Social Distance Sounds: Elton John to headline benefit concert; Michael Ubaldini responds to 'Quarantine Blues'; Rock & Roll Hall of Fame connects online

My inbox has been filled up with news related to artists helping health care officials and those impacted by the global coronavirus outbreak. Here are a few I wanted to share and I'll continue to post others in the days ahead...Robert Kinsler

Tim McGraw will perform as part of iHeart Living Room Concert.
Photo credit: Kelly A. Swift

Rock and Roll Hall of Fame artist Elton John will headline a benefit concert on Fox this Sunday night, March 29 to assist with efforts related to the coronavirus pandemic. Other artists scheduled to perform include country music superstar Tim McGraw, hitmakers The Backstreet Boys and rising artist Billie Eilish. "Fox Presents the iHeart Living Room Concert for America" will also feature Alicia Keys and several other favorites. The hour-long event will be held beginning at 9 p.m. (Eastern Time). Feeding America and First Responders Children’s Foundation are the charities to benefit from the benefit concert. For more information, see the Variety article here.

Michael Ubaldini / Photo credit: Jesse Navarro

One of my favorite artists, singer-songwriter Michael Ubaldini, is bringing a series of song-centered live-streamed concert showcases to his Facebook page. The Southern California-based artist has released a number of fantastic albums. Like Bruce Springsteen and Neil Young, Ubaldini is that rare artist able to unleash forceful rockers and affecting Americana ballads with equal authority.

The online events are as follows:

'Folk Song Fridays' will be featured every Friday at 7 p.m., (Pacific Time). This showcase will have Ubaldini performing acoustic traditional folk songs (and a few originals) and talking with people online real time. He will be telling the rough history of the traditional songs - some with roots stretching back to the 17th and 18th centuries.

'Outlaws Of Folk Music Series' will be held the first Saturday of each month (Pacific Time). The first 'Outlaws' showcase will kick off on Saturday, March 28 at 7:30 p.m. and will featured 3 or 4 different performers.

'Gospel Music Sunday' will come every 2nd Sunday afternoon at 1 p.m. (Pacific Time)

For more information, visit Ubaldini's official website here or his Facebook page here.

If you are not a Facebook friend, you can still see the broadcasts on a public page where the aforementioned performances are reposted the same night.

CLEVELAND – While things are on pause, the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame continues to engage, teach and inspire through the power of rock & roll. The Rock Hall is helping fans at home stay connected to the Museum and their favorite artists with unique content on rockhall.com and across its social channels on YouTube, Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. 

• LEARN: For fans of all ages, Rock Hall EDU (rockhall.com/education) delivers FREE engaging lessons, activities and resources that can be incorporated into current learning plans or fun family activities.

• WATCH: The Induction Ceremony vault is now open! Enjoy 34 years of uncut Induction speech and performance footage, archival images and never-before available programs with career-spanning essays written by leading music journalists and educators. 

• LISTEN: Designed to soothe your soul and ease your mind, the Rock Hall’s Spotify channel features playlists such as a mindfulness mix, feel-good (much-needed) distraction mix, and career-defining playlists from the Beatles, Queen, Led Zeppelin, Whitney Houston, Prince, and many more.   

• EXPLORE: The Museum may be temporarily closed, but you can still take a virtual curated tour. Visit rockhall.com/your-tour to choose from “Women Who Rock,” “Play It Loud: The Instruments of Rock & Roll Highlights,” or “Staff Picks” to see artifacts and exhibits up close. 

• JAM: Music has the power to bring us together, even when we can’t play in the same space. Check out Inductee interviews from inside The Garage exhibit and share your own home jam space performances on social using #rockhallgarage. 

• SHOP: With the Rock Hall’s collection of office décor and accessories, barware and kitchen items available on rockhallstore.com you can bring that rock star vibe into your own home or send as a gift. 

• PRESERVE: Busy cleaning? Keep an eye out for photos, recordings, and other materials to be potentially added to the Rock Hall’s NEO Sound initiative. Of interest are self-recorded films and videos of Northeast Ohio musicians, national acts featured at local venues, or major historical music events.  

• SUPPORT: Help us deliver on our mission by becoming a Member or Donor Circle supporter! Donors and Members enjoy a variety of benefits including exclusive news, pre-sales, and more.

