dada celebrate 25TH anniversary by hitting the road on the “DADA FOREVER TOUR” with special guest 7HORSE

dada, from left, Joie Calio, Michael Gurley and Phil Leavitt

Since the release of dada’s groundbreaking 1992 debut Puzzle, singer-guitarist Michael Gurley, singer-bassist Joie Calio and drummer Phil Leavitt have created an array of songs boasting progressive rock musicianship, dazzling vocal harmonies and melodic power pop layered with inspired psychedelic and experimental rock impulses. Adding to the trio’s groundbreaking line of attack are the marathon-length shows that deliver on the promise that every performance is the only one of its kind.

Now today comes news that the band is returning from hiatus to celebrate the band's 25th anniversary with a string of shows in 2017. Here is the media release...

LOS ANGELES BAND DADA CELEBRATE 25^TH ANNIVERSARY BY HITTING THE ROAD ON THE “DADA FOREVER TOUR” WITH SPECIAL GUEST 7HORSE

 

7HORSE’S “LIVIN’ IN A BITCH OF A WORLD” IMPACTS RADIO TODAY

 

dada, from left, Phil Leavitt, Joie Calio and
Michael Gurley performing at the Coach
House on March 2, 2013

Two decades after the Los Angeles outfit dada embarked on its original journey, singer-guitarist Michael Gurley, singer-bassist Joie Calio and drummer Phil Leavitt are celebrating the band’s 25^th anniversary and planning the “dada Forever Tour” in 2017. Making these shows even more exciting, special guest 7Horse will be opening with a full set in San Francisco and performing a special “mini-set” of their original songs on all the other dates.

 

In view of our current state of affairs, 7Horse impacts radio today, with their song “Livin in a Bitch of a World” the title track from their latest album.” Bluesy, sexy, dark and rockin’. Proving that real rock n' roll is alive and well.” -- Subba-Culcha

 

Also members of dada, 7Horse is guitarist Joie Calio and singer/drummer Phil Leavitt. The album Livin’ in a Bitch of a World features thrilling tales of grifters, gun owners and drug runners, as powerful as any in hardboiled fiction, and punctuated perfectly by doomy drumming, vicious strumming and lacerating slide-guitar playing. ”Raw and raunchy, soulful and edgy – 7Horse avoids the pitfalls of garage rockers like Black Keys and White Stripes by ensuring the melodies rise above ‘genre’ trappings. Hooks galore never obfuscate the duo’s down and dirty rootsy agenda though.” – Power of Pop

 

Livin’ in a Bitch of a World is the follow-up to their sophomore effort Songs For A Voodoo Wedding that includes the single Flying High (With No ID) and was deemed “an album with moments of brilliance” by Substream Magazine. As well as their debut album Let The 7Horse Run that spawned the hit song Meth Lab Zoso Sticker, which was chosen by Martin Scorsese for his film The Wolf of Wall Street. Since then, it’s had over 1.1 million views, 5 million streams and over 100,000 downloads. More recently you can find songs from 7Horse featured in the new Amazon Prime show “The Grand Tour.”

 

“dada is about digging into our roots, examining and celebrating it.”  Says Calio

 

Since the release of their groundbreaking 1992 debut Puzzle, the trio has created an array of songs boasting progressive rock musicianship, dazzling vocal harmonies and melodic power pop layered with a hint of psychedelic rock. Adding to the trio’s groundbreaking line of attack are the marathon-length shows that deliver on the promise that every performance is the only one of its kind.

 

Puzzle was released on September 8, 1992, and it didn’t take long for the band’s sonic imprint to find an audience. The album’s first single “Dizz Knee Land” found widespread airplay on alternative and mainstream rock outlets cracking the Top 5 on the Modern Rock Single's chart and pushing the album's sales to over 1,000,000 worldwide.

