JIMMY HERRING, one of the most sought after American guitarists today, has set the release date of August 21 for his second solo album, Subject To Change Without Notice, through Abstract Logix Records.  As the founding member of The Aquarium Rescue Unit, Project Z and Jazz is Dead, in addition to playing with everyone from The Allman Brothers Band, The Grateful Dead to Phil Lesh and Friends, and Bela Fleck, HERRING has made his indelible impact on the music world. He currently serves as the lead guitarist for the very popular American Band, Widespread Panic.Prior to releasing his first solo outing, Lifeboat, HERRING was known for his limitless improvisations, long flowing phrases, and highly charged, yet soulful, lead guitar that drew high praises from a diverse set within the musician community including Chick Corea, John McLaughlin to Dweezil Zappa. Throughout his early career, he plied his skills in multiple musical contexts, ranging from classically song-driven rock to technically demanding jazz fusion.Now, with the release of his second album, Subject To Change Without Notice, HERRING has compiled eight original songs highlighted by the addition of amazing covers, including the Mahavishnu Orchestra’s “Hope”, George Harrison’s “Within You Without You” and Jimmy McGriff’s “Miss Poopie”.  As one of the industry’s top-tier performance and recording guitarists, HERRING has once again illuminated the art form that transcends any categorization.With HERRING on lead guitar, the album also features such top notch musicians as Neal Fountain, Etienne Mbappe (Bass), Jeff Sipe, Tyler Greenwell (Drums), Matt Slocum (Piano/Keys).  In addition, making special guest appearances on the album are Bela Fleck (Banjo), and Bill Evans (Sax) and Nicky Sanders (Violin) from the Steep Canyon Rangers.Jimmy Herring on Tour:August 22                   Aggie Theatre                                              Ft. Collins, COAugust 23                   Performing Arts Center at Third St                   Carbondale, COAugust 25                   NEDFEST 2012                                              Nederland, COSeptember 14              Jomeokee Music & Arts Festival                        Pinnacle, NCSeptember 15              Jomeokee Music & Arts Festival                        Pinnacle, NCOctober 20                  Magnolia Music Fest                                        Live Oak, FLNovember 2                 Georgia Theatre                                             Athens, GANovember 3                  Neighborhood Theatre                                   Charlotte, NCNovember 4                  Carolina Theatre                                            Durham, NCNovember 10                 Steel Jam                                                    Bethlehem, PANovember 16                 Capitol Center for the Arts                              Concord, NHNovember 17                 Buffalo State Performing Arts Center                Buffalo, NYNovember 18                 The Egg Hart Theatre                                    Albany, NY

Alex Machacek, the amazing fusion guitarist, has done it again. Combining mindboggling fluidity, daredevil string-skipping technique and audacious intervallic leaps on the guitar (ones that will make even the most ardent Allan Holdsworth fan take notice), has taken his penchant for precision ensemble playing and created a collection of audible art that rivals the late, great Frank Zappa’s. Machacek takes the lead on FAT (Fabulous Austrian Trio), to be released on September 18th through Abstract Logix.The extraordinary Austrian native, and current California resident, has upped the ante on all of his previous outings with FAT (Fabulous Austrian Trio). As heard on the rhythmically complex and slightly tongue-in-cheek “Why Not (aka Disco Polka),” and the equally intricate “Safe Word”, Machacek is ably accompanied on his sophomore outing by superb drummer Herbert Pirker and outstanding bassist Raphael Preuschl.  This trio appeared together on various tracks from Machacek’s impressive 2005 debut, {Sic}, from Abstract Logix.Machacek recalls, “My last recording was 24 Tales, a ‘re-composition’ of an existing 51-minute long drum solo by Marco Minnemann, and the focus there was on composition. On FAT, I wanted to have more improvisations and more emphasis on interplay…just like a band, so to speak.” That kind of organic interplay can be heard between Machacek, Pirker and Preuschl on the ethereal ballad “What A Time To Be Me” and the spacious “Let’s Not Argue,” the latter which has Alex playing baritone guitar. As a kind of relief from the astounding intricacy and unisons demonstrated elsewhere throughout FAT, there is the gorgeous solo bass piece “Ton Portrait” (a nod to the late, great Jaco Pastorius’s anthemic “Portrait of Tracy”) and the atmospheric closer, “Let's Not Argue,” which incorporates a great deal of breath between the notes while still showcasing Machacek’s inimitable six-string facility. The guitarist reserves his most lyrical playing for “D-Lite” and on “The Life of Herbert P.” he creates a ‘re-composition’ around an existing drum solo by Pirker. The Fabulous Austrian Trio also generates some potent swinging momentum on the album’s jazziest number, “Studio Swing.”Machacek will play an album release party on September 2nd at Porgy & Bess in Vienna, Austria.  www.porgy.at

Talk about one of the most amazing group of musicians playing together, debuting in early 2013 – they are THE RINGERS featuring Jimmy Herring, Wayne Krantz, Michael Landau, Keith Carlock and Etienne Mbappe.  This super-group of talent, with such varying backgrounds, brings together 5 different genres; Rock, Funk, Jazz, Blues and African.  This super-group of talent will be starting a very limited, exclusive tour on February 19th in Athens, GA before hitting Charlotte, Raleigh, New York and concluding on February 23rd in Washington, DC.The idea came from Abstract Logix label founder, Souvik Dutta.  The concept was to bring five guys together, not to just perform as a super-group, but to work “as a unifying artistic force, one where people put music ahead of their egos to collectively create great music.”   These five veteran musicians will perform together on new material written exclusively for this band, as well as each individual’s solo material and covers tunes chosen by the players.Jimmy Herring, as the founding member of The Aquarium Rescue Unit, Project Z and Jazz is Dead, in addition to playing with everyone from The Allman Brothers Band, The Grateful Dead to Phil Lesh and Friends, and Béla Fleck, has made his indelible impact on the music world. He currently serves as the lead guitarist for the very popular American Band, Widespread Panic and released his second solo album, Subject To Change Without Notice, this past August 21stWayne Krantz released his tenth album, Howie 61, this past April to glowing critical praise.  Krantz has played with Randy Brecker, Leni Stern and Steely Dan, among others.  Through a succession of highly lauded solo recordings, Krantz has continuously evolved as an artist - pushing himself in new and exciting directions. Revered for his forward-thinking approach to improvisation (brilliantly documented in his 2004 book An Improviser’s OS), Krantz has fearlessly branched into new areas, while consistently skirting the edges of jazz, rock and fusion.Michael Landau is a prolific session musician and guitarist who has played on a large number of albums since the early 1980s with artists as varied as Joni Mitchell, Seal, Michael Jackson, James Taylor, Richard Marx, Steve Perry, Pink Floyd and Miles Davis.  In addition to his session work, Landau has also fronted several bands including Raging Honkies and Burning Water. Keith Carlock, an amazing drummer, has recorded and/or toured with such musical luminaries as John Mayer, Sting, Steely Dan, James Taylor, Donald Fagen, Walter Becker, Diana Ross, Faith Hill, The Blues Brothers Band, Mike Stern, Leni Stern, David Johansen and the Harry Smiths, Richard Bona, Chris Botti, Wayne Krantz, Rudder, Harry Belafonte, Oz Noy, Larry Carlton, Clay Aiken, Rascal Flatts, Paula Abdul and Grover Washington, Jr, to name a few.Bass player, Etienne Mbappe, is best known for his years with the Zawinul Syndicate.  In the 80’s he was the masterpiece of the jazz fusion band Ultramarine which incorporated jazz with elements of African and Caribbean influences.  He also played with Ray Charles on his last album and is currently a member of John McLaughlin’s 4th Dimension.THE RINGERS Exclusive Tour Dates:Feb 19, Georgia Theatre Athens, GAFeb 20, Neighborhood Theatre Charlotte, NCFeb 21, Lincoln Theatre Raleigh, NCFeb 22, BB Kings Blues Club New York, NYFeb 23, Howard Theatre Washington DC

Three amazing Guitarists -Jimmy Herring (Widespread Panic, Aquarium Rescue Unit, The Dead) , Wayne Krantz (Donald Fagen, Steely Dan, Michael Brecker), Michael Landau (James Taylor, Joni Mitchell, Miles Davis), Drummer Keith Carlock (Sting, Steely Dan, James Taylor) and Bassist Etienne Mbappe (John McLaughlin, Joe Zawinul, Salif Keita) are the Meeting of the Minds on this upcoming amazing tour as THE RINGERS.

The Musical Possibilities are Endless and fireworks are assured. Come and be a part of the New Musical Adventure

The Ringers Upcoming Tour Dates:

Feb 19, Georgia Theatre, Athens, GA
Feb 20, Neighborhood Theatre, Charlotte, NC
Feb 21, Lincoln Theatre, Raleigh, NC
Feb 22, BB Kings Blues Club, New York, NY
Feb 23, Howard Theatre, Washington DC

World-renowned guitarist John McLaughlin, is set to begin his first U.S. tour in three years.  The tour begins on June 11th in Durham, NC and will hit Asheville, DC, Bethlehem, Boston and a 3-night stand in New York City at the Blue Note before ending in Toronto on June 23rd.  McLaughlin and his legendary 4th Dimension band will also make a special appearance at this year’s Bonnaroo Festival in Manchester, Tennessee on June 14th.“Since I last visited the US, there has been a change in my band 'The 4th Dimension'. Ace drummer Ranjit Barot became a permanent member of the band and I know our friends and listeners over there will be thrilled to see and hear him with Etienne M'Bappe, Gary Husband and myself,” said McLaughlin.  “We recorded a new CD a short while back called 'Now Here This', and I'm very, very happy with this recording. This is another reason I'm delighted to bring this new lineup to the US since we've played all over Western and Eastern Europe and had such enthusiastic audiences.”After celebrating his 70th birthday year, McLaughlin upped-the-ante even further with greater fire, finesse and free-wheeling interplay on his latest studio recording, Now Here This (Abstract Logix), released last October with The 4th Dimension on board to support the critically praised album.  Beginning the European-leg in late October, the month-long tour hit romantic locales such as France and Switzerland, with Poland, Germany, the UK and Russia following close behind.  Later, McLaughlin touched down in such far flung locations as Belarus and Siberia, ending with shows in Finland, Norway and Italy. The reviews were amazing, with Jazzwise publication saying “John McLaughlin celebrates his 70th birthday year with a bang by releasing his most explosive new album since the early days of the Mahavishnu Orchestra.”McLaughlin’s musical influences span many generations of the musical elite, those who also declare him to be “the best guitarist alive,” as Jeff Beck mused in 2010. In 2003, McLaughlin ranked 49th in Rolling Stone magazine list of the "100 Greatest Guitarists of All Time" and in the summer of 2007, McLaughlin performed at Eric Clapton’s Crossroad Guitar Festival in Bridgeview, Illinois.   Chick Corea remarked to DownBeat Magazine that “…what John McLaughlin did with the electric guitar set the world on its ear.  No one ever heard an electric guitar played like that before, and it certainly inspired me. John's band, more than my experience with Miles, led me to want to turn the volume up and write music that was more dramatic and made your hair stand on end."There is little doubt that McLaughlin's return to the electrified fusion he first innovated over 40 years ago in groups led by trumpet icon Miles Davis and drum legend Tony Williams - and, of course, with his own earth-shattering Mahavishnu Orchestra - is as electrifying and exhilarating as ever.Now Here This - 2013 U.S. Tour itinerary:June 11                  Carolina Theater                                           Durham, NCJune 13                  The Orange Peel                                          Asheville, NCJune 14                 Bonnaroo Festival                                      Manchester, TNJune 16                  The Howard DC Jazz Festival                           Washington, DCJune 17                  MusikFestCafe/River Jazz Festival                      Bethlehem, PAJune 18                  Blue Note Club (2 sets)                                  New York, NYJune 19                  Blue Note Club (2 sets)                                  New York, NYJune 20                  Blue Note Club (2 sets)                                  New York, NYJune 22                  Berklee Performance Center                            Boston, MAJune 23                  Toronto Jazz Festival                                      Toronto, Canada

From the very get-go Volto! was an oddity.  Here is a band comprised of some of the most accomplished musicians in Los Angeles (including the drummer of GRAMMY Award winning, multi-platinum selling band, Tool) who were down right excited about playing cover tunes in a tiny jazz club in the Valley.  This at a time when dyed-in-the-wool rockers were paying Hollywood club owners to play their originals in hope of inking a record deal and being catapulted to fame.Then there were the fusion numbers – staggeringly complex arrangements by Weather Report, Jeff Beck, and Tony Williams that, more so than the hard rock favorites, gave carte blanche for spirited improvisation.  And if you have a drummer of the notoriety of Tool’s Danny Carey, fans with purple Sharpies in their pockets (hoping to get an autograph) might just get a drum solo or two delivered with calm intensity and lightning fast accuracy by the native Kansan wearing a Jayhawks’ basketball jersey.Volto! also features one hell of a bass guitarist and the pride of Corpus Christi named Lance Morrison (session and tour bassist for Don Henley).  During each show, the quiet, steady fixture wearing a golf cap would get a chance to ‘show off’ his technical expertise with a solo or two dedicated (sarcastically) to all the ladies in the club.Applauding these solos as much as anyone in the packed room was Pigmy Love Circus guitarist John “Volto” Ziegler (another Texas transplant) who would once again take the reins, cueing his band mates to intros, outros, imminent changes or take blistering leads, dexterous arpeggios with delicate effects-laden phrasing.When it came time for last call and the band played their final cover tune, the party would continue either at Tool’s rehearsal loft or at Danny’s Hollywood manse. Over Shiner Bocks, vodka and tequila, eventually the conversation would turn to Volto! writing and performing original music.  Hell, maybe even doing a record.Rather than book time in one of the countless studios in L.A., it was decided that they would track the songs ‘live’ – onto tape! – utilizing the recording equipment at the loft’s modest studio. When he had a small window of time between projects, veteran recording engineer “Evil” Joe Barresi (Tool, Queens of the Stone Age, Bad Religion) was summoned to sit at Danny’s API 2448 console. To get the performance and overdubs onto tape, they dusted off an old Studer A827 gold 24-track machine.  It might have taken nearly a decade to get to this point, but once the ball was rolling (and custom Neve faders set), things proceeded at a rather quick pace.  Much to everyone’s delight, songs with names like “Grillz”, “BHP”, and “Grip It” were even given a boost in intensity by keyboard wizard, Jeff Babko (Kimmel House band, Butch Walker, Larry Carlton.)Once the recording and mixing process was completed, Incitare was delivered to Gateway Mastering and left to the very capable ears of Bob Ludwig. For the art work, Danny had the idea to use a piece in his collection by the famous underground psychedelic artist Rick Griffin.  Originally, this was to be used as cover art for a Steppenwolf record, but for whatever reasons didn’t happen.  With the other members equally enthusiastic by the piece, together with art contributions by Tool guitarist Adam Jones, the packaging was complete.  With management in place and a record deal with Concord struck, a release date was set - July 23rd, 2013. In the meantime, you can get the Volto! experience when they next perform live.  And while you shouldn’t expect to hear a 20-minute rendition of “Whipping Post”, and can’t say with absolute certainty what keyboardist will be sitting in to augment the music, but the sheer precision with which Volto! plays will leave you stunned.Track Listing for Incitare1) Grip It2) Gillz3) Whopner4) Drumbeaux5) Quirk6) BHP7) Meltdown8) Tocino9) I’m Calm Now

On Saturday, October 12th, the 2nd Annual CBGB Music & Film Festival will return to TIMES SQUARE (NYC) for a historic FREE concert festival featuring live performances from a great line-up of top bands and DJs.Live music & DJs will perform from multiple outdoor stages on Broadway while interactive installations like a music equipment expo, a skateboard half-pipe, rock climbing, a record fair, a silent disco and dozens of other attractions will fill Times Square to entertain people of all ages. Additionally, hundreds more bands will be invading venues across Manhattan and Brooklyn as part of the 6-day Music and Film Festival including My Morning Jacket, The Wallflowers, Grizzly Bear, Divine Fits, a special DJ set by James Murphy (DFA / LCD Soundsystem), Meat Puppets, Spank Rock, Amanda Blank, Atlas Genius, Bell X1, Lisa Loeb, Dale Earnhardt, Jr. Jr., Je, Hani El Khatib, Kid Kamillion, Dirty Finger and hundreds more.Taking place throughout Manhattan and Brooklyn in almost 175 different venues, the CBGB Music & Film Festival will host a myriad of performances in an equally over-arching range of genres: punk, pop, hardcore, thrash, electro, Americana, country, experimental, and more.Hundreds more acts and additional curated events will be announced in the coming weeks, so check out www.cbgb.com for the latest updates and additions. There are a number of ways to participate in the CBGB Festival.  There are a limited number of tickets available to attend the Red Carpet Premier of CBGB The Movie at the Landmark Theater on Tuesday, October 8th.   Tickets and badges for the CBGB The Movie Red Carpet Premier Experience and three additional different tiers of festival access are available on the CBGB website.  The CBGB VIP Platinum Badge is available through Ticketmaster.  For more information, please visit either CBGB.com or Ticketmaster.com.The 2013 CBGB Music & Film Festival will take place on October 8-13 in New York City and will feature more than 500 artists in over 175 venues in Brooklyn and Manhattan. The event will also host more than 125 speakers and 100 films for a total of more than 700 live events. VISIT CBGB.COM and CBGB on FACEBOOK for constant updates.

Beloved songs by the legendary JOHN LENNON get the Twinkle Twinkle Little Rock Star Lullaby treatment in this new collection, available on iTunes now.  Featuring soothing versions of classic songs such as “Imagine”, “Give Peace A Chance,” and “Happy Xmas (War is Over),” this collection is perfect for any parent who wants to play the music they love for their little one.  These beautifully treated classics are also perfect for those practicing yoga, massage, or just want to relax with their favorite music.  Available via iTunes and Amazon.

Twinkle Twinkle Little Rock Star was born for the parent that wants to pass along their biggest passion to their child; music.  Twinkle Twinkle Little Rock Star transforms popular music into instrumental lullabies perfect for soothing babies, or adults looking to just unwind.  Now, parents can enjoy the music from Lady GaGa to Metallica in a comforting, lullaby style.  With over 135 titles to choose from, Twinkle Twinkle Little Rock Star is the largest line of pop, rock, metal and jamband music lullabies in the world. 

These tracks are cute and they are easy-going, but they definitely aren’t novelty.  Roma Music Group, which releases Twinkle Twinkle Little Rock Star, is run by two serious music industry veterans who put the fidelity of these recording at the top of their priority list.  Let’s face it, much like the brand name clothes you buy for your infant, this music really expresses how you view the world.  Whether you are raising a metal baby, rocker or hippie baby, Twinkle Twinkle Little Rock Star has your favorite music transformed from arena classics into nursery gems. 

Twinkle Twinkle Little Rock Star.  This is where the cool kids start.

Lullaby Versions of John Lennon

1.              Imagine

2.              Stand By Me

3.              Woman

4.              Jealous Guy

5.              Watching The Wheels

6.              Working Class Hero

7.              (Just Like) Starting Over

8.              #9 Dream

9.              Mind Games

10.           Power To The People

11.           Give Peace a Chance

12.           Instant Karma! (We All Shine On)

13.           Happy XMAS (War is Over)

14.           Beautiful Boy (Darling Boy)

There is a buzz echoing through the music scene and the sound is as appealing to the mind as it is to the ears. One of the most talented groups of musicians currently playing together -THE RINGERS, featuring Jimmy Herring, Wayne Krantz, Michael Landau, Keith Carlock and Etienne Mbappe, first debuted in early 2013 for a very exclusive tour on the east coast.  The tour proved quite fulfilling for the iconic five-some, bringing together their varied backgrounds of Rock, Funk, Jazz, Blues and African styles.

Now, this group of super-talent will once again hit the road; announcing a U.S. tour for early 2014.  Starting on January 18^th, The Ringers will make two special appearances at the Sunshine Music & Blues Festivals in Florida and among other performances, will join American jam-band, moe, as Special Guests on a select number of dates (see below for itinerary details).   In addition, thee band has also announced that it will allow audiences to record the live show as long as the venue permits.

The Ringers line-up will temporarily alter this time around as drummer, Keith Carlock, will be staying close to home, with his expectant wife.  Dynamic musician, drummer, Gary Novak, will take his place for these tour dates.  Carlock, who recommended Novak to fill-in for him, offers these supportive words,

"Unfortunately, I will not be able to join my band mates on this January/ February tour. My wife and I are expecting our second child to arrive during that time, so I will be staying home for that!  I look forward to joining Jimmy, Wayne, Mike, and Etienne again as soon as possible! "   

- Keith Carlock

The original concept behind The Ringers was to bring five guys together, not to just perform as a super-group, but to work “as a unifying artistic force, one where people put music ahead of their egos to collectively create great music.”   These five veteran musicians will perform together on new Ringers material written exclusively for this band, as well as each individual’s solo material, covers tunes chosen by the players and brand new tunes each artist will debut for the live audience. The Ringers are also planning to record an album of originals, for release in 2014.

Jimmy Herring, as the founding member of The Aquarium Rescue Unit, Project Z and Jazz is Dead, in addition to playing with everyone from The Allman Brothers Band, The Grateful Dead to Phil Lesh and Friends, and Béla Fleck, has made his indelible impact on the music world. He currently serves as the lead guitarist for the very popular American Band, Widespread Panic and released his second solo album, Subject To Change Without Notice, last year.

Wayne Krantz released his tenth album, Howie 61, last year to glowing critical praise.  Krantz has played with Randy Brecker, Leni Stern and Steely Dan, among others.  Through a succession of highly lauded solo recordings, Krantz has continuously evolved as an artist - pushing himself in new and exciting directions. Revered for his forward-thinking approach to improvisation (brilliantly documented in his 2004 book An Improviser’s OS), Krantz has fearlessly branched into new areas, while consistently skirting the edges of jazz, rock and fusion.

Musician and composer, Michael Landau, is a prolific session guitarist and performer who has played on hundreds of records since the 1980s, some session highlights include:  Pink Floyd, Miles Davis, B.B. King, Ray Charles, Joni Mitchell and James Taylor. He has toured with Robben Ford, the Steve Gadd Band, James Taylor, Joni Mitchell and his own project The Michael Landau Group.  With many recordings under his name, the latest being ‘Organic Instrumentals’, his music flows intensely ranging from spooky ballads with beautiful improvisation to intense Rock ‘n’ Roll with vocals. 

Bass player, Etienne Mbappe, is best known for his years with the Zawinul Syndicate.  In the 80’s he was the masterpiece of the jazz fusion band Ultramarine which incorporated jazz with elements of African and Caribbean influences.  He also played with Ray Charles on his last album and is currently a member of John McLaughlin’s 4^th Dimension.

Gary Novak, an amazing drummer, began his career at the young age of 10, playing in his famous pianist father’s (Larry Novak) trio in Chicago.  Novak has recorded and/or toured with such musical luminaries as Chick Corea, Alanis Morrisette, Allan Holdsworth, Andrew WK, Michael McDonald, Natalie Cole, David Sanborn, George Benson and Anita Baker along with many more.

Follow The Ringers on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/theringerslive and at theringerslive.com

THE RINGERS Tour Itinerary:

One of the most talented groups of musicians currently playing together - THE RINGERS, featuring Jimmy Herring, Wayne Krantz, Michael Landau, Keith Carlock and Etienne Mbappe, first debuted in early 2013 for a very exclusive tour on the east coast.  The tour proved quite fulfilling for the iconic five-some, bringing together their varied backgrounds of Rock, Funk, Jazz, Blues and African styles.Now, this group of super-talent will once again hit the road; celebrating the New Year with a U.S. tour.  Starting on January 18th, The Ringers will make two special appearances at the Sunshine Music & Blues Festivals in Florida and among other performances, will join American jam-band, moe, as Special Guests on a select number of dates (see below for itinerary details).  On all other dates, support for shows will be Oli Brown, who will be in the studio with Anders Osborne this February.  In addition, the band has also announced that it will allow audiences to record the live show as long as the venue permits.The Ringers line-up will temporarily alter this time around as drummer, Keith Carlock, will be staying close to home, with his expectant wife.  Dynamic musician, drummer, Gary Novak, will take his place for these tour dates.The original concept behind The Ringers was to bring five guys together, not to just perform as a super-group, but to work “as a unifying artistic force, one where people put music ahead of their egos to collectively create great music.”   These five veteran musicians will perform together on new Ringers material written exclusively for this band, as well as each individual’s solo material, covers tunes chosen by the players and brand new tunes each artist will debut for the live audience. The Ringers are also planning to record an album of originals, for release in 2014.Jimmy Herring, as the founding member of The Aquarium Rescue Unit, Project Z and Jazz is Dead, in addition to playing with everyone from The Allman Brothers Band, The Grateful Dead to Phil Lesh and Friends, and Béla Fleck, has made his indelible impact on the music world. He currently serves as the lead guitarist for the very popular American Band, Widespread Panic and released his second solo album, Subject To Change Without Notice, last year.Wayne Krantz released his tenth album, Howie 61, last year to glowing critical praise.  Krantz has played with Randy Brecker, Leni Stern and Steely Dan, among others.  Through a succession of highly lauded solo recordings, Krantz has continuously evolved as an artist - pushing himself in new and exciting directions. Revered for his forward-thinking approach to improvisation (brilliantly documented in his 2004 book An Improviser’s OS), Krantz has fearlessly branched into new areas, while consistently skirting the edges of jazz, rock and fusion.Musician and composer, Michael Landau, is a prolific session guitarist and performer who has played on hundreds of records since the 1980s, some session highlights include:  Pink Floyd, Miles Davis, B.B. King, Ray Charles, Joni Mitchell and James Taylor. He has toured with Robben Ford, the Steve Gadd Band, James Taylor, Joni Mitchell and his own project The Michael Landau Group.  With many recordings under his name, the latest being ‘Organic Instrumentals’, his music flows intensely ranging from spooky ballads with beautiful improvisation to intense Rock ‘n’ Roll with vocals.Bass player, Etienne Mbappe, is best known for his years with the Zawinul Syndicate.  In the 80’s he was the masterpiece of the jazz fusion band Ultramarine which incorporated jazz with elements of African and Caribbean influences.  He also played with Ray Charles on his last album and is currently a member of John McLaughlin’s 4th Dimension.Gary Novak, an amazing drummer, began his career at the young age of 10, playing in his famous pianist father’s (Larry Novak) trio in Chicago.  Novak has recorded and/or toured with such musical luminaries as Chick Corea, Alanis Morrisette, Allan Holdsworth, Andrew WK, Michael McDonald, Natalie Cole, David Sanborn, George Benson and Anita Baker along with many more.Follow The Ringers on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/theringerslive and at theringerslive.comListen to The Ringers, here:   https://soundcloud.com/abstractlogix/the-ringers-athensTHE RINGERS Tour Itinerary:January 18           Sunshine Music & Blues Festival                                Boca Raton, FL *January 19           Sunshine Music & Blues Festival                                St. Petersburg, FL *January 22           Mercy Lounge                                                   Nashville, TNJanuary 23           Terminal West                                                   Atlanta, GAJanuary 24           Georgia Theatre                                               Athens, GAJanuary 25           WorkPlay Soundstage                                    Birmingham, ALJanuary 29           The Music Farm                                                Charleston, SC **January 30           The Fillmore                                                       Charlotte, NC **January 31           The Grey Eagle                                                  Asheville, NC February 1          The Lincoln Theatre                                        Raleigh, NCFebruary 4          World Cafe Live (Downstairs)                     Philadelphia, PAFebruary 5          The Howard Theatre                                      Washington, DCFebruary 6          BB King's                                                              New York, NYFebruary 7          The Capitol Theatre                                        Portchester, NY **February 8          StageOne                                                            Fairfield, CTFebruary 9          River Street  Jazz Café                                    Planes, PA ***

During the summer of 2013, guitar legend John McLaughlin and his trailblazing band The 4th Dimension – Gary Husband on keyboards and drums, Etienne Mbappe on bass, and Ranjit Barot on drums and vocals – a rare tour across America. On June 22nd they performed at the Berklee College of Music in Boston. This extraordinary concert was recorded and is now being released as McLaughlin’s latest work, The Boston Record.When asked to describe The Boston Record, McLaughlin said, “From time to time, a live record is made that has everything: great collective playing, a terrific audience, fantastic recorded sound, and a wonderful atmosphere. In the new recording of our concert you’ll find all of the above. I’m really happy about this recording.”The Boston Record captures McLaughlin and The 4th Dimension playing a fiery performance at Berklee, highlighted by a new take on the classic Mahavishnu Orchestra song “You Know, You Know”.The Boston Record will be released March 18, 2014 on Media Starz and Abstract Logix Records.Track List 01. Raju02. Little Miss Valley03. Abbaji04. Echos from Then05. Senor C.S.06. Call & Answer07. Maharina08. Hijacked09. You Know You KnowJohn McLaughlin 2014 Asia Tour March 11             Mosaic Festival, SingaporeMarch 14             HK Arts Festival, Hong KongMarch 16             Sofitel Sunset Pavilion, Manila, PhilippinesMarch 18             M-Theatre Hall, Bangkok, ThailandMarch 20             Mapo Arts Center, Seoul, KoreaMarch 22             Blue Note, Nagoya, JapanMarch 23             Blue Note, Tokyo, JapanMarch 24             Blue Note, Tokyo, JapanMarch 25             Blue Note, Tokyo, JapanMarch 26             Blue Note, Tokyo, JapanMarch 29             The One Club, Beijing, ChinaApril 1                   Shanghai Culture Square, Shanghai, ChinaApril 4                   Music Academy, Chennai, IndiaApril 5                   St.Andrews Aud, Mumbai, IndiaApril 9                   Ramallah Cultural Palace, Palestine

The Jason Spooner Band hails from the booming harbor city of Portland, Maine – a small but bustling sea port gaining significant national recognition for world-class food, art and a celebrated music scene. As the band approached the recording of their fourth album chemical, they decided to leave the comforts and conveniences of the city behind and retreat “down east” to the quiet Midcoast region of Maine for the particularly long and brutal winter of 2014. 

Jason Spooner, principal songwriter, vocalist and guitarist for The Jason Spooner Band explains, “Life on the coast in the winter is about introspection and woodstoves. The days are simpler and they breed clarity and focus… it’s a place where you can be left alone with your thoughts, something that is becoming harder and harder to make time for”, Jason opines. “This solitude was crucial to the recording process of this album.”

The opening of one of New England’s newest and most advanced recording studios, HEARSTUDIOS in Camden, Maine (modestly disguised within the walls of a renovated barn) played a large part in the band’s decision to record in the region. Spooner, Chambers, Frederick and Mcpherson agreed that a primarily live recording experience was imperative for the new album.

Spooner explains, “As a band, we’d always talked about how great it would be to hole up at a studio in the Berkshires or in Woodstock, NY and do the ‘full-immersion’ record where you live and breathe the creative process for weeks at a time and are free from the day- to-day minutia. I looked into that scenario here and there but it was just never really a pragmatic choice for a variety of reasons. Timing, schedules, cost, what have you. As soon as we walked into HEARSTUDIOS, we knew we’d found the room… we knew we could make a live performance-based record there.”

What ensued was the band’s most fruitful and creative recording experience to date with the core tracks for the album recorded live on the floor. The energy created in the space permeates their newest album, chemical, set for release on September 16^th. 

chemical is the band’s first effort as a quartet… the addition of Warren Mcpherson (keyboards, organ, piano) to the trio consisting of Spooner, Reed Chambers (drums, percussion) and Adam Frederick (bass, vocals) was inevitable says Spooner, “the bare-bones trio formation was fun for a while but we all knew that 4 was the magic number so to speak. When keyboards and piano are the addition, your sound changes exponentially. The possibilities and capabilities grow.”

chemical reflects the band’s trajectory as a whole and breathes with an organic, natural quality; it’s the sound of four individuals discovering a new formation, a new approach to recording and, ultimately, new musical horizons.When asked about the title, “chemical”, Spooner explains, “I’ve always been fascinated with psychology…and the concept of micro ultimately controlling macro. I was always especially interested in the fact that the majority of what humans tend to hold sacred as the most profound emotions (love, hatred, happiness, jealously - even the feeling of Déjà vu) can all be tied to neurochemicals roaming around in our heads.”

chemical’s first single, “Fireflies”, overflows with youthful memories and descriptive imagery that transports the listener to a much simpler, and desirable, time. Legendary Nashville pedal steel axe-man Bucky Baxter’s well-known talents (Bob Dylan, R.E.M., Ryan Adams, Steve Earle) shine throughout the track. The track’s popularity has prompted a fan-driven promotion; download the free single (see below for link to details) and provide the band with one of your favorite (personally shot) summer photos. Fans have submitted landscapes, sunrises, sunsets, coastlines, lakes – images of summer and of what listening to this beautiful song means to them.  At the end of August, The Jason Spooner Band will compile the fan-submitted photos into a video made by, and for, their fans. Various national businesses have also joined in the support for “Fireflies” with Taylor Guitars, Fishman Transducers, LL Bean, Maine Magazine, Cape Cod Life, Baxter Brewing, Allagash Brewing, Gritty McDuff’s Brewing and Shipyard Brewing actively helping to spread the word. 

With the release of their third album, Sea Monster, in 2010, the band found success when the album was featured heavily on Sirius/XM's “The Loft” channel, on NPR's “All Things Considered” and at over 11,000 Starbucks retail locations nationwide. At its peak, the album reached the #18 on the national BDS Indicator chart for all of Triple A Radio, making it the only independent album on the chart at the time.  In addition to glowing recent press in USA Today and High Times Magazine, the band was named one of Relix Magazine's coveted "On The Verge - Bands you should know." In addition, Wood & Steel Magazine has said about Jason, "Spooner's songs belie a sharp-tooled craftsmanship on the writing side, yet wash over the listener with fluid finesse... The great thing, beyond the wonderfully contoured, lived-in sound, is the way Spooner reminds us that, even as listeners, we’re all a part of the story, too."

Over the last few years The Jason Spooner Band has performed with acts as varied as B.B. King, John Mayer, Jackson Browne, Michael Franti & Spearhead, Ray LaMontagne, Susan Tedeschi, Jackie Greene, G. Love, Guster, Blues Traveler, Peter Rowan and Sara Bareilles. Within the last few summers alone, they have performed at Targhee Fest in Jackson Hole, WY - The Gathering of the Vibes in Bridgeport, CT - The Sundance Film Festival in Park City, UT - FloydFest in Floyd, Va - The Festival at Sandpoint - Sandpoint, ID - The Naukabout Festival on Cape Cod, the River City Roots Festival in Missoula, MT - The Rocky Mountain Folks Festival in Lyons, CO and have been perennial favorites at The Sundance Film Festival in Park City, UT.

To download the free single, “Fireflies” and upload your own favorite summer image, visit: http://www.fireflies2014.com

The Gasparilla Music Festival presented by SYKES (“GMF”), which kicks off the highly anticipated spring break and outdoor music festival season, has revealed its first round of musical performers.  With more artists to be announced shortly, the growing line-up includes Gogol Bordello, Gaslight Anthem, Trampled by Turtles, The Budos Band, Dale Earnhardt Jr. Jr., Dumpstaphunk, Hiss Golden Messenger, Roadkill Ghost Choir, Hot 8 Brass Band, Margo & the Pricetags, and Packway Handle Band. Local favorites include The Hip Abduction, Miggs Band, Selwyn Birchwood, Thomas Wynn & the Believers, RedFeather, and Mt. Zion Baptist Gospel Choir.  Now in its fourth year, the festival promises its most eclectic and impressive musical line-up to date and will be announcing other top acts and local favorites in the upcoming weeks.

In addition, the festival has announced that Early Bird discounted ticket pricing will continue until the full lineup is announced in January.  GMF takes place March 7-8 in Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park and Kiley Garden.

Past performers at GMF have included The Flaming Lips, Trombone Shortly, Jason Isbell, RJD2, Ra Ra Riot, Rebirth Brass Band, Deer Tick, Best Coast, Dawes, and Ozomatli among many others. In keeping with the Festival's theme of bringing together a massively wide range of genres - from Brazilian Gypsies to Brookly Funkmasters, country folk duos to Orlando Swamp Rock, Brass Bands to Church Choirs - GMF continues to offer something for every musical palate.

A sampling of the caliber and diversity included in this preliminary announcement includes: Selwyn Birchwood was the winner of the 2013 Blues Foundation International Blues Challenge; Roadkill Ghost Choir has garnered rave reviews from the tastemakers at SPIN, Rolling Stone and Relix; Gogol Bordello has scored several early TV appearances with Jimmy Kimmel, Jimmy Fallon and Letterman; Packway Handle Band has been voted Athens' Best Bluegrass Band three years running in the readers' choice Flagpole Magazine Music Awards; festival favorites Trampled by Turtles have graded stages at Bonnaroo, Lollapalooza, Austin City Limits Music Festival, Coachella and Stagecoach; Daptones artist The Budos Band have made fans worldwide with their infectious instrumental AfroSoul music including appearances on NPR; Hiss Golden Messenger debuted on The Late Show with David Letterman just a few weeks ago; and Nashville's Margo & the Pricetags, whose voice and songwriting has been compared to that of Loretta Lynn's, was featured in Rolling Stone's "10 New Artists You Need to Know for Fall 2014". More information on all of these GMF performers can be found at: http://gasparillamusic.com

The four performance stages are centered in the cultural playground of downtown Tampa between the Tampa Museum of Art and the Florida Museum of Photographic Arts. This grand venus is just across the river from the historical Henry Plant Hotel along the city's scenic Riverwalk. There is not a more pictuersque and unique location for a music festival. GMF takes place amidst the several months long legendary Gasparilla celebrations that make Tampa a top destination for revelers of all ages.

Part of the Gasparilla Music Festival's mission is to support and promote music and education. The organization is involved throughout the year in several initiatives including their "Recycled Tunes" program which collects used musical instruments to refurbish and donate to local schools and their continued efforts to provide scholarships to local music students. GMF also supplies financial and mentoring assistance to other non-profits and rallies to promote transportation alternatives. The festival aims to not only entertain but to engage the shared, powerful experience of live music to help sustain, inspire and encourage a stronger sense of community.

The Gasparilla Music Festival takes place March 7 & 8, 2015.

The Gasparilla Music Festival presented by SYKES (“GMF”) has named MODEST MOUSE as this year’s Festival headliner.  Also announced today are main-stage performers, Mutemath and The Abyssinians, who join previously announced performers:  Gogol Bordello, The Gaslight Anthem, Trampled by Turtles, The Budos Band, Dale Earnhardt Jr. Jr., Dumpstaphunk, Hiss Golden Messenger, Roadkill Ghost Choir, Hot 8 Brass Band, Margo & the Pricetags, and Packway Handle Band. Local Florida favorites include The Hip Abduction, Miggs, Selwyn Birchwood, Suenalo, Thomas Wynn & the Believers, RedFeather, Amber Lynn Nicol, UNRB and Mt. Zion Gospel Choir with more acts to be added.

Headliner Modest Mouse will release their new studio album, Strangers to Ourselves, via Epic Records on March 3 just prior to their appearance at GMF making this their first studio album since 2007’s “We Were Dead Before the Ship Even Sank.”  Modest Mouse gained mainstream attention when their 2004 single, “Float On” became the band’s first #1 song on Billboard’s Modern Rock Chart and was nominated for a 2005 Grammy Award for Best Rock Song.  The band’s first new single “Lampshades on Fire,” can be heard via Pitchfork: http://goo.gl/zT9g1M

New Orleans favorite Mutemath, whose sound fuses elements from psychedelia to traditional gospel to modern electronica yet still firmly rooted in New Orleans rhythm and blues, will also be releasing a new recording later this year.  While Jamaican roots reggae trio, The Abyssinians, are famous for their close harmonies and promotion of the Rastafari movement within their lyrics.  Formed in 1968, the band has gone through a number of lineup changes with the current trio touring since 1997 including dates at Reggae on the River, Sierra Nevada World Music Festival and The Bob Marley Day Festival in 1998.  The group was also nominated for a 1999 Tamika Award.

GMF, now in its fourth year of showcasing a wide variety of musical acts, incredible local cuisine and unique children’s music exhibits, kicks off the highly anticipated spring break and outdoor music festival season. The Festival promises its most eclectic and impressive musical line-up to date with more acts and local favorites to be announced in the upcoming weeks. GMF is organized by a not for profit corporation and takes place March 7-8 in the unique and picturesque Tampa, FL location of Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park and Kiley Garden.

Tickets are available now at:  http://www.gmftickets.com

$60 - General Admission 2-Day

$40 - General Admission Saturday Only

$30 - General Admission Sunday Only

$150 - VIP 2-Day

$100 - VIP Saturday Only

$75 - VIP Sunday Only

Referred to in a recent Relix feature as “The Jamband Velvet Underground,” the influential dada-jam trailblazers Col. Bruce Hampton & the Aquarium Rescue Unit will return to rattle the landscape this summer with a series of live performances – than band’s first since a much-talked-about 2011 reunion at the Georgia Theatre in Athens.

With the daring, iconoclastic Hampton at the helm, the Aquarium Rescue Unit played a seminal role in fostering today’s vital, thriving improvisational music community. And their presence is still felt: Since Hampton and the band parted ways in 1993, the band’s members have gone on to both inspire and enliven the music of the genre’s most revered practitioners: Herring (guitar) with Widespread Panic,The Dead, Jazz is Dead, the Ringers, and his own solo project. Burbridge (bass) with his band the Peacemakers and with the Allman Brothers and the Tedeschi Trucks Band; and Sipe (aka Apt. Q-258, drums) with his own trio and collaborations with Phil Lesh, Béla Fleck, Susan Tedeschi, Trey Anastasio, Jazz is Dead, Alex Machacek, Debashish Bhattacharya, and many more. For these dates, the ARU will also be joined by keyboardist Matt Slocum, who performed with them at the 2011 Georgia Theatre show.

Which leaves the good Colonel (retired)...a seismic catalyst of the first order, Hampton’s presence was first felt as a member of the cult Georgia ensemble the Hampton Grease Band. From there, Hampton – a mesmerizing blues-inflected vocalist, freewheeling guitarist, and caustic ringmaster – applied his boundless energy, cosmic wit, and fearless exploratory zeal to pursuits as varied as standup comedy, wrestling, and music ranging from free jazz to hillbilly blues. The Aquarium Rescue Unit coalesced during a weekly jam session in Atlanta before taking their act on the road, signing with Capricorn Records, and helping to found the first H.O.R.D.E. tour.

“Bruce is a visionary that has enriched the life of anyone that's worked with him,” says Jimmy Herring. “He gives you an outlet that encourages finding your own voice, but he's quick to point out that freedom can be a prison…”

“Being a part of Bruce's musical world is a liberating experience in that he entices the players to discover their true and full expression,” explains Jeff Sipe. “With Col. Bruce there's always the threat that something radically different is going to happen midstream,” Oteil Burbridge adds.

Periodic Aquarium Rescue Unit reunions, both with and without Hampton, have taken place over the past two decades, but these shows represent the band’s first sustained run of dates since 2007. The sets will feature a mix of new and old material. Most crucially, every performance will be recorded for a possible live album release on the Abstract Logix imprint.

While listeners and musicians are already salivating at the potential of this reunion, no one is more excited than the ARU members themselves.  “While the youthful ARU was exciting live, I think the more experienced ARU can have more of an impact,” Burbridge reflects. Sipe concludes, “After 26 years, we’re all friends and are still inspired. Getting together again is for me a rare privilege and one that's filled with magic, because each of my friends are so brilliant and truly awesome.”

When asked for his thoughts on the upcoming reunion, Hampton simply responded, “Activate.”

For a complete list of upcoming tour dates, visit theaquariumrescueunit.net or https://www.facebook.com/aquariumrescueunit

Confirmed Dates

7.29.2015 Fox Theatre, Boulder CO

7.30.2015 Fox Theatre, Boulder CO 

7.31.2015 Mishawaka, Bellveue CO  

8.1.2015  Ogden Theatre, Denver CO 

8.5.2015  Iron City, Birmingham, AL

8.6.2015  Cannery,Nashville TN 

8.7.2015  Buckhead, Atlanta, GA 

8.8.2015  Georgia Theatre, Athens, GA 

8.9.2015  Orange Peel, Asheville, NC 

8.12.2015 The Ritz, Raleigh, NC 

8.13.2015 The National, Richmond,VA

8.14.2015 The Howard Theatre, DC

8.15.2015 Capitol Theatre, Port Chester,NY

8.16.2015 Brooklyn Bowl, NYC,NY

An all-star concert celebrating the 30th anniversary of Paul Reed Smith Guitars will host a pair unprecedented firsts, when legendary guitarist, composer, and bandleader John McLaughlin appears as a special guest with Col. Bruce Hampton and the Aquarium Rescue Unit at what will be the premier performance by the band’s reunited lineup of Hampton, guitarist Jimmy Herring, bassist Oteil Burbridge, drummer Jeff Sipe, and keyboardist Matt Slocum. The impending collaboration is the culmination of a longstanding mutual admiration that has emerged between Herring and McLaughlin – both of whom endorse Paul Reed Smith instruments – beginning with the immense influence McLaughlin’s pioneering work with Miles Davis and the Mahavishnu Orchestra had on Herring as he was developing his own signature guitar style.

The concert will take place on June 5th at Rams Head Live in Baltimore, Maryland and will also feature the legendary drummer Dennis Chambers and Jeff Beck's bassist Rhonda Smith as part of The Paul Reed Smith band. “The fact that this group of legendary musicians are going to play on the same stage at our event is extraordinary!,” says Paul Smith.  McLaughlin is the first of what will likely be many guests to join the Aquarium Rescue Unit on their upcoming 26th anniversary tour, which kicks off July 29 in Boulder, Colorado.  Trailblazers of the now flourishing improvised music/jamband community, the classic lineup of Aquarium Rescue Unit has not performed on stage together since a one-off benefit in 2011. Since their ‘90s heyday, each member of the original lineup has gone on to distinguish themselves as solo artists, as members of Widespread Panic (Herring) and the Allman Brothers (Burbridge), and as collaborators with Phil Lesh, Béla Fleck, Trey Anastasio, and more (Sipe). With dada ringmaster Hampton at the helm, the Aquarium Rescue Unit touches on a vast repository of styles while remaining entirely in the moment. The addition of McLaughlin’s jazz-honed sensibilities to the ARU’s wide-ranging improvisational fervor makes for endless musical possibilities.

Later this fall, McLaughlin will release Black Light – his most personal statement to date. This program of original compositions features the 4th Dimension – “my three favorite musicians,” in McLaughlin’s words: remarkable multi-instrumentalist Gary Husband on keyboards and drums, Etienne Mbappe’s nimble, effervescent electric bass, and the powerhouse drumming of Ranjit Barot.  While largely electric, McLaughlin returns to acoustic guitar for the album’s emotional centerpiece – his tribute to his departed friend and collaborator Paco De Lucia, entitled “El Hombre” – and brings forth from the instrument a depth of sadness and admiration beyond words. Following the international release of Black Light, McLaughlin and the 4th Dimension will set out on a world tour, continuing to explore and elaborate upon the album’s genre-defying material.

Paul Reed Smith Guitars is one of the most respected guitar makers in the world and their 30th Anniversary Celebration promises to be one of the most important musical outings for 2015.

With their much anticipated US Summer tour kicking off this week, “The Jamband Velvet Underground,” Col. Bruce Hampton & the Aquarium Rescue Unit, continue to pull surprises and share some exciting news with fans.  The Georgia “Cult Ensemble” have reunited to rattle the landscape with a series of live performances the highlight of which is their homecoming show.  To mark the occasion the group, along with TourGigs, are extremely excited to announce that they are teaming up to deliver a live stream of the Georgia Theatre in Athens on August 8th to spread their special Jam across the universe.

Purchase the Live Stream of ARU at The Georgia Theater here:  http://tourgigs.com/show/aquariumrescueunit_20150808_live/

The HD multi-cam webcast kicks off LIVE at 9PM EST on Saturday August 8^th from the historic Georgia Theatre in Athens, GA. Fans unable to join in on Saturday will not be left out - the special will be on a continuous replay for 24 hours after it originally airs. ARU Enthusiasts, and the curious who purchase the webcast, are also able to watch the replays.  Special incentives are offered to fans who ACTIVATE and purchase the show within the next 7 days. 

With the daring, iconoclastic Hampton at the helm, the Aquarium Rescue Unit continues to play a seminal role in fostering today’s vital, thriving improvisational music community - and their presence is still felt. Since Hampton and the band parted ways in 1993, members have gone on to both inspire and enliven the music of the genre’s most revered practitioners: Herring (guitar) with Widespread Panic,The Dead, Jazz is Dead, the Ringers, and his own solo project. Burbridge (bass) with his band the Peacemakers and with the Allman Brothers and the Tedeschi Trucks Band (and a soon to be announced surprising resume addition); and Sipe (aka Apt. Q-258, drums) with his own trio and collaborations with Phil Lesh, Béla Fleck, Susan Tedeschi, Trey Anastasio, Jazz is Dead, Alex Machacek, Debashish Bhattacharya, and many more. For these dates, the ARU will also be joined by keyboardist Matt Slocum, who performed with them at the 2011 Georgia Theatre show.

For a complete list of upcoming tour dates visit:  

theaquariumrescueunit.com or https://www.facebook.com/aquariumrescueunit

The streams work on Chrome, Safari, Firefox, iOS devices, Android devices, Roxwel Samsung Smart TV app and now ROKU! To watch the stream on Roku, download the ‘Roxwel’ Channel on your Roku set top box. From the Roxwel channel, you can select the stream and enter your code to watch. Our stream is NOT yet available on the following platforms: Internet Explorer Browser (not recommended on all version of IE so use at your own risk), PlayStation Network, XBox Live.

About TourGigs:    TourGigs is a Concert Film technology company which provides an entire suite of services to produce, film,  market and distribute high ­quality concert films. By solely focusing on creating exceptional live streams, downloads, DVDs and Blu­Rays, TourGigs has pioneered efficient  techniques to film a single show, an entire tour, or multi day/multi stage festivals. Come experience TourGigs live. www.tourgigs.com

Check out an overview of the ARU Tour, here:

Complete Col. Bruce Hampton & the Aquarium Rescue Unit Tour Dates:

7.31.2015 Mishawaka, Bellveue CO 

8.1.2015  Ogden Theatre, Denver CO

8.5.2015  Iron City, Birmingham, AL

8.6.2015  Cannery,Nashville TN

8.7.2015  Buckhead, Atlanta, GA

8.8.2015  Georgia Theatre, Athens, GA

8.9.2015  Orange Peel, Asheville, NC

8.12.2015 The Ritz, Raleigh, NC

8.13.2015 The National, Richmond,VA

8.14.2015 The Howard Theatre, DC

8.15.2015 Capitol Theatre, Port Chester,NY

8.16.2015 Brooklyn Bowl, NYC, NY

As a musician, composer, and bandleader, John McLaughlin’s vast contributions to contemporary improvisational music are only just beginning to be fully understood, appreciated, and absorbed by artists and enthusiasts alike. From Mahavishnu Orchestra, Shakti and his collaboration with Paco De Lucia, to his current band the 4th Dimension, McLaughlin’s music has extended across the boundaries dividing jazz, rock, and innumerable global traditions, encompassing a number of genres while emerging fully formed as his own, uniquely personal expressive medium.

Now, McLaughlin is prepared to break through yet again, with what he feels is his most personal statement today: Black Light. 

Slated for worldwide release this fall, Black Light includes 8 original McLaughlin compositions, including a heartfelt homage to his departed colleague, collaborator, and friend Paco De Lucia – with whom McLaughlin had intended to compose an album’s worth of new material just before De Lucia’s untimely passing. McLaughlin has returned to acoustic guitar for a tribute to his friend, entitled “El Hombre Que Sabia” and brings forth from the instrument a depth of sadness and admiration beyond words.

Otherwise electric, Black Light features the 4th Dimension – “my three favorite musicians,” in McLaughlin’s word – in full flight, with their empathy and precision honed on stage and in the studio. The 4th Dimension is composed of the remarkable multi-instrumentalist Gary Husband on keyboards and drums, Etienne Mbappe’s nimble, effervescent electric bass, and the powerhouse drumming of Ranjit Barot. 

Following the international release of Black Light, McLaughlin and the 4th Dimension will set out on a world tour, continuing to explore and elaborate upon the album’s genre-defying material.

Tomorrow, September 18, 2015 via Abstract Logix, the  worldwide release of Black Light finds the relentlessly inquisitive, exploratory Guitarist John McLaughlin continuing to uncover new melodic and rhythmic pathways with the fearless zeal that has made him one of modern music’s most admired and influential figures.  

Black Light includes 8 original McLaughlin compositions, but the emotional core of Black Light, and one of McLaughlin’s finest acoustic performances on record, rests in “El Hombre Que Sabia” – a deeply moving tribute to McLaughlin’s late collaborator, Paco de Lucía, who passed away in early 2014. “You cannot imagine how much I miss him,” reflects McLaughlin. “‘El Hombre’ is one of the pieces Paco and I had planned to record on a new studio album last year.”  The two had intended to compose an album’s worth of new material just before De Lucia’s untimely passing.

Recently Elmore Magazine profiled McLaughlin and premiered the lead track, “Here Come the Jiis.” The story & music Here.  The composition is described by McLaughlin as “one of a number of pieces on the album that’s in a way a kind of an homage to departed friends, to departed colleagues whom I love and miss.”

Premier Guitar states “Throughout Black Light, McLaughlin creates harmonically complex compositions by seamlessly weaving elements of live performance with pre-recorded sounds.”

The Album features the multinational maestros “4th Dimension” – the group features drummer/vocalist Ranjit Barot, keyboardist/drummer Gary Husband, and bassist Étienne M’Bappé – McLaughlin has gathered a trio of fellow travelers with the technical ability, musicianship, and imagination to support, enhance, and enrich McLaughlin’s challengingly expansive new material.

“I am always excited to play with these musicians,” McLaughlin says enthusiastically – no small compliment given he has performed alongside an array of revolutionary talents in his lifetime. “Not only are they marvelous players, but they are great human beings, and as such we have developed, over the years, a deep complicity that comes through in the music.”

Following the international release of Black Light, McLaughlin and the 4th Dimension will set out on a world tour, continuing to explore and elaborate upon the album’s genre-defying material.  More dates to be announced shortly.

John McLaughlin - Australia/Asia Tour Dates

Tuesday, October 06, 2015 Perth, Perth Music Hall

Thursday, October 08, 2015 Sydney, Recital Hall

Saturday, October 10, 2015 Brisbane, The Tivoli

Tuesday, October 13,2015 The Forum, Melbourne, Australia

Wednesday, October 14, 2015 Melbourne, Melbourne Festival

Sunday, October 18, 2015 Bali, Arma Ubud

Friday, October 23, 2015 Tokyo, Blue Note

Saturday, October 24, 2015 Tokyo, Blue Note

Sunday, October 25, 2015 Tokyo, Blue Note

Tuesday, October 27 Taipei,The Wall Livehouse

Thursday, October 29 Singapore,NUS Cultural Centre for the Arts Hall

Friday, October 30  Hong Kong, Kowloon Bay International Trade and Exhibition Center

Sunday, November 01, 2015 Bangkok, M-Theatre Hall

Tuesday November 3, 2015 Kolkata, India Dalhousie Institute 

Thursday, November 05, 2015 Dhaka , Dhaka Jazz Festival

Friday, November 06, 2015 Mumbai, NCPA

Saturday, November 07,2015 Bangalore, India  Counterculture

Internationally acclaimed New York guitarist and composer Oz Noy follows his provocative two-volume exploration and reinvention of his blues roots (Twisted Blues) with Who Gives a Funk, due out April 15^th – a examination of classic funk and R&B grooves, spiked with his uniquely unhinged improvisational instincts. “Simple, funky music – but soulful,” is how Noy describes it, while acknowledging that simple is not synonymous with easy: The discipline and clarity these classic structures demand put even the finest musicians to the test, and Noy and his all-star cohorts deliver a remarkable program that uncovers intriguing new pathways through timeless forms.

