Review: Doheny Blues Festival marks 20th Anniversary

Moreland & Arbuckle performing on the Backporch Stage at Doheny Blues Festival in Dana Point, CA. From left, Dustin Arbuckle, Kendall Newby and Aaron Moreland.
Photo: Bob Steshetz

As Orange County's most celebrated and enduring live music event, it's no surprise that the 20th Annual Doheny Blues Festival offered a slew of great sets on Saturday and Sunday, May 20-21, 2017.

The seaside event featured a total of 23 artists playing on three stages, as well as a full-length breakfast set staged outside the front gates each morning. Here is a recap of a dozen highlights this writer caught over the sun-drenched weekend in Dana Point.

From left, Monster Mike Welch and
Mike Ledbetter.
Photo: Bob Steshetz

As the first artist to perform on the Doheny Stage on Saturday, the Casey Hensley set the tone for the strong day to come. Armed with a powerful voice, the San Diego-based songstress and her backing band used their 45-minute slot to play a powerful mix of original and classic covers. Highlights included the Chicago blues-flavored "Put Your Lovin' Where It Belongs" with Hensley's potent soprano front and center, and a erstwhile take on Big Mama Thornton's "Big Mamas Coming Home," the latter featuring the singer holding out notes to dramatic effect and some flashy guitar work courtesy of Steve Wilcox.

The teaming of virtuoso blues guitarist Monster Mike Welch and singer Mike Ledbetter provided a good shot of vintage blues to the blues bash. Featuring live selections from their new collaboration, Right Place, Right Time (released on Delta Groove Music in April 2017), the two top-tier talents seemed to be having a genuinely great time sharing the stage; soulful performances such as "Down Home Girl" were the beneficiary of the magic. 

Janiva Magness on May 20, 2017.
Photo: Bob Steshetz

Janiva Magness' 75-minute outing was my favorite set of Saturday. An artist whose recordings and concert appearances seem to get better and more compelling as time goes on, songs from her latest disc Love Wins Again were particularly affecting on the intimate Backporch Stage. The full set was terrific, with "Love Wins Again" and "As Long As I Can See the Light" showcasing Magness' amazing voice and artistry.

A fun-filled battle pitting Northern California blues hero Rick Estrin and the Nightcats against Inland Empire favorite Rod Piazza and the Mighty Flyers was really just a great excuse to get both artists playing on the PCH Stage for a satisfying 90-minute showcase of great harmonica-centered blues. 

While the world forever waits for another Led Zeppelin reunion, Jason Bonham's Led Zeppelin Experience continues to offer concertgoers an authentic-sounding trip down memory lane. Performing on the Doheny Stage, the son of Led Zeppelin drummer John Bonham and his talented troupe of players (including singer James Dylan, who is able to deliver Robert Plant's memorable stylings to the live setting in spades) delivered a dozen versions of Zep classics, including "Dazed and Confused," "Good Times Bad Times" and a blistering set-ending "Rock and Roll." 

Rocker Joe Walsh in action.
Photo: Bob Steshetz

Joe Walsh brought his unique brand of blues-rock to the Doheny Stage, backed by a large ensemble including two drummers and four backup singers. His witty lyrics are a trademark and go over well live. Classics such as "Ordinary Average Guy" and "Life's Been Good" and the timely "Analog Man" were delivered effectively to cap Saturday.

Sunday's run of sterling performances got off to a quick start via a memorable parking lot set from the Mighty Mojo Prophets, with the Chicago blues-heavy "Lucky Man," and speedy "West Coast Girl" thrilling a good-sized audience catching the quartet.



The Backporch featured two must-see performances on Sunday. 

First up came Junior Brown blending his wry style of original songcraft and dazzling guitar chops (all delivered on his two-neck guit-steel instrument which features an electric guitar on top and lap steel guitar below) for a 70-minute crowd-pleasing set. Armed with his bass-baritone voice, the Cottonwood, Arizona native unleashed a mix of country, blues and surf-flavored originals. Favorite "Highway Patrol" and several new songs were simply outstanding; Doheny is the rare festival willing to feature seminal artists so early in the day.

