California singer songwriter Joel Rafael released his tenth album, Rose Avenue, on June 21, 2019 worldwide on Inside Recordings. Rose Avenue gracefully defines Rafael and his contribution to the American canon. The ten-song masterpiece includes nine originals that reflect the honest accounting of a man in his 70th year. The album is available now on Inside Recordings, a label created by Jackson Browne and his management team that is distributed by Alternative Distribution Alliance.

Purchase and Streaming: http://smarturl.it/JoelRafaelRoseAve

Recorded and mixed by multi-instrumentalist Marty Rifkin in his Santa Monica studio, Rose Avenue is fresh, and radiates warmth and significance.  Rafael does not stray from his roots in the songs he selected for this release, or in his choice of musical accompaniment, playing acoustic guitar and harmonica.

Social change has always been a topic prevalent in Joel Rafael’s writing, and two beautiful examples found their way into the mix of Rose Avenue. The album’s first single “Strong (feat. Jason Mraz) ,” written by Rafael with Jason Mraz and Michael Natter, brings a message of solidarity. It was originally written and performed for the Water Protectors at Standing Rock, ND in 2016. “Glory Bound,” references the shocking story of Emmett Till and his tragic murder.  In the spirit of Woody Guthrie, Rafael has given the 1955 death of a fourteen-year-old boy its deserved respect and consideration. Rafael plays harmonica on both anthems.

The opening track of the album, and the only cover, is a version of Dick Holler’s 1968 ballad, “Abraham, Martin and John.” Joined by Eliza Gilkyson, the song radiates a lifetime’s longing and concern for social justice. 

Jason Mraz joins Rafael on a second track, also a co-write, “Under Our Skin.”

“I love Joel. He’s a passionate and informed songwriter,” says Mraz. “You can hear the miles he’s traveled in the tone of his tenor. He creates with purpose, and it’s a real honor to be included.“

Joel Rafael has been writing and performing since 1974 and over the past decades has released a stunning collection of nine Americana albums, including a two-disc Woody Guthrie collection with five Guthrie/Rafael co-writes. As a solo performer and with his band, he opened shows and shared stages with Arlo Guthrie, Bonnie Raitt, Crosby, Stills & Nash, Dar Williams, Emmylou Harris, Jackson Browne, Joan Baez, John Lee Hooker, John Trudell, Kris Kristofferson, Laura Nyro, Odetta, Ramblin’ Jack Elliot, and Taj Mahal. On Rose Avenue, Rafael’s perception reflects a lifetime’s insight into the songs he writes; as well as a full measure of gratitude for what has been, and what lies ahead.

For more information, please visit www.joelrafael.com

Nashville-based rock trio GOODING have released a new music video for "Crashing Down", the lead-off single from their new album, The Most Fire, which is due out December 31st. The Most Fire is a follow up to the band's recently released albums Mayday (August 21) and The Darkest of Hours (October 9) and is the third and final installment of Hymns for Revolution, a three-part concept album of dark, apocalyptic, and cinematic rock 'n roll.

View the music video for "Crashing Down" HERE

The Most Fire can be pre-ordered and pre-saved HERE

Like Mayday and The Darkest of Hours before it, The Most Fire was recorded entirely in a basement studio during the Covid-19 quarantine. As the world moves into the new year with a glimmer of hope on the horizon, The Most Fire serves as the closing chapter of the most tumultuous year of our lifetime.

"'Crashing Down' is a fitting first single for the new album as it contains many of the themes for the entire record: empathy vs anger, not buying into fear and greed, becoming who we are, finding light in a difficult time, and the hope that we can remember that we need one another, and the very environment around us," said Gooding, the band's namesake and front man.

"The video was shot right before the sun went down here in Nashville," he added. We're still getting leaves out of the amps and drums."

For more information, please visit www.goodingmusic.com

Kenny Loggins, one of pop music’s greatest hit makers, has released an all-new version of his Top Gun soundtrack hit song "Playing with the Boys" featuring singer-songwriter Butterfly Boucher.

The new track is also featured on At The Movies (Legacy), Loggins' June 12th Record Store Day exclusive vinyl which includes some of his career-spanning soundtrack hits on the same album for the first time ever.

LISTEN TO THE NEW TRACK HERE: https://orcd.co/playingwiththeboys

“Over the course of my career I’ve been fortunate to have a number of my songs included in some memorable movies," said Loggins. "I'm honored that many of the films have since become iconic and I’m thrilled to have these soundtrack hits and the new track with Butterfly Boucher included on one album for a special Record Store Day release.”

"Kenny is a creative force to behold!", said Butterfly Boucher. "This collaboration was a delightful whirlwind of musical ideas, deep conversations and mutual respect. What an honor to be a part of it all.”

Set to be released tomorrow, Saturday, June 12, At The Movies will include some of his career-spanning soundtrack hits for the first time ever on one album, including "I'm Alright" (Caddyshack), "Footloose" (Footloose), "Danger Zone" (Top Gun), and many more. To find a participating retailer near you, please visit https://recordstoreday.com/Stores

At The Movies Track List

Side A:

1. “I’m Alright” (Theme From Caddyshack)

2. “Footloose” (From Footloose Soundtrack)

3. “I’m Free (Heaven Help The Man)” (From Footloose Soundtrack)

4. “Playing With The Boys” (From Top Gun Original Soundtrack)

Side B

1. “Danger Zone” (From Top Gun Original Soundtrack)

2. “Meet Me Half Way” (From Over The Top Soundtrack)

3. “For The First Time” (From One Fine Day)

4. “Nobody’s Fool” (Theme From Caddyshack II)

5. “Playing With The Boys” feat. Butterfly Boucher (New Recording)

Legendary singer songwriter Jesse Colin Young has released a rousing rendition of "America The Beautiful" in advance of the 4th of July Holiday. Young's performance is accompanied by video footage of the vast beauty of the United States, featuring stunning locations from sea to shining sea.

"Coming out of the pandemic we are able to see this country, our America, with fresh eyes," said Young. "I have always loved this song, and wanted to share my version with you so we could revel together in the beauty of this place we call home.”