Ways to engage with the Rock Hall can be found at rockhall.com/explore-online. Regular updates on the Rock Hall’s temporarily closure is also available at rockhall.com/coronavirus and its social media channels.

About the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame 

Rock Connects Us. Our mission is clear: To engage, teach and inspire through the power of rock and roll. We share stories of the people, events and songs that shape our world through exhibits, innovative programs and concerts. Join the millions who love it as much as you do. Experience us live or online – Visit rockhall.com or follow the Rock Hall on Facebook (@rockandrollhalloffame), Twitter (@rockhall), Instagram (@rockhall) and YouTube (youtube.com/rockhall). Long Live Rock! 

Glen Campbell's recording of "Wichita Lineman" inducted into National Recording Registry

Amidst all the bad news over the past month, I was happy to see one of my favorite songs acknowledged in such deserving fashion. Robert Kinsler

Check out Episode 6 of our "Top 100 Songs" where I celebrate "Wichita Lineman" and discuss why it is one of my favorite songs of all time:




Glen Campbell's classic recording of "Wichita Lineman," written by Jimmy Webb, inducted into National Recording Registry of the Library of Congress

LOS ANGELES – MARCH 25, 2020 – Glen Campbell’s recording of “Wichita Lineman,” with its yearning refrain of “I need you more than want you and I want you for all time,” has been inducted into the National Recording Registry of the Library of Congress, ensuring that, like the lonesome lover’s sentiment in the timeless song, it will live on until the end of time. 

The honor was announced today by Librarian of Congress Carla Hayden who inducted the recording along with two dozen others in the 2019 class of audio treasures worthy of preservation because of their cultural, historic and aesthetic importance to the nation’s recorded sound heritage. Each year, the National Recording Registry at the Library of Congress chooses recordings showcasing the range and diversity of American recorded sound heritage in order to increase preservation awareness. The diversity of nominations received highlights the richness of the nation's audio legacy and underscores the importance of assuring the long-term preservation of that legacy for future generations.

“‘Wichita Lineman’ is the ultimate expression of the musical and spiritual bond between my husband Glen and his songwriting soulmate Jimmy Webb,” said Kim Campbell, Campbell’s widow. “Despite ‘Wichita Lineman’ being such an important song for Glen it was also one of his favorites and I know he’d be so thrilled and honored to have his original recording preserved in the Library of Congress.” 

“I’m humbled and, at the same time for Glen, I am extremely proud,” said Jimmy Webb. “I wish there was some way I could reach him to say, ‘Glen, you know they’re doing this. They are putting our music in a mountain--it will be preserved for all time.”

Written by Jimmy Webb in 1968, “Wichita Lineman” was the title track of Campbell’s 12^th album which was released by Capitol Records in November 1968 as the singer and musician was becoming a television star, film actor and crossover sensation. Following the unprecedented success Campbell experienced as a result of having a hit with Webb’s “By The Time I Get To Phoenix,” which was released the year prior and garnered two GRAMMY Awards, Campbell asked the songwriter to write another geographical song as a follow up to “Phoenix.” For the song’s inspiration, Webb thought back to an indelible image he had etched in his memory that he once saw while driving through rural Oklahoma of a solitary lineman working on a telephone pole in an endless line of poles and the loneliness and longing that a man like that might feel. On deadline to deliver the song, Webb turned in a version that he felt was unfinished, warning producer and arranger Al De Lory that he needed to add a third verse. Unbeknownst to him, Campbell, who said he cried upon hearing it because he was homesick, recorded it immediately, adding a bass guitar interlude to complete the song. Webb initially assumed that Campbell didn’t like the song since he hadn’t received any feedback so was surprised to find out from Campbell when he ran into him several weeks later that he had recorded it.  

With its instantly recognizable opening six-note bass intro that gives way to sweeping, orchestral strings, tremolo guitar and Campbell’s plaintive vocals, the wistful pop-country ballad “Wichita Lineman” didn’t sound like anything else of the day when released more than 50 years ago and still sounds singular today. Produced by Al De Lory and recorded with the legendary Los Angeles studios musicians The Wrecking Crew (Al Casey, James Burton, Carol Kaye, Don Bagley, Jim Gordon and Al De Lory), the multimillion-selling "Wichita Lineman" was a massive crossover hit for Campbell that went to No. 3 on the pop chart and topped the country and adult contemporary charts for weeks. The song earned several GRAMMY nominations including Record of the Year and Best Male Contemporary Pop Vocal Performance, was nominated for Single of the Year at the Academy of Country Music Award and stayed atop the country music charts for 20 weeks where it was the year’s top release in the genre. “Wichita Lineman” helped propel the album of the same name to multi-platinum status selling more than two million copies and becoming Campbell’s first #1 album where it stayed on the pop chart for five weeks. 