 

The success of Puzzle was followed in 1994 by American Highway Flower, featuring the ambitious “Ask the Dust” and astounding “Feet to the Sun,” dada has gone on to create a magnificent discography featuring a half-dozen full-length albums and an EP. The trio has also issued a number of solo efforts and offshoot projects along the way exploring a range of styles including folk, blues, jazz and rock. Gurley and Leavitt were both members of Butterfly Jones while dada was on hiatus in the early ‘00s; Calio has released several solo discs and with X Levitation Cult.  Mike Gurley and the Nightcaps are a popular jazz group in Southern California. Additionally, Leavitt has stepped out from behind the drum set as lead singer and Calio is playing guitar in 7Horse.

 

“People always ask, ‘Do you still talk to each other after all these years?’ So that’s really why I wanted to commemorate it because no matter the size of the career if you can stick together and still have a desire to play music together you have accomplished something” explains Leavitt.

 

2/16/17        Canyon Club                                 Agoura Hills, CA

2/17/17        The Rose                                       Pasadena, CA

2/18/17        Coach House                                 Orange Country, CA

2/19/17        Hotel Utah                                     San Francisco. CA with 7Horse

2/23/17        The Blue Bird                               Denver, CO

3/2/17           The Double Door                        Chicago, IL

 

                                                            www.7horsemusic.com

         www.dadaforever.com

Read my review of dada's 20th anniversary date at the Coach House in San Juan Capistrano here.

Genesis Publications Announce the Publication of Hello Goodbye: The Beatles in Tokyo 1966

Exciting news for fans of the Fab Four (and who isn't?). Here is a media release that just landed in my inbox...Wouldn't you love to get this under the Christmas Tree next month?

Genesis Publications announce the publication of

HELLO GOODBYE: THE BEATLES IN TOKYO 1966

 

In celebration of the 50th anniversary of The Beatles’ inaugural visit to Tokyo in 1966, Genesis Publications announces a new volume of rare photos which intimately capture this fleeting time in the band’s final tour, painting a poignant image of their visit to Japan.

 

“This is a side of The Beatles – relaxed, comfortable and intrigued by a world that, for them, was new and exotic – that we don’t often see. And thanks to Asai, we are virtually in the suite with them.” – Allan Kozinn (from his introduction)

November 21, 2016 - HELLO, GOODBYE: THE BEATLES IN TOKYO, 1966 celebrates the 50th anniversary of the Beatles’ visit to Japan on their final world tour. Taken by Japanese photographer Shimpei Asai, who was the only Japanese photographer to have gained access to The Beatles in Tokyo, these photos of the band have remained unknown to most outside Japan. 

 

Following The Beatles from their arrival at Haneda airport, Tokyo, to their departure for the Philippines, Asai captures everything from their hotel rooms to their live performances, in an intimate portrait of the Fab Four near the end of their touring years. HELLO, GOODBYE offers a unique glimpse into the band’s visit to Japan, capturing their attempts to escape their hotel room to see Tokyo, and the controversy of their being the first rock act to perform at the tradition venue, the Nippon Budokan.

 

Interspersed throughout his photographs, are vignettes from Shimpei Asai, recalling the experience of photographing the Fab Four, and the atmosphere of their live shows.

 

“I first heard The Beatles accidentally on the radio. I had a feeling I had never experienced before. I was just stunned. I pulled over in my car and stopped by the road, and for a while I stared at the leaves of the trees trembling in the breeze.”

- Shimpei Asai

 

“The same thing will never happen to another group. Four personalities, their music, Brian Epstein and the staff who supported them, and the strong energy of fans made The Beatles.”

- Shimpei Asai

HELLO, GOODBYE: THE BEATLES IN TOKYO, 1966 is introduced with an essay by journalist and author Allan Kozinn, who considers the historical significance of The Beatles' visit, and the turning point they were about to reach with the release of Revolver.

“When The Beatles left England on 23 June, the album was still unnamed. Revolver was a contender, along with 'Abracadabra' and 'The Beatles on Safari'. It was in Tokyo, during the endless hours they sat in their suite at the Hilton, that they finally settled the matter, and on 2 July they cabled their decision to EMI in London.”

