Rock And Blues International by Rock and Blues International

DECEMBER 2021

Rock And Blues International Carolyn Wonderland ALSO IN THIS ISSUE

BLUES FESTIVAL LIST Poretta, The Soul City Front Range Radio J Balvin Ellen Foley Allman Family Revival Fana Hues and more! Photo by Ismael Quintanilla

Rock And Blues International December 2021 Hello Rock And Blues International readers. I hope everybody had a great November. I am so happy to see that Concerts are proceeding in full force. As I reported last month, there are a lot of great concert tours going out on the road now and I want to share those again with you. Among the festivals and bands announced are Walter Trout, Danielle Nicole, Sepultura, Inferno Metal Festival, Legendary Rhythm and Blues Cruise, Black Lael Society, Circle Jerks, Gwar, Jinjer, California Deathfest VI, and Exhorder, just to name a few. ShipRocked 2022 has even been announced. There’s going to be a lot of live music hitting the road this next year. Be sure to check out all the tour announcements and ads in this issue. If you’re a publicist and your act doesn’t have a tour announcement in here, then you’re client is really missing out. Don’t leave them by the wayside. And now on to the December issue of Rock And Blues International. In this issue you can read stories about Alligator Records newest guitar hero, Carolyn Wonderland, along with stories on The Soul City of Poretta, Front Range Radio, Aephanemer, Hiatus Kaiyote, Englebert Humperdinck, Tora-I, Glass Animals, J Balvin, Lord Of The Lost, Ellen Foley, Tiffany, Skatenigs, All Hail The Yeti, Fana Hues, Allman Family Revival Tour, Jason Aldean, Devil Driver & Lamb Of God, Lee McKinney, Empiires, October Thorns, Persefone, Us, Sublime and more! As you can see, there are a lot of varied genres of music here for you to check out, or as we like to say, there’s a little of something for everyone here. We have even included the current installment of the novella, “The Biker”. Read it and than email us back with your thoughts on this. Should we continue it or should we scrap it? I sincerely hope that everybody reading this publication finds something here that they like and I would like to encourage you to let your friends and colleagues know about us. Just look for us every month at http://www.rockandbluesinternational.com. I would also like to encourage you to email us for a free subscription to Rock And Blues International as well. Just email us at rockandbluesinternational@gmail.com and in the subject line simply put “Sign Me Up” and we’ll email you a link to the magazine each month when it is published.

Kevin Wildman Kevin Wildman Editor and Publisher

Rock And Blues International Kevin Wildman Editor and Publisher

Web Address Http://www.rockandbluesinternational.com Mailing Address Box 1162, League City, TX 77573 Phone 281-650-1953

For Advertising email us at rockandbluesinternational@gmail.com or call 281-650-1953 For A Free Subscription email us at rockandblues international@gmail.com and in the subject line put “Sign Me Up Now” December 2021 • Rock and Blues International

Contents

VOL. 2 NO. 5

DECEMBER 2021

ISSUE NO. 17

CAROLYN WONDERLAND Meet Alligator Records Newest Guitar Hero, Carolyn Wonderland. Carolyn Talks About Her New Release, Tempting Fate

18 PORETTA

Edoardo Fassio talks about Poretta, The Soul City

FRONT RANGE RADIO Front Range Radio’s Tim Board Is Living The Dream

40 J BALVIN

J Balvin Enlists Sech For “Una Nota” Video

44 44

ELLEN FOLEY Ellen Foley Announces Tour Of The Netherlands

Rock and Blues International • December 2021

Contents

VOL. 2 NO. 5

DECEMBER 2021

ISSUE NO. 17

ALLMAN FAMILY REVIVAL Allman Family Revival Tour Honors Memory Of Greg Alllman

74 OCTOBER THORNS

New York Progressive Rocker October Thorns Reveal Video For “Circle Game,” Featuring Classic Early Footage Of Bassist David Z

THE BIKER LIMITED EDITION SHORT STORY EMAIL US AND LET US KNOW WHAT YOU THINK OF THIS ONE AND IF YOU WANT MORE OF THIS SERIES.

In This Issue: 6 Carolyn Wonderland 14 Blues Fesstival List 18 Poretta, The Soul City (English) 19 Porretta, The Soul City (Italian 20 Front Range Radio 24 Aephanemer 26 Hiatus Kaiyote 30 Englebert Humperdinck 31 Tora-I 32 Set Your Sails

34 38 40 42 44 46 50 51 52 56 64

Glass Animals Tusse J Balvin Lord Of The Lost Ellen Foley Tiffany Letting Up Despite Great Faults Skatenigs All Hail The Yeti Fana Hues Allman Family Revival Tour

65 Jason Aldean 70 Devil Driver & Lamb Of God 71 Ignescent 72 Lee McKinney 72 Empiires 74 October Thorns 75 Persefone 78 U2 80 Sublime 81 Don McLean 82 The Biker

December 2021 • Rock and Blues International

Photo by Laura Carbone

Carolyn Wonderland

Rock and Blues International • December 2021

By Kevin Wildman Alligator Records has recently released its newest album, Tempting Fate, by its newest artist and guitar hero. It also marks the first female guitar hero on their label, Carolyn Wonderland. This is the first time that a female musician has held that title in the 50 years that Alligator Records has been in business. Carolyn Wonderland isn’t your ordinary guitarist. She has spent the last three years holding down the lead guitarist position in John Mayall’s Blues Breakers, a position that was previously held by some of the most amazing guitarists in history. That position included Eric Clapton, Mick Taylor, Peter Greene, Coco Montoya, and Walter Trout to name a few. Alligator Records’ own Bruce Iglauer says of Carolyn Wonderland, “Carolyn is simply an amazing six-string player. She’s the first female guitar hero on Alligator. But she’s a whole lot more, she’s equally talented as a vocalist, songwriter and live performer.” Carolyn’s musical journey started off many years ago and she has been performing professionally since she was 15 years old. This Houston, Texas native really has music in her soul. This will be the 11th album by Wonderland. She already has 10 under her belt including 4 that were produced by Asleep At The Wheel’s own Ray Benson. Her styles on her albums up to now range from electric to the blues to cosmic country and to TexMex as well. Her styles always vary from album to album. The new album, Tempting Fate features ten emotionally charged songs that consist of 5 originals, one co-write with her John Mayall bandmate, Greg Rzab, and 4 select cover tunes that have inspired her over the years. Production on the album was handled by the legendary Dave Alvin, formerly of The Blasters.

Meet Alligator Records Newest Guitar Hero, Carolyn Wonderland but turned over to her at John’s insistence.

According to Dave Alvin, “Carolyn’s guitar playing isn’t imitating anyone. She always surprises me with her guitar lines and her melodic twists and turns. As for Carolyn’s vocals, they are soulful and powerful to the point of being often spine tingling.” Tempting Fate reveals a lot about Carolyn and her philosophies of life. The songs range from the headlines of today with the separation of children from their parents at the Texas border with “Crack In The Wall” to her commentary on man’s failure to take responsibility for their own actions with “Fragile Peace And Certain War.” Not all her songs are so emotionally charged. There is a bit of humor in this album with her hilarious “Texas Girl And Her Boots.” Cover songs on the album are pulled from artists that have truly inspired her such as Bob Dylan, Billie Joe Shaver, and her previous bandleader, John Mayall. There is even a great song penned by her John Mayall bandmate, Greg Rzab, which was originally intended for John,

To say that that Carolyn’s guitar playing and vocals on this album are great would be an understatement. Her performance on this album is nothing less that fantastic. It reveals a lot about Carolyn’s personality and opens the inevitable question, what will come next from Alligator’s newest guitar hero. As soon as you can get a chance, pick up a copy of Tempting Fate and check out this great new album by Alligator Records newest guitar hero, Carolyn Wonderland. We recently had a chance to sit down with Carolyn and talk to her about the new album, its production her recent signing to Alligator Records and we’d like to share it with you.

Carolyn Wonderland: It all started because I’ve been in John Mayall’s band for the last couple of years. He’s such an incredibly generous guy. After playing with him for about three years, I said, ‘well, I’ve got enough songs here. I’ve saved up enough money and I think I should make a record and I wasn’t on a label, so I said yeah, let’s do it. I was kind of spitballin’ with some of my friends when I was in Woodstock with Cindy Cashdollar and she said, ‘if you had anyone to produce it, who would it be.’ And I said, ‘in a perfect world, it would have to be Dave Alvin,’ so she called him and he said yes. I was surprised and excited, so I came home and got the songs together. I had just finished John Mayall’s record in California and came to Austin and got all my friends to come by. Rock And Blues International: You’ve got quite a few big names on here… Dave Alvin, Marcia Ball, Shelly King, Jimmie Dale Gilmour. You’ve worked with Jimmie Dale Gilmour before didn’t you?

Rock And Blues International: Hi Carolyn, you’ve got a new album out on Alligator Records now. How did you get started on it and how did you get around to continued on next page having Dave Alvin produce it. December 2021 • Rock and Blues International

Allison was the rhythm section, so we kept up with each other over the years. He’s how John (Mayall) knew who I was and John gave me a call to see if I would come and play with him. So “Broken Hearted Blues” we wrote in John Mayall’s living room getting ready for his record. We were thinking we were going to write a song for John and it’s pretty much Greg Rzab’s song, that whole groove, all that stuff, that’s all on the bass. The melody was all there. He looks at it and goes, ‘you know, I’ve got some words too.’ I said, ‘what, I had no idea.’ So that was my first co-write I got to do with Greg. It was real cool. I guess the moral of that is that when John came in when we were playing it, I said, ‘Gee John, what do you think of this song and he said, ‘That’s yours… you need to sing that.’ That was really cool. Rock And Blues International: Let’s talk about a couple of the other songs on here and what they mean to you and how they came about. The first one is “Fragile Peace and Certain War”. Carolyn Wonderland: Yeah, when I’m mad I sit down with a piece of paper and a pen for a good long while. That was one of those. I suppose I wanted to express some dignity for people that would disagree with it. Put yourself in the position of someone who would be forced into that situation. So, I suppose that’s it, freedom and dignity, but also understanding that there isn’t a them, we’re all us. Rock And Blues International: Was there an incident that kicked that all off, that really pissed you off, or something to made you want to write that? Carolyn Wonderland: Just watching everybody pit each other against one another. It seems to be perpetual. You know, blaming other folks instead of looking at what you’re doing.

Photo by Ismael Quintanilla

Carolyn Wonderland continued from previous page Carolyn Wonderland: We’ve done gigs, but we’ve never been able to record together before. It was really cool, because there’s been times… I don’t know if you’ve had this happen to you before, but you have a dream and you wake up and you think that it’s real for a while (laughs). Some of those with me are that I’ll have somebody else’s voice, so like the first time it was Mose Allison and the second time it was Jimmie Dale Gilmour. I was telling Dave (Alvin) that story and Dave says, ‘that’s pretty funny. Let’s get Jimmie on here.’ That was pretty cool! It was awesome. Jimmie Dale used to do “It Takes A

Lot To Laugh” when he started off, and I’ve had it in my set for years, so it was fun to get to record it with him. Rock And Blues International: I’m looking at the titles of the songs on the album and five of them are originals, and five of them are covers, Carolyn Wonderland: Yeah, one of them is a co-write too with Greg Rzab. He’s John Mayall’s bass player. We met years ago when I was a teenager and my band was out on the road with Buddy Guy, and Rzab was the bass player in the band. He and Ray

Rock and Blues International • December 2021

Rock And Blues International: Well, we live in a society where it’s easier to point fingers than to accept the responsibility of our own actions. Carolyn Wonderland: True, but nothing gets better until we look at it. That was the song. Rock And Blues International: How about a “Texas Girl And Her Boots.” Carolyn Wonderland: Yeah, I was thinking about that too. It’s perhaps a little less politically charged, although I’m sure it comes from the same place. But it’s a true love song. You write about what you know and I love my boots. It’s a hard one to take apart. With most girls in Texas, it’s boots. You’ve got to have them for walking around in summer, just to not get bitten by a snake, and sometimes those snakes are people. Is continued on next page

Carolyn Wonderland continued from previous page

Rock And Blues International: The whole situation between separating the children and their parents was very bad. That was terrible. Carolyn Wonderland: Yeah, it still goes on, so it needs to be addressed at all times. Rock And Blues International: It doesn’t look like it’s going to change anytime soon.

that too silly… Rock And Blues International: No that’s fine. I can understand that all together. That’s a humorous way of putting it. I understand. I wear boots all the time. Let’s talk about “Fortunate Few.” I believe that’s another one of yours. Carolyn Wonderland: Yeah, that was another one about being on the road, and you’ve got your head hurtin’. What ya going to do. You know what, I’m very fortunate to be doing this, but also perhaps a note to yourself, maybe everybody’s night is to have a party, and it’s your night to play, and it shouldn’t be your night to party. Sometimes it’s good to look at it without all the alcohol in the glasses. That was one of those songs to myself. Reel it in, Reel it in girl. Rock And Blues International: That brings us to “Crack In The Wall.” Carolyn Wonderland: That’s one of those songs. That one actually took me three days to write. Sometimes a song will come fully flesh, like I’ll be driving in the middle of the night and I can hear all the orchestration and the words come out all at once and that’s great. That one was the opposite and it took me three days. I locked myself up in my room upstairs, my little office… and my husband fortunately understands the whole writing process and doesn’t get offended. He comes by and says, ‘hey’ and slides a little sandwich under the door. ‘So, how are you tonight.’ But that one started when the lawyers took the audio recorder into a child detention center where the migrant children were being separated from their families and hearing what couldn’t have been a child of four years old pleading ‘Yo quiero my mommy (I want my mommy). I don’t know how anybody couldn’t hear that and have their heart ripped out of their chest. That really affected me. I just decided… Obviously I don’t know that child’s particular story, but I decided to put myself in the position of his mother. What would I have done? What would I feel about this? What would cause me to leave home? If home so dangerous you have to run into the arms of a shark, so to speak, what would drive me to do that? What would the journey look like? And then, to me it’s dignity and the fact that they’re not the other, they’re us. We’re all each other. Perhaps that sounds too psychedelic or grandiose, but I just couldn’t understand the cruelty that we inflict on each other, especially children.

