releases by Bruce Springsteen, Keane and Neil Young that year. "Nothing Rhymes With Woman" (released by Vanguard Records last month) reaffirms the band's greatness.
Songs such as the shimmering "Lake of Silver Bells," blues-minded "Another Man's Woman," introspective "Miss Hollywood" and Celtic rocker "Pink" showcase a band that clearly has established a unique place for itself in the musical universe.
Fans of Toad the Wet Sprocket, early R.E.M. and the Young Dubliners will all find something to admire in a troupe that blends folk-rock, Americana, power-pop and modern indie styles together effortlessly.

"For me, this album is about really getting back to the foundation as to why we started out as a band and really examining why we do what we do," explained Privett in a phone interview on May 28, the morning after the band performed in New York City.
"A lot of the themes on the album explore the transition as you go through life – and life is more complicated (as you get older) – and how you retain those dreams and youthful spirit you had and still be able to allow yourself to grow and mature. And although your dreams perhaps alter as you go along, you learn that's OK."

Privett noted that although Carbon Leaf has undergone several personnel changes since the outfit was formed in the early 1990s, the artistic aim of the band has remained strong with a focus on songs that seamlessly explore a number of styles.
"The guys like to switch it off and Carter is a great multi-instrumentalist and the guys are very versed on different styles (of music)," Privett said.
"Our fan base really likes that about us that there are places for us to go and you're not watching a two-hour show where you're hearing the same thing over and over again. (And) It keeps us from getting bored. And I think the fact that the vocals kind of tie everything together gives it certain continuity within the different styles."

Privett said because of the countless number of concert choices that listeners have nowadays, Carbon Leaf is appreciative of the bond the band has with fans.
"The focus for us is creating that (musical) world and really focusing on our live show and our fan base because everything else that comes along whether it's licensing or radio – that's all great and definitely helps – but really at the end of the day it's got to be a one-on-one connection with people in the audience and that's going to be our life blood."

Interview with JD Souther

Photo credit: Erick Anderson

Even if you don't know JD Souther, you've heard his songs.

One of the most gifted songwriters to emerge out of the Southern California country rock movement of the early 1970s, he co-wrote many of the Eagles' best-known songs, including "Heartache Tonight," "Victim of Love," "New Kid In Town" and "Best of My Love."
And when the re-formed Eagles went into the studio to record the band's first album in 28 years, they released their version of Souther's "How Long" as the debut single in August 2007.

In addition to his work with the Eagles, Souther wrote classics for Linda Ronstadt ("Faithless Love," "Simple Man, Simple Dream" and "Prisoner in Disguise") and scored hits of his own including 1979's "You're Only Lonely" and his 1981 duet with James Taylor, "Her Town Too."
However, after the release of his acclaimed 1984 album "Home By Dawn," fans of the talented singer-songwriter would have to wait a generation to hear a full-length collection of new songs from Souther.
But the long wait is over. Souther made a rare appearance in Orange County on Thursday night, June 11 in support of his latest album, 2008's "If The World Was You," an outstanding 11-track disc featuring his masterful lyrics positioned in a lush musical landscape of rock, jazz, soul and Latin styles that defies easy categorization.

"Its been since then (1984) that I made a studio album of all new stuff but I've done a few of these tours," Souther explained in a June 2, 2009 interview from his rural home outside of Nashville, Tenn. This writer then asked Souther if it took 24 years to release a new album because he had "finally" penned enough new songs to fill an album.
"Well, 'finally' might be a mistake because I wasn't writing them (songs) all of the time," said Souther, 63.
"The simplest answer to 'Why now?' is yes, the material. I went to Cuba in 1998; I had a really powerful musical experience a weekend I was there and I started this batch of songs and I was itching to get out and play something but I wasn't exactly sure what but I had really been missing music I grew up with which was small group jazz. … I was just lonesome to hear this really."

Although John David Souther was born in Detroit, and lived briefly in Cleveland, he spent most of his childhood and early teens living in Amarillo, Texas. Although he fell in love with rock 'n' roll in his teens, his earliest musical memories include listening to everything from Puccini operas and Beethoven symphonies to jazz recordings by Nat King Cole and Miles Davis and country pioneer George Jones.

Souther headlined at the Coach House in San Juan Capistrano on June 11, and was scheduled to feature many of the songs from "If The World Was You," as well as songs he has written and recorded throughout his acclaimed career.

"The fact that I'm playing alone means I don't have a set list," Souther explained.
"I can change keys; I can wander around and play anything I want. If I'm in the mood to play 'New Kid In Town' one night, I'll do that. If I'm in the mood to play 'Faithless Love,' 'How Long' or 'Best of My Love,' I do that. It's very unrestrictive."
Souther said he was looking forward to his solo appearance at the Coach House, with some of his fondest memories including appearances from San Diego to Los Angeles as a member of the folk duo Longbranch Pennywhistle that he formed with Glenn Frey shortly after moving to Southern California in the late 1960s.

"Well, you know, I've been playing music since I was nine," Souther recalled.
"The Texas Panhandle in 1968 or so when I migrated west did not have what existed along the beaches of Southern California. And that was beautiful weather, the most fabulous ocean in the world and the prettiest girls in the world, and an easy place to be poor. I didn't have any money; I had a Triumph motorcycle and a guitar."

Pet Shop Boys to tour Canada and U.S.

Depeche Mode isn’t the only legendary electornica-styled artist to celebrate a big return in 2009.

On their latest release, England’s Pet Shop Boys (singer-keyboardist Neil Tennant and keyboardist Chris Lowe) also prove they haven’t lost a sonic step.

“Yes” is a bona fide gem, with the instantly- “Beautiful People” recalling the duo’s best-known classics (“West End Girls” and “It’s a Sin”). But “Yes” is a strong album from start to finish, with “Love etc.,” “Did you see me coming?” and “The way it used to be” also delivering dance-minded songcraft.