A limited edition of fine art prints is also
being made available

- Allan Kozinn (from his Introduction)

“A young photographer whose eye, and lens, caught both the public grandeur and intimate minutia of The Beatles' Japanese visit.”

- Allan Kozinn (from his Introduction)

 

HELLO, GOODBYE: THE BEATLES IN TOKYO, 1966 is quarter-bound in leather, and comes in a slipcase printed with a traditional kimono pattern. The Beatles’ time in Tokyo is told over 204 pages, all printed on art papers, at 25cm x 30cm (9.8 inches x 11.8 inches). A ribbon bookmark with a facsimile ticket is included. Printed on art papers, at 25cm x 30cm (9.8 inches x 11.8 inches).

This hand-crafted limited edition book is now available to order. Copies are numbered from 1 to 1,966, to commemorate the year of The Beatles' visit to Tokyo, and each book is signed by the author. The cover is black buckram, silk-screen printed and gold-foiled with Asai's beautiful photo of The Beatles onstage at the Nippon Budokan, and comes in a slipcase printed with a traditional Japanese kimono pattern, and a logo type design inspired by the tickets from The Beatles 1966 shows.

 

HELLO, GOODBYE: THE BEATLES IN TOKYO, 1966 is now exclusively available to order at WWW.HELLO-GOODBYE-BOOK.COM

 

Soul singer Sharon Jones remembered

Chris Battle (left) of Texas got a special treat when he was
asked to come out of the crowd and dance on stage with Sharon
Jones and the Dap-Kings at the Doheny Blues Festival on
May 17, 2009 in Dana Point, CA.

I was very sorry to hear the news earlier today about the passing of singer Sharon Jones, who reportedly died yesterday at the age of 60. 
According to multiple news reports, she had been fighting pancreatic cancer since 2013. Although the cancer went into remission, it sadly returned earlier this year. According to a report in the New York Times, she was surrounded by members of the Dap-Kings and other loved ones when she died.

I only got to see Jones perform once, but she was terrific in concert where I caught her 70-minute performance at day 2 of the Doheny Blues Festival in May 2009.

You can view my review of Jones' performance on the Orange County Register Web site: http://www.ocregister.com/articles/band-67935-stage-trucks.html


Robert Kinsler

Icons reveal magic anew: Queen, Rush, Ritchie Blackmore's Rainbow, Dr. John tribute

Those wanting to get an early start on their holiday shopping might well want to get started with these terrific titles...

Artist: Queen
Title: Queen On Air (Hollywood Records)
You might like if you enjoy: Queen
Tell me more: Queen has long been recognized as one of the most adventuresome artists in the history of rock, and the quartet's far-flung instincts and virtuoso talents shine bright on Queen On Air, a new collection featuring the band's complete BBC radio sessions. Six magical sessions recorded between February 1973 and October 1977 anchor the 2CD and 3-LP vinyl editions, while those who opt to get a deluxe 6-disc edition (reviewed here) will be treated to highlights from three concert broadcasts (from 1973, 1981 and 1986), as well as more than three and a half hours of interviews (including the last-ever interview with all four members together that was conducted in 1989). The performances are stunning, with versions of the hard-rocking "Keep Yourself Alive," bona fide blues gem "See What A Fool I've Been," the prog rocker "Great King Rat" and a speedy "We Will Rock You" among the must-hear tracks. Queen's brilliance is clear from the earliest recording (the Renaissance-tinged "My Fairy King" is the first song), and really is fascinating to see just how quickly Queen developed into one of rock's most innovative and successful artists. Information: QueenOnline.com.