Carolyn Wonderland: You’ve got to keep looking for it. It matters to the one child that it changed for. It should be all. Rock And Blues International: Let’s talk about why you picked certain cover songs. Obviously after playing with John Mayall for so long, you felt you needed to honor him a bit. I suppose that’s why you picked his song, “The Laws Must Change.” It must have been one of your favorite songs.

Carolyn Wonderland: Yeah, I love doing that song live. In John’s band, he’ll let me do a couple of songs a set. He’ll go, ‘here’s Carolyn and she’s going to sing one for you.’ I might pull out one of mine, or a blues song. When I joined John’s band he goes, here’s a list of 80-some songs. I charted them all and made sure I had the right keys and everything for them, but I realized that he didn’t have “The Laws Must Change” in that group of songs. I really, really love that song and it still holds true in Texas at least, so I figured why not give it a spin and see, so I started playing it live in his band and he would just smile, like ‘you’re doing one of my songs. That’s so sweet.’ And then when it came time to do the record, it was, I need to put this one on and get this on tape while it’s so fresh in my mind. He wrote it before I was born, but it’s still the truth in Texas. continued on next page

They’re supposed to carry on after you. Carolyn Wonderland: Yeah that’s true. Rock And Blues International: What about the song “On My Feet Again”?

Photo by Laura Carbone

Carolyn Wonderland continued from previous page Rock And Blues International: Some of the laws in Texas can be really stringent. Carolyn Wonderland: Yeah, seriously. Half a joint in Texas and it’s $10,000 dollars and a night in jail. Ask me how I know. I certainly was not mistreated and it could have been far worse, but that doesn’t make it right. Rock And Blues International: How about the Billie Joe Shaver song “Honey Bee.” How did you happen to choose that one? Carolyn Wonderland: You know, Billie Joe (Shaver) wrote that song when he was a kid. I just love that about that song. I don’t know if you’re familiar with his song Eddie. He was one of the best guitar players ever.

good happy love song that’s honest, and Billie Joe, he cuts to the chase when it comes to that stuff, and so I thought it was perfect and a lot of fun. Bobby Frickins had brought in Jan Flemings who was playing accordion with him and Ian Moore and it was, ‘yeah, let’s give this a little cajun flavor. I wanted to keep it Gulf Coast, but give it a little swamp pop. It was just so fun to do it that way. I’m really, really glad that it worked out the way it did. Rock And Blues International: Well that’s a really great song to do. I was really sad when Eddie passed away. He was so young. It was terrible. Carolyn Wonderland: That was one of the hardest funerals I’ve ever been to. Man, that was rough.

Rock And Blues International: Oh yes, I’m very familiar with Eddie. I’ve seen the two of them perform many times together before Eddie passed on. Actually I knew both of them.

Rock And Blues International: I don’t think Billie Joe ever really survived that. The two were so close. They played so much together. It was strange to see Billie Joe without him after that happened.

Carolyn Wonderland: Then you know what I’m talking about. And when Scotty D. was in my band, Scott Daniels… he passed away a few years back, we would always do that song when his daughter would come to our show. You would see Emma Rose pop up and it would be, ‘“Honey Bee”, we gotta do Honey Bee”’. It’s such a happy song. And I thought, maybe it’s a good thing to counterbalance some of my more angry songs with a

Carolyn Wonderland: Yeah, well in every family’s case, it’s so difficult when you survive your children. It’s something I cannot truly imagine.

Rock And Blues International: Your children are supposed to survive you, not the other way around. It’s really not the natural order of things. You’re never supposed to watch your children pass away before you.

Rock and Blues International • December 2021

Carolyn Wonderland: I wrote that one with my friend Russ Hartman. He had a paper just like your Music News. He had a paper in Austin for a long time called “Austin Daze.” He’s just a great music supporter. He’d be at every show. He’s just one of the happiest guys you’ll ever meet. Due to our medical system, they decided that getting him a ‘stand-up’ wheelchair wasn’t going to be covered, but being in a wheelchair, that meant he always had to be in the front row or he couldn’t really see what was going on. He was a big music lover and he was out at all the shows. It just didn’t seem fair, so since the medical society’s we have decided against it, a bunch of us rag-tag musicians put on a couple of benefits and raised him enough money to at least get at least some payments in on that ‘stand-up’ wheelchair. Before that benefit I wrote that song probably in about 20 minutes or so and I thought, ‘this is really what I thought about this.’ It was fun to play. But when we got into the studio… Red Young plays piano on it and he changed it. His parts made it super light and joyful, so now I find that when I play it live, I’m often sometimes emulating his piano licks on my guitar. Rock And Blues International: I guess you chose Bob Dylan’s song, “It Takes A Lot To Laugh, It Takes A Train To Cry” because you had become friends with him. Carolyn Wonderland: You can’t go wrong with a Bob Dylan song. Whatever it is, it’s let’s do that Bob Dylan song. Which of the hundreds? There are so many good ones. Which one are you going to do? Rock And Blues International: Well, Dylan has been covered by so many artists, it’s unbelievable. Carolyn Wonderland: Of course, you can’t deny a good song. And with that one, I just thought it was quite fun. I’ve had it in the set for a very long time. And with Jimmie Dale playing on it, you can’t ask for anything better than that. Rock And Blues International: And then you pick out “Loser” by The Grateful Dead. That seemed like one of the odd ones to chose. Out of all these songs on here, that one seems like an odd pick. Carolyn Wonderland: I love that song. The very first time I played that we were playing a biker rally up in Sturgis and that was the night that (Jerry) Garcia died. I was like, well I always wanted to do this song and tonight’s the night. So, I was out on the pay phone ala Pee Wee Herman and his Big continued on next page

Carolyn Wonderland continued from previous page Adventure, and there was all these burly bikers behind me waiting to talk to their loved ones while I’m scribbling the lyrics down on the back of a pizza box. Rock And Blues International: On the back of a pizza box, now that’s cool. Carolyn Wonderland: Oh yeah, so we went and played it that night to this amazing thunder and lightning storm that was off in the distance and as soon as we got done with it, it started to rain. I thought, okay, that song felt really magical, and I’ve had it in the set ever since Garcia passed. I pull it out every now and then. It was one of those songs that always evolved so much live. It’s very different now than when I first played it. I was afraid if I captured it, it may stop evolving, but any chance you get to play guitar with Dave Alvin, take it. I knew that he had recorded an acoustic version of it. I was curious about how it would sound if we both sat down and played it together, what would happen. It was one of those that, let’s see what sticks… this could be fun. It was awesome. Dave makes everything better. I loved having him as a producer because there would be ideas that I would have never stumbled on and he’d play a song, he’d stop and then, let’s rearrange it here. Why don’t you take that riff there and put it at the beginning and see what that does for a second. And my god, he was right! Remember a “Texas Girl And Her Boots”. That song started off a bit more meek with me singing this thing over open chords, and Dave’s like, ‘no, you seem like you love those boots right? You’re proud of them. I said yeah. He said ‘kick in the door with them without permission.’ I said, ‘oh well all right.’ He has the perfect way with words. Rock And Blues International: Oh, so he played guitar on that one with you too.

Photo by Laura Carbone

Carolyn Wonderland: Yeah, “Loser is the two of us playing guitar together in the middle. I think he takes the first pass and I take the second pass on it. It’s just a hoot. But we get to meld with each other so we try to do one giant guitar sound.

anyone to try to play it and groove as hard as him.

Rock And Blues International: What other songs does he perform on with you?

Carolyn Wonderland: Oh for sure, yeah. He’s an amazing producer. And everybody sat up straight for Dave too. They were all such huge fans. I can’t wait to do it again. Honestly, I can’t. I’m kidnapping him again if that’s okay.

Carolyn Wonderland: “Crack On The Wall”… those pretty chimes, that’s him… and that’s Cindy Cashdollar on lap steel on that. There’s a bunch of them. On “Fragile Peace,” he plays. You would think that’s a real simple part, but It grooves and I dare

Rock And Blues International: Was he able to pull things out of you that you didn’t know you had inside of you?

next album? Carolyn Wonderland: I think so. I really do. I’d like to see what stories we might finish now that we’ve worked together. It’s like, ‘what other stuff are we going to do together? What’s gonna happen?’ Rock And Blues International: Although this is a new album, when was it actually recorded? There’s a lot of great material coming out now that was actually recorded prior to the Covid-19 pandemic but there was no way to release it for quite a

Rock And Blues International: So, he’d be your choice of producer again for your continued on next page December 2021 • Rock and Blues International

hear you have a record I should hear.’ I said, ‘really, I’ll send it to you.’ And then he called me back and said, ‘I’d like to put this out. I don’t want to change anything on it. I want to put it out the way it is.’ I was like… ‘Are you serious? That’s amazing.’ So god bless him. Alligator works really, really hard for their artists. I felt so blessed. It was pretty darn cool! Rock And Blues International: When people listen to this album, what is the underlying theme you would like them to come away with? Carolyn Wonderland: A little bit of joy, a sense of dignity really. At least that’s what I hope. And then maybe a little bit of freedom, but you don’t have to play just one thing, everybody can be multi-faceted. Rock And Blues International: Anything else you’d like to add to this? Carolyn Wonderland: I appreciated so much growing up in Houston and getting to hear music all the time. I loved it. And it was easier to sneak into clubs when I was a kid, because I think music shouldn’t be reserved for just people who are old enough to drink. I appreciate the hell out of everyone in Houston who put up with me while I was learning how to play. I hope they dig what I’m doing now. If not, stick around, the next one will be totally different. Rock And Blues International: Yeah, sneaking into clubs in Houston is a really easy thing to do. Carolyn Wonderland: Yeah, just walk in carrying a guitar. Rock And Blues International: I would see people celebrating their 21st Birthday in a club five years after they first started going there. It was hilarious.

Photo by Ismael Quintanilla

Carolyn Wonderland continued from previous page while. Carolyn Wonderland: I recorded it right before the lockdown, so I think that’s why you can probably feel the joy in it. One of the magical tricks to getting your friends to play with you on a record is to record it in January when people aren’t touring. You can catch people at home then. So that’s what we did. We finished John’s record in Los Angeles in January of 2020 and then popped over to Austin a week or two later and went in to Stuart Sullivan’s place and it was, ‘alright, here we go.’ Everybody was fresh and ready.

Rock And Blues International: With the lockdown hit so quickly after that, it really screwed with the music and entertainment business. Nothing was proceeding normally. That actually kind of helped get you signed to Alligator Records. You almost put that one out on your own.