In late 2020, Young released his 22nd solo album, Highway Troubadour, via BMG. Highway Troubadour marks the first truly solo acoustic record for Young since his debut album, 1964's The Soul of a City Boy.

Recorded with just two AEA A440 ribbon microphones to capture warmth – one for his voice, and one for his guitar – Highway Troubadour features newly-recorded solo performances of songs from Jesse Colin Young’s entire catalog, including a revised take on the Youngbloods’ “Sugar Babe” and an intimate version of “Cast a Stone” from his critically-acclaimed 2019 release, Dreamers."

For more information on Jesse Colin Young, please visit www.jessecolinyoung.com.

Legendary singer songwriter Jesse Colin Young is set to release his rousing rendition of Van Morrison’s “These Dreams of You” on Friday, August 20. The single, which will be available on all streaming platforms, will be accompanied by a new music video.

“'These Dreams of You’ is a tongue in cheek look at relationships gone really wrong, and I couldn’t resist a good shuffle,” said Young.

In support of this release, Jesse Colin Young is set to perform on August 21 alongside Steve Miller at the Never Forget Concert at Northwell Health at Jones Beach Theater in Wantagh, NY which will benefit the Tunnels to Towers Foundation. Honoring the 20^thAnniversary of the September 11 attacks, the event will also feature Journey, John Fogerty, Ann Wilson, and many more. To purchase tickets or find more information, please click Here.

Young will be performing at the Koussevitzky Music Shed at Tanglewood Music Centerin Lenox, MA on August 22 with longtime friend Judy Collins. Tickets start at $24 and can be purchased Here.

In late 2020, Young released his 22nd solo album, Highway Troubadour, via BMG. Highway Troubadour marks the first truly solo acoustic record for Young since his debut album, 1964's The Soul of a City Boy.

Recorded with just two AEA A440 ribbon microphones to capture warmth – one for his voice, and one for his guitar – Highway Troubadour features newly-recorded solo performances of songs from Jesse Colin Young’s entire catalog, including a revised take on the Youngbloods’ “Sugar Babe” and an intimate version of “Cast a Stone” from his critically-acclaimed 2019 release, Dreamers.

Critics are loving Highway Troubadour:

“…these reimagined songs, filled with so much warmth and love, transcend the road-weary travels of a folk troubadour to reveal the resiliency of the human spirit.”

-Acoustic Guitar

"He’s singing to us with his warm vocals, his cascading fingerpicking, and we’re sure happy that Jesse Colin Young is still riding the highways as our troubadour."

-Folk Alley

"...he’s still the folkie he always was, loaded with warmth and inclusiveness well before they became the buzzwords they are now."

-Midwest Record  

"...when he was finally able to make a return to music last year with Dreamers, his first album in 13 years, his return to music made his life feel fully complete. Now, with a new project, tellingly-titled Highway Troubadour, a circle is complete as well."

-Rock and Roll Globe

For more information on Jesse Colin Young, please visit www.jessecolinyoung.com.

About Jesse Colin Young

A pioneer of American roots music for more than half a century, Jesse Colin Young has left a unique mark on the intersecting worlds of folk, blues, jazz, country, and rock & roll. As the front man of the Youngbloods, he immortalized the ideals of the Woodstock generation with "Get Together," an international hit that called for peace and brotherhood during the turbulent 1960s. During the decades that followed, Young expanded both his audience and his artistic range, releasing a string of solo albums that mixed socially conscious lyrics with top-tier guitar skills and gorgeous vocals. An acclaimed songwriter, singer, instrumentalist, producer, label owner, podcast host, and longtime social/environmental activist, he has established a permanent place in America's musical landscape, while continuing to make modern music that's every bit as vital as his work during the countercultural era.

Americana artist Holly Montgomery announced the release of a new single today titled “Looking For Lancelot.” The track debuts in advance of her 2022 LP, Sorry For Nothing, which listeners can expect in May. “Looking For Lancelot” is a lyrical acoustic ballad with a blues-rock grit. The track features Montgomery’s long-time collaborator, guitarist Buddy Speir. It is the artist’s second single released by KZZ Music, following her signing this February.
 
Listen to the track HERE

“Looking For Lancelot” ebbs and flows like an acoustic waltz, thanks to its 3/4 time signature. Montgomery conceived the song on acoustic guitar, aiming for a wistful tone. Its semi-autobiographical lyrics tap into universal themes related to father-daughter relationships. “I’ve always thought that father-daughter and mother-son relationships are incredibly poignant,” Montgomery shares. “My parents were divorced by the time I was born, and my father passed when I was just seven. The absence of that relationship changed how I moved through the world.” But according to Montgomery, this song isn’t just for daughters — it’s a song for restless souls. “Different people are restless for different reasons. Personally, I’ve never felt really rooted. That’s why I love being on the road. In ‘Looking For Lancelot,’ I’m trying to get to the heart of what makes some restless souls tick.”
 
Of course, “Looking For Lancelot” also taps into the timeless story of King Arthur. In the chorus, Montgomery assumes the perspective of Guinevere. The lyrics say, “I’m stuck in the romance of what’s in my blind spot. Why can’t I make peace with all of the good I’ve got? It’s like I married King Arthur, but I still want Lancelot.” Later in the song, however, she says “Don’t call me Guinevere. I don’t want to fail, or go down in history a cautionary tale.” These words reflect the tension of recognizing one’s behavior and patterns while also feeling powerless to change them.
 
The song production began simply, then evolved as more layers were subtly added to the music. The track opens with a steady acoustic riff, interwoven with piano. In the second verse, angelic background vocals chime in, adding an ethereal ambiance. Next, Montgomery introduces fretless bass, a thick and rich addition to the diaphanous acoustic landscape. The artist’s initial vision for the song did not include drums, but “on a lark,” added them from the bridge going out. They found that the punchy kick drum and echoing symbols added drama, complementing the narrative arc.
 