Artist: Rush
Title: Rush | Time Stand (Concord Music Group)
You might like if you enjoy: Rush
Tell me more: For countless fans of the Canadian rock trio Rush, the band's new documentary Rush | Time Stand is bittersweet. To be sure, the Dale Heslip-directed film (which will be officially released on Friday, Nov. 18, 2016) is a poignant and affecting look at the band's 40-year relationship with the fans and the enduring friendships that bind Geddy Lee, Alex Lifeson and Neil Peart together. But Rush | Time Stand Still also captures the band's magnificent farewell tour that took them to 35 cities in 2015, celebrating the 40-year history of a band that wanted to say goodbye on their own terms. In addition to interviews with the three band members, rehearsal and performance footage, and glimpses of life on the road, there are plenty of probing looks at the band's dedicated fan base and the crew members who are part of the Rush family. When the R40 tour comes to an end with a powerful performance at the Fabulous Forum in Los Angeles, don't be surprised if you have shed a few tears along the way. Information: rush.com.

Artist: Ritchie Blackmore's Rainbow
Title: Memories in Rock - Live in Germany (Eagle Rock Entertainment)
You might like if you enjoy: Deep Purple, Rainbow
Tell me more: Now all fans of legendary lead guitarist Ritchie Blackmore (Deep Purple, Rainbow) can immerse themselves in his brief return to the rock 'n' roll arena that played out via a mere three European concerts staged in June 2016. Memories in Rock - Live in Germany features 18 tracks performed by Ritchie Blackmore's Rainbow and the selections are pure magic. A breathtaking introduction via the Deep Purple classic "Highway Star," the potent British blues-styled "Mistreated," heavy metal classic "Man on the Silver Mountain" and dazzling "Perfect Stranges" are among the great performances captured here. The great news is Blackmore's guitar work is emotionally and technically stunning across the 139-minute title, showcasing the level of firepower of his high-profile '70s and '80s glory days. Memories in Rock is available in the following formats: DVD+2CD (reviewed here), Blu-ray+2CD, and digital formats (all available Nov 18); a deluxe version (DVD, Blu-ray, and 2CD in a 48-page hardback photo book), and a 3LP version will be available on Dec. 2, 2016. Information: eagle-rock.com.

Artists: Dr. John, Bruce Springsteen, John Fogerty, Mavis Staples, more
Title: The Musical Mojo of Dr. John: Celebrating Mac and His Music (Concord Records)
You might like if you enjoy: Dr. John, Bruce Springsteen, Tab Benoit, John Fogerty
Tell me more: There are few artists who are as beloved as New Orleans legend Dr. John (he turns 76 later this month). The singer-songwriter-pianist was recently celebrated with a special concert at New Orleans' Saenger Theatre, where he was joined by a diverse group of famed musicians to perform 22 songs written or made famous by the icon, now gathered together for the multi-format release The Musical Mojo of Dr. John: Celebrating Mac and His Music. The concert (available as an audio 2CD release, or as a concert film on DVD or Blu-ray) kicks off with Dr. John and Bruce Springsteen joining forces in an uptempo take on the classic "Right Place Wrong Time," and the energy and enthusiasm of the players never ebbs. Dr. John's unique style that has blended Delta blues, jazz, funk, soul and other styles comes alive across the concert. Singer-guitarist Tab Benoit and singer Allen Toussaint are among the Louisiana greats who shine on the release, as are soul singer Mavis Staples (with the gospel song "Lay My Burden Down") and Rock and Roll Hall of Famer John Fogerty (who animates the apt tune "New Orleans"). Information: nitetripper.com or Facebook.com/drjohn.

Robert Kinsler

Sights and Sounds: George Strait, Tom Chaplin, Matt Nathanson

Here is a quick roundup of some timely news items to share...

George Strait Back Home in Texas for a special performance on Wednesday, November 16, 2016

Live-Stream on Strait.WranglerNetwork.com

Strait Out of the Box: Part 2 available this Friday, Nov. 18

The King of Country Music returns to Texas for an exclusive Strait Out of the Box: Part 2 album release show this Wednesday, Nov. 16. The impressive three-disc, 56-track collection is available this Friday, Nov. 18 exclusively at Walmart and Walmart.com. Featuring 36 of Strait’s hit singles including 26 No. 1s, Strait Out of the Box: Part 2 also offers fans two new songs with “Kicked Outta Country” and “You Gotta Go Through Hell.” Strait is a co-writer on both tracks.