“Wichita Lineman” has proven to be that rare song that transcends genres, eras and cultures. It has been recorded and covered live by hundreds of artists from across the globe including Guns N’ Roses, James Taylor, Johnny Cash, José Feliciano, Keith Urban, King Curtis, Kool & The Gang, The Meters, Ray Charles, R.E.M., Sergio Mendes and Brasil ’66, Smokey Robinson, Toby Keith, Tom Jones, Wayne Newton, and many others. After Campbell's death, Webb sang the song with Little Big Town in a heartfelt tribute during the 51st Annual Country Music Association Awards. 

To experience some of Campbell’s classic performances of the song as well as inspired versions by a host of the aforementioned musicians head over to YouTube for a curated playlist for a sampling of some of the best performances. Watch here: https://UMe.lnk.to/WichitaLinemanPR/YouTube

An enduring classic and one of Campbell’s signature songs, “Wichita Lineman” is widely considered one of the best songs ever written. In 2010, Rolling Stone ranked it at #195 of the “500 Greatest Songs Of All Time” and in 2014 they ranked it #16 of the “100 Greatest Country Songs Of All Time.” In 2000, it was inducted into the GRAMMY Hall of Fame. Listen to “Wichita Lineman” here: https://UMe.lnk.to/WichitaLinemanPR

This latest honor for the late country icon who died in 2017 following a courageous years-long battle with Alzheimer’s disease comes shortly after the February 2020 opening of The Glen Campbell Museum and Rhinestone Stage at the corner of Broadway and 2^nd Avenue in Nashville. The museum celebrates Glen Campbell’s incredible life and legacy through never-before-seen artifacts from his early years on the farm in Arkansas through his climb to super-stardom and features an exciting array of instruments, awards, stage outfits and keepsakes including intimate family photos. For more information about the museum, currently offering free shipping on all online merchandise orders, visit GlenCampbellMuseum.com

Blu-Ray Essentials: 'Masked and Anonymous' and 'CMA Awards Live Greatest Moments: 2008-2015'

Those who have Blu-ray systems and love great music will want to get two newly-available titles on the format. The Bob Dylan-starring "Masked and Anonymous" and "CMA Awards Live Greatest Moments: 2008-2015" provide top-tier entertainment for discerning music audiences.

Title: Masked and Anonymous (Shout Select / Shout! Factory)
Tell me more: What do actors Jeff Bridges, Penélope Cruz, John Goodman, Jessica Lange, Luke Wilson, Angela Bassett, Val Kilmer and Bruce Dern have in common? All are among the Hollywood greats who appear alongside legendary Bob Dylan in the genre-defying cult classic "Masked And Anonymous." The newly-released Blu-ray edition features the film in high definition and immersive 5.1 audio. Seventeen years after its release, "Masked and Anonymous" remains a groundbreaking and revealing film that works on a myriad of levels. Dylan portrays folk singer-songwriter Jack Fate, a one-time traveling troubadour who is released from jail by his desperate manager to headline an ill-fated benefit concert. The 2003 Larry Charles-directed masterwork ultimately provides a deep appreciation of Dylan's music and mythos amidst a storyline that was far ahead of its time in terms of its look at a nation in decline, the unethical music business, brutal governments and a less-than-objective press. Performing alongside a long parade of acting greats, Dylan is an arresting presence on camera and that palpable on-camera command is enhanced when he performs with his band throughout the movie. In addition to the brilliant feature film, bonus features on the title include a new interview with the director, deleted scenes, a "making of" feature and theatrical trailers. Information: ShoutFactory.com.