Junior Brown killing it on the Backporch Stage.
Photo: Bob Steshetz

Following was groundbreaking Kansas trio Moreland & Arbuckle. The band's fiery 80-minute performance came in the midst of the threesome's farewell tour. Singer-harmonica virtuoso Dustin Arbuckle, guitarist Aaron Moreland and drummer Kendall Newby attracted cheers and standing ovations as they tore through a fast-moving set of originals and select covers. Highlights included "Mean and Evil" with Moreland's great slide work, a lovely reading of Lee McBee's "Woman Down in Arkansas" showcasing the trio's grace and Arbuckle's potent vocals, and the blues-rocker "When the Lights Are Burning Low."

Singer-songwriter-guitarist Samantha Fish.
Photo: Bob Steshetz

The Doheny Blues Fest is a great place to discover new talent, and singer-guitarist Samantha Fish made plenty of new fans on Sunday. Her 70-minute showcase was anchored by her top-tier talents as both blues singer and lead guitarist. Blending soul, R&B, blues and rock 'n' soul skillfully, the Kansas City, Missouri native attracted a huge crowd to the PCH Stage via dazzling performances of "He Did It," "Chills & Fever," "Either Way I Lose" and other songs. The infectious blues-rocker "Wild Heart" was a grinding blues rocker as powerful as anything delivered all weekend.

Chris Isaak is that rare performer who could perform at Coachella, Stagecoach, KAABOO and Doheny Blues Festival and attract an adoring crowd, Performing on the Doheny Stage late Sunday afternoon, the singer-songwriter-actor delivered a set that now only featured his greatest hits ("Baby Did a Bad Bad Thing," "Somebody's Crying," "Wicked Game," the latter particularly effective), but also rollicking covers of Jerry Lee Lewis' "Great Balls of Fire" and Roy Orbison's "Pretty Woman."

Southern blues were celebrated fully with JJ Grey and Mofro, an ensemble able to tap into singer/multi-instrumentalist JJ Grey's Florida and Georgia roots with affecting performances of "Country Ghetto" and other works celebrating his roots and the lives of his family in the Deep South. 

Melissa Etheridge on May 21, 2017.
Photo: Bob Steshetz

Capping the weekend event was a full-length set from Melissa Etheridge, who featured material off her latest full-length disc Memphis Rock and Soul at the event. Backed by a large ensemble including a full horn section and backing singers, the fast-moving set featured Etheridge's fine and powerful voice in the service of classic soul burners such as "Hold On I'm Coming," "Memphis Train" and "Born Under a Bad Sign."

Review by Robert Kinsler

Photos courtesy of Bob Steshetz

Sights and Sounds: Chris Cornell, Grizzly Bear, Muse

There is plenty of big news in the world of music, with all of it sadly overshadowed by the death of Chris Cornell...

Very sad news that Chris Cornell of Audioslave and Soundgarden has died at the age of 52.

 AXS TV remembers the life and legacy of rock legend Cornell with a special presentation of the profile doc SOUND OFF WITH MATT PINFIELD: CHRIS CORNELL airing Saturday, May 20, at 7:30pE/4:30pP, with encores on Sunday, May 21 at 9aE/6aP, and Monday, May 22 at 11:30pE/8:30pP. As an accomplished singer, songwriter, and guitarist, Cornell cemented his place in music history as a key part of Seattle’s revolutionary rock scene in the 1990s, redefining the sound of a generation with his GRAMMY®-winning band Soundgarden. Cornell would go on to enjoy a highly successful run with the acclaimed supergroup Audioslave, as well as a celebrated solo career. He passed away today, at the age of 52. 

The SOUND OFF episode is hosted by rock guru Matt Pinfield, and gives viewers unique insight into the story of who Cornell was as an artist, as told in his own words. During the candid interview, Cornell sits down to discuss his groundbreaking career as front man of the influential rock giants Soundgarden and Audioslave, and the creative process behind his second solo album CARRY ON, which was released in June of that year. 

Launched in July 2012 by visionary entrepreneur CEO Mark Cuban, AXS TV is dedicated to providing groundbreaking music programming, stand-up comedy performances from today’s top comedians, and hard-hitting mixed martial arts promotions. The network’s hit franchise series include THE BIG INTERVIEW with Dan Rather; ROCK & ROLL ROAD TRIP WITH SAMMY HAGAR; THE WORLD’S GREATEST TRIBUTE BANDS; GOTHAM COMEDY LIVE; and AXS TV FIGHTS.