Carolyn Wonderland: It was one of those things. I’m so used to recording an album and then touring behind it, but it was like…. I didn’t have a label for it. Nobody was expecting anything. I paid for it, so I just thought, I’ll hang on to it till I can put it out. And then I was shocked when Bruce Iglauer from Alligator Records called me and said, ‘I Rock and Blues International • December 2021

Carolyn Wonderland: That was me and Dan Electro’s Guitar Bar. Zoomack picks up a paper and says, ‘so, were you planning on telling us? Carolyn Wonderland will be hitting the road as soon as possible to support her new album and we’d like to urge everybody out there to be sure to check her out on tour. In the meantime, please pick up a copy of this new album and listen to 10 of the finest performances that you just might hear this year. Carolyn certainly does a fine job on this new release and it comes as no surprise why Alligator Records picked her as their latest and newest Guitar Hero. Pick up a copy of Tempting Fate today and give it a spin. You’ll be glad you did. Also, by the way, if you happen to find yourself in Houston this month on December 31st, you can join Carolyn Wonderland at The Last Concert Café as she helps to bring in the New Year. It’s going to be a blast!

December 2021 • Rock and Blues International

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Porretta, the Soul City turns on its lights after Christmas By Edoardo Fassio The story of the Porretta Soul Festival, a product of the obstinate foresight of its founder and artistic director Graziano Uliani, represents a truly special case in the world of show business. Uliani was still a kid when the sweet soul music of Otis Redding, Joe Tex and Sam & Dave reigned over radio and jukeboxes from America to Europe and beyond. In 1987, twenty years after Otis Redding’s tragic death, he happened to attend a concert by Solomon Burke. He noticed that the self-crowned King of Rock & Soul, like other artists of his generation, had not lost any of their power and charm. Their style of rhythm & blues was by now classic. Uliani realizes the historical importance of the moment and in his town, Porretta Terme, in the heart of the Apennines, halfway between Bologna and Florence, he starts a musical event which will soon become a cult festival. It’s here that the legends come to sing and play. Starting with Rufus Thomas, “the oldest teenager in the world”, who for six times enlivened Porretta’s stage, in the park where the shows are still held and which has been named after him. And yes, Solomon Burke himself not only performed there four times, but and the bridge over the river, in the very town center, is dedicated to him. Plus, a list of more than two hundred prestigious names, including Wilson Pickett, Denise LaSalle, Isaac Hayes, Irma Thomas, Eddie Hinton, James Carr, Ann Peebles, Millie Jackson, Dan Penn, Latimore and Booker T. & The MGs. On the strength of a third of a century of constant audience success, and armed with the much needed, all-Italian recklessness, in 2017 the Porretta Soul Festival was bestowed the distinguished Keeping the Blues Alive Award. While confirming itself as the best showcase for soul music in the world arena, the Emilian Soul City was forced by the pandemic to temporarily reconsider its plans. In July 2020 the festival skipped the turn, and renown international artists took the opportunity to refurbish the urban landscape, enriching it with themed murals. In 2021 it will take place indoors, on 27, 28 and 29 December. Accustomed to deal with logistical, monetary and organizational difficulties of all kinds, Uliani remembers that it is not even the first time that the festival happens in December. It happened in 1989, when he filled up a decent bill, but that would hardly compare with that of this year, which announces artists of the like of Allan Harris, the Anthony Paule Soul Orchestra, Bobby Rush, Curtis Salgado, Mitch Woods, Terrie Odabi and Vasti Jackson. www.porrettasoulfestival.it/ 18

Rock and Blues International • December 2021

Groove City e Daria Biancardi: il Soul abita qui By Edoardo Fassio La vicenda del Porretta Soul Festival, nato dall’ostinata lungimiranza del fondatore e direttore artistico Graziano Uliani, rappresenta un caso a sé nello show business. Uliani era ragazzo quando la Sweet Soul Music di Otis Redding, Joe Tex e Sam & Dave dettava legge nei jukebox e sulle frequenze radio di tutto il mondo. Nel 1987, a vent’anni dalla tragica scomparsa di Redding, gli capitò di assistere a un concerto di Solomon Burke. L’autoincoronato re del rock & soul era la prova vivente che lui e altri divi della sua generazione erano tutt’altro che bolliti; quel modello di rhythm & blues, pur non avendo più la popolarità spicciola degli anni d’oro, era ormai diventato un classico. Uliani intuisce il momento storico e nella sua città, Porretta Terme, nel cuore dell’Appennino, grosso modo a metà strada tra Bologna e Firenze, fonda una rassegna che in breve tempo diventerà un festival di culto. È qui che sono sfilate le leggende. A partire da Rufus Thomas: il “più anziano teenager del mondo” a Porretta apparirà sei volte e gli verrà intitolato il parco dove si svolgono gli spettacoli. E poi naturalmente Solomon Burke, che vi si esibì quattro volte e a cui a sua volta sarà dedicato il centralissimo ponte sul Reno. E una lista di più di duecento nomi illustri, tra cui Wilson Pickett, Denise LaSalle, Isaac Hayes, Irma Thomas, Eddie Hinton, James Carr, Ann Peebles, Millie Jackson, Dan Penn, Latimore e Booker T. & The MGs. Forte del caloroso successo di pubblico e armato di una necessaria dose di incoscienza tutta italiana, nel 2017 il Porretta Soul Festival ha conseguito il prestigioso Keeping the Blues Alive Award. La pandemia ha costretto a rivedere temporaneamente anche le tabelle di marcia della Soul City emiliana, riconosciuta come la miglior vetrina della soul music sull’arena mondiale. A luglio 2020 il festival saltò il turno, e il popolo del soul ne approfittò per rimettere a nuovo il panorama urbano, arricchendolo di murales a tema, con il contributo di artisti internazionali. Nel 2021 si svolgerà, al chiuso, il 27, 28 e 29 dicembre. Abituato a fare i conti con difficoltà logistiche, economiche e organizzative di ogni genere, Uliani ricorda che non è neppure la prima volta, in un terzo di secolo, che il festival avviene a dicembre. Capitò nel 1989, quando rimediò un cartellone dignitoso ma che difficilmente reggerebbe il confronto con quello di quest’anno, che annuncia la partecipazione di Allan Harris, la Anthony Paule Soul Orchestra, Bobby Rush, Curtis Salgado, Mitch Woods, Terrie Odabi e Vasti Jackson. www.porrettasoulfestival.it/ December 2021 • Rock and Blues International

On Air Personality Living The Dream, Spinning Blues & Rock, And Having Fun Who said the independent artist can’t get their music on the radio anymore? Think again because Front Range Radio is built for just that reason and they pay their royalties too. You can’t beat that with a stick! Meet mild mannered gentleman Tim Board (right) owner of Front Range Radio based in Lubbock Texas whose station is available around the globe. The blues and rock and more baby. This man spins tunes that are cool with a passion - if I am lying I am dying. As it normally goes if radio broadcasting became your passion then there’s a good chance that you came up listening to some of the greats on terrestrial radio. In Tim’s early youth he came up listening to broadcasts out of St. Louis. He would listen to the St. Louis Cardinals and St. Louis Blues games. Rarely did he shut his radio off, he would fall asleep with it on. As he grew up he began to glue his ear to KSHE 95, St. Louis’s famous rock station. Finally in 2013 he took the plunge and hosted his own show which by 2021 developed into a station named Front Range Radio. The station streams 24/7 via Live365 and they do all of proper spin reporting to the tracking companies plus royalties are paid through Live365 to Sound Exchange, SESAC, BMI, and ASCAP. If you are an independent artist wanting to get your music heard here’s a station that not only spins but reports and pays royalties. You gotta absolutely love that! Plus Tim’s passion also includes radio interviews of aspiring independents which is really cool. He shares, “The goal is, not only to introduce the music of these musicians to new listeners, but also help the listeners learn more about the musicians themselves. There are many talented and incredible musicians around the country today that you cannot find on mainstream radio. These musicians are just waiting for that one break that will take them to the next level. Front Range Radio is here to provide greater exposure to these artists by giving them an outlet to talk about their shows, their music, their background, their influences and of course play some of their music so that even more people can discover them and enjoy the music they create.” Front Range Radio’s current playlist includes Sister Lucille, Dexter Allen, Clay Melton, Shemekia Copeland, Selwyn Birchwood, Ryan Perry, The Plunders, Misty Blues, Mike Zito, Michael Hornbuckle, Liz Mandeville, Katie Knipp, Evelyn Rubio, Grainne Duffy, Colin James, Dave Specter, Amanda Fish, Jeremiah Johnson, Sheba The Mississippi Queen, Tommy Castro, Christone “Kingfish” Ingram, Ally Venable, Sue Foley, Anthony Gomes, plus more. To learn more and take in a show or two: www.frontrangeradio.net Check out Front Range Radio, it’s cool….. 20

Rock and Blues International • December 2021

December 2021 • Rock and Blues International

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Rock and Blues International • October 2021

Rock And Blues International Employment Opportunities Available!

Rock And Blues International Is Looking For A Sales Manager and ad salespeople! Please Email Your Resume To rockandbluesinternational@gmail.com

December 2021 • Rock and Blues International

Especially in this day and age of staying “true” and limited within a sound and scene, A Dream Of Wilderness is a welcome diversion and a brave record artfully blending brutally fast symphonic death and raw melodic metal into a multi-faceted epic!

Photo Credit: Miss Buffet Froid

Symphonic Melodic Death Metal Force Aephanemer Unleashes New Lyric Video for “Le Radeau de La Méduse” Watch here at https://youtu.be/iEwdGd7Ywwg New Album, A Dream Of Wilderness, out now via Napalm Records | Pre-Order here at https://www.napalmrecordsamerica.com AEPHANEMER online: FACEBOOK @ https://www.facebook.com/Aephanemer NAPALM RECORDS @ https://label.napalmrecords.com/aephanemer As Toulouse-based symphonic melodic death metal act AEPHANEMER readies the release of their forthcoming and thunderous full-length studio album, A Dream Of Wilderness, this Friday, November 19 via Napalm Records, the band unleashes a third and final single! Recorded in both English and as a French bonus version, “Le Radeau de La Méduse” is a heavy power and razor-sharp death metal anthem you can’t help but headbang to as fast and heavy as you can.

Martin Hamiche. “For this reason, we decided to release a version of the song with French lyrics as a bonus. We hope you’ll enjoy both versions!” Escape into another dimension of blast beasts and furious riffs, and watch the new AEPHANEMER lyric video for the English version of “Le Radeau de La Méduse”!

AEPHANEMER doesn’t fear boundaries. Their upcoming, third album delivers a wide metal range that represents a dark and gloomier yet no less powerful side “This song is named after the famous of the band, taking you on an epic ride French painting, and it tells the story of the through otherworldly realms of blast beats, same French historical event,” says guitarist orchestral grandeur and furious riffage. 24 Rock and Blues International • December 2021

Starting out as an unbelievably successful DIY ride that suddenly turned towards international acclaim, the indisputable AEPHANEMER belong to one of the most exciting melodic death metal sensations of the modern age. Fast-paced metal fronted by the guttural growls and fierce screams of extraordinary vocalist Marion Bascoul meet flickering twin leads, elements of Scandinavian death metal, Slavic traditional music and epic synths. If their latest, much-acclaimed Prokopton was a noteworthy, impressive sophomore album from one of Europe’s best up and coming melodic death metal bands yet, A Dream Of Wilderness sees the French four-piece doubling down on its songwriting skills: Faster, tighter and heavier, AEPHANEMER’s upcoming album unleashes an anthemic adventure of brutally fast riffage and epic melodies! The record was mixed by Dan Swanö at Unisound AB, and mastered by Mika Jussila at the Finnvox Studios. A Dream Of Wilderness will be available in LP Gatefold, CD and Digital formats. A Dream Of Wilderness track list: 01. Land of Hope 02. Antigone 03. Of Volition 04. Le Radeau de La Méduse 05. Roots and Leaves 06. Vague à l’âme 07. Strider 08. Panta Rhei 09. A Dream of Wilderness 10. Old French Song (Bonus Track) 11. Le Radeau de La Méduse (French Version – Bonus Track) AEPHANEMER is: Martin Hamiche – Guitars Marion Bascoul - Vocals, Guitars Lucie Woaye Hune – Bass Mickaël Bonnevialle – Drums.com

November 2021 • Rock and Blues International

New Music From Melbourne, Australia

Hiatus Kaiyote Share New Video For “And We Go Gentle” And Share European 2022 Tour Dates MOOD VALIANT OUT NOW VIA BRAINFEEDER RECORDS / NINJA TUNE “And We Go Gentle” WATCH: https://hiatuskaiyote.lnk.to/awgg-vidPR Connect with Hiatus Kaiyote: Twitter @ https://twitter.com/HiatusKaiyote Facebook @ https://www.facebook.com/hiatuskaiyote TikTok @ https://www.tiktok.com/@hiatuskaiyote Hiatus Kaiyote shares a new video for the song “And We Go Gentle.” Directed by frequent Hiatus Kaiyote collaborator Jeremy Koren, a.k.a Grey Ghost (“Get Sun” and “Canopic Jar”), the visuals see Hiatus Kaiyote’s iridescent moth character riding around town in their mini-Jeep, stumbling into a light fixture store and the local bar before finding a hidden, candlelit room with a gorgeous lamp centerpiece.