Title: CMA Awards Live Greatest Moments: 2008-2015 (Time Life)
Tell me more: For more than 50 years, the CMA Awards have featured performances featuring the top names in country music. Now "Country Music's Biggest Night" is showcased for the first time on the blu-ray format in high definition via "CMA Awards Live Greatest Moments: 2008-2015." The parade of performances are strong from the get-go; the title begins with a tender acoustic-flavored "More Like Her" from Miranda Lambert and winning collaboration featuring Brooks & Dunn with Reba McEntire ("Cowgirls Don't Cry") captured at the 42nd Annual CMA Awards in 2008. The evolution of contemporary country music where traditional stylings are fused with pop, rock and urban tinges is showcased as the telecasts move forward through to the 49th Annual CMA Awards presented in 2015. My favorite performances on the fast-moving 139-minute compilation include the melodic "Need You Now" from Lady Antebellum, "As She's Walking Away" (with the Zac Brown Band and Alan Jackson joining forces), Alan Jackson and George Strait paying tribute to George Jones via an emotional performance of "He Stopped Loving Her Today" and a soulful collaboration where Chris Stapleton and Justin Timberlake performing the mini-medley of "Tennessee Whiskey/Drink You Away." Bonus features on the title include an interview with CMA Awards Executive Producer Robert Deaton, and chapters focused on songstress Miranda Lambert and hit-maker Blake Shelton. Information: TimeLife.com.


Robert Kinsler

Curate your own Music Festival! Streaming Films From Eagle Rock Entertainment

I spent a good part of the weekend staying put and watching choice music-related titles as I prepare my next column. This media release caught my eye and seems like a great idea going into the new week as many of us stay put at home...Robert Kinsler

STUCK AT HOME? CURATE YOUR OWN MUSIC FESTIVAL LIVE CONCERT FILMS / DOCUMENTARIES FROM EAGLE ROCK ENTERTAINMENT AVAILABLE VIA STREAMING PLATFORMS

The Doors 'Live At The Bowl '68' is one of Eagle Rock Entertainment's essential titles. New York, NY -- It’s a tough time for music fans, as upcoming concerts and festivals dwindle in the wake of Coronavirus. As we all do our part to self-isolate, Eagle Rock Entertainment offers a reward for those of us stuck indoors. Eagle Rock Entertainment’s vast library of concert films and music documentaries are available via Netflix, Amazon Prime, Amazon Direct, Apple TV, Qello, Nugs, and a variety of other streaming services. Historic concert films such as The Doors’ Live At The Hollywood Bowl, Black Sabbath’s The End and Motley Crue’s The End: Live In Los Angeles have been captured in the utmost audio and visual quality, placing the viewer right in the front row. Queen fans have a variety to choose from, including Rock Montreal, A Night At The Odeon, Live At Wembley, and Live At The Rainbow ‘74. There’s something for everyone, from Slash Living The Dream Tour featuring Miles Kennedy and the Conspirators and The Moody Blues’ Days Of Future Passed to Journey’s Live In Manila and Def Leppard’s And There Will Be A Next Time...Live From Detroit. Additionally, there are a wealth of documentaries available, such as The Rolling Stones’ Olé Olé Olé!: A Trip Across Latin America -- a travelogue of the band’s 2016 Latin America tour, which culminated in a historic concert in Havana, Cuba. Recent releases include the critically acclaimed Miles Davis: Birth Of The Cool and ZZ Top: That Little Ol’ Band From Texas, which each give an in-depth, introspective look at the lives behind the legends. Of course, album aficionados should take a deep dive into Eagle’s heralded Classic Albums series, which unveil the creative process behind some of music’s most celebrated recordings. Groundbreaking titles from The Doors, The Beach Boys, Nirvana, The Grateful Dead, Rush, Peter Gabriel, Iron Maiden, Metallica, Black Sabbath, and Judas Priest are all explored, via interviews with artists, producers, and key figures and behind-the-boards dissections of some of music’s most treasured songs. Fear not, homebound fans - Eagle Rock Entertainment has you covered. Stay safe, and rock on!

New Music: Carla Olson, Tower of Power, Raul Midon

Discerning listeners with an ear for a variety of styles are in luck. A new duets project from singer-songwriter/producer Carla Olson, amazing return from soul masters Tower of Power and genre-stretching effort from jazz great Raul Midón are worth adding to your music library.