The album’s production is excellent, with the lushly-textured “King of Rome” and “Legacy” showcasing the dreamy reaches of Pet Shop Boys’ magical blend of electronic and synthesizer pop soundscapes.

Now comes word from the duo's label EMI that a Pet Shop Boys tour in coming to Canada and the U.S. later this summer. Here is the release that arrived in my inbox this morning.

PET SHOP BOYS BRING PANDEMONIUM ON TOUR TO NORTH AMERICA, Aug. 29 - Sept. 26, 2009

Month long tour kicks off in Montreal on August 29 and ends in Vegas on September 26

"Yes," that's the name of Pet Shop Boys tenth studio album.

"Yes," it's their highest-charting record since 1993's "Very."

Yes, Neil Tennant and Chris Lowe's career as Pet Shop Boys spans over two decades and they have sold over 30 million albums.

Yes, Pet Shop Boys will bring Pandemonium on tour to North America this Fall.

Yes, The Pandemonium Tour is a multi-media show that will include Pet Shop Boys' greatest hits and celebrate the new album.

Yes, it will be directed by Es Devlin, choreographed by Lynne Page with live music produced by Stuart Price.

Yes, it's a very 'up' show, one you won't want to sit down for....

Yes, Chris Lowe says 'Every night is Friday night' on the tour.

Yes, USA Today said the new album 'affirms their greatness.'

Yes, Entertainment Weekly said that 'No one writes better dance-pop odes'.

Yes, Rolling Stone said "On their excellent 10th album, the music leans toward the ornate, with snatches of Tchaikovsky and spaghetti-Western atmospherics enveloping the synths and house beats."

Yes, People said "Here they're at their best on melancholy-streaked songs such as "Beautiful People".

Yes, their website is www.petshopboys.co.uk.

The Pet Shop Boys will be offering pre-sale tickets to their online community for the up-coming North American dates. In addition, a limited number of VIP packages (including the opportunity to meet Neil and Chris) will be made available for purchase. The pre-sale will begin Monday, June 8th, at 1:00 PM in the time zone of the performance. To purchase pre-sale tickets please click here: http://tix.concertmaps.com/petshopboys

Aug 29 Montreal Metropolis

Sept 1 New York, NY Hammerstein

Sept 2 New York, NY Hammerstein

Sept 3 Washington, DC Constitution Hall

Sept 5 Boston, MA House of Blues

Sept 6 Atlantic City, NJ House of Blues

Sept 9 Miami, FL Fillmore

Sept 10 Tampa, FL Tampa Bay PAC

Sept 11 Orlando, FL House of Blues

Sept 12 Atlanta, GA Chastain

Sept 14 Chicago, IL Chicago Theater

Sept 15 Milwaukee, WI Pabst Ballroom

Sept 19 Vancouver, BC Vancouver Centre of Performing Arts

Sept 20 Seattle, WA Moore

Sept 22 San Francisco, CA Warfield

Sept 23 San Francisco, CA Warfield

Sept 24 Los Angeles, CA Greek

Sept 26 Las Vegas, NV Joint

(500) Days of Summer soundtrack coming in July

This press release caught my eye because the incredible Simon & Garfunkel and amazing Hall & Oates, as well as several of my favorite modern rock outfits from the 1980s and '00s are featured. Any collection that features The Smiths, Hall & Oates, Doves and She & Him on a single disc is worth a very strong recommendation.

SIRE RECORDS TO RELEASE ORIGINAL SOUNDTRACK TO FOX SEARCHLIGHT PICTURES' (500) DAYS OF SUMMER ON TUESDAY, JULY 14, 2009

Burbank, CA- Sire Records will release the original soundtrack to the Fox Searchlight Pictures' feature film "(500) Days of Summer" on July 14, 2009. The film received a standing ovation at its debut screening during the 2009 Sundance Film Festival and releases in select theaters on July 17, 2009.

"(500) Days of Summer" is not a love story. It is a story of boy meets girl, begins the wry, probing narrator, and with that the film takes off at breakneck speed into a funny, true-to-life and unique dissection of the unruly and unpredictable year-and-a-half of one young man's no-holds-barred love affair.
"(500) Days of Summer" is the feature film directorial debut from Marc Webb, a noted music video director who has lensed clips for such artists as Regina Spektor, My Chemical Romance, Weezer, and Green Day. So it's no surprise that pop music plays an important role in setting the tone in "(500) Days of Summer." In keeping with the film's playfully unorthodox nature, the soundtrack features a host of offbeat artists, including Regina Spektor, Feist, Black Lips, Doves, Carla Bruni, and The Smiths. In a key moment in the film, Tom (played by Joseph Gordon-Levitt) is listening to the latter's song "There Is A Light That Never Goes Out" on his iPod, while riding in an elevator with Summer (played by Zooey Deschanel), who overhears it and comments that she loves The Smiths.
"(500) Days of Summer is a movie about love, sure, but it's also a movie about music," says Webb. "These songs build bridges between Tom and Summer and they tear them down. They can make you dance and they can make you cry. They describe how we feel and express emotions that just couldn't get out any other way. Music is the soul of this movie."
Robert Davis, writing in Paste Magazine said of the film: "The dialogue is sharp and witty, the soundtrack is hip and indie, Gordon-Levitt is effortlessly funny, and wide-eyed Deschanel is a good foil for his quirks."
"(500) Days of Summer" had its world premiere at the 2009 Sundance Film Festival. Directed by Marc Webb and written by Scott Neustadter and Michael Weber, (500) Days of Summer stars Joseph Gordon-Levitt and Zooey Deschanel. The film was produced by Mason Novick, Jessica Tuchinsky, Mark Waters, and Steven Wolfe.
The track-listing for the Original Soundtrack to (500) Days of Summer is as follows:
1. A Story of Boy Meets Girl - Mychael Danna and Rob Simonsen

2. Us - Regina Spektor

3. There Is A Light That Never Goes Out - The Smiths

4. Bad Kids - Black Lips

5. Please, Please, Please Let Me Get What I Want - The Smiths

6. There Goes The Fear - Doves

7. You Make My Dreams - Hall & Oates

8. Sweet Disposition - The Temper Trap

9. Quelqu'un M'a Dit - Carla Bruni

10. Mushaboom - Feist

11. Hero - Regina Spektor

12. Bookends - Simon & Garfunkel

13. Vagabond - Wolfmother

14. She's Got You High - Mumm-Ra

15. Here Comes Your Man - Meaghan Smith

16. Please, Please, Please Let Me Get What I Want - She & Him

Cheap Trick's new album set for release this summer

I was thrilled to learn today that Cheap Trick has announced details about the band's forthcoming album, "The Latest." The CD cover is pretty cool too, huh?

