Sights and Sounds: Lifehouse, Five For Fighting, Mindi Abair, Rickie Lee Jones

There are plenty of noteworthy headlines to kick off the week…

The Orange County Fair has announced a performance featuring Lifehouse and Five For Fighting as part of the 2014 Toyota Summer Concert Series at the Pacific Amphitheatre. Tickets for the event, which includes regular admission to the OC Fair in Costa Mesa, go on sale at 10 a.m. on Saturday, May 31 via Ticketmaster or at the OC Fair & Event Center Box Office.

Mindi Abair will celebrate the release of her new album Wild Heart on Friday, May 30,  at the Back Bay Amphitheater to launch the Newport Beach Jazz Festival. Performing with Mindi will be Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductee Booker T. Jones, along with fan favorite and former top 3 American Idol contestant Elliot Yamin. Mindi Abair is no stranger to Orange County audiences; earlier this month she joined Gregg Allman during his set of day 1 at Doheny Blues Fest, and then turned around and joined Keb' Mo' at his set on day 2 of the Dana Point festival. All attendees will enjoy a hosted reception before this intimate show and 2 complimentary drinks, so don't miss out on the party. Tickets are available at www.festivals.hyattconcerts.com


Finally, my Music Worth Buying co-host TJR has posted an in-depth review of Rickie Lee Jones' seminal 1979 debut LP. You can view it below:

Shawn Colvin & Steve Earle a treat in Anaheim

My review was originally posted on The Orange County Register site on Sunday, May 25, 2014.

Shawn Colvin & Steve Earle a treat in O.C.

The veteran storytellers reworked their staples and covered everyone from the Beatles to Gnarls Barkley at stirring Grove gig.

BY ROBERT KINSLER / CONTRIBUTING WRITER

Published: May 25, 2014 Updated: 1:38 p.m.

SHAWN COLVIN & STEVE EARLE

Where: City National Grove of Anaheim

When: May 24

The aptly named program “Songs and Stories, Together Onstage” was just that Saturday night (May 24, 2014) at City National Grove of Anaheim, as singer-songwriters Shawn Colvin and Steve Earle teamed for an easygoing acoustic concert where they shared details about the events that inspired specific pieces before masterfully performing them.

Other times, specifically during an inviting opening take on the Everly Brothers’ “Wake Up Little Susie” and a wondrous, flamenco-tinged version of Gnarls Barkley’s “Crazy” later in the show, they played favorites simply for the sheer fun of it.

Earle offered the first original of the night, “The Devil’s Right Hand,” which enabled him to talk about growing up in Texas, where he liked to hunt and fish, and how he now celebrates the song’s enduring message about gun control. One of the more rousing tracks on Earle’s outstanding 1988 album “Copperhead Road,” it was delivered by the author accompanied only by his guitar while occasionally blasting away on his harmonica.

Then it was Colvin’s turn: “It’s really an honor to be up here with Steve,” she mentioned, noting how many different topics Earle has tackled. “I only write breakup songs,” she added, garnering laughs. “I found my niche and there it is.”

But as Colvin proved repeatedly, there are plenty of nuances left to explore amid the ups and downs of relationships. Her original song “Another Long One” featured a funny tale about getting hired by Suzanne Vega as a backing vocalist in the late ’80s but being warned to stay away from the drummer. She didn’t, and the ill-fated romance gave rise to the melodic confessional she sang with wistful grace Saturday.

There also was an obvious mutual admiration for each other’s talents, making for a rich, remarkably relaxed 110-minute performance. Even the genesis of the tour was worked into the storytelling, as Earle noted: “This tour was Shawn’s idea, put together largely by text.”

But the songs themselves did the heavy lifting. A beautiful version of Earle’s “Goodbye” was an early standout, with the country-folk tune’s elegiac feel enriched by gentle picking and his deep baritone, while a subsequent cover of Townes Van Zandt’s “Pancho and Lefty” further cast a welcome spotlight on his vocal powers.

The blending of these two voices often heightened the strength of their songs. Earle’s “Fearless Heart” was especially potent, with Colvin’s guitar also enhancing it dramatically. Earle returned the favor on her song “Diamond in the Rough,” for which he played an octave mandolin to add texture, especially on the song’s buildup.

The end arrived too soon but featured a stirringly reworked version of Colvin’s best-known work, the Grammy-winning “Sunny Came Home” (which she described as “a murder ballad”) and a rousing Celtic-styled take on Earle’s “Galway Girl,” featuring more of his mandolin picking.

The encore allowed one more chance to play a favorite cover, this time an affecting take on the Beatles’ “Baby’s in Black,” before closing out with a memorable rendition of Earle’s “Copperhead Road.”

Weekend Preview: KSBR Birthday Bash, Southern California Americana Festival

With the long holiday weekend upon us, the good news for music fans here in Orange County are several music festivals coming on Sunday. Read on…

KSBR Birthday Bash Jazz Festival set for Sunday, May 25, 2014

Melissa Manchester

Mission Viejo, CA - Saddleback College Radio Station KSBR (88.5 FM) is proud to announce that Grammy Award-winning vocalist Melissa Manchester will be making her debut appearance at this year's KSBR Birthday Bash Jazz Festival. Among the more than 30 other musicians who will join her are Najee, Paul Brown, Slim Man, Greg Adams, Bill Cantos, Max Bennett and Tony Guerrero. The Birthday Bash will take place on the Village Green of Oso Viejo Park, 24932 Veterans Way, Mission Viejo on Sunday, May 25.