Inspired by the funk-blues nexus of the late ‘60s and early ‘70s music of artists like Freddie King, James Brown, Albert Collins, Who Gives a Funk mixes concise, compelling original compositions with reimaginings of vintage standards by Brown, Jimi Hendrix, Sam Cook, Charles Mingus, and even Thelonious Monk – mostly tracked live in the studio for maximum grit and spark. A core group of New York’s finest (The Band:  Drums- Rocky Bryant, Steve Wolf, Chris Layton. Bass- Will Lee, Roscoe Beck. Organ- Jerry Z.) is augmented by an impressive array of guest appearances, including performances by John Medeski, Dweezil Zappa, funk pioneer Fred Wesley, Chris Potter, Robben Ford, Randy Brecker, Joe Bonamassa, and Living Color vocalist Corey Glover.  

Through it all, Noy’s guitar is the connecting thread. Whether steering the band with incisive, stark rhythm work or soaring over the grooves with impeccable single-note leads that recall the graceful, nuanced inflection of a fine soul vocalist, Noy brilliantly walks a musical tightrope spanning the best of the past and the future. Surprising, danceable, and accessible, Who Gives a Funk is a powerfully heartfelt new statement from one of contemporary guitar’s great improvisational stylists.  

The Band:  Drums- Rocky Bryant, Steve Wolf , Chris Layton. Bass- Will Lee, Roscoe Beck. Organ- Jerry Z. Precessions-Danny Sadownick
Feat. Special Guests: Joe Bonamasa, Robben Ford, Dweezil Zappa, John Medeski, Randy Brecker, Chris Potter, Fred Wesley.

Who Gives a Funk Track Listing:

01 Come On (feat. Fred Wesley)

02 Flashback (feat. John Medeski)

03 Better Get it in your Soul (feat.Randy Brecker)

04 I Got You (feat. Chris Potter)

05 A Change is Gonna Come

06 Ice Man (feat. Robben Ford)

07 Zig Zag

08 Damn This Groove (feat. Dweezil Zappa)

09 Little Wing (feat. Corey Glover)

10 Five Spot Blues (feat. Joe Bonamassa)

OZ NOY TOUR DATES 

with Dave Weckl (Drums); Jimmy Haslip (Bass)

March 18, 2016 TBC, Urumqi

March 20, 2016 Sichuan Conservatory, Chengdu

March 21, 2016 JZ Club, Guangzhou

March 22, 2016 Onstage, Shanghai  

March 23, 2016 Spring Theater, Kunming

March 25, 2016 Pi Live House, Tianjin

March 27, 2016 Shandong Theater, Jinan

March 29, 2016 Cotton Club, Tokyo  

March 30, 2016 Cotton Club, Tokyo

March 31, 2016 Cotton Club, Tokyo

April 01, 2016 Cotton Club, Tokyo

April 05, 2016 Catalina Jazz Club, Los Angeles

April 06, 2016 Catalina Jazz Club, Los Angeles

April 12, 2016 Iridium, New York

April 13, 2016 Iridium, New York

April 14, 2016 Iridium, New York

April 15, 2016 Sellersville Theatre, Sellersville

April 16, 2016 Jammin Java, Vienna

April 17, 2016 The House That Rocks, Indian Trail

April 19, 2016 Third & Lindsley, Nashville

April 20, 2016 Martyr's, Chicago

April 21, 2016 Rascals Live, Molene, IL

April 22, 2016 Jazz Kitchen, Indianapolis

April 23, 2016 Jazz Kitchen, Indianapolis

April 25, 2016 Main Street Studio, Walla Walla

April 26, 2016 Jazz Alley, Seattle

April 27, 2016 Jazz Alley, Seattle

April 28, 2016 Yoshi's, Oakland

April 29, 2016 Yoshi's, Oakland

April 30, 2016 Ramona Mainstage, San Diego

Following its exciting 2015 SELL OUT, The Gasparilla Music Festival (GMF), presented by SYKES, announces the complete line up of Music, Consumables, Children’s artists and more joining the 2016 festival for its 5th incarnation, taking place March 12th-13th along downtown Tampa’s picturesque Riverwalk. This year, the festival will increase its footprint by including the beautiful McDill Park into the fold. This expansion will add an additional stage, bringing the total to 5 active stages, featuring Soul, Indie Rock, Dance, Bluegrass, Kidsmusic, Jazz , Latin artists and a few that defy categorization!

Five years is an incredible milestone for GMF and this year the scope and quality of the talent assembled by the festival organizers has raised the bar again!  The producers of GMF are thrilled to kick off this year’s event with such high quality and wide-ranging talent. Headlining Saturday night is the incomparable Erykah Badu, fresh off the release of her latest, “But You Caint Use My Phone,” rounded out by the all-star Saturday line up of:  Hailing from Brooklyn (a 12-piece Afro-beat ensemble), Antibalas and the sparkling power pop of MS MR.  Joining are Memphis’ modern southern rockers  Lucero,  Indiana’s melodic Indie sounds Houndmouth, genre-defying  rapper Taleb Kweli , Porlandia’s kitchen sink esthetic of  Blitzen Trapper, EDM/Rock mashup SAVOY and bringing the spice from N’awlins is Kermit Ruffins & The Barbecue Swingers.  Like the Cajun spices in a good gumbo, you’ll find these tasty groups sprinkled throughout the festival as well: electronic trio from Toronto theNEWDEAL, Orlandos’ Indie/Folk/Gypsy Rock The Getbye ,Tampa’s DieAlps! and the inspirational Mt. Zion Gospel Choir. 

Headlining Sunday is Reggae Royalty, Stephen “Ragga” Marley, sweet pickings with Greensky Bluegrass, Psychedelic country from the Futurebirds, the Soulful Charles Bradley and His Extraordinaires and the powerful funk of New Breed Brass Band.  In addition, there will be a Latin stage featuring local and international artists:  from Habana - Carlos Varela, from Puerto Rico - Pirulo Y La Tribu,  Tampa’s hottest Salsa band - Sol Caribe and Larry Duran  “the Doctor of Vallenato.”

The festival will also present a fantastic array of food offerings from the best chefs in the area. New for 2016: Big Rays Fish Camp, Buddy Brew, Ichicoro , Spain ,  Rooster & the Till  in addition to festival favorites :   Anise Global Gastrobar,Cafe Hey Dochos, Ellas Folk Art Cafe, Holy Hog BBQ, The Independent, Inside The Box Cafe, Fodder & Shine, Malio’s Prime Steakhouse and more!

Each morning will offer fun, greasy, kid stuff at The Kidsfest, featuring the  Family Friendly Music from artists such as: Andrew & Polly, Silly Sam, Mr. Tommy, DJ Kitty with an Interactive Kids Zone, Face Painting and best of all for the parents; same day re-entry for Mom & Dad.

“Gasparilla Music Festival is a Tampa favorite bringing a diverse and eclectic mix of music to downtown,” said Tampa’s Mayor Bob Buckhorn. “It’s non-profit serves the community by bolstering our quickly growing urban core by providing support to our local arts scene and highlighting Tampa’s rich cultural heritage.”

The eclectic array of exciting talent situated in beautiful downtown Tampa, Fl will tempt eyes, ears and palates of all tastes.

The Gates open at 10am both days. There are several parking lots downtown for your vehicle but the best ways to Get there early by foot, bike, boat or board. Tampa Bike Valet will be on hand to provide free and secure bike parking. Over 900  attended on bike last year. Their are many fun ways to get to GMF Tampa Water Taxi  and the Teco Line Streetcar  are available to shuttle revealers.

Tickets can be purchased by visiting  www.gmftickets.com.

Internationally acclaimed New York guitarist and composer Oz Noy follows his provocative two-volume exploration and reinvention of his blues roots (Twisted Blues) with Who Gives a Funk, due out April 15^th – a examination of classic funk and R&B grooves, spiked with his uniquely unhinged improvisational instincts. “Simple, funky music – but soulful,” is how Noy describes it, while acknowledging that simple is not synonymous with easy: The discipline and clarity these classic structures demand put even the finest musicians to the test, and Noy and his all-star cohorts deliver a remarkable program that uncovers intriguing new pathways through timeless forms.

Inspired by the funk-blues nexus of the late ‘60s and early ‘70s music of artists like Freddie King, James Brown, Albert Collins, Who Gives a Funk mixes concise, compelling original compositions with reimaginings of vintage standards by Brown, Jimi Hendrix, Sam Cook, Charles Mingus, and even Thelonious Monk – mostly tracked live in the studio for maximum grit and spark. A core group of New York’s finest (The Band:  Drums- Rocky Bryant, Steve Wolf, Chris Layton. Bass- Will Lee, Roscoe Beck. Organ- Jerry Z.) is augmented by an impressive array of guest appearances, including performances by John Medeski, Dweezil Zappa, funk pioneer Fred Wesley, Chris Potter, Robben Ford, Randy Brecker, Joe Bonamassa, and Living Color vocalist Corey Glover. 

Through it all, Noy’s guitar is the connecting thread. Whether steering the band with incisive, stark rhythm work or soaring over the grooves with impeccable single-note leads that recall the graceful, nuanced inflection of a fine soul vocalist, Noy brilliantly walks a musical tightrope spanning the best of the past and the future. Surprising, danceable, and accessible, Who Gives a Funk is a powerfully heartfelt new statement from one of contemporary guitar’s great improvisational stylists. 

The Band:  Drums- Rocky Bryant, Steve Wolf , Chris Layton. Bass- Will Lee, Roscoe Beck. Organ- Jerry Z. Precessions-Danny Sadownick
Feat. Special Guests: Joe Bonamasa, Robben Ford, Dweezil Zappa, John Medeski, Randy Brecker, Chris Potter, Fred Wesley.

Who Gives a Funk Track Listing:

01 Come On (feat. Fred Wesley)

02 Flashback (feat. John Medeski)

03 Better Get it in your Soul (feat.Randy Brecker)

04 I Got You (feat. Chris Potter)

05 A Change is Gonna Come

06 Ice Man (feat. Robben Ford)

07 Zig Zag

08 Damn This Groove (feat. Dweezil Zappa)

09 Little Wing (feat. Corey Glover)

10 Five Spot Blues (feat. Joe Bonamassa)

--

OZ NOY TOUR DATES

with Dave Weckl (Drums); Jimmy Haslip (Bass)

March 18, 2016 TBC, Urumqi

March 20, 2016 Sichuan Conservatory, Chengdu           

March 21, 2016 JZ Club, Guangzhou

March 22, 2016 Onstage, Shanghai      

March 23, 2016 Spring Theater, Kunming

March 25, 2016 Pi Live House, Tianjin   

March 27, 2016 Shandong Theater, Jinan

March 29, 2016 Cotton Club, Tokyo      

March 30, 2016 Cotton Club, Tokyo

March 31, 2016 Cotton Club, Tokyo

April 01, 2016 Cotton Club, Tokyo

April 05, 2016 Catalina Jazz Club, Los Angeles

April 06, 2016 Catalina Jazz Club, Los Angeles

April 12, 2016 Iridium, New York

April 13, 2016 Iridium, New York

April 14, 2016 Iridium, New York

April 15, 2016 Sellersville Theatre, Sellersville

April 16, 2016 Jammin Java, Vienna

April 17, 2016 The House That Rocks, Indian Trail

April 19, 2016 Third & Lindsley, Nashville

April 20, 2016 Martyr's, Chicago

April 21, 2016 Rascals Live, Molene, IL

April 22, 2016 Jazz Kitchen, Indianapolis

April 23, 2016 Jazz Kitchen, Indianapolis

April 25, 2016 Main Street Studio, Walla Walla

April 26, 2016 Jazz Alley, Seattle

April 27, 2016 Jazz Alley, Seattle

April 28, 2016 Yoshi's, Oakland

April 29, 2016 Yoshi's, Oakland

April 30, 2016 Ramona Mainstage, San Diego

Near Life Experience is Keyboard whiz Scott Kinsey's sophomore solo album after Kinesthetics, released almost 10 years ago in 2006. Considered by many to be Tribal Tech's secret weapon, Scott either penned or co-wrote nine out of the twelve tunes on the record. 

Near Life Experience features a terrific version of Marvin Gaye's "Inner City Blues" featuring Jason Joseph on vocals as well as the amazing Lalah Hathaway who contributes some incredible wordless vocal improvising on "Siya," an element of her artistry seldom heard.  

The terrific 12 track album features a long list of A-Listers who bring their best to the game; Michael Landau, Kirk Fletcher on guitar, Gary Novak, Danny Carey, Kirk Covington, Gergo Borlai, Karim Ziad on the drums, long time collaborator Matthew Garrison, Jimmy Earl, and Hadrein Feraud on bass along with Arto Tuncoboyacian among others on percussion. While Scott certainly pays homage to his friend and guru Joe Zawinul in moments, he more importantly carves out his own unique and definitive voice like never before, as highlighted on the explosive title track on the album (soundcloud link below).

Scott Kinsey (Synthesizer, Piano and Vocoder); Steve Tavaglione (Alto, Tenor and Soprano Saxophone, Bass Clarinet, Flute); Seamus Blake (Tenor Saxophone); Judd Miller (Evi); Martin Ptak (Trombone); Michael Landau (Electric Guitar); Kirk Fletcher (Electric Guitar); Lalah Hathaway (Vocals); Arto Tunçboyaciyan (Vocals); Jason Joseph (Vocals); Maalem Hamid El Kasri (Vocals); Maalem Hassan Boussou (Vocals); Matthew Garrison (Bass); Jimmy Earl (Bass); Hadrien Feraud (Bass);Tim Lefevbre (Bass); Hassan Boussou (Guimbri); Arto Tunçboyaciyan (Percussion); Brad Dutz (Percussion); Aloke Dutta (Tabla);  Yéyé Kanté (Djembe, Kalimba); Rhani Krija (Percussion); Aly Keita (Balifon); Gary Novak (Drums); Danny Carey (Drums); Kirk Covington (Drums); Cyril Atef (Drums); Gergo Borlai (Drums); Karim Ziad (Drums).

Deft and dynamic, King Baby’s sound balances earthy R&B, simmering soul, percolating funk, and a jazz-spiked improvisational bent – with compelling original vocal and instrumental compositions as the fulcrum. Emerging from Atlanta’s fertile, diverse music scene, King Baby assemble a uniquely compelling, invigorating sound from shards of their influences, cemented by their long-standing friendship and fearless willingness to experiment, focused with clear-eyed discipline and formidable musicianship.

Composed of vocalist/guitarist Rick Lollar (Col.Bruce Hampton, The Lee Boys, Roosevelt Collier), drummer Mark Raudabaugh (Donna The Buffalo, Peter Rowan), bassist Kevin Scott (Atlanta Funk Society, Russell Gunn, Col.Bruce Hampton), and veteran keyboardist Matt Slocum (Jimmy Herring Band, Aquarium Rescue Unit, Rich Robinson), King Baby harness the energy and zeal of open-ended jams to tight, evocative songcraft, making their music at once provocative and accessible.  

Word of mouth lead to a deal with internationally respected label Abstract Logix to release King Baby’s debut album. The project was recorded at Diamond Street Studios, in Atlanta’s bohemian Little Five Points neighborhood, with engineer Spencer Garn (Ruby Velle and the Soulphonics) and is currently being mixed by Jason Kingsland (Band of Horses, Kaiser Chiefs). As yet untitled, it is slated for a fall 2016 release, and captures the band in full flight across a program of Lollar originals and band collaborations. 

“In a live setting, these tunes will stretch out,” Lollar adds, “But in the studio, we knew that we wanted to keep the songs pretty lean, which created a cool kind of pressure to make your point and then hand it to the next guy. We also tried to record as live as possible.” 

As the finishing touches are being applied to their full-length debut, the band continues to hold court at the Elliot Street Pub and tour regionally – winning over new fans one gig, one song, one solo at a time… 

King Baby debut recording will be released in the Fall of 2016 via Abstract Logix.

Youtube

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BU2FZktOoOs

Soundcloud

https://soundcloud.com/abstractlogix/king-baby-buddy

Wayne Krantz, the innovative and improvisational guitarist, announces his FALL 2016 US “Undercover Pop Tour.”  This time out Krantz brings his unique sensibilities to the works of a wide cross-section of musicians:  Sonic Youth, Talib Kweli & Mos Def, Paul McCartney, Ryuichi Nakamoto, Jethro Tull and others.  Taking two different bands on the road for this tour, Krantz will perform October 4 - 9 and October 25 – November 2 with 2x Salvation, with Star Truck playing the October 12-23 leg.   

This fall the tour begins on October 4th in Sellersville, PA before hitting Krantz’s home town of New York City on October 7th.  The tour continues on throughout the month of October.  After the East Coast run, Krantz will head out West, beginning with Seattle for a show at El Corazon and then on to Oakland’s famed Yoshi’s, before heading south to Santa Cruz and then on to Asia and Europe. Krantz will be joined by Zach Danziger on drums throughout, Kevin Scott on Bass with 2x Salvation, and Nate Wood on bass for Star Truck.

Krantz’s most recent album was 2014’s Good Piranha/Bad Piranha, which featured Krantz performing four different tracks with two different interpretations of each - a striking collection of engaging group improvisation and creative compositional approaches.

Wayne Krantz Tour Dates 2016

Oct 04 Sellersville Theatre Sellersville, PA

Oct 05 Mexicali Live Teaneck, NJ

Oct 06 Regattabar Cambridge, MA

Oct 07 Cutting Room New York, NY

Oct 08 River St. Jazz Café Scranton, PA

Oct 09 Jammin' Java Vienna, VA

Oct 12 Third & Lindsley Nashville, TN

Oct 13 Reggie's Chicago, IL

Oct 14,15 Jazz Kitchen Indianapolis, IN

Oct 16 The House That Rocks Indian Trail, NC

Oct 18 Grey Eagle Asheville, NC

Oct 19 The Miraverse Pittsboro, NC

Oct 20 Aisle 5 Atlanta, GA

Oct 21 121 Austin, TX

Oct 22 Rhythm Room Phoenix, AZ

Oct 23 El Corazon Seattle, WA

Oct 25 Yoshi's Oakland, CA

Oct 26 Kuumbwa Jazz Center Santa Cruz, CA

Oct 28,29,30 Cotton Club Tokyo, Japan

Nov 1,2 Blue Note Beijing, China

Nov 20,21 M8 Mainz, Germany

Tampa is gearing up for the one of the most anticipated events of the season: The 6th Annual Gasparilla Music Festival presented by Frontier (“GMF”) which returns to Curtis Hixon Park on March 11th & 12th.   

The community supported non-profit event has become a must do for live music fans and the perfect addition to any Spring Break itinerary. Today, GMF reveals an initial lineup of performers that will be appearing at the music and culture gathering.  Headlining on Saturday, March 11 is Grammy Award nominee Cage the Elephant.   GMF’17 will mark the group’s first live appearance in the Tampa Bay Area in over two years.  Closing out the festival on Sunday, March 12, the prolific, insurgent and multi genre favorite Ryan Adams will celebrate the release of his new album, “Prisoner,” with fans at the fest.  Other performers in the initial lineup include Ghostface Killah, Moon Taxi, Chronixx, The New Mastersounds, The Marcus King Band, Dirty Dozen Brass Band, Shamarr Allen & the Underdawgs, Kelsey Waldon, Grandpa’s Cough Medicine, Have Gun, Will Travel and a slew of locally grown favorites.  

 “Whether it’s getting to see a band you love, discovering new music, or just finding a groove, GMF offers music lovers intimate experiences within a fun festival setting,” said David Cox, GMF’s Executive Director. “This year promises to deliver a lot of memorable moments.”

GMF’17 will feature over 40 bands across 4 stages along downtown Tampa’s Riverwalk. Each year the festival has grown in size and breadth with an eclectic mix of music styles including rock, reggae, R&B, country, hip hop, gospel, bluegrass, electronic and latin. In addition to diversity of sound, the Gasparilla Music Festival offers diversity of experiences including a wellness kickoff on Saturday March with the first ever Dubb Tenn Yoga and Ride the Park, a stationary bike ride hosted by SOHO Cycles. The ride is a fundraiser for GMF's Recycled Tunes program whose mission is to enrich the lives of underserved children in Tampa Bay by ensuring access to musical instruments and music education.

GMF also continues to grow its popular Kids Fest which offers musical performances and interactive experiences for children of all ages each day of the festival from noon until 2pm and offers FREE admission to children 12 and under. This year, Kids Fest is expanding into the adjacent Glazer Children’s Museum on Sunday March 12.  The museum will be open with FREE admission all day and will offer an immersive musical experience and live performances throughout the venue.  

Tickets to the festival are available at www.gmftickets.com

$60 – 2 Day General Admission
$40 – Sat-only General Admission
$30 – Sun-only General Admission

$150 – 2 Day VIP
$100 – Sat-only VIP
$75   – Sun-only VIP

The 2017 VIP Experience is sponsored by Choice HR and includes 3 free drinks, premium stage viewing areas, special entrance into the festival, VIP bars, and air conditioned restrooms.

In a career that spans over five decades, John McLaughlin, one of music’s most influential and prolific guitarists, composers, and bandleaders, will begin his farewell U.S. tour on November 1 in Buffalo, NY.  McLaughlin will be joined by Jimmy Herring, who has been in the creative forefront of the American rock-jam movement for 25 years.  The Meeting of the Spirits tour will hit 23 cities before ending in Los Angeles on December 9.

Highlighting this musical adventure will be John McLaughlin revisiting the pioneering music he introduced with his genre-defying Mahavishnu Orchestra. In addition, McLaughlin is expected to release a new album just before the tour launches.  More details to be announced.  

McLaughlin’s first extensive U.S. tour in seven years, The Meeting of the Spirits also marks his first extended exploration of the Mahavishnu Orchestra material from seminal albums such as Inner Mounting Flame, Birds of Fire, Between Nothingness and Eternity, Visions of the Emerald Beyond and more since the band’s original heyday in the 1970s.

Jimmy Herring, best known for his inspired contributions to the Aquarium Rescue Unit, The Allman Brothers, Widespread Panic, The Dead, and others, will be co-headlining each show with his new band ‘The Invisible Whip,’ comprised of  Jeff Sipe-Apt Q258 (drums), Matt Slocum (B3 and Clavinet), Jason Crosby (Fender Rhodes, Wurlitzer) and Kevin Scott (bass).

On The Meeting of the Spirits tour, separate sets by Herring and McLaughlin will be followed by the two joining forces for an expansive closing jam based on classic Mahavishnu Orchestra material. The tour will feature the first extended collaborations between two of world’s foremost guitarists.  McLaughlin will be backed by his current band, the 4th Dimension – Ranjit Barot (drums), Gary Husband (keyboards, drums), and Etienne M’Bappé (bass) – each an established composer and recording artist in his own right.  Expect special surprise guests to be added when available. 

The Meeting of the Spirits Tour Itinerary:

11/1/17 Buffalo, NY, University at Buffalo Center for the Arts

11/2/17 Albany, NY, The Egg

11/3/17 New York, NY, Town Hall

11/4/17 Port Chester, NY, Capitol Theatre

11/5/17 Cranston, RI, Park Theatre/Rhode Island Center for the Performing Arts

11/8/17 Boston, MA, The Wilbur Theatre

11/9/17 Philadelphia, PA, Keswick Theatre

11/10/17 Newark, NJ, Prudential Hall,New Jersey Performance Art Centre

11/11/17 Washington DC, Lincoln Theatre

11/12/17 Durham, NC, Duke Performances at DPAC

11/15/17 Ann Arbor, MI

11/17/17 Chicago, IL, Vic Theatre

11/19/17 Indianapolis, IN, Clowes Memorial-Hall-Butler University

11/21/17 Nashville, TN, Schermerhorn Symphony Center-Laura Turner Concert Hall

11/22/17 Atlanta, GA, Atlanta Symphony Hall

11/24/17 Jacksonville, FL, Florida Theatre

11/25/17 Clearwater, FL, Ruth Eckerd Hall

11/27/17 New Orleans, LA, The Joy Theater

11/30/17 Austin, TX, Paramount Theatre

12/5/17 Seattle, WA, Moore Theatre

12/6/17 Portland, OR, Revolution Hall

12/8/17 San Francisco, CA, The Warfield

12/9/17 Los Angeles, CA, Royce Hall-UCLA

Today, as we mark the first anniversary of Dan Hicks passing, Surfdog Records is honored to announce the release of Greatest Licks – I Feel Like Singin’, an extraordinary compilation album paying tribute and celebrating Dan’s life and legacy.

Called “An American Treasure,” by Elvis Costello, Dan created an iconic blend of hipster jazz, gypsy swing and country that still resonates as strongly today as it did when Dan Hicks and the Hot Licks came roaring onto the scene with their unique, genre-bending sound in the late 1960’s

Greatest Licks is set for vinyl, CD and digital release on February 24, 2017.   Starting February 10^th, those placing pre-orders will receive a never-before-released version of, “Strike It While It’s Hot!”  In addition, the album also includes a never-before-released version of “I Don’t Want Love.”  All tracks on “Greatest Licks” were re-mastered for vinyl from the original analog tapes.

The collection was produced by Dave Darling (Brian Setzer, Glen Campbell) and Dave Kaplan, owner/CEO of Surfdog Records and a lifelong fan of Dan’s, “Some of my favorite and fun times were making music with Dan,” said Kaplan.  “I am really proud to have worked with him over the past 17 years, and to call him a friend.”

Dan Hicks and his music is revered by some of music’s beloved legends including Tom Waits, Willie Nelson, Steven Tyler, Jimmy Buffett, Rickie Lee Jones, Brian Setzer, Bette Midler and so many others.

In August of 1973, after releasing three critically acclaimed albums, appearing on the cover of Rolling Stone Magazine and just as the band was enjoying commercial success with “Last Train to Hicksville,” Dan succumbed to his own internal and external pressures – breaking up the band and becoming reclusive.   “Where’s The Money?”, “Striking It Rich” and “Last Train to Hicksville” were all released at the height of the band’s popularity, but for Dan, it was time to move on.  He continued to write and record, but would eventually embark on a 22-year hiatus from recording as a frontman. 

Years later, Kaplan remembered Hicks as an artist who captivated and touched his heart as a youngster, whose music and performance during an appearance on the Tonight Show with Johnny Carson, had reached through the television and inspired him. Hicks’ impression on Kaplan was so profound, that when Kaplan’s work allowed him the means, he tracked Dan down and convinced him to sign a new deal – releasing records for his Surfdog imprint.  It was the start to the prolific final 17 years of Hick’s career and life - with the release of Beatin’ the Heat in 2000, featuring guests Tom Waits, Rickie Lee Jones and Brian Setzer.

Sadly, at the time of Dan’s passing, he was only mid-way through finishing his memoir.  Fortunately, author Kristine McKenna (former LA Times critic and co-author of David Lynch’s “Live & Work” among many other notable books) picked up where Dan left off and has finished his extraordinary life story.  “I Scare Myself” will be published by Jawbone Press on April 18, 2017, in softcover and very limited-edition hardcover editions.  It includes a heartfelt forward by life-long fan, Elvis Costello and afterword by friend and former record label boss, Tommy LiPuma.

Since the beginning, Hicks deftly blended elements of multiple American musical art forms to create a sound that the New York Times calls “defiantly unfashionable, proudly eccentric & foot-tappingly catchy.”  His lyrics range from the simply sublime to the sublimely ridiculous, all presented with his uniquely skewed and inscrutable touch.  Songs like "How Can I Miss You When You Won't Go Away?" as described again by the Times, “display his dry and often absurd wit, as did his gently self-mocking stage presence.”  But Hicks had his serious side as well; "I Scare Myself", described as “a longtime staple of his repertoire, was a brooding, hypnotic ballad about being afraid to love.”  Hicks’ irresistible sense of rhythm, hip lyrical styling, laid back vocalizing, and infamous on-stage wit lasted well through his final recordings on Surfdog.

Hicks was revered by his musical peers, never following the status quo.  As friend & famed producer Tommy LiPuma put it, “Dan was short on bullshit, and long on talent.”  Featuring 11 classic Dan Hicks and the Hot Licks songs (the CD & digital versions contain a 12^th bonus track), this exceptional anthology from one of music’s true originals, showcases Hicks’ musical genius and encapsulates his unparalleled career.

“I will always be humble to my dying day.  On my dying day I will explain to the world how lucky they have been to be alive the same time as me.” – Dan Hicks, 2013

--

Pre-order “Greatest Licks – I Feel Like Singin’” at the following outlets: 
Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Greatest-Licks-Feel-Singin-Download/dp/B01NAQ4YN0/ref=tmm_vnl_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=&sr=

iTunes: https://itunes.apple.com/album/greatest-licks-i-feel-like/id1195246108?ls=1&app=itunes

Dan Hicks didn’t have his heart set on a career in music. It all just sort of happened to him. It didn’t hurt, of course, that he was in the right place at the right time—San Francisco, 1966—and had a front-row seat for the birth and death of the counterculture.

Among other things, I SCARE MYSELF is a classic story of the 60s. More importantly, though, it’s a story of musical genius. By the time the Summer of Love limped to a close in the fall of ’67, Dan Hicks had quit The Charlatans—the pioneering psych-rock band with whom he played the drums—and turned to jazz, the music he’d secretly loved all along, as he began building his own band.

‘I just started taking ingredients I liked and putting them together to see what came out,’ he writes. What came out was an amazing blend of complex time signatures, unusual instrumentation, and intricate vocal harmonies that took him to the top of the 70s rock world but also into a downward spiral of drink and drug abuse.

Emerging from a long wilderness, which he details here with wit and candor, Dan eventually returned to recording and performing, making a number of acclaimed albums, including Beatin’ The Heat, a set of duets with Tom Waits, Elvis Costello, Rickie Lee Jones, and more. Along the way, his music continued to subtly permeate the culture, turning up everywhere from The Sopranos to commercials for Levi’s and Bic.

Though he passed away in early 2016, Dan’s music, and the stories he tells here, remain as fresh and irresistible as ever. Combining those stories with dozens of rare photographs and a detailed discography by the writer and critic Kristine McKenna,

I SCARE MYSELF takes readers on a journey behind the music, and into the life and mind of the fantastic artist who created it. 

The Revolution has gathered together to celebrate and pay tribute to their PRINCE. The band will set off on their first coast-to-coast foray in decades in response to the overwhelming reaction of February’s surprise announcement of their reunion. The jaunt, which was originally just six dates, including a special performance at Paisley Park, quickly expanded when demand made it necessary to add second shows in Chicago, New York, Philadelphia and San Francisco.  The quintet are set to bring their exciting new show to the rest of the U.S.  The current itinerary ends on July 17th, with even more dates expected to be announced soon.

The Revolution formed in 1979 when Prince joined drummer, Bobby Z and keyboardist Matt Fink. Over the next four years, several formations would emerge until finally Prince found the band he felt could master the challenging musicality of his vision.  The legendary final line-up included Lisa Coleman on keyboards/piano, Wendy Melvoin on guitar and Brown Mark on bass. The Revolution was credited on three Prince studio-albums, Purple Rain, Around the World In a Day and Parade while some members also played on 1999. Together, they earned multiple #1 hits, as well as two Grammy® Awards and an Oscar, with the song “Purple Rain,” for Best Original Song Score in 1985.

After being asked to perform at Paisley Park on the first anniversary of Prince’s death, the group felt it was time to take The Revolution back on the road. Recently, in Billboard Magazine,  Melvoin shared that those First Avenue shows were a catharsis for both themselves and the fans. "The first night it was so sad. There was a lot of beautiful energy and it was high contrast for sure, all fantastic and all horrible swimming at the same time," Melvoin recalls. "By night three we were smiling from beginning to end, and when we walked off stage the five of us went into a back room, and I remember Bobby just broke down and started to cry. We all sort of had this moment where it felt like this was almost too much. But at the same time we made people smile and they felt good and they got to grab onto at least the legacy of him so that his death didn't feel so permanent.” It is with that spirit that the Grammy® Award winning group heads out to spread love and funk across America this spring.

“Prince said that music is medicine,” Bobby relates, “People need it, and we need it.… In honor of him, we’ll give it everything we’ve got.”

THE REVOLUTION Tour Itinerary:

April 21           Celebration 2017 @ Paisley Park         Minneapolis, MN

April 23           Metro                                                 Chicago, IL

April 24           Metro                                                 Chicago, IL

April 27           The Fillmore Silver Spring                     Washington, DC

April 28           BB Kings                                            New York, NY

April 29           Theatre of Living Arts                           Philadelphia, PA

April 30           Theatre of Living Arts                           Philadelphia, PA

May 3              Webster Hall                                        New York, NY

May 4              Capitol Theatre                                    Port Chester, NY

May 12           Barrymore Theatre                                Madison, WI

May 14           The Vogue                                            Indianapolis, IN

May 15              Mercury Ballroom                                Louisville, KY

May 16           Bogart’s                                               Cincinnati, OH

May 18           House of Blues                                     Cleveland, OH

May 20           Majestic Theater                                    Detroit, MI

May 21           Phoenix Theatre                                    Toronto, Ont

June 14           House of Blues                                     Dallas, TX

June 15           House of Blues                                     Houston, TX

June 16           The Aztec Theater                                 San Antonio, TX

June 17           ACL Live                                               Austin, TX

June 21           Brooklyn Bowl                                      Las Vegas, NV

June 22           House of Blues                                     San Diego, CA

June 23           Wiltern                                                   Los Angeles, CA

July 11          The Fillmore                                             San Francisco, CA

July 12             The Fillmore                                         San Francisco, CA

July 13             Artown                                                  Reno, NV

July 14             Roseland Theater                                  Portland, OR

July 15             The Showbox                                        Seattle, WA

July 17              Britt Pavillion                                      Jacksonville, OR

More dates TBA

CALICO the band, short for “California Country”, is set to release their sophomore album, Under Blue Skies, on July 21st.  With all its musical intricacy and lyrical eloquence, Under Blue Skies embraces the signature sun-drenched, California country sound founder and leaders Manda Mosher and Kirsten Proffit have made their own. The intimate, tightly harmonized songs of Under Blue Skies will be out on CD and Digital download release through Mosher and Proffit’s own imprint,  California Country Records LLC.

“We dug in deeper on this record from a songwriting standpoint,” Manda says, “because we’ve spent so much time together, we feel more comfortable expressing vulnerability in the lyrics; there are definitely more love songs. There’s certainly meaning to Rancho California, but it’s more broad strokes; on Under Blue Skies, we were able to dig in and get more personal.”

So it goes with the opening track “Fine Line,” the quintessential story of so many aspiring artists that come to L.A. in hopes of realizing their dreams. Everyone in Southern California that makes their way along the miles of freeway knows the “The 405,” the title of Proffit’s only solely-penned album track, on which love blossoms against the backdrop of an all-too-familiar L.A.  The chorus goes, ‘We’ve got life behind us, open skies above and the walls of the canyon on either side/In front of us now is a great divide, and there’s nothing between us but the 405.’ Other songs, like “Roll Away the Stone”, blends the luminous textures of voices over stringed instruments, illuminating the struggle of overcoming addiction through the eyes of one willing to share the burden.

Kirsten and Manda finished the record with the perfect homage to Southern California and musical influence, the  Mamas & the Papas classic “California Dreamin”.

On their first offering in 2014, Paul Zollo, of American Songwriter Magazine, writes, "Just when it seemed that the term ‘Americana’ was being hopelessly diluted and unfocused, along comes CALICO the band to define the term for us with new vigor and focus. In the hands and spirit of these gifted ladies, Americana is reborn in the spirit of Laurel Canyon, the spirit of the great songwriters (Joni Mitchell, Crosby, Stills & Nash, Jackson Browne, etc.) who flourished there. It’s there in lyrics which speak with urgency of modern times, with music of great passion and beauty, cloaked in warm acoustics and close harmonies. Rancho California picks up that torch and lights up these lyrical songs with great purity and love."  All these sentiments, and more, still hold true for Under Blue Skies.

It was just before Christmas, 2016, when CALICO the band headed to Jim Scott’s PLYRZ Studio in Santa Clarita with their rhythm section of bassist Ted Kamp and drummer Matt Lucich, augmented by a crew of all-star players including Greg Leisz on pedal steel, Neal Casal on 12-string electric, Patrick Warren on keys and Kaitlin Wolfberg.  It is somewhat ironic, in a California kind of way, that the Americana beauty of Under Blue Skies came together during Cali’s drought-ending rains. CALICO the band pairs their power of voice with their deeply-felt, lyrical emotions of Sunshine and Rain, Love and Pain, Hope and Reality.

CALICO the band on tour:

May 13 Sound Bites Grill Sedona, AZ

May 14 Handle Bar J's Scottsdale, AZ

May 20 Standing Sun Wines Buellton, CA

May 21 River View Park Buellton, CA

May 28 Mimosa Brunch - The Federal Bar North Hollywood, CA

Jul 01 Saturdays in the Park La Center, WA

Jul 04 Timberfest Estacada, OR

Jul 07 The Birk Clatskanie, OR

Jul 08 The Birk Clatskanie, OR

Jul 11 The Barlow - Outdoor Stage Sebastopol, CA

Jul 23 Rancho Los Cerritos Historic Site Long Beach, CA

Aug 26 West End Celebration Seaside, CA

Sept 12-17 Americana Fest Nashville, TN

JIMMY HERRING, contemporary American guitarists, embarks on the next chapter of his storied career with the debut of the new band, The Invisible Whip. As a founding member of The Aquarium Rescue Unit, Project Z, and Jazz is Dead – in addition to playing with everyone from The Allman Brothers Band to The Dead to Phil Lesh and Friends – HERRING has made an indelible impact on improvised music. He currently serves as the lead guitarist for the very popular American band Widespread Panic.

Jimmy has been touring consistently with Widespread Panic over the past decade, along with short tours with Aquarium Rescue Unit, Phil Lesh, and The Ringers, but his 2017 dates with The Invisible Whip mark the first performances of his own music, with his own band, in nearly five years. The upcoming dates will include new music Herring is currently working on, plus material from his last two albums, Lifeboat (2008) and Subject to Change Without Notice (2012). Among the concerts include appearances with John McLaughlin and the 4th Dimension, whose leader is one of Herring's musical inspirations and, uniquely, also one of Herring's most prominent champions.

Composed of longtime friends and musical collaborators, The Invisible Whip, named for the intangible musical force that fuels them, is a nod to their time spent playing with Col. Bruce Hampton – who has made a lifelong impact on the members of the band. Members of The Invisible Whip are drummer Jeff Sipe (aka Apt Q258), Matt Slocum on B3 organ and clavinet, bassist Kevin Scott and multi-instrumentalist Jason Crosby on Fender Rhodes, piano and violin.

Jimmy Herring and The Invisible Whip on Tour:

July 19                                   Minglewood Hall                                          Memphis, TN

July 20                                   Duling Hall                                                     Jackson, MS

July 21                                   Duling Hall                                                     Jackson, MS

July 22                                   Workplay Theatre                                         Birmingham, AL

July 23                                   Revelry Room                                                 Chattanooga, TN

July 25                                   Terminal West                                                Atlanta, GA                        

July 26                                   Georgia Theatre                                            Athens, GA

July 27                                   Cox Capitol Theatre                                       Macon, GA

July 28                                   Isis Music Hall                                                 Asheville, NC

July 29                                   Isis Music Hall                                                 Asheville, NC

July 30                                   Neighborhood Theatre                                 Charlotte, NC

August 1                              Headliners Music Hall                                     Louisville, KY

August 2                              Park Street Saloon                                           Columbus, OH

August 3                              Kent Stage                                                         Kent, OH

August 4                              Mr Smalls Theatre                                           Pittsburgh, PA

August 5                              Jefferson Center                                               Roanoke, VA

August 31                            Carlos Alverez Theater at Tobin Center       San Antonio, TX

September 1                      Trees                                                                   Dallas, TX

September 2                      George’s Majestic Lounge                               Fayetteville, AR

September 3                      2720 Cherokee PAC                                          St. Louis, MO

September 7                      Gothic Theatre                                                  Englewood, CO

September 8                      Fox Theatre                                                        Boulder, CO

September 9                      Fox Theatre                                                        Boulder, CO

September 10                   Aggie Theatre                                                     Fort Collins, CO

With John McLaughlin and the 4th Dimension:

November 1                       University At Buffalo Center for the Arts           Buffalo, NY                       

November 2                       The Egg                                                                    Albany, NY                        

November 3                       Town Hall                                                                 New York, NY                  

November 4                       Capitol Theatre                                                       Port Chester, NY             

November 5                       Rhode Island Center for the Performing Arts    Cranston, RI                     

November 8                       The Wilbur Theatre                                                Boston, MA                      

November 9                       Keswick Theatre                                                     Philadelphia, PA               

 November 10                   Prudential Hall, NJPAC                                           Newark, NJ                       

November 11                    Lincoln Theatre                                                        Washington, DC                              

November 12                    Duke Performances at DPAC                                 Durham, NC                       

November 15                    Michigan Theatre                                                    Ann Arbor, MI                 

November 17                    Vic Theatre                                                               Chicago, IL                         

November 18                    Vic Theatre                                                              Chicago, IL                         

November 19                    Clowes Memorial Hall, Butler University          Indianapolis, IN               

November 21                    Laura Turner Concert Hall                                     Nashville, TN                    

November 22                    Atlanta Symphony Hall                                         Atlanta, GA                       

November 24                    Florida Theatre                                                       Jacksonville, FL                

November 25                    Ruth Eckerd Hall                                                     Clearwater, FL                 

November 27                    The Joy Theater                                                      New Orleans, LA             

November 30                    Paramount Theatre                                                Austin, TX                          

December 5                       Moore Theatre                                                       Seattle, WA                      

December 6                       Revolution Hall                                                       Portland, OR                    

December 8                       The Warfield                                                          San Francisco, CA             

 December 9                      Royce Hall-UCLA                                                               Los Angeles, CA

CALICO the band, the California country group led by Manda Mosher and Kirsten Proffit will showcase at this year’s AmericanaFest.  Known for their  quintessential California country sound, CALICO the band will release their sophomore album, Under Blue Skies, on July 21 through Mosher and Profitt’s own imprint, California Country Records LLC.  The duo’s indie Americana country label is also home to Alice Wallace -- who will be performing at this year’s Fest as well.

The eighteenth annual Americana Music Festival & Conference will take place September 12 through 17 at venues throughout Nashville, TN. (AmericanaFest Performers - Rolling Stone)

Under Blue Skies was recorded in Southern California at the Fitting Room Studio with Steve Berns and Kirsten Proffit producing. CALICO’s Americana version of the Mama’s and the Papa’s iconic “California Dreaming” was recorded in Jim Scott’s PLYRZ Studio in Santa Clarita, CA with CALICO’s rhythm section of bassist Ted Kamp and drummer Matt Lucich, augmented by a crew of all-star players including Greg Leisz on pedal steel, Neal Casal on 12-string electric, Patrick Warren on keys and Kaitlin Wolfberg.

It is somewhat ironic, in a California kind of way, that the Americana beauty of Under Blue Skies came together during Cali’s drought-ending rains. CALICO the band pairs their power of voice with their deeply-felt, lyrical emotions of Sunshine and Rain, Love and Pain, Hope and Reality.

CALICO the band are on tour this summer.

Dates are:

June 17  The Palms - Wonder Valley, CA (w/Nocona)

July 01 Saturdays in the Park  La Center, WA

July 04 Timberfest Estacada, OR

July 06 The Landmark Saloon, Portland, OR

July 07 The Birk Clatskanie, OR

July 08 The Birk Clatskanie, OR

July 11 The Barlow - Outdoor Stage Sebastopol, CA

July 13 Don Quixote’s, Felton, CA

July 23 Rancho Los Cerritos Historic Site Long Beach, CA

 Aug 25 Barmel, Carmel, CA

Aug 26 West End Celebration Seaside, CA

 Sept 12-17 AmericanaFest Nashville, TN

Sept 23  Sound Bites Grill  Sedona, AZ

“Ronnie Scott’s…” mused the boundary-shattering guitarist John McLaughlin, “…where would I be without them?” The venerable London jazz club and its charismatic namesake gave so much to McLaughlin’s career, the roots of which extend as far back as McLaughlin’s stint as a member of the club’s house band in the 1960s. Since then, his pioneering spirit, instrumental virtuosity, and improvisational fearlessness have taken him around the world, put him on stage alongside fellow giants such as Miles Davis and Tony Williams, and has given listeners a series of compelling, revolutionary recordings that have redefined improvised music for generations to come.

On September 15, Abstract Logix issues Live @ Ronnie Scott’s – a souvenir of a sold-out, two-night stand at the beloved venue by John McLaughlin and the 4th Dimension, recorded in March of 2017. In the 4th Dimension – Ranjit Barot (drums, konokol), Gary Husband (keyboards, drums), and Etienne M’Bappé (bass) – McLaughlin has gathered a band with the technical dexterity and soulful musicality to do ample justice to his vast catalog. They can follow him anywhere, and together on Live @ Ronnie Scott’s McLaughlin and the 4th Dimension explore everything from early Mahavishnu Orchestra classics to compositions from their most recent studio LP, Black Light.

Most striking about Live @ Ronnie Scott’s is the restraint and fluidity on display: So connected are the band’s four members that the interplay approaches telepathic levels, making for powerfully evocative performances without any wasted gestures. Longtime fans will be thrilled to hear favorites like “Vital Transformation” (from Mahavishnu’s 1971 Inner Mounting Flame album) and “Miles Beyond” (from 1973’s Birds of Fire) reexamined through the lens of the 4th Dimension’s unparalleled sensitivity and facility. Hearing such standards alongside recent compositions like “El Hombre Que Sabia” and the moving “Gaza City” serves to demonstrate the breadth and scope of McLaughlin’s vision, honed over a career now spanning fifty years.

The September release of Live @ Ronnie Scott’s will be followed by the Meeting of the Spirits Tour – a series of November and December shows undertaken in collaboration with one of McLaughlin’s favorite musicians, American guitarist Jimmy Herring. Separate sets by Jimmy Herring and the Invisible Whip and McLaughlin and the 4th Dimension will be followed by the two joining forces for an expansive closing jam based on classic Mahavishnu Orchestra material. These special concerts will also mark McLaughlin’s final shows in America.

As such, Live @ Ronnie Scott’s offers a tantalizing preview of the Meeting of the Spirits Tour. “The intimacy of Ronnie's brought out some startling playing,” wrote London Jazz News immediately following the shows. “There was no mistaking McLaughlin's enthusiasm for revisiting these landmark compositions, reconfirming and even rediscovering their quality and longevity.” 

Meeting of the Spirits Tour

Nov 01 University at Buffalo Center for the Arts Buffalo, NY  

Nov 02 The Egg Albany, NY  

Nov 03 Town Hall New York, NY  

Nov 04 Capitol Theatre Port Chester, NY  

Nov 05 Park Theatre/Rhode Island Center for the Performing Arts Cranston, RI

Nov 08 The Wilbur Theatre Boston, MA  

Nov 09 Keswick Theatre Philadelphia, PA  

Nov 10 Prudential Hall, NJPAC Newark, NJ  

Nov 11 Lincoln Theatre Washington, DC

Nov 12 Duke Performances at DPAC Durham, NC  

Nov 15 Michigan Theatre Ann Arbor, MI

Nov 17 Vic Theatre Chicago, IL

Nov 18 Vic Theatre Chicago, IL

Nov 19 Clowes Memorial-Hall-Butler University Indianapolis, IN  

Nov 21 Schermerhorn Symphony Center-Laura   Nashville, TN

Nov 22 Atlanta Symphony Hall Atlanta, GA

Nov 24 Florida Theatre Jacksonville, FL

Nov 25 Ruth Eckerd Hall Clearwater, FL

Nov 27 The Joy Theater New Orleans, LA

Nov 30 Paramount Theatre Austin, TX

Dec 01 Riviera Maya Jazz Festival Playa Del Carmen, Mexico

Dec 05 Moore Theatre Seattle, WA

Dec 06 Revolution Hall Portland, OR

Dec 08 The Warfield San Francisco, CA

Dec 09 Royce Hall-UCLA Los Angeles, CA

Through the years, there are many songs that take us to another place, that fuel our creativity and lighten our hearts. Jack Tempchin, the multi-platinum songwriter for Glenn Frey and The Eagles, has written many of those hits. He is responsible for the lyrics that have become emblazoned not only within us as individuals, but in our culture as well. Jack wrote the songs we’ve all danced and sung along to; “Peaceful Easy Feeling”, “Slow Dancing”, “The One You Love” and who can forget, “You Belong To The City” from the Miami Vice TV soundtrack. Just a week ago, Jack Tempchin released his greatest hits on one album, Peaceful Easy Feeling – The Songs of Jack Tempchin through Blue Elan Records.

In a poignant tribute to the fabled friendship he shared with his “musical brother“, Glenn Frey, the album features twelve of their songs, performed in Jack’s own special renditions.  He takes to the mic as both solo and duet with guest vocalists like Rita Coolidge, Janiva Magness, Chris Hillman and Herb Pedersen.  Finally, there is one very special track on this album, a previously unreleased piece written with Glenn Frey – “Privacy”.

Jack writes within the liner notes, “This album is dedicated to my great friend of 46 years, Glenn Frey. Glenn and I always had a fabulous time writing songs together. We would talk about our lives and laugh. He was the funniest person I’ve ever had the pleasure to know. It was my great good fortune that my buddy happened to be one of the best songwriters of all time. Goodbye my friend and musical brother. Thanks for all the wonderful times.”

This Sunday, September 3, Jack Tempchin will be interviewed and perform on PBS’ INSIDE OC with Pulitzer prize-winning journalist Rick Reiff. Jack’s recollections on his long, impressive career and musical talent will be available for viewing in over 18 million homes from Tijuana, MX to Santa Barbara, CA.  Airtimes for INSIDE OC with Rick Reiff on PBS SoCal are noted below and will repeat 7x after original air date.

Sept. 3rd on KDOC-TV (56) PBS 5:30 a.m.

Sept. 3rd on KOCE-TV (50) PBS SoCal 5 p.m. Sept. 6th on COX (3) TV 9 p.m. (San Diego)

PEACEFUL EASY FEELING THE SONGS OF JACK TEMPCHIN

1. Peaceful Easy Feeling

2. Part Of Me, Part Of You

3. Slow Dancing (ft. Rita Coolidge)

4. The One You Love

5. Soul Searchin’ (ft. Janiva Magness)

6. Already Gone (ft. Chris Hillman and Herb Pedersen)

7. Privacy

8. Everybody’s Gonna Love Somebody Tonight

9. Party Town

10. It’s Your World Now (ft. Chris Hillman)

“Ronnie Scott’s…” mused the boundary-shattering guitarist John McLaughlin, “…where would I be without them?” The venerable London jazz club and its charismatic namesake gave so much to McLaughlin’s career, the roots of which extend as far back as McLaughlin’s stint as a member of the club’s house band in the 1960s. Since then, his pioneering spirit, instrumental virtuosity, and improvisational fearlessness have taken him around the world, put him on stage alongside fellow giants such as Miles Davis and Tony Williams, and has given listeners a series of compelling, revolutionary recordings that have redefined improvised music for generations to come.

On September 15, Abstract Logix issues McLaughlin’s Live @ Ronnie Scott’s – a souvenir of a sold-out, two-night stand at the beloved venue by John McLaughlin and the 4th Dimension, recorded in March of 2017. In the 4th Dimension – Ranjit Barot (drums, konokol), Gary Husband (keyboards, drums), and Etienne M’Bappé (bass) – McLaughlin has gathered a band with the technical dexterity and soulful musicality to do ample justice to his vast catalog. They can follow him anywhere, and together on Live @ Ronnie Scott’s McLaughlin and the 4th Dimension explore everything from early Mahavishnu Orchestra classics to compositions from their most recent studio LP, Black Light.

Most striking about Live @ Ronnie Scott’s is the restraint and fluidity on display: So connected are the band’s four members that the interplay approaches telepathic levels, making for powerfully evocative performances without any wasted gestures. Longtime fans will be thrilled to hear favorites like “Vital Transformation” (from Mahavishnu’s 1971 Inner Mounting Flame album) and “Miles Beyond” (from 1973’s Birds of Fire) reexamined through the lens of the 4th Dimension’s unparalleled sensitivity and facility. Hearing such standards alongside recent compositions like “El Hombre Que Sabia” and the moving “Gaza City” serves to demonstrate the breadth and scope of McLaughlin’s vision, honed over a career now spanning fifty years.

The September release of Live @ Ronnie Scott’s will be followed by the Meeting of the Spirits Tour – a series of November and December shows undertaken in collaboration with one of McLaughlin’s favorite musicians, American guitarist Jimmy Herring. Separate sets by Jimmy Herring and the Invisible Whip and McLaughlin and the 4th Dimension will be followed by the two joining forces for an expansive closing jam based on classic Mahavishnu Orchestra material. These special concerts will also mark McLaughlin’s final shows in America.

As such, Live @ Ronnie Scott’s offers a tantalizing preview of the Meeting of the Spirits Tour. “The intimacy of Ronnie's brought out some startling playing,” wrote London Jazz News immediately following the shows. “There was no mistaking McLaughlin's enthusiasm for revisiting these landmark compositions, reconfirming and even rediscovering their quality and longevity.”

Meeting of the Spirits Tour

Nov 01 University at Buffalo Center for the Arts                              Buffalo, NY  

Nov 02 The Egg                                                                             Albany, NY    

Nov 03 Town Hall                                                                             New York, NY    

Nov 04 Capitol Theatre                                                                  Port Chester, NY    

Nov 05 Rhode Island Center for the Performing Arts                  Cranston, RI

Nov 08 The Wilbur Theatre                                                          Boston, MA  

Nov 09 Keswick Theatre                                                                Philadelphia, PA    

Nov 10 Prudential Hall, NJPAC                                                   Newark, NJ  

Nov 11 Lincoln Theatre                                                                  Washington, DC

Nov 12 Duke Performances at DPAC                                           Durham, NC  

Nov 15 Michigan Theatre                                                             Ann Arbor, MI

Nov 17 Vic Theatre                                                                       Chicago, IL

Nov 18 Vic Theatre                                                                      Chicago, IL

Nov 19 Clowes Memorial-Hall-Butler University                          Indianapolis, IN    

Nov 21 Laura Turner Concert Hall                                              Nashville, TN 

Nov 22 Atlanta Symphony Hall                                                    Atlanta, GA

Nov 24 Florida Theatre                                                                Jacksonville, FL

Nov 25 Ruth Eckerd Hall                                                             Clearwater, FL

Nov 27 The Joy Theater                                                              New Orleans, LAArticles

Nov 30 Paramount Theatre                                                         Austin, TX

Dec 01 Riviera Maya Jazz Festival                                            Playa Del Carmen, Mexico

Dec 05 Moore Theatre                                                               Seattle, WA

Dec 06 Revolution Hall                                                               Portland, OR

Dec 08 The Warfield                                                                   San Francisco, CA

Dec 09 Royce Hall-UCLA                                                            Los Angeles, CA

Pre-order & SampleLive @ Ronnie Scott’s here:  https://mahavishnujohnmclaughlin.bandcamp.com/album/live-at-ronnie-scotts

World-renowned guitar virtuoso, Joe Satriani, announces the release of his 16th solo album, What Happens Next, set for release, January 12, 2018 on Sony/Legacy Recordings.  Just a day prior to the album release, SATRIANI revives his G3 tour entity, inviting Dream Theater’s John Petrucci and Def Leppard lead guitarist, Phil Collen to join him.  The G3 tour launches on January 11 in Seattle, WA and continues across the U.S. before winding up on February 25 in Milwaukee, WI.  There is a special tour pre-sale promotion giving fans the opportunity to buy concert tickets with the new album as well as VIP packages.  Visit https://lnk.to/WHN for more information, pre-sale opportunities and specific market pre-sale and on-sale dates.