“‘And We Go Gentle’ is a song about why moths are attracted to light. For the video, I wanted to reference the Japanese film style of tokusatsu in celebration of Mothra (an angel moth that can defeat Godzilla). I made the costume myself out of aquarium plants and old tabi boots. The video is a search for love but from a quirky humorous perspective. On the morning of the shoot, there was an earthquake, which added to the

Nai Palm shares about the concept behind the video,

continued on next page

Rock and Blues International • November 2021

Hiatus Kaiyote continued from previous page mystery and epic-ness of the shoot. It was such a dream to work with director Grey Ghost again. He is such a creative champion.” Director Jeremy Koren a.k.a Grey Ghost adds, “The concept for ‘And We Go Gentle’ was very much Nai’s vision, she had the whole story mapped out in her head and as soon as she explained it to me I loved it. The main thing I knew was that we had to shoot it on 16mm film to give it that realness and that nostalgic edge. I wanted to be a fly on the wall in her moth world.” “And We Go Gentle” is a track from the group’s recently released album Mood Valiant, which The New York Times described as “life-affirming, genre-defying cosmic soul” and Pitchfork praised as “the most vibrant they’ve ever sounded.” The new video follows the single / video “Canopic Jar,” which arrived with a 12" vinyl release available here. Along with the “And We Go Gentle” video, Hiatus Kaiyote shares their 2022 fall European tour dates. The elevendate run begins in Berlin on September 29th with stops in Dublin, London and Paris before wrapping up in Barcelona on October 18th. Tickets go on general sale Friday, Mood Valiant was released after a six-year period where the band spent time touring, writing, and recording before landing in Rio de Janeiro in 2019 to work with legendary Brazilian arranger Arthur Verocai. The result is an album, bookended by Verocai’s strings, that relaxes into a groove: sunlit, beguiling, masterful. Behind everything is Hiatus’ familiar sense of musical adventure, their knack for making the complex sound simple, evident in previously-released singles “Get Sun”, “Chivalry Is Not Dead” and “Red Room,” which saw them receive co-signs from Kehlani, Doja Cat, Willow Smith and Virgil Abloh, among others. Hiatus Kaiyote is Naomi “Nai Palm” Saalfield (guitar, vocals), Paul Bender (bass), Simon Mavin (keys), and Perrin Moss (drums). Mood Valiant is the follow up to their 2015 album Choose Your Weapon, which Rolling Stone described as “a stunning step up” and also comes after being sampled on songs by The Carters (Beyonce & Jay-Z), Kendrick Lamar, Anderson .Paak, Chance The Rapper, and Drake—with whom Nai Palm also collaborated with on his Scorpion album. Melbourne-based, worldwide-beloved, twice-Grammynominated Hiatus Kaiyote returns in 2021 with their new album Mood Valiant, on Brainfeeder Records/Ninja Tune. Comprised of Naomi “Nai Palm” Saalfield (guitar, vocals), Paul Bender (bass), Simon Mavin (keys), and Perrin Moss (drums), Hiatus Kaiyote broke internationally in 2012 with their first LP, Tawk Tomahawk, which was praised by simpatico musical travelers from Erykah Badu to Questlove to

“And We Go Gentle” still Prince, and embraced by DJs like the BBC’s Gilles Peterson, DJ Jazzy Jeff and Anthony Valadez (KCRW/Morning Becomes Eclectic). Their first R&B Grammy nomination, for their song “Nakamarra,” was followed by a second for “Breathing Underwater,” from their sophomore album, 2015’s Choose Your Weapon. Still, their music defied categorization: Some called it “neo-soul,” others “future soul”; the band calls it, simply, wondercore. Their music found fans in hip-hop, sampled on songs by The Carters (Beyonce & Jay-Z), Kendrick Lamar, Anderson .Paak, Chance The Rapper, and Drake—with whom Nai Palm collaborated on his Scorpion album; and in jazz, when Robert Glasper invited the band to appear on his album of Miles Davis remakes, Everything’s Beautiful. Their records and live shows won them raves in The Guardian, Rolling Stone, and in the New York Times, where Jon Pareles wrote that “Hiatus Kaiyote’s music stretches and bends every parameter.” That spirit of blending began with Nai, growing up in her mother Suzie Ashman’s Melbourne home, vibrating with the sounds of Motown and flamenco, African music and hip-hop. After her mother died of breast cancer, the 11-year-old Nai went to live with a foster family high in the Australian Alps. By the time the adolescent Nai found her way back to Melbourne, she had acquired three things: an abiding, spiritual connection to the land; an uncanny, self-taught mastery of two instruments, the guitar and her own voice; and the ability to write songs that were as complex as her influences. That’s what struck Paul Bender, a multi-instrumentalist from Tasmania who’d studied music at the University of Miami, who saw Nai playing at a bar and offered to put a band together for her. It would be a year before Bender and Nai began working together, in 2011. Early on, they invited two other musicians to play with them — drummer Perrin Moss, self-taught like Nai; and keyboardist Simon Mavin, like Bender, a university-trained professional of ample chops. The chemistry instantly yielded a solid unit. The four began recording their first album in Mavin and Moss’s “share house” on Clarke Street in Melbourne’s Northcote suburb, and Hiatus Kaiyote quickly developed a following on the local scene. A gig opening for Taylor McFerrin made the headliner an instant fan, and the American continued on next page December 2021 • Rock and Blues International

Hiatus Kaiyote continued from previous page artist spread the Hiatus gospel to tastemakers around the world, triggering the series of events that would lead to their first two full-length releases, which transformed them from a local band into a global touring act. After four years of recording and touring — from Glastonbury in England to Fuji Rock in Japan, from rocking the Roots Picnic to selling out the Sydney Opera House — the band took a break. In 2017, Nai Palm released a sublime, stirring guitar-and-voice solo LP called Needle Paw, while her bandmates crafted their own projects: Bender’s Pet Soundsinspired The Sweet Enoughs; Perrin’s travelogue of his multiinstrumental self-education, Clever Austin; Simon’s collaboration with Aussie soul outfit, The Putbacks; and the boys’ instrumental trio, Swooping. By October 2018, recording for Mood Valiant was already well underway, and backing tracks were largely in place, ready for Nai’s vocals. Then, during a brief swing through the U.S., Hiatus’s frontwoman was diagnosed with breast cancer. Her mother’s death from the same disease was never far from her mind: “I became so acutely aware of my mortality.” Nai rushed back to Australia and into the hospital, where she underwent a life-saving mastectomy. Bender was there when Nai was wheeled to her room after surgery. “She came back in like a champion,” he says. “I’ve never seen anyone go through something like that and be so triumphant, vibrant, present, grateful. She was alive. It reframes what things you should put your energy into: Let’s just all be alive.” As Nai recovered, the band turned back to their work with altered perspectives. Her lyrics, even those written before her illness, took on a prescient quality. Then a trip to Rio de Janiero in late-2019 to work with legendary Brazilian arranger Arthur Verocai shifted the vibe of the entire album. “We had recorded the song ‘Get Sun,’ and it already sounded good,” says Bender. “We had no idea what he had written for it.” When Verocai fired up his horn and string sections, it was a release for everyone. “Tears were running down my face,” Bender recalls. “Verocai is such a lovely man,” Perrin says. “The engineer never stopped smiling, the set-up was beautiful, so after Arthur finished, we asked if we could use the studio for the rest of the evening.” The all-night session brought two new songs onto the album. Nai and Simon tracked an epic ballad, “Stone or Lavender,” while Bender and Perrin banged out a bass and drum groove that that band then turned into the song “Red Room” in an act of spontaneous composition. The result is an album, bookended by Verocai’s strings, that relaxes into a groove: sunlit, beguiling, masterful. Behind everything is Hiatus’ familiar sense of musical adventure, their knack for making the complex sound simple: Simon’s experiment with an odd rhythm in groups of 5 becomes a cascading jam called “Rose Water.” Bender and Simon’s trading of single notes, back and forth, to make a melody becomes “All The Words We Don’t Say.” Nai’s cheeky take on sex-obsessed, three-minute pop hits becomes “Chivalry Is Not Dead,” a song about the bizarre mating rituals of leopard slugs (they turn fluorescent) and seahorses (they lock tails and dance). “In this mysterious, democratic approach to making music, you just never know what’s going to happen.” says 28 Rock and Blues International • December 2021

Simon. “Sparkle Tape Break Up” started with Simon’s idea for a crazy layer-cake of synth sounds; though Nai wrote the lyrics, they resonated deeply with Bender who championed it when it came time to decide which songs made the lineup. The album ends with the delicate “Blood and Marrow,” a Bender bassline to which Nai and Perrin improvised, that Simon pegs as his favorite: “It’s a classic Hiatus studio song that’s got beautiful exploration and mystery.” For Nai, the lightness of the track was a foil for her grief: “This was post-surgery. I lost my breast. Four months later I lost my parrot, Charlie, who was like my bird-child. Losing Charlie, I grieved him more than I grieved losing my titty. Before he died, we were watching all the Disney films together, so that’s the reason the song has this kind of Disney sonic palette.” The irony of the completion of Mood Valiant was that it coincided with another health crisis, the COVID pandemic. In the Great Pause, the band found more time to tweak, and more time to create. The ups and downs, the starts and stops of the process, inform the very name of the album, for which Nai evoked, again, the spirit of Suzie Ashman: “My mother had two Valiant station wagons, iconic, vintage Aussie cars,” Nai says. “One was white and one was black. And depending on what mood she was in, she would drive one or the other. She was a single mother with six kids: If she drove the black one, you knew not to fuck with her.” “The title of the album really encapsulates the whole spectrum of the journey,” Bender adds. “Everyone’s been through some big challenges. I feel like we charged through the mud to get this thing done. And there’s just this valiant, victorious feeling, coming out of storm into calm waters. The sun is shining, we see the shore. We did that! I feel proud of the way this sounds, the emotional depth of it. And I hope that it brings people some sort of comfort in this hard time.” For Bender, the act of making the album brought him solace, too, and clarity about the nature of friendship: “At the end of the day, who was there for me? The band. They’re my homies.” “When you think your life is going to be taken away from you, it makes you think about who you are,” Nai says. “I guess after the breast cancer scare I decided that I needed to prove to life that the offering I have is genuine. My only wish is to live and offer my experience of time and beauty.” Mood Valiant is an act of love, of courage, of altered perspective, of sister-and-brotherhood. Watch “And We Go Gentle” above, check out European tour routing and stay tuned for more from Hiatus Kaiyote. Upcoming Live Dates *Month/Day/Year 9/29/22 - Berlin, Germany @ Huxley 10/1/22 - Dublin, Ireland @ National Stadium 10/3/22 - London, UK @ Brixton Academy 10/5/22 - Manchester, UK @ Albert Hall 10/7/22 - Antwerp, Belgium @ De Roma 10/9/22 - Utrecht, Holland @ Ronda 10/11/22 - Amsterdam, Holland @ Paradiso 10/12/22 - Rotterdam, Holland @ Schouwburg 10/14/22 - Paris, France @ Salle Pleyel 10/18/22 - Barcelona, Spain @ Razzmatazz

December 2021 • Rock and Blues International

New Music From England

REGARDS Funny How Time Slips Away Let It Be Me What A Wonderful World Smile (Orchestral Version) Blue Christmas

Engelbert Humperdinck Releases New EP Regards featuring new live-set favorites with songs by Willie Nelson, The Everly Brothers, Louis Armstrong and more! In support of his current UK tour legendary vocalist, Engelbert Humperdinck is closing out 2021 with a surprise EP REGARDS available on November 19, 2021 via OK!Good Records. Regards features new studio recordings of songs Engelbert debuted on his recent “Live at Home” YouTube Special, which has hit over 300,000 views in its first month. The 5-track release includes covers of Willie Nelson’s “Funny How Time Slips Away”, “Let It Be Me” made famous by The Everly Brothers, and Louis Armstrong’s timeless hit “What A Wonderful World.” The EP also includes an ‘Orchestral Version’ of the fan-favorite “Smile” (Charlie Chaplin) from Engelbert’s

previous EP Sentiments (2020). Also included is the festive bonus track “Blue Christmas” where the singer updates his friend, Elvis Presley’s classic with a Texas Two Step arrangement. The “King of Romance”, as

Engelbert is lovingly nicknamed by his legion of fans, recently celebrated over 50 years in show business. With his most recent albums The Man I Want to Be (2017), Warmest Christmas Wishes (2018) and the EPs Reflections (2019) and Sentiments (2020), Engelbert has shown another side of his talent by picking more introspective songs that connect with his life’s experience. His new music has opened a new chapter in the legend’s career as he continues to inspire and connect with fans of all ages. Engelbert is closing out a busy 2021 which included tour dates in the United States and United Kingdom, along with being awarded MBE honors for his services to Music during the Queen’s Birthday Honors in June of this year. Most recently the singer was awarded a Silver Play Button by YouTube to commemorate his 100,000 Subscribers on his Channel, powered by his weekly ‘Tuesday Museday’ vlogs, ‘Flashback Friday’ episodes and ‘Live at Home’ Specials.