  

You can learn more here.

Grizzly Bear has will return with its new album Painted Ruins on Aug. 18, 2017, and will tour in support of the new LP. It has been five years since the troupe released their fourth album, Shields, so anticipation is high for the new disc. 

Painted Ruins Tracklist: 
01. Wasted Acres
02. Mourning Sound
03. Four Cypresses
04. Three Rings
05. Losing All Sense
06. Aquarian
07. Cut-Out
08. Glass Hillside
09. Neighbors
10. Systole
11. Sky Took Hold

Get all the details on the new album and hear the a track off the release on Paste here.

Muse have released a new single titled "Dig Down," available now. The track is accompanied by a video directed by Lance Drake and features Lauren Wasser.

WATCH THE VIDEO HERE

Matt Bellamy said:

"When I was writing this song, I was looking to counteract the current negativity in the world and give inspiration, optimism and hope to people to fight for the causes they believe in; that as individuals we can choose to change the world if we want to."

Watch the video HERE.

Of the video, Lance Drake said the following:

"The song is about survival and fighting the odds - when I heard this song I knew I wanted to do an action packed narrative. I'd heard about Lauren a year or so ago, I read her story and she gave me personal inspiration so I'd always kept her in mind to shoot with one day. The power of the song made me think of her ... so I wrote the video narrative based on Lauren's story and how she overcame the odds."

To learn more about Lauren's inspiring story watch her TED talk HERE.

Muse will be on tour in North America this Summer with Thirty Seconds To Mars and PRVIS in support. The band will appear at Reading & Leeds in the UK, headlining for the third time. 

Muse Live Dates

20-May	West Palm Beach, FL	Perfect Vodka Amphitheatre
21-May	Tampa, FL	MIDFLORIDA Credit Union Amphitheatre
3-Jun	Nashville, TN	Ascend Amphitheatre
6-Jun	Atlanta, GA	Lakewood Amphitheatre
8-Jun	New Orleans, LA	Bold Sphere Music at Champions Square
10-Jun	Austin, TX	Austin 360 Amphitheatre
12-Jun	Kansas City, MO	Starlight Theatre
13-Jun	St. Louis, MO	Hollywood Casino Amphitheatre
15-Jun	Charlotte, NC	PNC Music Pavilion**
18-Jul	Toronto, ONT	Budweiser Stage
22-Jul	Wantagh, NY	Jones Beach Theater
1-Aug	Burgettstown, PA	KeyBank Pavilion
15-Sep	Mountain View, CA	Shoreline Amphitheatre
18-Sep	Red Rocks, CO	Red Rocks Amphitheatre
20-Sep	Salt Lake City	USANA Amphitheatre

Sights and Sounds: Chuck Berry, Fastball

Here is a roundup of several highly-anticipated news items in the world of music, and I can't think of a better way to start Wednesday than watching the feel-good video for "Big Boys"...and it is more than exciting to see that Fastball is set to return with a new album too!

NPR Music is premiering the first-ever Chuck Berry video for the great, infectious rocker "Big Boys." Watch the video here: http://n.pr/2qRfD2w

Chuck Berry's songs codified the sound, rhythm and language of rock and roll, influenced the The Beatles and Rolling Stones, and earned him induction into the inaugural class of the Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame. But they were never the subject of a music video - until now. Today, NPR Music has premiered the first-ever official video for a Chuck Berry song, "Big Boys," the lead single from the forthcoming album CHUCK, due out June 9 on Dualtone Records, an Entertainment One Company. CHUCK is the final studio album and first new music in nearly four decades from the founding rock and roll legend, who passed away in March at the age of 90. Directed by Matt Bizer and Curtis Wayne Millard (Old Crow Medicine Show, Shovels & Rope), the video revisits the culture of hot cars and sock hops that Berry helped create, with choreography that blends swing and hip-hop. Watch here: http://n.pr/2qRfD2w

Comprised of ten new recordings, eight of which were written by Berry, CHUCK is his first new album since 1979's Rock It. It was recorded and produced by Berry in various studios around St. Louis and features his longtime hometown backing group - including his children Charles Berry Jr. (guitar) and Ingrid Berry (vocals, harmonica), plus Jimmy Marsala (Berry's bassist for forty years), Robert Lohr (piano), and Keith Robinson (drums) - which supported him for nearly two decades on over two hundred residency shows at the famed Blueberry Hill club. In addition to Gary Clark Jr., the album includes guest performances from Tom Morello, Nathaniel Rateliff, and Chuck's grandson Charles Berry III. Acclaimed author and historian Douglas Brinkley contributes liner notes.