Montgomery’s “Looking For Lancelot,” was mixed by Grammy Award-nominated producer Dave Darling. Darling and Speir also contributed to Montgomery’s forthcoming album, Sorry For Nothing, which debuts in May. “Most of the time, music is better when you’re not producing solo,” Montgomery says. “Co-producing means you get to draw on each other’s brilliance. That’s what Buddy and Dave brought to this album, and it would have been a very different album without them.” The LP is the artist’s sixth solo album and the first she’ll release under the KZZ Music banner. Following the release, Montgomery plans to tour nationally and engage in new creative projects.

Artfully chronicling the ever-shifting sands in both his personal life and America’s sociopolitical landscape, singer/songwriter Nick Binkley’s epic fourth album Stardust Angels Ghosts covers an expansive array of hard-hitting, emotional topics via a colorful, stylistically eclectic mix that includes tender romantic ballads, hard-edged rockers, infectious lighthearted pop, gritty Americana and lilting reggae in collaboration with the late Jamaican legend “Toots” Hibbert of the Grammy-winning band Toots and the Maytals.

The 11 track (12 if you count the “ghost track,” a second version of “Brown-Eyed Angel”) collection is set for release May 19. Its lead single “Cherry,” an old-school love song recalling the charming spirit of a Brill Building pop confection, was released April 21. The song serves as a playful and breezy romantic oasis from the deeply thought-provoking, spiritual and existential themes that are the core of Stardusts Angels Ghosts.

Binkley is releasing the project eight years after his critically acclaimed 100 Parts of Heart, which celebrated and eulogized the life of his late wife and reflected on the long healing process, its shadowy movement from darkness and despair to glimpses of light. The emotional core of the new album is the three personal yet universal, wildly romantic and gratitude-filled “Sam Songs” - “Brown Eyed Angel,” “Black on White” and “J’can Girl” - which collectively show a heart that’s healed, healthy and loving once again at a joyous full throttle. But reflecting on his being the proverbial Phoenix rising from the flames of loss and despair via the angel in his life is just part of the multi-faceted magic on the album.

LISTEN DIGITALLY TO STARDUST ANGELS GHOSTS

For Vinyl or CD Review Copies of Stardust Angels Ghosts - Click Here

“The album feels like the completing of a circle and closing of a powerful chapter in my life, reflecting a time where I’ve been contemplating the shifting sands in my own life and the rapid changes going on in our country and the world,” says Binkley, whose song “100 Parts of Heart” song rose to #4 on the Top 50 Country Charts of the Roots Music Report in 2014. “The songs reflect spiritual changes and romantic re-awakening in my own life after the passing of my first wife while also tapping into the years dominated by Trump, the pandemic and the dangerous political polarization.

“Metaphorically,” the singer adds, “I can tie the theme back to ‘Novi Mir,’ a political activist song I wrote and recorded with Russian pop star Vyacheslav Malezhik 25 years ago, whose title translates to ‘New Peace’ or ‘New World.’ Considering all that is happening in our tattered relations with Russia now, the song appears like a ghost of all that could have been. I am re-releasing it as a streaming single, along with a new, remastered video which includes rehearsal footage of the two of us from 26 years ago.”

On May 14, Binkley performed the songs from Stardust Angels Ghosts with a 14-piece Ensemble at an exclusive, invitation only pre-release event at the Belly Up Tavern in Solana Beach (San Diego County), CA. They played two full sets, one with a full audience and one without, and the performances were filmed for future promotional streaming opportunities.

The cover imagery of Stardust Angels Ghosts by San Diego based artist Rion Schmid is an adventurous revelation. It depicts a vibrant, mystical, visually provocative and thematically illustrative depiction of a troubadour moving ghost-like through a dreamy, impressionistic barren desert landscape into a bright, colorful urban cityscape crackling with fiery energy. (In a more literal sense, when he was once in the Peace Corps in Tunisia, Binkley spent days at a time in the desert landscapes of the Sahara). The concept so perfectly aligns with the H.G. Wells classic 1897 novel “The Invisible Man” that Schmid used the unique font that was on the cover of the original book for the title of the album.  

Looking over his fascinating multi-faceted life careers in and outside of music, Binkley resonates with the “invisible man” idea in a variety of very personal ways. “The troubadour in me is like a ‘ghost in my own lost and found’ visiting in song many different realms in my lifetime,” he says. “When I look back on my life in the high-rise corporate suites of New York, London and LA and the music that life inspired, and being so involved in the production of ‘Free To Rock,’ I feel like a visitor for sure, but a participating visitor, passing through all these worlds, ghost and angel, surreal and real.”

Stardust Angels Ghosts was produced by Nick Binkley with co-production credits shared by Valery Saifudinov, Steve Dudas and Mark Hart. “Black on White” and “J’can Girl” were arranged and produced by Toots Hibbert who also played drums, keys and guitar on the tracks, and recorded by Nigel Burrell at The Reggae Center, Kingston, Jamaica. The main tracks were recorded by Saifudinov at Flight #19 Studios in San Diego, with remote recording of instrumental and vocal tracks by Steve Dudas, Mark Hart and Clinton Davis. The main band includes Binkley on lead vocals and acoustic guitars; Dudas on lead electric guitars; Hart on backup vocals, keyboards, Hammond B-3 organ, and pedal steel and slide guitars; Richard Sellers on drums and percussion; and Mike Kennedy on bass

The new California Americana rock duo, The Taproots, have released a music video for their new single "California Life" which is to be included on their upcoming debut album, Tales Of Wonderland.  The Taproots feature singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist Tom Walters and award-winning vocalist Nicole Cassingham, best known for their weaving of rock, folk, and jazz influences and strong harmonies with compelling storytelling. "California Life" will be available on all streaming services on Friday, March 4.

California Life is an infectious rocker that riffs on the mythology and mystique of the California lifestyle. The accompanying music video playfully blends historic and classic movie footage with iconic shots of the Golden State, mixing in local street dancers with those from the glory days of Hollywood.  