Live at Home with... Engelbert Humperdinck Link: https://youtu.be/E2busEf_d8o

Rock and Blues International • December 2021

In addition to finishing his current UK Tour, Tickets and Virtual Meet & Greets are on sale now for Engelbert’s 2nd Annual Christmas Special live on Looped on December 18. Join the singer for a celebration of festive Holiday songs: https:// www.events.loopedlive.com/ engelbert

New Music From London

TORA-I SHARES HOPEFUL NEW SINGLE LISTEN TO “PBFF” NOW AT https://tora-i.ffm.to/pbff Tora-i (formally known as Tora) has released her last single of the year “PBFF”. The poignant track explores the impact of a difficult relationship and the choices you can make in the aftermath. Born from pain, the song isn’t without hope and includes a message of the importance of learning and perspective. “PBFF” sees the London singer-songwriter continue to work with LA producer Josh Grant for her second release of the year. Tora-i’s dedication to perfection is evident in this introspective offering.

single artword for PBFF

With her skillful lyricism paired with her musical vision; “PBFF” continues to demonstrate the depth and somber beauty present in all of her work. Tora-i and Grant have created yet another delectable track. Tora elaborates on the single: “PBFF is about acknowledging the lasting effect that people can have on you & rather than it being a permanent stamp it’s about choosing what to take from them as you move forward.” Tora-i’s debut EP Cavalier has racked up an impressive 10 million+ streams on Spotify alone, garnering press support from the likes of i-D, Dummy Mag, Complex, Trench, Self-Service Magazine, The FADER and Colors. She was also included in No Signal’s Class of 2020 and kicked off this year as part of Complex UK’s “RnB Artists To Watch in 2021”. Tora-i has already captivated the UK music scene and has set her sights worldwide. December 2021 • Rock and Blues International

New Metal From Germany

Young, enraged and standing steadfastly against hate – SETYØURSAILS have made a name for themselves by not mincing words in the least while churning out the most brutally catchy anthems around. Now, the band is about to take things to the next level, unleashing their purely addictive second album and Napalm Records debut, Nightfall, on January 21, 2022. Nightfall promises a mixture of searing metal, gut-punching hardcore and heartfelt melodic elements, leaving room for surprises at every turn. On a total of 13 tracks, SETYØURSAILS makes one thing clear above all: they are more than ready to conquer the scene! The newcomers from Cologne, Germany set off with their brand new single, “Ghosts”, featuring Annisokay frontman Rudi Schwarzer. This sonic dagger comes along with a crushing official music video, showcasing that SETYØURSAILS never compromises. Prepare for buzzing guitars, intense breakdowns and powerful, vicious shouts that provide the listener with a colossal taste of what’s to come on Nightfall.

Rising German Metalcore Powerhouse SETYØURSAILS Announce New Album, “Nightfall” Featuring Guests from Annisokay, Caliban & More

SETYØURSAILS Deliver The Melodic Metalcore/Post-Hardcore Kickstart Into 2022! 32

Rock and Blues International • December 2021

SETYØURSAILS about “Ghosts”: “We are very proud to finally be able to show what we have worked so hard on. There is so much heart, sweat and honesty in this album that it’s almost scary to let it go. ‘Ghosts’ brings all the elements of the album together in one song, making it the perfect first single release.” SETYØURSAILS perform uncompromising yet melodic post hardcore-influenced metal, convincing both live and on record. The unit has already performed at well-known festivals (Reload Festival, Traffic Jam Open Air) and converted fans alongside genre greats like Bullet for My Valentine, Hatebreed, Jinjer and Walls of Jericho with their unbeatable live energy. Their first album, Enough (2018), has attracted the attention of noteworthy outlets like FUZE and MoreCore, and now, SETYØURSAILS are proudly heading for round two. Nightfall stands as an impressive return for SETYØURSAILS, who once again prove their musical diversity. A continued on next page

SETYØURSAILS continued from previous page mixture of catchy choruses and intense breakdowns are evident on brutally melodic “Why”, the changing spectrum of “Deadline”, and “Into the Storm”, which starts with a crisp deathcore intro. Among others, “Nightfall” (featuring Andy Doerner of metalcore veterans Caliban) shows the full straightforward range of Jules Mitch’s vocals, which oscillate between concise and clear, intense screams and expressive growling. “Mirror” begins atmospherically before bubbling up to an impressive journey through personal conflicts without losing its undeniably catchy quality. With tracks like “Secrets” and “Forgive Me” the band also presents its softer side. SETYØURSAILS are also full of surprises – together with Mike Perez from No Bragging Rights, they cover “Shallow” (from the film A Star Is Born) by Lady Gaga and Bradley Cooper, and give the ballad their personal touch, once again proving their musical diversity. Nightfall was produced, recorded, mixed & mastered by Annisokay vocalist/guitarist Christoph Wieczorek and songwriter/producer Julian Breucker at Sawdust Recordings. Both have already worked with greats like Beyond The Black, Eisbrecher and Emil Bulls – just to name a few. SETYØURSAILS about their new album: “This album is the most honestly written work we could get out of ourselves. It reflects the struggle of dealing with oneself, fear and life itself. It’s dark, it’s loud and it hurts. But most importantly- it’s true.” Claim your copy of Nightfall now at https://www.napalmrecordsamerica.com/setyoursails Nightfall tracklist: 1. Ghosts 2. Nightfall 3. Secrets 4. Why 5. Mirror 6. Into the Storm 7. Anchor 8. Forgive Me 9. Deadline 10. What’s Wrong 11. Reason

12. Fckoff 13. Shallow Nightfall will be available in the following formats: - 1 CD Digipak - 1 LP Gatefold Recycled Color Vinyl - 1 Digital Album SETYØURSAILS are: Jules Mitch – vocals, songwriting Andre Alves – guitar, songwriting Dizzee Pascal – drums Dominic Ludwig – bass SETYØURSAILS online: Website @ https://www.set-your-sails.com/ Facebook @ https://www.facebook.com/setyoursailsband/ Instagram @ https://www.instagram.com/setyoursailsband/ Napalm Records @ https://label.napalmrecords.com/set-your-sails

Watch the Official Video for First Single “Ghosts” feat. Annisokay’s Rudi SchwarzWatch the Official Video for First Single “Ghosts” feat. Annisokay’s Rudi Schwarzer HERE at https://youtu.be/aAw_IIjWFlE! Nightfall Drops January 21, 2022 via Napalm Records | Pre-Order NOW at https://www.napalmrecordsamerica.com/setyoursails er HERE at https://youtu.be/aAw_IIjWFlE! Nightfall Drops January 21, 2022 via Napalm Records | Pre-Order NOW at https://www.napalmrecordsamerica.com/setyoursails December 2021 • Rock and Blues International

New Music From The U.K.

GLASS ANIMALS COMPLETE RECORD RUN TO TOP 10 ON BILLBOARD HOT 100 WITH “HEAT WAVES” RECENTLY NOMINATED FOR TWO 2021 AMERICAN MUSIC AWARDS: FAVORITE POP DUO OR GROUP & FAVORITE ROCK ARTIST GLOBAL AND DOUBLE-PLATINUM SELLING HIT “HEAT WAVES” IS THE UK’S BIGGEST EXPORT FROM A BRITISH CONTEMPORARY BAND Critically acclaimed global sensations Glass Animals have broken the record of the longest climb to the Top 10 on the Billboard Hot 100 Chart with their Double Platinum smash hit “Heat Waves” ( https://youtu.be/mRD0-GxqHVo ). This week, the single entered the Top 10, a first for the band in their career, after an impressive and record-breaking 42-week streak on the Hot 100 Chart. This news arrives following recent excitement surrounding Glass Animals’ nominations for two 2021 American Music Awards—“Favorite Pop Duo or Group” and “Favorite Rock 40 Rock and Blues International •• November 34 December 2020 2021

Artist.” 2021 has been the band’s biggest year of their career thus far, with “Heat Waves” becoming the UK’s biggest export from a British contemporary band and making Glass Animals the biggest band in the world right now. The group’s latest single “I Don’t Wanna Talk (I Just Wanna Dance)” ( https://youtu.be/9nrEaHinGmY ) has amassed over 23 million global streams to date and entered the Top 10 on the US Alternative Radio Chart this past month. The continued on next page

previous month, Glass Animals performed the song on The Late Late Show with James Corden—watch the performance and frontman Dave Bayley’s interview with James Corden here at https://youtu.be/—l8rBVxiow. Meanwhile, “Heat Waves” shows no signs of stopping with nearly 1.5 billion global streams to date. The global smash hit recently peaked at #4 on Spotify’s Daily Top 200 Chart, #3 on Spotify’s Global Top 50 Chart, and #6 on Spotify’s US Top 50 Chart, as well as #1 on Billboard’s Hot Rock & Alternative Songs Chart. Recently, the song has been back by the likes of Taylor Swift, Will Smith, and Lana Del Rey.

This past month, Glass Animals began the UK leg of their 2021 Dreamland Tour, with Financial Times declaring them “pandemic’s pop success story.” They wrapped up the US leg with two sold-out shows at the legendary Santa Barbara Bowl last month, and the massive tour included sold-out shows at Brooklyn’s Prospect Park Bandshell, Los Angeles’ Hollywood Forever Cemetery, and many more, as well as headline sets at Firefly Music Festival, Life Is Beautiful Festival, and Outside Lands Festival. Watch the band’s latest tour diaries video here at https://youtu.be/IMZnHuPV444 and see their 2022 tour dates below.

As the band continues the biggest year of their career, they have recently topped several Grammy predictions lists for “Best New Artist” nomination predictions, including Variety, USA Today, Los Angeles Times, Hits Daily Double, Gold Derby, and more, with Gold Derby proclaiming, “My best bets are Glass Animals, whose hit ‘Heat Waves’ has become a massive success and keeps rising on the charts.”