In celebration of the box set, Strait and his Ace in the Hole Band will take it back to the dusty floors and intimate setting of a historic Texas dancehall for a memorable night of music. While tickets are not available for purchase, fans can live-stream the event Wednesday at 7 p.m. CT on Strait.WranglerNetwork.com.

Strait Out of the Box: Part 2 spans 20 years of Strait’s career from 1996 to 2016 and follows the highly successful, 8x Platinum-selling 1995 release, Strait Out of the Box. The two new songs offered in the set, “Kicked Outta Country” (George Strait/Jamey Johnson) and “You Gotta Go Through Hell” (George Strait/Bubba Strait/Dean Dillon) are the first new recordings released from Strait since last year’s surprise Cold Beer Conversation album.

Strait fans have the opportunity to pre-order Strait Out of the Box: Part 2 along with select merchandise, including a silver-plated belt buckle identical to the one featured on the collection’s cover. The limited-edition buckle arrives in an autographed craft wooden box suitable for display. All fan packages and pre-order information available HERE.

Strait is one of the most celebrated country music stars in history and Billboard recently named him No. 1 on the Greatest of All Time: Country Artists list. With 60 No. 1 singles and more than 70 million records sold, Strait has more No. 1 songs than any other artist, and is third only to Elvis Presley and The Beatles with the most Gold and Platinum albums in history. He is the most nominated artist in CMA Awards history and was the first country music artist honored with Billboard’s Legend of Live Award.

Strait Out of the Box: Part 2 is now available for pre-order HERE

Tom Chaplin announces Intimate North American Tour

kicking off on January 14, 2017 in Atlanta

Keane Lead Singer To Release Debut Solo Album

'The Wave' on January 13^th via Arts & Crafts 

Watch Music Video for New Single 'Quicksand' Watch Acoustic Performance of 'Hardened Heart'  Tom Chaplin, frontman of the 2x Grammy Award Nominated British alt-rock outfit Keane, will be hitting the road on an intimate 15-city North American Tour, kicking off on January 14, 2017 in Atlanta, GA and wrapping up on February 3 in San Francisco, CA. On the upcoming tour, Tom will be sharing new songs off The Wave as well as playing classic Keane-favorites. Ticket on-sale is November 18. For more information, please visit: www.tomchaplinmusic.com. Tom Chaplin is set to release his debut solo record, The Wave, in the U.S. on January 13th via Arts & Crafts. Pre-orders are now available here. Tom has assembled an incredible array of musicians, who are all multi-instrumentalists, able to switch what they play as the richly layered songs demand. His band features MD, drummer and programmer Sebastian Sternberg; Rosie Langley on violin, synths and guitar; classically trained pianist and violinist Tobie Tripp; and Beau Holland on guitar, synths and piano. You may think you know Tom Chaplin. His soaring, emotional voice lay at the center of Keane, the anthemic, multi-million selling British band who scored 5 number one albumsin the UK between 2004 and 2013 - including two that landed on the Billboard 200 (Strangeland, No. 17; Perfect Symmetry, No. 7), delivering such unforgettable hits as "Everybody's Changing," "Is It Any Wonder" and "Somewhere Only We Know." But even at the height of his fame, there was a side to the singer hidden from the world. Now, after a three year journey to hell and back, Tom Chaplin returns with his extraordinary solo debut The Wave, a self-penned album revealing the real man behind the songs. It is a journey from utter despair to redemption, love and self-acceptance, told with enormous, emotional pop music. The voice is the same. The songs tell a whole new story. The Wave is a powerful album of self-destruction and recovery. "I wanted there to be no wall between the truth of my experiences and the listener. I felt that was the place to be. No holds barred," says Tom. "It is not a concept album but there is a narrative arc, from the depths of despair to a kind of resolution." Yet it is far from a harrowing listening experience, glittering with the rich melody, anthemic drive and high production values that people have come to expect from Keane. This is the first time Tom Chaplin has stepped outside of Keane. His unmistakable voice drives all eleven tracks with a range of emotions, never previously scaled. The Wave features eleven incredibly honest and ultimately uplifting songs written by Tom, produced by Matt Hales (Aqualung, Lianne La Havas) and recorded in Pasadena, California and London. Tom Chaplin's The Wave will be released in the U.S. on January 13th, 2017.