Following the release of first singles "Big Boys" and "Wonderful Woman," early praise began pouring in for 'CHUCK.' The New Yorker says that 'CHUCK' shows that "after all those years of duck-walking, crisscrossing the United States on tour, and giving his disciples and imitators hell, the man still had it." Rolling Stone said the album finds Berry "raging against the dying of the light, but in a vulnerable and tender way his earlier music had not prepared us for," while The Guardian raved that 'CHUCK' "proves the late rock'n'roller was brimming with energy until the very end." Uncut remarked that "Berry has as much to say about life and death as Cash and Bowie and Cohen did on their final albums."

'CHUCK' Track List:
Wonderful Woman
Big Boys
You Go To My Head
3/4 Time (Enchiladas)
Darlin'
Lady B. Goode
She Still Loves You
Jamaica Moon
Dutchman
Eyes Of Man

FASTBALL SWINGS INTO ACTION 

 WITH NEW ALBUM 

 

"STEP INTO LIGHT" 

Out This Friday, May 19th via  33 1/3 Records 

 

Full Album Premieres on BILLBOARD

FASTBALL Joins EVERCLEAR and VERTICAL HORIZON 

on North American Tour  

 

“Not only is the studio chemistry between band members Tony Scalzo (vocals, bass, guitar), Joey Shuffield (drums), and Miles Zuniga (vocals, guitar) unwavering, 

but their sheer love for making music seems to be at an all-time high.”—Consequence of Sound 

 

 

This Friday, May 19, 2017, Alt Rockers Fastball will release their 6th album, Step Into Light. In advance of the street date the band will share the entire album exclusively via billboard.com.  

 

Recently, Fastball visited Sirius XM Studios for an interview and performance on the Howard Stern Wrap Up Show where they discussed the unexpected reincarnation of their late ‘90s hit “Out of My Head” on Machine Gun Kelly & Camila Cabello’s #1 smash Hit “Bad Things.” The band also performed one of Howard’s favorite Beatles songs “The Two Of Us.”  Highlights can be found here:

 

For fans that order early, the single,“I Will Never Let You Down” will be offered as an instant grat track with preorder. The album will be available through the bands own 33 1/3 label and is the first FASTBALL album to get a vinyl LP release. 

 

With nearly 20 years of musical explorations and milestones under its belt, FASTBALL remains one of the most consistent and continuously celebrated rock bands on the road today.  The  group recorded the new album Step Into Light in their hometown of Austin, Texas, with the three bandmates co-producing with longtime friend Chris "Frenchie" Smith. 

 

The resulting collection extends FASTBALL’s widely-loved body of work, which encompasses such acclaimed albums as their 1996 debut Make Your Mama Proud, their 1998 platinum breakthrough All the Pain Money Can Buy (which spawned the Grammy-nominated Top Five hit "The Way"), 2000's The Harsh Light of Day, 2004's Keep Your Wig On and 2009's Little White Lies.  

 

The trio is now on an extensive North American tour with fellow 90’s hitmakers; Vertical Horizon and Everclear.  All three groups on the tour will be donating $1 per ticket sold at each show to Sweet Relief Musicians Fund, an organization that provides financial assistance to career musicians, venue workers, production staff, crew members, and their families suffering from injury, illness or disability.

 

View “I Will Never Let You Down" here. 

View “We’re on Our Way” here.