Artist: Carla Olson
Title: Have Harmony Will Travel 2 (Sunset Blvd. Records)
You might like if you enjoy: Timothy B. Schmit, Peter Noone, Gene Clark, Percy Sledge
Tell me more: Lovers of stellar duets will want to hear Carla Olson's wonderful Have Harmony Will Travel 2 (released March 20 via Sunset Blvd. Records). The album features the talented Austin, Texas spawned singer-guitarist and former leader of Los Angeles' Textones teaming up with 11 notable guests to share lead vocals on a follow-up to her 2013 disc "Have Harmony, Will Travel." The track listing is uniformly strong with a celebrated and eclectic lineup of great singers artfully joining their voices with Olson's own. The decidedly rootsy "Timber, I'm Falling In Love" (with Stephen McCarthy on vocals and guitar), the Byrds-flavored "Goodbye My Love" (featuring Herman's Hermits lead singer Peter Noone) and "After the Storm" (with actress-singer Mare Winningham), and Americana nugget "Bossier City" (featuring I See Hawks In L.A.) are among my favorites on the album. The album's final track, the folk tale "Del Gato," has legendary Gene Clark and Olson joining voices in a nuanced performance. This is an album that reveals its magic more fully with each subsequent listen. Information: SunsetBlvdRecords.com.

Artist: Tower of Power
Title: Step Up (Artistry Music)
You might like if you enjoy: Tower of Power, Earth Wind & Fire
Tell me more: After more than 50 years, Tower of Power remains a musical treasure. Just listen to the Oakland-spawned outfit's Step Up (released on March 20), an intoxicating 14-track journey through the collective's blend of R&B and funk anchored by one of the world's great and enduring horn sections. Led by founder and tenor saxophonist Emilio Castillo, Tower of Power's timeless sound is celebrated with power and zeal. "The Story of You and I" is a wonderful musical explosion featuring a driving rhythm section amidst horns, fiery lead guitar and soulful lead vocals. The soulful ballad "Who Would Have Thought," shimmering "Addicted To You," and dance-minded funk romp "Look In My Eyes" are early highlights on the disc, while the jazzy "Sleeping With You Baby" and joyful soul of "Beyond My Wildest Dreams" are among the great tracks on the latter half of Step Up. Information: TowerOfPower.com.

Artist: Raul Midón
Title: The Mirror (Artistry Music/Mack Avenue Music Group)
You might like if you enjoy: Gerald Clayton, Tyrone Wells
Tell me more: Raul Midón is back with his new album The Mirror, an outstanding jazz effort which comes on the heels of the singer-guitarist's Grammy Award nominations for his previous two LPs (2017's Bad Ass & Blind and 2018's If You Really Want). This time out there is again plenty to celebrate as the talented artist (who has been blind since birth) showcases that he has an otherworldly ability to interpret the world around him and translate that into luxurious and probing songs that resonate with a master's touch. The diversity of the material is impressive. The album kicks off with the acoustic guitar-driven "I Love the Afternoon," Midón's soulful vocals balanced by some select harmonies that augment his voice; the track is further bolstered by a strong solo on his guitar. The lovely romantic-themed "A Certain Café" finds the New Mexico native joined by vibraphonist Joe Locke. On the breezy title track, he blends his signature jazz style with some flashy blues-meets-jazz guitar licks for a stylish approach. The gorgeous "Cold Cuts and Coffee" and "Deep Dry Ocean" are other standouts. He even enthralls with two solo spoken-word works ("If I Could See" and "One Day Without War"). The Mirror is a wonderful step forward for Midón. Information: RaulMidon.com.


Robert Kinsler

Roger Hodgson revisits Supertramp's past

In honor of Roger Hodgson's 70th birthday (the English artist was born March 21, 1950), I wanted to repost my review of his wonderful concert I caught at Pacific Amphitheatre in Costa Mesa back in summer 2013. My review originally ran on The Orange County Register website on August 13, 2013 (the day after the concert). - Robert Kinsler


Roger Hodgson revisits Supertramp’s past

Roger Hodgson performing at the Pacific Amphitheatre in 2013.

In his introduction of Roger Hodgson’s concert Sunday night at Pacific Amphitheatre in Costa Mesa, “Uncle Joe” Benson, former KLOS mainstay who now hosts the morning show on The Sound 100.3 FM, told the audience that the evening was being filmed for DVD release.

Let’s hope so.

For the next two hours the singer-songwriter best known for his work with Supertramp delivered an especially memorable evening of music-making on the final evening of the 2013 OC Fair. In a venue that typically squashes any potential for magic, largely because of the unfairly high number of party-minded concertgoers it attracts – Hall & Oates’ terrific performance last week, for instance, came with countless inebriated chatterboxes – there was wizardry aplenty this night.