Multi-platinum rock band Cheap Trick announce the pre-order of the new album "The Latest," currently available exclusively through the band’s official website- www.cheaptrick.com- and on Amazon.com. "The Latest," produced by Julian Raymond & Howard Willing, continues Cheap Trick’s reign as power-pop progenitors as they celebrate their 35th anniversary together. Julian Raymond says, “Cheap Trick are fun to record because they are each a master of their craft, and there are so many great new songs on this record. But we also included an old one called ‘When The Lights Are Out.’ I couldn’t believe it wasn’t released in ‘76 when the band did it. I insisted they put it on the record just as it was.” See the video at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ikLBEJtK6PM.Those who take advantage of this unique offer will receive the album on June 23rd just as the band kicks off their summer tour with Def Leppard (tour dates below).

Additional limited edition merchandise including the LP and 8-Track will also be available on www.cheaptrick.com. Amazon is the exclusive digital retailer of The Latest for one month with the album hitting national retail in mid-July. Cheap Trick formed in the city of Rockford, IL in 1974. The band has since released six platinum albums and had numerous hits including “Surrender,” “I Want You to Want Me" and “Dream Police." Cheap Trick features the original line-up of Robin Zander - vocals and guitar, Rick Nielsen - guitar and backing vocals, Bun E. Carlos - drums and backing vocals & Tom Petersson - bass and backing vocals.

"The Latest" track listing:

Sleep Forever

When The Lights Are Out

Miss Tomorrow

Sick Man of Europe

These Days

Miracle

Everyday You Make Me Crazy

California Girl

Everybody Knows

Alive

Times of Our Lives

Closer, The Ballad of Burt and Linda

Smile

Cheap Trick hits the road this summer for a 40-city tour with Def Leppard, including an

August 30, 2009 date at Verizon Wireless Amphitheatre in Irvine.

Greg Johnson to perform two shows on June 6

For young singer-songwriters based in Europe, Australia or even relatively-nearby Canada, conquering America is a challenge. So while Greg Johnson is a well-known and celebrated name in his native New Zealand, it was ultimately his decision to relocate to the U.S. that has helped better introduce his talents here.

Based in Los Angeles since 2002, Johnson is a recipient of several New Zealand music awards including Best Male Vocalist and the prestigious Silver Scroll honor for songwriting in 1997 (for his song “Liberty”). Johnson will perform two shows as part of the Music at the Library concert series in San Juan Capistrano on Saturday, June 6, 2009.

Johnson is touring in support of his latest album “Seven Day Cure,” a disc that features 12 of his original songs.
In addition to new material off “Seven Day Cure” and the hit song “Save Yourself” from his 2007 album “Trouble Shooter’s Manual,” Johnson will likely play strong material from 2004’s “Here Comes the Caviar” and 2001’s “The Best Yet.”

With an arsenal of great songs, the ability to use his powerful voice and top-notch piano playing abilities, Johnson is sure to attract plenty of more fans when he performs as part of the Music at the Library concert series at San Juan Capistrano Regional Library, performing shows at 6:30 and 8:30 p.m. on June 6.
Tickets are $10 for adults and $5 for children under 12.
Information: 949-493-1752.

Tyler Hilton, 2000 Lbs. of Blues play South County

San Juan Capistrano and Dana Point will each be the site of a high-profile album release party this weekend.

Singer-songwriter Tyler Hilton will kick off his tour in support of “Better on Beachwood” with a show at the Coach House on Thursday night, May 28, while Orange County-based jump blues outfit 2000 Lbs Of Blues will celebrate the release of “Soul of a Sinner” with a show at Renaissance Dana Point on May 30.

Hilton, best known as the singer-actor who portrayed a young Elvis Presley in the Academy Award-winning 2005 film “Walk the Line” released his debut on Maverick Records a year earlier; the 11-song CD “The Tracks of Tyler Hilton” generated two well-known singles, “When It Comes” and “How Love Should Be.”
A native of Palm Springs, Hilton is the rare young artist – he is only 25 – who is already a celebrated musician and actor.
Hilton will perform on a bill with Terra Naomi and Danny Maika at the Coach House, 33157 Camino Capistrano, San Juan Capistrano, at 8 p.m. on May 28.
Information: 949-496-8930.

As one of the best-known blues bands in Orange County since the 1980s, the Mike Arguello-led 2000 Lbs of Blues is offering up somewhat of a different sonic approach on the forthcoming “Soul of a Sinner” disc. Although jump blues will continue to be the backbone of the troupe’s sound, Arguello said that he is stretching his musical muscle and songwriting abilities with something that is a bit edgier and darker than his previous three albums.
Of the 13 songs on the album, 12 are original tunes that range from harmonica-anchored blues to funky rockers and a Latin jazz-styled track.
Among the artists joining singer-guitarist Arguello on “Soul of a Sinner” are famed guitarist Kirk “Eli” Fletcher (of Fabulous Thunderbirds fame), harmonica player Eric Von Herzer (Social Distortion, Walter Trout) and drummer Tom Fillman (Spencer Davis Band).
2000 Lbs of Blues will perform at Renaissance Dana Point, 24701 Del Prado, Dana Point, at 8 p.m. on May 30.
Information: 949-661-6003.