Last summer, Glass Animals released “Heat Waves” with a video that was a “love letter to live music and the culture and togetherness surrounding it,” with Dave Bayley asking his East London neighbors to help film a video from their windows continued on next page December 2021 • Rock and Blues International

GLASS ANIMALS continued from previous page during lockdown. Fast forward over a year later, “Heat Waves” has captured the hearts and minds of millions across the world, become a 1 billion-plus streaming global smash hit, and is officially the UK’s biggest global song of the year from a contemporary band, recently re-entering the UK Top 5 and Top 5 on Spotify’s Global Chart. “Heat Waves” flew into Top 10 on the Billboard Hot 100 Chart and has achieved Double-Platinum status in the US, Platinum in the UK, and was crowned #1 on Triple J’s Hot 100 – an accolade not given to a UK band since 2009, with previous winners including Billie Eilish – and was performed at the 2021 Billboard Music Awards, The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon, Good Morning America, and more. Not to mention, “Heat Waves” peaked at #1 on the Alternative Radio Chart for three consecutive weeks and in the Top 15 on the Top 40 Radio Chart, a first for Glass Animals in their career. The past year has also been a huge time of collaboration for Glass Animals, with Dave Bayley constantly challenging himself and finding new inspiration as a producer and songwriter. Having worked with the likes of 6lack, Flume, FJ Dahi, Joey Bada$$, Khalid, and Daytrip, the band has released “Space Ghost Coast To Coast” featuring Bree Runway ( https://youtu.be/O5ZEtpQkOvg ), performed an immaculate “Heat Waves” session for La Blogotheque ( https://youtu.be/i0gemZFlyG0 ) with breakout star of 2021 Holly Humberstone, as well as released a new version of “Tangerine” with BRIT Award winning Arlo Parks at https://youtu.be/6hBh2DYQvJ0. Dave also started the series “Cereal Bars” for his love of finding new talent, and created beats and lyrics inspired by sugary snacks with up-andcoming artists, including Oliver Malcolm, BENEE, and Easy Life. The four-piece has also worked with cult Peanut Butter brand Jackpot to raise money for Music Venues Trust, created a Simlish version of “Heat Waves”, and built a Glass Animals fan base inside Minecraft, surprising a fan with a virtual meet and greet. Connecting with fans during such a difficult year has been of paramount importance, and Glass Animals have maintained their unique connection by building their own website, named OpenSource, where fans can design artwork and create music based on the world of Dreamland, with Dave Bayley sharing the stems and raw files and giving fans the tools to work together on creative pursuits. The band also put on a “Live In The Internet” concert that sold 25,000 tickets worldwide, and made unique music videos by DIY-shooting solo in Dave’s apartment directed solely over Zoom (“Dreamland” https://youtu.be/BE7vBk_zLA4) and inviting fans to take 3-D scans of their heads (“Tangerine” https://youtu.be/Bg_dlcwGztU). Glass Animals recently hit a new Spotify monthly listener peak of 34 million, surpassing the likes of Lorde, Tyler, the Creator, Charli XCX, Troye Sivan, 6Black, Frank Ocean, Childish Gambino, and Tame Impala. “Heat Waves”’ global success means that Glass Animals have produced the biggest new single export of the year. The British group is only behind heritage acts Fleetwood Mac with “Dreams” and Queen with “Bohemian Rhapsody” for biggest song of the year from a group. During the year where everything changed, Glass Animals have been able to create their own little world in Dreamland, which has been translated globally. 36

Rock and Blues International • December 2021

Follow Glass Animals: Instagram @ https://www.instagram.com/GlassAnimals/ Facebook @ https://www.facebook.com/glassanimals Twitter @ https://republicrecords.us5.list-manage.com/track/click Website @ https://opensource.glassanimals.com Spotify @ https://open.spotify.com/artist/4yvcSjfu4PC0CYQyLy4wSq

Glass Animals US “Dreamland Tour” 2022: March 4th Phoenix, AZ March 8th Portland, OR March 9th Portland, OR March 10th Vancouver, BC Sports Centre March 11th Seattle, WA March 13th Salt Lake City, UT March 14th Denver, CO March 16th Madison, WI March 17th Minneapolis, MN March 18th Chicago, IL Chicago – Credit Union 1 Arena March 20th Milwaukee, WI (Upgraded Venue) March 21st Indianapolis, IN March 22nd Louisville, KY Theater* March 23rd Saint Louis, MO March 28th Asheville, NC rium* March 29th Washington, DC April 1st Toronto, ON April 2nd Toronto, ON April 3rd Montreal, QC April 4th Montreal, QC June 14th Morrison, CO June 15th Morrison, CO *Sold Out

Arizona Federal Theatre* Keller Auditorium* Keller Auditorium Doug Mitchell Thunderbird WaMu Theater* The Union* The Mission Ballroom* The Sylvee* The Armory* University of Illinois at Miller High Life Theater Old National Centre* The Louisville Palace The Factory* Thomas Wolfe AuditoThe Anthem* History* History* MTELUS* MTELUS Red Rocks Amphitheater* Red Rocks Amphitheater*

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Rock and Blues International • February 2021

December 2020 • Rock and Blues International

no one to celebrate Christmas with and to those who even though they have people around them, still feel lonely,” says Tusse on the song. “This Is Our Christmas Song” follows the release of Tusse’s recent single, “Grow”—watch the official video HERE. The song was written by Tusse in collaboration with Amanda Cygnaeus, Petter Tarland, Pär Westerlund and produced by Paro. “Grow” is about finding yourself and growing as a person, and the track is accompanied by a children’s choir from Class 5B in Kyrkskolan Täby. With over 3 million votes, Tusse broke the record when he won Melodifestivalen 2021 with his song “Voices” and got to represent Sweden in the Eurovision Song Contest in Rotterdam, where he came in 14th place. In 2021, Tusse made history after winning the song contest Melodifestivalen 2021, making him the only artist to win both famous song contest TV shows Idol and Melodifestivalen. His platinum-selling song “Voices” went straight to #1 on Spotify and Top 10 on Swedish radio and iTunes in Sweden. The song also made it into the Top 200 on the Global Spotify Chart and in eight other countries during the Eurovision final.

Swedish Artist Tusse Releases New Track This Is Our Christmas Song VIDEO FOR LATEST SINGLE “GROW” OUT NOW – WATCH HERE AT https://youtu.be/zTwglYN950M Tusse releases his new song “This is Our Christmas Song,” written by Tusse in collaboration with Kerstin Ljungström and Louise Lennartsson from Estraden today via Universal Music Sweden/Republic Records. “‘This is our Christmas Song’ is dedicated to all those who are lonely on Christmas. Sometimes we forget what the real importance behind Christmas is and instead focus on stressing about Christmas presents, decorations, whether Santa will come, etc. For me, Christmas has always been about showing how much you appreci-

ate your family and loved ones by getting together, eating amazing food, and celebrating the love you share. My traditional Christmas always has had a lot of Christmas presents and the Christmas tree has been decorated in the living room. Every year we have endured the long wait for Santa Claus; however, through the years I have understood that this is not the case for everyone. Many people are lonely in the world, and it’s a feeling that can get worse during this time of the year as Christmas is very focused on the value of community. We wanted to write a song about this feeling and to those who have

FOLLOW TUSSE Spotify @ https://open.spotify.com/artist/1BwDWgdDJe3TJXLZkBkpsI YouTube @ https://republicrecords.us5.list-manage.com/track/click 38

Rock and Blues International • December 2021

The Kongo-Kinshasa born pop artist Tusse came to Sweden as a five-year-old and has since managed to make his mark in the Swedish music sphere. In 2018, Tusse participated in Swedish Idol where he not only showed the most artistic progression throughout the course of the show but won the whole competition after an absolutely mind-blowing, live broadcasted arena performance. This year, two years after his exploit in Idol, Tusse made his debut in Melodifestivalen with his song “Voices.” Tusse’s thoughts on the songs message: “For me, this song is for the ones who need a reminder that everyone is equal worth. We have more in common than what keeps us apart.” Not only did he win the whole thing, which gave him a spot in Eurovision Song Contest, but he also made history by receiving the highest number of votes ever to be seen in the Swedish finals, alongside being the first one to ever have won both Idol and Melodifestivalen. There seems to be no limit to the promising pop artist Tusse. His journey to influence and empower people through his music and warm and exuberant personality has merely just begun.

December 2021 • Rock and Blues International 45

New Music From Columbia

J Balvin and Sech by @hazznyc

J Balvin Enlists Sech For “Una Nota” Video WATCH “UNA NOTA” FEATURING SECH NOW JOSE OUT EVERYWHERE NOW “Una Nota”

WATCH: https://youtu.be/MDzhVMuU6e8 JOSE LISTEN: https://jbalvin.lnk.to/Jose!PR J Balvin shares a new video for the song “Una Nota” featuring Sech from his highly praised sixth studio album JOSE. The new visuals, directed by Jose Sagaro, see Balvin and Sech hosting a popping warehouse party full of talented dancers and high energy. The video for “Una Nota” comes after Balvin’s performance of the song on Jimmy Kimmel Live! last week. “Una Nota” visuals arrive on the heels of Balvin co-hosting ComplexCon last weekend, where he spent the weekend mingling with fans at his interactive booth that featured merchandise exclusive to the event. Balvin also attended the CFDA Awards this week where he was styled by Amiri.

Additionally, Balvin is set to emcee BEYOND THE STREETS 2021, a two-day virtual art fair dedicated to graffiti and street art set for December 1st and 2nd on the NTWRK app. Balvin will emcee as various artwork drops and host a variety of discussions with top artists. Curated by graffiti historian Roger Gastman, BEYOND THE STREETS 2021 will launch products across fine art, collectibles, apparel and home goods featuring world-class artists, designers and brands including Bert Krak, DABSMYLA with Late Lunch, Shepard Fairey, Takashi Murakami and more.

Next year, Balvin will embark on his North American arena tour beginning after his performance at CALIBASH in January. Rock and Blues International • December 2021

The 27-date arena tour begins on April 19 in San Antonio before hitting Las Vegas, Dallas, Atlanta, DC before wrapping up at the legendary Coliseo in San Juan on June 4. Balvin was also recently revealed as a coheadliner of Spain’s Bilbao BBK Live festival set to take place July 7, 8 and 9. JOSE debuted at #1 on the Billboard Latin Albums chart, #1 on Billboard Latin Rhythm Albums chart and #12 on the US Billboard 200 chart. Additionally, JOSE reached #1 on Spotify in 9 countries, #6 globally and #1 in 16 countries, #6 globally on Apple Music. These accolades follow JOSE breaking the single-day Spotify continued on next page

J Balvin continued from previous page J Balvin JOSE Universal Music Latino 1. F40 2. Una Nota featuring Sech 3. Te Acuerdas De Mí featuring Yandel 4. In Da Getto featuring Skrillex 5. Billetes De 100 ft. Myke Towers 6. La Venganza featuring Jhay Cortez 7. Vestido 8. Que Locura 9. Bebé Que Bien Te Ves featuring Feid 10. Lo Que Dios Quiera 11. Si Te Atreves featuring Zion & Lennox 12. Fantasías 13. Pa’ Guayarte featuring Ozuna 14. Ganas De Verte 15. Perra featuring Tokischa 16. 7 De Mayo 17. Suerte 18. Querido Río 19. La Familia 20. Qué Más Pues? featuring María Becerra 21. OTRO FILI featuring Jhay Wheeler 22. Otra Noche Sin Ti featuring Khalid 23. Poblado featuring KAROL G, Nicky Jam, Crissin, Totoy El Frio & Natan & Shander [Remix] 24. UN DIA (ONE DAY) featuring Dua Lipa, Bad Bunny, Tainy streaming record for a Latin album in 2021. JOSE arrived after an eventful summer for the artist, following the release of chart-dominating singles “Qué Más Pues?” ( https:// youtu.be/zisuhZqTeH4 ) featuring Argentinian singer María Becerra, “Que Locura,” ( https://youtu.be/rqAV8VcY6RQ ) and “In Da Getto” ( https://youtu.be/MjlTKXujfwE ) featuring Skrillex. The Skrillexassisted track reached the top spot on the Latin Airplay charts after a steady build up throughout the summer and outstanding reception at Balvin’s first live performances back at Baja Beach Festival, marking the artist’s 31st #1 record. The LP also features Jhay Cortez, Dua Lipa, Bad Bunny, Khalid, Tokischa, Zion & Lennox, Tainy and others. “Reggaeton’s Global Ambassador” - 5-time LATIN GRAMMY winner J Balvin is now one of the Top 10 streaming artists globally on Spotify, regardless of language, and has developed a legion of fans worldwide. Hailed by Billboard as “the biggest breakout act Latin music has seen in many years” and Pitchfork as “the face of modern Reggaeton,” Balvin is leading a second generation of Musica Urbana stars that have propelled Latin music to an unprecedented global embrace. His latest album, Jose, arrives on the heels of an eventful summer, following the release of chart-dominating singles “Qué Más Pues?” featuring Argentinian singer María Becerra, “Que Locura,” and “In Da Getto” featuring Skrillex. “With In Da Getto” recently topping the charts, J Balvin officially lands his 31st #1 at Latin Airplay in history and cementing him as Latin music’s biggest success story of the decade. With his music and impact on the culture, Balvin has cemented himself as not only a leader of Reggaeton but as a torchbearer of the new state of Latin music by continuously expanding the limits of the genre and paving the way for “la nueva escuela.” Stay tuned for more from J Balvin coming soon. Upcoming Tour Dates: 2022: 1/16 - Los Angeles, CA @ CALIBASH