Any attendees at the Hodgson concert who opted to go on beer runs invariably missed out. This was a superb show that was much more than a nostalgic trip through Supertramp’s most beloved material. Even when performing such hits, like leadoff cut “Take the Long Way Home,” Hodgson, 63, and his potent four-member group reworked arrangements in ways that strengthened the songs live.

“Look at you,” Hodgson said, beaming after the warm reception and standing ovation he received after that opening number. “I’ve been looking forward to tonight for a long time.”

Turns out several of the British singer’s band members are from Orange County. Hodgson admitted, however, that he didn’t know if anybody would show up for this gig; he needn’t have worried, as the majority of seats were filled.

Supertramp’s early work was lumped in with progressive rock of the early ’70s, but the troupe scored greater success as the decade wore on and they adopted a more mainstream approach, culminating in 1979’s multiplatinum smash Breakfast in America. Both those worlds were fused during this Pac Amp set, with Hodgson blending English folk-rock, harder-edged yet still melodic rock and more ambitious prog elements throughout the night.

“School” recalled early Pink Floyd, Hodgson playing acoustic guitar while Aaron Macdonald added artful harmonica blasts. The more recent song “In Jeopardy” offered a bouncy beat and involving vocal harmonies en route to a dramatic conclusion. The performance of the alluring ballad “Lovers in the Wind” allowed Hodgson room to showcase his instrumental skills while seated at a Yamaha grand piano.

Roger Hodgson, playing keyboards, performing with his band in Costa Mesa.

Ever the affable host, he also told short stories touching on emotions or events that led him to compose certain songs, adding heft to oft-heard favorites. “The Logical Song” remains an infectious romp, the crowd moving to its feel as Hodgson’s distinctive high voice soared. “Dreamer,” another buoyant piece, found the singer employing his mighty falsetto as fans tried to sing along.

While most people only stood during Hodgson’s best-known hits, they knew a good thing when they heard it. In the performance of his ’00s solo track “Death and a Zoo,” he speculates whether a wild animal would prefer death over life in a zoo. With its mix of symphonic keyboards, African rhythms, effects that recreate the sound of wild beasts and a powerful ending, with Hodgson banging an electronic drum pad, achieved the artistic depth most identified with Peter Gabriel. The crowd was collectively drawn into the inspired performance and erupted in cheers at the song’s fiery close. A performance of the piano-anchored “Lord Is it Mine?” achieved a similar sensation in the set.

In addition to Macdonald (who also played saxophones, keyboards, melodica and tin whistle), Hodgson’s wonderful touring band includes bassist David J. Carpenter, drummer Bryan Head and keyboardist Kevin Adamson.

Another highlight was an epic, “Fool’s Overture,” that likely hasn’t been performed in O.C. since Hodgson said goodbye to Supertramp with a closing-night performance at Irvine Meadows on their 1983 tour. Hodgson explained that it comprises three pieces of instrumental music he fused together into what would become the denouement of 1977’s “Even in the Quietest Moments …” Hodgson and his band performed the long opus in perfect sync, the dynamic fusion of classical music, spoken word and pulsating rock rhythms as striking as ever.

But the ensemble wrapped things up on a more upbeat note via infectious performances of “Give a Little Bit” and “It’s Raining Again” that once again got people on their feet, obviously thrilled to have witnessed such a skilled overview of a sometimes overlooked career.

A special thank you to Kelly A. Swift for the use of her photos that ran with my concert review.

Deep Purple release "Throw My Bones" - first single from upcoming new album "Whoosh!"

The first single from Deep Purple's forthcoming album Whoosh! is out today. The song and concept video are great!

DEEP PURPLE RELEASE “THROW MY BONES”, THE FIRST SINGLE OFF THEIR UPCOMING STUDIO ALBUM “WHOOSH!”

~AVAILABLE HERE FOR STREAM AND DOWNLOAD~

~NEW ALBUM TO BE RELEASED JUNE 12 VIA earMUSIC~

New York, NY (March 20, 2020)--Deep Purple is proud to share “Throw My Bones,” the first single from their highly anticipated studio album Whoosh! The single is accompanied by a new music video, which can be viewed here.