Upcoming releases: B.B. King, The Rolling Stones, Hot Club of Cowtown

Hot Club of Cowtown

My inbox has been flooded in recent days with several noteworthy DVD/Blu-Ray and CD collections set for release over the next few months. Read on to hear about upcoming releases from B.B. King, The Rolling Stones and Hot Club of Cowtown.

New York, NY (May 27, 2009)—Eagle Vision, the wholly-own subsidiary of Eagle Rock Entertainment, will release the legendary king of the blues, B.B. King, Live At Montreux 1993, on Blu-Ray disc and DVD on June 2 (DVD retail sales price $14.98, Blu-Ray retail sales price $24.98).

The 17-song, 99-minute set features the then 68-year old Mississippi Blues Boy in rare form, feeding off the palpable crowd love, singing his heart out and bending those notes on ol’ Lucille, making her cry and moan. With his smokin’-hot bigband behind him punctuating every wiggle of his ample torso with staccato horn blasts, B.B. spans the gamut of blues from jump-blues and barrelhouse boogie to the kind of dramatic balladry that wrings out every last teardrop of emotion.

A special Blu-Ray exclusive features three tracks from King’s triumphant 2006 Montreux appearance: “Why I Sing The Blues,” “When Love Comes To Town” and “Guess Who.” B.B. King has, since 1949, recorded some of the greatest blues ever put to wax. With over 50 albums to his credit, he’s come from busking on the streets to being one of the most internationally beloved names in all of entertainment. He hitchhiked to Memphis as a teenager where he was tutored by his cousin, blues legend Bukka White. After Sonny Boy Williamson gave him his start on the radio, B.B. toured the south, naming his guitar Lucille after a woman who was the cause of a fight and an arson in Twist, Arkansas (where B.B. went running into the burning building to save his beloved guitar).

His first #1 hit was the “Three O’Clock Blues” and he toured to support it by playing 342 one-night stands in 1956! He has since honed his guitar style to incorporate elements of Blind Lemon Jefferson and T-Bone Walker, and has influenced every generation of axmen since including Clapton, Beck, Page, Perry and more. B.B. King has performed at the Montreux Jazz Festival a record 19 times and is scheduled there again this summer. Track Listing

1) Fanfare

2) Six Pack

3) Two I Shoot Blues

4) BB King intro

5) Let The Good Times Role

6) When It All Comes Down (I’ll Still Be Around)

7) Chains of Love

8) Caldonia

9) All Over Again

10) Since I Met You Baby

11) Playing With My Friends

12) Ain’t Nobody Home

13) Why I Sing The Blues

14) Blues Man

15) Rock Me Baby

16) Please Accept My Love

17) The Thrill Is Gone

FROM DIRTY WORK TO A BIGGER BANG: THE ROLLING STONES’ LAST FIVE ALBUMS REISSUED FOR JULY

New York, NY (May 26, 2009) – Universal Music Group have confirmed details of the third and final installment in the reissues of the re-mastered, post 1971 studio albums by The Rolling Stones.

Dirty Work, Steel Wheels, Voodoo Lounge, Bridges To Babylon and A Bigger Bang, released July 14, 2009, complete the trilogy of reissued albums, which started in May with the re-appearance of the legendary Sticky Fingers, Goats Head Soup, It’s Only Rock’n’Roll and Black And Blue and Some Girls, Emotional Rescue, Tattoo You and Undercover in June.

A rousing cover of Bob & Earl’s Harlem Shuffle, with Jagger’s distinctive vocals to the fore, heralded the arrival of Dirty Work. This single made the Top 5 on both sides of the Atlantic in 1986. Produced by Steve Lillywhite and the Glimmer Twins, the album was dedicated to the memory of Ian Stewart, the group’s original piano player and unofficial sixth member, who died the previous year.

The release of Steel Wheels in 1989 followed the group’s induction into the Rock and Roll Hall Of Fame and coincided with their eagerly-awaited return to the live arena. Recorded at Air Studios in Montserrat and Olympic in London, it made the Top 3 in Britain and in the States. It contains classic tracks like the US Top 5 single Mixed Emotions as well as Rock And A Hard Place, which boasts a trademark riff as infectious as any they’ve come up with. The incredibly atmospheric Almost Hear You Sigh also charted while Richards often reprises the ballad Slipping Away in concert.

Recorded in Dublin and in Los Angeles, and produced by Don Was, Voodoo Lounge topped the British charts on its release in 1994. The rockers Love Is Strong – featuring Jagger on harmonica – You Got Me Rocking and I Go Wild all performed strongly in the UK Top 40, while Out Of Tears continued the group’s fine tradition of late-night, soul-searching, soul-infused ballads and featured a killer vocal performance by Jagger. The singer also excelled on the equally contemplative Blinded By Rainbows, a forgotten gem in their repertoire, and the swaggering Sparks Will Fly, driven by the ever-excellent Charlie Watts on drums. Voodoo Lounge deservedly won the Grammy Award for Best Rock Album in 1995.

Originally issued in 1997, Bridges To Babylon made the Top 3 in the US and number 6 in the UK. The yearning and sinuous Anybody Seen My Baby? and the mean and moody Saint Of Me – both Top 30 hits in the UK – in particular, showed the band remained at the cutting edge. Energetic rockers Low Down and Too Tight repay further investigation as do the three tracks sung by Richards, in particular the closer How Can I Stop which features another jazz legend, Wayne Shorter, on saxophone.

A Bigger Bang, the Rolling Stones last studio album to date, made the Top 3 on both sides of the Atlantic in 2005. Its release coincided with the group’s longest ever world tour, lasting two years, a feat likely to remain unbeaten by any other rock artist. Recorded mostly in France, it recalls the informal vibe of Exile On Main Street and has sold in excess of 2.5 million copies to date. A double A-side single coupling the rocker Rough Justice and Streets Of Love, another superior soulful ballad, reached number 15 in the UK, while the Bush-baiting Sweet Neo Con made headlines in the US.. A Bigger Bang more than lived up to its title.