In addition to great music, the event also includes The Taste of the Bash, which features more than 15 local restaurants showing off their finest creations. The Taste is an added value so those purchasing tickets to the concert can enjoy the Taste of the Bash for no additional charge.

Gates open at 3:30 p.m.; Taste of the Bash from 3:30 - 5 p.m.; Military Appreciation Festivities at 4:30 p.m.; music at 5 p.m.

For more information, visit www.saddleback.edu/arts or call the Saddleback College Fine Arts Ticket Office at (949) 582-4656.


First-ever Southern California Americana Festival coming to Surf City, Huntington Beach on May 25

What better way to spend Sunday, May 25 than to hit the beach in the morning and early afternoon, and then head over to the Marlin Bar to catch a great line-up of roots artists scheduled to perform at the First Annual Southern California Americana Festival. The event is a benefit for Sweet Relief ("Healing Musicians In Need").

Here is the great schedule of artists set to perform, including a trio of my favorite Americana artists (Michael Ubaldini, The Fallen Stars, Walter Clevenger & the Dairy Kings):

Michael Ubaldini - 2-2:40
Micah Justice - 3-3:40
Lauren Chanel Cobb & Ryan Ratfield 4-4:40
Tall as Men 5-5:40
Travis King 6-6:40
Riddle & The Stars 7-7:40
Phil Cody 8-8:40
Courtney Chambers 9-9:40
The Dairy Kings 10-10:40

Here is the cool poster!

For more information, visit: https://www.facebook.com/events/259119180943185/

Sights and Sounds: Pearl Jam, Roy Orbison, Jack White, Peter Murphy

Good morning! Lots of exciting news to share for a Thursday...

Pearl Jam is going on tour this fall! Read the details here.

Roy Orbison's outstanding studio disc Mystery Girl is getting a 25th anniversary deluxe treatment. Read more details on the Music Minded blog here.

Jack White is featured in the latest issue of Rolling Stone.

Listen to a new track titled "Eliza" off Peter Murphy's forthcoming full-length disc Lion.

Breaking news: Maurice White relaunches his label Kalimba Music with deluxe reissue of Earth, Wind & Fire classic

LEGENDARY EARTH, WIND & FIRE FOUNDER MAURICE WHITE RELAUNCHES HIS LABEL, KALIMBA MUSIC WITH THE RELEASE OF EWF'S THE PROMISE (FEATURING THE URBAN JAZZ RADIO SINGLE 'NEVER') AND THE SIGNING OF HITMAKING KEYBOARDIST GREG MANNING

 The Classic R&B Band's First Studio Album in Six Years at The
Time of Its Original Release, The Promise Hit The Top 20 on
Billboard's Top R&B/Hip Hop Albums Chart and Received a Grammy Nomination (Best Traditional R&B Vocal Performance) For "Hold Me”

Adding an exciting new chapter to Earth, Wind & Fire's highly influential four and a half decade legacy in pop and R&B music, the iconic band's founder Maurice White is pleased to announce the highly anticipated re-launch of his label, Kalimba Music (www.kalimba-music.com), after a several year hiatus.

The label's first release is a re-mastered collector's edition of the Earth, Wind & Fire hit album The Promise, a critically acclaimed full length set which in its original run – after a six year studio recording hiatus by the band - hit #19 on Billboard's Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums chart and #5 on the Top Independent Albums chart. It also scored a Grammy nomination for Best Traditional R&B Vocal Performance for"Hold Me.”

Kalimba is also making a multi-project foray into the contemporary urban jazz world, first with the release of the album's new single, "Never,” to smooth jazz radio May 19.

White is also excited about the recent signing of the label's first official artist, keyboardist/composer Greg Manning, whose debut instrumental single "Dance With You” was a popular genre airplay hit in 2013 – reaching #1 on the taste-making chart, The Smooth Jazz Top 20 with Allen Kepler. Manning recently finished mastering his label debut for an upcoming release.

A longtime presence in the urban jazz genre, Manning is an exciting coup for White, who says, "I am really excited to go forward with this very accomplished artist, and to once again be involved in presenting new music to the public.”

A native of Zurich, Switzerland, the multi-talented keyboardist studied piano and film scoring at Berklee College of Music in Boston before returning to his home country to establish himself as a composer and producer. He made his debut in the U.S. as the keyboardist for Brian McKnight's "Back At One” tour, then toured extensively for a decade as keyboardist and music director for Grammy nominated jazz/gospel artist Jonathan Butler. 

Over the years, Manning has also performed with many top names in the genre, including Mindi Abair, Gerald Albright, Will Downing, Richard Elliot, Eric Marienthal, Chante Moore and Kirk Whalum, among others.

White, who originally established Kalimba Music in 2003 as a vehicle to promote Earth, Wind & Fire as well as up and coming performers, decided to re-launch based on his passion and love for music and worthy artists.