Stream "California Life" on SoundCloud: https://soundcloud.com/user-847206562/california-life

Check out the new music video here: https://youtu.be/LkYgM7gw2I8

The single was recorded at Momboe Studios in Woodland Hills by Michael C. Mason and engineer/mixer Ross Pallone (Prince, Michael McDonald). Walters and Cassingham trade lead vocals while backed by an impressive supporting cast of players, including bassist Mick Mahan (Pat Benatar), guitarist Jon Woodhead (Leon Russel) and drummer Michael C. Mason. Filling out the sound with stereo keyboards are soundtrack pros Craig Dobbin and Jeff Alan Ross (Badfinger/Peter Asher).

The music of The Taproots was recently discovered by recording artist Jay Ferguson (Spirit, The Office) and Hollywood music producer and drummer Michael C. Mason.  After Ferguson heard some demo tapes, he decided to record and mix four original songs at his Santa Barbara studio.   Mason then went on to produce another ten tracks, pulling in some of L.A.’s finest studio and touring musicians for the project. Finally, they reached the point where it was time to release these recordings to the listening world, starting with this single, California Life.

The fast-rising Los Angeles-based roots rock ‘n’ roll band Janet Air announces the release of their first single, “Gone to Waste". The hard-driving, heart-wrenching track is the first in a series of singles set to be released throughout 2023.

Listen to “Gone to Waste” HERE. Watch the video HERE or below:

Crisply produced by lauded hit maker Josh Connolly (whose credits include Carlos Santana, Justin Bieber, Kendrick Lamar, Mike Posner, among others), “Gone to Waste” is a sweeping, emotionally immersive experience with lyrics torn from the pages of singer-songwriter and guitarist Paul Rampton’s own life. “It’s like a fresh glass of water to the face,” Rampton says. “I was going through a divorce. You come in with all of these expectations, but in the end it’s OK to say those days were wasted.”

Still, he stresses that his lyrics aren’t sentimental or moralistic. “It’s honest,” he says. “You can live and learn from coming to terms with hard realities. There’s solace in the realizations, and you can move on. Through the mess of divorce, I found new love, and we were able to create a home for our daughter.”

In addition to Rampton, Janet Air is comprised of lead guitarist Alex Strahle and the rhythm section of Blake Russell and Free Hallas, both of whom alternate between bass and drums. The group came together as a studio project while Rampton worked with Connolly at the producer’s Studio A facility in Las Vegas.

“Josh is an incredible producer, and I’ve been fortunate to have worked with him as a writer on many records over the past 10 years,” Rampton says. “I started coming up with a new batch of songs that were very personal and connected to my own life. Josh said, ‘You need to tell these stories yourself, and we started to form the band to bring that about.”

Enter guitarist Strahle. The son of noted studio guitarist Tom Strahle, who’s played on hundreds of film and TV sessions, along with artists such as Justin Bieber, Strahle fills “Gone to Waste” with soaring, lyrical leads. “I’ve sat in rooms with some incredible guitarists, and I can say that Alex is right there with the best of them,” Rampton says. “He gets a lot of his natural talent from his father, and he has a huge musical vocabulary – music just pours from him.”

As for the nimble yet muscular rhythm section of Blake Russell and Free Hallas, Rampton reveals that their musical intuition comes from blood. “They’re actually cousins, so they have a musicality that’s unique. It’s pretty incredible that they can switch between bass and drums."

Along with recording their debut singles, Janet Air (their moniker stems from the U.S. government plane unofficially named Janet Airlines) has been building a loyal following at gigs around Los Angeles. “What people see on stage is what we are,” Rampton says. “Everything is built from the acoustic up. We’re plug-in-and-play. What you hear us do in the studio is what you hear from us live.”

He promises that Janet Air’s forthcoming album, also produced by Connolly, will remain true to the band’s pure and unvarnished aesthetic. “I found myself while making this record with the band. They’re personal songs that were born from lived experiences. There’s not a word on the record that isn’t true. Both the writing and the recording are authentic – there’s nothing fake.”

For more information, visit: https://www.janetairmusic.com/

Neil Young, Stephen Stills, Lukas Nelson & Promise of the Real, Chris Stills, Oliver Stills, and more, along with many special guests, will return to Los Angeles on Saturday, April 22 at The Greek Theatre for the Autism Speaks Light Up The Blues 6 Concert, presented by the Indianapolis Colts. Hosted once again by Kristen and Stephen Stills, and produced by Nederlander Concerts, the event will also feature performances by three autistic artists - rapper Rio “Soulshocka” Wyles, opera singer Amanda Anderson, and singer and guitarist Will Breman - and will begin at 7:00 PM PST.

Buyer pre-sale begins Wednesday, February 15 at 10 a.m. PST, local pre-sale begins Thursday, February 16 at 10 a.m. PST, and public on-sale started Friday, February 17 at 10 a.m. PT via TicketMaster.com.

The Light Up The Blues Concert returns for its sixth year after a three-year hiatus following the pandemic. The event will celebrate the autism community, while helping to fuel Autism Speaks’ mission to provide services and supports for the needs of all autistic individuals, across the spectrum and throughout the life span. Proceeds from the Light Up The Blues 6 Concert will go toward Autism Speaks’ efforts, which include funding life-enhancing research, increasing early childhood screening and interventions, and improving the transition to adulthood for people with autism.

“With this year’s stellar lineup — and an iconic venue in the Greek Theatre, our hometown favorite — I am itching to get on stage with this crew and support the efforts of Autism Speaks. It’s going to be another exciting and marvelous show!” said Stephen Stills.

“We are so grateful to have almost all of the incredible musicians and actors that we had lined up for the 2020 Light Up the Blues Concert return and show their dedication to helping people on the autism spectrum live life to the fullest. The event will unite families, friends, and communities to benefit this organization, which tirelessly strives to make a world of difference for people with autism and those who love and support them,” said Kristen Stills.

“We couldn’t be more excited to celebrate the resiliency of the autism community over the last few years with the reintroduction of the Light Up The Blues 6 Concert,” said Keith Wargo, CEO & President, Autism Speaks. “The breadth of talent and diverse audiences that this event brings together reinforces a collective commitment to standing together and fostering understanding and inclusion for autistic individuals. We are proud to be a part of this incredible event as it continues to bring us closer to achieving a world where all people with autism can reach their full potential.”