These albums will be re-mastered and all retain the original track listings and sleeve design.
Fans will have the option of purchasing a collector’s box in which to house all 14 studio albums. The catalogue will also be available digitally. The classic album Exile on Main Street will also be released in early 2010 by UMG as part of wider plans for this title.

HOT CLUB OF COWTOWN

Internationally renowned swing/pop trio Hot Club of Cowtown is set to release their first new album, "Wishful Thinking" on Tuesday, August 18, 2009.

From the bright lights of the Grand Ol’ Opry to the UK’s Glastonbury Festival, to regular appearances on Prairie Home Companion and festival stages worldwide, The Hot Club of Cowtown has ascended from its unlikely beginnings in NYC’s East Village nearly a decade ago to become the premier ambassador of hot jazz and Western swing through sheer tenacity, virtuosity and the unstoppable power of their breathtaking live show.

On "Wishful Thinking," set for release August 18 (Thirty Tigers), we find the core group of Elana James (fiddle, vocals), Whit Smith (guitar, vocals) and upright bassist (Jake Erwin) reunited for their first new album in five years. Infusing their songwriting with a colorful montage of characters and perspectives, Wishful Thinking shows the band deftly embracing disparate influences – from the combustible "Can't Go on this Way," by Texas swing master Bob Wills – to the minor key gypsy violin line and longing chorus of "Reunion." The music here is elegant and imaginative: Elana’s spring-fingered violin solos and Whit's effortless, liquid guitar lines are propelled by Jake’s driving percussive upright bass. Across the entire album, there is a palpable sense of both genuine excitement and the keening longing expressed in ballads: Hoagy Carmichael’s “Georgia,” sung by Whit, and the album’s gorgeous closer, Elana’s "little girl lost" turn at George and Ira Gershwin’s “Someone to Watch Over Me.” Whit’s original, “Carry Me Close,” is a song of loss and regret that echoes the classic feel of Appalachian mountain ballads.

"Wishful Thinking" is also the first-ever HCCT record with drums, courtesy of Damien Llanes. The new pulse is evident on songs like “Cabiria,” inspired by one of Fellini's most famous characters, whose noir sophistication could land it on the soundtrack of a European art film as easily as late-night country radio. The shuffling brushwork on “Heart of Romain” is Elana's homage to French film actor Romain Duris and the films of Tony Gatlif and captures the musical sophistication and sizzle of Stephene Grappelli and Django Reinhardt’s Quintette du Hot Club de France.
Lauded on NPR, darlings of international stages from Japan's Fuji Rock Festival to the Stagecoach and all points in between, HCCT began as a combustible trio playing traditional music but began to develop its own sound through invitations to collaborate, tour with, and work alongside more contemporary artists. The trio was hired (and survived) tours with Bob Dylan and Willie Nelson, first opening for them then playing with them: Elana, a classically trained violinist and the legitimate heir to the great tradition of Western swing which she learned firsthand horse wrangling and working with Texas fiddle masters (and a few stolen encounters with traveling Romany fiddlers), became the first dedicated female instrumentalist to tour in Bob Dylan’s band in over 30 years.

An invitation from Bryan Ferry for HCCT to reinterpret his material coaxed the band into the modern mainstream. Rachel Ray put them in her cookbook! Their appearances at mega-festivals from Byron Bay (Australia) to Fuji Rock (Japan) to Glastonbury (UK), and performances on Jools Holland’s TV show, "Later,” have brought the band international acclaim and a little closer to the millions waiting to fall in love with their music. HCCT has taken a traditional idiom, dusted it off, transfigured it, and reinterpreted it on its own terms. The music is blazing, modern, and has more energy than ever.

But HCCT understand that the beauty and danger that makes great music lies not only in the notes that are played, but from secrets that are held close to one’s heart. They are true proponents of the old adage less is more – they never sacrifice taste and simplicity for mere dazzle. “Bob Dylan taught me that you have to keep some mystery,” confesses Elana. “Don't give it all away. The power's in holding some things back.”

HCCT is currently touring the UK for Wishful Thinking (released May 4 in Europe and the UK). The band is amassing daily 4-star reviews for their live tour dates, including The Guardian and The Independent, complemented by five sessions on BBC radio. HCCT will be alternately touring the US and abroad through the end of 2009 and well into 2010.

Colin Hay coming to the Coach House

Although Colin Hay is best known as the frontman and principal songwriter of '80s Australian rock outfit Men at Work, he has found a large and loyal audience via a long series of solo releases.

Now, Nashville-based Compass Records has reissued one of the strongest albums of his career, 1998's "Transcendental Highway," which included the hit "I Just Don't Think I'll Ever Get Over You," featured on the soundtrack of the movie "Garden State."
The album, produced by Dan Rothchild, finds Hay's distinctive and emotive voice tackling everything from the Internet frontier of the mid-1990s ("Transcendental Highway") and loss ("If I Go," "Goodbye My Red Rose") to his own roller-coaster music career ("My Brilliant Feat").

Hay will perform at 8 p.m. Saturday, May 23, 2009 at The Coach House, 33157 Camino Capistrano, San Juan Capistrano. In addition to selections from "Transcendental Highway," he'll likely perform material from his most recent album, 2007's "Are You Lookin' At Me?" and Men at Work hits such as "Who Can It Be Now?" and "Down Under."

Appearing on the bill with Hay will be Marcus Eaton and Saint John and the Revelations. Information: 949-496-8930.

New stars and legends close out Doheny Blues fest

Day 2 brings more thrills at the 12th annual event in Dana Point

Imagine the poor concert-goer who didn't bother to show up early on Sunday morning, May 17, to catch the early part of day 2 at the 12th Annual Doheny Blues Festival.

After all, Keb' Mo' (seen here in a photo I took that morning) performed an hourlong solo acoustic show on the Backporch Stage that allowed fans to get up close to the singer-songwriter.
Performing a 13-song set comprised mostly of requests from the large and enthusiastic audience packed around the small stage, the Los Angeles native used a number of different guitars and a harmonica, and chatted with the audience and told stories in an intimate setting rarely afforded the artist.