Stream entire Album on Billboard.com

 

“We’re On Our Way” is the propulsive opening track on Step Into Light, kicked off by a buzzy riff and some trading harmonies from Miles Zuniga and Tony Scalzo, matched to Joey Shuffield‘s steady drumbeat. It’s a loud, attention-grabbing introduction to the band’s first album in eight years.” — Rock Cellar Magazine

 

 

As seen on “ Good Day Austin,” “Today in Nashville” and more…

 

So Much For The Afterglow 20th Anniversary Tour

 

5/16 – Calgary, AB @ Marquee Beer Market & Stage

5/17 – Saskatoon, SK @ O’Brians Event Centre

5/18 – Regina, SK @ Casino Regina

5/19 – Deadwood, SD @ Deadwood Mountain Grand Event Center

5/20 – Denver, CO @ Summit Music Hall

5/21– Grand Junction, CO @ Two Rivers Convention Center 

5/23 – The Colony, TX @ Lava Cantina

5/25 – Des Moines, IA @ Brenton Skating Plaza

5/26 – Welch, MN @ Treasure Island Resort & Casino

5/27 - Lincoln, NE @ Vega - ** (Fastball only)

5/28 – Kansas City, MO @ CrossroadsKC

5/30 – Cleveland, OH @ Agora Theatre and Ballroom

6/1 – Pittsburgh, PA @ Stage AE

6/2 – Arlington Heights, IL @ HOME Bar

6/3 – South Bend, IN @ Four Winds Field

6/4 – Columbus, OH @ Express Live (Fastball only)

6/6 – New York, NY @ Irving Plaza

6/7 – Boston, MA @ House of Blues

6/8 – Portland, ME @ Aura

6/9 – Hampton Beach, NH @ Hampton Beach Casino Ballroom         

6/10 – Fairfax, VA @ Celebrate Fairfax! Festival

6/11 – Toronto, ON @ Danforth Music Hall

6/13 – Thunder Bay, ON @ Rockhouse 

6/15 – Winnipeg, MB @ Club Regent Event Centre

6/16 – Duluth, MN @ Grandma’s Marathon, Canal Park

6/18 – Wichita, KS @ The Cotillion                                           

6/22 – West Siloam Springs, OK @ Cherokee Casino West Siloam Springs 

6/23 – New Braunfels, TX @ River Road Ice House

6/24 – Houston, TX @ House of Blues

6/25 – Midland, TX @ Wagner Noel PAC                                         

6/27 – Tempe, AZ @ The Marquee

6/28 – Los Angeles, CA @ The Belasco Theatre                                

6/29 – Anaheim, CA @ House of Blues 

7/20 – Atlanta, GA @ City Winery**

7/22 – Lexington, KY @ Willie’s Locally Known**

7/28 – Marietta, OH @ The Adelphia Music Hall At The Gallery**

7/30 – Pawling, NY @ Daryl’s House

 

**FASTBALL ONLY

 

For ticket info check: http://www.fastballtheband.com/shows/ 

 

More Dates To Be Announced. 

 

Follow Fastball at http://www.fastballtheband.com

The xx confirm fall U.S. headline dates

Very cool news. The xx was a band that really impressed me at Coachella last month...It is very cool the trio is coming to the relatively intimate Santa Barbara Bowl before performing at the legendary Fabulous Forum a few nights later in September too.

The xx confirm fall U.S. headline dates

To perform on “The Late Show with Stephen Colbert” Thursday, May 18, 2017

Currently touring North America

On the heels of their wildly successful ongoing U.S. tour, The xx will return stateside to play a very special, limited engagement of select headline dates and festival appearances this fall.
 

The fall dates include shows September 29 in Los Angeles, October 9 at Colorado’s iconic Red Rocks,Austin City Limits Festival, Life is Beautiful and more. Visit thexx.info/tour for presale and ticket information.

 

Furthermore, the band will perform on “The Late Show with Stephen Colbert” this Thursday, May 18 ahead of two nights at Forest Hills Stadium in Queens, NY this Friday and Saturday, May 19 and 20.

 

Meanwhile, The band has just announced a very special installment of their Night + Day festival, set for July 14-16 at Iceland’s Skogafoss waterfall outside of Reykjavik. The festival, capped at 6,000 tickets, follows a record-breaking seven-day festival in Brixton, London and will feature performances from The xx, Jamie xx, Kamasi Washington, Robyn, Warpaint, Sampha, Earl Sweatshirt, Benji B, GillesPeterson, Jagwar Ma, Floating Points (DJ set), Bjarki, Call Super, Hunee, Kria Brekkan, Gangly, Kelsey Lu, Orang Volante, Mr Silla, Högni, Pampa Showcase (Axel Boman & Robag Wruhme), JFDR &Marching Church. For full ticket details, head to thexxnightandday.com.