4/19 - San Antonio, TX @ AT&T Center 4/20 - Austin, TX @ H-E-B Center at Cedar Park 4/22 - Tucson, AZ @ Tucson Arena 4/23 - Las Vegas, NV @ Michelob Ultra Arena 4/24 - San Diego, CA @ Pechanga Arena 4/26 - Seattle, WA @ Climate Pledge Arena 4/27 - Portland, OR @ Moda Center 4/30 - San Jose, CA @ Sap Center 5/1 - Oakland, CA @ Oakland Arena 5/4 - El Paso, TX @ Don Haskins Center 5/5 - Laredo, TX @ Sames Auto Arena 5/6 - Houston, TX @ Toyota Center 5/7 - Hidalgo, TX @ Payne Arena 5/8 - Dallas, TX @ American Airlines Center 5/11 - Fort Meyers, FL @ Hertz Arena 5/13 - Miami, FL @ FTX Arena 5/14 - Orlando, FL @ Amway Center 5/15 - Atlanta, GA @ State Farm Arena 5/18 - Charlotte, NC @ Spectrum Center 5/20 - Washington, DC @ Capital One Arena 5/21 - Newark, NJ @ Prudential Center 5/22 - New York, NY @ Barclays Center 5/25 - Bridgeport, CT @ Webster Bank Arena 5/26 - Boston, MA @ TD Garden 5/27 - Montreal, CA @ Centre Bell 5/28 - Toronto, CA @ Scotiabank Arena 6/4 - San Juan, PR @ Coliseo 7/9/ - Bilbao, ES @ Bilbao BBK Live Connect with J Balvin: YouTube @ https://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp Twitter @ https://twitter.com/JBALVIN Facebook @ https://www.facebook.com/JBalvinOficial/ December 2021 • Rock and Blues International

New Goth Metal From Germany

photo credit: VDPictures / Jan Season

LORD OF THE LOST Releases Gripping Music Video for “My Constellation”, Featuring Criminal Biologist Dr. Mark Benecke New Studio Album, JUDAS, Out Now Order now at https://smarturl.it/LOTL-Judas Live-Stream BluRay/DVD, The Sacrament of Judas, out on December 10, 2021 Lord Of The Lost once again provides a music video of the utmost quality and direction, arriving just before their upcoming Christmas store livestream on November 18. With the surprise music video for “My Constellation”, Lord Of The Lost present a gripping, cinematic Christmas blockbuster that first spreads contemplation through frontman Chris Harms’ mesmerizing voice before subsequently ending in a shockingly unusual case, unraveled by the expertise of famous forensic biologist Dr. Mark Benecke.

hour Sinister Summer streaming concert, The Sacrament of Judas, on BluRay, out December 10, 2021. Their latest video for “My Constellation” joins a great lineup of impressive videos released by Lord Of The Lost this year. Foremost among them are the successful videos for “Viva Vendetta”, of which the Hamburg-based band has released in two versions, each with a brand new respective production. Chris Harms from Lord Of The Lost about the new video: „This video is so absurd, I can’t even add anything to it.“

This summer marked the release of their most successful album to date, JUDAS (#2 on the German album charts), and Lord Of The Lost is set to publish their nearly twoOn their new offering JUDAS, Lord Of 42 Rock and Blues International • December 2021

The Lost draw the listener into a conflict that has lasted for thousands of centuries and is as old as mankind itself: The conflict between good and evil. On JUDAS, Lord Of The Lost tell of this conflict from the perspective of the character of Judas Iscariot, known as highly diverse, and the so-called Gospel of Judas, a paper that’s said to consist of conversations between Jesus Christ and Judas Iscariot and casts a different light on religious history as it’s told in the Bible’s New Testament. Lord Of The Lost on JUDAS: “Don’t judge a book by its cover. This sentence could hardly apply any better to someone in theological history than to the figure of Judas Iscariot, who represents only one thing at first glance: Betrayal. If you take a closer look, almost endless possibilities of interpretation open up here: from “Judas the murderer” to “Judas the redeemer” and “Judas the actual martyr”, who, if you believe in it, could only find room in hell for his salvific betrayal after dying for what he did, in complete contrast to Jesus Christ. This field of tension and the apocryphal writings of the “Gospel of Judas” are the basis for a double album that not only illuminates the dark and light side of history, but above all the grey areas in between, in which we move emotionally and ideologically throughout our lives and try to find our place.” JUDAS sets off with atmospheric “Priest”, followed by “For They Know Not What They Do”, making clear right from the beginning that all the songs can be experienced the most organic and vivid way: A genuine, unique choir accompanies singer Chris Harms, whose multi-dimensional voice delivers the haunting lyrics straight into the listener’s mind more strongly than ever. Songs like “Your Star Has Led You Astray” or “Born With a Broken Heart” easily manage to keep the balance between harsh vocals, the distorted sound of fuzz guitars and an overall dark atmosphere that Lord Of The Lost is known for, whilst “Death Is Just a Kiss Away”, “My Constellation” and closing “Work of Salvation”, for example, put grand piano tunes, authentic strings and the sound of a massive organ recorded in a church in the most suitable focus. JUDAS marks the successor of charttopping Thornstar (2018, #6 GER), and again breathes the innovative spirit of five musicians who are far away from setting boundaries into their very own unique art. Lord Of The Lost has never been that type of creative force that’s pinned to any specific genre and has succeeded in surprising fans and critics with their nonconformism repeatedly over the years. With their new album, JUDAS, Lord Of The Lost manage to thematically blur the lines between good and evil and put the so called “salvific treason” into a harmonious soundscape unlike ever heard before - truly an magnum opus! Order JUDAS now at https://smarturl.it/LOTL-Judas

continued on next page

LORD OF THE LOST

9. Entität feat. Erdling 10. Doomed Love feat. Erk Aicrag (Hocico / Rabia Sorda) 11. Crimson Masque feat. Face Time Police 12. Your Skeleton Grin feat. Faderhead 13. A Pain That I Know feat. Florian Grey 14. Ohne Zweifel feat. Heldmaschine 15. Sadly Ever After feat. Hell Boulevard 16. Stolen feat. Jaani Peuhu (Mercury Circly, Swallow The Sun, Iconcrash)

continued from previous page JUDAS Track listing: CD1: Damnation 1. Priest 2. For They Know Not What They Do 3. Your Star Has Led You Astray 4. Born with a Broken Heart 5. The 13th 6. In the Field of Blood 7. 2000 Years a Pyre 8. Death Is Just a Kiss Away 9. The Heart Is a Traitor 10. Euphoria 11. Be Still and Know 12. The Death of All Colours CD2: Salvation 1. The Gospel of Judas 2. Viva Vendetta 3. Argent 4. The Heartbeat of the Devil 5. And it Was Night 6. My Constellation 7. The Ashes of Flowers 8. Iskarioth 9. A War Within 10. A World where We Belong 11. Apokatastasis 12. Work of Salvation

Watch the official video for “My Constellation

https://youtu.be/UdBtY0cM9NQ

JUDAS is available in the following formats: - Deluxe Box (incl. 2-CD Mediabook, 1 CD The Sorrows Of The Young, 2 CD LOTL+, DVD Becoming JUDAS, Cover Alu Print) - strictly limited to 1500 copies worldwide - 4 CD Earbook - strictly limited to 500 copies worldwide - Double Music Cassette - strictly limited to 100 copies worldwide - SOLD OUT! - 2-CD Mediabook - 2-CD Sleevepack - Vinyl Box incl. 2x 2LP Recycled BLACK Vinyl Gatefold - Digital Album [Deluxe Box (incl. 2-CD Mediabook, 1 CD The Sorrows Of The Young, 2 CD LOTL+, DVD Becoming JUDAS, Cover Alu Print) - strictly limited to 1500 copies worldwide] In addition to the 2-CD JUDAS Mediabook and a cover alu print, the strictly limited deluxe box includes the special CD, The Sorrows Of The Young, double extra CD LOTL+, as well as the six part behind the scenes documentary bonus DVD, Becoming JUDAS. The Sorrows Of The Young features ten unreleased songs, written by Chris Harms at the age of 18, that have now been rerecorded, whereas LOTL+ showcases 32 completely different interpretations in terms of vocals and lyrics on the original song

“Viva Vendetta”, written and performed by artists like Megaherz, Equilibrium, Lacrimosa, Subway To Sally, Nachtblut, Unzucht and many more. The Sorrows Of The Young Track listing: 1. Catharsis 2. Syringes in the Sand 3. Deus Absconditus 4. Die Without Your Love 5. This Piece of Art 6. The Last Saviour 7. All I Am Is The Void 8. Obscularum Infame 9. Infinity 10. Supernova LOTL+ Track listing: CD 1: 1. Living a Lie feat. A Life Divided 2. Consume Hate feat. Aesthetic Perfection 3. Vergissmeinnicht feat. AnnA Lux 4. Still Life to Die For feat. Ben Christo (The Sisters Of Mercy / Diamond Black) 5. The Darkest Hour feat. Chemical Sweet Kid 6. Into the Dawn feat. Simon Moskon (Cryptex) 7. The Warrior feat. Daria Trusova 8. Old-School Pagan Spirit feat. Robse (Equilibrium)

CD2: 1. Alles wird gut, aber… feat. Lacrimosa 2. Dein Blick feat. Letzte Instanz 3. Pale Rider feat. Lolita KompleX 4. Revenge feat. MajorVoice 5. Aus und Vorbei feat. Megaherz 6. Bloody Flower feat. Nachtblut 7. Abandon Ship feat. Night Laser 8. The Shadow and the Sun feat. OH FYO! 9. Digging Deeper feat. Scarlet Dorn 10. It Starts with a Crack feat. Solar Fake 11. Fake Gods feat. Soulbound 12. Träume zu Tränen feat. Subway To Sally 13. Die Flamme feat. Sündenrausch 14. Feuerrot feat. Tanzwut 15. Während die Welt in Flammen Steht feat. Unzucht 16. Today feat. Saku Solin (Turmion Kätilöt / Fear Of Domination)

LORD OF THE LOST are: Chris Harms - vocals, guitar, cello Pi Stoffers - guitar Class Grenayde - bass Gared Dirge - piano, synthesizer, percussion, guitar Niklas Kahl - drums LORD OF THE LOST online: WEBSITE @ https://www.lordofthelost.de FACEBOOK @ https://www.facebook.com/lordofthelost TWITTER @ https://twitter.com/LordOfTheLost NAPALM RECORDS @ https:// label.napalmrecords.com/lord-of-the-lost LORD SHOP @ https://lordofthelost.hamburgrecords.com/

Re-watch the videos Priest https://youtu.be/xL3pC-_p4Bk For They Know Not What They Do https://youtu.be/_x-87xd_91w December 2021 • Rock and Blues International

Ellen Foley has announced a series of concerts in support of her critically-acclaimed solo album, Fighting Words. She will perform at The Cutting Room in New York City on December 16, and in January she travels to the Netherlands for eight live dates. Foley and her band The Worried Men played to a packed house at New York’s The Bowery Electric in August. It was the first time in six years that the singer had performed a solo show drawn from her catalog of five solo albums, plus her legendary contributions to Meat Loaf’s mega-platinum Bat Out of Hell LP. Foley’s latest solo album, Fighting Words, has seen the singer receive some of the best notices of her career. Classic Rock Magazine called the album “vintage jukebox Americana” while Songfacts wrote “Fighting Words finds Foley in stunning vocal form and, like the title suggests, not backing down.” Doors will open for the December 16 show at The Cutting Room at 6:00 PM. Ellen and The Worried Men will take the stage at 7:00 PM. The Netherlands has been a reliably loyal market for Foley since the singer scored a #1 single there with 1979’s “We Belong to the Night.” Written by Foley and Fred Goodman, the track was produced by rock legends Ian Hunter and Mick Ronson and appeared on the vocalist’s debut album, Nightout. Foley has toured the Netherlands several times, most recently in 2018.