www.tomchaplinmusic.com www.facebook.com/TomChaplinMusic/ https://twitter.com/tomchaplin www.instagram.com/tomchaplin/ www.youtube.com/TomChaplinMusicVEVO Upcoming North American Tour Dates: 01/14 - Atlanta, GA @ Buckhead Theater 01/15 - Nashville, TN @ City Winery 01/17 - Washington DC @ The Lincoln Theatre 01/19 - New York, NY @ Bowery Ballroom 01/20 - Boston, MA @ Brighton Music Hall 01/21 - Portland, ME @ Port City Music Hall 01/23 - Montreal, Canada @ Lion D'Or 01/24 - Toronto, Canada @ Mod Club 01/25 - Cleveland, OH @ House of Blues, Cambridge Room   01/26 - Chicago, IL @ Park West 01/28 - Dallas, TX @ The Kessler Theater 01/29 - Houston, TX @ The Heights Theater 01/30 - Austin, TX @ 3TEN 02/02 - Los Angeles, CA @ El Rey Theatre 02/03 - San Francisco, CA @ Great American Music Hall  Full Tracklisting for 'The Wave': 01.     Still Waiting 02.     Hardened Heart 03.     The River 04.     Worthless Words 05.     I Remember You 06.     Bring The Rain 07.     Hold On To Our Love 08.     Quicksand 09.     Solid Gold 10.   See It So Clear 11.   The Wave Matt Nathanson premieres the new music video 'Bill Murray' via VEVO from his latest album 'Show Me Your Fangs' November 15, 2017 - Prolific songwriter Matt Nathanson premieres the official music video for the poignant song "Bill Murray" via Vevo today.  The video depicts a fictional journey Nathanson and Murray take around the world and the lessons learned along the way.  The video features Elan Gale, producer for ABC's The Bachelor and actress Molly C. Quinn from the series Castle. CHECK OUT THE VIDEO HERE. Nathanson explains: "Celebrity is such a huge part of our culture. So much so that whenever I'm asked, "If you could hang out with one celebrity who would it be?" Well, the list is short. It's really a list of one:  Bill Murray. In a Kardashian world, Bill Murray is the anti-Kardashian. He lives his public life in this amazingly unselfconscious, passionate way. Makes creative decisions - from what I can tell - based purely on what he WANTS to do and he refuses to play the game of celebrity and that is super inspiring. So I wrote this song about Bill and me hanging out for 100 days, Thelma and Louise-ing our way across the world. In the song, Bill rains down sage advice on me about the world and relationships and love, like I imagine he does with his actual, real-life friends." "Bill Murray" is one of the featured songs from Nathanson's latest release Show Me Your Fangs, which has been hailed by fans and critics alike as his most poetic and compelling album to date.  For latest updates on Matt Nathanson visit www.mattnathanson.com. "Bill Murray" I fell asleep / Had a dream Bill Murray and I were friends We drove the world / From Boston to Japan Blasting old Van Halen / And one night over drinks Bill started crying He said to me "kid, of all the stupid things I ever did You know, I let her go when I should have pulled her in" And he handed me his cell phone When I called you were on your plane Moving back to Portland for the rain I won't only love you when you're winning Other fools pretend to understand Come on take my hand and we'll go down swinging Let me be your man A hundred days / We hiked the coast Of Galway in the rain / And Bill said something Late one night in Spain / And it's always just stuck with me "You only get one person knows you best And it's temporary everybody else" I'm done with sleep / Imagined things Cause dreams aren't dreams Til you wake up / So wake up Just wake up here with me