"It's great to continue on with Kalimba Music,” says White. "Our mission in doing so is very simple: to discover and cultivate great music.”    

2014 Doheny Blues Festival roundup: Gregg Allman, Buddy Guy, Nikki Hill, the Doobie Brothers, Vintage Trouble, James Cotton, more!

What follows is an extended version of the two reviews that ran in The Orange County Register earlier this week covering the 2014 Doheny Blues Festival (Saturday and Sunday, May 17-18, 2014) in Dana Point.

Patrick Simmons and Tom Johnston of the Doobie Brothers perform at the Doheny Blues Festival on May 18.
Photo: Kelly A. Swift

ENTERTAINMENT

Up-and-comers enjoy spotlight at Doheny Blues Festival

Lesser-known artists take advantage of opportunity at first day of annual Dana Point bash.

BY ROBERT KINSLER / CONTRIBUTING WRITER

Published: May 18, 2014 Updated: May 19, 2014 12:13 p.m.

DOHENY BLUES FESTIVAL – DAY 1

Who: Gregg Allman, Buddy Guy, Nikki Hill, Matthew Curry, the 44s, Kid Ramos and more

Where: Doheny State Beach, Dana Point

When: May 17

Day 1 of the 2014 Doheny Blues Festival featured a mix sure to please all types of fans, with 11 sets spread across three stages. But for the first time in the event’s 17-year history, the best turns belonged to lesser-known artists playing the intimate Backporch stage.

Not that headliners Gregg Allman and Buddy Guy didn’t deliver strongly on the main platform, but there was an energy surrounding these up-and-comers that was mostly missing from the more high-profile sets.

Case in point: a night-ending performance from Allman that coincided with a blues jam anchored by the 44s on the Backporch. Both sets featured guests, with Allman bringing up renowned saxophonist Mindi Abair early on, although the audience near the front of the stage continued to chat away and party with little interest, despite a few cheers when Abair delivered a gritty solo.

A few minutes later at the Backporch, a considerably smaller but far more enthusiastic crowd tuned in as local hero Kid Ramos joined the Los Angeles blues-roots rockers commanding that stage. Johnny Main, the 44s’ frontman, was charged up as he sang, played guitar and led his band through a blistering set celebrating the power of the blues.

The highlight was a tribute to the late harmonica great Lester Butler (of the Red Devils), in a piece titled “Devil Woman,” which had a heavy and infectious groove further enhanced by Jacob Huffman’s sublime work on mouth harp. That performance blew away the first 30 minutes of Allman’s affair, including his staple, “I’m No Angel.”

Likewise, earlier in the day, Guy could be seen on the Doheny Stage while Durham, N.C., singer Nikki Hill took over on the Backporch.

The legend delivered his characteristic brand of Chicago blues, tearing away at his guitar and thrilling the crowd with humor-laced material. At 77, he remains a marvel, able to perform much as he did in his prime. Yet, a frequent presence in Orange County, his choices were almost identical to those at recent appearances at City National Grove of Anaheim and the Coach House in San Juan Capistrano. As he did at one of those shows, he reiterated: “They don’t play this kind of blues on the radio anymore, (but) if they call me, I’ll bring it.”

For those who have caught him recently, a better choice was to check out the buzz-worthy Hill and her amazing three-man band. Her voice ranged from sweet on the ballads “Gotta Find My Baby” and “Don’t Cry Anymore” to gritty on rhythm and blues standards like Little Richard’s “The Girl Can’t Help It” and Sam Cooke’s “Twisting the Night Away.” Guitarist Matt Hill was particularly impressive during an extended take on the Chuck Berry classic, “Sweet Little Rock ’n’ Roll” as well as a set-ending, crowd-goes-crazy version of AC/DC’s “Whole Lotta Rosie.”

Guitarist Matthew Curry rocked Doheny.
Photo: Robert Kinsler

Another standout from the day was teen frets-master Matthew Curry, who scorched the Backporch with the force and intensity of Otis Taylor when he played that stage in 2012. The singer-guitarist served up an authentic blend of original Southern rock, British blues and Jimi Hendrix that earned the relative unknown spontaneous standing ovations.

High marks also must go to the Americans, whose spirited roots-rock kicked off the day; their lush “Foreign Land” was especially memorable. John Nemeth & the Bo-Keys, joined by singer Percy Wiggins, brought a nice taste of Memphis with a full-length set on the Sailor Jerry Stage. Key bits included the raw “Keep the Love a-Comin’,” featuring Nemeth’s stirring harmonica skills, and the soulful “Testify My Love,” during which he held a series of vocal notes that added to the song’s emotional weight.

Doheny Blues' second day outshines first

The heavier half of the Dana Point festival came capped by roaring sets from the Doobie Brothers, Vintage Trouble and Gov’t Mule, plus a heartening turn from James Cotton.

BY ROBERT KINSLER / CONTRIBUTING WRITER

Published: May 19, 2014 Updated: 4:34 p.m.