Over the years, the Light Up the Blues Concert has featured artists including Neil Young, Crosby, Stills & Nash, John Mayer, Patti Smith, Brandi Carlile, Sheryl Crow, Beck, Burt Bacharach, Don Felder, Jakob Dylan, Nikka Costa, The War On Drugs, and more, and has raised millions of dollars in support of the work of Autism Speaks, helping to drive the organization’s mission.

About Autism:

Autism, or autism spectrum disorder, refers to a broad range of conditions characterized by challenges with social skills, repetitive behaviors, speech and nonverbal communication. We now know that there is not one autism but many subtypes, and each person with autism can have unique strengths and challenges. A combination of genetic and environmental factors influence the development of autism, and autism often is accompanied by medical issues such as GI disorders, seizures and sleep disturbances.

About Autism Speaks:

Autism Speaks is dedicated to promoting solutions, across the spectrum and throughout the life span, for the needs of individuals with autism and their families. Autism Speaks does this through advocacy and support; increasing understanding and acceptance of people with autism spectrum disorder; and advancing research into causes and better interventions for autism spectrum disorder and related conditions. To find resources, join an event or make a donation, go to www.AutismSpeaks.org. Learn more by following @AutismSpeaks on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and LinkedIn.

About The Greek Theatre:

The Greek Theatre is a 5,901-seat music venue located in Griffith Park, Los Angeles, California. It was built in 1930, opening on September 25 of that year. Designed by architect Samuel Tilden Norton, the theatre stage is modeled after a Greek temple. The Greek Theatre is owned by the City of Los Angeles, Department of Recreation and Parks. The venue is among the City’s most cherished public sites.

The historic Greek Theatre stands as one of the nation’s most beloved and recognized outdoor entertainment venues. Throughout its history, the Greek Theatre has played host to some of the biggest legends in music. This iconic venue has also served as a site for numerous high school graduations, community events and backdrops for television shows and motion pictures. For more information visit: www.lagreektheatre.com

Craft Recordings proudly announces that John Fogerty has joined Spotify’s “Billions Club” with Creedence Clearwater Revival’s enduring recording of his song, “Have You Ever Seen the Rain,” commemorating an outstanding achievement of over 1 billion streams on the platform. The exclusive club, which boasts such members as Queen (“Another One Bites the Dust”), and Nirvana (“Smells Like Teen Spirit”) currently includes under 400 songs. Additionally, when it comes to overall monthly listeners of bands founded in the ’60s, CCR currently ranks in Spotify’s Top 3, landing just behind The Beatles and Fleetwood Mac, and ahead of acts like The Rolling Stones, Pink Floyd, and Led Zeppelin. Nearly 55 years after their debut, it is a remarkable testament to their timeless appeal.

Written by John Fogerty and released in January 1971, “Have You Ever Seen the Rain” was released with “Hey Tonight” as a double-sided hit from the band’s sixth studio album, Pendulum. The record found the California band at the height of their global popularity, following a string of hit singles, an appearance at Woodstock, and their first European tour. That hard work was evidenced in the single’s performance – as it hit No.1 in Canada, Malaysia, and South Africa, and landed in the Top 10 in more than a dozen countries around the world, including Australia, Singapore, Brazil, and the US, where it would eventually be certified 3X Platinum by the RIAA. In the years since its release, “Have You Ever Seen the Rain” has remained a classic rock staple.

“I am honored and humbled that my song has been loved by so many for all these years. I’m just so grateful,” said Fogerty. “Ironically, I wrote this song about my band breaking up, but today, the song has found new meaning for me. I love to dedicate it to my family because they are the rainbow that comes from rain falling on a sunny day.”

Click here to stream “Have You Ever Seen the Rain” on Spotify

Fogerty has lots to celebrate in 2023. The composer of iconic songs that have inspired generations – “Proud Mary,” “Down on the Corner,” “Fortunate Son,” and “Bad Moon Rising,” among many others – acquired a majority interest of the worldwide publishing rights to his historic song catalog from Concord. The compositions have been both a decades-long dream and a personal mission for John. For years, the copyrights to Fogerty’s classic songs were the property of Saul Zaentz, the owner of Fantasy Records, who sold the label and its publishing portfolio to the former Concord Music Group in 1995. Fogerty, who extricated himself from Fantasy in 1974, re-signed with the label upon its purchase by Concord. Even so, he was not able to gain ownership of his songs – until now.

“As of this January, I own my own songs again. This is something I thought would never be a possibility. After 50 years, I am finally reunited with my songs. I also have a say in where and how my songs are used. Up until this year, that is something I have never been able to do. I am looking forward to touring and celebrating this year! I want to thank Concord for helping to make all of this happen. And, I am excited for new ideas and a renewed interest in my music … like a revival,” said John Fogerty.

In April, Fogerty is set to hit the road with his all-new show, appropriately named The Celebration Tour. Joined once again by his sons Shane and Tyler and their band Hearty Har, tour dates are as follows with more dates to be announced:

April 27 – Mohegan Sun Arena – Uncasville, CT*

April 28 – Radio City Music Hall – New York, NY*

May 6 – Los Angeles County Fair – Pomona, CA*

May 7 – Beach Life Festival – Redondo Beach, CA+

May 12 – Mountain Winery – Saratoga, CA*

May 13 – Thunder Valley Casino Resort – Lincoln, CA*

* – with special guests Hearty Har

+ – festival date

To purchase tickets for The Celebration Tour, or for more information, please visit www.johnfogerty.com.

Celebrating a career that has seen him perform his ever-growing catalog of smash hit songs across the globe for nearly six decades, legendary music superstar Kenny Loggins announced a third round of dates for his final concert tour titled “This Is It”. The tour kicked off on March 10 at the Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall in Sarasota, FL, and will continue throughout 2023.