The new, instrumentally electrifying album features a power trio of legendary status; SATRIANI on guitar and Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductee bassist Glenn Hughes (Deep Purple/Black Country Communion) and drummer Chad Smith (Red Hot Chili Peppers), the latter reuniting with SATRIANI for the first time since their work in the supergroup Chickenfoot. SATRIANI is once again joined by producer/engineer/mixer Mike Fraser, his frequent collaborator over the last 20 years, on What Happens Next. Fraser is well-known for recording/mixing every AC/DC album since 1990’s The Razors Edge along with his classic works with SATRIANI going back to the release of Crystal Planet in 1998.

These new tracks literally vibrate the soul with an energy rarely found these days. From the dynamic opening track, “Energy”, to the majestic crunch of “Thunder High On The Mountain”, and the easy, sensual cords of “Smooth Soul”. This unparalleled rock-rhythm section gives What Happens Next a depth of groove that sets it apart from SATRIANI’s other work.

Since its debut in 1996, SATRIANI’s G3 tour has featured the world’s greatest guitarists (everyone from Steve Vai and Eric Johnson to Steve Lukather and Robert Fripp) and has become a consistent concert hall sell-out attraction in the U.S., South America, Europe, Australia and Japan. “I could say that I’m surprised at the durability of G3 and how much it’s grown, but in a way I’m not,” SATRIANI says with a laugh, “I think part of its charm and its mojo is in the chemistry of having three top guitarists share what they do on stage. It’s fun, it’s unpredictable, it’s wild – it’s everything you could want in a show.”

In addition to this new album and exciting tour news, a new documentary “Beyond the Supernova” shot by SATRIANI’s filmmaker son, ZZ, makes its debut at the Mill Valley Film Festival this October.  The tour documentary chronicles Joe, along with his band and crew, on their last “Shockwave Supernova” tour throughout Europe and Asia.

Satriani’s Strange Beautiful Music: A Musical Memoir first released in May 2014 will now be available in paperback.  Pre-orders are available now with the official release on November 7, 2017.  The paperback version includes a new chapter focusing on SATRIANI’s last album, Shockwave Supernova. Read an excerpt from the new chapter HERE.

For two decades, the guitar virtuoso has traveled the world, playing to sold-out crowds as both a headliner and as founder of the all-star “G3” guitar extravaganza.  SATRIANI’s studio and live recordings have sold more than 10 million copies worldwide to date and of his many solo albums, two have gone platinum and four others went gold, with 15 Grammy nominations between them.  His side project, Chickenfoot, featuring former Van Halen front man Sammy Hagar, former bassist Michael Anthony, and Red Hot Chili Peppers’ drummer Chad Smith saw their debut album certified gold and their second studio album debuted at #9.

“What Happens Next” Track Listing:

1 – Energy                                                                7 - Headrush

2 – Catbot                                                                 8 - Looper

3 - Thunder High On The Mountain                          9 - What Happens Next

4 - Cherry Blossoms                                                10 - Super Funky Badass

5 – Righteous                                                           11 - Invisible

6 - Smooth Soul                                                        12 - Forever And Ever

2018 G3 Tour featuring Joe Satriani, John Petrucci & Phil Collen itinerary:

January 11           The Moore Theatre                                        Seattle, WA

January 12           Historic Elsinore Theatre                               Salem, OR

January 13           Grand Sierra Theatre                                      Reno, NV

January 14           Fox Theater                                                        Oakland, CA

January 16           Delta Hall at Eccles Theater                          Salt Lake City, UT *

January 17           Brooklyn Bowl                                                   Las Vegas, NV

January 18           Mesa Arts Center                                            Mesa, AZ *

January 19           Orpheum Theatre                                           Los Angeles, CA

January 20           Balboa Theatre                                                 San Diego, CA

January 21           Fox Tucson Theatre                                        Tucson, AZ *

January 24           Historic Paramount Theatre                           Denver, CO

January 25           Uptown Theater                                              Kansas City MO *

January 26           The Pavillion at The Toyota Music Factory   Irving, TX *

January 27           Austin City Limits - Moody Theater               Austin, TX

January 28           Hobby Center for the Performing Arts          Houston, TX *

January 30           Hard Rock Live                                             Orlando, FL *

January 31           Florida Theatre                                             Jacksonville, FL *

February 1          Pompano Beach Amphitheatre                   Pompano Beach, FL*

February 2          Barbara B Mann Performing Arts Hall         Fort Myers, FL *

February 3          Mahaffey Theater                                           St. Petersberg, FL *

February 6          Raleigh Memorial Auditorium                     Raleigh, NC

February 8          Toyota Presents Oakdale                             Wallingford, CT *

February 9          Landmark Theatre                                           Syracuse, NY *

February 10        Palace Theatre                                                  Albany, NY *

February 11        The Palace Theatre                                         Greensburg, PA *

February 14        Warner Theatre                                              Washington, DC *

February 15        Orpheum Theatre                                           Boston, MA

February 16        Beacon Theatre                                              New York, NY *

February 17        Merriam Theater                                             Philadelphia, PA

February 18        New Jersey Performing Arts Center             Newark, NJ *

February 20        Auditorium Theatre                                        Rochester, NY *

February 21        Massey Hall                                                        Toronto, ONT

February 22        Hard Rock Live                                                   Northfield, OH

February 23        Chicago Theatre                                               Chicago, IL *

February 24        State Theatre                                                    Minneapolis, MN

February 25        Riverside Theater                                            Milwaukee, WI

(All dates on sale September 22nd except * on-sale October 6)

1. I See Stars                                                           7. Soul Quake
2. Passenger                                                           8. The Song Will Always Find You
3. 4 Hours                                                                9. Idiot Child
4. Heels Over Head                                              10. Book of Love
5. Something to Look Back On                           11. Wonderful
6. Everything I Own                                            

Cindy Alexander – On the Road:

October 12          Rockwood Music Hall – Stage 3                   New York, NY

October 13          Steel City                                                          Phoenixville, PA

October 14          House Concert                                                 Kensignton, MD

October 25          Hotel Café                                                         Los Angeles, CA

October 28          The Casa                                                           San Diego, CA

November 2       Opening Bell                                                      Dallas, TX

November 3       House Concert                                                  Lake Charles, LA

November 4       House Concert                                                  Houston, TX

November 10    Carruth Cellars                                                  Solana Beach, CA

After announcing a new, exclusive recordings deal with BMG, legendary singer/songwriter and Rock and Roll Hall of Fame member John Fogerty is set to celebrate the 20th anniversary release of the Grammy Award-winning album Blue Moon Swamp on CD, 180g black vinyl, limited-edition 180g blue vinyl, and digital platforms on November 17.

Originally released May 20, 1997, Blue Moon Swamp won Best Rock Album at the 40th Grammy Awards in 1998, with the song ‘Blueboy’ receiving a Grammy nomination for Best Male Rock Vocal Performance that same year. Blue Moon Swamp would go on to receive gold certification by the RIAA. The 20th anniversary release of Blue Moon Swamp now features a new album cover showcasing the famed concert backdrop from the album’s original supporting tour. Additional reissues from Fogerty’s solo career include the chart-topping and multi-platinum Centerfield, the gold-certified albums Eye of the Zombie and Premonition, Déjà vu (All Over Again), as well as a new Best of collection featuring highlights and favorites curated from his extensive solo catalog. Release dates to be announced.  Fogerty is currently in the studio working on material for the full-length album to be released next year and will launch is next critically acclaimed Las Vegas Residency, at the Wynn Hotel’s Encore Theater, with performances of John Fogerty: Fortunate Son In Concert taking place January 10-20.

With a career spanning more than 50 years, John Fogerty is hailed as one of the most influential musicians in rock history. As the writer, singer and producer of numerous classic hits including ‘Born on the Bayou’, ‘Green River’, ‘Proud Mary’, and ‘Bad Moon Rising’, Fogerty has been honored as one of the 100 Greatest Guitarists, 100 Greatest Songwriters, and 100 Greatest Singers by Rolling Stone. Earning induction to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, Songwriters Hall of Fame, and Baseball Hall of Fame, he is also a New York Times best-selling author for his memoir, Fortunate Son: My Life, My Music.

Following two sold-out, critically-acclaimed Las Vegas residencies in 2016, Fogerty returned to the city for a series of live shows in March and May this year with his debut at the Wynn’s Encore Theatre performing John Fogerty: Fortunate Son In Concert, produced by Julie Fogerty and directed by Ken Ehrlich and Raj Kapoor in association with AEG Live. Recently, the Wynn announced a slate of 15 additional live performances September 20 – October 7 and January 10 – 20, 2018.

For more information please visit www.JohnFogerty.com

After a stunning response to the surprise announcement of their first tour in decades, The Revolution have now confirmed they will perform additional dates in North America this coming New Year’s weekend, in addition to more shows in 2018 (see below for full itinerary).  Fans and critics quickly responded to the earlier tour with excitement and sincere appreciation for the music of The Revolution and Prince -- an artist who is deeply loved and immensely missed.

The Revolution band members (Wendy, Lisa, Bobby Z, Brownmark and Dr. Fink) are excited to keep the music, legacy, and spirit of Prince alive by performing the catalogue of music they all created together.

Hitting much of the U.S. this past summer, The Revolution ended the tour with a final sold out show in Los Angeles on Labor Day.  While taking a quick break, it became obvious that there were many parts of the country who still wanted to see the reunited band perform.  Two shows are set for New Year’s weekend in Paragon Casino Resort in Marksville, LA. The band will reconvene in February for a trio of shows in New Orleans, LA,  Ft. Lauderdale, FL and finally, Atlanta, GA (Brown mark’s current homebase) where fans have been begging the band to visit.

"The Revolution are not only capable of getting you through one of the hardest moments of your life, they’re capable of carrying the legacy on too." - Houston Press

“...these were faithful renditions of Prince’s greatest compositions, lovingly delivered by the very hands that helped make us all believers in the first place. He’s lucky to have these five acting as his custodians, and so are we.” Washington Post

The Revolution formed in 1979 when Prince joined drummer, Bobby Z and keyboardist Matt Fink. Over the next four years, several formations would emerge until finally Prince found the band he felt could master the challenging musicality of his vision.  The legendary final line-up included Lisa Coleman on keyboards/piano, Wendy Melvoin on guitar and Brown Mark on bass. The Revolution was credited on three Prince studio-albums, Purple Rain, Around the World In a Day and Parade while some members also played on 1999, Controversy, Dirty Mind, Around The World in A Day and Sign O The Times. Together, they earned multiple #1 hits, as well as two Grammy® Awards and an Oscar, with the song “Purple Rain,” for Best Original Song Score in 1985.

THE REVOLUTION 2017/2018 Tour Itinerary:

December 29 1st Bank Center Broomfield, CO (with My Morning Jacket)

December 31 Paragon Casino Resort Marksville, LA

February 22 The Joy Theater New Orleans, LA

February 23 Revolution Live Ft. Lauderdale, FL

February 24 The Tabernacle Atlanta, GA

The 60th Annual Grammy® Awards have just been released and Abstract Logix, home to genre bending composers and creators, are honored to announce that the Guitar Pioneer, JOHN MCLAUGHLIN, has been nominated for the BEST IMPROVISED JAZZ SOLO for the live track “Miles Beyond” from his album Live at Ronnie Scott’s.  The disc serves as a souvenir from a sold-out, two-night stand at the beloved London venue by John McLaughlin and the 4th Dimension, recorded in March of 2017.

In tribute to his nearly 50-year career, McLaughlin has set out on his final U.S. tour which began on November 1st in Buffalo, NY.  The nearly sold-out Meeting of the Spirits Tour – is currently taking McLaughlin and the 4th Dimension across the country for over 5 weeks before winding up on December 9th at a sold out  UCLA’s Royce Hall in Los Angeles, CA.

The tour is in collaboration with one of McLaughlin’s favorite musicians, American guitarist Jimmy Herring, who joins the Maestro with his own band, Jimmy Herring and the Invisible Whip.  Show reviews have been spectacular, raves from critics at Buffalo News, Relix, Downbeat, Chicago Sun-Times, Billboard, Guitar Player and more have overwhelmed the guitar legend. Recently the Boston Globe testified,  “Fans knew what to expect: blinding speed on the strings and often eccentric time changes. What they got was thrilling realization that McLaughlin, one of the most lauded fusion guitarists for decades, has gotten better at his craft. He’s faster, more inventive, more soulful...A memorable farewell”

McLaughlin recently revealed to Billboard Magazine one of the reasons for his surprising retirement  "You know, musicians never die. They just decompose. So I'm on my way.  God bless mother; I inherited music from her but I also inherited arthritis, so it's creeping up on me," McLaughlin tells Billboard. "I think one of the most catastrophic things that could happen would be to go on tour and have a really bad day where I'm not really able to play.“

"You realize as you get older that tomorrow is not guaranteed for anybody," McLaughlin says. "I've been aware of this for quite a while now, so I really consider every concert to be my last one since we don't know when we're going to be taken away and sent back to that wonderful place we came from. This really is my attitude. We're just going to play and have a lot of fun, and I'm excited."

Meeting of the Spirits Tour - Remaining Dates:

Nov 30 Paramount Theatre                                                     Austin, TX

Dec 01 Riviera Maya Jazz Festival                                            Playa Del Carmen, Mexico  

Dec 05 Moore Theatre                                                               Seattle, WA

Dec 06 Revolution Hall                                                               Portland, OR  (sold-out)

Dec 08 The Warfield                                                                   San Francisco, CA

Dec 09 Royce Hall-UCLA                                                           Los Angeles, CA  (sold-out)

Jazz Fusion Legend, John McLaughlin took his final bow at the Royce Hall on this past Saturday in front of a sold-out crowd.   After 25 shows across the U.S., with more than 16 complete sell-outs, McLaughlin and his current band, the 4th Dimension – Ranjit Barot (drums), Gary Husband (keyboards, drums), and Etienne M’Bappé (bass), performed their final live show in Los Angeles.  McLaughlin is grateful to all of his friends who have supported him over the years as well as those who came out to celebrate and perform this tour with him, including; Carlos Santana, Phil Lesh, Derek Trucks, Cindy Blackman, Steve Lukather, Vinnie Colaiuta and so many more.

John chose the US to be the first to see the final shows. After all, it was in America that he met Miles Davis and Tony Williams and played on such trailblazing albums as In a Silent Way and Bitches Brew.  America was the true birthplace of the Mahavishnu Orchestra. At the tour’s conclusion McLaughlin shares, “The decision to make a farewell tour encompassed much reflection, and subsequently much planning. The decision to reanimate the music of Mahavishnu and invite Jimmy Herring and his band to perform it with me and the 4th Dimension, was one of the best decisions I’ve ever made. The qualities of Mahavishnu music are “Power, Passion and Beauty” to quote writer Walter Kolosky, and they were all eminently portrayed throughout the tour. Perhaps even more importantly, there was a ‘Spirit’ on stage that transformed the musicians every night. I could not be happier at the end of this tour.”

In a career that spans more than five decades, John McLaughlin has honed a personal vision that transcends all boundaries, becoming one of improvised music’s most influential guitarists, composers, and bandleaders.  Celebrating his many milestones, which includes a recent 2018 Grammy® Award nomination for “Live at Ronnie Scotts,” McLaughlin concludes one aspect of his many-faceted career - live touring.  After several years suffering from painful arthritis, the legendary guitarist has confirmed that The Meeting of the Spirits tour will be his final tour EVER. Upon hearing the news fans flew from all over the US, and beyond, to experience the final performances of McLaughlin and for the first time in many years, witness the groundbreaking music of his MAHAVISHNU ORCHESTRA.

Next year, Abstract Logix will release a LIVE album commemorating several nights of The Meeting of the Spirits tour.  Tentatively titled “Another Friday Night in San Francisco” will serve as a tribute to the record-breaking 1981 live album, “Friday Night in San Francisco” featuring jazz greats; Al Di Meola, John McLaughlin, and Paco de Lucía.

The Gasparilla Music Festival (GMF) presented by Cigar City Brewing has unveiled more acts that will be performing at the 7th Annual Gasparilla Music Festival taking place March 10 - 11 in downtown Tampa, FL.  

The Roots, who have been lauded by Rolling Stone Magazine as one of the “Twenty Greatest Live Acts in the World," will be headlining Saturday night, March 10th, and multiple 2018 Grammy® Award nominee Father John Misty will close out the festival on Sunday, March 11th.  GMF’s popular KIDS FEST, which is held inside the Glazer Children’s Museum, boasts Disney Channel’s Emmy winning Imagination Movers at the top of the bill on Sunday March 11th.

Joining the eclectic line up of over 40 bands across 4 stages are: Spoon, Warpaint, Hard Working Americans, Break Science Live Band, The Record Company, Mondo Cozmo, Cory Henry & the Funk Apostles, Chali 2na (Jurassic 5) & Naughty Professor, Nikki Lane, Billy Strings, The Cave Singers, KOLARS, The War & Treaty, Matt Woods & the Natural Disasters, The Ries Brothers, Eric Tessmer, Underhill Family Orchestra, Holey Miss Moley, Leisure Chief, Johnny Mile & the Kilometers and many more. Each iteration of the festival presents an exciting mix of music styles including rock, reggae, R&B, country, hip hop, gospel, bluegrass, electronic and Latin. The extended line up is listed below.  

The Gasparilla Music Festival now in its 7th year, is a non-profit event and serves as an immersive experience celebrating the best of Tampa culture: its food, music, fashion, art, and, of course, award winning beer from Cigar City Brewing. In addition to live performers the festival offers activities for families, performances by local artisans, aerialists, dancers, hair-braiders, crafters, drum circles, double dutch jumpers, pop-up performers, marching bands and more.  Each morning the fest within a fest - Kids Fest- takes place inside the Glazer Children’s Museum where in addition to activities and family friendly music, on March 11th the award-winning Imagination Movers will perform and the entire museum will be open to the public with free admission.

The festival takes place along downtown Tampa’s Riverwalk and features 5 stages including he Frontier Stage at Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park and the Sykes Stage, the Ferman Amphitheatre, and the Replay Guitar Exchange Stage in the adjacent Kiley Gardens Park. The Glazer Children’s Museum will also be hosting a Kids Fest Stage on March 11. Gates open at 11:30am each day.

Early Bird tickets for the festival sold out in record time. Festival-goers are encouraged to get tickets in advance via:  www.gmftickets.com.

The 2018 lineup for Gasparilla Music Festival is:

The Roots

Father John Misty

Spoon

Warpaint

Hard Working Americans

Break Science Live Band

The Record Company

Mondo Cozmo

Cory Henry & the Funk Apostles

Chali 2na (Jurassic 5) & Naughty Professor

Nikki Lane

Billy Strings

The Cave Singers

KOLARS

The War & Treaty

Matt Woods & the Natural Disasters

The Ries Brothers

Eric Tessmer

Imagination Movers

Underhill Family Orchestra

Holey Miss Moley

Leisure Chief

Johnny Mile & the Kilometers

The Woodwork

C-Rena

Brother Cephus

Acho Brother

Fr33dback

King Complex

Pohgoh

Oak Hay

Sam E Hues

Mountain Holler

Kristopher James

Little Kittner Boys

Mr. Tommy

Tampa Metropolitan Youth Orchestra

Crestwood Elementary

Mt Zion Gospel Choir

Announced today, legendary rock musicians and cultural icons John Fogerty and ZZ Top will come together for the “Blues and Bayous Tour” this spring.  The tour, which opens on May 25th ,  will make stops across the USA from the East Coast to the West.  The full tour schedule is attached, below.

Tickets go on sale starting Friday, March 2 at 10 AM local time.  And presale tickets become available on Tuesday, February 27th at 10:00am local time.  More information can be found by visiting:    https://www.johnfogerty.com/ and http://www.zztop.com/

Of the pairing, Fogerty said, “ZZ Top is one of my favorite bands, and Billy F Gibbons is one of my all-time favorite guitarists. Riffs, blues and bayous... bucket list!”

ZZ Top’s Billy F Gibbons commented, “John Fogerty along with ZZ Top have been followers of blues and rock since the beginning and we’re looking forward to rippin’ it up together this spring.   We’ve got a great show lined up for ya’!”

As co-founder of Creedence Clearwater Revival, Fogerty’s career spans 50 years and he is hailed as one of the most influential musicians in rock history. As the writer, singer and producer of numerous classic hits including “Born on the Bayou”, “Green River”, “Proud Mary”, and “Bad Moon Rising”, Fogerty has been honored as one of the 100 Greatest Guitarists, 100 Greatest Songwriters, and 100 Greatest Singers by Rolling Stone. Earning induction to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, Songwriters Hall of Fame, and Baseball Hall of Fame, he is also a New York Times best-selling author for his memoir, Fortunate Son: My Life, My Music.

ZZ Top holds the distinction of being one of the longest running bands with the original line-up.  Billy F Gibbons, Dusty Hill and Frank Beard reflect their Texas roots in everything with their non-stop rock and blues, resulting in over 50 million albums sold worldwide.  The band was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame by Keith Richards calling the band’s relationship to the blues, “the heart of the matter.”

Blues and Bayous Tour Dates:

5/25/2018    Atlantic City, NJ          Borgata Spa & Resort – Event Center

5/26/2018    Holmdel, NJ                 P.N.C. Bank Arts Center

5/27/2018    Uncasville, CT             Mohegan Sun Arena

5/29/2018    Vienna, VA                   Wolf Trap   

5/30/2018    Vienna, VA                   Wolf Trap   

6/1/2018       Pensacola, FL              Pensacola Bay Center

6/2/2018       Clearwater, FL            Coachman Park

6/3/2018       West Palm Beach,FL Coral Sky Amphitheater

6/5/2018       St. Augustine, FL        St. Augustine Amphitheater

6/6/2018       Atlanta, GA                   TBA

6/10/2018    Oklahoma City, OK      Zoo Amphitheater

6/12/2018    Chicago, IL                    TBA

6/13/2018    Noblesville, IN             Ruoff Home Mortgage Music Center

6/14/2018    Cincinnati, OH              Riverbend Music Center

6/16/2018    Southaven, MS             BankPlus Amphitheater at Snowden Grove

6/17/2018    Maryland Heights, MO Hollywood Casino Amphitheater

6/19/2018    Youngstown, OH          Covelli Centre

6/20/2018    Wantagh, NY                  Northwell Heath at Jones Beach Theater

6/22/2018    Gilford, NH                     Bank of NH Pavillion

6/23/2018    Canandaigua, NY          Marvin Sands Performing Arts Center

6/24/2018    Camden, NJ                    BB&T Pavilion

6/26/2018    Mt. Pleasant, MI           Soaring Eagle Casino & Resort  *

6/27/2018    Detroit, MI                     DTE Energy Music Theatre

6/29/2018    Welch, MN                      Treasure Island Resort & Casino

*with Willie Nelson

Originally released in 1985, Centerfield was John Fogerty's third solo album and reached No.1 in the US, going multi-platinum.  It features the perennial baseball season favorite, “Centerfield”, and the Top 10 Hot 100 hit, “The Old Man Down the Road”.  On April 6, just in time for the baseball season’s opening week, BMG will reissue this fan favorite on vinyl featuring the original cover art, gatefold LP opening to reveal a bird’s eye view of a classic baseball field, with Centerfield painted in the grass.  The LP will include the original nine tracks with a download card to access the two bonus tracks from the 2010 release.  The CD features digipak packaging with the full 11 tracks (nine from the original release + two bonus tracks from 2010).

Fans will also be able to celebrate a brand new season of America’s Pastime with exciting, limited edition Centerfield items!   Pledge Music has exclusive bundles including Green Vinyl, felt pennants, baseball socks and more available to pre-order now.  And on Record Store Day, April 21st, an exclusive run of Centerfield 12” picture discs will be released.  This limited edition baseball image picture disc features the iconic title track on side A and the Top 20 hit, “Rock and Roll Girls” on side B.

Fogerty’s iconic anthem not only topped the Rock music charts in its day, but was also a Top 10 album on the Country charts in an amazing crossover success.  The song “Centerfield” itself has been enshrined in the Baseball Hall of Fame in Cooperstown, NY, playing continuously throughout the halls as a reminder of the joy the game brings to fan and player alike. After the stress of a tumultuous lawsuit by his CCR peers, Fogerty took a nine year break from the commercial side of music.  However, he wasn’t idle.  In the time he spent on hiatus, Fogerty honed his musical talents and then returned to play every instrument appearing on the Centerfield album.

Said Fogerty of the album, "I decided that if I was going to do this record that I would learn every instrument myself and I did. It was cathartic and rewarding.  It was important to me after all that had happened that whatever I did, it had to be at the level I had set for myself. I hung in there practicing all those years to get good enough to make this record.  It was 10 years before Centerfield came out. I was thrilled beyond belief when it hit number one on the charts and my song Centerfield became an anthem to so many.”

As co-founder of Creedence Clearwater Revival, Fogerty’s career spans 50 years and he is hailed as one of the most influential musicians in rock history. As the writer, singer and producer of numerous classic hits including “Born on the Bayou”, “Green River”, “Proud Mary”, and “Bad Moon Rising”, Fogerty has been honored as one of the 100 Greatest Guitarists, 100 Greatest Songwriters, and 100 Greatest Singers by Rolling Stone. Earning induction to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, Songwriters Hall of Fame, and Baseball Hall of Fame, he is also a New York Times best-selling author for his memoir, Fortunate Son: My Life, My Music.

Following another successful run at Wynn Las Vegas, which ended last month, Fogerty will return to the stage at the intimate Encore Theater for a highly-anticipated fourth engagement beginning this spring with additional dates this fall. Featuring his celebrated collection of Creedence Clearwater Revival (CCR) hits, the engagement will include 12 performances spanning May and October (Dates: May 2, 4-5, 9, 11-12 and October 10, 12-13, 17, 19-20). Fogerty will also join ZZ Top for the “Blues and Bayous Tour” this Spring, starting May 25 in Atlantic City before winding up on June 29th in Minnesota.  Fogerty is currently in the studio working on material for a new album to be released later this year via BMG.

JEFF BECK will embark on a 6-week U.S. tour this summer including seven solo shows in addition to the previously announced “Stars Align Tour,” with Paul Rodgers and Ann Wilson of Heart.  Joining BECK on this year’s outing will be long-time collaborators, Vinnie Colaiuta (drums) and Jimmy Hall (vocals) as well as long touring partner, Rhonda Smith (bass) and newcomer, cellist Vanessa Freebairn-Smith.

Vinnie Colaiuta has frequently collaborated with BECK over the years, both in studio and live. Vinnie spent many years with Frank Zappa and most recently, he has toured with Sting, Herbie Hancock and Jeff.  Jimmy Hall first worked with Jeff Beck on his 1985 Flash album, earning him a Grammy nomination for Best Male Vocalist in 1986.  He has toured with Jeff frequently since 2014 including Jeff’s 50-Year Celebration show at the Hollywood Bowl in 2017.  Rhonda Smith spent many years as bassist and vocalist for Prince, she has also performed with Chaka Khan, Beyonce, T.I., Erykah Badu, Patti Austin, Larry Graham, Sheila E, George Clinton, Little Richard and many others.  She has been a part of BECK’s touring band since 2010.  Vanessa Freebairn-Smith, a Los Angeles-based cellist and founding member of the Sonus Quartet, is new to BECK’s touring band.  Vanessa has had a diverse career playing on film and television scores, recording and playing live with artists from David Foster to Dangermouse and collaborating with artists and composers like Trent Reznor, Clint Mansell, Sarah McLachlan as well as touring with such artists as Sia, Josh Groban.

In other Jeff Beck news, Still On The Run: The Jeff Beck Story will be released on DVD & blu-ray on May 18, 2018 through Eagle Rock Entertainment.  The film documents the history of a musical maverick and true innovator featuring extensive interviews with Jeff both at home and in his workshop, as well as interviews with Jimmy Page, Eric Clapton, Rod Stewart, David Gilmour, Ronnie Wood, Slash, Jan Hammer, Joe Perry, Beth Hart & many more.

In addition, his acclaimed Live At The Hollywood Bowl performance, released last year on multiple video and audio formats, is now available for the first time as a standalone 2-CD set and on May 25, the 180-gram 2-LP set will be released, both from Rhino.

Over the course of BECK’s distinguished 50+ music career, he has earned an incredible 8 GRAMMY Awards, been ranked by Rolling Stone as one of the “100 Greatest Guitarists of All Time,” and been inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame twice – once as a member of the Yardbirds and again as a solo artist. In the summer of 2016, guitar virtuoso JEFF BECK celebrated his 5 decades of music with an extraordinary concert at the famous Hollywood Bowl. Jeff Beck: Live At The Hollywood Bowl is available now.

2018 Summer Tour Dates:

*August 5 Show On Sale:  14-May @ 10AM ET

*August 11 Show On Sale: 4-May @10AM ET

Prince played with many talented musicians over the course of his 40-year career, but his most celebrated and iconic allies will always be Bobby Z, Wendy Melvoin, Lisa Coleman, Matt Fink & Brownmark; The Revolution.  They resume their U.S. tour on June 9th at the Wichita River Festival in Kansas and will hit several major U.S. Festivals this summer and fall including: Arroyo Seco, Bumbershoot and ACL, before heading over to Europe, in early 2019, for their first tour in 33 years!   Full itinerary is below.

“We can’t wait to perform for our fans in the cities we missed on The Revolution reunion tour last year and we’re also looking forward to returning to some of the towns where we’ve already performed,” said Matt Fink.  “We’ve been enjoying reconnecting with everyone so much!”

The Revolution were the group that backed Prince during his rise to fame on his greatest work, including 1984’s world-conquering film and soundtrack Purple Rain as well as appearing on 1999, Around The World In A Day, Parade and Sign O’The Times.

In April of 2017, the band decided it was time to return to the stage to perform the music that they helped create with Prince. To much critical and fan praise, the quintet set out on the road, hitting much of the U.S. throughout last summer, ending the tour with a final sold out show in Los Angeles on Labor Day. While taking a quick break, it became obvious that there were many parts of the country who still wanted to see the reunited band perform.  Additionally, after more than thirty years since their only full European shows with Prince (The Parade ‘Hit And Run’ tour of August 1986) the band have decided to return there  in February 2019 for four very special shows in Copenhagen, Amsterdam, Paris and London.

Amsterdam, Paris and London hold very special places in the hearts of Prince fans as they were the first cities that he played outside of the USA in June 1981 with a band that featured Bobby Z, Lisa Coleman & Matt Fink. Bassist Brownmark joined just after those European dates with guitarist Wendy Melvoin completing the line-up in 1983.

When speaking about their long awaited return to Europe, Bobby Z commented, “We’re incredibly excited to be coming back to Europe, coming over for the first time in 1981 it was both thrilling and a bit intimidating. Prince had travelled ahead of us and he told us how exciting the music scene was in London with the likes of Adam & The Ants and the New Romantics, he loved it and you can see that some of his look was influenced by that. It was such a big moment for us as we saw it as our first stop on the road to global domination, we knew we were a force to be reckoned with.”

Continuing, “When we came back in ’86 those shows were the best we ever played as a band; they were magical. In that gap of five years it seemed that we were totally in sync with the audience, the desire for us to deliver and the desire of them to receive was equal. We can't wait to come back and play those songs again and keep his music alive."

After Prince’s passing in April 2016, The Revolution immediately re-connected but stayed out of the public eye until a series of three triumphant, emotional shows at the historic First Avenue club in September of that year. Fans flew in from around the world to witness the band at the site where the concert scenes in Purple Rain were filmed. When they were approached to perform at Paisley Park as part of the celebration of Prince’s life on the first anniversary of his passing, they decided it was time to take The Revolution show back on the road.

Though Prince first teased the band’s name on the 1999 album cover, The Revolution was given the full spotlight on Purple Rain, which went on to sell more than 20 million copies, spend 24 weeks at Number One on the album charts, and win two Grammys and an Oscar. The project marked the very first time that an artist had a Number One album, single, and film simultaneously.

In the intervening years, all the members continued to have successful musical careers. Melvoin and Coleman never stopped working together, initially as recording artists and then as in-demand, Emmy-winning composers of movie and television scores. Bobby Z and Dr. Fink remain staples of the Minneapolis music scene, working with local, national, and international talent out of their own studios; Bobby also hosts a popular weekly radio show. Brownmark founded and led the band Mazarati and currently produces several projects with his production company BrownmarkNation.

“I think everybody in The Revolution is singular, not like anybody else,” says Melvoin.  “So while we still have a shot at getting that same feeling, let’s do it with as much grace and integrity as we can. We’re still a band, still vital human beings, so let’s play this stuff before we can’t anymore.”

“Prince said that music is medicine,” says Bobby Z. “People need it, and we need it. In honor of him, we’ll give it everything we’ve got."

THE REVOLUTION 2018 Tour Itinerary:

June 9   Wichita River Festival   Wichita KS

June 24 Arroyo Seco Music & Arts Festival   Pasadena, CA

July 6 Basilica Block Party   Minneapolis, MN

July 22 The Phillips Backyard Weekender   Victoria, BC

August 19  Sigmund Stern Grove Festival San Francisco, CA (Free Show)

August 31 Crystal Ballroom Portland, OR

Aug 31-Sept 2 Bumbershoot Seattle, WA

September 7 Hopscotch Music Festival Raleigh, NC

September 27 Historic Holmes Theatre   Detroit Lakes, MN

September 28   The Paramount Center for the Arts   St. Cloud, MN

September 29 Sheldon Theatre Red Wing, MN

October 4 Majestic Theatre Detroit, MI

October 5 Park West Chicago, IL

October 5 -7 & 12-14 ACL Festival Austin, TX

October 11/12 Sony Hall    New York, NY

October 26 Fillmore Silver Spring Silver Spring, MD

October 27 The Wilbur Theatre Boston, MA

October 28 The Strand Providence, RI

THE REVOLUTION-  2019 EUROPE

February 8 Vega Copenhagen, Denmark

February 10 Paradiso Amsterdam, Netherlands

February 11 Cigale Paris, France

February 13 O2 Shepherds Bush Empire London, UK

John Fogerty and Billy F Gibbons of ZZ Top, have joined together on a new song!  “Holy Grail” was written by Fogerty and features the distinctive guitar licks and additional vocals from the Reverend himself.

Listen to a snippet of the song, here: https://youtu.be/cpYqTfW7Xm0

Of the song, Fogerty remarked, “I am so happy to be playin' and singin' with the Reverend BFG. That Sharp Dressed Man, himself. This is the Holy Grail!”

While Billy F Gibbons says, “It’s not an overstatement to say that writing a song with John Fogerty is a genuine bonus!  It’s fair to say that John and I are both pumped about our collaboration and we think this new one called “Holy Grail” holds true with some great storytelling and some solid guitars movin’ the number right along.  It begs a shout of, 'Turn it up!’”

For a sneak peak of what’s in store on this summer tour, take a sneak peek as Billy F Gibbons joined up with John for an impromptu session at Lost Canyon Studio, last month:

https://www.facebook.com/johnfogerty/videos/10155124344897540

Many have contended that this pairing was pre-ordained and we completely agree.

Blues and Bayous Tour Dates:

5/29/2018    Vienna, VA                         Wolf Trap   

5/30/2018    Vienna, VA                         Wolf Trap   

6/1/2018      Pensacola, FL                      Pensacola Bay Center

6/2/2018      Clearwater, FL                    Coachman Park

6/3/2018      West Palm Beach,FL          Coral Sky Amphitheater

6/5/2018      St. Augustine, FL                St. Augustine Amphitheater

6/6/2018      Atlanta, GA                         Chastain Park Amphitheater

6/8/2018      Catoosa, OK                      Hard Rock * (John Fogerty Solo)

6/9/2018      New Braunfels, TX            Whitewater Amphitheater * (John Fogerty Solo)

6/10/2018    Oklahoma City, OK            Zoo Amphitheater

6/12/2018    Chicago, IL                          Ravina Festival

6/13/2018    Noblesville, IN                    Ruoff Home Mortgage Music Center

6/14/2018    Cincinnati, OH                    Riverbend Music Center

6/16/2018    Southaven, MS                    BankPlus Amphitheater at Snowden Grove

6/17/2018    Maryland Heights, MO       Hollywood Casino Amphitheater

6/19/2018    Youngstown, OH                Covelli Centre

6/20/2018    Wantagh, NY                       Northwell Heath at Jones Beach Theater

6/22/2018    Gilford, NH                         Bank of NH Pavillion

6/23/2018    Canandaigua, NY                Marvin Sands Performing Arts Center

6/24/2018    Camden, NJ                         BB&T Pavilion

6/26/2018    Mt. Pleasant, MI                  Soaring Eagle Casino & Resort  **(with Willie Nelson)

6/27/2018    Detroit, MI                           DTE Energy Music Theatre

6/29/2018    Welch, MN                          Treasure Island Resort & Casino

John Fogerty Solo Dates:

7/17/2018    Airway Heights, WA          Northern Quest Resort & Casino 

7/20/2018    Seattle, WA                       Chateau Ste. Michelle Winery 

7/29/2018    Saratoga Springs, NY         Saratoga Performing Arts Center 

10/25/2018  London, UK                      O2 Arena – Bluesfest

10/26/2018  Dublin, IR                         3Arena

11/9/2018    Wilkes Barre, PA               Mohegan Sun Arena

*John Fogerty Solo date

**with Willie Nelson

Americana singer-songwriter CHELSEA WILLIAMS debuts a 7” single today -- an original penned song “Honey, Honey” with an endearing B-side cover of Hank Williams’ “Lovesick Blues."  Chelsea will hit the road next week making an anticipated return to Texas after a string of successful performances at this year’s SXSW Festival. In addition, Chelsea will be on tour this summer opening for Marc Cohn followed by a supporting stint with her Blue Elan label mate, the legendary, Rita Coolidge.

Chelsea Williams says her new single "Honey, Honey" draws from her country roots, “I grew up listening to Hank Williams and Patsy Cline. It was bound to come out in my music eventually.”

Rolling Stone Magazine concurs, naming Chelsea Williams as one of the “Top 10 New Country Artists You Need to Know” upon the release of her debut album Boomerang in late 2017.  You won’t have to dig too deep to hear her influences; the B-side to her single release is a cover of Hank Williams’ “Lovesick Blues,” a song that is close to her heart. “My grandpa played stand-up bass in a country band, he was a huge Hank fan. I always think of him when I sing that song."

Chelsea honed her craft as a singer-songwriter busking around Los Angeles for the past decade, a beloved regular at Santa Monica’s Third Street Promenade. Playing acoustic guitar, Chelsea performs a mix of Americana and indie-folk. The body of music on Boomerang reflects more of her indie-folk influences with a hint of country twang. The musical range between Boomerang and new single “Honey, Honey” shows a depth and versatility that is rarely found in a modern artist. The album has garnered fans and media cred, described as “spectral and luminous, it’s as intimate as it is suddenly majestic” by The Bakersfield Californian adding, “listening to it consistently leaves me in awe.”

Following the recent YouTube sensation of the Walmart kid performing "Lovesick Blues" many discovered Chelsea’s performance version which prompted the b-side release. One viewer said, “I’ve been addicted to this song ever since it went viral. Love your cover the most tho (sic)” and “I came here for the Walmart kid and now I'm genuinely addicted to this version.”

The studio version of "Lovesick Blues" is available now on Spotify and Apple Music

Spotify:  https://goo.gl/6VHnne

Apple Music/iTunes:  https://goo.gl/hjAZQN

Chelsea Williams on Tour:

6/9 – Cactus Music In-Store (3:00 pm) – Houston, TX

6/9 – McGonigle’s Mucky Duck – Houston, TX

6/10 – Clubhouse Austin - Austin, TX

6/12 – Saxon Pub – Austin, TX

6/22 – Tilden Arts Center - W. Barnstable, MA – opening for Marc Cohn

6/24 – Sellersville Theater  - Sellersville, PA – opening for Marc Cohn

7/7 – Bankhead Theater – Livermore, CA – opening for Rita Coolidge

7/8 – Harris Center for the Arts – Folsom, CA – opening for Rita Coolidge

7/13 – MIM – Phoenix, AZ – opening for Rita Coolidge

“This recording of the final set at the Warfield Theatre brings to full circle the amazing advent of The Mahavishnu Orchestra In 1971, and its renaissance on this night in San Francisco.” mused the boundary-shattering guitarist John McLaughlin. On his farewell tour of America, which was comprised of 25 concerts, John invited one his favorite musicians,  guitarist Jimmy Herring and his band “The Invisible Whip” to explore the timeless music he had created four decades ago. Watch and listen to a teaser, HERE

On September 21, 2018 , Abstract Logix issues Live in San Francisco – a souvenir of a sold-out concert at the historic Warfield Theatre, a beloved venue last visited by John McLaughlin thirty six years ago. In the 4th Dimension – Ranjit Barot (drums, konokol), Gary Husband (keyboards, drums), and Etienne M’Bappé (bass) and in The Invisible Whip – Kevin Scott (Bass), Matt Slocum (Clavinet and B3), Jason Crosby (Fender Rhodes, Violin, Vocals) and Jeff Sipe (Drums) – The Meeting of the Spirits tour featured a 9-piece orchestra that further amplified the seminal music he created in the 70’s, documented in albums – “Birds of Fire”, “Inner Mountain Flame” and “Visions of Emerald Beyond”.

So connected are the nine members that the interplay approaches telepathic levels, making for powerfully evocative performances without any wasted gestures. Longtime fans will be thrilled to hear favorites like “Eternity’s Breath” (from Mahavishnu’s 1973 Visions of Emerald Beyond) and “Trilogy” (from 1973’s Between Nothingness And Eternity) reexamined through the lens of both the bands’ unparalleled sensitivity and astounding power.

As such, Live in San Francisco offers a tantalizing document of the Meeting of the Spirits Tour. “Playing these timeless compositions with John and The Fourth Dimension was a life changing experience!” said Jimmy Herring.

A very limited Collector’s Edition and a Double Vinyl Set will be released directly by Abstract Logix and is available for pre-order until June 24, HERE

You can order the CD in Europe directly at the Mediastarz shop.

“Live in San Francisco” Track Listing:

Meeting of the Spirits (8:53)

Birds of Fire (7:50)

A Lotus on Irish Streams (7:13)

The Dance of Maya (10:09)

Trilogy (13:01)

Earth Ship (8:59)

Eternity’s Breath Part 1 & 2 (9:39)

Be Happy (7:05)

Tomorrow, September 21, 2018, Abstract Logix issues Live in San Francisco – a souvenir of a sold-out concert at the historic Warfield Theatre, a beloved venue last visited by John McLaughlin thirty six years ago. On his 25 date farewell tour of America, John invited one his favorite musicians, guitarist Jimmy Herring and his band “The Invisible Whip” to explore the timeless music he had created four decades ago.   Listen to an exclusive premiere of the most covered Mahavishnu song and long time fan favorite, “Eternity’s Breath,” at  Guitar World .

“This recording of the final set at the WarfieldTheatre brings to full circle the amazing advent of The Mahavishnu Orchestra in 1971, and its renaissance this night in San Francisco,” said McLaughlin.

Herring adds, “This being John’s final tour of the US gives it historical significance... We are all so happy this record was made and so honored to be a part of it!”

Joining McLaughlin is his longtime band, the 4th Dimension – featuring Ranjit Barot (drums, konokol), Gary Husband (keyboards, drums), and Etienne M’Bappé (bass). The Invisible Whip band features Kevin Scott (Bass), Matt Slocum (Clavinet and B3), Jason Crosby (Fender Rhodes, Violin, Vocals) and Jeff Sipe (Drums).  The Meeting of the Spirits tour featured a 9-piece orchestra that further amplified the seminal music he created in the 70’s, documented in albums – “Birds of Fire”, “Inner Mountain Flame” and “Visions of Emerald Beyond”.

So connected are the nine members that the interplay approaches telepathic levels, making for powerfully evocative performances without any wasted gestures. Longtime fans will be thrilled to hear favorites like “Eternity’s Breath” (from Mahavishnu’s 1973 Visions of Emerald Beyond) and “Trilogy” (from 1973’s Between Nothingness And Eternity) reexamined through the lens of both the bands’ unparalleled sensitivity and astounding power.

As such, Live in San Francisco offers a tantalizing document of the Meeting of the Spirits Tour. “Playing these timeless compositions with John and The Fourth Dimension was a life changing experience!” said Jimmy Herring .

The cover art for the project was created by California artist,  Marq Spusta  who is well  known for his distinct illustrative style and multiple iconic posters and designs for a variety of artists  including Widespread Panic, The Black Crowes, Tom Petty, The Fillmore (West) and others.
                                                                                      

“Live in San Francisco” Track Listing:

Meeting of the Spirits (8:53)

Birds of Fire (7:50)

A Lotus on Irish Streams (7:13)

The Dance of Maya (10:09)

Trilogy (13:01)

Earth Ship (8:59)

Eternity’s Breath Part 1 & 2 (9:39)

Be Happy (7:05)

Total Running Time: 73 minutes

50 years ago, in 1968, the nation was at a crisis point.  War, assassinations, political strife; millions of voices were yearning to be heard, to be understood.  A year later, 1969, at least on the creative-artistic front, one voice came forward to carry a message, lyrics in song that reached out to those millions. That voice, those lyrics, were JOHN FOGERTY. His natural talent to capture emotion in words, coupled with being the lead singer and guitarist for Creedence Clearwater Revival at the time, gave us three amazing albums in one year!

In January of ’69, just a short time after completing his military service, the album Bayou Country was released.  FOGERTY’s powerful composition, “Proud Mary”, a reflective song he penned as soon as he was discharged rose to #2 on the singles chart. The same album also carried us all into the Louisiana backcountry with “Born on the Bayou”.  By August, with the release of Green River, two of his biggest tracks, “Green River” and “Bad Moon Rising” both spiked the U.S. chart at #2. "Bad Moon Rising" has found its extra life within numerous films and television shows, such as An American Werewolf in London.  As if any artist being responsible for two of his group’s greatest albums in a single year isn’t amazing enough, FOGERTY led CCR to another album debut in November of ’69.  Willy and the Poor Boys, and its single “Down on the Corner” brought a happy, toe-tappin’ track to their fans and it reached #3 on the charts.  Probably the most famous of FOGERTY’s songs is, of course, “Fortunate Son” a protest song/anti-war anthem that became the mantra for a generation suspicious of those elites who blindly supported the use of military force, as many had seen in the Johnson administration and their supporters.

Now, as 2019 marches ever closer, it will mark the 50th anniversary of one of America’s greatest song-writers, JOHN FOGERTY, and he has no intention of slowing down. FOGERTY plans to take his celebration on the road with an expanded worldwide tour. As highlighted in recent reviews, FOGERTY brings the excitement, night after night, The Minneapolis Star Tribune noted, “…(Fogerty) literally hit the stage running and launched into two high-revving CCR classics, “Traveling Band” and “Hey Tonight…. “Fortunate Son,” set the energy level to tilt before the one-two-punch encore with “Bad Moon Rising” and “Proud Mary.”  While Detroit’s Oakland Press praised, “Fogerty’s 90-minute set… was a tour-de-force, celebrating 50 years since his first albums with Creedence Clearwater Revival.”
 
More tour details to be announced soon.

Set to air on Showtime, December 11, 2018, at 7:30 pm ET/PT Still On The Run: The Jeff Beck Story documents the history of a musical maverick and true innovator, delving below the surface to shed light on the circumstances, inspiration and technicality behind the man and his music. The film features extensive interviews with Jeff both at home and in his workshop, as well as interviews with Jimmy Page, Eric Clapton, Rod Stewart, David Gilmour, Ronnie Wood, Slash, Jan Hammer, Joe Perry, Beth Hart & many more.

Beck’s childhood saw him surrounded by music; from the endlessly playing radio to his homemade guitar and the countless hours he spent poring over records and playing music with his friend, Jimmy Page.  “I didn’t have to think about taking up guitar, I just wanted to pour my feelings into it,” said Jeff. Around the same time, his love of classic cars was ignited from watching American B-movies featuring hot rods, and his two great passions in life were born.
 
At that time, visiting America seemed like an impossible dream for the young man from Surrey, but joining the Yardbirds spawned Beck’s first trip Stateside. A paycheck from the 1968 film, Blow Up saw him splash out on a split window ’68 Corvette - a warm memory that clearly still delights him to this day.
 
Covering the Jeff Beck Group’s seminal1968 Truth album featuring Rod Stewart and Ronnie Wood right through to Jeff Beck’s Guitar Shopalbum (1989) - from experimental rock departures to powerfully dirty, heavy grooves and everything in between, Jeff will always create a singularly unique guitar sound.
 
Still On The Run: The Jeff Beck Story reveals the true story of the guitar player who builds hot rods and captures the excitement and anecdotes of those who have worked alongside him.  Jeff Beck has always been a risk taker, on an endless quest for fresh and challenging new sounds.  Bending notes and filtering a myriad of musical inspirations, he will continue to inspire fans and musicians alike by giving voice to his guitar in the most unexpected ways.
 
Jeff Beck is an eight-time Grammy Award winner, featured in Rolling Stone’s “100 Greatest Guitarists of All Time" and recipient of the British Academy’s Ivor Norvello Award. He has been inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame - twice.

New York guitar phenom Oz Noy is that rare artist -- one who has cultivated his own distinct voice within the context of classic structures. His latest album, Booga Looga Loo reawakens timeless Boogaloo meets Jazz meets R&B grooves with Noy’s extended, unpredictable harmonic sensibility, stinging phrasing, and deft musical economy. Helping to realize Noy’s concept of the boogaloo record is a cast of musicians equally versed in the backbeat and the beyond, including drummers Vinnie Colaiuta, Dave Weckl and Steve Ferrone; bassists Will Lee, John Patitucci, and James Genus; and keyboardists Jerry Z and Brian Charette. Other contributors include Kevin Hays, Seamus Blake, and Anne Drummond. 

On Booga Looga Loo, four taut, incisive Noy originals are joined by striking reinventions of material by The Beatles (“Eight Days a Week,” with Lee on vocals), The Beach Boys (an achingly delivered “God Only Knows”), Ray Charles (“I Got a Woman”), and Thelonious Monk (“Bemsha Swing”). The album follows Twisted Blues, Oz Noy’s acclaimed two-volume exploration of the limits of the blues, a searing live set recorded in Shanghai with Weckl and bassist Étienne M'Bappé (Asian Twistz), a Soul Funk R&B record “Who Give A Funk" and the debut of Ozone Squeeze, Noy’s versatile, accessible trio with drummer Darren Stanley and vocalist and keyboardist Rai Thistlethwayte. 

The release of Booga Looga Loo on February, 2019 via Abstract Logix will be followed by a U.S. tour with the legendary Dave Weckl on drums and bass phenom Jimmy Haslip.

USA 2019 Tour Dates

Feb 28           Yoshis, San Francisco, CA
March 1-2     Catalinas, Los Angeles, CA
March 5         Jammin Java, Vienna, VA
March 6         Songbirds, Chattanooga, TN
March 7          City Winery, Nashville, TN
March 8-10    Velvet Note , Alpharetta, GA
March 12        Stage One, Fairfield, CT
March 13        Regatta Bar, Boston, MA
March 14-17  The Iridium, New York, NY
March 19 -      Milkboy, Philadelphia, PA
March 20-21  Martyrs , Chicago, IL
March 22-23  Jazz Kitchen, Indianapolis, IN
March 24        Jazz, Blues & Soups, St.Louis, MO

On December 4, 2018 the Museum of Pop Culture (MoPOP) presented American musician, singer, and songwriter John Fogerty with its 12thannual Founders Award, an honor given to artists who have made outstanding contributions in popular music. The award was presented by Alexis Lee, Executive Director of MoPOP, during the museum’s annual fundraiser which this year generated over $950 thousand for the museum. 
 
“We are proud to be honoring the legendary John Fogerty,” said Alexis Leeduring her opening remarks, “We strive to make creative expression a life-changing force, and he is a model of the artistry and success we want to foster here at MoPOP.”Shane and Tyler Fogerty then followed with a moving speech for their father.  
 
"I am humbled and honored that MoPoP chose me as the recipient of the 2018 Founders Award.  I had no idea my sons, Shane and Tyler, would be delivering this heartfelt speech. I will never forget how special it was. I am so grateful and proud,” said Fogerty after receiving the award. 
 
Fogerty is recognized as an iconic American songwriter for his songs with Creedence Clearwater Revival (CCR) and as a solo artist. He was inducted into the Rock ‘n’ Roll Hall of Fame in 1993 as leader of CCR and has earned a spot in the Baseball Hall of Fame for his hit song, Centerfield.  Next year will mark 50 years from his 1969 songbook including “Proud Mary,” “Fortunate Son,” “Who’ll Stop the Rain,” “Born on the Bayou,” and “Bad Moon Rising”. Fogerty plans to launch a world tour in addition to finishing a new album.
 
The annual benefit gala included an in-memoriam tribute to MoPOP’s Founder, Paul Allen, that poignantly highlighted his original inspiration for the institution and his vision for its future. 
 
The celebration serves as MoPOP’s top fundraiser for youth education programs, community engagement, and cutting-edge exhibitions. The results of these programs were in evidence with performances by musicians Maiah Wayne and last year’s Sound Off!winner, Micaiah Sawyer who performed a cover of CCR’s “Have You Ever Seen the Rain”. Also participating were young artists NESTRA and Claudine Magbag, alumni of MoPOP’s Sound Off!and The Residency programs.
 
A private tribute concert followed the award presentation with special performances by Alice in Chain’s Jerry Cantrell; Cindy Wasserman & Frank Drennen; Kenny Wayne Shepherd and Noah Hunt; Lisa Kekauala and Bob Vennum of the BellRays; and Tim Bluhm of The Mother Hips, who covered songs including “Bad Moon Rising”; “Who’ll Stop The Rain”; “Long As I Can See The Light”; “Up Around the Bend”; “Almost Saturday Night”; “Déjà vu (All Over Again)”; “Run Through The Jungle”; among other hits.
 
 “I witnessed some of the best arrangements and vocals of my songs that I have ever heard. For those who were there I know they felt the same. After hearing Kenny Wayne completely shred on guitar, I think I need to ask him for guitar lessons," expressed Fogerty about the tribute performance.
 
Fogerty himself, joined by his sons Shane and Tyler Fogerty, closed the night with an energetic performance that included such hits as “Proud Mary”; “Fortune Son”; “Have You Ever Seen The Rain”; and “Oh Susannah,” the song that inspired his musical life.
 
MoPOP’s 2018 Founders Award Event Committee Chair was Leslie Jackson Chihuly, President & CEO of Chihuly Studio, and the event was supported by Presenting Sponsor Deutsche Bank.

JOE SATRIANI has had a long and acclaimed solo career, his awards and accolades from fans and the industry alike are unending. Yet, through all of that, SATRIANI has often mentioned in interviews the musical trio that launched the next step in his musical career, his first band, the Squares, formed in Berkeley, CA in the late 70’s. Until now, no recordings of the inception of the legendary SATRIANI sound was available.  Now that is all about to change!  On April 5, 2019, Squares – Best of the Early 80’s Demoswill be released on SATRIANI’s own, Strange Beautiful Music imprint.  First single, “I Love How You Love Me,” premieres today on BILLBOARD.
 
As SATRIANI explains, “We werepart Van Halen and part Everly Brothers. A mix of heavy metal, rock 'n' roll, punk and new wave. We were hard to pin down and categorize, which is most likely why we never ‘made it’!”   However, SATRIANI never lost his love for that time or that music.
 
What remains today are the original, early '80's demos recorded and mixed by the bands then live sound engineer John Cuniberti. They have restored the original recordings, brought them into the digital world, and with loving hands and ears, John has remixed the best of what the band created in studio. According to SATRIANI, “They sound better than ever. John was careful to preserve the band's original intent with regards to song arrangements, sound and vibe, and in some cases, extremely creative mix ideas.”
 