DOHENY BLUES FESTIVAL – DAY 2

Who: The Doobie Brothers, Gov't Mule, Vintage Trouble, Roy Gaines, James Cotton and more

Where: Doheny State Beach, Dana Point

When: May 18

The second half of this year’s Doheny Blues Festival clearly outdistanced the first for a number of reasons, though chiefly because every one of its 11 performances was sharp. Between simultaneous morning sets from legendary James Cotton and local hero Eric Sardinas to night-ending appearances from the Doobie Brothers on the main stage and guitarist Roy Gaines on the Backporch, it was next to impossible to take a break without risking missing something big.

A throat cancer survivor, the 78-year-old Cotton can no longer sing, so he has refocused on blues harp while members of his excellent backing band handle vocal duties. On Sunday, several potent songs off his just-released album, Cotton Mouth Man, were included, with “He Was There” and the title track showcasing his mastery. He often swapped one “Mississippi saxophone” for another, utilizing each’s tones to add different colors.

Ruthie Foster on May 18. Photo: Robert Kinsler

Variety was another key element to Sunday’s fast-moving roster. Cotton had no sooner ended when singer-songwriter-guitarist Ruthie Foster and her three-man band roused the crowd with more than an hour of originals and tasty remakes, blending everything from gospel to soul. A gifted singer, Foster’s ambition was evidenced by a thoroughly original interpretation of “Ring of Fire,” offered as a lovely jazz-tinged ballad, bolstered by Scotty Miller’s touching keyboard work.

The early afternoon offered concertgoers several hard choices, with Keb’ Mo’ and the California Honeydrops performing at the same time. (I missed the latter but heard many fans say it was their favorite.)

Keb’ Mo’, however, proved yet again why he’s a frequent attraction at this Dana Point bash. He’s an exceptional acoustic guitarist whose approach traces back to Robert Johnson’s, yet his singer-songwriter manner is his alone and has extended the lyricism of the blues genre as much as anyone in recent memory. Spotlighting classics from his 20-year discography as well as new material from his latest, Bluesamericana, the Los Angeles native’s 70-minute outing made room for fan favorites like “Suitcase” and “Shave Yo’ Legs” (the latter a prime example of how he mixes tender romanticism and comedy) alongside compelling fresh bits (“The Worst Is Yet to Come,” “Somebody Hurt You”).

Late afternoon and early evening sets continued to produce an impressive range of performances.

Gov’t Mule’s hard-edged jams were commanding on the main stage, with singer-guitarist Warren Haynes unleashing stirring licks on “Game Face” and “Inside Outside Woman Blues #3.” Meanwhile, on the Backporch, James Intveld and Rosie Flores were found reviving traditional country & Western songs and rockabilly with an authentic touch that recalled Buck Owens, Gram Parsons and Emmylou Harris. Their harmonies were perfect and the group’s overall sound was a welcome departure from some of the day’s heavier fare.

Vintage Trouble flat-out stormed the Sailor Jerry stage with the flair and passion the retro-modern L.A. quartet exudes everywhere they play. With the audience singing, dancing and moving to the group’s rock ’n’ soul hybrid, frontman Ty Taylor led the outfit through more than an hour of great songs.

Whether kicking beach balls back into the crowd or mingling among them, Taylor’s presence could not be denied. The rousing rocker “Blues Hand Me Down” and soul ballad “Nancy Lee” were early highlights, while several as-yet-unreleased numbers such as “Lowdown Dirty Dog” and “Lo and Behold” revealed that guitarist Nalle Colt, bassist Rick Dill and drummer Richard Danielson continue to conjure something special as they seek out exciting ways to give ’60s R&B a contemporary style.

The long day ended with two more strong sets. The Doobie Brothers opened with an energetic one-two punch of “Jesus Is Just Alright” and “Rockin’ Down the Highway,” though the ensemble was particularly potent later on during the beautiful “Clear as the Driven Snow,” filled out by lush vocals and a textured arrangement.

Singer-guitarist Roy Gaines on the Backporch.
Photo: Robert Kinsler

And on the Backporch, guitarist Roy Gaines attacked with his fretwork and sang with feeling on a number of heady tunes, notably “The War Is Over,” during which he played like a hungry 21-year-old, and the swinging “Jump in My Cadillac,” which became a lively showdown with his supporting six-stringer.

Michael Jackson Xscape Album Review

Get XSCAPE (Deluxe Edition CD\DVD) here

Doheny Blues Festival returns this weekend

My concert preview was originally published in The Orange County Register on Thursday, May 15, 2014.

Gregg Allman, the Doobie Brothers and guitar legend Buddy Guy headline the annual event.

Buddy Guy returns to Doheny Blues Festival this weekend

Blues fans aren’t the only concertgoers excited by the arrival of Doheny Blues Festival, Orange County’s beachfront bash returning to Dana Point this weekend (May 17-18, 2014).

This year’s lineup features one of the most diverse musical casts in the history of the annual festival, with a mix of veteran artists (Gregg Allman and Buddy Guy, above, headline on Saturday, while the Doobie Brothers and Gov’t Mule close things out on Sunday) and celebrated newcomers (the Americans, John Nemeth, Vintage Trouble and Ruthie Foster for starters).