New dates include:

August 3 – Sugar Land, TX – Smart Financial Center*

August 5 – Austin, TX – Moody Amphitheater*

September 12 – New York, NY – Beacon Theatre

September 14 – Uncasville, CT – Mohegan Sun Arena*

September 16 – Clearwater, FL – Coachman Park

October 6 – Las Vegas, NV – Pearl Theater

* Yacht Rock Revue is support

Fan Club members and the public will have an opportunity to also purchase one of two VIP packages being offered specially for this final tour. They can choose between the Footloose VIP package, which comes with a premium seat and exclusively designed merch offering, or the “This Is It” package which offers purchasers an inside look into Kenny’s world on the road with a guided backstage tour, access to soundcheck, group photo with Kenny, and special autographed items.

Local presales start Wednesday, March 15 at 10:00 am local time, with the public on sale set for Friday, March 17 at 10:00 am local time. Please check your local listings for exact details as on sales may vary per date.

Since he first burst on the music scene as half of the hit duo Loggins & Messina and throughout his spectacularly successful solo career, during which time he racked up a consistent succession of gold and platinum-selling albums and singles, Loggins has become a pop culture icon. The two-time Grammy winner has earned the nickname of “The Soundtrack King” thanks to his indelible contributions to films such as Caddyshack, Footloose, and Top Gun (and now the new blockbuster Top Gun: Maverick).

“It’s been an amazing journey since starting with Jimmy Messina in 1971, and I’m fortunate to have had such a long touring career,” Loggins says. “I don’t see this as the end of my professional career, but certainly a halt to the grind of major touring.” He stresses that there was no overarching reason to say farewell to touring, other than “after spending a lifetime on the road, I want to have more time at home.”

As one of the most successful recording artists of all time, with over 25 million albums sold worldwide, Loggins has topped the charts with songs such as “I’m Alright,” “Footloose,” “Danger Zone,” and, of course, “This Is It”, among many others. On the “This Is It” tour, he’ll trace his remarkable musical history with a brand-new, career-spanning stage show sure to thrill his loyal legion of fans.

“I’ll be playing songs that I feel sum up the emotional story of my music,” Loggins says. “This will include 90 percent of the hits and 10 or so percent of the deeper cuts.”

Along with his own solo work, Loggins has an incredible body of work that includes his hits with Jim Messina – including “Danny’s Song,” “House at Pooh Corner,” “Love Song” and “Your Mama Don’t Dance” – as well as his smash duet with Stevie Nicks, “Whenever I Call You Friend” and the rock radio favorite, “Don’t Fight It,” on which he teamed up with Steve Perry.

As for possible guests on the “This Is It” tour, Loggins hints that fans can expect some surprises. “We’ve been talking about it,” he says. “We’re hoping to have some of my longtime friends sit in whenever possible.”

Kenny Loggins’ “This Is It” tour dates include:

March 26 – Good Life Festival – Queen Creek, AZ^

May 11 – FirstBank Amphitheater – Franklin, TN*

May 13 – Ameris Bank Amphitheater – Alpharetta, GA*

May 15 – Peace Center – Greenville, SC

April 28 – Dickies Arena – Fort Worth, TX*

April 30 – New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival – New Orleans, LA^

June 15 – Wolf Trap – Vienna, VA*

June 17 – Virginia Arts Festival – Williamsburg, VA^*

August 3 – Sugar Land, TX – Smart Financial Center*

August 5 – Austin, TX – Moody Amphitheater*

August 17 – Family Arena – St. Charles, MO*

August 19 – Ravinia Festival – Highland Park, IL^*

August 31 – Bronze Buffalo Sporting Club at Teton Springs – Victor, ID

September 2 – Snow Park Outdoor Amphitheater – Park City, UT

September 8 – Fallsview Casino – Niagara Falls, ON

September 12 – New York, NY – Beacon Theatre

September 14 – Uncasville, CT – Mohegan Sun Arena*

September 16 – Clearwater, FL – Coachman Park

October 6 – Las Vegas, NV – Pearl Theater

October 13 – The Venue at Thunder Valley Casino Resort – Lincoln, CA$

October 14 - The Mountain Winery - Saratoga, CA

October 27 – YouTube Theater – Inglewood, CA*

October 29 – Yaamava' Theater – Highland, CA

BOLD – Just Announced

*Yacht Rock Revue is support

$ Richard Marx is support

^Festival

All-Female Country Quintet Mustangs Of The West release their latest album Sea of Heartbreak from KZZ Music/Blue Élan Records. An emotional 12-song collection, the album takes listeners on a ride through the ups and downs of life lived out to its fullest– the heartache, the lessons learned, the reasons we keep going. Recorded the old fashioned way – a great band in a room, learning the songs as they go – it’s a showcase of deep musicianship and the magic of a band even greater than the sum of its parts.

After taking the LA “Cowpunk” scene by storm in the late ‘80s as simply “The Mustangs,” Sea of Heartbreak sees a new formation of the band, reuniting original members Suzanna Spring (vocals/guitar), Sherry Rayn Barnett (lead guitar/vocals), and Holly Montgomery (bass/vocals) while adding newcomers Aubrey Richmond (fiddle/vocals) and Suzanne Morissette Cruz (drums/vocals) to the sound.

Co-produced by KZZ Founder Kirk Pasich and Colin Devlin (The Devlins), Sea of Heartbreak mixes top-notch songcraft with a handful of heartfelt covers. Equally inspired by country-folk storytellers like Lucinda Williams as by the Southern California sound of Poco – who’s late Rusty Young is featured as a co-writer – the album creates the perfect soundscape for an introspective ride up I-5, ruminating on themes of loss and the love that arise from hardship and persistence.

Sea of Heartbreak is an album born of the serious musical experience these women share, an opportunity for a reunited band to show off their cohesion – but also explore their individual voices. While it’s Spring’s delicate, emotional tone that soars over the majority of the songs, the album also features lead vocals from Montgomery on the aching ballad “Anytime I Try,” Richmond on the powerful “Try, Try,” and Cruz on “Learning the Game,” a more intimate take on the Buddy Holly classic.

But when these women sing together, it’s the power of Mother Nature that you feel: the wind whipping through a desert night; the sound of the ocean calling in the distance. The sparkling guitar tones, the stirring interplay of the fiddle, and the driving groove add up to tales of experience and wisdom sung by women who have something to teach us all about love, life, compromise, and perseverance.