Squares – Best of the Early 80’s Demosis produced and mixed by John Cuniberti, with Satrianias Executive Producer. The album features lyrics by Neil Sheehan, Satriani on (of course) guitar, Andy Milton on lead vocals & bass, and Jeff Campitelli on drums, all three lending vocals to the mix.

Announced this evening at a special Woodstock press conference, JOHN FOGERTYwill join in the celebration for Woodstock 50, appearing at the legendary festival’s anniversary event, 50 years after signing on as the FIRST artist at the original festival.

FOGERTY, Woodstock organizer Michael Lang and rap artist, Common, all joined together this evening at Electric Lady Studios in NYC to announce the final confirmed line-up for this year’s return engagement.  After a brief Q&A with reporters, FOGERTY performed a few of his iconic songs, all released in 1969; “Have You Ever Seen The Rain,” “Who’ll Stop the Rain,” "Bad Moon Rising," “Fortunate Son” and “Proud Mary.”

Prior to the August 16 performance at Woodstock, FOGERTY will return to the Encore Theatre at the Wynn in Las Vegas - bringing his all-new show, “My 50 Year Trip,” a milestone celebration of the 50th Anniversary of Woodstock and John’s iconic hit parade with Creedence Clearwater Revival.The all-new show will feature a collection of CCR songs, including the set list from John’s performance at Woodstock in 1969 as well as other fan favorites.

“50 years since Woodstock. I can't believe it. Starting in April at the Wynn I will be bringing my songbook, my guitar and my memories of that special time... and then on the road to a festival called "Woodstock" where I stood 50 years ago…And I ain't slowing down. Can't wait to get up there and celebrate this 50th anniversary of my songs. Peace love and Rock and Roll! There is Nothin' better than that.” – John Fogerty

In addition, FOGERTY will also be performing at several major summer festivals including the 50thAnniversary Jazz Fest in New Orleans, Bourbon & Beyond Festival in Louisville among others.  He will also head to Europe for summer tour hitting Poland, Finland, Norway, Sweden, Denmark, The Netherlands, Belgium and Germany. Additional U.S. dates will be announced shortly.

50 years ago, in 1969, FOGERTY wrote, recorded and released three amazing albums in one year with Creedence Clearwater Revival. First, in January of ’69, just a short time after completing his military service, the album Bayou Country was release.  The iconic“Proud Mary,” a reflective song he penned as soon as he was discharged, rose to #2 on the singles chart. The same album also carried us all into the Louisiana backcountry with “Born on the Bayou”.  By August, with the release of Green River, two of his biggest tracks, “Green River” and “Bad Moon Rising” both spiked the U.S. chart at #2. As if any artist being responsible for two of his group’s greatest albums in a single year isn’t amazing enough, FOGERTY led CCR to another album debut in November of ’69.  Willy and the Poor Boys, and its single “Down on the Corner” brought a happy, toe-tappin’ track to their fans and it reached #3 on the charts. Probably the most famous of FOGERTY’s songs is, of course, “Fortunate Son” a protest song/anti-war anthem that became the mantra for a generation suspicious of those elites who blindly supported the use of military force, as many had seen in the Johnson administration and their supporters.

John Fogerty’s “My 50 Year Trip” itinerary:

March 29          Foxwoods Resort Casino                     Mashantucket, CT
April 10            Encore Theater at the Wynn                 Las Vegas, NV
April 12            Encore Theater at the Wynn                 Las Vegas, NV
April 13            Encore Theater at the Wynn                 Las Vegas, NV
April 17            Encore Theater at the Wynn                 Las Vegas, NV
April 19            Encore Theater at the Wynn                 Las Vegas, NV
April 20            Encore Theater at the Wynn                 Las Vegas, NV
May 5               New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival    New Orleans, LA
June 20            Red Rocks Amphitheatre                     Morrison, CO
June 29            Dolina Charlotty Resort & Spa             Slupsk, Poland
July 2               Hartwall Arena                                     Helsinki, Finland
July 4               Spektrum                                             Oslo, Norway
July 5               DNB Arena                                            Stavanger, Norway
July 8               Dalhalla                                                Rattvik, Sweden
July 10             Liseberg Tivoli                                      Gothenburg, Sweden
July 11             Royal Arena                                          Copenhagen, Denmark
July 13             Bospop Festival                                    Weert, Netherlands
July 14             TWC Festival                                        Rotselaar, Belgium
July 16             Kunstrasen                                           Bonn, Germany
July 17             Zeltspektakel                                       Winterbach, Germany
July 19             Theaterplatz                                         Chemnitz, Germany
August 16         Woodstock 50                                      Watkins Glen, NY
September 20  Bourbon & Beyond Festival                   Louisville, KY

Hot on the heels of Jazz Fest raves - Widespread Panic guitarist Jimmy Herring unleashes his latest visionary concept upon the world: Jimmy Herring and The 5 of 7.

Herring is no stranger to adventurous new environs: The North Carolina native has fearlessly honed his now-formidable technique via gigs with some of the giants of improvised music -- from his earliest days in the van with Col. Bruce Hampton and the Aquarium Rescue Unit to high profile gigs with the Allman Brothers, The Dead, Project Z, Phil Lesh and Friends, and his ongoing role as lead guitarist in Widespread Panic. He recently collaborated with iconic guitarist John McLaughlin when Herring’s band The Invisible Whip joined McLaughlin’s 4th Dimension for an acclaimed run of shows celebrating the legacy of the Mahavishnu Orchestra.

While the Invisible Whip focused on the instrumental side of Herring’s musical persona, the newly assembled The 5 of 7 places his uniquely probing, responsive fretwork in the context of a vocalist-fronted, song-driven ensemble. At once accessible and provocative, The 5 of 7 finds Herring joined by bassist Kevin Scott, drummer Darren Stanley, longtime collaborator Matt Slocum on keyboards (Hammond B3, clavinet), and vocalist and guitarist Rick Lollar. “Rick, Matt, and Kevin had a band together called King Baby,” explains Herring from his home in Atlanta, “and I heard their record...I couldn’t help but think, man, if I could get together, play some of Rick’s songs, some of my songs, some covers, and maybe write a few things together, we may be on to something…”

“In addition to being a fine guitar player, Rick is a really powerful singer,” Herring continues. “Some of his favorite singers are Donny Hathaway and Stevie Wonder, and those are some of my favorites, too.” Supporting Lollar’s soulful vocals, Herring, Scott, Slocum, and Stanley provide a roiling sonic undercurrent drawing from all walks of their respective musical journeys -- with one common thread: “We all have the Atlanta, Col. Bruce Hampton connection with each other,” Herring says, acknowledging their shared roots in Hampton’s spontaneous, dynamic, and challenging groups. “That’s important to me because it’s such a different thing -- if you’ve been through that school, you want to play with people who have been through that too...you  understand how to think on your feet and exist in the moment.”

From fatback, roadhouse R&B to more expansive, jazz-inflected explorations, The 5 of 7 demonstrates Herrings chops not just as a musician, but as a bandleader and catalyst. The novel vocal element is just one more texture at his disposal. “With instrumental music,” he reflects, “people expect to hear your solos, but they’ve just heard you play the melody! You can overexpose your voice. With Rick, I can play behind him, then step out with a solo, and give a fresh feeling to the song -- take it to another place.”

Setting out on the road this September, Herring is typically modest when describing what audiences can expect from The 5 of 7: “There’ll be vocals, there’ll be instrumentals. There will be funk and rock and roll, with some songs leaning towards more sophisticated harmony...but, to me, it’s just music.”

Jimmy Herring and The 5 of 7 on Tour:

09.12.19 Gothic Theatre - Denver, CO

09.13.19 Aggie Theatre - Fort Collins, CO

09.14.19 Fox Theatre - Boulder, CO

09.18.19 Wildwood Saloon - Iowa City, IA

09.19.19 El Volcan - St. Louis, MO

09.20.19 Park West - Chicago, IL

09.21.19 The Vogue - Indianapolis, IN

09.24.19 The Egg - Albany, NY

09.26.19 The Center for Arts in Natick - Natick, MA

09.27.19 Ridgefield Playhouse - Ridgefield, CT

09.28.19 Brooklyn Bowl - Brooklyn, NY

09.29.19 Ardmore Music Hall - Philadelphia, PA

10.01.19 The Hamilton - Washington, DC

10.02.19 The Broadberry - Richmond, VA

10.03.19 Harvester Performance Center - Rocky Mount, VA

10.04.19 Lincoln Theatre - Raleigh, NC

10.05.19 Neighborhood Theatre - Charlotte, NC

More dates to be announced.

BMG is proud to announce THE DICKEY BETTS BAND release of Ramblin’ Man: Live at The St. George Theatre on July 26, 2019. This new audio and video recording captures THE DICKEY BETTS BAND at a special, intimate performance recorded on July 21, 2018 at the historic St. George Theatre on Staten Island in New York City. A special airing of the set will be broadcast on DirecTV starting Friday, June 14, 2019.  Check local listings here, for details.

An original member of the Allman Brothers Band, Dickey Betts first found fame and fortune with the release of their 1971 live album, At Fillmore East. Betts played a key role in making the Allman Brothers Band stadium-filling superstars in the mid-‘70s then returned the band to prominence in 1989, keeping the group among rock’s respected vanguard through the ‘90s. As leader of his Great Southern band during the 2000s, Betts continued to play stages around the world, elating fans from Chicago to Tokyo. 
 
The band members on this release include Dickey Betts (lead guitar,vocals), Duane Betts (lead guitar), Frankie Lombardi (drums, backup vocals), Mike Kach (keyboards, lead vocals), Pedro Arevalo (bass), Damon Fowler (lead/slide guitar, vocals) and Steve Camilleri (drums).  In addition, there is a special guest appearance from Devon Allman, son of Gregg Allman, on “Midnight Rider.”

The 90-minute performance features several Allman Brothers Band classics, including 10 minute plus versions of “Ramblin’ Man” and “Blue Sky” and a 21 minute version of “In Memory Of Elizabeth Reed.”  

As a founding member of The Allman Brothers Band, Dickey Betts was inducted with the band into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1995 and won a Grammy Award for best rock performance for the bands instrumental, “Jessica,” in 1996.  Betts is recognized as one of the greatest rock guitar players of all time with Rolling Stone ranking him at #58 in their 100 Greatest Guitarists of All Time 2003 list.  Dickey is recovering well from an accidental fall last September and is enjoying being back playing guitar and fishing.

TRACK LIST CD & 2LP – 71 Minutes 
1. Hot’Lanta
2. Blue Sky
3. Midnight Rider
4. In Memory Of Elizabeth Reed 
5. Whipping Post
6. Ramblin’ Man
7. Jessica
 
TRACK LIST Blu-Ray – 94 Minutes 
1. Hot’Lanta
2. Blue Sky
3. Statesboro Blues
4. Midnight Rider
5. My Getaway
6. Nothing You Can Do
7. In Memory Of Elizabeth Reed 
8. Whipping Post
9. Ramblin’ Man 
10. Jessica 
 
Preorder Here: 
CD/Blu-Ray:  smarturl.it/DickeyBettsCDBluRay
2LP: smarturl.it/DickeyBettsLP

Announced today, JEFF BECK will add five solo shows to his 2019 U.S. touring schedule. In addition to the previously announced appearances at the Crossroads Festival and a show at the Hollywood Bowl, where he will join his former band mate, Rod Stewart, BECK will now include Kansas City, Tulsa, Austin, San Antonio and Phoenix to his 2019 U.S. live dates.  Tickets will go on-sale this Friday, June 21, with the exception of Phoenix which will be on sale on June 24.
 
Joining BECK on Crossroads as well as the five solo dates will be Vinnie Colaiuta on drums, Rhonda Smith on bass, Jimmy Hall on vocals and cellist Vanessa Freebairn-Smith.  For the Hollywood Bowl show on Friday, September 27, BECK will join Rod Stewart, for a landmark reunion set o what will be their most in-depth concert in over 35 years.
 
Over the course of BECK’s distinguished 50+ music career, he has earned an incredible 8 Grammy Awards, been ranked by Rolling Stone as one of the “100 Greatest Guitarists of All Time,” and been inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame twice – once as a member of the Yardbirds and again as a solo artist. In the summer of 2016, guitar virtuoso JEFF BECK celebrated his 5 decades of music with an extraordinary concert at the famous Hollywood Bowl. Jeff Beck: Live At The Hollywood Bowl is available now.  Jeff is working on new music and looks to 2020 for release.
 
Visit JeffBeck.com for more information.

Jeff Beck on Tour:
September 17, Uptown Theater, Kansas City, MO
September 18, Brady Theater, Tulsa, OK
September 20, Crossroads Festival, Dallas, TX (with Eric Clapton + others)
September 21, Paramount Theatre, Austin, TX
September 22, Tobin Center for the Performing Arts, San Antonio, TX
September 24, Celebrity Theatre, Phoenix, AZ. *
September 27, Hollywood Bowl, Los Angeles, CA (Jeff only with Rod Stewart)
 
*Phoenix Tickets On-Sale - Monday, June 24

Rock'n'Roll icon JOHN FOGERTY just wrapped a hugely successful 3-week tour of Europe this past weekend and the crowds set records with the critics raving!

The July 10th show in Gothenburg, Sweden, attracted the largest audience ever for this city, setting a new record!  At the Liseberg Tivoli, the interest in the Creedence Clearwater Revival frontman and solo artist was so great that the venue, held in the center of an amusement park, had to close the gates a quarter of an hour before the planned gig’s 8 pm start time.

“I've never seen so many people on Liseberg,” according to park manager Anders Fridehäll.  He went on to state that they would not have exact numbers right away, due to the venue’s sprawling outside surfaces.”
 
A German newspaper reported on the audience, “Many of the (fans) have come to the KunstRasen just because of this journey back in time, wanting to be transported back to the late '60s, listening to the mix of rock, country, delta blues and beat from CCR, which Fogerty and his band erupted into and out of this evening looks surprisingly fresh, edgy … For about two hours musicians and spectators celebrate a small Woodstock together, albeit 50 years late.” 
 
FOGERTY is now ready to head back on the road in the U.S. where he will continue with his “My 50 Year Trip” celebration tour.“My 50 Year Trip” is a milestone celebration of the 50th Anniversary of Woodstock and John’s iconic hit parade with Creedence Clearwater Revival.The all-new show features a collection of CCR songs, solo hits and other fan favorites.

John Fogerty “My 50 Year Trip”:

August 9           Bald Point Park                                     East Providence, RI
August 10         Veterans Memorial Park                       Vineyard Haven, MA
August 11         Maine Savings Pavilion at Rock Row   Westbrook, ME
August 13         Rockland Trust Bank Pavilion               Boston, MA
August 15         Radio City Music Hall                            New York, NY
August 16         TBA                                                       TBA
August 17         Xcite Center @ Parx Casino                 Bensalem, PA
August 18         Bethel Woods Center for the Arts         Bethel, NY
September 13  Blues Fest                                             Telluride, CO
September 14  Santa Fe Opera                                     Santa Fe, NM
September 20  Bourbon & Beyond Festival                   Louisville, KY
September 21  Firekeepers Casino                               Battle Creek, MI
October 12       Save-On Memorial Centre                    Victoria, BC
October 13       Rogers Arena                                        Vancouver, BC
October 15       Rogers Place                                         Edmonton, AB
October 16       Enmax Centre                                       Lethbridge, AB
October 17       Centrium Westerner Park                      Red Deer, AB
November 6     Encore Theatre at Wynn Las Vegas         Las Vegas, NV
November 8     Encore Theatre at Wynn Las Vegas         Las Vegas, NV
November 9     Encore Theatre at Wynn Las Vegas         Las Vegas, NV
November 13   Encore Theatre at Wynn Las Vegas         Las Vegas, NV
November 15   Encore Theatre at Wynn Las Vegas         Las Vegas, NV
November 16   Encore Theatre at Wynn Las Vegas         Las Vegas, NV
 
More dates to be announced

Recorded at Red Rocks Amphitheatre in Morrison, Colorado this past June, the John Fogerty – 50 Year Trip: Live at Red Rocks will be released on CD and digitally, November 8, 2019 via BMG.  The release of the live album will coincide with the cinematic release of a new concert film, for one night only, November 11, Veteran’s Day.

In that special, one day only event, the entire 2+ hour concert movie concert film will play in select movie theaters nationwide, via Fathom Events.  Tickets will go on-sale Friday, October 4th and for more information or to find a movie theater near you, visit Fathom Events.

Filmed and recorded on June 20, 2019 at Red Rocks Amphitheatre in Morrison, Colorado during a special stop of John Fogerty’s nationwide U.S. tour celebrating his 50- year career. This amazing set list includes seventeen John Fogerty and Creedence Clearwater Revival classics including; “Proud Mary”, “Bad Moon Rising” and “Centerfield” along with covers of “I Heard it Through the Grapevine” by Gladys Knight and the Pips and “Susie Q” first released on CCR’s debut album in 1968 and the band’s only Top 40 hit not written by Fogerty (full track listing for the CD/digital release below). 

“I’ve played Red Rocks a number of times over the years and it’s always magical, but this time, to play with both of my sons on this amazing stage, will certainly go down as one of the major highlights of my life,” Fogerty declared of this special show.

Announced today, Back To Earth is set to be reissued on Cat-O-Log Records/BMG and includes a remastered CD & LP, released on November 29, 2019 while the Super Deluxe box set is set for a February 28, 2020 release.  The deluxe boxset features the original album (remastered at Abbey Road) together with previously unheard tracks ‘Butterfly’ and ‘Toy Heart’ (featuring Grammy winning guitarist, Eric Johnson) which were considered by Cat as too ‘pop’ at the time; demos, out-takes tracks, and material from UNICEF’s 1979 Year Of The Child concert, the singer’s then historic last live performance as Cat Stevens.

** Listen to Toy Heart HERE**

In 1978, legendary musician Cat Stevens would make the seemingly shocking decision to abandon the rock star lifestyle and walk away. However, rather than leaving his legions of fans empty-handed, he would instead write his final album Back To Earth, as a parting farewell, using tracks such as ‘Last Love Song’ and ‘Just Another Night’ to help explain his decision to depart.

Back To Earth was considered a return to form, receiving rave reviews and reuniting Stevens with Paul Samwell-Smith, the producer of his landmark, multi-platinum albums Tea For The Tillerman (1970) and Teaser And The Firecat (1971), as well as continuing his creative partnership with long-time guitarist Alun Davies.

The central theme of the album was one of transition with the title Back To Earth symbolizing not only his abandonment of fame, but a tipping point for humanitarian and ecological concerns. In ‘New York Times’ (a song Cat wrote based on stories he read in The New York Times), from Back To Earth, the singer can clearly be heard already railing against one of the ongoing issues of our modern age – air pollution: “Cars choking your child to death/But you don’t wanna see.”

Ultimately, all of these strands, past and present, pull together the very core of Back To Earth, an album which remains to this day, a still incredibly relevant and fascinating piece that captures Yusuf/Cat Stevens at a defining point in his life.

Back To Earth CD and LP (Remastered) 
Released November 29, 2019
 
CD format BMGCAT335CD / LP format BMGCAT335LP / LP format (coloured) BMGCAT335CLP
 
The Original - Remastered from 1978 analogue tapes to stunning effect at Abbey Road Studios

Just Another Night

Daytime

Bad Brakes

Randy

The Artist

Last Love Song

Nascimento

Father

New York Times

Never

Back To Earth Super Deluxe 5CD / 2LP 
Release date: February 28, 2020
 
Super deluxe format BMGCAT335BOX
 
CD1 Remastered - Original album remastered from analogue tapes

Just Another Night

Daytime

Bad Brakes

Randy

The Artist

Last Love Song

Nascimento

Father

New York Times

Never

 
CD2: Return to Earth – The original stereo mix

Just Another Night

Daytime

Bad Brakes

Randy

The Artist

Last Love Song

Nascimento

Father

New York Times

Never

CD3: Unearthed - Live tracks, rare demos and two beautiful, completely unheard recordings

Butterfly (previously unreleased)

Toy Heart (previously unreleased)

New York Times (new mix) previously unreleased

Just Another Night (demo) previously unreleased

Last Love Song (Session Mix) previously unreleased

Daytime (Live 2017 Adelaide)

Bad Brakes (Live 2011 Albert Hall)

Last Love Song (Live 2014 Toronto)

Nascimento (Solto)       previously unreleased

Just Another Night (Live 2016 Nashville)

Bad Brakes (instrumental) previously unreleased

CD4: Alpha Omega (A Musical Revelation) - Completion of the circle.  Yusuf helps his brother David realise his own musical ambition by producing the 1978 album Alpha Omega, featuring the much loved ‘Child For A Day’

Universe

I Who Am I

Paradise

Inventions

I See That Face

Child For A Day

Sing, Love Is Everywhere

Alpha Omega

Music Is The 7th Wonder

Dreamer

World

Listen To Me

I Believe

CD5: UNICEF Year Of The Child Concert at Wembley Arena 1979 - The last love song. Cat performs under this name, what will be his final farewell at UNICEF's 1979 Year Of The Child charity concert at London's Wembley Arena.

The Wind with intro from Paul Gambaccini

On The Road To Find Out

Just Another Night

Daytime/Where Do The Children Play?

Father & Son

Morning Has Broken (with Belmont Junior School Choir)

Peace Train

Child For A Day (with Richard Thompson and David Essex)

LP ONE: Remastered - Original album remastered for vinyl from analogue tapes
A1           Just Another Night
A2           Daytime
A3           Bad Brakes
A4           Randy
A5           The Artist
 
B1           Last Love Song
B2           Nascimento
B3           Father
B4           New York Times
B5           Never
 
LP TWO: Year Of The Child Concert at Wembley Arena 1979
A1           The Wind with intro from Paul Gambaccini
A2           On The Road To Find Out
A3           Just Another Night
A4           Daytime/Where Do The Children Play?
 
B1           Father & Son
B2           Morning Has Broken
B3           Peace Train
B4           Child For A Day

Recorded at Red Rocks Amphitheatre in Morrison, Colorado this past June, the 50 Year Trip - Live at Red Rocks was released on CD and digitally Friday, November 8, 2019, via BMG.  The release of the live album will coincide with the cinematic release of a new concert film, in theatres for one night only, November 11, Veteran’s Day.

In the special one day only theatrical event, the entire 2+ hour concert movie concert film will play in select movie theaters nationwide, via Fathom Events.  For more information or to find a movie theater near you, visit Fathom Events.

In addition, John will attend a Veterans Day Ceremony and dedicate the “Proud Mary - John Fogerty Container Home” at Veterans Village, in Las Vegas, on Monday, November 11th.  The Veterans Village Container Homes have repurposed ocean shipping containers used to provide affordable housing for market-rate buyers, low to moderate-income individuals/families, and previously homeless individuals/families. As a Veteran himself, JOHN FOGERTY is donating to the construction of the “Proud Mary” container home using money received from the canceled Woodstock 50 event in August.  In wanting to keep with the Woodstock spirit of Peace, Music and Giving, John, with his wife, Julie, designated the money he was paid to this important and worthwhile endeavor.

Filmed and recorded on June 20, 2019, at Red Rocks Amphitheatre in Morrison, Colorado during a special stop of John Fogerty’s nationwide U.S. tour celebrating his 50- year career. This amazing setlist includes seventeen John Fogerty Creedence Clearwater Revival classics including; “Proud Mary”, “Bad Moon Rising” and “Centerfield” along with covers of “I Heard it Through the Grapevine” by Gladys Knight and the Pips and “Susie Q” first released on CCR’s debut album in 1968 and the band’s only Top 40 hit not written by Fogerty (full tracklisting for the CD/digital release below).

Fogerty has been celebrating his 50th Anniversary this year, a milestone celebration for one of America’s greatest songwriters.  Iconic hits “Proud Mary,” “Fortunate Son,” “Who’ll Stop the Rain,” “Born on the Bayou,” “Bad Moon Rising” and so many more from his songbook, were all amazingly released in just one year; 1969.  This August, Fogerty also returned to the original Woodstock location in Bethel, NY, to celebrate his place at that historic festival.  Fogerty is in Las Vegas this month for his on-going residency at the Wynn Hotel’s Encore Theatre.

Fogerty’s “50-Year Trip” Tour itinerary:

November 6     Encore Theatre at Wynn Las Vegas         Las Vegas, NV
November 8     Encore Theatre at Wynn Las Vegas         Las Vegas, NV
November 9     Encore Theatre at Wynn Las Vegas         Las Vegas, NV
November 13   Encore Theatre at Wynn Las Vegas         Las Vegas, NV
November 15   Encore Theatre at Wynn Las Vegas         Las Vegas, NV
November 16   Encore Theatre at Wynn Las Vegas         Las Vegas, NV

Grammy-award winning and multi-platinum selling rock band, SOUL ASYLUM, announces new tour dates and new single, “Dead Letter,” released today via the band’s new partnership with Blue Élan Records.

“Dead Letter” is now available now on all major streaming services, listen HERE.

The single marks the first new music from the Minneapolis-based SOUL ASYLUM since the release of Change of Fortune in 2016. “Dead Letter” features the rock band’s signature melodic guitar grooves coupled with lead singer Dave Pirner’s anguished vocals and poignant lyrics that fans have come to know well - yet there are darker tones involved, painting a macabre ballad while revealing a new side of the great American songwriter that may surprise even SOUL ASYLUM’s most dedicated listeners.  
  
As Dave explains, “Dead Letter is contemplative and certainly not a party anthem, but there are other sentiments in life that frequently go unspoken for. It's the message of the unheard people, whose voices often fall on deaf ears.”
 
Pirner is also gearing up to unveil his new book entitled “Loud, Fast, Words,” an annotated collection of lyrics with an essay about each of his albums set to release in February 2020 via MNHS Publishing (Minnesota Historical Society).
 
Soul Asylum will hit the road February through March with Local H supporting. The 25-city tour kicks off on February 11 in Milwaukee, followed by Detroit, Chicago and Cincinnati and will continue to the east coast, back through the Midwest and west coast cities. The major city stint will commence with final dates in Albuquerque and Oklahoma on March 16 & 18 respectively. In addition, ahead of this 2020 tour, the MN natives will celebrate the end of 2019 with a hometown show at First Avenue on December 27.
  
Spanning three decades, Soul Asylum’s indie success led to the band entering the major-label mainstream with 1988's Hang Time and its 1990 follow-up And the Horse They Rode In On, before achieving a platinum-level commercial breakthrough with 1992's Grave Dancers Union (certified 3x platinum) and 1995's Let Your Dim Light Shine. Grave Dancers Union featured the international hits "Runaway Train", which won a 1994 Grammy as Best Rock Song, and "Black Gold," while Let Your Dim Light Shine (platinum) spawned the hit "Misery". After 1998's Candy from a Stranger, Soul Asylum returned to action in 2006 with The Silver Lining, Delayed Reaction six years later and most recently with 2016’s Change of Fortune.  
 
The current Soul Asylum line-up features Dave Pirner as lead vocals/guitar, Michael Bland on drums, Ryan Smith on lead guitar, and Wynston Roye on bass.

SOUL ASYLUM ON TOUR - Local H supports all dates except where noted:

12/27 – Minneapolis, MN – First Avenue

2020
2/11 - Milwaukee, Wi - Turner Hall 
2/12 - Detroit MI - St Andrew's Hall
2/14 - Chicago, IL  - Metro 
2/15 - Cincinnati, OH - Riverfront Live 
2/17 - Boston MA - Paradise
2/18 - Portland ME - Port City Music 
2/19 - New York NY - Bowery Ballroom
2/21 - Philadelphia PA - TLA
2/22 - Leesburg, VA - Tally Ho Theatre 
2/24 - Atlanta, GA  - Center Stage 
2/25 - Nashville, TN - The Cowan 
2/26 - Louisville, KY - Mercury Ballroom 
2/28 - Kansas City, MO - The Madrid 
2/29 - Colorado Springs, CO - Sunshine Studios Live
3/01 – Denver, CO - The Bluebird 
3/03 - Billings, MT - Pub Station 
3/05 - Salt Lake City, UT - Metro 
3/07 - Reno, NV - Boomtown Casino *
3/08 - San Francisco, CA - Slims
3/11 - Los Angeles, CA - Teragram Ballroom 
3/13 - San Diego, CA - Belly UP 
3/14 - Las Vegas, NV - Silverton Casino *
3/15 - Phoenix, AZ – Marquee
3/16 - Albuquerque, NM – Sunshine
3/18 – Oklahoma City, OK – Diamond Ballroom
 
*Local H not appearing on these dates

The Gasparilla Music Festival presented by Cigar City Brewing has unveiled the first wave of artists that will be performing at their 9th annual festival taking place March 7-8, 2020, in downtown Tampa. Brandi Carlile will be headling the festival on Saturday, March 7 and Portugal. The Man will close out the festival on Sunday, March 8.

Three-time Grammy Award winner Brandi Carlile has had an incredible 2019 that included the formation of the country super group, The Highwomen, being nominated for 4 four new Grammy Awards, and receiving the Billboard Women in Music Trailblazer Award.  Portugal. The Man, originally from Wasilla, Alaska, are poised to release their 9th studio album in 2020, and  their 2017 Grammy Award winning hit “Feel it Still” was recently named to Billboard’s Songs That Defined the Decade list.

Other bands announced in the initial lineup:

De La Soul, Rival Sons, Curtis Harding, The Nude Party, Marco Benevento, Photo Fire, Fre$h P, New Fang, Demi Nova, Visit Neptune, Josh & the Jamtones, Bears & Lions, Florida Gospel Music and Arts and Tampa Metropolitan Youth Orchestra

Additionally on Saturday, March 7, Come Back Alice’s front-man Tony Tyler and his band (Tony Tyler Trance) will be performing a special 50th anniversary tribute to Derek and the Dominos’ legendary concert originally performed December 1, 1970, at the Curtis Hixon Hall. This concert was only one of two public performances that Duane Allman made with Derek and the Dominos, and the only one with surviving audio recordings.

A full lineup will be announced in January along with dates and times for all of the performances.

The Gasparilla Music Festival features over 45 local and national bands across 5 stages along downtown Tampa’s Riverwalk. The event features food from Tampa’s top local chef’s and restaurants and offers family friendly programming (Kids 12 and Under FREE Admission) on several stages each day until 2pm. In 2019, the festival had over 25,000 attendees with an early Saturday sellout. This year, GMF is partnering with CashorTrade as its dedicated face value marketplace to protect fans against fraud and scalping. Past festival performers have included The Avett Brothers, Gary Clark Jr., Modest Mouse, Erykah Badu, The Roots, Margo Price, Father John Misty, The Flaming Lips, Trombone Shorty and Cage the Elephant.

Tickets to the festival are available at www.gmftickets.com

GENERAL ADMISSION

2 Day GA Early Bird….$40 (while supplies last)  

2 Day GA Advance….. $60

Saturday GA Advance..$40

Sunday GA Advance….$40

SYNOVUS VIP

2 Day VIP Early Bird....$175 (SOLD OUT)

2 Day VIP Advance….$200

Saturday VIP Advance.$150

Sunday VIP Advance…$100

As another decade turns, the Austin, TX based prolific guitarist, vocalist, composer, and multi-instrumentalist – ERIC JOHNSON - will release a new studio offering titled EJ Vol II, on February 28, 2020. To celebrate this 11th studio album, JOHNSON has a 55-date tour, spanning nearly 3-months. The tour will hit every major city across the U.S. and will also enter into Canada, for one show in Toronto as well.

EJ Vol II follows its predecessor from 2016 which was simply EJ, an all-acoustic collection of songs which showcased nine original compositions and four covers. JOHNSON’s approach was deeply honest, intimate, personal and delivered with organic emotion. With EJ Vol II, he presents new repertoire that combines electric and acoustic arrangements and once again represents a collection of originals with a couple of select covers.

Among the new songs, there is deep meaning and messaging with each track, sometimes figurative while at times literal. On “Waterwheel,” he captures personal feelings about the gift of the flow of the spirit and synchronicity of all things under the universe in creation, utilizing the water wheel or an old paddle wheel that turns in water as the metaphorical symbolism. The song “Golden Way,” approaches finding the true higher path in life, while the poignant “For the Stars,” captures his introspection surrounding the loss of his mother as he looks up towards the sky at night wondering where she is now. Along with the 11 original songs there are two covers on the album; The Beatles “Hide Your Love Away” and Eric's arrangement of Bert Jansch’s take on the traditional “Black Waterside.” The latter was first recorded in 1966, but became infamous through Jimmy Page performing a similar riff on Led Zeppelin’s 1969 debut without acknowledging the credit (on “Black Mountain Side”).

The new 2020 tour titled “Classics: Present and Past” will feature EJ Vol. II alongside selections from his prolific career.  The EJ touring band will feature Roscoe Beck on bass (Leonard Cohen, Robben Ford, Dixie Chicks), Tom Brechtlein on drums (Kenny Loggins, Chick Corea, Wayne Shorter, Robben Ford), and on keyboards + second guitar, Dave Scher (a rising star from the Austin music scene).

The new year will also see the release of a new Fender Stratocaster as a part of their “Stories Collection” (modeled after an instrument JOHNSON frequently used early in his career). This model will be his fourth in the Fender collection of signature Johnson guitars. 
 
Over the course of more than four decades, ERIC JOHNSON has been traveling on a prolific odyssey. Along the way, his creations have cross pollinated the various musical genres which include rock, blues, jazz, fusion, soul, folk, new-age, classical and even country. Inevitably E.J. says it best himself in sharing that regardless of the genre “It really boils down to the music and the song at the end of the day,” he explains. “If it doesn’t have that it gets boring for me. The most important thing for me is to grow musically and make a more expansive and meaningful artistic statement with every new project.” 

Among JOHNSON 's many accolades are a Grammy award for "Cliffs of Dover " (a track from his Platinum certified Ah Via Musicom), lifetime induction into the Guitar Player Gallery of Greats, his listing among the "100 Greatest Guitarists of the 20th Century" by Musician. In his hometown of Austin TX, a city full of guitarists, the readers of the Austin Chronicle have voted ERIC JOHNSON the city's "Best Electric Guitarist" and "Best Acoustic Guitarist" in their yearly poll year after year. They also named him "Electric Guitarist of the Decade" and one of the top five "Musicians of the Decade". 
 
Throughout his career, Johnson has approached music as a healing force, a way to enhance a listener’s consciousness and conjure joy and inspiration. “That’s what I’ve always appreciated most about other artists,” he says. “Some artists inspire us to wake up and get back to the clarity of consciousness. With this record, I’m trying to do that too, because I appreciate it so much in other people.” 

EJ Vol II Track Listing:

Waterwheel                            8. Lake Travis

Gift of love                              9. Hotel Ole

Hide Your Love Away              10. Different Folks

Charldron’s Boat                     11. Golden Way

Over The Moon                       12. Black Waterside

Divanae                                   13. For The Stars

Let A Friend Find You

Eric Johnson on “Classics – Present and Past” Tour:

January 3         The State Room                                  Salt Lake City, UT
January 4         The State Room                                  Salt Lake City, UT
January 5         Revolution Event Center                     Boise, ID
January 6         Hult PAC, Silva Concert Hall               Eugene, OR
January 8         The Bing Crosby Theater                    Spokane, WA
January 9         Lincoln Theatre                                   Mt. Vernon, WA
January 10       Admiral Theatre                                  Bremerton, WA
January 11       The Triple Door                                   Seattle, WA
January 12       Aladdin Theater                                  Portland, OR
January 14       Miner Auditorium                               San Francisco, CA
January 15       Crest Theatre                                      Sacramento, CA
January 16       Sunset Cultural Center                        Carmel, CA
January 17       The Grove of Anaheim                       Anaheim, CA
January 18       The Regent Theater                            Los Angeles, CA
January 19       Majestic Ventura Theater                   Ventura, CA
January 21       House of Blues                                    San Diego, CA
January 22       Rialto Theatre                                     Tucson, AZ
January 23       The Crescent Ballroom                       Phoenix, AZ
January 24       KiMo Theatre                                      Albuquerque, NM
January 25       Paramount Theatre                            Denver, CO
January 26       The Lincoln Center                              Fort Collins, CO
January 29       House of Blues                                    Dallas, TX
January 30       The Aztec Theater                               San Antonio, TX
January 31       House of Blues                                    Houston, TX
February 1       Paramount Theatre                            Austin, TX
Tour Break
February 18     Cain’s Ballroom                                  Tulsa, OK
February 19     Madrid Theatre                                   Kansas City, MO
February 20     The Castle Theatre                              Bloomington, IL
February 21     The Arcada Theatre                            St. Charles, IL
February 22     St. Andrew’s Hall                                Detroit, MI
February 23     The Clyde Theatre                               Fort Wayne, IN
February 25     Opera House                                       Toronto, ONT
February 26     Tralf Music Hall                                  Buffalo, NY
February 27     Tupelo Music Hall                               Derry, NH
February 28     Cabot Performing Arts Center            Beverly, MA    
February 29     The Center for Arts in Natick             Natick, MA
March 1           YMCA Boulton PAC                             Bay Shore, NY
March 3           Sony Hall                                             New York, NY
March 4           Warehouse                                         Fairfield, CT
March 5           Swyer Theatre                                     Albany, NY
March 6           The Fillmore - Silver Spring                 Silver Spring, MD
March 7           Sellersville Theater                             Sellersville, PA
March 9           Kent Stage                                          Kent, OH
March 11         Center Stage                                       Atlanta, GA
March 12         Ponte Vedra Concert Hall                   Ponte Vedra Beach, FL
March 13         Broward PAC - Amaturo Theatre        Ft. Lauderdale, FL
March 14         House of Blues                                    Lake Buena Vista, FL
March 15         Capitol Theatre                                   Clearwater, FL
March 17         Vinyl Music Hall                                  Pensacola, FL
March 18         Civic Theatre                                       New Orleans, LA
March 21         City Winery                                         Nashville, TN
March 22         Jackson Terminal                                Knoxville, TN
March 27         Diana Wortham Theatre                     Asheville, NC
March 28         House of Blues                                    North Myrtle Beach, SC
March 29         McGlohon Theater@Spirit Square     Charlotte, NC

Recorded at Red Rocks Amphitheatre in Morrison, Colorado last  June, John Fogerty’s 50 Year Trip - Live at Red Rocks will now be released as a double LP and live DVD on January 24, 2020, via BMG.  The set was previously released in only the CD format to coincide with the cinematic release of the concert film which played, for one night only, on November 11th - Veteran’s Day.

Filmed and recorded on June 20, 2019, at Red Rocks Amphitheatre in Morrison, Colorado during a special stop of John Fogerty’s nationwide U.S. tour celebrating his 50- year career. This amazing setlist includes seventeen John Fogerty Creedence Clearwater Revival classics including; “Proud Mary”, “Bad Moon Rising” and “Centerfield” along with covers of “I Heard it Through the Grapevine” by Gladys Knight and the Pips and “Suzie Q” first released on CCR’s debut album in 1968 and the band’s only Top 40 hit not written by Fogerty  (full tracklisting for the DVD and 2LP Set is below).

Fogerty has spent the year celebrating his 50th Anniversary in music, a milestone celebration for one of America’s greatest songwriters.  Iconic hits “Proud Mary,” “Fortunate Son,” “Who’ll Stop the Rain,” “Born on the Bayou,” “Bad Moon Rising” and so many more from his songbook, were all amazingly released in just one year; 1969.

John Fogerty - 50 Year Trip - Live at Red Rocks
 
Two LP Gatefold Vinyl Tracklist:
SIDE A
1. Born On the Bayou
2. Green River
3. Lookin’ Out My Back Door
4. Suzie Q
5. Who’ll Stop The Rain
6. Hey Tonight 
 
SIDE B
7. Up Around The Bend
8. Rock And Roll Girls
9. I Heard It Through The Grapevine 
10. Long As I Can See The Light 
 
SIDE C 
11. Run Through The Jungle
12. Keep On Chooglin’
13. Have You Ever Seen The Rain
14. Down On The Corner 
 
SIDE D
15. Centerfield
16. The Old Man Down The Road
17. Fortunate Son
18. Bad Moon Rising
19. Proud Mary

DVD Tracklist:
1. Born On the Bayou
2. Green River
3. Looking Out My Back Door
4. Suzie Q
5. Who’ll Stop The Rain
6. Hey Tonight
7. Up Around The Bend
8. Rock And Roll Girls
9. I Heard It Through the Grapevine 
10. Long As I Can See The Light
11. With A Little Help From My Friends 
12. My Generation
13. Everyday People
14. Dance To The Music
15. Give Peace A Chance
16. The Star-Spangled Banner
17. Run Through The Jungle
18. Keep On Chooglin’
19. Have You Ever Seen The Rain
20. Down On The Corner
21. Centerfield
22. The Old Man Down The Road
23. Fortunate Son
24. Bad Moon Rising
25. Proud Mary 

Anyone who’s seen guitarist Wayne Krantz playing trio lately at his ongoing 55 Bar residency in NYC has witnessed the deepening connection to spontaneous improvisation, making his new release, Write Out Your Head, even more of a surprise than its larger ensemble might promise. Though characteristically personal and free-spirited, the record is, aside from the drums, almost entirely devoid of improvisation. 

While the album features a handful of brief standout solos by saxophone master Chris Potter and a single solo by the leader - a fuzz-drenched, visceral outpouring on the brooding “Xandea” - the thrust of the album is the writing itself which, unlike Krantz’ previous albums, was purportedly done completely away from the guitar.  With an expanded group driven by star drummer Keith Carlock and four of the world’s top bass players splitting the chair, Write Out Your Head is the most dedicated tribute to Krantz’s compositional ear since 1993’s “Long To Be Loose.” Gabriela Anders contributes sonic color on half the tracks, and Krantz’s sequenced Rhodes indispensably defines the album’s wide-ranging harmonies throughout.

Write Out Your Head is a record that transcends its own formalities and opens windows onto views both unfamiliar and resonating. Given the chance, these songs - bristling with content, energy, fantastic playing, and inspiration - will get into your head and your spirit.

Tour Dates

2020-01-30, Regattabar, Cambridge, MA

2020-01-31, Iridium Jazz Club, New York, NY

2020-02-01, Iridium Jazz Club, New York, NY

2020-02-06, Sweetwater Music Hall, Mill Valley, CA

2020-02-07, Dazzle Jazz Club, Denver, CO

2020-02-08, Reggies Rock Club, Chicago, IL

2020-02-11, City Winery, Nashville, TN

2020-02-12, The Ardmore Music Hall, Ardmore, PA

2020-02-15, The Velvet Note, Alpharetta, GA

2020-02-16, Groundup Festival, Miami Beach

2020-02-18, Ronnie Scott's, London, UK

2020-02-19, Ronnie Scott's, London, UK

2020-02-20, Müpa Budapest, Budapest, Hungary

2020-02-21, Porgy & Bess, Vienna, Austria

2020-02-22, Bimhuis, Amsterdam, Holland

2020-02-23, LantarenVenster, Rotterdam, Holland

2020-02-24, G Livelab, Helsinki, Finland

2020-02-25, G Livelab, Helsinki, Finland

2020-02-26, M8-Liveclub, Mainz, Germany

2020-02-28, Jazz Dock, Prague, Cz

2020-02-29, Zig Zag Jazz Club Berlin, Berlin, Germany

Forget fusion, forget jamband; forget jazz, rock or funk, downtown or alternative; KCL lights it up - then leaves it on the playground for high-wire improvisation of the most shocking, grooving, dangerous, spontaneously composed kind.

Currently or formerly sidemen for The Black Crowes, David Bowie, Sting, Toto, Donald Fagen, Michael Brecker, Tedeschi/Trucks, Billy Cobham, John Mayer, Donny McCaslin, James Taylor, Chris Potter, Carla Bley, Steely Dan and hordes of other people just as good but not as famous, KCL - guitarist Wayne Krantz, drummer Keith Carlock and bassist Timothy Lefebvre - shatter norms and splinter conventions to get to the real stuff, the stuff underneath the day-to-day grinding accomplishments of familiarity and forgone conclusions; the rhythm-of-the-soul stuff, the states of particulate consciousness and re-estimation of identity, time and place - the stuff that actually matters: creation, unfolding in real-time, raw, beautiful, funny, ugly, transcendent, organic, ALIVE!  

With cited inspirations including Miles Davis, James Brown, Sly Stone, Led Zeppelin, Prince, Hendrix, The Beatles, Debussy and Meshell Ndegeocello, KCL shows filter a music concréte composite of rock/electronic/funk/something.else.entirely, creating musical contours, terrains and belief systems that vary widely from performance to performance.

You may have caught the show on video, but you haven't seen KCL 'til you've seen it live - then seen it again to believe it. Come one, come all - this is not a show to be missed, even by the most jaded listener. KCL shreds its way through some of the tightest rhythm section adventurism to be found anytime, anywhere. Not boring, not clichéd. Not mundane, not expected.

Immediately following the tour on March 20th, Krantz will release Write Out Your Head , the record is, aside from the drums, almost entirely devoid of improvisation.  The project   transcends its own formalities and opens windows onto views both unfamiliar and resonating. Given the chance, these songs - bristling with content, energy, fantastic playing and inspiration - will get into your head, and your spirit.

KCL on tour NOW

2020-02-01, Iridium Jazz Club, New York, NY
2020-02-06, Sweetwater Music Hall, Mill Valley, CA
2020-02-07, Dazzle Jazz Club, Denver, CO
2020-02-08, Reggies Rock Club, Chicago, IL
2020-02-11, City Winery, Nashville, TN
2020-02-12, The Ardmore Music Hall, Ardmore, PA
2020-02-15, The Velvet Note, Alpharetta, GA
2020-02-16, Groundup Festival, Miami Beach
2020-02-18, Ronnie Scott's, London, UK
2020-02-19, Ronnie Scott's, London, UK
2020-02-20, Müpa Budapest, Budapest, Hungary
2020-02-21, Porgy & Bess, Vienna, Austria
2020-02-22, Bimhuis, Amsterdam, Holland
2020-02-23, LantarenVenster, Rotterdam, Holland
2020-02-24, G Livelab, Helsinki, Finland
2020-02-25, G Livelab, Helsinki, Finland
2020-02-26, M8-Liveclub, Mainz, Germany
2020-02-28, Jazz Dock, Prague, Cz
2020-02-29, Zig Zag Jazz Club Berlin, Berlin, Germany

The Gasparilla Music Festival (GMF) presented by Cigar City Brewing has announced its full lineup including performance dates for the 9th annual festival taking place March 7 - 8,  in Tampa.

On Saturday March 7, Brandi Carlile will be headlining the Water Street Tampa Stage in Curtis Hixon Park, and De La Soul will be closing out the Ashley Homestore Stage at Kiley Gardens.  New additions to the Saturday lineup include Brooklyn based synth pop St. Lucia, New Orleans’ Queen of Bounce Big Freedia, and Gainesville native, Nashville lurker Edan Archer, along with Tampa Bay area favorites Someday Honey, Shevonne and the Force, Jordan Patrick & the Midas Touch, Ashley Smith & the Random Occurrence, The Stillhouse Shakers, and Kerry Courtney.

On Sunday March 8, Portugal. The Man will be headlining the Water Street Tampa Stage.  New additions to the Sunday lineup include  sacred steel/gospel blues jam band The Word,  Nashville based southern soul musician Anderson East, Orlando based indie pop Sales, New York based progressive rock-fusion band TAUK, Brooklyn based indie, electro and funk band argonaut&wasp, and UK based folk-Americana The Wandering Hearts, along with locally based acts Will Quinlan & the Holy Slow Train, The Wandering Hours, Discord Theory, Synergy in a Cup, PLEASURES, Vetnough, New Fang, and Charles Irwin.

Full lineup and times are available on the Gasparilla Music Festival website at www.gmftampa.com

Tickets to the festival are available at www.gmftickets.com

Grammy-award winning, multi-platinum selling rock band, SOUL ASYLUM is nearing the release of Hurry Up and Wait, out on April 17, 2020 via Blue Élan Records. In addition, the band will release a limited edition 180 Gram LP + Bonus 7 inch of the album for Record Store Day. The exclusive release features a cover of "Rhinestone Cowboy" on the A Side (a staple from their live show), and an acoustic version of "We 3" on the B-Side. “We 3” is a fan favorite from the band’s album, And the Horse They Rode In On. It was also featured in the 1997 Kevin Smith cult classic Chasing Amy. 
 
New single, “Social Butterfly” debuted yesterday via Billboard, and is now available on all streaming platforms. While Hurry Up and Wait has the trademark rock guitar sound of classic SOUL ASYLUM, it also boasts some subtle sonic evolutions. The smoky guitars of "Social Butterfly '' incorporate a dreamy aesthetic reminiscent of The Smiths, along with indie-pop acts.

Hurry Up and Wait was mastered by Grammy-award winning engineer Emily Lazar, and certainly echoes of all the eras, and influences on, SOUL ASYLUM’s work. "Make Her Laugh" is a laid-back, Stones-inspired jam; "Freezer Burn" marries hardcore energy to supercharged melodic punk riffing; and "Here We Go" is a pristine, lovelorn song with a deeply sentimental core. Lead single "If I Told You," meanwhile, is quintessential SOUL ASYLUM: Chiming riffs, an evocative guitar solo, and wistful Pirner vocals and lyrics unite to create a vibe that's melancholy but lovely. 
 
"I did sort of put my guard down," Pirner says. "And I was like, 'Well, this time, I'm going to just go with whatever seems to be working, and I don't really care what kind of music people want to call it.' It's a little raw and forthcoming in the way that I didn't second guess it. There's a lot of just letting it come out as opposed to trying to force something."
 
It helped that SOUL ASYLUM recorded Hurry Up and Wait with a long-time studio collaborator: co-producer John Fields, who also worked on the band's previous three albums. 
 
Frontman Dave Pirner, generally considered one of America's greatest songwriters, is also gearing up to unveil his new book entitled Loud, Fast, Words, an annotated collection of lyrics with an essay about each of his albums. The book is set for a March 17 release via MNHS Publishing (Minnesota Historical Society).

JOE SATRIANI’S 18th solo album, Shapeshifting, debuts today on Billboard’s Top Albums Chart at #8!  The album also debuts on the Top Internet Albums chart at #3 and on the Core Genre: Rock chart at #4.  SATRIANI last made an appearance on the Billboard charts in 2018 when his What Happens Next album debuted at #9 on the Top Albums chart.
 
To celebrate the album release, SATRIANI entertained fans during a live virtual album release party on April 13 - Joe Satriani & Friends / Behind The Scenes With The Shapeshifting Team - featured Joe taking questions from fans before a few of his friends joined in to share insights into the making of the album. Some collaborators from the album joined in, including legendary drummer Kenny Aronoff (John Fogerty), bassist Chris Chaney (Jane’s Addiction) and keyboardist Eric Caudieux, along with album producer, Jim Scott.
 
Shapeshifting marks the legendary guitarist’s 18th studio album in his nearly 35-year career in music.  The album grew out of a plan to focus on the idea of changing as the central theme. Listening to the initial demos that he had recorded, he thought the “shapeshifting” phrase is one that would fit well with the songs that he had come up with. “I started to think that that sounds like 15 different guitar players,” Satriani says. “I know it’s the same guy, because it’s me, but it sounds like I’m really moving into an area where each melody requires me to almost be somebody else.”

As was previously announced, SATRIANI has postponed the European leg of “The Shapeshifting Tour” which was set to begin on April 15, 2020.  The new European dates are now rescheduled to begin in April 2021.  Additional dates, including the U.S., to be announced soon.

JOE SATRIANI ONLINE

Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | YouTube | Spotify | Apple Music

To celebrate the 50th anniversary of his first solo album, Rock & Roll Hall of Fame inductee Dave Mason has reimagined that iconic release with Alone Together...Again. Available to pre-order now through his online store, the album will be available on all digital platforms on July 24, 2020.
 
The CD features the same marble design that made the original vinyl famous. In addition, continuing to pay homage to the original, there is a tri-fold pull-out of the original album’s poster artwork, complete with a die-cut image of Mason in a top hat, collaged behind a rocky outcrop. There is also a small die-cut hole at the top to permit the jacket to be hung on the wall as a poster, just as the original vinyl artwork did.
 
“The main reason I wanted to reimagine this album was that I was never quite satisfied with how my vocals sounded. I like the songs and I like the performances but I was so young and it was my first solo album. The older I got the more the vocals bothered me and so I finally thought that I would sing the songs the way I first imagined them when I wrote them.” Mason continues "It’s a more accurate representation of what I think I sound like. And of course, with the years comes a maturity and knowing in my voice that I think gives the songs an all new depth. It may have taken me 50 years, but I am now truly satisfied with all of the songs and I really count this as one of my most satisfying artistic achievements."

The newly imagined album was produced by Mason; with him on guitar/vocals, Johnne Sambataro (guitar/background vocals), Alvino Bennett (drums), Tony Patler (keyboards/bass) along with special guests John McFee, Jason Roller, Jonathan McEuen, Gretchen Rhodes, Bill Reynolds, Jesse Siebenberg, Teddy Jack Russell and Billy Mason.
 
Mason has been respectfully called a musical “gunslinger” for a reason; having worked with some of the biggest names in music, his trademark guitar licks and musical touches are all over some of our favorite classic hits. He recorded an album with Mama Cass, played rhythm guitar on “All Along the Watchtower” with Jimi Hendrix, was a founding member of Traffic, recorded with Paul McCartney and The Rolling Stones, was part of Fleetwood Mac for a spell, as well as a guitar designer and a Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Inductee …. Yep, that’s Dave Mason.
 
Written when he was only 19, Dave Mason is likely best known for "Feelin' Alright." Originally released by Traffic in 1968, the song is one of the most beloved rock anthems and has become one of the most powerful and enduring tracks in all of rock and roll history, living on in dozens of films and TV commercials as well as with versions performed by artists as diverse as Joe Cocker, Three Dog Night, Grand Funk Railroad, ELO, Coldplay, The 5th Dimension, Maceo Parker, Widespread Panic and so many more.

After leaving Traffic, the band he and Steve Winwood co-founded, Mason went on to record his own solo project, Alone Together, in 1970. The album featured the hits “Only You Know and I Know” and “Look at You, Look at Me.” Together with Jim Capaldi, Leon Russell, Rita Coolidge, Bonnie Bramlett and others, Mason created some of the most memorable music of a generation.
 
When Alone Together was released in July 1970, Billboard magazine gave it an enthusiastic review saying, "Mason, with help from friends Jim Capaldi and Leon Russell, proves his mastery of the rock idiom once and for all. The lyric content and music content of every song catches the senses of the listener and creates excitement. There is no doubt about the power of this album, and it should prove a top chart item."
 
Mason's seemingly endless talents moved Eric Clapton himself to comment “I think he has a fantastic touch. I love the way he plays guitar. And his songs are great.” 

DAVE MASON IN 60 SECONDS

 Alone Together...Again Track Listing:

Only You Know And I Know

Can’t Stop Worrying, Can’t Stop Loving

Waitin’ On You

Shouldn’t Have Took More Than You Gave

World In Changes

Sad And Deep As You

Just A Song

Look At You Look At Me”  

What began as some quality time together, playing music as a family, has now become a digital EP. Via BMG, Fogerty’s Factory, is available on all digital platforms today- in celebration of John Fogerty’s 75th Birthday!

While self-quarantining together the Fogerty Family, featuring John with his sons Shane, Tyler (Hearty Har) and daughter Kelsy, gathered in their home studio to play some music together.  An idea was spawned; why not film these session’s and release them as videos?  Opening Fogerty’s Factory, done all from their home with very little pro equipment to film, Julie Fogerty produced the videos while the family played, to make this work.  It was a total family affair with a new video released each Friday as part of a special YouTube series.  Fans loved it, eagerly waiting each week to hear John’s songs, bringing back good memories and comfort during these scary and unchartered times.