From the unprompted clap-along as he performed "Angelina" and gorgeous "Victims of Comfort," Keb' Mo's Sunday morning performance will long rank as one of my favorite sets in the long and strong history of the blues fest. His beautiful performance of "Just Like You," humorous "Keep It Simple" and love song for blues music, "Prosperity Blues," all were delivered wonderfully.

Throughout the day ahead, more magic followed. Coco Montoya, armed with a big and authentic voice and fiery guitar chops to match, unleashed high-powered electric rock blues on the Renaissance Stage, including "Last Dirty Deal," with his voice recalling the soulful delivery of Robert Cray.

Anyone familiar with singer-guitarist Tommy Castro already knows the guy can tear it up on lead guitar and has a convincing voice capable of singing with force. Performing with his Legendary R&B Revue, Castro's past appearances in Dana Point and at the nearby Coach House were bested Sunday as he teamed with an ensemble that included two horn players and the guest vocals of singer Janiva Magness. I caught a good deal of the set, and Magness's lead vocals on "Workin' on Me Baby" were enhanced by Castro's backing vocals.

Although there were also solid performances from Phillip Walker and the Hollywood Blue Flames (with Kirk "Eli" Fletcher" always a joy to watch as he plays guitar), as well as a high-energy set of Cajun music on the Renaissance stage in the early afternoon, the evening was not to be missed.

The Derek Trucks Band is simply incredible, with the 29-year-old Trucks a master of a style of guitar in which he uses a slide to achieve both melodic and textured sounds. From the beginning of his band's 90-minute set, he played with a kind of sonic explosiveness that exceeds conventional guitarists who play fast while sacrificing an audience's emotional desire to actually connect with the songs.
On Sunday, Trucks and the other members of his band undoubtedly made countless new fans with a powerful display. Legendary singer-guitarist Elvin Bishop joined the band on stage for one song, with both Trucks and Bishop playing slide guitar in tandem for a historic performance, while the Derek Trucks Band's members showcased songcraft and growing artistry with a performance of "Get What You Deserve."

Trucks' technique was a perfect fit for the Doheny fest; for those who wanted to get lost in the intensity, the band thrills. For those who wanted to hang back, it has an equally magical impact.
Omega Events has continued to find ways to expand the reach of audiences by booking classic artists, and new names that promise to take the blues into the 21st century. So the decision to book the Derek Trucks Band and have Sharon Jones and the Dap-Kings follow was welcome for lovers of new music. Jones and her eight-member Dap-Kings were fuel for those who wanted to get close in front of the Renaissance Stage and move to her infectious and accessible blend of Motown, jazz, blues and R&B.

An arresting performer, Jones danced up a storm while delivering spot-on vocals for 70 minutes.
She ended her set with a powerful "100 Days, 100 Nights."

Closing the night was B.B. King. For anyone who has seen the legendary artist, his show has not changed much in recent years. But at 83, his guitar skills are intact and his baritone continues to thrill. And something always seems right with the world when King is on stage, playing his distinctive Lucille with his top-notch band playing around him.
His performance to finish things off was highlighted by "Let the Good Times Roll" and night-ending "The Thrill Is Gone."

Elvin Bishop and John Németh

It was great for me to finally catch Elvin Bishop and John Németh in concert this past Saturday. Enjoy this photo I took during their set at Doheny Blues Fest on May 16, 2009. You can read more about their set in a review that will follow this post.

12th Annual Doheny Blues Fest gets off to a rousing start

This post includes my review of day 1 of the 12th Annual Doheny Blues Festival (May 16, 2009), and I've included my favorite photo I took of Brian Setzer, seen here tearing it up on his Gretsch guitar. Another post will feature a number of shots I took on day 1 for you to see.

Brian Setzer, Grace Potter and Elvin Bishop stand out from a field crowded with highlights

The biggest challenge for listeners attending Saturday's first half of the 12th annual Doheny Blues Festival on Saturday, May 16, 2009, was how best to squeeze in breaks during the 10-hour run of nonstop music on three stages. With a bill boasting a dozen artists – not counting Gregg Young's appearance outside the main gate before the doors opened – it was physically impossible to catch every note.

But that's a good dilemma to have when the performances are as strong as those of the 10 artists I had a chance to catch in Dana Point.
Fans of the Stray Cats may be out of luck in terms of catching that classic trio this summer, but the rockabilly faithful were treated to the next best thing via Brian Setzer & the Nashvillains' headlining an 80-minute set on the Doheny Stage. Opening with the one-two punch of "Red Hot" and "This Cat's on a Hot Tin Roof," singer-guitarist Setzer and his outfit proceeded to tear through 19 songs that included newer originals as well as classic rockabilly staples and reworked Stray Cats hits.

While Setzer has never been known for top-tier vocals, the guy sure can play guitar. Just about every selection allowed him room to amaze the packed crowd with his fretwork. "Peroxide Blonde in a Hopped up Model Ford," "Slow Down" and the night-ending "Rumble in Brighton" were all standouts. The lengthy concert also provided stand-up bassist Ronnie Crutcher and pianist Robbie Chevrier spotlights to display their strong chops.

As entertaining as Setzer was, his wasn't the best set of the day. Several others outdistanced it thanks to artistic ambition or sheer will. Grace Potter and the Nocturnals might not be the usual choice to appear at a blues fest, but the young Vermont outfit's winning mix of blues, R&B, classic- and roots-rock, gospel and soul impressed mightily during a 75-minute set on the Renaissance Stage.
Potter, 25, is a charismatic singer backed by a revamped lineup making its first-ever public appearance. Although longtime lead guitarist Scott Tournet and drummer Matt Burr remain with the Nocturnals, bassist Catherine Pepper and rhythm guitarist Benny Yurco proved they are the perfect fit for the band.
Going back and forth from her mic at center stage to the seat behind her Hammond B3 organ, Potter led the crowd through a musical world that somehow blended the magic of Bonnie Raitt, Lucinda Williams, Neil Young & Crazy Horse, Joni Mitchell and Etta James without sounding anything close to those legendary names.
Several selections from the band's 2007 album "This Is Somewhere" easily replicated the joy of that recording, including "Ah Mary," "Apologies" and "Stop the Bus."