“The selection of artists took a bit longer this year because we are always seeking the proper mix of blues artists, music legends and up-and-coming acts,” said Rich Sherman, president of Lake Forest-based Omega Events, which puts on the event.

“And given our 17-year history, we know that the fans want to see strong headliners, and so we were very patient in trying to pair Gregg Allman and Buddy Guy on Saturday, along with the Doobie Brothers and Gov’t Mule for Sunday. These are four of the busiest acts in music, and the old adage of ‘patience pays off’ certainly rang true this year.”

Another celebrated artist coming to Dana Point is Keb’ Mo’. The singer-songwriter will be celebrating the 20th anniversary of his self-titled debut, as well as the rich songs that fill his newly issued album Bluesamericana. Released April 22 on Kind of Blue Music, the disc debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard blues chart and No. 2 on the Billboard folk chart.

“The response I’m getting from the record … this was like ‘wow,’” Keb’ Mo’ said. “I had no idea. I just know I learned a lot from recording The Reflection (his previous album). I always tell people The Reflection was not as well received as this one (Bluesamericana), but I think it’s a very good record. And while making that record, I was told it was like a college course for me ... because I had to really work at some things that I hadn't worked at before. I think this record is a really great result of all the work I put in at Reflection to bring myself to another level, of efficiency, to be a communicator and really put a point over.”

On Bluesamericana, Keb’ Mo’ handles lead and backing vocals, as well as guitar, bass, keyboards and even banjo. Often celebrated as the modern-day ambassador of the blues, he said his focus is strictly on making the best music he can.

“I’m just concerned about making a good album. That’s my only concern, whatever it is,” Keb’ Mo’ said. “If it’s blues, I want it to be good. If it’s a poppy song or a country or folk song or an R&B song, I want it to be good. I want the subject matter to be relevant, and I want people to be inspired by it in some kind of way.

Many of the songs on Bluesamericana deal with challenges Keb’ Mo’ and his wife, Robbie, faced in their marriage. “Do It Right” and “I’m Gonna Be Your Man” are among the songs that tackle those struggles. His songs are delivered via a distinctive blend of tuneful blues, folk and Americana.

“The great thing about it is we came out the other side of it really strong,” Keb’ Mo’ said of the challenges chronicled on the album. “It’s new for me to come out the other side of a big crisis in a relationship because I was the one who tended to run.”

In addition to Keb’ Mo’, other acts slated to attend include rock ‘n’ soul sensation Vintage Trouble and Chicago blues icon James Cotton.

“People throw the phrase ‘living legend’ around too often, but there is no question that James truly is one,” Sherman said of the 78-year-old harmonica king. “His new recordCotton Mouth Man has an incredible list of special guests, many of whom are at Doheny this year (Allman, Haynes, Ruthie Foster, Keb’ Mo’) ... so who knows what’ll happen?”

As for Vintage Trouble, anyone who caught the group at Coachella last year or while opening for The Who or Rolling Stones over the past few years knows the Los Angeles quartet’s style.

“Vintage Trouble can play in front of any crowd and slay them, and we’ve seen that over the past two years at many festivals and concerts,” Sherman said. “We are thrilled that they are playing Doheny this year. ... it’s hard to call Charles Bradley a newcomer when he is 65 years old, but (since) he was fairly unknown until his solo record debut at age 60, then he’s just been killing the festival circuit the past few years. They call him the ‘Screamin’ Eagle of Soul,’ and I am personally thrilled to have him coming to Dana Point this year.”

DOHENY BLUES FESTIVAL 

Who: Gregg Allman, Buddy Guy, John Nemeth & the Bo-Keys and others Saturday; The Doobie Brothers, Gov't Mule, Vintage Trouble, James Cotton Blues Band, Keb' Mo' and others Sunday

Where: Doheny State Beach, 25300 Dana Point Harbor Drive

When: 11:30 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. Saturday, 11:15 a.m. to 8:45 p.m. Sunday

How much: Prices range from general admission ($60 for single day; $110 for weekend pass) to Gold Passes ($225 for single day; $425 for weekend pass). Visit the Doheny Fest website for more details.

Information: dohenybluesfestival.com

Violin star Lindsey Stirling impresses in Anaheim

My review of Lindsey Stirling's Wednesday night, May 14, 2014 concert was originally posted on The Orange County Register Web site on Thursday, May 15.

Lindsey Stirling on May 14, 2014

The unique virtuoso, whose shows blend Vegas choreography with Coachella-ready musicianship, boldly returned to her native O.C. with Grove showcase.

Violinist-composer Lindsey Stirling is undoubtedly some kind of original. In a 90-minute headlining performance at a sold-out City National Grove of Anaheim Wednesday night, the 27-year-old Santa Ana native, whose new album debuted at No. 2 on the Billboard chart, presented her entertaining blend of neo-classical, electronica, Celtic, dubstep and hip-hop – an unlikely hybrid anchored by her astounding instrumental skills.

Not only did Stirling bow away with flawless precision, whether on a classical model or a modern electric version, she also moved like Jagger and sometimes joined two dancers in choreographed routines while fluidly continuing to play.