Deep Purple’s 21st album to date, and third produced by Bob Ezrin, Whoosh! addresses resentments and ideas about our current world, with a message geared towards all generations. The music video for “Throw My Bones” reflects that message, extending an invitation to take a step back and see the bigger picture. It’s a call to observe the planet, and take action.

“Whoosh is an onomatopoeic word that, when viewed through one end of a radio-telescope, describes the transient nature of humanity on Earth; and, through the other end from a closer perspective, illustrates the career of Deep Purple.” states vocalist Ian Gillan.

Whoosh! follows Deep Purple’s worldwide chart-topping albums inFinite (2017) and NOW What?! (2013). For the third time, the band joined forces with Bob Ezrin, and together they created the most versatile album in their collaboration, “stretching out in all directions” without any limitation, letting their creativity go.

Whoosh! will be available as a Limited CD+DVD Mediabook (including the 1-hour feature “Roger Glover and Bob Ezrin in conversation” and, for the first time, a video of the full live performance at Hellfest 2017), 2LP+DVD Edition, standard CD and Digital on June 12th, 2020 on earMUSIC. Pre-order is available here.

www.deep-purple.com
www.facebook.com/officialdeeppurple
www.twitter.com/_DeepPurple
www.instagram.com/deeppurple_official/
www.youtube.com/earMUSICofficial

earMUSIC is the international rock label of Hamburg based entertainment group Edel, releasing internationally the works of Deep Purple, Foreigner, Chickenfoot, Alice Cooper, Def Leppard, Joe Jackson, Gamma Ray, Stratovarius, Skunk Anansie, H.E.A.T, Status Quo, Lisa Stansfield, Marillion, Thunder, Babymetal, Dragonforce, Tarja and many others.

www.ear-music.net

Paul Weller, new album, 'On Sunset,' out June 12; "Earth Beat" featuring Col3trane out today

Here the luxurious introductory track off Paul Weller's highly-anticipated upcoming release. I think "Earth Beat" is super cool!

New album 'On Sunset,' out June 12, 2020

"Earth Beat" featuring Col3trane out today

Today Paul Weller shares a new song "Earth Beat" (featuring Col3trane) from his 15th studio album On Sunset which comes out June 12th on Verve Forecast.

Today Paul Weller shares "Earth Beat", available now on all digital platforms. With its cutting-edge R&B feel, "Earth Beat" features guest vocals from the US-born singer Col3trane.

LISTEN TO "EARTH BEAT" HERE

On Sunset features ten modern Paul Weller songs. It's a soul album, but at the same time it's also an electronic album, an orchestral album, an album packed with masterly pop songs and heart-tugging ballads, and an album filled with touches of experimentalism. It's also an album that sees Weller taking a rare glance into the rear-view mirror as he speeds into the 2020s.

Weller started work on On Sunset soon after finishing 2018's True Meanings. Opening track "Mirror Ball" was from the TM sessions and originally slated as a b-side. Thankfully it was rescued for On Sunset as it's shimmering opener.

As ever, Weller retains a rigorous forward-looking focus when it comes to seeking out the best contemporary sounds and music. But lyrically, Weller  is also starting to look back on the past with the insight of age especially on songs like "Old Father Thyme".

Most of the album sees Weller multi-tasking on various instruments with accompaniment from his regular band - Ben Gordelier appears on all tracks and Andy Crofts on most whilst Steve Cradock pops up with his guitar on 4 songs. An eclectic and sometimes surprising gathering of guests appear on On Sunset including Slade's Jim Lea contributing violin to the Bonzos-esque "Equanimity", and Paul's old Style Council chum Mick Talbot adds his signature Hammond Organ sound to 3 tracks. The beautifully lush "More" features a verse sung by French singer Julie Gros, from the band Le Superhomard (whose album Meadow Lane Park was one of Weller's favourites of 2019) as well as the return of The Strype's guitarist Josh McClorey. English folk trio The Staves contribute backing vocals for 3 tracks. Once again Hannah Peel sprinkles her magic over the album with string arrangements and The Paraorchestra were invited to add their expertise to 4 tracks.

ON SUNSET 

TRACK-LISTING:

MIRROR BALL 

BAPTISTE

OLD FATHER THYME

VILLAGE

MORE

ON SUNSET

EQUANIMITY

WALKIN'

EARTH BEAT

ROCKETS.