Elvin Bishop didn't have mighty soul singer John Németh join him on stage until an hour into his 75-minute set, but Bishop's entire performance was great. His loose, casual style of singing and smiling and playfully interacting with his band was the perfect sonic stew for the afternoon.
Highlights of Bishop's set included his signature hit "Fooled Around and Fell In Love," bolstered by emotive slide guitar work, as well as his collaboration with Németh, who provided guest vocals and strong harmonica firepower on "Night Time Is the Right Time."

Any overview of my Day 1 has to include the strong early set by the 44's, an electric blues band that kicked off the action with a set of Chicago blues crossed with primal rock 'n' roll. Another early offering featured piano man Taryn Donath tearing through some boogie-woogie on the Backporch Stage with a drummer and sax player.
Better yet was John Hammond thrilling a packed and rapt crowd packed in around the Backporch with his acoustic, Mississippi-style delivery of originals and classics by Howlin' Wolf and Buddy Guy.

Keb' Mo' again proved that his art appeals to both blues purists and those who enjoy the accessible side of the genre, while hometown heroes Big Sandy & the Fly-Rite Boys played that their mix of Western swing, rockabilly and Buddy Holly-esque rock 'n' roll that included the upbeat "It's Time" and "Love That Man."

Doves soar during riveting Mouse House performance

This review was first posted on the Soundcheck music blog on May 16, 2009.

When it comes to England’s Doves, it’s best to drop any natural impulse to compare the Britpop trio with Radiohead, Travis, Coldplay, Snow Patrol, Oasis or any of a number of outfits from the other side of the Atlantic. As evidenced by the group’s 90-minute set at House of Blues Anaheim on Friday night, May 15, 2009, singer-bassist Jimi Goodwin, guitarist-vocalist Jez Williams and drummer Andy Williams continue to be as inventive, interesting and talented as their better-known musical counterparts.

While songs such as “Jetstream” and “Winter Hill” -– both off the band’s latest album, Kingdom of Rust –- are accessible and melodic, there are also dense layers of sound and incredible arrangements that fully come across despite the obvious challenges of playing in front of an enthusiastic, capacity crowd. The country-western rhythm that propels Kingdom’s title cut and the hard-edged attack of “The Outsider” are obvious illustrations of Doves’ wide-ranging approach, and the simultaneously eerie and artful atmospherics worked as well live as they do in the recording studio.

Doves, whose sound was enhanced this night by a keyboardist, performed much of the time in front of a large screen upon which dramatic images were projected, heightening the band’s cinematic approach. Other key moments that displayed firepower: the arresting “Almost Forgot Myself,” the reflective “Ambition” and the wistful “There Goes the Fear.”

Opening for Doves was New Hampshire-based Wild Light, an energetic quartet that served up a strong set of ’80s-influenced rock enlivened by keyboards. The highlights of the outfit’s set were the driving electronic rocker “My Father Was a Horse” and “California on My Mind,” the latter a song in which the drummer used a tambourine in his right hand and a stick in his left to achieve a particularly interesting dynamic mixed with great singing

A revitalized Keane delivers energetic show in Anaheim

Keane lead vocalist Tom Chaplin, photographed by Tony Sanchez, performed at the Grove of Anaheim on May 10, 2009.

Story and photo originally posted on the Orange County Register Web site on May 11, 2009.

Before catching Keane at the Grove of Anaheim on Sunday night, May 10, 2009, I hadn't seen the British band since a show at the Greek Theater on September 30, 2005.
Back then, the young trio was riding high after an impressive performance on the main stage at Coachella a few months earlier. In addition, the group's full-length debut "Hopes and Fears" was an immediate commercial success; indeed the album has gone on to sell more than 5.5 million copies around the world since its release in 2004.

But when lead singer Tom Chaplin announced he was admitting himself for treatment resulting from alcohol- and drug-related use in summer 2006, the future of the band seemed in doubt.
Fast forward to Keane's tremendous and rousing show at the Grove of Anaheim on Mother's Day. Performing the best material off all three of their full-length albums, Chaplin, keyboardist Tim Rice-Oxley, drummer Richard Hughes and touring bassist Jesse Quin (who was also featured on the band's 2008 disc "Perfect Symmetry") hit all the right notes across a blazing 90-minute set before a near-capacity crowd.

From its earliest days, Keane could effectively unleash powerful rock celebrations wrapped in big choruses, with Chaplin's amazing tenor soaring over propulsive songs such as "Bend and Break." While Chaplin's voice is still the most lethal weapon in Keane's arsenal, artful arrangements and dynamic songcraft – combined with the instinctive ability of the band to connect with the crowd – lifted this concert to loftier heights than the first times I caught Keane four years ago.
There is no denying the power of "Bedshaped," the affecting song that has long served as an effective closer at Keane performances and hit home again this time. However, this 18-song set was enhanced by the wide-ranging set list featuring songs from 2006's "Under the Iron Sea" and 2008's "Perfect Symmetry."

Chief among the highlights was the night-opening "The Lovers Are Losing," a particularly sonically-dark "A Bad Dream" and beautiful acoustic-styled "Try Again."
"This is our first time in Anaheim. Thank you Orange County," Chaplin said in introducing "Again and Again," a '80s-styled dance rocker where he got to showcase his growing skills on guitar.
In performing "Perfect Symmetry," the singer approached the audience and was embraced by countless hands as he sang the lyric "Wrap yourself around me" as if it had been choreographed – one of many magic moments that resulted from the energy between the crowd and band this night.

Two other points in the night were standouts I won't soon forget: "Somewhere Only We Know" buoyed by the kind of joyous sing-along usually reserved for vets like Paul McCartney and U2, and the regular set-ending selection "Crystal Ball" with a strobe light blasting as the crowd clapped rapid fire and Keane played at full volume.