With touring dates and yet another album on the way this year, this incredible band now gets the chance to share its magic with the world.

Listen to Sea of Heartbreak HERE

Sea of Heartbreak Tracklist:

    Heartbreak Overture
    Sea of Heartbreak
    Fiery Angel
    We All Lose Sometimes
    Anytime I Try
    Crooked Road
    Blue Rodeo
    Some Blue Sky
    Try, Try Again
    Learning The Game
    Precious To Me
    Heartbreak Reprise

Legendary Rock and Roll Hall of Fame guitarist Jeff Skunk Baxter, known to millions of music fans from his groundbreaking work with Steely Dan, the Doobie Brothers and Spirit, and from countless smash hit recordings he’s performed on as one of the most respected and sought-after studio musicians of his time, has announced that he’s returning to the East Coast for a run of tour dates set to kick off November 7th for a pair of shows at New York City’s famed Iridium Jazz Club.

Tour dates are as follows:

November 7-8 – New York City, NY – Iridium Jazz Club

November 9 – Boston, MA – City Winery

November 11 – Hopewell, VA – Beacon Theater

November 12 – Virginia Beach, VA – Elevation 27

November 13 – Alexandria, VA – The Birchmere

November 14 – Sellersville, PA – Sellersville Theater

November 16 – Yarmouth, MA – The Music Room

November 17 – Manchester, NH – The Rex Theater

November 18 – Roslyn, NY – My Father’s Place at the Roslyn Hotel

November 19 – Old Saybrook, CT – The Kate, Katherine Hepburn CAC

Baxter is continuing his highly successful tour in support of his debut solo album, Speed of Heat, which was released in 2022 by BMG/Renew Records to the delight of critics and fans alike. Joining the guitarist and singer on stage is a phenomenal group of musicians: Hank Horton (first-call session player and bassist for the Detroit Symphony) on bass and lead vocals, Mark Damian (top session and live player) on drums and vocals, and James Raymond (composer, studio and touring musician, and David Crosby’s son) on keyboards and vocals.

“We plan on performing virtually all the songs from Speed of Heat, along with a few surprises,” Baxter says. “The tours have gone extremely well, and it has been way too much fun and gratifying to perform these songs for a live audience, especially with a band as outstanding and amazing as the one I have the privilege of touring with me. The response has been incredible and just makes me want to keep on doing it!”

The success of Speed of Heat – a stellar 12-song set that features a host of brilliantly crafted originals co-written by Baxter and his co-producing and musical partner CJ Vanston, as well as inspired versions of classic tunes – continues to spread far and wide, with two new singles impacting radio simultaneously.

Five-Time Grammy® Nominee David Arkenstone’s new album Winterlüde has hit #1 on the NACC Chill Charts. Composed, performed, and produced by the multiple Grammy® nominee, whose music has been described as “soundtracks for the imagination,” Winterlüde evokes feelings of the winter season. This album releases just in time for the holiday season and 3-state tour of Colorado, New Mexico, and Arizona.

“With this recording I set out to capture the feelings I get when winter comes around. It’s an idealized winter to be sure, but I wanted to illustrate some of the moods that come over me during this unique time. It seems the earth is more quiet and there’s more time for reflection and contemplation. The songs are like little chapters in a book, with each sound painting embodying a characteristic or mood that is meaningful to me during this magical season,” Arkenstone stated.

Arkenstone’s new winter tour A Winter’s Eve with David Arkenstone & Friends will commence Friday, December 1st, in Denver, Colorado, then head to New Mexico and Arizona, with concerts through December 16th. Arkenstone’s tours are transcendent musical celebrations, and he promises that the upcoming shows will thrill and delight new and longtime fans. He’ll debut live performances from his new album Winterlüde, perform classic holiday songs in this candlelit concert, and kindle fond memories of seasons past. Joined on stage by virtuoso musicians Kimberly Zaleski (flute), Laurann Woods (violin), Emily Elkin (cello), and Josh Gilgoff (percussion), David has plenty of holiday surprises in store.

A Winter’s Eve Tour Dates:

Dec 1 - Denver, CO - Robert and Judi Newman Center for the Performing Arts

Dec. 2 - Boulder, CO - eTown Hall

Dec. 3 - Idaho Springs, CO - United Center

Dec. 4 - Lafayette, CO - Muse Performance Space

Dec. 6 - Salida, CO - SteamPlant Event Center

Dec. 7 - Evergreen, CO - Center Stage

Dec. 8 - Englewood, CO - Hampden Hall, Englewood Civic

Dec. 9 - Palmer Lakes, CO - Tri-Lakes Center For The Arts

Dec. 10 - Albuquerque, NM - South Broadway Cultural Center

Dec. 12 - Flagstaff, AZ - Coconino Center For The Arts

Dec. 14 - Yuma, AZ - Yuma Historic Theater

Dec. 15 - Phoenix, AZ - Musical Instrument Museum

Dec. 16 - Tucson, AZ - Sea of Glass Center For The Arts

Legendary nonprofit music venue Sweetwater Music Hall is set to celebrate its 51st Anniversary on Friday, November 17, 2023, with a benefit gala. The special event will feature a performance by the iconic San Francisco band The Tubes, with Prairie Prince and Fee Waybill, accompanied by the musical talents of DJ Logic. Additionally, a live auction will offer unique items and experiences to attendees. This gala serves as a fundraiser for Sweetwater Music Hall, a nonprofit arts organization that supports the advancement of music education, appreciation, and the rich music and cultural history of the Bay Area, especially focusing on youth arts education.

Part of the ticket purchase price is tax-deductible, and tickets can be secured here.

The event promises to be a night to remember, with The Tubes bringing their distinctive fusion of rock, punk, and avant-garde theatrics to the stage, a nod to their significant impact on the Bay Area's music scene during the '70s and '80s. DJ Logic, renowned for blending jazz with hip-hop, will join the stage, adding his turntablist expertise to the mix.

Attendees will also have the chance to reminisce with The Tubes’ performance of “White Punks on Dope,” echoing their historic performance at Winterland in San Francisco on October 31, 1974, which can be watched on YouTube.