“Our family got together and decided we would spread some joy with music in these trying times,” explains John. “We recreated Cosmos Factory and it became Fogerty's Factory.... my sons, daughter Kelsy, Julie and we even got Bob Fogerty to shoot the cover photo, a total family affair!”

To date, these videos have garnered nearly 5 million views and caught the attention of prestigious outlets such as NPR’s Tiny Desk, The Late Show with Stephen Colbert and for an hour long radio special on SiriusXM, The Fogerty Rockin’ Family Hour, where John joined his sons, Shane and Tyler, to talk about music and life.  Each outlet received a unique video version of the Fogerty Family singing and playing John’s iconic songs.  The audio from these sessions has now been mixed by Bob Clearmountain and mastered by Bob Ludwig at Gateway, and curated together to form the new EP.  Additional songs may be added, with a physical release, in the future.
 
The Family even recreated the classic cover of Cosmo’s Factory transforming the original idea into what is now known as, Fogerty’s Factory.  Both the original cover as well as the new Fogerty’s Factory cover, were both shot by another family member, Bob Fogerty. 

As John explained back with the first video release, when the Stay at Home order began:

“Bringing a little light from our home to yours. We are having a little family fun together during the pandemic. It's such a great feeling to be making and playin' music surrounded by love. We all need to celebrate the life we have and remember how precious it is. I love music, I am listening every day. Makes everything feel better for me. Put the records on, pull out the old guitar, turn the radio up.. and dance to the music!”  - John Fogerty

Fogerty’s Factory track listing:

1. CENTERFIELD (Tiny Desk)
2. HAVE YOU EVER SEEN THE RAIN (Colbert)
3. LONG AS I CAN SEE THE LIGHT (Tiny Desk)
4. DOWN ON THE CORNER (Sirius)
5. BAD MOON RISING (Sirius)
6. FORTUNATE SON (Sirius)
7. PROUD MARY (Tiny Desk)
 
Stay tuned to the John Fogerty YouTube channel for more Fogerty Factory music!

The blues may be the only thing even more universal than the current global pandemic we are all operating through. With this in mind, pathbreaking guitarist and bandleader John McLaughlin has convened his longstanding band the 4th Dimension -- Gary Husband (keyboards), Etienne M'Bappe (bass), and Ranjit Barot (drums, konnakol) -- via the Internet to record "Lockdown Blues," the multifaceted ensemble's first new studio recording in five years. Although each performer contributed his part remotely from far-flung locales (McLaughlin: Monaco, Husband: London, M'Bappe: Paris, Barot: Mumbai), their deeply felt connection transmits clearly through high-speed data lines as they tackle a rigorous, propulsive new McLaughlin composition rooted in the blues, but enlivened and disrupted by his signature rhythmic intricacy.
 
McLaughlin convened the 4th Dimension to help raise awareness and funds for the Jazz Foundation of America, who has supported jazz music and jazz musicians for over 30 years. "The pandemic has thrown hundreds of thousands of musicians out of work," McLaughlin reflects, "and nobody knows how long." With this in mind, the Jazz Foundation of America has recently established a COVID-19 Musicians' Emergency Fund to give musicians and their families money to help cover basic living expenses.
 
A video of the 4th Dimension performing "Lockdown Blues" is available to view on YouTube, Facebook, Instagram and the audio recording can be downloaded free on Abstract Logix Bandcamp page: https://abstractlogix.bandcamp.com. Donations can be given directly to the Jazz Foundation of America at www.jazzfoundation.org.

"As a band, we've been together so long we're family," McLaughlin concludes. "But in fact we go further back: Humanity is the only family, and we believe the only way humanity will survive is if we care enough for each other. We hope that whoever sees or hears this will care also. So, if you donate something -- even something really small -- thank you."

Fleetwood Mac’s third studio album, ‘Then Play On’, will be reissued on CD and vinyl on September 18, 2020 on BMG. It is currently available for fans to pre-order, HERE.

This deluxe, expanded bookpack edition of the album will feature the original UK tracklisting, plus four bonus tracks; all mastered at half speed for dynamic range, and with the vinyl 2 LP version being pressed on 180g audiophile black vinyl.

The CD will come with a mediabook, while the 2LP will come with a 16 page book pack, with both featuring brand new sleevenotes by Fleetwood biographer Anthony Bozza and a personal foreword by Mick Fleetwood himself.

The Celebration Edition is being reissued as a prelude to the worldwide release of the Mick Fleetwood And Friends Celebrate The Music Of Peter Green concert film later this year.

First released on September 19, 1969, ‘Then Play On’ was the first of Fleetwood Mac’s original albums to feature Danny Kirwan, and the last with Peter Green.

Taking its title from the opening line of Shakespeare’s Twelfth Night – ‘If music be the food of love, play on’ – the album offered a broader stylistic range than the classic blues of the group's first two albums.

Featuring some of the early incarnation of Fleetwood Mac’s most notable songs, such as ‘The Green Manilishi’, ‘Searching For Madge’, and ‘Oh Well Pts. 1 & 2’, the album is revered as a genre-pushing record and a lynch-pin piece of the vast Fleetwood Mac repertoire.

‘Then Play On’ went on to reach #6 in the UK, subsequently becoming the band's fourth Top 20 hit album in a row, as well as their third album to reach the Top 10.
 
Tracklisting:

Coming Your Way

Closing My Eyes

Fighting For Madge

When You Say

Show-Biz Blues

Under Way

One Sunny Day

Although The Sun Is Shining

Rattlesnake Shake

Without You

Searching For Madge

My Dream

Like Crying

Before The Beginning

Oh Well – Pt. 1

Oh Well – Pt. 2

The Green Manalishi ( With The Two Prong Crown)

World In Harmony

Legendary Yes singer and Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductee Jon Anderson has released "WDMCF", the third single off of his highly-anticipated new solo album 1000 Hands, an album nearly 30 years in the making.
 
1000 Hands will be Anderson’s first release via his new partnership with Blue Élan Records. The album will be available digitally as well as on CD and a deluxe 180-gram double vinyl package on July 31 and can be previewed HERE.
 
When speaking about the new single, Anderson says,"WDMCF originates from me singing the first ideas that come to mind each morning. I start by creating vocal rhythmic sounds, very much like the Pygmies in Bambuti and Burundi in West Africa who go foraging and hunting and sing all the time. They sing like the sounds around them…insects, birds, frogs etc.." He adds, "I always dream and think that my best work is yet to come, or there would be no point in creating at all. I just feel so energized, happily surrounded by this world of music.”

Anderson began working on 1000 Hands (originally called Uzlot – “it means a lot of us”) nearly 30 years ago, working with a group of musicians that included Yes drummer Alan White and bassist Chris Squire. However, due to his heavy touring commitments with Yes, Anderson had to put the record on the back burner. “Before you knew it, I started getting involved in other projects and tours, and years went by,” he explains. “I would listen to the tapes from time to time and think, ‘This could have been a great album! One day I’ll finish it.’”
 
Setting up shop in Franklin’s Solar Studios in Orlando, Florida, Anderson laid down backing vocals to his original lead tracks, and Franklin called in an astonishing array of rock and jazz luminaries to fill out the songs: fellow Yes alum Steve Howe, Ian Anderson, Jean-Luc Ponty, Billy Cobham, Chick Corea, Steve Morse, Rick Derringer, Jonathan Cain, and the Tower of Power Horns are just a few of the guests on 1000 Hands.
 
“That’s where the title 1000 Hands comes from, all of the brilliant musicians who played a part in making the record,” Anderson says. “Michael acted like something of a casting director, bringing so many great players. It was really exciting to hear the record open up and become what I had always envisioned.”
 

Anderson’s celestial voice – one of the most recognizable sounds in rock – is in stunning form throughout 1000 Hands, an album that features some of his most breathtaking compositions. Bookended by the starkly beautiful acoustic ballads “Now” and “Now and Again,” the record features electrifying new prog masterpieces (“Activate,” “Come Up”), glorious poly-rhythmic wonders (“WDMCF”) and delightful reggae pop (“First Born Leaders”). Listeners will be mesmerized by the cavalcade of sumptuous vocal harmonies on the frisky “Ramalama,” and they’ll be singing along merrily to the horn-driven funk of the aptly named “Makes Me Happy.”

Debuting today, “Lean on Me,” a new video from Fogerty’s Factory – the popular weekly video series from John Fogerty and his family, sons Tyler and Shane, joined by sister Kelsy.  The video can be seen HERE.
 
In an amazing tribute to Father’s Day, leading his children in a stirring rendition of the Bill Wither’s classic, “Lean on Me,” John also takes the opportunity to support the American principle of equality for all, urging fans to be united and that “the time for us to stand together, is now.”
 
As John says as he intro’s the video, “We are living in a remarkable time. Protesters all across America and around the world are standing up against the evil that is racism.  I’m so proud of the young people of this generation for reminding us all who we are.  Now some people will say, ‘ah, John, I wish you wouldn’t get political’ – kinda like shut-up and dribble. But this isn’t about politics.  It’s about human rights. It’s about empathy. It’s about compassion.”

 
While quarantining over the last three months, John and his family have been releasing videos every Friday as a  YouTube series dubbed Fogerty's Factory.  The videos feature many of John's most iconic songs - "Have You Ever Seen the Rain," "Proud Mary," "Centerfield".  The series has attracted the attention of  Rolling Stone's "In My Room" , Stephen Colbert, NPR's  "Tiny Desk"  and SiriusXM who created a  The Fogerty Rockin’ Family Hour around it.  John also recently celebrated his 75th birthday playing 'Centerfield' in the middle of Dodger Stadium.

Announced today, Blue Élan Records will release a collection of singles, under the title We Are The Highway, beginning with today’s “Safe and Sound” performed by Grammy-nominated singer, Janiva Magness. The collection all feature five cover versions of songs written and performed by Chris Cornell, in an effort to uphold Cornell’s legacy and keep the promise as a way to make positive change through music, made to him by Blue Élan co-Founder, and personal friend, Kirk Pasich.
 
Proceeds and independent donations for these singles will be given to the Chris and Vicky Cornell Foundation by Blue Élan in the hopes that it will also bring awareness to this charitable foundation that now, more than ever, is necessary to help children in need. As Kirk states, “We cannot think of a better musical way to do that than sharing the music of Chris Cornell, in his memory, and to help children.”
 
Chris Cornell was a client of prominent insurance coverage attorney and co-founder of Blue Élan Records, Kirk Pasich. What started as a business relationship quickly turned to a friendship over their shared love of music. Kirk has made it his mission to uphold Cornell’s legacy and keep the promise as a way of making positive change through music. With that in mind, several Blue Élan artists and friends have chosen songs from Cornell’s catalog. These songs have inspired each artist’s own journey to survive, to persevere, and to thrive in hopes of maintaining the promise of the Chris and Vicky Cornell Foundation.
 
Chris Cornell was one of the chief architects of modern rock, who inspired millions through music in his time with legendary acts such as Soundgarden, Temple of the Dog, Audioslave, and his solo releases.  In addition to being a musical powerhouse, Chris Cornell was also committed to helping children in need through organizations like the Chris and Vicky Cornell Foundation. The Foundation was formed in 2012 to raise funds and to support charitable organizations serving children who are facing homelessness, poverty, abuse, and neglect worldwide.
 
In addition to their shared love of music, Pasich and Cornell also shared a passion for helping children in need. This is why Blue Élan Records is honoring Cornell’s memory by supporting and shining a light on one of the causes he loved: helping vulnerable children.

Of covering “Safe and Sound,” Magness commented, “It is prophetic and almost bizarre to me that Safe and Sound was written in 2007. Thirteen years ago! Yet today, right here today, it is completely on point…. As survivors, we begin seeing the world with a clarity that can be too much and yet many of us somehow survive that too.  Still holding the idea of hope, like a life preserver. Radical hope. Hope for ourselves, our loved ones and even humanity on the whole. ‘So we can say we finally found a world around us, Safe and Sound.’ I hope you find even a little of what I have found in this song. If you do, I know it will help.”

We Are The Highway Singles:

June 24            Janiva Magness “Safe and Sound”

July 8                Roan Yellowthorn “Can’t Change Me”

August 19         Cherie Currie & Brie Darling “Black Hole Sun”

September 16   Mustangs of the West “I Am the Highway

October 16        Chelsea Williams “Like A Stone”

Fleetwood Mac’s third studio album, ‘Then Play On’, will be reissued on CD and vinyl on September 18, 2020 on BMG. This deluxe, expanded bookpack edition of the album will feature the original UK tracklisting, plus four bonus tracks; all mastered at half speed for dynamic range, and with the vinyl 2 LP version being pressed on 180g audiophile black vinyl.

The CD will come with a mediabook, while the 2LP will come with a 16 page book pack, with both featuring brand new sleevenotes by Fleetwood biographer Anthony Bozza and a personal foreword by Mick Fleetwood himself. 

The Celebration Edition is being reissued as a prelude to the worldwide release of the Mick Fleetwood And Friends Celebrate The Music Of Peter Green concert film later this year. 

First released on September 19, 1969, ‘Then Play On’ was the first of Fleetwood Mac’s original albums to feature Danny Kirwan, and the last with Peter Green. Taking its title from the opening line of Shakespeare’s Twelfth Night – ‘If music be the food of love, play on’ – the album offered a broader stylistic range than the classic blues of the group's first two albums. 

Featuring some of the early incarnations of Fleetwood Mac’s most notable songs, such as ‘The Green Manilishi’, ‘Searching For Madge’, and ‘Oh Well Pts. 1 & 2’, the album is revered as a genre-pushing record and a lynch-pin piece of the vast Fleetwood Mac repertoire. 

‘Then Play On’ went on to reach #6 in the UK, subsequently becoming the band's fourth Top 20 hit album in a row, as well as their third album to reach the Top 10.

Tracklisting: 

Coming Your Way

Closing My Eyes

Fighting For Madge

When You Say

Show-Biz Blues

Under Way

One Sunny Day

Although The Sun Is Shining

Rattlesnake Shake

Without You

Searching For Madge 

My Dream

Like Crying

Before The Beginning

Oh Well – Pt. 1

Oh Well – Pt. 2

The Green Manalishi ( With The Two Prong Crown) 

World In Harmony 

Fleetwood Mac – Then Play On 

Format: 1CD, 16 page mediabook.
 Cat No. BMGCAT448CD
 
 Format: 2LP 16 page book pack, 180g vinyl. 
 Cat No. BMGCAT448DLP

Dave Mason and friends have taken the downtime during quarantine to remake one of Mason’s most iconic and heavily covered songs since its release in 1968 - “Feelin’ Alright.” Dubbed ‘Dave Mason and the Quarantines’, the new song features Mason singing along with Mick Fleetwood, Sammy Hagar, Michael McDonald and The Doobie Brothers: John McFee, Tom Johnston, John Cowan and Pat Simmons. Dave’s longtime drummer, Alvino Bennett, also lends a hand as does Pat Simmons, Jr., Pat’s son, joining in the fun. The song premieres exclusively on SiriusXM’s Classic Vinyl Channel (Ch. 26) today at 9am ET, and the accompanying video premieres on SiriusXM here.

“Feelin’ Alright” is one of the most covered songs today, with some fifty different acts giving their take to the international hit including such artists as: Joe Cocker, The Jackson Five, Lou Rawls, John Belushi, Three Dog Night, Gladys Knight and the Pips, Grand Funk Railroad, ELO, Freddie King, Widespread Panic, The Black Crowes and many more.
 
Mason penned the song at the young age of 22 while alone on the Greek island of Hydra writing new songs for the second Traffic album. “Who would have thought that this would go on to be covered by so many different artists and bands, you just never know,” reminisces Mason. “But what I do know today is that people need some hope and comfort and especially music, which is why I called up some friends to re-record a special version of the song. To do this remotely was somewhat challenging, hence the name ‘The Quarantines’, but the spirit of strength, hope and heart prevail.”
 
Mason has been respectfully called a musical “gunslinger” for a reason; having worked with some of the biggest names in music, his trademark guitar licks and musical touches are all over some classic hits. He recorded an album with Mama Cass, played rhythm guitar on “All Along the Watchtower” with Jimi Hendrix, was a founding member of Traffic, recorded with Paul McCartney and The Rolling Stones, was part of Fleetwood Mac for a spell, as well as a guitar designer and a Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Inductee …. Yep, that’s Dave Mason. 
 
After leaving Traffic, the band he and Steve Winwood co-founded, Mason went on to record his own solo project, Alone Together, in 1970. The album featured the hits “Only You Know and I Know” and “Look at You, Look at Me”. Together with Jim Capaldi, Leon Russell, Rita Coolidge, Bonnie Bramlett and others, Mason created some of the most memorable music of a generation. Mason plans to release a re-recorded version of the album, Alone Together Again, this fall.

 
Mason's seemingly endless talents moved Eric Clapton himself to comment “I think he has a fantastic touch. I love the way he plays guitar. And his songs are great.”  
 
Mason concludes, “We all miss performing live and it’s important to us to be able to stay connected with our fans (not to mention each other!).”

Fleetwood Mac’s third studio album, ‘Then Play On’, featuring the legendary late Peter Green, will be reissued on CD and vinyl on September 18, 2020 via BMG. It is currently available for fans to pre-order, HERE.

This deluxe, expanded bookpack edition of the album will feature the original UK tracklisting, plus four bonus tracks; all mastered at half speed for dynamic range, and with the vinyl 2 LP version being pressed on 180g audiophile black vinyl. 

The CD will come with a mediabook, while the 2LP will come with a 16 page book pack, with both featuring brand new sleevenotes by Fleetwood biographer Anthony Bozza and a personal foreword by Mick Fleetwood himself. 

The Celebration Edition is being reissued as a prelude to the worldwide release of the Mick Fleetwood And Friends Celebrate The Music Of Peter Green concert film honoring the legacy of Peter Green, set for release later this year. 

First released on September 19, 1969, ‘Then Play On’ was the first of Fleetwood Mac’s original albums to feature Danny Kirwan, and the last with Peter Green, who sadly passed away last week, July 25, 2020.

Taking its title from the opening line of Shakespeare’s Twelfth Night – ‘If music be the food of love, play on’ – the album offered a broader stylistic range than the classic blues of the group's first two albums. 

Featuring some of the early incarnation of Fleetwood Mac’s most notable songs, such as ‘The Green Manilishi’, ‘Searching For Madge’, and ‘Oh Well Pts. 1 & 2’, the album is revered as a genre-pushing record and a lynch-pin piece of the vast Fleetwood Mac repertoire. 

‘Then Play On’ went on to reach #6 in the UK, subsequently becoming the band's fourth Top 20 hit album in a row, as well as their third album to reach the Top 10.

Tracklisting: 

Coming Your Way

Closing My Eyes

Fighting For Madge

When You Say

Show-Biz Blues

Under Way

One Sunny Day

Although The Sun Is Shining

Rattlesnake Shake

Without You

Searching For Madge 

My Dream

Like Crying

Before The Beginning

Oh Well – Pt. 1

Oh Well – Pt. 2

The Green Manalishi ( With The Two Prong Crown) 

World In Harmony 

Today, internationally renowned guitarslinger, vocalist, songwriter, Damon Johnson is announcing a very special live performance - “A Tribute to Thin Lizzy”. The show will be broadcast live on September 25th at 7pm Central. The live event will emanate from Johnson’s hometown of Nashville and will feature Richie Faulkner of Judas Priest playing alongside Johnson and his band, The Get Ready (Jarred Pope on drums, Robbie Harrington on bass). Tickets for the live event can be purchased in advance, HERE.
 
Johnson will debut the title track, “Battle Lessons”, from his forthcoming album at the end of the stream. The new track will be available on all streaming/download platforms on September 25 while an Indiegogopre-order continues to run, helping to support the recording of Johnson’s upcoming solo album. The forthcoming Battle Lessons was produced and mixed by multi-platinum producer/mixer, Nick Rasqulinecz(Foo Fighters, Alice in Chains, Evanescence, Rush, Stone Sour and many more) and is due out later this year.
 
Johnson became an instant fan of Thin Lizzy when he attended a concert back in 1979 in his home state of Alabama. At 15 years old, he had gone to the concert to see Ted Nugent, he didn’t even know who the opener was. Instantly a fan, Johnson bought the entire catalog and learned every song he could. Fast forward years later to 2011, Johnson was on tour as Alice Cooper's guitarist when he received a call from Thin Lizzy founding guitarist Scott Gorham, inviting him to replace their temporary guitarist on their current tour. A dream job, and with Cooper’s blessing, Johnson leaped at the chance. He continues to tour with Gorham and Thin Lizzy as well as release his own solo albums.
 
The idea to keep the spirit of Thin Lizzy alive has been a passion of Johnson’s and playing this live event will help to accomplish that.  As Johnson explains, “I’m beyond thrilled to have my old friend Richie Faulkner join us on guitar as we pay tribute to Phil Lynott and Thin Lizzy: a band that has meant so much to all of us for so long. Plus we’re going to perform our new single for the first time anywhere.”

Richie Faulkner agrees, “Damon is a good friend of mine and Thin Lizzy is part of my DNA as a guitar player, so it was an honor to be asked to rock some Lizzy classics with him and The Get Ready.“
 
After incredible runs with the bands he co-founded, both Black Star Riders and 90’s chart-toppers, Brother Cane, and his side hustles touring with Alice Cooper, Thin Lizzy, John Waite and others, Damon Johnson found himself in spring of 2018 realizing there were two things he couldn’t stop thinking about; his family and his music. Johnson made a deliberate decision; to give full focus to composing an album that truly reflects his personal vision and honoring his desire to have the final say about his tour calendar. The time was right to move forward with his solo debut.
 
Memoirs of an Uprising, Johnson's last studio album, was a collection that is both fierce and diverse - a powerful springboard for the musician to start his next chapter.  It was released in March 2019 and saw Johnson embarking on a series of dates across North America including a pair of sold-out performances at New York’s legendary Iridium as well as several shows with The Winery Dogs (a supergroup of rockers featuring Richie Kotzen, Mike Portnoy and Billy Sheehan), a December run of shows supporting Clutch, and the U.S. leg of the UFO tour last February.

To a world seeking to heal itself from the blight of a fearsome pandemic, John McLaughlin, Shankar Mahadevan and Zakir Hussain offer a new recording of their expansive, collaborative incantation “Sakhi” -- recorded via ISDN from each artist’s respective home. Available for free on YouTube, Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter the performance is a gripping testament to the profound awe, wonder, and spiritual intensity unleashed when these three iconic figures join together.
 
The miles melt away, as McLaughlin (in Monaco), Hussain (in California), and Mahadevan (in Mumbai) fluidly trade supporting and soloist roles, delighting in one another’s musicianship and intangibly conveying the song’s message of support and trust. ”Sakhi” translates to “friend” in Hindi, and was featured on the trio’s full-length collaboration, Is That So?, released this past January on Abstract Logix/Mediastarz. The collection is available for FREE to fans for a limited time, visit Bandcamp to download the album. Fans are encouraged, in lieu of payment, to donate to the Grammy Foundation’s MusiCares.

“...our recording Is That So? is one of the greatest milestones in my musical life.”
- John McLaughlin

Visionary guitarist and composer John McLaughlin first captured international attention as a facilitator of audacious, gripping new directions in music in the bands of Miles Davis and Tony Williams in the late 1960s, appearing on such pivotal albums as Emergency! and Turn It Over by the Tony Williams Lifetime and Davis’s Bitches Brew, In a Silent Way, and A Tribute to Jack Johnson. His own music came to the fore on a pair of early solo albums, before he founded the Mahavishnu Orchestra in 1971. Mahavishnu liberated jazz-rock fusion from moribund 4/4 time signatures by casting new frameworks inspired by the rhythmic intricacies of Indian music -- thus initiating McLaughlin’s now fifty-year career as a pioneer of hybrid world music.

When the original Mahavishnu Orchestra lineup dissolved in 1974, McLaughlin deepened his connection to Indian music with his revolutionary band, Shakti. In Shakti, McLaughlin began playing, composing, and improvising alongside percussionist Zakir Hussain. Across three LPs, Shakti awakened a cross-cultural dialogue whose implications are still being explored -- both by McLaughlin and Hussain and by the generations of musicians who were inspired by their dynamic, trailblazing sonic hybrid. “John’s move into Shakti from Mahavishnu was a ground shaker for me and so many of my musical pals,” explains banjo virtuoso and fellow global fusion pathfinder Béla Fleck. “It beckoned us to experience a brand-new world. The long and beautiful relationship between John and Zakir has yielded some of the most potent, creative, and inspiring music I have experienced.”
 
While their collaboration now spans more than four decades, McLaughlin and Hussain continue to discover fertile new terrain. Hussain is one of India’s foremost musical alchemists, with a legacy of bringing his virtuosity on the tabla into bold new contexts. He was the recipient of the first ever Grammy Award for Best World Music Album in 1992 for the album Planet Drum, a collaboration with the drummer Mickey Hart of the Grateful Dead -- a feat the pair repeated in 2009, when their Global Drum Project album won that year’s award for Best Contemporary World Music Album. Hussain and McLaughlin’s deep musical connection is made vivid in the “Sakhi” video, as they exchange phrases that uncannily amplify one another, creating an ever-surging momentum as the piece escalates towards ecstasy.

The third element in the “Sakhi” performance (and the Is That So? album) is the rapturous voice of Shankar Mahadevan. An artist of immense prominence and popularity in India, Shankar is renowned as both a vocalist and a composer of songs for India’s thriving film industry. He began working with McLaughlin as part of the Remember Shakti project, which sought to continue to develop ideas first posed by the original incarnation of the Shakti ensemble. Is That So? was born from an experiment where McLaughlin tried accompanying Mahadevan’s Indian vocal improvisations with Western harmonies. “The whole texture, color, feeling and the canvas of the music excited us, as harmonic content does not exist in Indian classical music,” Mahadevan recalls. “In the beginning it was just a fun experiment, but it soon became larger than life and we knew we had to record it.” Adding Hussain brought intensity and depth to a sound that exists beyond genre.
 
The richness and potential of this meeting of innovators is perfectly embodied in the new “Sakhi” video. Coloring the performances with washes of orchestral guitar synth, McLaughlin is a subtle, adept accompanist to Mahadevan’s passionate vocals. As Hussain’s tablas begin to simmer, McLaughlin moves into soloist mode, answering and conversing with his collaborators with astonishing alacrity. A three-way conversation conducted safely across the globe, the performance is a moving, humbling, and profound demonstration of how music and technology can stoke the soul’s fire and elevate the spirit in a perilous, uncertain moment.

 
“I have been working and playing with tabla maestro Zakir Hussain for almost 50 years, and with Shankar Mahadevan for 20 years,” McLaughlin concludes. “I can say categorically, that their influence on me as a musician and human being is without equal, and our recording Is That So?, is one of the greatest milestones in my musical life.”

To celebrate the 50th anniversary of his first solo album, Rock & Roll Hall of Fame inductee Dave Mason has reimagined that iconic release with Alone Together...Again. The Singer/Songwriter/Guitarist has performed with the biggest icons of rock music including Hendrix, McCartney, Jagger and Clapton among many others.
 
The new album is available to pre-order now through Mason’s online store, and will be available on all digital platforms via his new partnership with Shelter Records on November 20, 2020. Mason will also participate in monthly live fan chats via his social channels beginning September 25 @ 4pm PT/ 7pm ET.
 
The packaging of the new album will be unique with the CD featuring the same marble design that made the original vinyl famous. In addition, continuing to pay homage to the original, there is a tri-fold pull-out of the original album’s poster artwork, complete with a die-cut image of Mason in a top hat, collaged behind a rocky outcrop. There is also a small die-cut hole at the top to permit the jacket to be hung on the wall as a poster, just as the original vinyl artwork did. The physical release will feature a newly recorded reggae version of “World In Changes,” while a second recording, closer to the original composition, will also be available as a bonus with the digital version only.

What was released earlier this summer as a digital EP has now become a full album release. Via BMG, Fogerty’s Factory, will be available digitally and physically on CD, as of November 20, 2020. The vinyl release will follow on January 15, 2021.

While self-quarantining together the Fogerty Family, featuring John with his sons Shane, Tyler (Hearty Har) and daughter Kelsy, gathered in their home studio to play music together. Wanting to share with their fans, a new video was released each Friday as part of a special YouTube series and the fans loved it, eagerly waiting each week to hear John’s classic songs.

Fogerty explains, “When the world stopped in March due to the pandemic, the news was bleak and scary. We were all unsure of everything we once knew or took for granted. However, it also brought many of us together, we soon found we had time we never had before.  Our family wanted to do something that might bring a smile or help others, so Julie suggested we bring music to ease some of the pain we were all feeling. In our family, music has brought us so much joy and we thought we could somehow share that joy in a pure, unscripted form. So, we gathered in our home studio and created music. There were many instruments the kids picked up for the first time, especially Kelsy who had just started playing guitar and even played drums for the first time. She was a senior then and wasn't able, like so many, to enjoy her last year of high school. This was a wonderful way of connecting with our family and fans through music.”

To date, these videos have garnered nearly 8-million views and caught the attention of prestigious outlets such as NPR’s Tiny Desk, The Late Show with Stephen Colbert and for an hour long radio special on SiriusXM, The Fogerty Rockin’ Family Hour, where John joined his sons, Shane and Tyler, to talk about music and life.  Each outlet received a unique video version of the Fogerty Family singing and playing John’s iconic songs. The family even gathered at an empty Dodger Stadium to film “Centerfield” on John’s 75th birthday, May 28th.  The audio from these sessions was originally released digitally as an EP that day. But the family didn’t stop there, adding to the collection, nine new tracks have now been mastered by Bob Ludwig at Gateway, and curated together to form a full album. Full track listing below.

The Family even recreated the classic cover of Cosmo’s Factory transforming the original idea from 50 years ago into what is now known as, Fogerty’s Factory.  Both the original cover as well as the new Fogerty’s Factory cover, were both shot by another family member, Bob Fogerty.

As Fogerty recalls, “Julie had said let’s call this Fogerty’s Factory!  There we were, the whole family coming together and producing music with no real purpose other than to share our love of music and family in a very difficult time. We even re-created the iconic Cosmo’s Factory cover using things we had around the house.  Remember no stores or fancy productions were used since nothing was open. It came out perfectly.”

Fogerty’s Factory track listing:
1. Centerfield (Dodgers Stadium Version)
2. Have You Ever Seen The Rain (Colbert)
3. Lean On Me
4. Hot Rod Heart
5. Blue Moon Nights
6. Tombstone Shadow
7. City Of New Orleans
8. Proud Mary
9. Blueboy
10. Bad Moon Rising (SiriusXM)
11. Fortunate Son (SiriusXM)
12. Don’t You Wish It Was True 

Constantly seeking untapped musical terrain, New York-based guitarist and composer Oz Noy steps onto fertile ground with his new album, Snapdragon. The collection will be available November 20th on all digital platforms and through his label Abstract Logix, pre-order link here. Today, Modern Drummer shared the first single from Snapdragon, "Looni Tooni." The entire project showcases several incredible drummers, the debut cut features Dennis Chambers who said, “Playing with Mr. Oz Noy was very refreshing, because he is always reaching for new ideas.”

Stream Looni Tooni here

The spry rhythmic wallop that characterized his previous album, the backbeat-driven Booga Looga Loo, remains in full force -- only now welded to an open, bop-inflected chromaticism fostering a more dynamic, searching improvisational energy. Intricately winding unison melody lines spiral out across fatback rhythmscapes, expertly realized by an impressive cast of soloists and supporting musicians. Among those stoking the fires of the rhythm section are Dennis Chambers, Will Lee, Vinnie Colaiuta, Dave Weckl, James Genus, and John Patitiucci, while Noy trades improvised solos and notated melodies with saxophonist Chris Potter, keyboardists David Kikoski and Jason Lindner, trumpeter John Sneider, guitarist Adam Rogers, and Jazz Trumpet Virtuoso  Wallace Rooney, in what is likely his final recording before succumbing to complications of the Coronavirus this spring. Rooney’s trumpet subtly blues-tinged solo glides over the nimble rhythmic modulations of “Outer Look.”

Noy’s signature vision, as both a player and composer, is the beating heart of Snapdragon. The themes include six original compositions, alongside a surprising, evocative reading of the Zombies’ “She’s Not There” and two Thelonious Monk pieces. Throughout, Noy’s playing is alternately tender and treacherous, moving from open-hearted, nearly vocal melodic statements to the sort of ferociously off-kilter, explosive soloing that has made him a favorite amongst connoisseurs of guitarists and improvised music at large. In Noy’s universe, odd intervallic leaps, unresolved dissonances, and radiating slabs of electric distortion are heightened and enlivened by nimble funk. The resulting sound is simultaneously accessible and refreshing -- an entirely modern refraction of the glorious tradition of greasy organ combos and gritty two-horn soul-jazz.

Snapdragon Tracklist - out November 20th

Looni Tooni

Tired But Wired

Outer Look

She’s Not There/ Boom Boo Boom

Snapdragon

Evidence/Groovin’ Grant

Bemsha Swing (Alternate Take)

Grammy award-winning and multi-platinum selling rock band, SOUL ASYLUM used their downtime during the pandemic to create new acoustic versions of a few songs from their critically acclaimed latest release, Hurry Up and Wait. The digital recordings were completed in the midst of the COVID-19 safer-at-home orders when the band found themselves home, after their U.S. tour was cut short. Lead singer, Pirner, got together with guitarist, Ryan Smith and began streaming Friday night Quarantine Sessions from his living room. The idea to record a few of the songs this way took hold and the resulting EP, Born Free, is available on all streaming platforms today. A video for “Here We Go” premiered on YouTube this morning and features backstage, behind the scenes and studio footage from the bands U.S. tour earlier this year, prior to the pandemic shut down.
   
Explains Pirner, "After I get the main idea for the song and have roughly figured out how to play it I show it to Ryan and then we play it together. So, in a way, this is kind of showing how the songs were before we added the rhythm section. It's fun to cut live in the studio; there's no going back and you can't fix it. It's unembellished, therefore hopefully interesting."

SOUL ASYLUM will also take part in this year’s rescheduled Record Store Day.  A deluxe version of Hurry Up and Wait will be available with a bonus 7 inch to celebrate the third RSD drop on October 24, 2020. The gatefold double LP album is pressed on 180 Gram Vinyl and includes a bonus 7 Inch featuring two previously unreleased recordings; a studio version of live staple "Rhinestone Cowboy" and an acoustic version of the band's fan favorite "We 3," a track that first appeared on And The Horse They Rode In On and later on the Chasing Amy soundtrack.

SOUL ASYLUM recorded the studio album, Hurry Up and Wait with a long-time studio collaborator: co-producer John Fields, who also worked on the band's previous three albums, including their most recent effort, 2016's Change of Fortune. In addition, the group also decamped to a familiar spot: Nicollet Studios, the same place SOUL ASYLUM recorded one of their seminal early albums released on Twin/Tone Records, the 1986 LP While You Were Out.

Hurry Up and Wait was released on April 17, 2020 to much fan and critical acclaim worldwide landing the band their highest Billboard Chart position since 1995's Platinum selling Let Your Dim Light Shine.

While quarantining, as everyone was across the country, singer/songwriter CHELSEA WILLIAMS decided to use that time to be creative.  Why not re-record three of the songs from her newly released Beautiful and Strange album, acoustically, mimicking the way she had been performing them during her Tuesday quarantine sessions. The result is The Palomino Sound Sessions, released today via Blue Élan Records. The EP features newly recorded versions of “Beautiful and Strange”, “Wasted” and “Red Flag”. Listen Here.
 
A special “Planet Nowhere” bundle package is also available to order now through the Blue Élan Store. The exclusive bundle features:

Over two hours of unreleased footage that includes 11 videos interspersed w/ interview footage and behind the scenes outtakes.

Five unreleased audio tracks:

Wasted (Acoustic)

Red Flag (Acoustic)

Something Sweet

Where Is Love

Moonshiner

One ticket to a 35 – 40-minute Live Stream ‘Happy Hour’ with Chelsea singing songs and making cocktails

An autographed Planet Nowhere poster

Mini drink kits

Whether Chelsea is dissecting relationship dynamics or examining the very notion of destiny, her charming, confident songwriting and airy, nuanced vocals maintain an underlying current of optimism. Produced by longtime collaborator Ross Garren (Ben Folds, Bon Iver), the three stripped down, acoustic versions of songs from her most recent album, make up the Palomino Sound Sessions. Palomino is a studio with a vintage atmosphere in a modern world, which pretty much sums up the kind of music made by Chelsea.  The tracks were recorded live with Chelsea on acoustic guitar and vocals, Ross on keys and harmonica, and friends John Schroeder on guitar, Erik Miron on banjo, and Julie Pusch on fiddle.  Taking these songs down to their very essence serves to highlight Chelsea’s innate ability to craft timeless melodies which speak to contemporary tales of lost love, and ruminations on the current state of the world. 
                                                                
Performing five hours a day, four days a week, Chelsea Williams honed her skills busking at Santa Monica’s Third Street Promenade, where she captured the attention of passersby including Ron Howard and Sheryl Crow. The Palomino Sound Sessions follows the studio release of Williams’ sophomore album Beautiful & Strange earlier this year, which was heralded by NPR as one of the top albums to come out on May 8, and received featured placement on Apple Music’s coveted New Music Daily and NPR’s All Songs Considered. Williams’ has also been named one of Rolling Stone’s “Top 10 New Artists You Need to Know.”

Constantly seeking untapped musical terrain, New York-based guitarist and composer Oz Noy steps onto fertile ground with his new album, Snapdragon. The collection will be available this Friday,  November 20th on all digital platforms and through his label Abstract Logix,  pre-order link here.

Stream Looni Tooni here

View a sample of the entire album here.

All About Jazz raves about Oz, “It's fortunate then that what is (and always has been) immediately striking about his music is the sheer range of stylistic influences those amazing chops are tied to—and that they make a cohesive package at all. Many visages surface and assemble to complete Noy's distinct musical persona, including SRV bluesyness, JB funkiness and Monk-like harmonic subversiveness along with an updated Hendrix-like sonic experimentalism and a certain Zappa-esque nod-and-a-wink mischievousness.“

The spry rhythmic wallop that characterized his previous album, the backbeat-driven Booga Looga Loo, remains in full force -- only now welded to an open, bop-inflected chromaticism fostering a more dynamic, searching improvisational energy. Intricately winding unison melody lines spiral out across fatback rhythmscapes, expertly realized by an impressive cast of soloists and supporting musicians. Among those stoking the fires of the rhythm section are Dennis Chambers, Will Lee, Vinnie Colaiuta, Dave Weckl, James Genus, and John Patitiucci, while Noy trades improvised solos and notated melodies with saxophonist Chris Potter, keyboardists David Kikoski and Jason Lindner, trumpeter John Sneider, guitarist Adam Rogers, and Jazz Trumpet Virtuoso  Wallace Rooney, in what is likely his final recording before succumbing to complications of the Coronavirus this spring. Rooney’s trumpet subtly blues-tinged solo glides over the nimble rhythmic modulations of “Outer Look.” 

Noy’s signature vision, as both a player and composer, is the beating heart of Snapdragon. Journalist Adam Sieff shares via  London Jazz News  “What makes his playing and arranging stand out is his knack of adding an unexpected or edgy twist to a chord voicing or phrase that gives his playing its own distinct personality.” The themes include six original compositions, alongside a surprising, evocative reading of the Zombies’ “She’s Not There” and two Thelonious Monk pieces. Throughout, Noy’s playing is alternately tender and treacherous, moving from open-hearted, nearly vocal melodic statements to the sort of ferociously off-kilter, explosive soloing that has made him a favorite amongst connoisseurs of guitarists and improvised music at large. In Noy’s universe, odd intervallic leaps, unresolved dissonances, and radiating slabs of electric distortion are heightened and enlivened by nimble funk. The resulting sound is simultaneously accessible and refreshing -- an entirely modern refraction of the glorious tradition of greasy organ combos and gritty two-horn soul-jazz. 

Snapdragon Tracklist - out November 20th

Looni Tooni

Tired But Wired

Outer Look

She’s Not There/ Boom Boo Boom

Snapdragon

Evidence

Groovin’ Grant

Bemsha Swing (Alternate Take)

On February 25, 2020, mere days before the first case of COVID-19 was discovered in the UK, as the ongoing pandemic necessitated the suspension of modern society, a very special concert took place at the legendary Palladium in London celebrating the songs of Peter Green and the original incarnation of Fleetwood Mac.

The audience at that sold out show witnessed something unique at what would be the last live concert anyone would attend until further notice. This show also now takes on a particularly poignant meaning, with the unfortunate passing of Peter Green in July 2020.

The players gathered were an all-star cast and all of the musicians present that night had a deep and frequently far-fetched, cosmic connection to the songs.

This music had changed their lives, impelled them to play, and for one of them, inspired the formation of their now very famous band. This music has continued to rouse and arouse, and that night, on the verge of an historically dark and sobering moment in human history, it was given a glorious observance.

The participants that night included Neil Finn, Noel Gallagher, Billy Gibbons, David Gilmour, Kirk Hammett, John Mayall, Christine McVie, Jeremy Spencer, Zak Starkey, Pete Townshend, Steven Tyler and Bill Wyman. Legendary producer Glyn Johns joined as the executive sound producer and the house band featured Mick Fleetwood himself along with Dave Bronze, Jonny Lang, Andy Fairweather Low, Ricky Peterson and Rick Vito.

Mick Fleetwood, who curated the list of artists performing, said:

“The concert was a celebration of those early blues days where we all began, and it’s important to recognize the profound impact Peter and the early Fleetwood Mac had on the world of music. Peter was my greatest mentor and it gave me such joy to pay tribute to his incredible talent. I was honored to be sharing the stage with some of the many artists Peter has inspired over the years and who share my great respect for this remarkable musician. ‘Then Play On’...”

The incredible one-off celebration will be screened on March 23rd / 28th , 2021 in cinemas across the country, distributed by Cinema Live. Details will be announced in the new year.

For more information please visit: www.mickfleetwoodandfriends.com

PHYSICAL FORMATS OUT
ON APRIL 30, 2021 VIA BMG

Available as a deluxe 44-page hardbound bookpack, which includes:

Sleevenotes by Anthony Bozza in conjunction with Mick Fleetwood.

Event photos and quotes from each artist who appeared on the night.

Extensive photographs of the concert, rehearsals and behind the scenes.

Blu-Ray of the concert film and the full recording on double CD and quadruple vinyl.

Also available as: Gatefold 4LP, 2CD/Blu-Ray mediabook and Digital audio.
 
Tracklisting

To celebrate the 50th anniversary of his classic first solo album, Rock & Roll Hall of Fame inductee Dave Mason has reimagined that iconic release with Alone Together...Again, available today on all digital & streaming platforms, via his new partnership with Shelter Records/BMG. This digital version includes a bonus track, a new arrangement for the classic song, “World In Changes”. The CD is also available to purchase through Mason’s online store with the vinyl set to be released in the very near future. The Singer/Songwriter/Guitarist has performed with the biggest icons of rock music over the span of his career including Hendrix, McCartney, Jagger and Clapton among many others.

“The main reason I wanted to reimagine this album was that I was never quite satisfied with how my vocals sounded. I like the songs and I like the performances but I was so young and it was my first solo album. The older I got the more the vocals bothered me and so I finally thought that I would sing the songs the way I first imagined them when I wrote them.” Mason continues, "It’s a more accurate representation of what I think I sound like. And, of course, with the years comes a maturity and knowing in my voice that I think gives the songs an all new depth. It may have taken me 50 years, but I am now truly satisfied with all of the songs and I really count this as one of my most satisfying artistic achievements."

The newly imagined album was produced by Dave; with him on guitar/vocals, Johnne Sambataro (guitar/background vocals), Alvino Bennett (drums), Tony Patler (keyboards, bass) along with special guests John McFee, Jason Roller, Jonathan McEuen, Gretchen Rhodes, Bill Reynolds, Jesse Siebenberg, Teddy Jack Russell and Billy Mason.
 
Mason has been respectfully called a musical “gunslinger” for a reason; having worked with some of the biggest names in music, his trademark guitar licks and musical touches are all over some classic hits. He recorded an album with Mama Cass, played rhythm guitar on “All Along the Watchtower” with Jimi Hendrix, was a founding member of Traffic, recorded with Paul McCartney and The Rolling Stones, was part of Fleetwood Mac for a spell, as well as a guitar designer and a Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Inductee …. Yep, that’s Dave Mason.
 
Written when he was only 20, Dave Mason is likely best known for “Feelin’ Alright.” The Traffic song is one of the most beloved rock anthems and one of the most covered since its release in 1968. The song has become one of the most powerful and enduring tracks in all of rock and roll history, living on in dozens of films and TV commercials as well as with versions performed by artists as diverse as Joe Cocker, Three Dog Night, Grand Funk Railroad, ELO, Coldplay, The 5th Dimension, Maceo Parker, Widespread Panic and so many more. A new version of this classic was re-recorded and released in July featuring Mason alongside Mick Fleetwood, Sammy Hagar, Michael McDonald and The Doobie Brothers: John McFee, Tom Johnston, John Cowan and Pat Simmons. Listen to the new version of “Feelin’ Alright” HERE, watch the video HERE.
 
After leaving Traffic, the band he and Steve Winwood co-founded, Mason went on to record his own solo project, Alone Together, in 1970. The album featured the hits “Only You Know and I Know” and “Look At You, Look At Me.” Together with Jim Capaldi, Leon Russell, Rita Coolidge, Bonnie Bramlett and others, Mason created some of the most memorable music of a generation.
 
When Alone Together was originally released in July 1970, Billboard magazine gave it an enthusiastic review saying, "Mason, with help from friends Jim Capaldi and Leon Russell, proves his mastery of the rock idiom once and for all. The lyric content and music content of every song catches the senses of the listener and creates excitement. There is no doubt about the power of this album, and it should prove a top chart item."
 
Mason's seemingly endless talents moved Eric Clapton himself to comment, “I think he has a fantastic touch. I love the way he plays guitar. And his songs are great.”

Alone Together...Again TRACK LIST:

Only You Know And I Know

Can’t Stop Worrying, Can’t Stop Loving

Waitin’ On You

Shouldn’t Have Took More Than You Gave

World In Changes

Sad And Deep As You

Just A Song

Look At You Look At Me

       *Digital BONUS TRACK: World In Changes 2020

The first live track recorded at a musical celebration of the early years of Fleetwood Mac and its founder Peter Green has been released, featuring ZZ Top’s Billy Gibbons and Metallica’s Kirk Hammett, performing a raucous version of ‘The Green Manalishi (With The Two Pronged Crown).

Kirk Hammett performed the iconic song of the legendary Peter Green’s iconic 1959 Les Paul guitar, whilst the full band on the track includes Mick Fleetwood himself, who curated the event, alongside Dave Bronze, Jonny Lang, Andy Fairweather Low, Ricky Peterson and Rick Vito.

The release is a first taste of the stunning one-off celebration which will come to cinemas across the US on March 23rd / 28th  2021, as well as being released in special boxset formats.

The show will be released as a 4LP Gatefold vinyl, as well as a 20-page mediabook featuring Blu-Ray and 2CD, and also a deluxe 44 page hardbound book pack featuring sleevenotes by Mick Fleetwood biographer Anthony Bozza, stunning photos from the event and behind the scenes, 4LP Gatefold vinyl, 2CD and Blu-Ray.

About Mick Fleetwood & Friends Celebrate The Music Of Peter Green and The Early Years of Fleetwood Mac:

On February 25, 2020, mere days before the first case of COVID-19 was discovered in the UK, as the ongoing pandemic necessitated the suspension of modern society, a very special concert took place at the legendary Palladium in London celebrating the songs of Peter Green and the original incarnation of Fleetwood Mac.

The audience at that sold out show witnessed something unique at what would be the last live concert anyone would attend until further notice. This show also now takes on a particularly poignant meaning, with the unfortunate passing of Peter Green in July 2020.

The players gathered were an all-star cast and all of the musicians present that night had a deep and frequently far-fetched, cosmic connection to the songs.

The participants that night included Neil Finn, Noel Gallagher, Billy Gibbons, David Gilmour, Kirk Hammett, John Mayall, Christine McVie, Jeremy Spencer, Zak Starkey, Pete Townshend, Steven Tyler and Bill Wyman. Legendary producer Glyn Johns joined as the executive sound producer and the house band featured Mick Fleetwood himself along with Dave Bronze, Jonny Lang, Andy Fairweather Low, Ricky Peterson and Rick Vito.

For more information please visit: www.mickfleetwoodandfriends.com

OUT AS PHYSICAL FORMATS
ON APRIL 30, 2021 VIA BMG

Available as a deluxe 44 page hardbound bookpack, which includes:

Sleevenotes by Anthony Bozza in conjunction with Mick Fleetwood.

Event photos and quotes from each artist who appeared on the night.

Extensive photographs of the concert, rehearsals and behind the scenes.

Blu-Ray of the concert film and the full recording on double CD and quadruple vinyl.

Also available as: Gatefold 4LP, 2CD/Blu-Ray mediabook and Digital audio.
 
Tracklisting

Mick Fleetwood & Friends -
Celebrate The Music Of Peter Green And The Early Years Of Fleetwood Mac.
 
Format : Blu-Ray, 2CD, 4LP, 44p Bookpack – Cat No. BMGCAT454BOX
Format : Blu-Ray, 2CD, 20p mediabook – Cat No. BMGCAT454TCD
Format : 4LP Gatefold – Cat No. BMGCAT454QLP

The Women’s International Music Network (the WiMN) proudly announces another amazing honoree for the 2021 She Rocks Awards, sponsored by Positive Grid. Co-founder, guitarist and Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductee Nancy Wilson of Heart will join the previously announced array of honorees.  Full list is below.

With the current pandemic situation, and NAMM moving to a virtual convention, the She Rocks Awards are reimagining the ceremony to fit the current times and will follow suit with a virtual ceremony. The awards ceremony itself will continue to pay tribute to women in the music industry, with the ninth annual She Rocks Awards taking place at 6:30 pm PT on Friday, January 22, 2021. This high-energy evening will include live virtual music performances, awards and speeches, celebrity appearances, a fabulous silent auction, and much more, all available online. This year’s virtual event is free and open to the public.

A VIP gift bag and after-party ticket are available for fans to purchase the ultimate She Rocks experience. The She Rocks VIP Gift Bags are legendary and now fans can get the VIP treatment at home!  The VIP Experience purchase entitles the holder to a VIP She Rocks Box valued at over $200 and includes a ticket to the VIP after-party, where a fan will be able to join the She Rocks team, honorees and more.  The VIP bag includes items from M.A.C Cosmetics, PRS Guitars, Marshall, D’Addario, The Music People, Cuccio, Positive Grid, Clif and more. With only 100 VIP packages available, fans should visit sherocksawards.com/tickets.
 
The 2021 She Rocks Awards recipients include:

Nancy Wilson - co-founder of the multi-platinum, Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inducted band Heart

The Go-Go’s - the first all-female band to top the Billboard charts that both wrote their own songs and played their own instruments

Cherie Currie - founding member of the pioneering all-female rock band The Runaways

Cindy Blackman Santana - respected jazz and rock drummer with Santana and Lenny Kravitz among many others

Amy Lee - co-founder and lead vocalist for the rock band Evanescence

Margaret Cho - Emmy and Grammy-nominated stand-up comedian, actress, fashion designer, author, and singer-songwriter

Starr Parodi - composer, pianist, conductor, arranger, music director and president of The Alliance For Women Film Composers

Ann Mincieli - GRAMMY-winning recording engineer, studio coordinator for Alicia Keys and co-founder of NYC-destination studio Jungle City

Sharon Hennessey - President of On-Stage, The Music People (a division of JAM) and the driving force behind the company’s two brands, On-Stage and TMP-Pro.

Gwen Bethel Riley - Senior VP of Music for Peloton Interactive

Kim Warnick – Executive Director of Calling All Crows

This year’s event will be hosted by previous award recipient Lzzy Hale, frontwoman for the rock band Halestorm, with Yahoo Entertainment’s Lyndsey Parker hosting the pre-show countdown. Opening performers will be Lexington, Kentucky, rock and soul band Magnolia Boulevard, sponsored by PRS Guitars.

She Rocks Awards founder Laura B. Whitmore comments, “Nancy Wilson has been an inspiration to me personally and so many female musicians. I’m beyond thrilled to honor this legendary performer as we celebrate these inspiring women in music.”

She Rocks Awards pays tribute to women who display leadership and stand out within the music industry, and has become a standard at the NAMM Show. Previous award recipients include Melissa Etheridge, Pat Benatar, Gloria Gaynor, The B-52s, Suzi Quatro, Colbie Caillat, Sheila E, Chaka Khan, Ronnie Spector, Orianthi, Lisa Loeb, The Bangles, and many more, plus a collection of role models from all walks of the music and audio industries.

The 2021 She Rocks Awards is sponsored by Positive Grid, Sweetwater, Roland, PRS Guitars, PreSonus, NAMM, Fishman, Marshall, D’Addario, Reverb, The Music People, Cuccio, MAC Cosmetics, Clif, WRiiG, Berklee School of Music, Gibson, KORG, Taylor, 108 Rock Star Guitars, Red Dragon Sessions, D’Angelico, DW, Parade, Alliance for Women Film Composers, Future Publishing, Guitar World, Musicradar and Guitar Girl Magazine. For information regarding She Rocks Awards sponsorship opportunities, please contact [email protected].

Learn more about the She Rocks Awards and where to tune in the evening of the Awards at sherocksawards.com.

About The Women’s International Music Network (WiMN)
Founded in 2012, the Women’s International Music Network unites women who work within all facets of the music and audio industries. With theWiMN.com as its hub, the WiMN provides a community for women within the industry while enriching their careers and musical experiences through networking and sharing. The Women’s International Music Network produces the She Rocks podcast, the LIVE: Front & Center web series, WiMN She Rocks Spotlight Showcase Series and the She Rocks Awards, and is founded by music industry veteran Laura B. Whitmore. For more information, visit www.thewimn.com.

Following the late November CD and digital release of Fogerty’s Factory, featuring John Fogerty and his children, the album is now available to purchase in the vinyl format via BMG. While self-quarantining together the Fogerty Family, featuring John with his sons Shane, Tyler and daughter Kelsy, gathered in their home studio to play music together. Wanting to share their uplifting music with a world in quarantine, a new video was released each Friday as part of a special YouTube series and the fans loved it, eagerly waiting each week to hear John’s classic songs. Critics also heralded the series as one of their favorite live streams in 2020. 
 
Listen to Fogerty's Factory, here.

To date, these videos have garnered over 10-million views and caught the attention of prestigious outlets such as NPR’s Tiny Desk, The Late Show with Stephen Colbert and for an hour long radio special on SiriusXM, The Fogerty Rockin’ Family Hour, where John joined his sons, Shane and Tyler, to talk about music and life.  Each outlet received a unique video version of the Fogerty Family singing and playing John’s iconic songs. The family even gathered at an empty Dodger Stadium to film “Centerfield” on John’s 75th birthday, May 28th.  The audio from these sessions was originally released digitally as an EP that day. But the family didn’t stop there, adding to the collection, nine new tracks form a full album.
 
John Fogerty’s songs have continued to be a consistent presence throughout the past year. In December, Creedence Clearwater Revival's Chronicle Vol. 1 hit the milestone of charting for over 500 weeks on the Billboard 200, becoming only the eighth album to ever do so. On January 7th, Fogerty released a new song, "Weeping In The Promised Land," his poignant reflection on 2020 and how the events of this past year have altered life as we've always known it. “Weeping In The Promised Land" ultimately serves as a moving tribute to those who have been victims of the pandemic and those who have suffered through prejudice and injustice, with an eye on brighter days ahead.

Listen to "Weeping In The Promised Land" here: https://johnfogerty.lnk.to/WeepingInThePromisedLand
 
 
Check out John Fogerty's YouTube channel for all of the Fogerty’s Factory videos.