Of the two opening acts on the bill, the Portland-based duo the Helio Sequence turned in the better and more memorable set. Singer-guitarist Brandon Summers and fiery drummer-keyboardist Benjamin Weikel showcased their blend of accessible and driving electro-tinged rock via gems such as "Shed Your Love" and "Keep Your Eyes Ahead." The song "Lately" recalled "Joshua Tree"-era U2 with effects-heavy guitar and Summers' towering vocals.
Nashville-based singer-guitarist Mat Kearney and his backing quartet turned in a pleasing, but somewhat conventional 40-minute set of singer-songwriter folk-rock. His radio-friendly material included the melodic "Fire & Rain," urgent "Crashing Down" and popular new single, the tuneful "Closer to Love."

Alison Brown's musical journey comes to San Juan Capistrano

For anyone under the misconception that the banjo is an instrument used only in bluegrass music, it's best to catch Alison Brown when she performs with her quartet in San Juan Capistrano on May 16, 2009.

The banjo virtuoso will perform as part of the Music at the Library concert series at 6:30 p.m. and again at 8:30 p.m. at the San Juan Capistrano Regional Library.

Brown, who grew up in the San Diego area and graduated from La Jolla High School, is considered one of the best banjo players on the planet. And while it was bluegrass music that inspired a 10-year-old Brown to pick up the instrument in the early 1970s, today she blends jazz, Americana, folk and Celtic styles together in a sonic brew that is as groundbreaking as it is beautiful.

She comes to Orange County in the wake of the April 9 release of "The Company You Keep," her tenth full-length release. The title is actually an acknowledgment of several areas of her professional life.
"It has a two-fold purpose," Brown said in a recent interview, where she spoke by phone from her home in Nashville, Tenn.
"The first thing I was thinking about was just wanting to do an album that brought the members of the quartet to the forefront just because the guys I am playing with have been on this musical journey with me from the beginning, basically from the first gig I did. And pianist John R. Burr in particular just brings an incredible gift to this music. I mean, my music would not be the same as it is now if I hadn't been playing with John all these years. I'm sure you can tell from listening to the record, he has great jazz chops but a wonderful folk sensibility, and we started playing together in 1993 – that's 16 years now. I can't believe it."

In addition to Brown and pianist John R. Burr, the rest of the quartet features bassist Garry West and fiddler-mandolin player-percussionist Joe Craven.
The second layer in the title of "The Company You Keep" addresses Compass Records. The independent record label was launched by Brown and West (the couple are married and have two young children) in 1995 and has released hundreds of albums by celebrated artists, including Colin Hay (Men at Work), the Bittersweets, Beoga, the Gibson Brothers and Bearfoot.
Brown admits that balancing the duties as band leader, record label executive and mother can be challenging.
"I think the way I juggle my work is the same way that any mom juggles her work," Brown explained. "And I've found that the way that seems to work best for me is that some days are more about being at the office and other days are more on the road and it's all about the music. But it is a completely different time from when I could just sit down with my banjo anytime I wanted and write a tune or just kind of daydream and play. I don't really get to do that anymore."

But listening to Brown's latest album, and the beautiful work she displays on the Celtic-flavored "Drawing Down the Moon" and jazz-styled "Rocket Summer," it's easy to hear why Brown continues to make time to champion the banjo.
"It's a challenging instrument just because most people insist on thinking it has to be like 'Hee Haw' and bank robbery music and car chase music," Brown said.
"It's just a perpetual challenge that we (banjo players) face. They (some listeners) don't recognize or they are reluctant to buy into the idea that the banjo has a long history in lots of different kinds of music and there is no reason why it can't play lots of different kinds of music, and there is absolutely no reason to be afraid of the banjo."

For more information on Brown's upcoming shows, visit http://www.musicatthelibrary.com/ or call the San Juan Capistrano Regional Library at 949-493-1752.

Eric Bibb to spill his soul at two shows on May 9

Photo credit: Michel Verlinden

Who: Eric Bibb
Where: San Juan Capistrano Regional Library, 31495 El Camino Real, San Juan Capistrano
When: 6:30 and 8:30 p.m. on May 9
How much: $10 for adults; $5 for children under age 12
Contact: Call 949-493-1752
Online: www.MusicattheLibrary.com

Eric Bibb has been performing and impressing audiences for most of his life. The New York native is the son of singer Leon Bibb and the nephew of jazz pianist-composer John Lewis of the Modern Jazz Quartet.

Not many youngsters grow up in a household where regular visitors include the likes of Pete Seeger, Odetta and Paul Robeson.

Bibb’s childhood captivation with music has continued to pay creative dividends in his adult career. Since the release of his 1997 album “Good Stuff,” Bibb has found a growing audience for his blend of blues, gospel and soul music. He has completed studio recordings with some of his heroes (Taj Mahal, Mavis Staples, Charlie Musselwhite) and toured with Robert Cray and Robben Ford. Bibb even opened for Ray Charles at a concert in summer 2002.
Local audiences have two chances to catch Bibb when he performs as part of the Music at the Library concert series in San Juan Capistrano, playing shows at 6:30 and 8:30 p.m. on May 9.

Bibb will likely be featuring original material from his excellent 2006 release “Diamond Days,” as well as his most recent album, 2008’s “Get Onboard.”
Recorded in Nashville and Stockholm, Sweden, “Get Onboard” features both Raitt and Ruthie Foster as well as a talented band including keyboardist Glen Scott, guitarist-bassist Tommy Sims and drummer Lemar Carter.

Bibb was recently nominated as International Artist of the Year as part of the Maple Blues Awards, with Bibb named in the top-notch company of James Hunter, Staples, Taj Mahal and Watermelon Slim and the Workers.
For those planning on attending the Doheny Blues Festival in Dana Point on May 16 and 17, the upcoming Bibb concerts should definitely set the right tone.