Stirling is among her generation’s biggest YouTube-launched stars, so naturally her set was a persuasive combination of video technology and live abilities. Considering she’s attracted more than 400 million views of her conceptual clips online, it’s no surprise her O.C. audience spanned from little kids and teens to twentysomethings and baby boomers. All seemed caught up in the atmosphere, which blended the mainstream Vegas atmosphere of, say, Blue Man Group with the feel of an alternative concert experience, like you’d find at Coachella.

"What is up, Anaheim?" the personable, ever-smiling Stirling said to cheers after opening with a few fast-moving tracks. Backed by the longtime duo of drummer Drew Steen and keyboardist Jason Gaviati, this appearance spotlighted plenty of material from just-released sophomore effort Shatter Me as well as her self-titled debut from 2012.

There have been any number of incredible guitarists since the ’60s, with giants like Jimi Hendrix and Eric Clapton inspiring modern-day heroes like Joe Bonamassa and Eric Johnson. Yet, as Stirling’s performance reminded more than once, she is that rare violinist able to bring that same kind of rock energy to the stage, impressing with undeniable virtuosity while breaking new ground with originals that are a direct extension of her dexterity and catholic taste.

While the full set was superb, highlights included “We Are Giants,” with its emotive slow intro and subsequent commercial pop rhythm, and the more emotive “Take Flight,” as Stirling's dazzling fingerwork played out in front of images of the cosmos, her dancers often lifting her up while she played at breathtaking speed. “Shatter Me” was another strong one: While vocals from singer Lzzy Hale (of Halestorm) were provided only via video, the star’s violin work conjured more than enough firepower to compensate. A remarkable talent.

Dia Frampton of Archis on May 14

Opening for Stirling was the new trio Archis, featuring singer-songwriter Dia Frampton, formerly one-half of indie pop sister act Meg & Dia and runner-up on the first season of NBC’s singing competition “The Voice.” The group's 30-minute set showcased a young artist and company exploring sonic territory somewhere between Natasha Khan’s Bat for Lashes, Icelandic troupe Of Monsters and Men and rootiser American act ZZ Ward. Lead-off song “Blood” was a powerful, symphonic-styled art-rocker that recalled the spirit of Florence & the Machine’s stuff. It will be interesting to see how Archis develops.

Lindsey Stirling and Archis play again tonight, May 15, at Club Nokia in the L.A. Live complex, 800 W. Olympic Blvd., $29.50-$35. On May 24, the tour arrives at House of Blues Las Vegas, 3950 Las Vegas Blvd., $25.

Photos courtesy of Kelly A. Swift

Corb Lund's "Counterfeit Blues" recorded at Sun Studio to be released July 1 on New West Records

Very excited to be introduced to Corb Lund's authentic and original brand of songcraft at the Stagecoach Festival in Indio, California last month. This media release just landed in my inbox today...

NEW WEST RECORDS TO RELEASE CORB LUND'S 

COUNTERFEIT BLUES RECORDED AT LEGENDARY 

SUN STUDIO IN MEMPHIS 

AVAILABLE JUNE 17 IN CANADA AND JULY 1 IN U.S.  

SPECIAL 2-DISC CD/DVD SET WITH HOUR-LONG 

DOCUMENTARY "MEMPHIS SUN" CAPTURES THE 

STRIPPED DOWN RECORDING SESSION

'Counterfeit Blues' is due out July 1 in the U.S.

LOS ANGELES, CA, May 14, 2014 - A spirited set of rockabilly, rock n' roll and honky tonk country, Corb Lund's Counterfeit Blues, due June 17 in Canada and July 1 in the U.S. via New West Records, was recorded live, off the floor, at Sun Studio in Memphis, Tenn. in much the same way Elvis Presley and Johnny Cash did 60 years before in that same room. Lund and his band the Hurtin' Albertans recorded the rousing collection over a breakneck two days resulting in an album that as Lund puts it is "raw, organic and dirty."

"It turned out really well," Lund exclaims. "Partly because we know the songs inside out and have played them live a thousand times and partly because recording at Sun is a very old fashioned, low-tech process that ends up sounding really great if you can pull it off. My band has been playing behind me for ten years or more, with all the same members so it was a great way to capture the live chemistry we've developed over many, many tours. You can't fake that."

Armed with just a couple guitars, some mics, a pedal steel guitar, stand-up bass, drums and the amps they plugged into, the foursome eschewed studio trickery for the lightning in a bottle approach and blasted through 12 songs with a confidence and swagger that can only come from years of playing together. The end result serves as both an exciting introduction to the acclaimed band for the uninitiated and as a fun must-have for the fans.

Counterfeit Blues will be available on CD, vinyl and digital download as well as a special two-disc CD/DVD set comprised of the documentary "Memphis Sun," which originally aired this past December on CMT Canada. The film documents the band's journey from the north of Alberta to the south of Memphis for the two-day recording session in the hallowed ground where rock and roll was born. The DVD will feature three bonus tracks - "Bucking Horse Rider," "Good Copenhagen," and "Shine Up My Boots" - that were not on the original hour-long broadcast.