Prairie Prince reflects on the anniversary as a testament to the venue's dedication to diverse music and community legacy. Sweetwater Music Hall, since its opening in 1972, has been a vital part of the Bay Area music scene, hosting an array of famous musicians and serving as a community cornerstone.

Maria Hoppe, the Executive Director of Sweetwater Music Hall, shares her enthusiasm about hosting The Tubes for this landmark event, highlighting it as a celebration of over five decades of live music and community engagement.

Often heralded as a “Jewel of America” by international agents and musicians, Sweetwater Music Hall invites all to join in celebrating its 51 years of musical and cultural contribution.

The celebration will be held at Sweetwater Music Hall, located at 19 Corte Madera Ave, Mill Valley, CA 94941. Tickets and further details about the event are available on the Sweetwater Music Hall website.

For additional information, please visit sweetwatermusichall.com.

Iconic Grammy-winning artists Melissa Manchester and Dolly Parton join forces to unveil the captivating focus track "Midnight Blue," a highlight of Manchester's eagerly awaited 25th studio album, RE:VIEW. Released by Green Hill Productions, this latest offering is a reflective and heartfelt ode to Manchester's illustrious 50-year career in the music industry, weaving pop, soul, and soft rock into a memorable musical tapestry that commemorates this landmark anniversary with a songbook of timeless classics.

RE:VIEW presents a compelling collection of ten tracks that infuse new life into beloved songs, each enriched by the wisdom of five decades in music. Following the release of three singles, the album spotlights "Midnight Blue," reimagined through a remarkable collaboration with global superstar Dolly Parton, underscoring the album’s theme of renewal and enduring relevance.

The partnership with Parton represents a fusion of mutual admiration and artistic synergy, revitalizing the Carole Bayer Sager/Melissa Manchester co-write that has been cherished by fans since its original release in 1975. Manchester's initiative to collaborate with Parton brought an unparalleled depth to the track. "I sent Dolly the track and she sent back a recording of her singular interpretation. It was so tender," Manchester reveals, "I wanted to meet her vocally in that beautiful and unexpected place. The harmonics she thinks of are just otherworldly." This collaboration not only breathes new life into a beloved classic but also highlights Manchester's talent for crafting music that stands the test of time.

WATCH THE "MIDNIGHT BLUE” MUSIC VIDEO

Recorded in the periods before and during the global pandemic, RE:VIEW testifies to Manchester's resilience and creativity. Serving as both a celebration of her past works and a beacon of hope and unity in challenging times, the album reflects Manchester's continuous evolution and her capacity to adapt and flourish under any circumstances.

Additionally, the album features "Whenever I Call You Friend," a highly anticipated duet with Manchester’s co-writer, Kenny Loggins, which has already made its debut as the album's inaugural single. This song highlights the enduring friendships and spirit of collaboration Manchester has fostered within the music industry. Accompanied by a soulful performance by jazz great Dave Koz, this track highlights the deep ties that define Manchester's storied career. The early release of "Whenever I Call You Friend" not only raised expectations for the album but also showcased Manchester's ability to deeply connect with both her peers and fans.

RE:VIEW is available for streaming and purchase on all major platforms.

RE:VIEW encapsulates the shared experiences of music, healing, and community. Manchester's voice, both powerful and poignant, invites listeners to discover solace and connection within her songs. Traversing a wide emotional and musical landscape, from the bossa nova flair of "Confide in Me" to the gospel-infused "Just You and I", the album showcases Manchester's diverse range and profound impact on music.

As Melissa Manchester continues her role as Mrs. Rose Brice in the national tour of "Funny Girl," she contemplates the significance of RE:VIEW: "I wanted to extend this gift to the fans and hopefully to new listeners … This album is a celebration of 50 years of music and all the songs that have shaped my journey … a token of my gratitude for each one."

RE:VIEW Tracklist:

    Whenever I Call You Friend (feat. Kenny Loggins & David Koz)
    Through The Eyes Of Love
    You Should Hear How She Talks About You
    Fire In The Morning
    Come In From The Rain
    Midnight Blue (feat. Dolly Parton)
    Confide In Me
    Just Too Many People
    Don’t Cry Out Loud
    Just You And I (feat. Gerald Albright)

Legendary folk singer-songwriter Jesse Colin Young announces the second digital re-release single “Fight For It” off his 1982 solo album The Perfect Stranger. “Fight For It” features an epic collaboration with Carly Simon, known for hitting the Top 40 Charts with 13 singles including “You’re So Vain,” “You Belong To Me,” and “Nobody Does It Better.” This dynamic collaboration ignites the music scene with catchy melodies and powerful vocals, making its digital debut for the first time since the 80s across all platforms.

Listen to “Fight For It”

"Fight For It" is an electrifying blend of Young's signature folk-rock sound infused with Simon's unmistakable vocal prowess, creating a harmonious and emotionally resonant track that speaks to the universal themes of perseverance, resilience, and hope. With poignant lyrics and infectious melodies, the song is poised to resonate with listeners of all ages.

The track marks Young's latest musical endeavor following his most recent single release “Fire on the Water” featuring Michael McDonald. Teaming up with Simon adds another dimension to Young's already illustrious repertoire, promising audiences an unforgettable musical journey.

The single will be available for digital download and streaming on all major platforms, including Spotify, Apple Music, and Amazon Music, allowing fans worldwide to experience the magic of Jesse Colin Young and Carly Simon's collaboration.

About Jesse Colin Young:

A pioneer of American roots music for more than half a century, Jesse Colin Young has left a unique mark on the intersecting worlds of folk, blues, jazz, country, and rock & roll. As the frontman of the Youngbloods, he immortalized the ideals of the Woodstock generation with "Get Together," an international hit that called for peace and brotherhood during the turbulent 1960s. During the decades that followed, Young expanded both his audience and his artistic range, releasing a string of solo albums that mixed socially conscious lyrics with top-tier guitar skills and gorgeous vocals. An acclaimed songwriter, singer, instrumentalist, producer, label owner, podcast host, and longtime social/environmental activist, he has established a permanent place in America's musical landscape, while continuing to make modern music.