Co-founder, guitarist and Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductee Nancy Wilson of Heart is set to release her first EVER solo album, You and Me on May 7, 2021 via her new label, Carry On Music. The album was recorded primarily in Wilson’s California home studio, working with band members and special guests remotely. “Being off the road last year from touring with Heart, and at home with my good guitars and amps out,” Wilson says, “I felt like I was once again able to reconnect with my pre-Heart self, my college-girl self, creating poetic, intimate and romantic songs, which pretty much is what I first brought in to Heart.”

Most of the tracks are originals, but Wilson decided to include a handful of covers by a few of her favorites, including a female perspective of Pearl Jam’s “Daughter,” a stirring turn of Simon & Garfunkel’s “The Boxer” featuring Sammy Hagar, and an ethereal cover of the Cranberries “Dreams,” featuring Liv Warfield (Prince) from Nancy’s previous band Roadcase Royale. The first single from the album was Bruce Springsteen's "The Rising," which dropped last fall. “During this horrific time in the world, with all this enduring loss, it seemed like the right time for an aspirational song about hope and perseverance,” Wilson says.

The other eight tracks are originals, mostly acoustic ballads, but there are also some rousing rockers like “Party at the Angel Ballroom” which features a superstar backing band, including Duff McKagan of Guns N’ Roses and Taylor Hawkins of the Foo Fighters.  The album ends with a song that captures the full spectrum of loss, love and redemption in one instrumental coda. Titled “4 Edward,” it is Nancy’s tribute to Eddie Van Halen, whose 2020 loss still looms large over music. Nancy came to know Eddie when Heart toured with Van Halen, and she once asked him why he didn’t play acoustic. “I don’t have one,” he told her, which she immediately rectified. Eddie took the guitar she gave him and wrote a song on it that stole Nancy’s heart. After his death last year, Nancy knew she had to return the favor.

The title track “You and Me,” as with several of the songs on the album, reunites Wilson with longtime collaborator Sue Ennis, who co-wrote many of Heart’s classics with Nancy, and sister Ann. “I’ve known Sue since I was 12,” Nancy says. “Back then she was a high school friend of Ann’s. We’ve always worked well together.” The single will be released digitally on March 8, 2020 with an album pre-order set to launch the same day.  Fans can pre-save the track, here.
 
With her band Heart, Nancy Wilson has recorded 16 albums, sold over 35 million albums worldwide and has four Grammy nominations. She had previously released one other album with just her name on it, Live at McCabe’s Guitar Shop, which captured her playing a set of covers and new songs in 1999. But considers this her first true solo album, a positive creative move amid a surreal year of loss; life during lock down.
 
“I don’t know why it took me so long to do this,” she laughs. “Maybe I was stuck in traffic, maybe I was stuck in the Heart vortex of it all.” But in a year with “no traffic,” Wilson finally found a place for the music she’s been writing in her head for decades.
 
Listen to "The Rising" HERE
 
You and Me Complete Tracklisting
1. You and Me
2. The Rising
3.  I’ll Find You
4.  Daughter
5.  Party at the Angel Ballroom (with Duff McKagan & Taylor Hawkins)
6.  The Boxer (with Sammy Hagar)
7.  Walk Away
8.  The Inbetween
9.  Dreams (with Liv Warfield)
10.  The Dragon
11.  We Meet Again
12.  4 Edward

The second live track recorded at a musical celebration of the early years of Fleetwood Mac and its founder Peter Green has been released, featuring Aerosmith’s, Steven Tyler and ZZ Top’s Billy Gibbons, performing a raucous version of ‘’Rattlesnake Shake’. The full band on the track includes Mick Fleetwood himself, who curated the event, alongside Dave Bronze, Jonny Lang, Andy Fairweather Low, Ricky Peterson, Zak Starkey and Rick Vito.
 
The release is the second taste of the stunning one-off celebration which, due to global Covid restrictions and cinema closures, is coming to a soon to be announced, video on demand online in April 2021, as well as being released in special boxset formats.

The show will be released as a 4LP Gatefold vinyl, as well as a 20-page mediabook featuring Blu-Ray and 2CD, and also a deluxe 44-page hardbound book pack featuring sleevenotes by Mick Fleetwood biographer Anthony Bozza, stunning photos from the event and behind the scenes, 4LP Gatefold vinyl, 2CD and Blu-Ray. 
 
About Mick Fleetwood & Friends Celebrate The Music Of Peter Green and The Early Years of Fleetwood Mac:
 
On February 25, 2020, mere days before the first case of COVID-19 was discovered in the UK, as the ongoing pandemic necessitated the suspension of modern society, a very special concert took place at the legendary Palladium in London celebrating the songs of Peter Green and the original incarnation of Fleetwood Mac.
 
The audience at that sold out show witnessed something unique at what would be the last live concert anyone would attend until further notice. This show also now takes on a particularly poignant meaning, with the unfortunate passing of Peter Green in July 2020.
 
The players gathered were an all-star cast and all of the musicians present that night had a deep and frequently far-fetched, cosmic connection to the songs.
 

The participants that night included Neil Finn, Noel Gallagher, Billy Gibbons, David Gilmour, Kirk Hammett, John Mayall, Christine McVie, Jeremy Spencer, Zak Starkey, Pete Townshend, Steven Tyler and Bill Wyman. Legendary producer Glyn Johns joined as the executive sound producer and the house band featured Mick Fleetwood himself along with Dave Bronze, Jonny Lang, Andy Fairweather Low, Ricky Peterson and Rick Vito.
 
For more information please visit: https://MFAF.lnk.to/websitePR
 
OUT AS PHYSICAL FORMATS
ON APRIL 30, 2021 VIA BMG

Available as a deluxe 44 page hardbound bookpack, which includes:

Sleevenotes by Anthony Bozza in conjunction with Mick Fleetwood.

Event photos and quotes from each artist who appeared on the night.

Extensive photographs of the concert, rehearsals and behind the scenes.

Blu-Ray of the concert film and the full recording on double CD and quadruple vinyl.

 
Also available as: Gatefold 4LP, 2CD/Blu-Ray mediabook and Digital audio.
 
Tracklisting

Mick Fleetwood & Friends -
Celebrate The Music Of Peter Green And The Early Years Of Fleetwood Mac.
 
Format : Blu-Ray, 2CD, 4LP, 44p Bookpack – Cat No. BMGCAT454BOX
Format : Blu-Ray, 2CD, 20p mediabook – Cat No. BMGCAT454TCD
Format : 4LP Gatefold – Cat No. BMGCAT454QLP
Format : 2CD, 20p digipack - Cat No. BMGCAT454DCD

Gerry Beckley, the illustrious singer, songwriter, performer and co-founder of legendary band, America, has released “(I’m Your) Heart Slave,” the second single, and previously unreleased, from his forthcoming greatest hits package featuring his solo work. Keeping The Light On – The Best of Gerry Beckley will be available via Blue Élan Records on March 26, 2021.
 
The album is currently available to pre-order and will be released as a deluxe double CD, featuring a 44-page booklet including photos taken by Beckley during his tour travels over the last 50 years. The release will also be offered as a double LP set in clear vinyl, or in a limited edition cloudy version. Included with each pre-order from Blue Elan will be a bonus CD that contains nine tracks of Beckley-penned songs recorded by all-female contemporary indie artists, and includes covers of classic America tunes such as “Sister Golden Hair” and “Daisy Jane.”

Keeping The Light On – The Best of Gerry Beckley takes stock of Beckley’s writing career so far. The album offers a generous 20-track overview of Beckley's output — and beyond. Songs culled from his first solo outing, Van Go Gan, whose ringing, uptempo "Emma," smoothly dynamic "Now Sue" and lush, lightly country-flavored "Goodbye Highway" -- all of which he co-produced with good pal Hal Linderman -- are featured on Keeping The Light On. The rest of the track listing is also culminated from his six subsequent solo albums -- 2000's Go Man Go, 2006's Horizontal Fall, 2009's Happy Hour, 2011's Unfortunate Casino, 2016's Carousel and 2019's Five Mile Road.  – including “Watching the Time,” a collaboration with Carl Wilson (the Beach Boys) and Robert Lamm (Chicago). There are also five previously unreleased tracks, including an unreleased America fan favorite, “Norman” and this newest single "(I'm Your) Heart Slave," that offer proof of how prodigious Beckley's output is when he's in songwriting mode.
 
While Keeping The Light On focuses on a culmination of his solo work, Beckley has never stopped writing and recording, even amidst a global pandemic — and he shows no signs of abating any time soon. "This record is from this point back, and the stuff I've been writing and recording will be from this point forward," Beckley promises. "This is certainly a summation, I guess, but it's not the end of the story. It's amazing to have 50 years in this job. Now I can't wait to start the second half-century."

Few musicians invest so much in the moment as guitarist Wayne Krantz, whose career has been defined by a fearless embrace of risk and a willingness to charge headlong into uncharted terrain -- testing himself and thrilling an ever-growing legion of dedicated, adventurous listeners. Whether experienced on record or in concert, Krantz’s singular style, immaculate technique, and improvisational daring -- combined with a subversive pop sensibility rarely evidenced in improvised music circles -- have established him amongst the foremost postmodern guitar renegades of our era. Today the guitar maverick shares the first cut “Cowboy."

Stream “Cowboy” via YouTube here.

Existing in a state of relentless forward motion, Krantz rarely has the time or inclination to look back, which makes the emergence of the newly rediscovered 1985 recordings gathered as Music Room 1985 all the more extraordinary. To be released on March 19, 2021 on the Abstract Logix imprint, Music Room 1985 was laid down by Krantz alone in a garage studio in the summer of 1985, with Krantz handling all the compositional and instrumental duties himself. Its six tracks predate his first solo album by five years.

“At the beginning of my career,” Krantz explains, “I had no connections to the record biz -- which was the only way you could release things back in those days.” Not long after committing a final mix to tape, Music Room 1985 was left behind -- a victim of the machinations of the music industry and Krantz’s own rapidly accelerating career as both a bandleader and a hired gun. Even Krantz himself didn’t manage to hang on to a copy. When reminded of the project in 2020, he reached back through his contacts, unearthing a safety copy in a now-obsolete media format. With much legwork, playback was achieved, and a high-resolution transfer was made.

As evidence that Krantz’s singular talent was already well established even at this early stage, Music Room 1985 is entirely convincing. Simply as an album of music long lost to time and now only being heard, it is staggering, offering an entirely unique brand of agile, intelligent instrumental pop before a label like “smooth jazz” was a genre, a radio format, or an artistic punchline. Defined by taught rhythms and insidiously infectious melodies, Music Room 1985 largely eschews guitar heroics while still managing to capture the intensity and exhilaration of improvisation. Skeletal drum programming is embroidered by intricately arranged and precisely executed interlocking guitar figures -- delivered in a clean, unforgiving tone recorded directly into the mixing board.

While a communal music at heart, jazz and its offshoots have a secret tradition of recordings created via the same person overdubbing multiple parts, from Sidney Bechet and Slim Gaillard to Keith Jarrett and Chris Potter. Music Room 1985 has a spiritual kinship with those early experiments, but is equally aligned with Prince’s knotted minimalist funk, the pop fusion hybrids of Ronnie Laws and George Benson, and the pure, endlessly fascinating guitar and rhythm box recordings of downtown icon Robert Quine -- but these are merely reference points. “It wasn’t based on anything happening at the time,” Krantz says. "I was already on a contrary path and Music Room 1985 was my version of ‘alternative’:  jazz/instrumental music that worked more like pop, melody-centric with verses, bridges, hooks and few solos.”

When he was making the album, Krantz had just moved to New York, knew no one, and channeled both his isolation and his hopes into these recordings. Every snarled rhythmic figure is offset by soaring melodic gestures and pensive, reflective spaces. While he reached back to these recordings out of his own curiosity, Krantz realized that they had value not just as a snapshot of his journey’s progress at that moment, but in and of themselves. “It held up,” he says. “The sounds on it aren’t very trendy, so it doesn’t sound too dated to be relevant. It’s fun to listen to: it still has the vitality, mojo, and integrity that initially made it sound good.”

For its first release, no re-recording or remixing has been done to Music Room 1985. While one cannot help but wonder what its impact would have been had it found release in 1985, given that it sounds entirely fresh to modern ears renders such hypothetical indulgences entirely moot. Wayne Krantz has always looked to the future, and the present has still yet to catch up with him.

Music Room 1985 Track Listing
1. Cowboy
2. Fair
3. Becker
4. Pilgrim
5. Nice
6. Future

Enjoy “Cowboy” here.

Co-founder, guitarist and Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductee Nancy Wilson of Heart recently announced her first EVER solo album, You and Me, due out on May 7, 2021 via Carry On Music. Yesterday, the deeply personal title track, “You and Me,” premiered exclusively with the iHeart radio network in celebration of International Women’s Day. The video, premiering today on Rolling Stone, features Wilson seemingly having an intimate conversation with her late mother and herself.
 
Of the new song Wilson shared with Rolling Stone, “‘You and Me’ is a zero-gravity conversation with my mom that exists outside of time and space. In the video, I used paneled mirrors to find the camera lens for a more otherworldly feel as if I’m talking to both me and my mom through the connection of our common DNA.”
 
“You and Me,” as with several of the songs on the album, reunites Wilson with longtime collaborator Sue Ennis, who co-wrote many of Heart’s classics with Nancy, and sister Ann. The song is incredibly moving and personal as it explores the close relationship Wilson shared with her late mother. With the album release on May 7th, this tune would fit perfectly on any Mother’s Day playlist.
 
The album was recorded primarily in Wilson’s California home studio, working with her longtime collaborators; Dan Walker on keys, Ryan Waters on Guitar, bassist Andy Stoller and Ben Smith on drums plus several special guests also working remotely.  Wilson self-produced the entire project along with assistance from first engineer, Matthew Sabin.

Many of the tracks on the new album are originals, but Wilson decided to include a handful of covers by a few of her favorites, including a female perspective of Pearl Jam’s “Daughter,” a stirring turn of Simon & Garfunkel’s “The Boxer” featuring Sammy Hagar, and an ethereal cover of the Cranberries “Dreams,” featuring Liv Warfield (Prince) from Wilson’s previous band Roadcase Royale. The first single from the album was Bruce Springsteen's "The Rising," which debuted last fall. “During this horrific time in the world, with all this enduring loss, it seemed like the right time for an aspirational song about hope and perseverance,” Wilson says.

The other eight tracks are originals, mostly acoustic ballads, including a special song that captures the full spectrum of loss, love and redemption in one instrumental coda. Titled “4 Edward,” it is Wilson’s tribute to Eddie Van Halen. Wilson forged a bond with the guitar great when Heart toured with Van Halen, and she once asked Eddie why he didn’t play acoustic. “I don’t have one,” he told her, which she immediately rectified. Eddie took the guitar she gave him and wrote a song on it that stole Wilson’s heart. After his death last year, Wilson knew she had to return the favor.

With Heart, Wilson has recorded 16 albums, sold over 35 million albums worldwide, has four Grammy nominations, been honored with the ASCAP Founders Award and was celebrated with a Star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. She had previously released one other album with just her name on it, Live at McCabe’s Guitar Shop, which captured her playing a set of covers and new songs in 1999. But Wilson considers this her first true solo album, a positive creative move amid a surreal year of loss; life during lock down.

“I don’t know why it took me so long to do this,” she laughs. “Maybe I was stuck in traffic, maybe I was stuck in the Heart vortex of it all.” But in a year with “no traffic,” Wilson finally found a place for the music she’s been writing in her head for decades.

Following on from the one-year anniversary of the Mick Fleetwood & Friends concert which took place at the iconic London Palladium on February 25, 2020, it has now been announced that the show will be streamed live via video on demand.

The concert was originally due to be screened in cinemas globally, however due to on-going Covid-19 restrictions, as well as audiences who were unable to be there on the night for this historic show clamoring to be able to see it, the show will premiere exclusively online at nugs.net in HD and 4K streaming video with Dolby Atmos sound from April 24, 2021 at 3:00 pm ET, and will then be available for five days via video on demand. It will then be released on physical formats on April 30, 2021.

The concert took on a poignant but unfortunate further significance in July 2020 with the tragic passing of Peter Green.and the Early Years of Fleetwood Mac The Mick Fleetwood & Friends Celebrate the Music of Peter Green

This show, curated by Mick Fleetwood, is a testament to the far-reaching and hugely important effect Peter had on the world. All of the incredible cast of musicians on the night were inspired and compelled by Peter’s music, with their deep connection to his music in evidence.

The participants that night included Neil Finn, Noel Gallagher, Billy Gibbons, David Gilmour, Kirk Hammett, John Mayall, Christine McVie, Jeremy Spencer, Zak Starkey, Pete Townshend, Steven Tyler and Bill Wyman. Legendary producer Glyn Johns joined as the executive sound producer and the house band featured Mick Fleetwood himself along with Dave Bronze, Jonny Lang, Andy Fairweather Low, Ricky Peterson and Rick Vito.

Of Peter’s sad passing and the concert, Mick said:  “Peter Green taught me two unassailable lessons when it came to music: less is more and don’t worry about being clever. He played from his heart, which is why so many people, musicians, and appreciators alike, gathered in London to pay tribute to him, all of us together bearing witness to the magic of Peter’s music. He revealed himself in his art, which sometimes happens at great cost, as it was with Peter. He showed so much of himself that he had to withdraw. And he did. May he rest easy. He was loved and he will be missed.”

OUT AS PHYSICAL FORMATS
ON APRIL 30, 2021 VIA BMG

Available as a deluxe 44-page hardbound bookpack, which includes: Sleevenotes by Anthony Bozza in conjunction with Mick Fleetwood. Event photos and quotes from each artist who appeared on the night. Extensive photographs of the concert, rehearsals and behind the scenes. Blu-Ray of the concert film and the full recording on double CD and quadruple vinyl.

Also available as: Gatefold 4LP, 2CD/Blu-Ray mediabook, 2CD Digipack, and Digital audio.

Tracklisting

On February 25, 2020, mere days before the first case of COVID-19 was discovered in the UK, as the ongoing pandemic necessitated the suspension of modern society, a very special concert took place at the legendary Palladium in London celebrating the songs of Peter Green and the original incarnation of Fleetwood Mac.

The audience at that sold out show witnessed something unique at what would be the last live concert anyone would attend until further notice. This show also now takes on a particularly poignant meaning, with the unfortunate passing of Peter Green in July 2020.

The players gathered were an all-star cast and all of the musicians present that night had a deep and frequently far-fetched, cosmic connection to the songs.

The participants that night included Neil Finn, Noel Gallagher, Billy Gibbons, David Gilmour, Kirk Hammett, John Mayall, Christine McVie, Jeremy Spencer, Zak Starkey, Pete Townshend, Steven Tyler and Bill Wyman. Legendary producer Glyn Johns joined as the executive sound producer and the house band featured Mick Fleetwood himself along with Dave Bronze, Jonny Lang, Andy Fairweather Low, Ricky Peterson and Rick Vito.

It is with great sadness that we confirm the passing of Poco co-founder, Rusty Young, at the age of 75. Young suffered a heart attack last week. A beloved member of the Blue Élan Records family, Young was best known as the heart and soul of Poco - the band widely considered to be one of the founders of the classic Southern California country rock sound. Young was an integral member of the band throughout their influential six decade career.

Norman Russell "Rusty" Young was born February 23, 1946 in Long Beach, CA and raised in Colorado. He began to play the lap steel guitar at the age of six and taught both guitar and steel guitar lessons during his high school years. In 1967, Young was invited to play steel guitar on what would become Buffalo Springfield’s final album, Last Time Around. Soon after, Young – along with Richie Furay, George Grantham and Jim Messina – would form the seminal West Coast country-rock band Poco. Over the next 50-plus years, alongside bandmates that would also include Paul Cotton, Randy Meisner and Timothy B. Schmit, Young became not only the musical core of the band, but also the writer and vocalist behind hits including "Rose Of Cimarron" and Billboard chart-topper "Crazy Love." His innovative style influenced many young musicians to learn and love the steel guitar.

In 2013, Young was inducted into the Steel Guitar Hall of Fame, and also announced his retirement. It turned out his retirement was short lived as Young continued to tour with Poco up until the pandemic in early 2020. Poco’s most recent line-up included Tom Hampton on guitar, Rick Lonow on drums, and longtime member Jack Sundrud on bass. As the sole remaining founder of Poco, Young is the only group member to have played at every single live concert and on every Poco recording since 1968.

Young released his only solo album, Waitin’ For The Sun in 2017 on Blue Élan Records. At the time he explained why it took him so long to finally make that leap, “I had been offered solo deals back in the ‘70s, but always felt Poco was more important. But I feel I’m now the best I’ve ever been as a singer and songwriter, and I have a better grasp of the music than ever before. And I realized that this was the perfect time to do something that could be a really rewarding part of my legacy.”

As tributes to Young pour in, Kirk Pasich, Founder and Co-President of Blue Élan Records, shares a remembrance at the time of his signing, “I was a longtime Poco fan, but really fell in love with the band once Rusty became one of the predominant songwriters and vocalists in the group.” He continued, “He was one of the first artists that I wanted to join our Blue Élan family, and it was one of my great privileges that he recorded his first solo album ever for us. His songwriting confirms just how important Rusty was—not only to Poco, but for artists that followed like the Eagles.”

“I’ve been fortunate to have had a magical career,” Young said last year.  “From the moment I was called to play on the Buffalo Springfield album, all through Poco, and now through my solo projects, things have just fallen into place. I’ve worked really hard to be the best I can be, and I think my music is the proof.”
 
Young last released several singles with Blue Élan over the last two years in addition to a live remake of “Crazy Love” which featured a host of Blue Élan label-mates joining Young at Clear Lake Studios in December 2017.  Watch the video here
 
Young was dedicated to his community and invested in philanthropy. He donated his time and money to Santana’s Hope for Paws (Friends of Steelville Pound) Animal Shelter, and in 2019 even released “Listen to Your Heart” to benefit the local animal shelter.  
 
Young is survived by his beloved wife Mary, with whom he shared a log home overlooking the Huzzah Creek where he loved to go fishing in the Mark Twain National Forest. He is also survived by their daughter Sara, son Will, and three young grandsons Chandler, Ryan and Graham, as well as Mary’s three children Joe, Marci and Hallie and grandchildren Quentin and Emma. A memorial service will be held October 16th at Wildwood Springs Lodge in Steelville, MO where Rusty and Mary met 20 years ago.

Co-founder, guitarist and Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductee Nancy Wilson of Heart recently announced her first ever solo album, You and Me, due out on May 7, 2021 via Carry On Music. Today, she releases “4 EDWARD” a tender, heartfelt tribute to her friend, Eddie Van Halen. Featuring a beautiful acoustic guitar instrumental performance from Wilson; a musical eulogy to the guitar legend.

Of the track Wilson shares, “ When Heart toured with Van Halen I asked Eddie why he never played acoustic guitar, his response ‘I don’t have one.’” Wilson immediately rectified that situation. “I gave Eddie one of mine and he immediately wrote a song on it that stole my heart. After he passed, it hit me so hard I felt it was time to pay tribute to him."

The album was recorded primarily in Wilson’s California home studio, working with her long-time collaborators; Dan Walker on keys, Ryan Waters on guitar, bassist Andy Stoller and Ben Smith on drums plus several special guests also working remotely.  Wilson self-produced the entire project along with assistance from first engineer, Matthew Sabin.
 
Many of the tracks on the new album are originals, but Wilson decided to include a handful of covers by a few of her favorites, including a female perspective of Pearl Jam’s “Daughter,” a stirring turn of Simon & Garfunkel’s “The Boxer” featuring Sammy Hagar, and an ethereal cover of the Cranberries “Dreams,” featuring Liv Warfield (Prince) from Wilson’s previous band Roadcase Royale. The first single from the album was Bruce Springsteen's "The Rising," which debuted last fall. “During this horrific time in the world, with all this enduring loss, it seemed like the right time for an aspirational song about hope and perseverance,” Wilson says. The other eight tracks are originals, mostly acoustic ballads, including a special song that captures the full spectrum of loss, love and redemption in one instrumental coda.
 
With Heart, Wilson has recorded 16 albums, sold over 35 million albums worldwide, has four Grammy nominations, been honored with the ASCAP Founders Award and was celebrated with a Star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. She had previously released one other album with just her name on it, Live at McCabe’s Guitar Shop, which captured her playing a set of covers and new songs in 1999. But Wilson considers this her first true solo album, a positive creative move amid a surreal year of loss; life during lock down.
 
With Wilson’s solo debut, as with all the legendary music she’s created with Heart, the album ended up as an emotional and intimate conversation between a musician and an audience. “Whether you’re performing onstage, or in the studio, it’s always about that relationship, and that conversation. It’s always been ‘you’ and ‘me.’”

Listen to “4 Edward” HERE.
Listen to “You and Me” HERE.
Listen to "The Rising" HERE.
The album pre-order is available now, HERE.

A living legend of improvised music, with a career now spanning more than five decades, John McLaughlin is no stranger to translating tumultuous moments into compelling, thoughtful audio art. Witness his searing contributions to Miles Davis’s infamous Jack Johnson sessions, the explosively pioneering rock/jazz hybrid he helped create as a member of the first edition of Tony Williams’s Lifetime, or the expansive explorations encompassed by his own music -- be it the rhythmic revolution of the Mahavishnu Orchestra, the unprecedented east/west fusion of Shakti, or the thrilling telepathic interplay his current outfit, the 4th Dimension.
 
With his newest album, Liberation Time, set for release on July 16, 2021, McLaughlin draws from one of humanity’s most fraught, uncertain epochs to produce music that gracefully reflects the uncertainty, vulnerability, and slowly awakening joy of our times. A direct response to the mandated restrictions imposed by the spread of Covid-19, the album is -- unusually for McLaughlin’s recent projects -- not the work of one fixed ensemble. With physical proximity no longer a prerequisite, McLaughlin drew upon decades of experience as a bandleader to select musicians best suited to each composition. Listen to a sneak peak HERE
 
“As the Spirit Sings” introduces the album by contrasting churning rhythmic tension (stoked by drummer Vinnie Colaiuta and bassist Sam Burgess) with McLaughlin’s soaring guitar figures -- all underpinned by Gary Husband’s subtle, supportive piano. The knotty post-bop figures of “Right Here, Right Now, Right On” mark one of the most jazz-inflected performances McLaughlin has laid down in some time, featuring Nicolas Viccaro (drums), Jerome Regard (bass), Julian Siegel (tenor saxophone), and Oz Ezzeldin (piano). The sense of brotherhood that bonds McLaughlin’s current 4th Dimension ensemble (McLaughlin, Husband, bassist Etienne Mbappe, and drummer Ranjit Barot) is on full display during “Lockdown Blues,” a playful refraction examination of blues tropes first released last summer to benefit the Jazz Foundation of America.
 
With vaccination campaigns now in full effect and a more promising tomorrow coming into view, Liberation Time’s title track can be felt as visceral anticipation -- a rousing glimpse into an unbound future rich with possibilities. And while much of the album revels in the sort of spontaneous interplay that has been denied by Covid restrictions, some of the album’s most touching moments feature McLaughlin alone at the piano -- an instrument he has not recorded on since his 1973 collaboration with Carlos Santana, Love Devotion Surrender.
 
Liberation Time is a product of its times, and yet it looks both forwards and backwards -- at once drawing upon memories of better days yet reaching for a new dawn. Looking back at the album’s transcontinental sessions, McLaughlin concludes, “The wonderful thing about music is that you put the headphones on and you are all in the same room.”

McLaughlin will be performing this Friday, April 30th as part of International Jazz Day. The All-Star Global Concert will be live on the official facebook page and jazzday.com at 2pm PT / 5pm ET. #JAZZDAY
 
Exclusive limited collector's edition bundles as well as CD, vinyl and early digital access pre-orders are available here.

Liberation Time Track Listing

The Spirit Sings

Singing Our Secrets

Lockdown Blues

Mila Repa

Right Here, Right Now, Right On

Shade of Blue

Liberation Times

On February 25, 2020, mere days before the first case of COVID-19 was discovered in the UK, as the ongoing pandemic necessitated the suspension of modern society, a very special concert took place at the legendary Palladium in London celebrating the songs of Peter Green and the original incarnation of Fleetwood Mac. The set is available today via BMG.
 
The audience at that sold out show witnessed something unique at what would be the last live concert anyone would attend until further notice. This show also now takes on a particularly poignant meaning, with the unfortunate passing of Peter Green in July 2020.
 
The players gathered were an all-star cast and all of the musicians present that night had a deep and frequently far-fetched, cosmic connection to the songs.
 
This music had changed their lives, impelled them to play, and for one of them, inspired the formation of their now very famous band. This music has continued to rouse and arouse, and that night, on the verge of an historically dark and sobering moment in human history, it was given a glorious observance.
 
The participants that night included Neil Finn, Noel Gallagher, Billy Gibbons, David Gilmour, Kirk Hammett, John Mayall, Christine McVie, Jeremy Spencer, Zak Starkey, Pete Townshend, Steven Tyler and Bill Wyman. Legendary producer Glyn Johns joined as the executive sound producer and the house band featured Mick Fleetwood himself along with Dave Bronze, Jonny Lang, Andy Fairweather Low, Ricky Peterson and Rick Vito.
 
Mick Fleetwood, who curated the list of artists performing, said:
 
“The concert was a celebration of those early blues days where we all began, and it’s important to recognize the profound impact Peter and the early Fleetwood Mac had on the world of music. Peter was my greatest mentor and it gave me such joy to pay tribute to his incredible talent. I was honored to be sharing the stage with some of the many artists Peter has inspired over the years and who share my great respect for this remarkable musician. ‘Then Play On’...”

Co-founder, guitarist and Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductee Nancy Wilson of Heart recently released her first EVER solo album, You and Me, to much critical acclaim.  Today, her stirring cover of the Pearl Jam classic, “Daughter” debuts with the video premiering this morning via Spin Magazine.
 
Released on May 7th, You and Me debuted #1 on Billboard’s Top New Artist chart as well as Top 10 on the Current Rock Album, the Record Label Independent Current Album and the Top New Artist Albums Consumption charts. In addition, the album was embraced by a diverse roster of media including Rolling Stone, NPR, Entertainment Tonight, American Songwriter, Newsweek, People Magazine, Marc Maron’s WTF podcast and many others.
 
“Daughter” is prominently featured in the recently released Netflix film I Am All Girls. Of the recording, Wilson said "I initially recorded ‘Daughter’ for the film, a powerful story about sex trafficking in South Africa. I was drawn to the global tragedy of human trafficking and the lyrics sung from a women's perspective also mirror the power of the girls untold stories. This film is a revelation and sheds meaning and light on these realities. Trafficking is a global phenomenon that impacts women around the world. I recorded this version as an anthem to them."  Watch the film trailer.

Also, as was previously announced, Wilson will join the Seattle Symphony for a highly anticipated live show as part of the Symphony’s Essential Series. Wilson will perform all-new arrangements created specifically for the show by the Essential Series curator and arranger Andrew Joslyn. The program will draw from her new solo album as well as feature Heart classics. The show is set to take place on Friday, July 9 at the Benaroya Hall in Seattle, WA with a limited audience and will also be streamed live via the Symphony's streaming platform, Seattle Symphony Live. Tickets are available now at live.seattlesymphony.org. The concert will be viewable to ticket holders for one full week after the initial livestream on Friday, July 9, at 8 p.m. PDT.

With Heart, Wilson has recorded 16 albums, sold over 35 million albums worldwide, has four Grammy nominations, been honored with the ASCAP Founders Award and was celebrated with a Star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. She had previously released one other album with just her name on it, Live at McCabe’s Guitar Shop, which captured her playing a set of covers and new songs in 1999. But Wilson considers this her first true solo album, a positive creative move amid a surreal year of loss; life during lock down.

Following a stream of sold-out shows at Wynn Las Vegas in 2019, rock legend John Fogerty will return to Encore Theater this fall with his all-new “Travelin’ Band” show. Performing his Creedence Clearwater Revival hits, Fogerty will take the stage on select nights from Oct. 6 – 16. Tickets for all six shows go on sale Thursday, May 27 at 10 a.m. PT.

“Las Vegas! I can’t wait to be back at Wynn,” said Fogerty. “This will be my fourth year playin’ at Encore Theater. It’s good to be back with my Las Vegas family. It’s gonna be a big celebration. I can’t think of a better way than to throw a rock and roll party playin’ all my hits for you.”

Ticket Information

Performance Dates: Oct. 6, 9-10, 13, 15-16; 8 p.m. 

Public On-Sale: Thursday, May 27, 2021 at 10 a.m. PT

Price: $69.50-$250 plus applicable fees

Points Of Purchase: Wynn Las Vegas Box Office (702-770-9966) or www.ticketmaster.com

With a successful music career spanning more than 60 years, Fogerty is known around the world for chart-topping hits such as “Proud Mary,” “Centerfield,” “Fortunate Son” and more. Aside from music, Fogerty dedicates much of his time to supporting veterans throughout Las Vegas and across the country, and in recognition of these endeavors, granted the key to the Las Vegas Strip during his November 2019 run at Wynn Las Vegas.
 
In December 2020, Fogerty's iconic songbook of Creedence Clearwater Revival's Chronicle Vol. 1 reached the milestone of charting for over 500 weeks on the Billboard 200, becoming only the eighth album to ever do so. The Rock and Roll Hall of Famer's iconic songs also took on new life in the form of his "Fogerty's Factory" performance series accompanied by his three children, in which they performed reimagined classics on The Late Show with Stephen Colbert and NPR's Tiny Desk. These performances were later released as a new album called Fogerty's Factory on BMG last November. In early January 2021, Fogerty released his first new original solo music in eight years, “Weeping In The Promised Land.” The song is Fogerty's definitive look back at 2020, ultimately serving as a moving tribute to those who had been affected by the pandemic, as well as those who have suffered through prejudice and injustice, with an eye on brighter days ahead.

Soul Asylum are more than ready to re-start their live shows after their 2020 best- selling tour in 15 years was cut short due to the Pandemic lockdown orders. The band played their last full, live date on March 11, 2020 at the Teragram Ballroom in Los Angeles. Like all tours that month, they got the news of the lockdown while waiting for soundcheck in San Diego and were forced to return to Minneapolis, cutting short their 25-date tour with six shows left hanging in the balance. 

The quartet will rev up the tour bus for their new “Back In Your Face” tour beginning August 3 in Reading, PA before hitting 26 other cities, winding up in Maple Grove, MN on September 18.  Additional dates to be announced shortly, Local H and Juliana Hatfield support on all dates. The current Soul Asylum line-up features Dave Pirner as lead vocals/guitar, Michael Bland on drums, Ryan Smith on lead guitar, and Wynston Roye on bass. 
 
“Being off the road and at home for this last 15 months has been as hard on all of us, as it has everyone in the world really,” explains Pirner. “We haven’t been in one place, for this long, in the history of the band. We can’t wait to get back to the road and see our fans, get ready because these shows are going to be special!”

Soul Asylum did anything but sit at home idle during this last 15 months. Leader Pirner and guitarist, Ryan Smith spent a good amount of the first six months of the Stay at Home orders doing weekly, Friday night Quarantine Sessions from Pirner’s living room. From those performances, the idea to record a few of the songs in this new acoustic format, sprung forth and the Born Free digital EP was released last October. In other exciting release news, the posthumous album from PRINCE, Welcome 2 America, is set to release on July 30 and features a cover of Soul Asylum’s 2006 single “Stand Up and B Strong” alongside the eleven Prince originals.
 
Hurry Up and Wait was released on April 17, 2020 to much fan and critical acclaim worldwide landing the band their highest Billboard Chart position since 1995's Platinum selling Let Your Dim Light Shine. The new album was co-producer John Fields, who also worked on the band's previous three albums. In addition, the group also decamped to a familiar spot: Nicollet Studios, the same place SOUL ASYLUM recorded one of their seminal early albums released on Twin/Tone Records, the 1986 LP While You Were Out.
  
Spanning three decades, Soul Asylum’s indie success led to the band entering the major-label mainstream with 1988's Hang Time and its 1990 follow-up And the Horse They Rode In On, before achieving a platinum-level commercial breakthrough with 1992's Grave Dancers Union (certified 3x platinum) and 1995's Let Your Dim Light Shine. Grave Dancers Union featured the international hits "Runaway Train", which won a 1994 Grammy as Best Rock Song, and "Black Gold," while Let Your Dim Light Shine (platinum) spawned the hit "Misery". After 1998's Candy from a Stranger, Soul Asylum returned to action in 2006 with The Silver Lining, Delayed Reaction six years later and most recently with 2016’s Change of Fortune.

SOUL ASYLUM ON TOUR – All dates supported by Local H and Juliana Hatfield:

August 3          Reverb                                    Reading, PA
August 5          The Vault Music Hall               New Bedford, MA
August 6          Aura                                        Portland, ME
August 7          Orange Motorsports               Middletown, NY
August 8          Wally’s Pub                             Hampton Beach, NH
August 10        The Ramkat                            Winston-Salem, NC
August 11        Oceanfront Concert Series     Virginia Beach, VA
August 12        House of Blues                        N. Myrtle Beach, SC
August 14        Saint Louis Music Park            Maryland Heights, MO
August 15        Grinders KC                             Kansas City, MO
August 20        The Castle Theatre                  Bloomington, IL
August 21        The Piazza                               Aurora, IL
August 22        Garfield Park                           Indianapolis, IN
August 26        The Red Carpet                       Charleston, WV
August 27        Jergels                                     Warrendale, PA
August 28        Riverfront Live                         Cincinnati, OH
August 30        ACL Live at The Moody            Austin, TX
September 1   Lava Cantina The Colony         The Colony, TX
September 3   VBC Mars Music Hall                Huntsville, AL
September 4   Hop Springs                              Murfreesboro, TN
September 5   Piere’s Entertainment Center    Fort Wayne, IN
September 9   Summerfest @ BMO Harris      Milwaukee, WI
September 10 Greenway Takeover Festival    Grand Forks, ND
September 11 The ‘O’riginal Bar                      Minot, ND
September 16 Evans Amphitheater at Cain     Cleveland Heights, OH
September 17 Menominee Nation Arena         Oshkosh, WI
September 18 Concert on the Lawn                Maple Grove, MN

Rock ‘n’ Roll Fantasy Camp unveils its first ever WOMEN ONLY Rock Camp! This ground-breaking camp will take place in Los Angeles, CA over the Grammy® weekend, January 27-30, 2022 with special headlining mentors including Melissa Etheridge, Nancy Wilson, Kathy Valentine, Orianthi and even more to be announced in the coming weeks. In addition to the women headlining, the crew and staff working on the event will be composed of an entirely female workforce.  In addition, the multidisciplinary guest speakers from the music and recording industry will incorporate talented women led by Britt Lightning (Vixen), the musical director for the entire Rock Camp organization. Campers can reserve their spot now at Rockcamp.com.
 
Excited to be a first-time mentor, rocker Melissa Etheridge said, "It's so inspiring having organizations such as The Rock 'n' Roll Fantasy Camp embrace and support women in the music industry. I'm looking forward to meeting the campers and collaborating with everyone there!"
 
As the veteran mentor on the team, Heart’s Nancy Wilson exclaims, “The Rock 'n' Roll Fantasy Camp is always a joy to do. Looking forward to the first ever all girl camp this year! It ought to be extra cool and extra fun.”

At the signature Rock Camps, participants form a band where they are then mentored by their rock star counselor and rehearse songs to jam with the special guests. Some of the rockstar mentors for this Girls Only camp include heavy hitters like Rhonda Smith (Prince, Jeff Beck), Jennifer Batten (Michael Jackson), Eva Gardner (P!nk, Gwen Stefani), Ashley Reeve (Cher, Filter), Jennie Vee (Eagles of Death Metal) and many more. Throughout the four days, campers will experience masterclasses, Q&A sessions and themed jam rooms, before it all culminates with a live performance before an all-ages crowd at the world-famous Whisky a Go Go, in Hollywood on Sunday, January 30, 2022. There will also be a pre-Grammy party on Saturday evening for campers.
 
Mentor Kathy Valentine (The Go-Go’s) is eager to join the campers, “How cool is this? My first in-person rock fantasy camp experience will be with the first women only fantasy camp. One of my favorite things about the virtual one I did last year was getting the opportunity to encourage, inspire, and share what I’ve learned in my career with campers.”
 
Enthusiastically, Orianthi echoes Kathy’s sentiment, “I’m so excited to be a part of Rock ‘n’ Roll Fantasy Camp again! This time with some amazing women, can’t wait to share some of my stories and hopefully inspire more campers to rock on and never give up!”
 
This exclusive Women Only Camp experience is a safe, non-competitive environment for women of all ages to take their skills and confidence to the next level, realize their dreams are possible, while creating bonds and friendships for life with fellow musicians. Explains counselor and Camp Music Director, Britt Lightning, "Camp becomes an emotional and life changing experience for both campers and rockstars, as you witness transformations in people both musically and emotionally.” As The Who’s Roger Daltrey concurs, "It's an amazing experience and it makes you remember where you came from."
 
April Samuels, a former camper, is thrilled to be partnering this year with Rock ‘n’ Roll Fantasy Camp. In 2011, April had just completed chemo treatment for breast cancer and wanted to celebrate by going to Rock ‘n’ Roll Fantasy Camp to see one of her favorite musicians, Sammy Hagar. Attending camp helped her expand on her nonprofit, Breast Cancer Can Stick It! Foundation, Inc.  “Coming to Rock Camp gave me the idea to incorporate celebrity drummers in our events. Now every year at our largest annual fundraising event, Drummathon, we feature rock star celebrity drummers! It’s really had an enormous impact in our fight against breast cancer through Breast Cancer Can Stick It!” Samuels continued, “I’m excited our nonprofit is partnering with my friends at Rock 'n' Roll Fantasy Camp for this very special women’s camp!” The Camp will supply signed gear to auction for Samuels charity and will also make a donation to Breast Cancer Can Stick It! Foundation, Inc.

Rock ‘n’ Roll Fantasy Camp was created 25 years ago to provide real people the once-in-a-lifetime experience of connecting and jamming with their musical heroes. The Camp has provided unforgettable memories, advice and feedback for attendees worldwide. Camp events span over four jam packed days where campers join a band mentored by today’s top touring musicians, and work up to final performances with the headliner rockstars at legendary venues from Abbey Road Studios in London, to Hollywood’s Whisky a Go Go, to the Atlantic resort in The Bahamas.

The in-person Camp announcement comes on the heels of the tremendously successful 2021 documentary Rock Camp, The Movie. "Entertaining”, “inspiring" and "moving" are how critics, audiences and industry leaders describe the new documentary Rock Camp. The film follows four real people who attend Rock 'N' Roll Fantasy Camp and how it transforms their lives. These "rock campers" share the stage with superstar counselors including Roger Daltrey, Alice Cooper, Gene Simmons, Paul Stanley, Nancy Wilson, Joe Perry, Judas Priest, Sammy Hagar and many more. Rock Camp is directed by Doug Blush, who has worked on 100+ documentaries (including Oscar winners 20 Feet from Stardom, Icarus, and Period. End of Sentence.).

Rock Camp, The Movie has generated great word of mouth and buzz, scoring a 94% Fresh rating on Rotten Tomatoes, and continues to hold the #1 Music Doc spot on iTunes/Apple TV. The film has been featured on The Today Show, The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon and on ABC News. The Washington Post called Rock Camp "an eye-opening treat," and The Chicago Sun-Times described it as "infectiously upbeat." Music industry critic and influencer Bob Lefsetz raves, "I couldn't turn it off. Rock and roll is a religion."

The concert featuring Nancy Wilson of Heart with the Seattle Symphony is being rescheduled from July 9 to October 30. The decision to postpone the performance was made in response to increasing inquiries regarding larger in-person audiences, the feasibility of which is dampened by current restrictions due to the ongoing pandemic. Wilson, who co-founded her iconic band in Seattle and now returns as a soloist, is passionate about her debut project, and the Symphony looks forward to welcoming more music fans to experience the performance in person at Benaroya Hall.

“I want this concert to be a celebration for all my fans to be able to attend,” says Wilson. “We can’t gather here for a great night like that right now — but we are so close to the end of this terrible pandemic. My hope is to share this music and my performance alongside the orchestra with as many people as possible. These extra months will make all the difference and give us a chance to get together and let go of the tough times we’ve had.”

The Seattle Symphony’s concert with Nancy Wilson will feature original arrangements of Wilson’s newest songs from her debut solo album, You and Me, as well as hits from Heart’s extensive catalog on Saturday, October 30, 2021, at 8 p.m. Tickets to the rescheduled show will be put on-sale mid-July; more information to come.

Ticketholders for either the in-person or livestreamed concert on Seattle Symphony Live will receive an email regarding all options available and can contact the Seattle Symphony Ticket Office by emailing   [email protected] or calling 206.215.4790 for more information.
 
NANCY WILSON OF HEART WITH THE SEATTLE SYMPHONY
THE ESSENTIAL SERIES
Saturday, October 30, at 8 p.m.
 
Lee Mills conductor
Nancy Wilson guitar, vocals, mandolin, autoharp, percussion
Liv Warfield vocals, percussion
Ben Smith drums, percussion
Ryan Waters lead guitar, vocals
Dan Walker keyboard, vocals, accordion
Andy Stoller bass, vocals
 
Rock icon Nancy Wilson (co-founder of the band Heart) teams up with the Seattle Symphony for a highly anticipated evening of rock ‘n’ roll on the Benaroya Hall stage. The show will include beloved fan favorites like “Barracuda,” “These Dreams” and “Crazy on You,” alongside original tracks from her brand-new solo album, You and Me. This is Wilson’s first solo album, and it gives her a new platform to nurture a distinctly different artist voice, independent of the Heart sound that has largely defined her decades-long career.

It’s taken 50 years, but John Fogerty’s Creedence Clearwater Revival song, “Have You Ever Seen the Rain,” has hit the #1 spot on Billboards’ Rock Digital Song Sales Chart making it the first and only song released by Fogerty, as leader of Creedence Clearwater Revival, to reach the top spot on the charts!
 
Just why is this happening now, 50 years later? It really comes down to a variety of reasons first and foremost, these iconic songs always have and continue to resonate with generations across the board. Live touring has commenced with his first shows in over 16 months taking place this past holiday weekend. In addition, Fogerty also recently embraced the Tik Tok platform, uploading his own videos while also joining in on a “Centerfield” duet with a popular Tik Toker.  The video currently has over 200k views on both channels while John’s Tik Tok videos have garnered over 4.1 million views collectively.
 
It was in March of 1985 when Fogerty obtained his first #1 charting position with his solo album, Centerfield, his first album to be released in nine years after taking a long break from the music business following years of legal battles with his record company.
 
Joining “Have You Ever Seen The Rain” on the current Rock Digital Song Sales chart are "Bad Moon Rising" and “Fortunate Son,” which have reached new peaks by also appearing inside the Top 10 at #8 and #9, respectively. “Have You Ever Seen The Rain” has also topped the Canadian Hot Digital Songs chart at #1 while “Bad Moon Rising” lands at #13, there, as well.
 
When Fogerty and Creedence Clearwater Revival were together as a band, they clocked nine Top 10 hits on the Hot 100, an impressive showing in itself. Five of their hit singles peaked at #2.
 
Fogerty recently released his first new, original song at the start of the year, “Weeping in the Promised Land” which came out on January 6. The song was a poignant reflection on 2020 and the after effects of the COVID-19 lockdown. During the “safer-at-home” time period of 2020, Fogerty joined with his family; sons Shane and Tyler, daughter Kelsy, to form Fogerty’s Factory. Playing in their home studio and around their backyard, the foursome released a series of videos – both classic Fogerty-penned songs as well as a few reimagined cover tunes, the entire series garnering nearly 16 million views to date! The group appeared on The Late Show with Stephen Colbert and NPR’s Tiny Desk among many other stops along the way. An album of the song collection was released in November 2020. In December, Creedence Clearwater Revival's Chronicle Vol. 1 hit the milestone of charting for over 500 weeks on the Billboard 200, becoming only the eighth album to ever do so.

A living legend of improvised music, with a career now spanning more than five decades, John McLaughlin, anointed high priest of fusion is no stranger to translating tumultuous moments into compelling, thoughtful audio art. Witness his searing contributions to Miles Davis’ infamous Jack Johnson sessions, the explosively pioneering rock/jazz hybrid he helped create as a member of the first edition of Tony Williams’ Lifetime, or the expansive explorations encompassed by his own music -- be it the rhythmic revolution of the Mahavishnu Orchestra, the unprecedented east/west fusion of Shakti, or the thrilling telepathic interplay his current outfit, the 4th Dimension.

With his newest album, Liberation Time, set for release tomorrow, July 16th, McLaughlin draws from one of humanity’s most fraught, uncertain epochs to produce music that gracefully reflects the uncertainty, vulnerability, and slowly awakening joy of our times. A direct response to the mandated restrictions imposed by the spread of Covid-19, the album is -- unusually for McLaughlin’s recent projects -- not the work of one fixed ensemble. With physical proximity no longer a prerequisite, McLaughlin drew upon decades of experience as a bandleader to select musicians best suited to each composition. Courtesy of his label Abstract Logix enjoy a preview, HERE

“As the Spirit Sings” introduces the album by contrasting churning rhythmic tension (stoked by drummer Vinnie Colaiuta and bassist Sam Burgess) with McLaughlin’s soaring guitar figures -- all underpinned by Gary Husband’s subtle, supportive piano. The knotty post-bop figures of “Right Here, Right Now, Right On” mark one of the most jazz-inflected performances McLaughlin has laid down in some time, featuring Nicolas Viccaro (drums), Jerome Regard (bass), Julian Siegel (tenor saxophone), and Oz Ezzeldin (piano). The sense of brotherhood that bonds McLaughlin’s current 4th Dimension ensemble (McLaughlin, Husband, bassist Etienne Mbappe, and drummer Ranjit Barot) is on full display during “Lockdown Blues,” a playful refraction examination of blues tropes first released last summer to benefit the Jazz Foundation of America. The Financial Times calls it the track “a dashing exercise in jazz-guitar shredding and rhythmic sprightliness.”
 
With vaccination campaigns now in full effect and a more promising tomorrow coming into view, Liberation Time’s title track can be felt as visceral anticipation -- a rousing glimpse into an unbound future rich with possibilities. Of the cut,  WBGO's Greg Bryant said "McLaughlin unleashes a vigorous, nearly seven-minute solo of the highest intensity that never lets loose. It is the driven, spirited and fearless McLaughlin that his fans have come to expect.” And while much of the album revels in the sort of spontaneous interplay that has been denied by Covid restrictions, some of the album’s most touching moments feature McLaughlin alone at the piano -- an instrument he has not recorded on since his 1973 collaboration with Carlos Santana, Love Devotion Surrender.

Liberation Time is a product of its times, and yet it looks both forwards and backwards -- at once drawing upon memories of better days yet reaching for a new dawn. London Jazz News raves, “as for McLaughlin’s legendary ‘chops’ fans will not be disappointed!...John is clearly inspired and plays magnificently, as always, throughout the record.”  Looking back at the album’s transcontinental sessions, McLaughlin concludes, “The wonderful thing about music is that you put the headphones on and you are all in the same room.”

Exclusive limited collector's edition bundles as well as CD, vinyl and early digital access pre-orders are available here.

Liberation Time Track Listing

    The Spirit Sings
    Singing Our Secrets
    Lockdown Blues
    Mila Repa
    Right Here, Right Now, Right On
    Shade of Blue
    Liberation Times

The Nashville-based alternative southern rock band—THE VEGABONDS are ready to get back to what they know – releasing kick ass new music and touring around the country, having logged more 400,000 miles over their ten-year history. New single, “Heartache And A Memory,” is out today with their new full-length studio album, Sinners and Saints, set for release on September 24, 2021 through Blue Élan Records. Also announced this week, The Vegabonds will join 240 other musical acts at this year’s AmericanaFest 2021 taking place September 22-25 in Nashville, TN.

New single, “Heartache and a Memory,” deals with a painful split using Richard Forehand’s twangy guitar and an R&B ache as singer/lyricist Daniel Allen croons, “We’re putting off the hurt, to cover up the pain.”

As Allen explains, “It’s a breakup song you can dance to. The song is about that moment in limbo when you know you’re going to split up, but you’re still together going through the motions. It’s that time of mentally wrestling with holding on to great memories while knowing you have to face the heartache that lies ahead.”
Produced once more by Grammy-nominated Tom Tapley [Mastodon, Blackberry Smoke] – who did the honors on the last two Vegabonds releases – the determinedly upbeat Sinners and Saints expands the group’s southern rock pallet and jam band pedigree to explore funky, keyboard-driven blues-pop in first single, “Can’t Deal” before expanding even further with the intersection of country, soul and rock in “Heartache and a Memory” and even some Fleetwood Mac-style grooves in “Feels Right,” the latter a co-write from their close friend and songwriter and jack of all trades Ross “Brother” Beasley.

After logging more than 400,000 miles, visiting hundreds of cities, over 30 states, and 10 countries, the band is still friends first, and the music reflects the long-term relationship The Vegabonds have developed over a decade. Bassist Paul Bruens explains “The reason we’ve been around this long is because we stick it out. We’re both friends and family, and we all decided to continue making music. And if you can believe it, we actually still like each other!”

The Alabama-born, Tennessee-bred Southern rock band, The Vegabonds got their start in Alabama, after meeting while attending Auburn University in 2009 and playing the college circuit across the Southeastern United States. Their popularity quickly burgeoned to the point where they found their fans singing along word-for-word to their first hits like “Georgia Fire” and “Shaky Hands.” From Ole Miss to South Carolina, students buzzed about The Vegabonds authentic sound and their seemingly effortless ability to bring the house down. Through word of mouth, the group’s fan base rapidly grew, and the guys learned they had something distinctive with their eclectic mix of Southern Rock, Country, and earnest songwriting. Their DIY efforts delivered three full-length albums and an EP before partnering with Blue Élan Records.

THE VEGABONDS are Daniel Allen (Lead vocals/songwriter), Richard Forehand (Lead guitars/vocals), Paul Bruen (bass), Beau Cooper (keyboards/vocals/songwriter) and Bryan Harris (drums)

The Vegabonds On Tour:

7/28/21 - Glen Allen, VA - Innsbrook Pavilion
7/29/21 - Virginia Beach, VA - Elevation 27
7/30/21 - Washington, DC - Pearl Street Warehouse
7/31/21 - Raleigh, NC - The Pour House Music Hall
8/5/21  -  Chicago, IL  - HVAC Pub
8/6/21  - Appleton, WI  -  Mile of Music
8/7/21  - Appleton, WI  -  Mile of Music
8/14/21 - Harlowton, MT - Harlo Music Project
9/2/21 - Athens, GA - Georgia Theatre
9/3/21 – Isle of Palms, SC – The Windjammer
9/10/21 – Atlanta, GA – Candler Park Music Festival
9/11/21 - Covington, VA - Adventure X Fest at Jackson River Sports Complex
9/22/21 – Nashville,TN – Americanafest 2021
9/23/21 – Nashville,TN – Americanafest 2021
9/24/21 – Nashville,TN – Americanafest 2021
9/30/21 – Los Angeles, CA – El Cid
10/1/21 – San Diego, CA – Untapped Beer Festival
10/2/21– San Diego, CA – Untapped Beer Festival
10/3/21 – San Diego, CA – Untapped Beer Festival

More dates TBA

Beginning September 1, 2021 Wentworth Galleries will showcase, and offer for sale, a unique collection of art from the late creator Ric Ocasek. In addition to being a visual artist Ocasek, who passed away on September 15, 2019, was best known as the singer, rhythm guitarist, songwriter and frontman for one of the most successful and beloved New Wave bands - The Cars. 