Lund and his band just played the Stagecoach Music Festival in Southern California and are currently wrapping up their Spring Thaw tour of the Western U.S. and Canada. The fourth-generation rancher and former frontman of the punk/metal band The Smalls has been a road warrior since releasing his album Cabin Fever in 2012, which shot to #1 in Canada and earned him significant new fans in the U.S and abroad. Over the last couple years he has played upwards of 200 shows throughout North America, including opening an arena date for self-professed fans Miranda Lambert and Dierks Bentley, a tour with friend Hayes Carll, who co-wrote and duets on the hilarious stand out "Bible on the Dash," a showcase at SXSW and tours in Australia, New Zealand and all across Europe. 

A Juno Award winner (Canadian Grammys) who has multiple Canadian Gold Records to his name, he has played on bills, at festivals, and special events with The Who, Emmylou Harris and Robert Plant, Keith Urban, Tim McGraw, James Taylor, and Joni Mitchell. He has also won the Canadian Country Music Awards Roots Artist of the Year eight times running. Cabin Fever made the Polaris Prize longlist and has received raves from the likes of NPR, Uncut (9 out of 10) the New York Times and the Washington Post, which exclaimed:"Lund is a revelation, laconic and scary smart, with a devil's eye for details."

Lund is currently working on his ninth studio album for release in 2015.

Counterfeit Blues Track List

1.  Counterfeiters' Blues

2.  Good Copenhagen

3. Big Butch Bass Bull Fiddle

4. Hair In My Eyes Like A Highland Steer

5. Little Foothills Heaven

6. Five Dollar Bill

7. Buckin' Horse Rider

8. Hurtin' Albertan

9. (Gonna) Shine Up My Boots

10. Truck Got Stuck

11. Roughest Neck Around

12.  Truth Comes Out

"Memphis Sun" DVD Track List

1. Hurtin' Albertan

2. No Roads Here

3. Little Foothills Heaven

4. Counterfeiters' Blues

5. Roughest Neck Around

6. Big Butch Bass Bull Fiddle

7. Hair In My Eyes Like A Highland Steer

8. Truck Got Stuck

9. Truth Comes Out

10. Five Dollar Bill

BONUS VIDEOS

1. Buckin' Horse Rider

2. Good Copenhagen

3. (Gonna) Shine Up My Boots

Inbox Update: Damon Albarn, Paul Weller, Lana Del Rey, Phish

Happy Wednesday everybody. With temps set to get into the triple digits here in Southern California it's a great day to catch up on what's happening.

Damon Albarn's latest album Everyday Robots features the single "Mr. Tembo," that was inspired when the Blur singer was in Tanzania and met an orphaned baby elephant. The newly-released and fantastic music video features the real Mr. Tembo and can be viewed below: 

Paul Weller will be returning to North America for a brief tour in September 2014. Weller will perform at both Riot Fest in Toronto and Chicago along with other stops in Cleveland, Detroit, Minneapolis and Cincinnati. Tickets for all shows go on sale later this week.

Weller will be the focus of a new greatest hits package titled More Modern Classics set for release in the U.S. on Harvest Records on June 3. That collection will feature tracks from each of Weller's albums of the last 15 years covering his celebrated solo career. For more information, visit his Web site: www.paulweller.com/

Lana Del Rey has just announced the June 17, 2014 release of her forthcoming new album Ultraviolence on Interscope/Polydor U (you can view the album cover on the left). It will be available in standard and deluxe editions on download, CD and vinyl. A Collectors Box edition is also due for release.

Del Rey is in the midst of a sold out North American tour, with dates in LA, Chicago, and more still to come. The San Jose Mercury News said her live show "dazzled," the Fort Worth Star Telegram called it "remarkable," and the Boston Herald noted "one could feel the energy level soar" when she played new single "West Coast". She will also perform at summer festivals around the world, including Rock En Seine, Vida, Bravella, Bergenfest, and Glastonbury. 

For more information, visit her Web site at http://www.lanadelrey.com

'ULTRAVIOLENCE' TRACKLIST:
1. CRUEL WORLD
2. ULTRAVIOLENCE
3. SHADES OF COOL
4. BROOKLYN BABY
5. WEST COAST
6. SAD GIRL
7. PRETTY WHEN YOU CRY
8. MONEY POWER GLORY
9. FUCKED MY WAY UP TO THE TOP
10. OLD MONEY
11. THE OTHER WOMAN

BONUS TRACKS:
12. BLACK BEAUTY
13. GUNS AND ROSES
14. FLORIDA KILOS

Finally, Phish will release Fuego, the band's new studio album, on June 24. The title, to be issued via Jemp Records, is being produced by Bob Ezrin and features 10 new songs from the Vermont-spawned troupe. See the album cover and official media release below:

FUEGO, PHISH'S NEW STUDIO ALBUM, SET FOR RELEASE ON JUNE 24 BY JEMP RECORDS

Phish Performs On "Late Show With David Letterman" On June 24 NPR Music's "All Songs Considered" Premieres "Waiting All Night"HERE  Fuego Pre-Order Launches Today At Phish.com Summer Tour Kicks Off On July 1 At XFINITY Center In Mansfield, MA