 

The band is currently touring North America to great critical acclaim:

 

“an impressive set…The xx hasn’t sacrificed the sense of intimacy — of two people exchanging confidences — that still defines songs sung in close harmony by
Sim and Madley Croft.”—Los Angeles Times

 

“If fans were introduced to their shadows, it’s clear they’re ready to love them in the light. Much to their joy, the xx finally seems willing to
reveal themselves.”—The Washington Post

 

“The xx is a rare group that appears to be playing for each other, as well as with each other. They reveal their innermost secrets within their music, and turn to each other for reassurance that they aren’t in this alone, while the music helps them try to make sense of it all.”—CityPages

 

“They were masterful in delivering a new sound.”—The Oregonian

 

“The London trio showed off their seasoned stage chops; the hit-packed show was so affecting and crisp it could’ve been a concert film.”—The Current

 

The xx’s universally lauded new album, I See You, was released in January via Young Turks, debuting at #2 in the U.S. and #1 in the U.K. Germany, Portugal, The Netherlands, Ireland, Australia and Belgium.

The xx Live

Newly announced

July 14-16                   Night + Day—Skogafoss, Iceland

September 27             Santa Barbara Bowl—Santa Barbara, CA

September 29             The Forum—Los Angeles, CA

October 3                    Starlight—Kansas City, MO

October 9                    Red Rocks—Morrison, CO

October 10                  The Great Saltair—Magna, UT

October 12                  The Criterion—Oklahoma City, OK

October 13-15             III Points/Wynwood—Miami, FL

October 17                  Coca-Cola Roxy Theatre—Atlanta, GA

October 19                  Champions Square—New Orleans, LA

2017 tour

May 16                       Stage AE—Pittsburgh, PA

May 17                       Skyline Stage at the Mann—Philadelphia, PA

May 19                       Forest Hills Stadium—New York, NY—SOLD OUT

May 20                       Forest Hills Stadium—New York, NY

May 22                       Echo Beach—Toronto, ON

May 23                       Echo Beach—Toronto, ON—SOLD OUT

May 24                       Parc Jean-Drapeau—Montreal, QC

May 26                       Thompson’s Point—Portland, ME

May 27                       Boston Calling—Boston, MA

June 2                         Primavera Sound—Barcelona, Spain

June 9                         Bonnaroo—Manchester, TN

June 21-25                  Glastonbury—Pilton, U.K.

June 29                       Roskilde—Roskilde, Denmark

July 1                           Open’er—Gdynia, Poland

July 6                           NOS Alive—Lisbon, Portugal

July 8                           Firenze Summer Festival—Florence, Italy

July 21                         Splendour in the Grass—North Byron Parklands, Australia

July 25                         Singapore Indoor Stadium—Kallang, Singapore

July 28-30                    Fuji Rock Festival—Niigata, Japan

August 5                      Lollapalooza—Chicago, IL

August 10                    Oya Festival—Oslo, Norway

August 10-12               Way Out West Festival—Gothenburg, Sweden

August 12                    Flow Festival—Helsinki, Finland

August 14                    Sunset Festival—Tallinn, Estonia

August 15                    Sunset Festival—Sigulda, Latvia

August 17                    Pukklepop Festival—Hasselt, Belgium

August 18-20               Lowlands Festival—Biddinghuizen, Netherlands

August 25                    Zürich Openair—Zürich, Switzerland

August 27                    Rock En Seine—St. Cloud, France

August 29                    SWG3 Galvanizers Yard—Glasgow, United Kingdom

August 30                    SWG3 Galvanizers Yard—Glasgow, United Kingdom

September 1              Electric Picnic—Stradbally, Ireland

September 7-10         Bestival—Dorset, United Kingdom

September 10            Lollapalooza Festival—Berlin, Germany

September 24            Life is Beautiful Festival—Las Vegas, NV

October 6-8                Austin City Limits Festival—Austin, TX

October 13-15            Austin City Limits Festival—Austin, TX

November 17-19        Corona Capital Festival—Mexico City, Mexico