Ocasek had a diverse and expansive musical vocabulary - when not working with his band, he produced other musicians from punk pioneers Bad Brains, rock band No Doubt, NYC’s power-pop trio Nada Surf, Irish rockers Black 47 as well as several multi-platinum albums for Weezer. As with his music, creating visual elements came naturally to Ocasek: “Art is a way to release tension and to organize my thoughts. It’s something I do while pondering an outcome. The drawings start with a shape and explode from there.”Some of his inspiration came from his close friend and pop art icon, Andy Warhol.  Warhol created portraits of Ocasek and directed The Cars video for “Hello Again.”  Ocasek loved Warhol’s works and, in his words, “his stuff I loved not only because it looked amazing, but it was different than everyone else’s and had an idea behind it.” 

Ocasek enjoyed many different aspects of art, but was particularly attracted to pop art, and had a deep passion for taking photographs. Like the music he created with The Cars, Ocasek’s drawings were unabashedly pop—and yet unlike his music’s super sleek veneer, these works are a bit rawer and more unedited, revealing meditative moments of a Zen-like drawing practice. Ocasek’s spontaneous, rhythmic mark-making is completely musical and explores repetition and patterns with psychedelic colors and sinuous lines.

Wentworth Gallery is honored to exclusively carry his collection of vibrant and eclectic works.  Ric was initially reserved about showcasing his art but Christian O’Mahony, President of Wentworth Gallery, convinced him to enlighten the world and showcase his talent. “When I saw Ric’s art for the first time, I was struck with the emotion it captured,” explains Christian. “You can sense a part of Ric in the art. It really gives a snapshot into the mind of an artistic genius. I am honored to showcase and sell his art in my galleries.”
 
Before his sad and untimely passing, he was to be honored at the distinguished Butler Institute of American Art Museum.

Ocasek's art will showcase exhibitions at Wentworth Galleries based in Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Virginia, Maryland, Georgia and Florida.

Wentworth Gallery’s
 
Pennsylvania:
Wentworth Gallery at King of Prussia Mall - 690 West Dekalb Pike #2084, King of Prussia, PA 19406
 
New Jersey:
Wentworth Gallery at Hard Rock Hotel & Casino 
Wentworth Gallery at The Mall at Short Hills 
 
Virginia:
Wentworth Gallery at Tysons Galleria
 
Maryland:
Wentworth Gallery at Westfield Montgomery Mall
 
Georgia:
Wentworth Gallery at Phipps Plaza
 
Florida:
Wentworth Gallery at Las Olas
Wentworth Gallery at Town Center Mall
Wentworth Gallery at Hard Rock Hotel & Casino
 
For more information: https://wentworthgallery.com/ocasek.html#

After the extremely successful launch of Joe Satriani’s debut comic book series, Crystal Planet in January, issue #3 is now set to release this November. Created by Joe Satriani and Ned Evett the series is released in conjunction with Incendium under the music-focused OPUS imprint. Issue #3 is available for pre-order now, with limited quantities of Issue #1 and #2 still available while supplies last here and here. Due to fan demand, an exclusive limited-edition bundle is also available to purchase now. It features issue #1 signed by Satriani plus a sublimated hat, an art print of issue #2’s cover and an enamel pin. Only 250 sets are available, fans can order the bundle here.
 
Issue #1 of this vivid space odyssey introduced us to Satchel Walker, a man out of time who finds himself caught between desperate factions as they battle for resources in the perilous orbit of a dying star. In a bold and brutal saga of sentient storms and Wingsuit armies, it’s music, and more importantly the power and emotion that music can conjure, which could bring an end to the conflict, restore harmony to the time stream, and reveal Walker’s true place in the universe. In issue #3, with his father’s old guitar and lifelong friend Sarah Fortune along for the ride, Satchel uncovers new revelations about his past that will likely cost him his future, as his enemies are closing in.

Satriani says, "Everybody loves vintage guitars. What about guitars from the future? Satchel’s got one that can destroy incomprehensible enemies and restore order to the universe with a sound that he alone can conjure from it. Guitars are cool."

Crystal Planet begins as a five-issue series. The first print edition of each issue will be released as a prestige format limited edition collectible comic book, featuring cardstock covers, specialty foil treatments, glossy pages, and individual numbering. Each first printing will be limited to 1998 copies at $19.98, and available to order here.

The world of Crystal Planet will extend beyond the printed page into toys and collectibles. A Joe Satriani Crystal Planet action figure is also available to pre-order for $29.95, featuring Joe in a Tri-Diver suit from the comics with his signature Crystal Planet Ibanez guitar. Shipping Summer 2021.

CREDITS:
CREATED BY: Joe Satriani, Ned Evett
SCRIPT: Tony Lee
PENCILS/INKS: Richard Friend
COLOR: Carlos Cabrera
LETTERS: Jacob Bascle
EDITOR: Llexi Leon

The Nashville-based alternative southern rock band—THE VEGABONDS are ready to get back to what they know – releasing kick ass new music and touring around the country, having logged more 400,000 miles over their ten-year history. New single, “Feels Right,” is out today with their new full-length studio album, Sinners and Saints, set for release on September 24, 2021 through Blue Élan Records. Also back out on the road playing live, The Vegabonds will join 240 other musical acts at this year’s Americanafest 2021 taking place September 22-25 in Nashville, TN.
 
New single, “Feels Right,” is a special one for singer Daniel Allen as he explains, “I remember the first time I heard ‘Feels Right.’ We were on tour in Colorado. Our good buddy Brother (Ross) Beasley was with us opening shows, and was hanging around before the show and he played it for me. As soon as I heard the chorus I knew I wanted us to record the song. It quickly became a stand out track and one of my personal favorites. The music, melodies, and lyrics still hit me just as hard today as the first time I heard it in that small room in Colorado.”

Produced once more by Grammy-nominated Tom Tapley [Mastodon, Blackberry Smoke] – who did the honors on the last two Vegabonds releases – the determinedly upbeat Sinners and Saints expands the group’s southern rock pallet and jam band pedigree to explore funky, keyboard-driven blues-pop in first single, “Can’t Deal” before expanding even further with the intersection of country, soul and rock in “Heartache and a Memory” and even some Fleetwood Mac-style grooves in “Feels Right,” the latter a co-write from their close friend and songwriter and jack of all trades Ross “Brother” Beasley.

After logging more than 400,000 miles, visiting hundreds of cities, over 30 states, and 10 countries, the band is still friends first, and the music reflects the long-term relationship The Vegabonds have developed over a decade. Bassist Paul Bruens explains “The reason we’ve been around this long is because we stick it out. We’re both friends and family, and we all decided to continue making music. And if you can believe it, we actually still like each other!”

The Alabama-born, Tennessee-bred Southern rock band, The Vegabonds got their start in Alabama, after meeting while attending Auburn University in 2009 and playing the college circuit across the Southeastern United States. Their popularity quickly burgeoned to the point where they found their fans singing along word-for-word to their first hits like “Georgia Fire” and “Shaky Hands.” From Ole Miss to South Carolina, students buzzed about The Vegabonds authentic sound and their seemingly effortless ability to bring the house down. Through word of mouth, the group’s fan base rapidly grew, and the guys learned they had something distinctive with their eclectic mix of Southern Rock, Country, and earnest songwriting. Their DIY efforts delivered three full-length albums and an EP before partnering with Blue Élan Records.
 
THE VEGABONDS are Daniel Allen (Lead vocals/songwriter), Richard Forehand (Lead guitars/vocals), Paul Bruen (bass), Beau Cooper (keyboards/vocals/songwriter) and Bryan Harris (drums)

The Vegabonds On Tour:

9/2 - Live @ Georgia Theatre - Athens, GA
9/3 - Live @ The Windjammer - Isle of Palms, SC
9/5 - Live @ The Amp on Lake Martin - Eclectic, AL
9/9 - Live @ Dr Pepper Park - Roanoke, VA w/ Blackberry Smoke
9/10 - Live @ Candler Park Music Festival - Atlanta, GA
9/11 - Live @ Adventure X Fest - Covington, VA
9/24 - Live @ The High Watt - Nashville, TN Americanafest
10/1-3 - Live @ Untapped Beer Festival - San Diego, CA
10/20 - Live @ North Street Press Club - Farmville, VA
10/29 - Live @ Brooklyn Bowl - Nashville, TN w/ The Dirty Guv'Nahs

More dates TBA

Co-founder, guitarist and Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductee Nancy Wilson of Heart will be releasing a special vinyl edition of her first EVER solo album, You And Me on this year’s RSD Black Friday, November 26, 2021. This special deluxe version will include three never before released bonus cover songs from The Beatles and Steely Dan, the full track listing is below. The album will be available at select independent record stores around the world. To find a store near you, visit Record Store Day.

Wilson is set to join the Seattle Symphony for a special concert featuring original arrangements of these newest songs from You And Me as well as hits from Heart’s extensive catalog. The concert was originally scheduled for July was postponed to this later October date as a response to increasing inquiries regarding larger in-person audiences, the feasibility of which is dampened by current restrictions due to the ongoing pandemic. Nancy is excited to join even more fans with this later October date. Information and tickets can be purchased here.
 
The album was recorded primarily in Wilson’s California home studio, working with band members and special guests remotely. “Being off the road last year from touring with Heart, and at home with my good guitars and amps out,” Wilson says, “I felt like I was once again able to reconnect with my pre-Heart self, my college-girl self, creating poetic, intimate and romantic songs, which pretty much is what I first brought in to Heart.”
 
With her band Heart, Nancy Wilson has recorded 16 albums, sold over 35 million albums worldwide and has four Grammy nominations. She had previously released one other album with just her name on it, Live at McCabe’s Guitar Shop, which captured her playing a set of covers and new songs in 1999. But considers You And Me her first true solo album, a positive creative move amid a surreal year of loss; life during lockdown.

You And Me RSD Black Friday Deluxe Vinyl Edition - Complete Tracklisting
Side A
1. You and Me
2. The Rising
3.  I’ll Find You
4.  Daughter
 
Side B
5.  Party at the Angel Ballroom (with Duff McKagan & Taylor Hawkins)
6.  The Boxer (with Sammy Hagar)
7.  Walk Away
8.  The Inbetween
 
Side C
9.  Dreams (with Liv Warfield)
10.  The Dragon
11.  We Meet Again
12.  4 Edward
 
Side D
13. Bluebird (Beatles)
14. Fixing A Hole (Beatles)
15. Any Major Dude (Steely Dan)

Produced by Grammy-nominated Tom Tapley [Mastodon, Blackberry Smoke] – who did the honors on the last two Vegabonds releases – the determinedly upbeat Sinners and Saints expands the group’s southern rock pallet and jam band pedigree to explore funky, keyboard-driven blues-pop in first single, “Can’t Deal” before reaching new limits with the intersection of country, soul and rock in “Heartache and a Memory,” and even some Fleetwood Mac-style grooves in “Feels Right” — the latter a co-write from their close friend and songwriter and jack-of-all-trades Ross “Brother” Beasley.

It was in May of last year that The Vegabonds recorded their last new music, a live EP, recorded during the first full-band live stream to take place during lockdown. After a two-month quarantine, this was the first time the quintet was able to play together, making it the longest span of time the band had gone in a decade, without playing a show or even being in the same room together. The result, The Vegabonds Live from West End Sound, was released this past March. Their last studio album, V, was released in early 2019 to much critical acclaim with Popmatters declaring, “…the album fires on all cylinders with a combustible combination of tub-thumpin' alt-country, searing rock riffs and robust but heartfelt lyrics that will help ease the pain.” While The Deli Nashville said of the new music, “...Fans of Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers, the Allman Brothers, or Springsteen will rave about V…”
 
The Alabama-born, Tennessee-bred Southern rock band, The Vegabonds got their start in Alabama, after meeting while attending Auburn University in 2009 and playing the college circuit across the Southeastern United States. Their popularity quickly burgeoned to the point where they found their fans singing along word-for-word to their first hits like “Georgia Fire” and “Shaky Hands.” From Ole Miss to South Carolina, students buzzed about The Vegabonds authentic sound and their seemingly effortless ability to bring the house down. Through word of mouth, the group’s fan base rapidly grew, and the guys learned they had something distinctive with their eclectic mix of Southern Rock, Country, and earnest songwriting. Their DIY efforts delivered three full-length albums and an EP before partnering with Blue Élan Records.
 
THE VEGABONDS are Daniel Allen (Lead vocals/songwriter), Richard Forehand (Lead guitars/vocals), Paul Bruen (bass), Beau Cooper (keyboards/vocals/songwriter) and Bryan Harris (drums)

The Vegabonds On Tour:

9/24/21 - Nashville, TN – High Watt - AmericanaFest Showcase
10/1/21 - San Diego, CA - Petco Park (Untappd Beer Festival)
10/9/21 - Concord, NC - GreenLife Family Farms (Shakedown Festival)
10/20/21 - Farmville, VA - North Street Press Club
10/21/21 - Blacksburg, VA - Bull & Bones Rocktober Fest (w/Jared Stout & The Jowlers)
10/29/21 - Nashville, TN - Brooklyn Bowl Nashville (w/ The Dirty Guv'nahs)
11/4/21 - Seabrook, TX - Barge 295 (with Grady Spencer & The Works)
11/5/21 - Austin, TX - The Far Out Lounge & Stage
11/6/21 - Dallas, TX - Granada Theatre
12/11/21 - Columbia, TN - The Mulehouse
12/16/21 - Raleigh, NC - Lincoln Theatre
12/17/21 - Richmond, VA - The Broadberry
12/19/21 - Birmingham, AL - Iron City
 
More dates TBA

Two-time Grammy award-winning band, OZOMATLI, are releasing new music today, “Fellas,” featuring special guests J.J. Fad (“Supersonic”) and Lisa Lisa of Cult Jam fame (“I Wonder If I Take You Home”, Can You Feel The Beat”, “Head to Toe”), iconic hip hop pioneers and R&B queen of the 80’s pop music scene. Freestyle fanatics can listen to the track, here.

“First of all, freestyle music and its vibe has always been an influential presence in dance and hip hop music. J.J. Fad and Lisa Lisa are legends, and we were happy to have them do their thing on “Fellas.” “Fellas” is a simple cautionary tale from men with experience. Don’t be an a**hole, and when you are, sit in it so you actually start to understand the other person’s perspective. Hopefully you can create some real empathy in that space…” - OZOMATLI

“Fellas” is the second single from their forthcoming studio album, the band's first with Blue Élan Records. The song is the best kind of earworm and will have you wishing you were back in 1985 when “Head to Toe” and "Supersonic“ were top of the charts. The fast-tongued lyrical mastery of the J.J. Fad ladies paired with the Queen of Freestyle, Lisa Lisa, have us longing for our 80’s big hair, leg warmers and neon clothing. It’s also becoming a sought out duet on tik tok.

Produced by Ozomatli, David Garza and THE FUND, “Fellas” came together in March of 2020 right at the beginning of the pandemic. Ozomatli had teamed up with producer David Garza and recording engineer, Gerardo “Jerry” Ordonez to create the album at the iconic and uniquely secluded Sonic Ranch in El Paso, Texas. Garza, fresh off of his own Grammy® win after producing Fiona Apple’s Fetch the Bolt Cutters, invited in the singers of the group, Somethin' 4 the Fellas, whose name inspired the hook of song.

Back in LA, with each member quarantining separately, Ozomatli got to work finalizing the record. They connected with the songwriting/producer trio, THE FUND to help with the final touches on “Fellas”. Based out of the legendary Sound City Studios in LA under the guidance of Grammy® Award winning producer Matt Wallace, THE FUND took “Fellas” through the finish line, adding their signature sound and production to the track.

The new album is expected to release in the second quarter of 2022.

Ozomatli is: Asdru Sierra (lead vocals, trumpet, keyboards), Raul Pacheco (lead vocals, guitar), Willy (Wil-Dog) Abers (bass, vocals), Justin Poree (rap, vocals, percussion), Ulises Bella (saxophone, melodica, clarinet, guitar, requinto, keyboards, vocals) and Jiro Yamaguchi (drums, percussion).

On the first anniversary of the loss of Eddie Van Halen, co-founder, guitarist and Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductee Nancy Wilson of Heart releases an alternate take of her stirring tribute song to the beloved Van Halen guitarist. “4 Edward With Love” is a newly recorded extended version of her heartfelt tribute to the iconic guitarist who was also her friend. Featuring a beautiful acoustic guitar instrumental performance from Wilson; the song is a musical eulogy to the guitar legend.

Originally released on her first ever solo album, You and Me on May 7, 2021 via Carry On Music, Wilson explains the reason for this new version, “I created the extended version of 4 Edward called '4 Edward With Love' as a remembrance of the anniversary of Eddie's departure. Also, there was a general outcry that '4 Edward' was too short and so I had a good excuse to record a new version and a new video to accompany it, once again starring Lucy the Wonderdog."

With Heart, Wilson has recorded 16 albums, sold over 35 million albums worldwide, has four Grammy nominations, been honored with the ASCAP Founders Award and was celebrated with a Star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. She had previously released one other album with just her name on it, Live at McCabe’s Guitar Shop, which captured her playing a set of covers and new songs in 1999. But Wilson considers this her first true solo album, a positive creative move amid a surreal year of loss; life during lock down.

With Wilson’s solo debut, as with all the legendary music she’s created with Heart, the album ended up as an emotional and intimate conversation between a musician and an audience. “Whether you’re performing onstage, or in the studio, it’s always about that relationship, and that conversation. It’s always been ‘you’ and ‘me.’”

Listen to “4 Edward with Love” HERE.

Listen to “You and Me” HERE.

Rock and Roll Hall of Famers and the number-one selling duo in music history, Daryl Hall and John Oates, are releasing ‘Live At The Troubadour’, for the first time ever on vinyl.
 
The album, which will be gracing the shelves in 3LP vinyl format on November 26th (Black Friday) is a collection of live, stripped-back classics, including hits such as ‘You Make My Dreams’, ‘Maneater’, ‘Sara Smile’, and many more. Alongside this, the album will also be released in 2CD format and is available to stream on DSPs here.
 
John Oates explains; “Playing the Troubadour in LA has been a "rite of passage" for live musicians for 64 years and Daryl and I played our first show there opening for the late great Harry Chapin in 1973. Over the years I always loved seeing shows and hanging out there with musicians and friends...returning to play again in 2008 was a full circle moment for me and the vibe was amazing.”

‘Live At The Troubadour’ was initially released in CD and DVD format in 2008, however this is the first time the album will be available for fans in vinyl format - and it’s sounding bigger, better and more iconic than ever! This release adds to Daryl Hall and John Oates’ extensive and highly successful discography, which is still resonating with existing and new fans across the globe.
 
Reflecting on the recorded shows, Daryl Hall whimsically adds; "It's always interesting to return to the scene of the crime."
 
Daryl Hall and John Oates remain to be a huge inspiration to some of the world’s most successful contemporary artists, from The xx to Kanye West, who have all sampled hits from the formidable duo. One of the most sampled artists today, their impact can be heard everywhere from boy band harmonies, to neo-soul to rap-rock fusion.
 
In 2014, Daryl Hall and John Oates were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, an achievement matched by their legendary discography, superstar status, and raft of monster hits spanning five decades.

Daryl Hall and John Oates – ‘Live At The Troubadour’ is available to ORDER NOW

‘LIVE AT THE TROUBADOUR’ TRACKLIST:
 
Triple LP
 
A1 - Everything Your Heart Desires
A2 - When the Morning Comes
A3 - Family Man
 
B1 - Say It Isn’t So
B2 - It’s Uncanny
B3 - Had I Known You Better Then
B4 - She’s Gone
 
C1 - Getaway Car
C2 - Cab Driver
 
D1 - One on One
D2 - Sara Smile
D3 - Maneater
 
E1 - Out of Touch
E2 - I Can’t Go for That
E3 - Rich Girl
 
F1 - Kiss on My List
F2 - You Make My Dreams
F3 - Abandoned Luncheonette
F4 - Private Eyes
 
2CD
 
Disc 1:

    Everything Your Heart Desires
    When the Morning Comes
    Family Man
    Say It Isn’t So
    It’s Uncanny
    Had I Known You Better Then
    She’s Gone
    Getaway Car
    Cab Driver

 Disc 2:

    One on One
    Sara Smile
    Maneater
    Out of Touch
    I Can’t Go for That (No Can Do)
    Rich Girl
    Kiss on My List
    You Make My Dreams
    Abandoned Luncheonette
    Private Eyes

Out now, the companion soundtrack to Jesse Dayton’s debut memoir of the same name, Beaumonster. While the inspiring soundtrack hits Friday, the book will quickly follow on November 9th. Filled with song interpretations that are part-greaser, a whole lotta twang, and quintessentially outlaw country badass the Beaumonster soundtrack encapsulates a life filled with adventure and lore featuring some of the greatest musicians this world has ever known. Listen on all streaming platforms NOW.
 
Dayton’s life story reads like a “who's who” of American music. In his debut memoir Dayton reveals the stranger-than-fiction encounters and outlandish experiences that have ensued across his wide-ranging career. After sneaking into nightclubs to play gigs in his youth, 18-year-old Dayton and his trio began packing clubs and theaters across Houston, Dallas, and Austin. His first solo record—featuring great luminaries like Doug Sahm, Flaco Jiménez, and Johnny Gimble—hit #1 on the Americana Radio Charts, and then he was off to the races, touring the world as an opener for punk legends Social Distortion, The Supersuckers, and X, and helping with arrangements and guitar on The Supersuckers’ biggest selling record, “Must’ve Been High.” While doing press in Nashville, Dayton caught the attention of Waylon Jennings and was whisked off to Woodland Studios, where he was greeted by none other than Johnny Cash, who told Dayton, “We’ve been waiting for you.” After that initial meeting Dayton went on to play guitar on Jennings entire “Right For The Time” record.

Dayton’s ride across the entertainment industry, traversing genre and format, has become even wilder since that first encounter with Cash and Jennings. Whether it’s playing guitar on records and film with the likes of Cash, Ray Price, Willie Nelson, Johnny Bush, and Glen Campbell; writing and recording soundtracks for horror director/rockstar Rob Zombie; directing Malcolm McDowell and Sid Haig in his own horror movie; or a personal invitation from John Doe to fill in for the iconic punk band X’s guitarist, Billy Zoom, on a massive 40-city US tour, Dayton is down to make his mark—making Beaumonster a uniquely entertaining tale that will impress new and old fans alike.
 
The companion album finds Dayton performing songs written by the many talented musicians and songwriters featured throughout his memoir. The album zigs and zags from Waylon Jennings to Social Distortion and Townes Van Zandt to Willie Nelson — all who shared a connection with the storied Beaumont guitar slinger.
 
Now a successful independent act, in the last handful of years Dayton has played guitar on Guns N’ Roses bassist Duff McKagan’s latest solo album, launched his own weekly show, Dayton's "Badass Country Show," on Gimme Country Radio and licensed more than 50 songs for film and television...not to mention touring his arse off playing over 150 live dates per year throughout Europe and North America while also releasing five albums for Blue Élan Records.
 
Beaumonster Soundtrack:
1. Burning House of Love (X)
2. Pretend I Never Happened (Willie Nelson)
3. Wild Man From Borneo (Kinky Friedman)
4. At The Crossroads (Doug Sahm)
5. White Freightliner Blues (Townes Van Zandt)
6. Born With A Tail (Supersuckers)
7. Just To Satisfy You (Waylon Jennings)
8. I'll Be There (Ray Price)
9. Sold American (Kinky Friedman)
10. Story Of My Life (Social Distortion)
 
Jesse Dayton on Tour/Book Events:
11/09 - Mesa, AZ - Roosters Country
11/10 - San Diego, CA - Whistle Stop Bar
11/11 - Huntington Beach, CA - Gallagher’s Pub
11/12 - Newport Beach, CA - Campus JAX
11/13 - Los Angeles, CA - The Redwood Bar & Grill
11/15 - Albany, CA - Ivy Room
11/16 - Novato, CA - Hopmonk Tavern
11/18 - Bend, OR - Volcanic Theatre Pub
11/19 - Portland, OR - The Jack London Theater
11/20 - Prosser, WA - Brewminatti
11/24 - Seattle, WA - Funhouse
11/26 - Tacoma, WA - Jazzbones
11/27 - Whitefish, MT - The Remington Bar
11/28 - Bozeman, MT - Live From the Divide
11/30 - Denver, CO - Tattered Cover Bookstore
12/01 - Ft. Collins, CO - Wolverine Farm
12/03 - Denver, CO - Globe Hall
12/04 - Denver, CO - Globe Hall
12/05 - Denver, CO - Soiled Dove
12/07 - Newport, KY - Southgate House Revival Room
12/08 - Buffalo, NY - Mohawk Place
12/09 - Syracuse, NY - Funk N Waffles
12/10 - Boston, MA - City Winery
12/11 - New Haven, CT - Cafe Nine
12/12 - Providence, RI - Askew Bistro
12/14 - Wakefield, RI - Roots Hoot House Concerts
12/15 - Brooklyn, NY - Skinny Dennis
12/16 – Teaneck, NJ – Debonair Music Hall
12/17 - Washington, DC - The Pie Shop
12/18 - Thomas, WV - Purple Fiddle 

Rock and Roll Hall of Famers and the number-one selling duo in music history, Daryl Hall and John Oates, have released ‘Live At The Troubadour’, for the first time ever on vinyl.
 
The album, in 3LP vinyl format out today - November 26th (Black Friday), is a collection of live, stripped-back classics, including hits such as ‘You Make My Dreams’, ‘Maneater’, ‘Sara Smile’, and many more. Alongside this, the album will also be released in 2CD format and is available to stream on DSPs here.
 
John Oates explains; “Playing the Troubadour in LA has been a "rite of passage" for live musicians for 64 years and Daryl and I played our first show there opening for the late great Harry Chapin in 1973. Over the years I always loved seeing shows and hanging out there with musicians and friends...returning to play again in 2008 was a full circle moment for me and the vibe was amazing.”

‘Live At The Troubadour’ was initially released in CD and DVD format in 2008, however this is the first time the album will be available for fans in vinyl format - and it’s sounding bigger, better and more iconic than ever! This release adds to Daryl Hall and John Oates’ extensive and highly successful discography, which is still resonating with existing and new fans across the globe.
 
Reflecting on the recorded shows, Daryl Hall whimsically adds; "It's always interesting to return to the scene of the crime."
 
Daryl Hall and John Oates remain to be a huge inspiration to some of the world’s most successful contemporary artists, from The xx to Kanye West, who have all sampled hits from the formidable duo. One of the most sampled artists today, their impact can be heard everywhere from boy band harmonies, to neo-soul to rap-rock fusion.
 
In 2014, Daryl Hall and John Oates were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, an achievement matched by their legendary discography, superstar status, and raft of monster hits spanning five decades.

Daryl Hall and John Oates – ‘Live At The Troubadour’ is available to ORDER NOW

‘LIVE AT THE TROUBADOUR’ TRACKLIST:
 
Triple LP
 
A1 - Everything Your Heart Desires
A2 - When the Morning Comes
A3 - Family Man
 
B1 - Say It Isn’t So
B2 - It’s Uncanny
B3 - Had I Known You Better Then
B4 - She’s Gone
 
C1 - Getaway Car
C2 - Cab Driver
 
D1 - One on One
D2 - Sara Smile
D3 - Maneater
 
E1 - Out of Touch
E2 - I Can’t Go for That
E3 - Rich Girl
 
F1 - Kiss on My List
F2 - You Make My Dreams
F3 - Abandoned Luncheonette
F4 - Private Eyes
 
2CD
 
Disc 1:

    Everything Your Heart Desires
    When the Morning Comes
    Family Man
    Say It Isn’t So
    It’s Uncanny
    Had I Known You Better Then
    She’s Gone
    Getaway Car
    Cab Driver

Disc 2:

    One on One
    Sara Smile
    Maneater
    Out of Touch
    I Can’t Go for That (No Can Do)
    Rich Girl
    Kiss on My List
    You Make My Dreams
    Abandoned Luncheonette
    Private Eyes

As in years past, Blue Élan Records is featuring holiday music just in time for the upcoming Christmas season in partnership with the Alliance for Children's Rights.  Released today, A Blue Élan Christmas: Volume 2 will bring awareness to a shared vision in which all children have safe permanent families with the support they need to thrive. Blue Élan Records is making a direct donation to benefit the Alliance.

The Alliance provides services to impoverished, abused, and neglected young people; providing free legal services, advocacy, and programs that create pathways to jobs and access to education.  The Alliance levels the playing field and ensures that children who experience foster care are able to fulfill their potential.

The 17-track collection features classic holiday songs recorded by artists of The Blue Élan Family, including an exclusive physical release of the late Rusty Young's "Christmas Every Day" and "Christmas Medley," with melodies and steel guitar that brings to mind his great songs as a co-founder, songwriter, and singer of Poco (“Crazy Love”).   The collection also includes Jesse Dayton, Colin Devlin, and Chelsea Williams, whose version of "Christmas Waltz" was a mainstay on Spotify's New Holiday playlist last year.

Kirk Pasich, Blue Élan’s co-founder, says, “Helping children is something very important to our entire label family. Our artists donate their time and creative skills and help us help foster children. And, the Alliance for Children’s Rights does so much to help foster children—and families who want to adopt foster children. We like to do our small part—and hope you enjoy listening, knowing that by doing so, you too are helping foster children.”
 
Learn more about The Alliance for Children’s Rights: www.allianceforchildrensrights.org

A Blue Élan Christmas: Volume 2 Track Listing:
 
1     The Blue Élan Family     Glorious
2     Jesse Dayton     Christmas Time With You
3     Mustangs of the West     Everybody Wants Peace On Earth
4     Roan Yellowthorn     I'll Be Home For Christmas
5     Bob Gentry     Christmas in July
6     Chelsea Williams     Christmas Waltz
7     Rusty Young     Christmas Every Day
8     Cindy Alexander     Christmas Is Here
9     Scout Durwood     A Marshmallow World
10     Rod Gator     Grateful For Christmas
11     Gina Sicilia, The Blue Élan Family     Shine Down On Us
12     Chelsea Williams     Peppermints and Mistletoe
13     Red Wanting Blue     Christmas All Over Again
14     Mustangs of the West     2000 Miles
15     The Blue Elan Family     Sharing Christmas
16     Rusty Young     Christmas Medley
17     Colin Devlin     On New Year's Day

The legendary English rock and roll band, The Dave Clark Five (The DC5) will release a special limited-edition white vinyl for their seminal 1964 U.S. debut album ‘GLAD ALL OVER.' Previously announced as a Black Friday release, the set will now be available via BMG tomorrow - December 17th - released on vinyl for the first time since 1964.

Spectacularly remastered from the album’s original tapes by Dave Clark at Abbey Road Studios, the limited-edition white vinyl celebrates the groundbreaking album that went on to produce hit singles including ‘Bits and Pieces’, ‘Do You Love Me’ and fan favorite ‘Glad All Over’ - their first No.1 single which famously knocked The Beatles off the UK’s No.1 spot in 1964, as well as selling over 2.5 million records. The reissue also includes an updated track list and features reproduced original artwork.
 
Formed in the early 1960s, five working class lads from Tottenham, North London came together to become The Dave Clark Five (The DC5). A group that would not only change and shape the course of popular music forever, but also sell over a hundred million records along the way. Founded by one of the UK’s most prolific and celebrated musicians, songwriters and producers Dave Clark, the 5-piece consisted of Clark (drums), Mike Smith (vocals, keyboard), Lenny Davidson (guitar), Denis Payton (saxophone), and Rick Huxley (bass).

Recognized as the band that spearheaded the British invasion of the US, they became the first UK band to tour there and scored a record-breaking fifteen consecutive Top Twenty hits within a two year period, that’s more than the Stones, more than the Beach Boys, more than the Supremes, more than any other group or artist in the world save The Beatles.  They also appeared on America’s iconic ‘Ed Sullivan Show’ a staggering 18 times more than other UK act with over 70 million viewers each week. Their legacy and contribution to music was further cemented when they were inducted into The American Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in March 2008. Academy Award Winning actor, Tom Hanks inducted them, with other music legends paying tribute to the band.

A band who changed the course of popular music, The Dave Clark Five’s classic debut album will be available on definitive vinyl on November 26th and available now across all streaming and download services. Pre-order and listen here.

TRACK LISTING

Side A

    Glad All Over
    All Of The Time
    Crying Over You
    Stay
    Chaquita
    Do You Love Me
 
Side B

    Bits and Pieces
    I Know You
    3406
    Time
    Who Do You Think You’re Talking To

Joe Satriani, the legendary world-renowned guitarist, is planning his first foray as a touring visual artist with showings debuting at two Wentworth Gallery locations in January, 2022 - specifically, Friday January 28, 7-10 pm at Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Hollywood, FL and Saturday January 29, 5-8 pm at the Boca Raton location. Satriani has prepared one of a kind pieces for the exhibit including original canvases and hand painted guitars.

Satriani will be releasing new music in 2022 and has announced a rescheduled world tour, but first he heads to South Florida for a celebration of his visual art.

“Joe is a master storyteller. Just as his music draws in the listener, his art draws in the viewer. His artwork is emotional, imaginative, and fantastic. Not only do you see the universe through Joe’s eyes, but you also contemplate our place in it.” - Christian O’Mahony, Principal Wentworth Gallery

ARTIST’S STATEMENT

Music and art are my passions. I like making the invisible, visible, and the unimaginable, real. The image on a canvas, or, an electric guitar for that matter, can make you feel something unexpected and revealing, something that is the beginning of a greater personal insight. Challenging the straight line and the concepts of what belongs with what excites me. I want to experience new color combinations to make me see beyond the prevailing reality. There’s a balance between seriousness and humor that can imbue in a painting a kind of resilience and longevity, making it forever contemporary. When I paint and play my guitar, I strive to be in a state of exhilaration and communicate that feeling to my fans. - Joe Satriani

IN GALLERY APPEARANCES BY JOE SATRIANI
(artist will be in attendance at all showings)

FRIDAY, JANUARY 28 @  7-10 PM
Wentworth Gallery at Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino
Address: 5804 Seminole Way  #103

SATURDAY, JANUARY 29 @ 5-8 PM
Wentworth Gallery at the Boca Raton Town Center Mall
Address: 6000 Glades Road  #1089

Wentworth Gallery Will Be Following Latest Covid-19 Safety Procedures
Masks are required in all Wentworth Galleries
All Artwork on Exhibition is Available for Acquisition

The Rock ‘N’ Roll Fantasy Camp’s first EVER WOMEN ONLY Rock Camp is less than two weeks away! This inaugural camp will be taking place in Los Angeles, CA beginning on Thursday, January 27 and continuing through the weekend before concluding with a live finale event at The Whisky on January 30, 2022. This exciting camp features special headlining mentors: Melissa Etheridge, Nancy Wilson, Kathy Valentine, and Orianthi. Catch all four ladies as they sit down to chat with SiriusXM’s Lori Majewski for the Volume Channel’s “Fierce: Women in Music” segment, debuting at 7pm ET /4pm PT on Thursday, January 13.
 
Everyone’s safety is of primary concern for The Fantasy Camp team. To that end, new COVID safety measures have been instituted for this camp with our very own dedicated female COVID Compliance officer onboard to monitor test results, take daily temperatures and monitor mask wearing inside any of the rehearsal spaces. All other activities will take place outdoors where a tent and stage will be constructed for all interactions with the Rock Star counselors. Additionally, anyone attending the camp; all campers, rockers, staff, and crew absolutely must be vaccinated, with no exemptions and PCR test results will need to be presented before beginning camp.

Last weekend, the very first in-person Rock Camp since the pandemic, took place in South Florida to great success!  Campers came from all over the U.S. to rock out with Dave Mustaine, Nicko McBrain and Steve Morse with all events held outside and under strict Covid protocol. “This was the most amazing experience I have ever had and that includes crossing the finish line in Ironman…You brought a group of strangers together and turned us into a team (band). You should be given a medal.” - Debbie, camper from Orlando, FL.
 
At the signature Rock Camps, participants form a band where they are then mentored by their rock star counselor and rehearse songs to jam with the special guests. Some of the rockstar mentors for this Girls Only camp include heavy hitters like Rhonda Smith (Prince, Jeff Beck), Jennifer Batten (Michael Jackson), Eva Gardner (P!nk, Gwen Stefani), Ashley Reeve (Cher, Filter), Jennie Vee (Eagles of Death Metal) and many more. Throughout the four days, campers will experience masterclasses, Q&A sessions and themed jam rooms, before it all culminates with a live performance in front of an all-ages crowd at the world famous Whisky A Go Go, in Hollywood on Sunday, January 30, 2022. In addition to the women headlining, the crew and staff working on the event will be composed of an entirely female workforce.

Rock ‘N’ Roll Fantasy Camp was created 25 years ago to provide real people the once-in-a-lifetime experience of connecting and jamming with their musical heroes. The Camp has provided unforgettable memories, advice and feedback for attendees worldwide. Camp events span over four jam packed days where campers join a band mentored by today’s top touring musicians, and work up to final performances with the headliner rockstars at legendary venues from Abbey Road Studios in London, to Hollywood’s Whisky A Go Go, to the Atlantis resort in The Bahamas.

This latest in-person Camp comes on the heels of the tremendously successful 2021 documentary Rock Camp, The Movie. "Entertaining”, “inspiring" and "moving" are how critics, audiences and industry leaders describe the new documentary Rock Camp. The film follows four real people who attend Rock 'N' Roll Fantasy Camp and how it transforms their lives. These "rock campers" share the stage with superstar counselors including Roger Daltrey, Alice Cooper, Gene Simmons, Paul Stanley, Nancy Wilson, Joe Perry, Judas Priest, Sammy Hagar and many more.

ABOUT DAVID FISHOF - Rock ‘N’ Roll Fantasy Camp Founder
David Fishof has had a successful career as a sports agent, producer, promoter, and manager and is the founder and CEO of Rock 'N' Roll Fantasy Camp.  Fishof produced the Happy Together tours, the Monkees 20th Anniversary Reunion Tour, Dirty Dancing Live tours and Classic Superfest and others. He also created and produced Ringo Starr & His All-Starr Band tours for 15 years.

The Gasparilla Music Festival (GMF) presented by Coppertail Brewing Co. reveals several new additions to its 2022 festival lineup taking place February 25-27.  The Non-Profit festival has also released the performance dates details.

New acts joining the Black Pumas on Friday February 25 include Grouplove,  Cimafunk, Melt, seeyousoon, Hearty Har, and Parrotfish.  On Saturday February 26, new bands joining The Revivalists include Band of Horses, Margo Price, Bob Moses (club set), and Cha Wa.

The festival also announced a host of Tampa Bay and Florida based acts added to the lineup including Ortroasce, GW Souther, Camille Trust, DJ KU, Vinny Virgo, Wahh World Fusion Band, MrENC, Treis & Friends, and BOYCOTT.

The full list of announced bands are listed below and can be found at the festival website, here or by downloading the festival app. Initial set times will be released tomorrow Friday January 20. The festival will have more special announcements in the coming weeks including its award winning Food Lineup.
                    
Tickets to the festival are available at www.gmftickets.com

Advance Ticket Prices*
FRIDAY GENERAL ADMISSION                                                                $45
SATURDAY GENERAL ADMISSION                                                         $45
SUNDAY GENERAL ADMISSION                                                              $45
2- DAY GENERAL ADMISSION (FRI/SAT)                                                $70
2- DAY GENERAL ADMISSION (SAT/SUN)                                              $70
3- DAY GENERAL ADMISSION                                                                  $95

FRIDAY VIP                                                                                                   $125
SATURDAY VIP                                                                                            $125
SUNDAY VIP                                                                                                 $125      
2-DAY VIP (FRI/SAT)                                                                                    $200
2-DAY VIP (SAT/SUN)                                                                                  $200
3-DAY VIP                                                                                                      $250

All Artists and Times Subject to change.
No Refunds. Rain or Shine

2022 Announced Artists
Andy Frasco & the UN - Los Angeles, CA -  High Energy Funk and Jazz
Arrested Development - Atlanta, GA - Hip Hop/Progressive Rap
Band of Horses - Charleston, South Carolina - Indie Rock
Black Pumas - Austin, TX - Psychedelic Soul
Bob Moses (club set) - New York City, NY - Electronic/Dance
BOYCOTT - Tampa, FL - Rock/Pop
Camille Trust - New York City , NY - Soul/Contemporary Pop
Cha Wa - New Orleans, LA - Funk
Cimafunk - Cuba - Afro-Cuban/Funk
DBMK - Tampa, FL - Alt-Pop
DJ KU - Tampa, FL - DJ/Dance
Gospel Choir - Saint Petersburg, FL - Gospel*
Grouplove - Los Angeles, CA - Alternative Rock
GW Souther - Orlando, FL - Rock/Pop
Hearty Har - Los Angeles, CA - Psychedelic Rock
Imagination Movers - New Orleans, LA - Family Friendly Alt-Rock
Johanna Warren - Portland, OR - Born Saint Petersburg, FL - Ethereal Folk Singer/Songwriter
JudyAnne Jackson - Tampa, FL - 14 yr old Soulful Pop Singer/Songwriter/Guitarist
K.iii - Tampa, FL - Hip Hop Emcee
Kaelin Ellis - Orlando, FL - Electronic
Kenzie Wheeler - Plant City, FL - Country - Mullet Sporting Fan Favorite Finalist from The Voice
Kristopher James - Tampa, FL - Soulful Southern
MAK - Tampa, FL - Indie Pop
Margo Price - Nashville, TN - Folk Rock
Mavis Staples - Chicago, IL - Gospel/Blues Singer, Actress and National Treasure
Melt - New York City, NY - Indie/Soul
Moonthing - Tampa, FL - Cinematic Psychedelia
MrENC - Tampa, FL - Alternative Rock
Neal Francis - Chicago, IL - Bluesy Retro Funk
Ortrotasce - Tampa, FL - Electronic Rock
Parrotfish - Tampa, FL - Alternative Rock
Peach Tree Rascals - San Jose, CA - Pop Musical Collective exploding off Tik Tok
Pinegrove - Montclair, NJ - Twangy Indie Rock
Sam E. Hues - Tampa, FL - Hip Hop Flow
School of Rock Tampa - Tampa, FL - Rock
seeyousoon - Orlando, FL - Rap/Hip-Hop
Seranation - Saint Petersburg, FL - Pop-Reggae/Rock band
Sick Hot - Tampa, FL - Vintage Roc
Summer Hoop - Tampa, FL - Experimental Indie Pop
Tampa Metro Youth Orchestra - Tampa, FL - Classical
The Aces - Provo, Utah - Cool Girl Indie Pop
The Allman Betts Band - Sarasota, FL -  Southern Rock Royalty
The Amy Ray Band - Atlanta, GA - Folk Rock
The Revivalists - New Orleans, LA - Roots Rock based Funk
The Venus - St. Pete, FL -  Sci-Fi Surf
Treis & Friends - Orlando, FL - Suburban Funk
Trombone Shorty & Orleans Avenue - New Orleans, LA - Post-Bop Jazz
Van  Plating - Lakeland, FL - Indie Americana
Vinny Virgo - Los Angeles, CA - Hip-Hop/Rap
Wahh World Fusion Band - Tampa, FL - World/Fusion

Montreux Jazz Festival and BMG today announce the next instalment in The Montreux Years series with “John McLaughlin: The Montreux Years”, to be released on Friday, March 4, 2022. Curated and compiled by John McLaughlin, the album is a collection of his finest performances at the Montreux Jazz Festival between 1978 and 2016. Beautifully restored and mastered, the recording will be available in multi-format configurations, including superior audiophile heavy weight vinyl, CD and on streaming services, in superlative HD audio.

Ranked in Rolling Stones magazine’s list of ‘100 Greatest Guitar Players of All Time’, John McLaughlin became a long-time friend of the Montreux Jazz Festival, having played at the iconic Swiss festival many times. The performances in this new collection are curated from six shows between 1978 to 2016 with the various ensembles of ‘The Mahavishnu Orchestra’, ‘The Heart Of Things’, ‘The Free Spirits’, ‘The 4th Dimension’ and his fellow virtuoso and close friend Paco de Lucia. Encapsulating McLaughlin’s time at the festival, “John McLaughlin: The Montreux Years” opens with the 1984 track Radio Activity by the Mahavishnu Orchestra, which McLaughlin reformed in the 80’s for the release of the album “Mahavishnu”.

Fans of the jazz fusion pioneer can immersive themselves in the superb and classic material that defined McLaughlin’s career, which includes the track Acid Jazz from the album “The Heart of Things”. Further exploring McLaughlin’s impressive repertoire, “John McLaughlin: The Montreux Years” includes the tracks Sing Me Softly Of The Blues from 1994’s “After the Rain” and El Hombre Que Sabia from McLaughlin’s studio album “Black Light”.

John McLaughlin: “To speak about The Montreux Jazz Festival brings back so many wonderful memories. But since my association goes back to 1971, we are looking at 50 years of history! Whether it’s the different incarnations of the Mahavishnu Orchestra, Shakti, The One Truth Band, The Free Spirits, The Heart of Things, Carlos Santana or with the late great Paco de Lucia, the list goes on and on. Not only all my musical performances at Montreux, but all my other visits to see my dear friend Claude Nobs the founder, my friends of the festival, join jam sessions, go hiking in the fabulous countryside around that lovely town. Montreux is a big part of my life’s musical and personal history and to share this selection of my performances on this recording makes me truly happy.”

As one of the greatest guitar players in music history, John McLaughlin has been cited a major influence on many 70’s and 80’s artists, including the likes of Steve Morse, Eric Johnson, Mike Stern and more. In 2018 McLaughlin won a Grammy for Best Improvised Jazz Solo, for his solo on Miles Beyond from his album “Live at Ronnie Scott’s”. With a German tour scheduled for March 2022, McLaughlin remains one of music’s greatest musicians and the release “John McLaughlin: The Montreux Years” is a testament to his legacy.

Launched in 2021, ‘The Montreux Years’ is the embodiment of the spirit of the Montreux Jazz Festival and the legacy of its much-loved founder, Claude Nobs. Nobs refused to compromise on quality or settle for anything other than the best and this ethos lives on in the superb quality of the recordings compiled in ‘The Montreux Years’. Mastering has been performed by Tony Cousins at London’s iconic Metropolis Studios, incorporating MQA to capture the original sound of the special live performances. Like previous releases of the series “John McLaughlin: The Montreux Years”, will be accompanied by exclusive liner notes by McLaughlin himself and previously unseen photography.

Available on pre-order now and released on Friday March 4, ‘John McLaughlin: The Montreux Years’ is the fifth instalment of The Montreux Years series, which began with musical titans Nina Simone and Etta James, followed by Marianne Faithfull and Muddy Waters. Having received critical acclaim worldwide, ‘Nina Simone: The Montreux Years’, debuted at #1 on the UK Official Jazz & Blues Chart in 2021 and was hailed by the likes of the New York Times and JazzFM Albums of the Year.
 
LP TRACKLISTING
 
Side A

    Radio Activity (Live – Montreux Jazz Festival 1984)
    Friendship (Live – Montreux Jazz Festival 1978)

 Side B

    Nostalgia (Live – Montreux Jazz Festival 1984)
    Acid Jazz (Live - Montreux Jazz Festival 1998)

 Side C

    David (Live – Montreux Jazz Festival 1987)
    Florianapolis (Live - Montreux Jazz Festival 1987)

 Side D

    Sing Me Softly of the Blues (Live – Montreux Jazz Festival 1995)
    El Hombre Que Sabià (Live – Montreux Jazz Festival 2016)

 CD TRACKLISTING

    Radio Activity (Live – Montreux Jazz Festival 1984)
    Nostalgia (Live – Montreux Jazz Festival 1984)
    Acid Jazz (Live - Montreux Jazz Festival 1998)
    David (Live – Montreux Jazz Festival 1987)
    Sing Me Softly of the Blues (Live – Montreux Jazz Festival 1995)
    Florianapolis (Live - Montreux Jazz Festival 1987)
    El Hombre Que Sabià (Live – Montreux Jazz Festival 2016)

JOHN McLAUGHLIN TOUR 2021
 
03.03.22 Schwetzingen, Wollfabrik
05.03.22 Neunkirchen/Saar, Neue Gablasehalle
07.03.22 Hannover, Theatre Am Aegi
08.03.22 Dresden, Alter Schlachthof
11.03.22 Dortmund, Konzerthaus
13.03.22 BASEL, CH, Volkshaus
15.03.22 Bielefeld, Rudolf-Oetker-Halle
16.03.22 Bremem, Die Glocke
17.03.22 Berlin, Admiralspalast
19.03.22 Ludwigshafen, Feierbendhaus
21.03.22 Munchen, Prinzregententheater
 
All Concerts are subject to Local Covid Restrictions that may apply and are out of the Artist and Promoters control

JOE SATRIANI is kicking off the new year with a brand-new album. Set for release on April 8, 2022, The Elephants of Mars marks the legendary guitarist’s 19th studio album in his 35+year career in music. This album also marks the debut of his new label partnership with earMUSIC, the international rock label of entertainment group Edel. Pre-orders are available now and include a special limited digi-pack cd release featuring seven double sided cards of original artwork by Satriani representing each song from the album. In addition, several colored vinyl options will be available as well to pre-order including orange, pink and a special purple version sold through Guitar Center only.

Joe Satriani had an admirably productive workingman’s holiday, with pandemic forced time away from the road, that ultimately gave him and his touring band, all recording remotely in separate areas of the world during lockdown, the ability to deliver an album length journey that never dulls. The Elephants of Mars crackles with an exciting new energy, briskly traveling through stylistic roads that feel freshly updated, viewed through new eyes.

The guitarist challenged himself to create a “new standard” for instrumental guitar albums to be measured against, one which would work from “a new platform of his own design,” as he terms it. “I want to show people that an instrumental guitar album can contain far more creative and entertaining elements than I think people are using right now.”
 
From the gripping, sci-fi madness of “Through A Mother’s Day Darkly,” to the isolation felt in a decaying urban landscape, as depicted in first single “Sahara,” to the general endorphin levels that peak as the elephants finally roar in the title track, The Elephants of Mars will stampede across your mind, leaving a sonic imprint that doesn’t fade.
 
In 2020 with all time constraints removed, The Elephants of Mars truly represents the album that Satriani himself hoped he could deliver with his band. “We did everything. We tried the craziest ideas. And we entertained every notion we had about turning something backwards, upside down, seeing what could happen.”
 
With this new album Satriani joins the eclectic and exciting roster of earMUSIC. General Manager, Max Vaccaro remarked, “Some years ago, we were lucky to be the label chosen by Joe Satriani for the very fortunate Chickenfoot project. It was impossible not to notice and admire the dedication, the work ethic and the monstrous talent in the recording studio and on stage. We knew, though, that he had the same “home” for his solo music for decades and that for him, being signed to a record company meant loyalty and belonging. It is with great joy and sense of responsibility that now, some years later, we welcome Joe for his first solo work with earMUSIC. We thank him for having written and recorded very special music that will make a lot of fans happy and we like to think this will be the first of many great albums to come.”
 
For over three decades, the guitar virtuoso has traveled the world, playing to sold-out crowds as both a headliner and as founder of the all-star “G3” guitar extravaganza. Satriani’s studio and live recordings have sold more than 10 million copies worldwide to date and of his many solo albums, two have gone platinum and four others went gold, with 15 Grammy nominations between them. His side project, Chickenfoot, featuring former Van Halen frontman Sammy Hagar, former bassist Michael Anthony and Red Hot Chili Peppers’ drummer Chad Smith saw their debut album certified gold and their second studio album debuted at #9.
 
THE ELEPHANTS OF MARS Track Listing
1.         Sahara                                                  8. E 104th St NYC
2.         The Elephants of Mars                          9. Pumpin’
3.         Faceless                                              10. Dance of the Spores
4.         Blue Foot Groovy                                 11. Night Scene
5.         Tension and Release                           12. Through a Mother’s Day Darkly
6.         Sailing the Seas of Ganymede            13. 22 Memory Lane
7.         Doors of Perception                             14. Desolation

For continuing updates on tour dates or album information, visit: SATRIANI.com

Pre-orders available here.

After their 2020 world tour.  KCL, the iconic, genre-bending powerhouse trio featuring guitarist Wayne Krantz, drummer Keith Carlock and bassist Tim Lefebvre is returning with a string of dates to kick off their “Golden Days” 2022  tour, starting in New York City on Feb 18 at The Bitter End.  Cutting live recordings from the club and posting them online in the early days of the internet and touring only sporadically, KCL developed a thoroughly original style of interactive group improvisation inspired in part by the great Miles Davis Quintet of the 60s but played out in spontaneously generated contexts of heavy funk, rock, and electronica instead of straight-ahead swing.

As other instrumental bands of the day dabbled in derivative fusion and retro-jazz, KCL became an underground phenomenon, cultivating an international following of devoted fans of every stripe looking for an alternative creative music that served the mind, body, and spirit. Relentlessly grooving, always innovative, never complacent - KCL made contemporary music that resonated beyond category.

Other sideman obligations hampered the band soon after their Abstract Logix release, “Krantz Carlock Lefebvre,” in 2010, but their reputation continued to expand globally through fan circulation of the band’s many live videos and recordings. Now, in 2022, KCL reunites to tour with incendiary shows in the USA, and in Europe and Asia later in the year.

More information on KCL at Abstract Logix

TOURDATES
 
February 18, The Bitter End, New York City
February 19, The Bitter End, New York City
February 20, Ardmore Music Hall, Ardmore, PA
February 21, City Winery, Boston, MA
February 23, Dazzle, Denver, CO
February 24, Reggies, Chicago, IL
February 25, Bop Stop, Cleveland, OH
February 26, Jammin Java, Vienna, VA
February 27, The Lincoln Theatre, Raleigh, NC
March 1, City Winery, Nashville, TN

Montreux Jazz Festival and BMG today announce the release of John McLaughlin’s live performance of El Hombre Que Sabià from the 2016 Montreux Jazz Festival. The release appears on the brand-new record ‘John McLaughlin: The Montreux Years’ to be released on Friday, March 4, 2022. Curated and compiled by John McLaughlin, the album is a collection of his finest performances at the Montreux Jazz Festival between 1978 and 2016. Beautifully restored and mastered, the recording will be available in multi-format configurations, including superior audiophile heavy weight vinyl, CD and on streaming services, in superlative HD audio.
 
Fans of the jazz fusion pioneer can immersive themselves in the superb and classic material that defined McLaughlin’s career, which includes the track Acid Jazz from the album “The Heart of Things”. Further exploring McLaughlin’s impressive repertoire, “John McLaughlin: The Montreux Years” includes the tracks Sing Me Softly Of The Blues from 1994’s “After the Rain” and the brand new video release El Hombre Que Sabià from McLaughlin’s studio album “Black Light”.

John McLaughlin: “To speak about The Montreux Jazz Festival brings back so many wonderful memories. But since my association goes back to 1971, we are looking at 50 years of history! Whether it’s the different incarnations of the Mahavishnu Orchestra, Shakti, The One Truth Band, The Free Spirits, The Heart of Things, Carlos Santana or with the late great Paco de Lucia, the list goes on and on. Not only all my musical performances at Montreux, but all my other visits to see my dear friend Claude Nobs the founder, my friends of the festival, join jam sessions, go hiking in the fabulous countryside around that lovely town. Montreux is a big part of my life’s musical and personal history and to share this selection of my performances on this recording makes me truly happy.”
 
Launched in 2021, ‘The Montreux Years’ is the embodiment of the spirit of the Montreux Jazz Festival and the legacy of its much-loved founder, Claude Nobs. Nobs refused to compromise on quality or settle for anything other than the best and this ethos lives on in the superb quality of the recordings compiled in ‘The Montreux Years’. Mastering has been performed by Tony Cousins at London’s iconic Metropolis Studios, incorporating MQA to capture the original sound of the special live performances. Like previous releases of the series “John McLaughlin: The Montreux Years”, will be accompanied by exclusive liner notes by McLaughlin himself and previously unseen photography.