Fuego, Phish's first studio album in nearly five years, will be released by JEMP Records on June 24 - and the band will celebrate with a performance that evening on "Late Show with David Letterman." Phish recorded the album with legendary producer Bob Ezrin (Pink Floyd, Lou Reed, Peter Gabriel) last fall, as the band's 30th anniversary approached. Today NPR Music's "All Songs Considered" premieres "Waiting All Night," one of the album's 10 original tracks, athttp://www.npr.org/blogs/allsongs/2014/05/14/312209498/hear-a-song-from-fuego-the-first-new-phish-album-in-five-years. Fuego is available for pre-order now in digital, CD and vinyl formats at http://phish.com. The iTunes album pre-order will launch tomorrow, May 15. Fans who pre-orderFuego at phish.com or on the iTunes Store will instantly receive a download of "Waiting All Night." The songs for Fuego took shape during a series of visits to Phish's longtime creative hub, The Barn, a rustic, reconstructed barn-turned-rehearsal/recording studio located outside Burlington, Vermont. There they explored dozens of ideas, which led to a notable shift in the band's songwriting approach. While Fuego includes tracks that individual members brought to the table in usual Phish fashion, the bulk of the material was written by all four, working together at The Barn. Before heading into the recording studio with producer Bob Ezrin,Phish took the new music to its fans on October 31, 2013. Breaking with the band's Halloween tradition of donning a "musical costume" and covering another artist's album in its entirety, Phish instead played their brand new album (as it then stood). In a live review of the show, which was the first of three sold-out nights at Boardwalk Hall in Atlantic City, NJ, Rolling Stonepraised the set of brand new songs, observing that it was "packed with all the punches you would expect from Phish - cow funk, prog rock, arena rock, roots rock - and elements that span the history of [rock] & roll at large..." "For years, there's been a distinct difference between how we did things live and how we did them in studio," notes Jon Fishman. "But the way we go about things live, the way the musical ball is passed around, is now happening much more in the studio-not because we're trying to duplicate how we play on stage, just because this is how we operate as a band, period." Fuego was recorded at Ronnie's Place and Anarchy Studios in Nashville, TN, Fame Recording Studios in Muscle Shoals, AL and at The Barn in Vermont. A variety of background vocalists and horn players contributed to the album. The title track was recorded at Boardwalk Hall on October 30, as Phish prepared for the Halloween show. Phish - named by Rolling Stone as one of the "50 Greatest Live Acts Right Now" - will kick off its 2014 summer tour on July 1 at XFINITY Center in Mansfield, MA and celebrate the Fourth of July with a three-night stand atSaratoga Performing Arts Center in Saratoga Springs, NY (July 3-5). There will be numerous waterside dates - including the band's first shows on New York City's Randall's Island (July 11-13) and at The Amphitheater at the Wharf in Orange Beach, AL (August 1) - and a return to Chicago's Northerly Island (July 18-20). For the fourth consecutive year, Phish will wrap up its summer outing with a trio of Labor Day weekend shows at Dick's Sporting Goods Park in Commerce City, CO (8/29 - 8/31). Ticket prices for each specific date on the tour will include a free MP3 download of the evening's entire show (a fully mixed soundboard recording) that can be redeemed atwww.LivePhish.com shortly after the band steps off stage. See below for a complete itinerary and visit http://phish.com for additional details. Fuego - Track Listing Fuego The Line Devotion To A Dream Halfway To The Moon Winterqueen Sing Monica 555 Waiting All Night Wombat Wingsuit Phish - Upcoming Tour Dates Date    City/State                  Venue                                                             7/1       Mansfield, MA             XFINITY Center                                            7/3       Saratoga Springs, NY    Saratoga Performing Arts Center                     7/4       Saratoga Springs, NY    Saratoga Performing Arts Center 7/5       Saratoga Springs, NY    Saratoga Performing Arts Center 7/8       Philadelphia, PA          The Mann 7/9       Philadelphia, PA          The Mann 7/11     New York, NY             Randall's Island 7/12     New York, NY             Randall's Island 7/13     New York, NY             Randall's Island 7/15     Canandaigua, NY          CMAC 7/16     Clarkston, MI              DTE Energy Music Theatre 7/18     Chicago, IL                  FirstMerit Bank Pavilion on Northerly Island 7/19     Chicago, IL                  FirstMerit Bank Pavilion on Northerly Island 7/20     Chicago, IL                  FirstMerit Bank Pavilion on Northerly Island 7/25     Charlotte, NC              PNC Music Pavilion 7/26     Columbia, MD              Merriweather Post Pavilion 7/27     Columbia, MD              Merriweather Post Pavilion 7/29     Portsmouth, VA           nTelos Wireless Pavilion 7/30     Portsmouth, VA           nTelos Wireless Pavilion 8/1       Orange Beach, AL        The Amphitheater at the Wharf 8/2       Birmingham, AL          Oak Mountain Amphitheatre 8/3       Alpharetta, GA                        Verizon Wireless Amphitheatre at Encore Park 8/29     Commerce City, CO     Dick's Sporting Goods Park 8/30     Commerce City, CO     Dick's Sporting Goods Park 8/31     Commerce City, CO     Dick's Sporting Goods Park