Available on pre-order now and released on Friday, March 4, ‘John McLaughlin: The Montreux Years’ is the fifth installment of The Montreux Years series, which began with musical titans Nina Simone and Etta James, followed by Marianne Faithfull and Muddy Waters. Having received critical acclaim worldwide, ‘Nina Simone: The Montreux Years’, debuted at #1 on the UK Official Jazz & Blues Chart in 2021 and was hailed by the likes of the New York Times and JazzFM Albums of the Year.
 
 LP TRACKLISTING
 
Side A

    Radio Activity (Live – Montreux Jazz Festival 1984)
    Friendship (Live – Montreux Jazz Festival 1978)

 Side B

    Nostalgia (Live – Montreux Jazz Festival 1984)
    Acid Jazz (Live - Montreux Jazz Festival 1998)

 Side C

    David (Live – Montreux Jazz Festival 1987)
    Florianapolis (Live - Montreux Jazz Festival 1987)

 Side D

    Sing Me Softly of the Blues (Live – Montreux Jazz Festival 1995)
    El Hombre Que Sabià (Live – Montreux Jazz Festival 2016)

 CD TRACKLISTING

    Radio Activity (Live – Montreux Jazz Festival 1984)
    Nostalgia (Live – Montreux Jazz Festival 1984)
    Acid Jazz (Live - Montreux Jazz Festival 1998)
    David (Live – Montreux Jazz Festival 1987)
    Sing Me Softly of the Blues (Live – Montreux Jazz Festival 1995)
    Florianapolis (Live - Montreux Jazz Festival 1987)
    El Hombre Que Sabià (Live – Montreux Jazz Festival 2016)

CD TRACKLISTING
 
1.       Radio Activity (Live – Montreux Jazz Festival 1984)
2.       Nostalgia (Live – Montreux Jazz Festival 1984)
3.       Acid Jazz (Live - Montreux Jazz Festival 1998)
4.       David (Live – Montreux Jazz Festival 1987)
5.       Sing Me Softly of the Blues (Live – Montreux Jazz Festival 1995)
6.       Florianapolis (Live - Montreux Jazz Festival 1987)
7.       El Hombre Que Sabià (Live – Montreux Jazz Festival 2016)

Rock & Roll Hall of Famers and legendary duo Daryl Hall and John Oates are reissuing ‘Marigold Sky’, their fifteenth studio album and their first to be released as independent artists back in 1997. The album will be released on March 25, 2022 and is available to pre-order here.

To celebrate the 25th Anniversary of the album, it is being made available for the first time on double LP, as well as an expanded CD format that includes three bonus tracks previously unavailable on the original album release. The album will also be added to all streaming major platforms for fans to enjoy digitally, for the first time in its history.

“I look at ‘Marigold Sky’ as the lost Hall and Oates album”, says Daryl Hall. “The fans have been asking me for years about it. I’m really proud of these songs and happy to see that it’s getting a global re-release.”

Regarded as a fan favorite, the album is a collection of exquisitely crafted soul-pop that is irresistibly smooth, laying bare the mastery of the duo’s classic songwriting chops that has been prevalent throughout their career. Includes the singles ‘Promise Ain’t Enough’, ‘Romeo Is Bleeding’ and ‘The Sky Is Falling’.

John Oates adds, “I am really pleased that ‘Marigold Sky’ is finally becoming available around the world. It’s a very unique and cool album, and I hope old and new fans really enjoy it.”

Daryl Hall and John Oates remain to be a huge inspiration to some of the world’s most successful contemporary artists, from The xx to Kanye West, who have all sampled hits from the formidable duo. One of the most sampled artists today, their impact can be heard everywhere from boy band harmonies, to neo-soul to rap-rock fusion. This release adds to Daryl Hall and John Oates’ extensive and highly successful discography, which is still resonating with existing and new fans across the globe.

In 2014, Daryl Hall and John Oates were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, an achievement matched by their legendary discography, superstar status, and raft of monster hits spanning five decades.

2LP TRACKLIST
Romeo Is Bleeding
Marigold Sky
The Sky Is Falling
Out Of The Blue
Want To
Love Out Loud
Throw the Roses Away
I Don’t Think So
Promise Ain’t Enough
Time Won’t Pass Me By
Hold On To Yourself
War Of Words
 
2CD
Romeo Is Bleeding
Marigold Sky
The Sky Is Falling
Out Of The Blue
Want To
Love Out Loud
Throw the Roses Away
I Don’t Think So
Promise Ain’t Enough
Time Won’t Pass Me By
Hold On To Yourself
War Of Words
Romeo Is Bleeding (Radio Edit)
Hold On To Yourself (Remix)
The Sky Is Falling (Hot Mix)

The songs of Rusty Young, the late co-founder of the Grammy®-nominated country rock band Poco, are being celebrated and released on March 25, 2022 via Blue Élan Records. Label artists contributing to the album include Jesse Dayton, Janiva Magness, Chelsea Williams, Colin Devlin, Mustangs of the West, Roan Yellowthorn and Bob Gentry joined by Sam Morrow, the Orchid Quartet, Mary Scholz and Taylor John Williams along with the newly formed Cimarron 615 featuring Tom Hampton (Poco), Bill Lloyd (Foster & Lloyd, Sky Kings), Rick Lonow (Flying Burrito Brothers, Poco), Jack Sundrud (Great Plains, Poco) and Michael Webb (Poco). A portion of the proceeds from this release will be donated in Rusty Young’s honor to Rusty’s Rescue Pets c/o Community Foundation of the Ozarks.

The goal of the tribute album is to celebrate and highlight the amazing songwriting of American treasure, Rusty Young. Plans for a tribute album were already underway before Young suddenly passed away on April 14, 2021. Unfortunately, Young was never able to hear the renditions of his iconic songs that were recorded by this talented group of artists; however, the label is sure that Young would have approved. As Kirk Pasich, Blue Élan founder and the album’s producer comments in the album's liner notes, “Beginning in 2017, Rusty was, in many ways, the heart and soul of our label.”
 
Pasich goes on to explain the album process, “In putting this album together, we didn’t try to duplicate what Rusty did—the originals of those songs that he and Poco recorded will always be among my favorites and we saw no reason to clone them.  Instead, we asked artists to pick the songs of Rusty’s that they’d like to record and to make them their own.”
 
The first three singles are available today and feature Chelsea Williams on “Crazy Love,” “Rough Edges” from Cimarron 615 and Mustangs of the West on “Crooked Road.”
 
Labelmate Chelsea Williams describes working with Young, “Getting to work with Rusty Young has been a highlight of my life. Time spent with him was always such a meaningful and memorable experience. From recording with him at Cash Cabin to getting to play with him across the country with POCO, he always made me feel like I belonged. He treated me as an equal and that truly meant the world to me. It was an honor to cover his song Crazy Love. We did our best to honor the original while bringing in some modern touches but we’re careful not to go overboard. It’s one of those songs you just don’t want to mess with. Such a classic!”
 
While colleague and Cimarron 615 band member Bill Lloyd remembers, “After meeting Rusty through Vince Gill back in 1989, Radney Foster and I jumped at the opportunity to co-write some songs with Rusty. The news that there would be a Poco reunion with Rusty, Richie, Jimmy, Randy and George was exciting. Rusty had the Rough Edges guitar riff already when we sat down to write and it all came together in short order. Really fun and rocking. I remember how pumped we were when he told us Randy Meisner would take the vocal on that.”
 
Co-written by Young and Mustangs member Suzanna Spring in 1999, and then forgotten until Rusty's passing in 2021, the intro to “Crooked Road” features Rusty's voice from the original demo before kicking into the full recording. Spring recalls, “Six months after I learned that Rusty was gone, I was looking through my lyric sheets to submit some songs for the next Mustangs of the West record. A page of lyrics fell out of the pile in my hand. It was the lyric sheet for ‘Crooked Road,’ long forgotten and now unearthed. Love is, and Life is, a Crooked Road.”

My Friend: A Tribute to Rusty Young pre-order available now.

 
It was September 2017 when Young, who had intended to retire from the road, decided “that this was the perfect time to do something that could be a really rewarding part of my legacy.” His first and only solo album, Waitin’ For The Sun, came after a five-decade long career that began in 1967 when Young was invited to play steel guitar on what would become the final album by Buffalo Springfield. Soon after, Rusty, Richie Furay, George Grantham, Randy Meisner, and Jim Messina formed beloved Americana band Poco. Over the next half century – and alongside bandmates that would also include Paul Cotton, Rick Lonow, Timothy B. Schmidt, and Jack Sundrud – he became not only the musical core of the band, but also the writer and/or vocalist behind such Poco hits as, “Call It Love,” “Rose of Cimarron” and the #1 smash “Crazy Love.”

My Friend: A Tribute To Rusty Young
 
1.              Seasons Overture by Orchid Quartet
2.              Rough Edges by Cimarron 615
3.              Rocky Mountain Breakdown by The Blue Elan Family
4.              Crooked Road by The Mustangs of The West
5.              If You Can't Stand To Lose by Bob Gentry
6.              Call It Love by Cimarron 615
7.              If Your Heart Needs A Hand by Janiva Magness
8.              Old Hat by Cimarron 615
9.              One Tear At A Time by Roan Yellowthorn
10.           Rose of Cimarron by Jesse Dayton
11.           Regret by Colin Devlin
12.           Gonna' Let The Rain by Sam Morrow
13.           While We're Still Young by Mary Scholz, Taylor John Williams
14.           Crazy Love by Chelsea Williams
15.           My Friend by Cimarron 615
16.           Where Did The Time Go? by Cimarron 615

Montreux Jazz Festival and BMG are set to release the next instalment in The Montreux Years series with “John McLaughlin: The Montreux Years,” OUT TOMORROW - Friday, March 4, 2022. Curated and compiled by John McLaughlin, the album is a collection of his finest performances at the Montreux Jazz Festival between 1978 and 2016. Beautifully restored and mastered, the recording will be available in multi-format configurations, including superior audiophile heavy weight vinyl, CD and on streaming services, in superlative HD audio.

Ranked in Rolling Stones magazine’s list of ‘100 Greatest Guitar Players of All Time’, John McLaughlin became a long-time friend of the Montreux Jazz Festival, having played at the iconic Swiss festival many times. The performances in this new collection are curated from six shows between 1978 to 2016 with the various ensembles of ‘The Mahavishnu Orchestra’, ‘The Heart Of Things’, ‘The Free Spirits’, ‘The 4th Dimension’ and his fellow virtuoso and close friend Paco de Lucia. Encapsulating McLaughlin’s time at the festival, “John McLaughlin: The Montreux Years” opens with the 1984 track Radio Activity by the Mahavishnu Orchestra, which McLaughlin reformed in the 80’s for the release of the album “Mahavishnu”.
 
Fans of the jazz fusion pioneer can immersive themselves in the superb and classic material that defined McLaughlin’s career, which includes the track Acid Jazz from the album “The Heart of Things”. Further exploring McLaughlin’s impressive repertoire, “John McLaughlin: The Montreux Years” includes the tracks Sing Me Softly Of The Blues from 1994’s “After the Rain” and El Hombre Que Sabia from McLaughlin’s studio album “Black Light”.
 
John McLaughlin: “To speak about The Montreux Jazz Festival brings back so many wonderful memories. But since my association goes back to 1971, we are looking at 50 years of history! Whether it’s the different incarnations of the Mahavishnu Orchestra, Shakti, The One Truth Band, The Free Spirits, The Heart of Things, Carlos Santana or with the late great Paco de Lucia, the list goes on and on. Not only all my musical performances at Montreux, but all my other visits to see my dear friend Claude Nobs the founder, my friends of the festival, join jam sessions, go hiking in the fabulous countryside around that lovely town. Montreux is a big part of my life’s musical and personal history and to share this selection of my performances on this recording makes me truly happy.”
 
As one of the greatest guitar players in music history, John McLaughlin has been cited a major influence on many 70’s and 80’s artists, including the likes of Steve Morse, Eric Johnson, Mike Stern and more. In 2018 McLaughlin won a Grammy for Best Improvised Jazz Solo, for his solo on Miles Beyond from his album “Live at Ronnie Scott’s”. With a German tour scheduled for March 2022, McLaughlin remains one of music’s greatest musicians and the release “John McLaughlin: The Montreux Years” is a testament to his legacy.

Launched in 2021, ‘The Montreux Years’ is the embodiment of the spirit of the Montreux Jazz Festival and the legacy of its much-loved founder, Claude Nobs. Nobs refused to compromise on quality or settle for anything other than the best and this ethos lives on in the superb quality of the recordings compiled in ‘The Montreux Years’. Mastering has been performed by Tony Cousins at London’s iconic Metropolis Studios, incorporating MQA to capture the original sound of the special live performances. Like previous releases of the series “John McLaughlin: The Montreux Years”, will be accompanied by exclusive liner notes by McLaughlin himself and previously unseen photography.
 
Available on pre-order now and released on Friday March 4, ‘John McLaughlin: The Montreux Years’ is the fifth instalment of The Montreux Years series, which began with musical titans Nina Simone and Etta James, followed by Marianne Faithfull and Muddy Waters. Having received critical acclaim worldwide, ‘Nina Simone: The Montreux Years’, debuted at #1 on the UK Official Jazz & Blues Chart in 2021 and was hailed by the likes of the New York Times and JazzFM Albums of the Year.
 
LP TRACKLISTING
 
Side A

    Radio Activity (Live – Montreux Jazz Festival 1984)
    Friendship (Live – Montreux Jazz Festival 1978)

 Side B

    Nostalgia (Live – Montreux Jazz Festival 1984)
    Acid Jazz (Live - Montreux Jazz Festival 1998)

 Side C

    David (Live – Montreux Jazz Festival 1987)
    Florianapolis (Live - Montreux Jazz Festival 1987)

 Side D

    Sing Me Softly of the Blues (Live – Montreux Jazz Festival 1995)
    El Hombre Que Sabià (Live – Montreux Jazz Festival 2016)

 CD TRACKLISTING

    Radio Activity (Live – Montreux Jazz Festival 1984)
    Nostalgia (Live – Montreux Jazz Festival 1984)
    Acid Jazz (Live - Montreux Jazz Festival 1998)
    David (Live – Montreux Jazz Festival 1987)
    Sing Me Softly of the Blues (Live – Montreux Jazz Festival 1995)
    Florianapolis (Live - Montreux Jazz Festival 1987)
    El Hombre Que Sabià (Live – Montreux Jazz Festival 2016)

JOHN McLAUGHLIN TOUR 2021
 
03.03.22 Schwetzingen, Wollfabrik
05.03.22 Neunkirchen/Saar, Neue Gablasehalle
07.03.22 Hannover, Theatre Am Aegi
08.03.22 Dresden, Alter Schlachthof
11.03.22 Dortmund, Konzerthaus
13.03.22 BASEL, CH, Volkshaus
15.03.22 Bielefeld, Rudolf-Oetker-Halle
16.03.22 Bremem, Die Glocke
17.03.22 Berlin, Admiralspalast
19.03.22 Ludwigshafen, Feierbendhaus
21.03.22 Munchen, Prinzregententheater
 
All Concerts are subject to Local Covid Restrictions that may apply and are out of the Artist and Promoters control

Gerry Beckley, the illustrious singer, songwriter, performer and co-founder of legendary band America, is set to release his fourth album for Blue Élan Records, Aurora, on June 17, 2022. First single, “Friends are Hard to Find,” is available today on all streaming services. Aurora is at once a look back on some of Beckley’s original influences – among them the triple Killer B’s of the Beatles, the Beach Boys, the Bee Gees, with Chicago thrown into the mix – as well as a fresh start, a clean slate moving forward coming on the heels of last year’s critically and fan acclaimed greatest hits album, Keeping the Light On: The Best of Gerry Beckley.
 
Recorded during the pandemic at Beckley’s two home studios in his dual bases of Sydney, Australia, and Venice, California, Aurora is an introspective album that takes stock of his life – past, present and future. The first single, “Friends are Hard to Find,” seeks to relieve the isolation all of us felt during the last nearly two years, with a hopeful, handclapping, crowd-sourced party atmosphere to provide the respite that music can offer in times of stress. Gerry acknowledges channeling the spontaneous creativity of his good friend, prolific songwriter Jimmy Webb.
 
“This is a time of great reflection whether we like it or not,” he says. “If we treat this pandemic as the lesson it could and should be, this could be a moment for great growth, because even with the immense challenges we face, there is still hope.”
 
As befits its simultaneous look back and forward, the songs on Aurora include “some old and some new,” unfinished demos and scratch recordings from as early as the mid-‘70s, along with tracks “started from scratch” over the past two years. New song “Tickets to the Past” marks the first time Beckley has co-written a song with longtime America partner Dewey Bunnell and it appears somewhere other than an America album. With America, who still perform more than 100 live dates a year, unable to fully tour during the last two years, Beckley turned to “my main hobby,” writing and recording almost 40 tracks, pared down to the 11 included on the album.

Sequenced like a traditional vinyl album, with a Side 1 and 2, Aurora is the work of a lifelong performer who hasn’t stopped growing, personally and creatively, with a beginning, middle and end.
 
“When you hold a mirror up to your life, it’s hard to control how much of your life is in that reflection,” he says. “I don’t want to say it’s about one thing in particular, I’d rather leave it more open-ended.”
 
Aurora Track list:
1.     Aurora
2.     I Fall Down
3.     Never Know Why
4.     Tickets to the Past
5.     Way to Go
6.     Friends are Hard to Find
7.     Peace of Mind
8.     Indy’s Gatho
9.     Aerial
10.   Superscope
11.   Tears

Rock & Roll Hall of Famers and legendary duo Daryl Hall and John Oates are reissuing ‘Marigold Sky’, their fifteenth studio album and their first to be released as independent artists back in 1997. The album is out TODAY!

To celebrate the 25th Anniversary of the album, it is being made available for the first time on double LP, as well as an expanded CD format that includes three bonus tracks previously unavailable on the original album release. The album will also be added to all streaming major platforms for fans to enjoy digitally, for the first time in its history.
 
“I look at ‘Marigold Sky’ as the lost Hall and Oates album”, says Daryl Hall.  “The fans have been asking me for years about it.  I’m really proud of these songs and happy to see that it’s getting a global re-release.”
Regarded as a fan favorite, the album is a collection of exquisitely crafted soul-pop that is irresistibly smooth, laying bare the mastery of the duo’s classic songwriting chops that has been prevalent throughout their career. Includes the singles ‘Promise Ain’t Enough’, ‘Romeo Is Bleeding’ and ‘The Sky Is Falling’.

John Oates adds, “I am really pleased that ‘Marigold Sky’ is finally becoming available around the world. It’s a very unique and cool album, and I hope old and new fans really enjoy it.”
 
Daryl Hall and John Oates remain to be a huge inspiration to some of the world’s most successful contemporary artists, from The xx to Kanye West, who have all sampled hits from the formidable duo. One of the most sampled artists today, their impact can be heard everywhere from boy band harmonies, to neo-soul to rap-rock fusion. This release adds to Daryl Hall and John Oates’ extensive and highly successful discography, which is still resonating with existing and new fans across the globe.
 
In 2014, Daryl Hall and John Oates were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, an achievement matched by their legendary discography, superstar status, and raft of monster hits spanning five decades.

2LP TRACKLIST
Romeo Is Bleeding
Marigold Sky
The Sky Is Falling
Out Of The Blue
Want To
Love Out Loud
Throw the Roses Away
I Don’t Think So
Promise Ain’t Enough
Time Won’t Pass Me By
Hold On To Yourself
War Of Words
 
2CD
Romeo Is Bleeding
Marigold Sky
The Sky Is Falling
Out Of The Blue
Want To
Love Out Loud
Throw the Roses Away
I Don’t Think So
Promise Ain’t Enough
Time Won’t Pass Me By
Hold On To Yourself
War Of Words
Romeo Is Bleeding (Radio Edit)
Hold On To Yourself (Remix)
The Sky Is Falling (Hot Mix)

Craft Recordings is proud to reissue You Must Believe in Spring, the celebrated 70th studio album from the pioneering jazz pianist Bill Evans. Recorded in 1977 and released in 1981, just months after Evans’ death, the album marks the artist’s final studio recording with bassist Eddie Gomez and drummer Eliot Zigmund and includes stunning performances of “We Will Meet Again (for Harry)” and “B Minor Waltz (for Ellaine).”
 
Set for release on June 3 and available for pre-order today HERE, You Must Believe in Spring features all-analog mastering, cut at 45-RPM from the original tapes by Kevin Gray at Cohearent Audio. Pressed on 180-gram vinyl at RTI Record Technology, Inc. (RTI), the album is presented as a 2-LP set in a gatefold package, with new liner notes from music journalist, author and historian Marc Myers. You Must Believe in Spring will also be available on CD, hi-res digital audio and SACD, which isexclusive to CraftRecordings.com. The audio for the CD, hi-res digital and SACD versions was transferred from the original tapes using the Plangent Processes Playback System and has been newly remastered by GRAMMY®-award winning engineer Paul Blakemore.

The CD, digital and SACD editions include three bonus tracks from the sessions, including the trio’s renditions of the Cole Porter classic “All of You” and the Vincent Youmans standard “Without a Song.” The jovial “Freddie Freeloader,” meanwhile, finds Evans revisiting his early years as a member of Miles Davis’ band. Interestingly, the selection not only features a rare performance by Evans on the electric piano, but also marks the only track on Davis’ Kind of Blue that the pianist did not appear on. Originally issued in 2003, all three bonus tracks will now make their debut in hi-res audio, while fans can stream or download “Without a Song,” across all digital platforms today.
 
One of the most influential artists in the history of jazz, Bill Evans (1929–1980) was known for his conversational interplay within his trios, his lyrical compositions and his matchless approach to the piano. His work with Gomez and Zigmund on You Must Believe in Spring offers a brilliant example of all three. At the time that they recorded the album, in August 1977, this particular iteration of the Bill Evans Trio had reached their apex, after three busy years of live performances and studio outings (including 1977’s Crosscurrents and I Will Say Goodbye). Speaking to Marc Myers, Zigmund recalls, “We had reached a high level of conversational playing … By Spring, we captured that ease of relating to each other.”
 
Recorded over three days at Hollywood’s famed Capitol Studios, the album paired Evans with the legendary producer Tommy LiPuma, whose extensive credits included Barbra Streisand, George Benson and Natalie Cole, among many others. Together, they selected an introspective collection of material which, notes Marc Myers, gave the album “a gentle, melancholy feel and a music-box tenderness.”Among them were two deeply personal Evans originals: “B Minor Waltz (for Ellaine),” composed in the memory of the pianist’s late common-law wife, Ellaine Shultz, and “We Will Meet Again (for Harry),” written for the artist’s late brother. Two years later, Evans would revisit the latter composition, designating it as the title track of his final studio recording.
 
The remainder of the tracklist offered Evans the space to interpret a broad array of material—from lesser-known gems like “Gary’s Theme,” a 1968 composition by vibraphonist Gary McFarland, to such popular fare as Sergio Mihanovich’s “Sometime Ago.” On LiPuma’s suggestion, Evans also delivered an inspired interpretation of “Theme From M*A*S*H (Suicide Is Painless),” the highly recognizable instrumental opener from the popular TV series. The title track, meanwhile, was a standard of the era, penned by the prolific French film composer Michel Legrand for 1967’s The Young Girls of Rochefort.
 
In a 2016 interview with Myers, LiPuma reflected proudly on You Must Believe in Spring. “By pure chance, I caught that trio at the right time. They were locked in and it was perfection,” recalled the late producer, who helmed the album alongside Evans’ longtime manager, Helen Keane. “It all gets down to the quality of the story being told by the musicians. If the music is infectious enough, it grabs you and you can’t get it out of your head. This album had all of that, at the highest possible level.”
 
While You Must Believe in Spring was a triumphant outing for Evans, it also marked the end of an era. Just one month after the sessions wrapped, Gomez departed the trio, following an incredible 11-year run with the pianist. Zigmund, who first joined Evans and Gomez in 1974, left later that year to focus on his young family. But the story doesn’t end there. During the summer of 1980, when Evans was performing a concert with his new (and final) trio, Gomez and Zigmund reunited with the artist.
 
“On a break, the three of us went to sit in Bill’s Chevy Impala parked nearby. He wanted us to listen to a tape of the unreleased You Must Believe in Spring,” shares Zigmund. “As we listened, I was transported back to the trio’s conversational beauty. The music was special, and no one in the car said a word. Though Bill’s face was expressionless while listening, we knew from his big parting smile that he was very happy with what he heard. That’s the last time I saw Bill.”

Evans passed away that September, five months before You Must Believe in Spring was released. While the pianist wasn’t able to experience the album’s warm reception, there was no question that he was proud of the recording. “For Evans, perfection was an allusive target and a career-long obsession,” writes Myers. “You Must Believe in Spring is a studio album [that] Evans felt hit the mark.”
 
At just 51 years old, Evans left behind an inimitable musical legacy—one that included more than 50 albums as a leader. During his three-decade-long career, Evans earned seven GRAMMY® Awards and31 nominations, among other honors, while in 1994, his contributions were recognized with a GRAMMY®Lifetime Achievement Award. Today, Evans’ work continues to inspire new generations of musicians around the globe.
 
To pre-order You Must Believe in Spring now click HERE
 
You Must Believe in Spring Tracklist (Vinyl)
 
Side One

    B Minor Waltz (For Ellaine)
    You Must Believe In Spring

 Side Two

    Gary’s Theme
    We Will Meet Again (For Harry)

 Side Three

    The Peacocks
    Sometime Ago

 Side Four

    Theme from M*A*S*H (aka Suicide Is Painless)

 You Must Believe in Spring Tracklist (Digital/SACD/CD)

    B Minor Waltz (For Ellaine)
    You Must Believe In Spring
    Gary’s Theme
    We Will Meet Again (For Harry)
    The Peacocks
    Sometime Ago
    Theme from M*A*S*H (Suicide Is Painless)
    Without A Song (Bonus)
    Freddie Freeloader (Bonus)
    All Of You (Bonus)

JOE SATRIANI is unleashing his newest studio album, The Elephants of Mars, marking the legendary guitarist’s 19th studio album in his 35+year career in music. A dynamic and vivid new video for the title track, again directed by ZZ Satriani, debuts today at 12pm PT/3pm ET directed by ZZ Satriani. Satriani, ZZ and the band will join fans after the world premiere at 12:15 pm PT for a “Release Party Q&A.”

As was previously announced, Satriani will launch his worldwide “Earth Tour” with a U.S. leg launching on September 21, 2022 in Riverside, CA and continue on through November 19 with a final date in the States to take place in Dallas, TX. Satriani will then head over to Europe for rescheduled shows in early 2023.

Joe Satriani had an admirably productive workingman’s holiday, with pandemic forced time away from the road, that ultimately gave him and his touring band, all recording remotely in separate areas of the world during lockdown, the ability to deliver an album length journey that never dulls. The Elephants of Mars crackles with an exciting new energy, briskly traveling through stylistic roads that feel freshly updated, viewed through new eyes.

The guitarist challenged himself to create a “new standard” for instrumental guitar albums to be measured against, one which would work from “a new platform of his own design,” as he terms it. “I want to show people that an instrumental guitar album can contain far more creative and entertaining elements than I think people are using right now.”

In 2020 with all time constraints removed, The Elephants of Mars truly represents the album that Satriani himself hoped he could deliver with his band. “We did everything. We tried the craziest ideas. And we entertained every notion we had about turning something backwards, upside down, seeing what could happen.”

For over three decades, the guitar virtuoso has traveled the world, playing to sold-out crowds as both a headliner and as founder of the all-star “G3” guitar extravaganza.  Satriani’s studio and live recordings have sold more than 10 million copies worldwide to date and of his many solo albums, two have gone platinum and four others went gold, with 15 Grammy nominations between them.  His side project, Chickenfoot, featuring former Van Halen frontman Sammy Hagar, former bassist Michael Anthony and Red Hot Chili Peppers’ drummer Chad Smith saw their debut album certified gold and their second studio album debuted at #9.

Satriani’s touring band is Kenny Aronoff (drums), Bryan Beller (bass) and Rai Thistlethwayte (keyboards).
 
Joe Satriani’s EARTH TOUR – U.S. Itinerary

9/21/22 Fox Performing Arts Center / Riverside, CA
9/22/22 Balboa Theatre / San Diego, CA
9/23/22 Orpheum Theatre / Los Angeles, CA
9/24/22 Talking Stick Resort / Scottsdale, AZ
9/25/22 Grand Theatre @ Grand Sierra Resort / Reno, NV
9/26/22 Bob Hope Theater / Stockton, CA
9/28/22 The Moore Theatre / Seattle, WA
9/29/22 Bing Crosby Theater / Spokane, WA
9/30/22 Elsinore Theatre / Salem, OR
10/2/22 Fox Theater / Oakland, CA
10/4/22 Paramount Theatre / Denver, CO
10/6/22 Stiefel Theatre / Salina, KS
10/7/22 Hoyt Sherman Theatre / Des Moines, IA  
10/8/22 The Pageant / St. Louis, MO
10/9/22 State Theatre / Minneapolis, MN
10/12/22 Chicago Theatre / Chicago, IL
10/13/22 Peoria Civic Center Theatre / Peoria, IL
10/14/22 Kalamazoo State Theatre / Kalamazoo, MI
10/15/22 Honeywell Center / Wabash, IN
10/16/22 Canton Palace Theatre / Canton, OH
10/17/22 Count Basie Center for the Arts / Red Bank, NJ
10/19/22 Carolina Theatre / Durham, NC
10/20/22 Palace Theatre / Greensburg, PA
10/21/22 MGM Northfield Park / Northfield, OH
10/22/22 Taft Theatre / Cincinnati, OH
10/23/22 Brown County Music Center / Nashville, IN
10/24/22 Ryman Auditorium / Nashville, TN
10/26/22 Warner Theatre / Washington, DC
10/27/22 Beacon Theatre / New York City, NY
10/29/22 Danforth Music Hall / Toronto, ON
11/2/22 & 11/3/22 Ridgefield Playhouse / Ridgefield, CT
11/4/22 Scottish Rite Auditorium / Collingswood, NJ
11/5/22 Orpheum Theatre / Boston, MA
11/7/22 Atlanta Symphony Hall / Atlanta, GA
11/9/22 Ponte Vedra Concert Hall / Ponte Vedra, FL
11/10/22 Hard Rock Live / Orlando, FL
11/11/22 The Parker Ft / Lauderdale, FL
11/12/22 Ruth Eckerd Hall / Clearwater, FL
11/14/22 Mars Music Hall / Huntsville, AL
11/16/22 Tobin Center for the Performing Arts / San Antonio, TX
11/17/22 Paramount Theatre / Austin, TX
11/18/22 House of Blues / Houston, TX
11/19/22 Majestic Theatre / Dallas, TX

Two-time Grammy Award winning Los Angeles-based band, OZOMATLI, continues to release new music in 2022 – “Sunsets,” from the forthcoming album Marching On, is now available on all digital services.

Marching On is their first studio album since the critically acclaimed, 2017 reggae twisted Non-Stop: Mexico to Jamaica in 2017 and marks their debut with new label, Blue Élan Records.  The band is also hitting the road to preview this new music live. Beginning on May 15th they will take part in the popular Southern California Beach Life Festival before hitting several high-profile summer series concerts across the country. Rounding out their summer, the band will jump on The Old School Cruise in late September.
 
As lead vocalist/guitarist Raul Pacheco describes of the reggae tinged, island swaying new single, “’Sunsets’ is about the city of LA, traveling from the east side to the beach and all of those special moments in between. We wish they could last forever but even beautiful sunsets have to end sometime. The inspiration came from the ending of beautiful things, sometimes it’s relationships, sometimes it’s important parts of your life. When you’re looking at a sunset, it’s just for a moment – you really have just a few minutes to capture this image because then it’s gone. For me, there’s something about that - about life, about how we live, there are beautiful things everywhere but they might not be permanent and you might as well enjoy it while you can.”
 
Last year, the band debuted two new singles from the album – the soulful grooves of “Mi Destino,” featuring guests B-Real (Cypress Hill/Prophets of Rage) and vocalist, Gaby Moreno, was featured on KCRW while the freestyle dance party tune, “Fellas” which features Lisa Lisa of Cult Jam fame and the ladies of J.J. Fad, became a sought out duet on tik tok.  Following in March, influential Los Angeles based radio station, KCRW, premiered the maraca shaking single, “Sacude” on “Morning Becomes Eclectic”.
 
Produced by David Garza (Fiona Apple), Marching On features the six Ozo core members: Asdru Sierra (lead vocals, trumpet, keyboards), Raul Pacheco (lead vocals, guitar), Willy (Wil-Dog) Abers (bass, vocals), Justin Poree (rap, vocals, percussion), Ulises Bella (saxophone, melodica, clarinet, guitar, requinto, keyboards, vocals) and Jiro Yamaguchi (drums, percussion) as well as the previously mentioned special guests.
 
While the basic tracks were all completed at Sonic Ranch, due to the pandemic, other parts of the record were completed remotely. Despite the often-terrifying uncertainty of the world in 2020, ultimately Ozo were able to complete Marching On, which turned out to be an almost prescient song and album title.  As the lyrics to the track clarify: “Yeah we keep marching till the justice reigns / And the world sings the freedom’s song / Yeah we keep marching while the battle rages / As the new generations born / Till we right the wrongs.”

The 11 songs are a unified blend of the members’ influences and ideas. Or, as founding members Jiro Yamaguchi and Uli explain: "You drive down Sunset Boulevard and turn off your stereo and roll down your windows and all the music that comes out of each and every different car, whether it's salsa, cumbia, merengue, Hip Hop, funk or whatever, it's that crazy blend that's going on between that cacophony of sound is Ozomatli, y'know?"

Ozomatli on tour
5/15/22 - Redondo Beach, CA - BeachLife Festival
5/16/22 - Los Angeles, CA - The Venice West (BeachLife afterparty)
5/22/22 - Los Angeles, CA - Getty 25 Celebrates Lincoln Heights/East L.A.
5/29/22 - Taos, New Mexico - Kit Carson Park
5/30/22 - Pelham, TN - Dia de Los Muertos in the Caverns (A PBS Television Event - with Los Lobos)
6/17/22 - Menlo Park, CA - The Guild Theatre
6/18/22 - Mammoth Lakes, CA - The Village at Mammoth
6/19/22 - Ukiah, CA - Todd Grove Park (Sundays in the Park)
6/23/22 - Fullerton, CA - Craig Regional Park (OC Parks Summer Concert Series)
7/16/22 - Ventura , CA - Ventura Pier (Surf Rodeo)
7/28/22 - Ridgway, CO - Hartwell Park
7/29/22 - Fort Collins, CO - Washington's
7/31/22 - Carbondale, CO - Sopris Park (Carbondale Mountain Fair)
9/02/22 - Silverthorne, CO - Rainbow Park
9/15/22 - Long Beach, CA - The Old School Cruise
9/16/22 - Long Beach, CA - The Old School Cruise
9/17/22 - Long Beach, CA - The Old School Cruise
9/18/22 - Long Beach, CA - The Old School Cruise

ERIC JOHNSON, the prolific Grammy-Award winning, Austin-based songwriter and guitarist releases his second set of two new singles today, “Sitting on Top of the World” and “Love Will Never Say Goodbye” from his forthcoming albums, The Book of Making and Yesterday Meets Today. The duo of album releases will be available on July 29, 2022 via his new partnership with Blue Élan Records. A pre-order is available now where fans will have the opportunity to unlock Eric’s Takeouts, a collection of seven bonus tracks, when they purchase both albums together.
 
Listen to “Sitting on Top of the World” and “Love Will Never Say Goodbye”

The Book of Making’s supple, classic blues standard “Sitting On Top of The World”—popularized by Howlin’ Wolf—sits alongside a cut from Yesterday Meets Today, the timeless, mid-tempo “Love Will Never Say Goodbye.”  Says Johnson of the new songs, "Sitting On Top Of The World is a classic blues number that I’ve always loved. Howlin’ Wolf had a great version of it as well as Cream on their record Wheels Of Fire. I tried to do a slightly different version of it myself but still pay respect to the original intention." He continues, "’Love Will Never Say Goodbye’ is a basic track that I had from years ago and decided to overdub guitars and background vocals and percussion on. It has a bit of a Motown feel to it which was a favorite era of music to me."
 
It was during the mandatory “lockdown vacation” that all of us endured throughout 2020 when Johnson realized, “I have the time, let’s go through the vaults and see what’s there.” What he found was enough material to emerge with two albums featuring nine songs on each LP. The Grammy-winning, multi-genre guitarist took inventory—both emotionally and musically—delving into the many unfinished tracks, outtakes, demos, and sonic ideas in his archive to compile the 18 songs that ultimately ended up on the albums.
 
“I started pulling these recordings out of the vault at my studio. Some were professionally done, some were just scratch tapes, some were rehearsal recordings on cassette,” Johnson explains. The music spanned 25 years of “creations, thoughts and ideas that remained unfinished for many years.” In some of the deeply moving music Johnson discovered a “certain personal magic” and decided to allow song cuts to remain as they were initially created. Others were embellished; a few songs are new.
 
Johnson reflects, “As life’s road over the last couple of years has been unpredictable for all of us, I truly believe it leads to a brighter road of possibilities.” The singer/guitarists’ personal goals are now closer, thanks to The Book of Making and Yesterday Meets Today. His hope? That the “thoughts, aspirations and revelations I had in making this project will help bring me closer to tuning my direction to trying to make my future music as emotionally positive and uplifting as I can.”

Among Johnson's many accolades are a Grammy award for "Cliffs of Dover " (a track from his Platinum certified Ah Via Musicom), ten more Grammy nominations, lifetime induction into the Guitar Player Gallery of Greats and his listing among the "100 Greatest Guitarists of the 20th Century" by Musician. In his hometown of Austin TX, a city full of guitarists, the readers of the Austin Chronicle have voted ERIC JOHNSON the city's "Best Electric Guitarist" and "Best Acoustic Guitarist" in their yearly poll year after year. They also named him "Electric Guitarist of the Decade" and one of the top five "Musicians of the Decade". He appears on the cover of the June 2022 issue of Guitar Player alongside Joe Satriani and Steve Vai, celebrating the anniversary of the inaugural G3 Tour.

Gerry Beckley, the illustrious singer, songwriter, performer and co-founder of legendary band America, releases his new single, the album’s title track - “Aurora” - today!  The song is culled from his fourth solo album for Blue Élan Records set for release on July 1, 2022. Pre-orders are available now.

“Aurora” is available today on all streaming services.

Beckley says the recently penned title track, an unabashed love song, uses the natural phenomenon of light in the sky at dawn, which befits an album-opener, as a metaphor for the life-changing event of meeting his wife and moving to Australia. “When you hold a mirror up to your life, it’s hard to control how much of your life is in that reflection,” he says. “I don’t want to say it’s about one thing in particular, I’d rather leave it more open-ended.”

The effect is that while our feet may be planted on the ground, our gaze is set on the firmament, a theme Beckley comes back to on album tracks like “Never Know Why” (“Stars fall out of the sky”), “Way to Go” (“You left without a sound/Feet never touched the ground”) and “Aerial” (“I hear a distant bell”).

Recorded during the pandemic at Beckley’s two home studios in his dual bases of Sydney, Australia, and Venice, California, Aurora is an introspective album that takes stock of his life – past, present and future. “This is a time of great reflection whether we like it or not,” he says. “If we treat this pandemic as the lesson it could and should be, this could be a moment for great growth, because even with the immense challenges we face, there is still hope.”

Sequenced like a traditional vinyl album, with a Side 1 and 2, Aurora is the work of a lifelong performer who hasn’t stopped growing, personally and creatively, with a beginning, middle and end.

“When you hold a mirror up to your life, it’s hard to control how much of your life is in that reflection,” he says. “I don’t want to say it’s about one thing in particular, I’d rather leave it more open-ended.”

Almost a half-century ago, Shakti awakened the world.
 
An unprecedented, transcontinental collaboration, Shakti united eastern and western musicians, and in the process forged the template for what is now called “world music.” Their dynamic musical hybrid immediately enthralled audiences around the globe – and inspired generations of musicians, artists, and thinkers from all walks of life to embark on their own cross-cultural odysseys.  
 
From the West came virtuoso British guitarist John McLaughlin, who arrived in New York in 1969 and immediately re-wired jazz via his work with Miles Davis and the Tony Williams Lifetime, of which he was a founding member. From the East came visionary tabla player Zakir Hussain, who had been performing with giants of Hindustani music since he was a child, as the son of Ustad Alla Rakha – one of tabla’s greatest exponents, often seen accompanying sitar pioneer Ravi Shankar. A music shop owner in Greenwich Village connected the two, with Hussain giving McLaughlin lessons in Indian music that, over time, blossomed into jam sessions that started the pair on the path to what eventually became Shakti. “There wasn’t a first meeting,” Hussain recalls today. “It felt like a reunion of long-lost brothers…”
 
By 1973, McLaughlin’s pioneering jazz/rock fusion ensemble Mahavishnu Orchestra had achieved Olympian popularity and acclaim…and yet, something else was calling out to McLaughlin – a music that reflected his evolving spiritual practice while feeding his insatiable hunger to converse, communicate, and explore. Inspired by those initial sessions with Hussain, McLaughlin stunned the world by walking away from Mahavishnu and joining Hussain, violinist Shankar, and ghatam player T.H. “Vikku” Vinayakram alongside McLaughlin. “It was a phenomenal experience,” McLaughlin says of those early jams. “But [record label] CBS, they all thought I was a bit crazy…but for me, it was an imperative that Shakti become my permanent group after the Mahavishnu Orchestra.” Together the members of Shakti honed an ecstatic new musical fusion, blazing uncharted pathways and demonstrating the potential of such global composites to generations of musicians around the world.

Now McLaughlin and Hussain are preparing to resume their journey – joined by percussionist V. Selvaganesh (T.H. Vinayakram’s son), vocalist Shankar Mahadevan, and violinist Ganesh Rajagopalan – for an album of new compositions and a world tour to mark Shakti’s 50th anniversary. Today’s Shakti honors the legacy of the original band by acknowledging their tradition while continuing to push beyond existing boundaries into new musical landscapes. “It’s really a thrill,” McLaughlin says of Shakti’s 50th anniversary plans. “I’m delighted to be part of this marvelous tradition of the Shakti group.”  
 
“This group is everything that I could possibly imagine in a music offering,” concludes Hussain. “As far as I’m concerned, it is the pinnacle, the musical nirvana of my musical career.”
 
Stay tuned over the next couple of months on album release date, tour schedules, support acts, special guests and much more.

Announced today, the seventh studio album from the Grammy®-nominated artist KT TUNSTALL is the last in a trilogy of albums she began recording and releasing in 2016. NUT will be released on September 9, 2022 via her new partnership with Blue Élan Records. First single, “Canyons,” is available on all digital services today. The single follows a recent collaboration with Frank Turner on “Little Life”.
 
KT describes the album name; “Growing up in Scotland, if someone was losing their temper you would say, ‘Dinny lose yer Nut!’ I love that the word also means a seed. The album artwork is all about the brain being a garden; you reap what you sow, you need to keep the weeds at bay, and there is an almost supernatural beauty to when things blossom.”
 
"I'm a dreamer, and I've always been a dreamer," she explains. "And to write lyrics, I have to allow myself to unhook from the day to day and go into this other realm. And I found that all through the pandemic, the present moment was holding on to the back of my shirt every minute and just would not let me go."
 
She found her writing groove thanks to "Canyons," a song propelled by a grimy, heavy rock riff. In keeping with NUT’s theme, the song's lyrics are about the canyon-like physiology of the brain, and explores the parallels between humans developing unique identities and the way nature evolves and is shaped over time. Elsewhere, NUT’s lyrics and sound delve into KT’s own personal evolution, and the way our selves evolve through the repetition of behaviors and life experience.

Listen to “Canyons” here

 KT Tunstall has never been one for creative stasis. The Grammy®-nominated Scottish Musician burst onto the music scene with her 2004 multi-platinum debut, Eye to the Telescope, which spawned the global hits "Black Horse and the Cherry Tree" and "Suddenly I See." These songs established Tunstall as a captivating and dynamic performer, as well as a Songwriter with a singular knack for balancing introspective folk and propulsive rock.
 
"There are two immediate, recognizable pillars of my style," she says. "I have this troubadour, acoustic guitar-driven emotional side. Then there's definitely an electrified rock side of my work with rawness and teeth."
 
After selling everything she owned and moving to California in 2015, she took a break before spending the next seven years on the album trilogy. She describes the first record, KIN, as “an absolute Phoenix out of the ashes," Tunstall says. "It was the result of a profound personal shift, and finding my feet again after facing some really hard truths." Among other things, Tunstall's father died—an event that made her realize she was unhappy in her marriage and led to divorce. More challenges awaited her upon the release of 2018's WAX. "Halfway through the tour for WAX, I completely lost my hearing in my left ear overnight, which never returned," she says. "I lost an extremely important physical part of my body whilst touring a record all about the body."
 
Tunstall was understandably wary about what might happen while making her mind record, NUT. And of course, it came in the form of a global pandemic. However, now that the trilogy is complete, she has the perspective to appreciate the solace and healing she experienced as the songs unfolded. "I did not expect to be essentially documenting such an intense personal journey," she says. "When I started, it was more observational fascination with the subject matter and a sense of personal interest. I did not foresee how visceral an experience it would be making this music about myself. It became the audio accompaniment to a deeply transformative period of my life. It's the soundtrack to me creating a new version of myself."  
 
Each part of the trilogy relates to the three existential parts of ourselves; KIN = Spirit, WAX = Body, and NUT = Mind
 
KT has various live performances planned throughout 2022:
June 11             Yoshi’s                                           Oakland, CA
June 13             Red Butte Gardens                       Salt Lake City, UT (w. Joss Stone)
June 17             The Shell                                       San Diego, CA (w. Joss Stone)
August 27         Strings Music Pavilion                   Steamboat Springs, CO
Sept 16             The Norwood Theatre                   Norwood, MA
Nov 11               Boisdale of Canary Wharf            London, UK
 
 More dates TBA

Craft Recordings is proud to reissue You Must Believe in Spring, the celebrated 70th studio album from the pioneering jazz pianist Bill Evans. Recorded in 1977 and released in 1981, just months after Evans’ death, the album marks the artist’s final studio recording with bassist Eddie Gomez and drummer Eliot Zigmund and includes stunning performances of “We Will Meet Again (for Harry)” and “B Minor Waltz (for Ellaine).”
 
Set for release tomorrow, June 3 and available for pre-order today HERE, You Must Believe in Spring features all-analog mastering, cut at 45-RPM from the original tapes by Kevin Gray at Cohearent Audio. Pressed on 180-gram vinyl at RTI Record Technology, Inc. (RTI), the album is presented as a 2-LP set in a gatefold package, with new liner notes from music journalist, author and historian Marc Myers. You Must Believe in Spring will also be available on CD, hi-res digital audio and SACD, which is exclusive to CraftRecordings.com. The audio for the CD, hi-res digital and SACD versions was transferred from the original tapes using the Plangent Processes Playback System and has been newly remastered by GRAMMY®-award winning engineer Paul Blakemore.

The CD, digital and SACD editions include three bonus tracks from the sessions, including the trio’s renditions of the Cole Porter classic “All of You” and the Vincent Youmans standard “Without a Song.” The jovial “Freddie Freeloader,” meanwhile, finds Evans revisiting his early years as a member of Miles Davis’ band. Interestingly, the selection not only features a rare performance by Evans on the electric piano, but also marks the only track on Davis’ Kind of Blue that the pianist did not appear on. Originally issued in 2003, all three bonus tracks will now make their debut in hi-res audio, while fans can stream or download “Without a Song,” across all digital platforms today.

One of the most influential artists in the history of jazz, Bill Evans (1929–1980) was known for his conversational interplay within his trios, his lyrical compositions and his matchless approach to the piano. His work with Gomez and Zigmund on You Must Believe in Spring offers a brilliant example of all three. At the time that they recorded the album, in August 1977, this particular iteration of the Bill Evans Trio had reached their apex, after three busy years of live performances and studio outings (including 1977’s Crosscurrents and I Will Say Goodbye). Speaking to Marc Myers, Zigmund recalls, “We had reached a high level of conversational playing … By Spring, we captured that ease of relating to each other.”
 
Recorded over three days at Hollywood’s famed Capitol Studios, the album paired Evans with the legendary producer Tommy LiPuma, whose extensive credits included Barbra Streisand, George Benson and Natalie Cole, among many others. Together, they selected an introspective collection of material which, notes Marc Myers, gave the album “a gentle, melancholy feel and a music-box tenderness.” Among them were two deeply personal Evans originals: “B Minor Waltz (for Ellaine),” composed in the memory of the pianist’s late common-law wife, Ellaine Shultz, and “We Will Meet Again (for Harry),” written for the artist’s late brother. Two years later, Evans would revisit the latter composition, designating it as the title track of his final studio recording.
 
The remainder of the tracklist offered Evans the space to interpret a broad array of material—from lesser-known gems like “Gary’s Theme,” a 1968 composition by vibraphonist Gary McFarland, to such popular fare as Sergio Mihanovich’s “Sometime Ago.” On LiPuma’s suggestion, Evans also delivered an inspired interpretation of “Theme From M*A*S*H (Suicide Is Painless),” the highly recognizable instrumental opener from the popular TV series. The title track, meanwhile, was a standard of the era, penned by the prolific French film composer Michel Legrand for 1967’s The Young Girls of Rochefort.
 
In a 2016 interview with Myers, LiPuma reflected proudly on You Must Believe in Spring. “By pure chance, I caught that trio at the right time. They were locked in and it was perfection,” recalled the late producer, who helmed the album alongside Evans’ longtime manager, Helen Keane. “It all gets down to the quality of the story being told by the musicians. If the music is infectious enough, it grabs you and you can’t get it out of your head. This album had all of that, at the highest possible level.”
 
While You Must Believe in Spring was a triumphant outing for Evans, it also marked the end of an era. Just one month after the sessions wrapped, Gomez departed the trio, following an incredible 11-year run with the pianist. Zigmund, who first joined Evans and Gomez in 1974, left later that year to focus on his young family. But the story doesn’t end there. During the summer of 1980, when Evans was performing a concert with his new (and final) trio, Gomez and Zigmund reunited with the artist.
 
“On a break, the three of us went to sit in Bill’s Chevy Impala parked nearby. He wanted us to listen to a tape of the unreleased You Must Believe in Spring,” shares Zigmund. “As we listened, I was transported back to the trio’s conversational beauty. The music was special, and no one in the car said a word. Though Bill’s face was expressionless while listening, we knew from his big parting smile that he was very happy with what he heard. That’s the last time I saw Bill.”
 
Evans passed away that September, five months before You Must Believe in Spring was released. While the pianist wasn’t able to experience the album’s warm reception, there was no question that he was proud of the recording. “For Evans, perfection was an allusive target and a career-long obsession,” writes Myers. “You Must Believe in Spring is a studio album [that] Evans felt hit the mark.”
 
At just 51 years old, Evans left behind an inimitable musical legacy—one that included more than 50 albums as a leader. During his three-decade-long career, Evans earned seven GRAMMY® Awards and 31 nominations, among other honors, while in 1994, his contributions were recognized with a GRAMMY® Lifetime Achievement Award. Today, Evans’ work continues to inspire new generations of musicians around the globe.
 
To pre-order You Must Believe in Spring now click HERE
 
You Must Believe in Spring Tracklist (Vinyl)
 
Side One

    B Minor Waltz (For Ellaine)
    You Must Believe In Spring

 Side Two

    Gary’s Theme
    We Will Meet Again (For Harry)

 Side Three

    The Peacocks
    Sometime Ago

 Side Four

    Theme from M*A*S*H (aka Suicide Is Painless)

 You Must Believe in Spring Tracklist (Digital/SACD/CD)

    B Minor Waltz (For Ellaine)
    You Must Believe In Spring
    Gary’s Theme
    We Will Meet Again (For Harry)
    The Peacocks
    Sometime Ago
    Theme from M*A*S*H (Suicide Is Painless)
    Without A Song (Bonus)
    Freddie Freeloader (Bonus)
    All Of You (Bonus)

Rock & Roll Hall of Famer Dave Mason kicks off his summer tour tomorrow, Wednesday, June 8, in Carmel, CA and continues to the East Coast, the Midwest and Texas before ending in Omaha, NE on July 22 with Sheryl Crow at The Memorial Park Concert. This is a testament to Dave Mason’s six-decade endurance as an icon in rock history.  Mason is thrilled to get back on the road to see his friends and fans - “There is nothing quite like performing live. I love it!” exclaimed Mason.

Get up to speed with DAVE MASON IN 60 SECONDS.

Joining Mason on this run are longtime band members Johnne Sambataro on guitar and vocals, Alvino Bennett on drums, and exciting new additions Bill Mason on keyboard and vocals, and Ray Cardwell on bass and vocals. This new lineup will perform Mason’s most loved and iconic songs as well as deep tracks and a few surprises.
 
In 2020 Dave Mason reimagined his iconic album Alone Together with the release of Alone Together Again. The album is available through Mason’s online store, and on all digital platforms, via Shelter Records.

Written when he was only 20 years old, Dave Mason is likely best known for “Feelin’ Alright?”, one of the most beloved and covered rock anthems since its release in 1968. The timeless song continues to be a powerful and enduring moment of rock and roll history, featured in dozens of films and TV commercials as well as interpretations by artists as diverse as Joe Cocker, Three Dog Night, Grand Funk Railroad, ELO, Coldplay, The 5th Dimension and so many more. A new version of this classic was re-recorded and released in July 2020 featuring Mason alongside Mick Fleetwood, Sammy Hagar, Michael McDonald and The Doobie Brothers: John McFee, Tom Johnston, John Cowan and Pat Simmons. Listen to “Feelin’ Alright” HERE; watch the video HERE.
 
Mason has been respectfully called a musical “gunslinger” for a reason; having worked with some of the biggest names in music, his trademark guitar licks and musical touches are all over beloved classic hits. He recorded an album with Mama Cass, played rhythm guitar on “All Along the Watchtower” with Jimi Hendrix, was a founding member of Traffic, recorded with Paul McCartney and The Rolling Stones, was part of Fleetwood Mac for a spell, as well as a guitar designer and a Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Inductee …. Yep, that’s Dave Mason.

Dave Mason on Tour 2022
 
Wed Jun 08 2022        Carmel, CA                  Sunset Cultural Center
Thu Jun 09 2022          Petaluma, CA              Mystic Theatre
Sat Jun 18 2022           Boston, MA                 City Winery
Sun Jun 19 2022          Hammondsport, NY    Point of the Bluff Vineyards
Tue Jun 21 2022          Derry, NH                    Tupelo Music Hall
Wed Jun 22 2022         East Greenwich, RI     Greenwich Odeum
Fri Jun 24 2022            Augusta, NJ                 Rock, Ribs & Ridges Festival
Sat Jun 25 2022           Amangansett, NY        Stephen Talkhouse
Tue Jun 28 2022          Ocean City, NJ            Ocean City Music Pier
Wed Jun 29 2022         Alexandria, VA            The Birchmere
Fri Jul 01 2022             Ridgefield, CT             Ridgefield Playhouse
Sat Jul 02 2022            Westhampton Beach  Westhampton Beach PAC
Tue Jul 05 2022           North Truro, MA           Payomet Performing Arts Center
Fri Jul 08 2022             Warren, OH                 Robins Theatre
Sat Jul 09 2022            Lorain, OH                   Lorain Palace Theatre
Sun Jul 10 2022           Kent, OH                     The Kent Stage
Tue Jul 13 2022           Wichita, KS                  TempleLive Wichita
Thu Jul 14 2022           Oklahoma City, OK      Tower Theatre
Fri Jul 15 2022             Dallas, TX                    The Kessler Theater
Sat Jul 16 2022            Houston, TX                The Heights Theater
Wed Jul 20 2022          Fort Smith, AR             TempleLive Fort Smith
Fri Jul 22 2022             Omaha, NE                  Memorial Park Omaha