Photo credit: Miles Kalchik

In addition to Foley’s extensive musical discography, she has enjoyed a dual career as an actress, including roles in the films Hair (1979), Tootsie (1982), Fatal Attraction (1987), Married to the Mob and Cocktail (both 1988), and as a series regular on season two of NBC-TV’s Night Court (1984-1985). Fighting Words is available now on CD and download, with autographed copies of the CD for sale at Bandcamp. CONCERT DATES DECEMBER 2021

Ellen Foley plays NYC’s The Cutting Room and Announces Tour of The Netherlands CONNECT WITH ELLEN FOLEY Website @ https://ellenfoley.com Facebook @ https://www.facebook.com/profile.ph Twitter @ https://twitter.com/EllenFoleyNYC Spotify @ https://open.spotify.com/artist/0puypnsWTRY3cwySIyMjhe Bandcamp @ https://ellenfoley.bandcamp.com/album/fighting-words 44

Rock and Blues International

• December 2021

16: New York City — The Cutting Room JANUARY 2022 07: 08: 09: 11: 76 13: 14: 15: 16:

Lelystad, NL — Corneel Gouda, NL — Bakkerheij Theater Zierikzee, NL — Fizi Theater Etten Leur, NL — Studio Den Haag, NL — Paard Drachten, NL — Iduna Roermond, NL — ECI Cultuurfabriek Tilburg, NL — Boerke Mutsaers

October 2021 • Rock and Blues International

Tiffany Announces Pieces Of Me Deluxe Edition LP, Part of Exclusive Deko Entertainment Holiday Bundle Deko Entertainment president Bruce Pucciarello continues, “Who is that who just popped out of the chimney? It’s Tiffany with the coolest re-masters ever, just in time to spice up our eggnogs this holiday season…and yes, you will all sing along.” Tiffany is best known for the #1 Billboard hit, “I Think We’re Alone Now,” which has over 120 million streams on Spotify. At the start of her career, Tiffany earned two U.S. #1 hit singles with the aforementioned “I Think We’re Alone Now,” as well as the ballad, “Could’ve Been,” and also set a record as the youngest female artist to top the Billboard charts with her debut album Tiffany. Over the course of her threedecade career, Tiffany has sold over 15 million records. Product Includes: - One (1) Tiffany – Pieces of Me (Deluxe Edition) CD - One (1) Tiffany – Pieces of Me Silver Necklace - One (1) Tiffany – Holiday Card (Personally Signed) - One (1) Tiffany – Holiday Box TIFFANY LINKS Website: https://tiffanytunes.com

Deluxe Edition LP + Holiday Bundle Out 12/10 via Deko Entertainment, Limited to 100 Fans Legendary ’80s icon Tiffany will release the deluxe edition of her latest album, Pieces of Me, on December 10th via Deko Entertainment. This Deluxe Edition is re-mastered and re-packaged with new photos and includes unplugged versions of tracks “King of Lies,” “Starting Over,” and “Worlds Away.” This is a must have for Tiffany fans! To make it even better, 100 lucky fans can get the Limited Edition Pieces of Me Holiday Bundle which includes a one of a kind Pieces of Me

necklace and a personally signed Holiday card from Tiffany, all packaged in the Tiffany Holiday box.

Pieces of Me [Deluxe Edition] TRACKLISTING 1. Worlds Away 2. Feels Like a Storm 3. Beautiful 4. Waste of Time 5. Pieces of Me 6. King of Lies 7. Hey There 8. Starting Over 9. Heaven 10. Heartbeat Away 11. The Fal 12. King of Lies (Unplugged) 13. Starting Over (Unplugged) 14. Worlds Away (Unplugged)

“Excited about the Pieces of Me Holiday bundle,” said Tiffany. “This is a true collectors gem to my fans and I’m thrilled with the limited addition Pieces of Me necklace. Such a great way to celebrate over 30 years together in music, adventures and new horizons. You are all pieces of me. I love you.”

LISTEN & SHARE: Tiffany - Pieces of Me Spotify @ https://open.spotify.com/album/1y8Tcrdk0MEi5DbpiJGuB3?si=O-AFoxujQTufAkYIs-LJK Apple Music @ https://music.apple.com/us/album/pieces-of-me/1555148641 WATCH & SHARE: Tiffany - “Worlds Away” YouTube @ https://youtu.be/EjAV7UL-khE 52 46

Rock and Blues International •• November November2020 2021

November 2021 • Rock and Blues International

48 Rock and Blues International • November 2021

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Photo Cred: Elysia Perkins

Letting Up Despite Great Faults Share “Corners Pressed”, New LP ‘IV’ Out 2022 LISTEN & SHARE: Letting Up Despite Great Faults - “Corners Pressed” Soundcloud @ https://tellallyourfriendspr.us10.list-manage.com/track/click?u=63f1674ecdb2a4574b77e600b&id=688352a8d3&e=28146e6e7b Spotify @ https://open.spotify.com/track/5wmpEX5pgy27LKcRtoG0xp?si=8ea6f8448ef64dbd Bandcamp @ https://lettingup.bandcamp.com/track/corners-pressed Youtube @ https://youtu.be/Ffy87YhakCA WATCH & SHARE: Letting Up Despite Great Faults - “Gemini” [Official Music Video] YouTube @ https://youtu.be/Cq91CZenP2Y LISTEN & SHARE: Letting Up Despite Great Faults - “Gemini” Soundcloud @ https://tellallyourfriendspr.us10.list-manage.com/track/click?u=63f1674ecdb2a4574b77e600b&id=c19f1f4fff&e=28146e6e7b Spotify @ https://open.spotify.com/track/0ZyxIFRZff9Q7B0yIrIKe5?si=2c6c778015034687 Bandcamp @ https://lettingup.bandcamp.com The second single off of their upcoming album, “Corners Pressed” is an upbeat dreampop anthem from legendary shoegaze outfit Letting Up Despite Great Faults. A more pop-forward track from shoegaze outfit, “Corners Pressed” is a slight shift frmo their usual heavier, gazier sound, resulting in a breezy and infectious track.

not to label it shoegaze. But from deep storytelling to catchy pop melodies, it really is so much more. Letting Up Despite Great Faults shows their full maturation and patience on IV.

Letting Up Despite Great Faults was founded by Mike Lee in Los Angeles, CA. He wrote an EP in 2006 described by NPR as “beautiful, lolling music.” But it wasn’t until a few years later where Their much anticipated album IV is due out 2022, their first he would give us noisier and lusher soundscapes on a debut LP buzzed album in over 8 years. about all around the blogosphere. Pitchfork found the first single on MySpace, while Mike found his first bandmate Kent Zambrana (bass) Letting Up Despite Great Faults is back with Mike Lee on on Craigslist. Wild times. As they were crafting a more well defined vocals, guitars, and programming, Kent Zambrana on bass, Annah sound, they decided to move to Austin, TX, where they found Daniel Fisette on vocals and guitars, and Daniel Schmidt on drums. IV is the Schmidt (drums) and Annah Fisette (guitar, keys, vocals). With a new first full length in 8 years and is pouring with stories of growth, full length filled with deeper stories and dreamier soundscapes, they nurture, loss, and regret. With all the fuzzed and dreamy instruments hope to show fans, old and new, their little corner of the world. and the album even mastered by Simon Scott of Slowdive, it’s hard LINKS Facebook @ https://www.facebook.com/lettingup/ Twitter @ https://tellallyourfriendspr.us10.list-manage.com/track/click?u=63f1674ecdb2a4574b77e600b&id=236a4b9f7a&e=28146e6e7b Soundcloud @ https://tellallyourfriendspr.us10.list-manage.com/track/click?u=63f1674ecdb2a4574b77e600b&id=9d5e3625c9&e=28146e6e7b Bandcamp @ https://lettingup.bandcamp.com Instagram @ https://www.instagram.com/lettingup/ Rockand andBlues BluesInternational International •• December October 2021 50 Rock 2021

SKATENIGS, the long-running electrothrashcore outfit led by singer Phil “Phildo” Owen, return to the musical stage with What Could Go Wrong?, a collection of all new recordings released today on Armalyte Industries. Featuring the current core SKATENIGS crew of Owen, Chris Ahrens and Adam Lamar on guitars, and live drummer/studio bassist Myke Bingham, whom Owen calls “a one-man rhythm section!,” the 13-track physical CD release will be followed by its digital 12-track streaming counterpart via Cleopatra Records on Halloween. SKATENIGS was begun by Owen in Austin in 1988, running until 1995, followed by a brief reunion for a handful of shows in 2011. SKATENIGS were reactivated in 2016 for their self-released Adult Entertainment for Kids with all current members augmented by Big Boys/Poison 13/Junkyard legend Chris Gates. All of the tracks on What Could Go Wrong? were written and recorded, in fits and starts, during f*cking COVID. Among the highlights: A steroid-enhanced, turbo-charged, 30th anniversary “Life, Liberty and the Pursuit Of Happiness” remake/remix of the Revolting Cocks’ hit “Beers, Steers and Queers,” featuring Owen’s vocals. The new version of “BSAQ” is essentially the original version, with new guitar work and other instrumental contributions from SKATENIGS, plus some choice samples from Joe Exotic. “It’s gonna get Real Redneck”, promises Owen. SKATENIGS released a video for What Could Go Wrong?’s “Hell and Back Again” on October 8th,, which featured guest performances by Riggs (former Rob Zombie guitarist) and Jason West on drums (former Murderdolls and Wednesday 13). A second single and video release for “We Can’t Have Nice Things” will drop on Black Friday, November 26th. From their Austin beginnings in 1988, electro-thrashcore heroes SKATENIGS - led by long-standing founder/singer Phil “Phildo” Owen - has been the loud, noisy voice of hedonistic rebellion. They’ve stood at the nexus of outlaw culture for over 30 years now: Punk, hardcore, metal, industrial, hip hop and the reddest-necked country - it’s all been grist for their grinder. It’s how Owen got headhunted for Ministry mainman Al Jourgensen’s rowdy party band Revolting Cocks, leading to absorption into the sprawling Wax Trax Records empire and the creation of such classics as “Chemical Imbalance” and “Beers, Steers and Queers.” Following their relocation to Austin, TX. in the early ‘90s, and a migration to Megaforce Records, came crucial debut album Stupid People Shouldn’t Breed. After a lengthy hiatus, which saw scattered Phil Owen side projects such as Choreboy and the occasional SKATENIGS reunion, our heroes reemerged in 21st century form with 2016’s Adult Entertainment For Kids. 2021 sees the fifth SKATENIGS LP, What Could Go Wrong? on Armalyte Industries. Among the highlights: A steroid-enhanced, turbo-charged, 30th anniversary “Life, Liberty and the Pursuit Of Happiness” remake/ remix of “Beers, Steers and Queers,” the Revolting Cocks hit featuring Owen’s vocals. The new version of “BSAQ” is essentially the origi-

New Music Promo Download Skatenigs What Could Go Wrong? nal version, with new guitar work and other instrumental contributions from SKATENIGS, plus some choice samples from Joe Exotic. “It’s gonna get real redneck,” promises Owen. The sprawling cast of special guests includes longtime cohort Chris Gates, of Austin punk legends Big Boys; Fear drummer Spit Stix; Worm Suicide singer Pablo Flores; Circle Jerks/Bad Religion guitarist Greg Hetson; and various and sundry members of Dwarves, KMFDM, Rob Zombie, Lords Of Acid, Ministry, and Thrill Kill Kult. What Could Go Wrong?: The latest installment of SKATENIGS’ bid to make life more liveable.

What Could Go Wrong - Track listing Hell and Back Again (Owen) - *Jason West (drums), Riggs Riggs (guitar) We Can’t Have Nice Things (Owen) - *Dan Milligan (drums), Chris Gates (guitar) PTSTD (Ahrens, Owen) - *Dan Milligan (drums), Chris Gates (guitar), Jennifer Omelianoff (bkgd vox), Hillary Tory (bkgd vox) Seemed Like a Good Idea at the Time (Ahrens, Gates, Owen) - *Chris Gates (guitar), Galen Waling (drums), Dan Milligan (drums) Here We Go Again (Lamar,Owen) - *Galen Waling (drums), Hillary Tory (bkgd vox) Blood Money (Lamar,Owen) - *Cesar Soto SKATENIGS: Phil Owen, Chris Ahrens, Myke Bingham and Adam Lamar (guitar) Burn This Motherfucker to the God Damned The core SKATENIGS quartet is Ground (Carpenter, Owen) - *David Skar augmented by a who’s who of punk/hardcore/ Carpenter (guitar/keys), Dan Milligan (drums) metal/industrial heroes. Among the luminarGet Out of Me (Ahrens, Owen) - *Andy Selway ies: (drums), Dan Milligan (drums), Chris Gates Bradley Bills- Chant (guitar) Mike Deleon- Philip H Anselmo and the Illegals What Could Go Wrong? (Ahrens, Lamar, Pablo Flores- Worm Suicide Owen) - *Bradley Bills (drums) Chris Gates - Big Boys/Poison 13/Junkyard We Are in this Shit Together (Lamar, Owen) Greg Hetson- Circle Jerks, Bad Religion *King Co (2nd verse), George Savage (hype Charles Levi- Thrill Kill Kult man), Charles Levi (bkgd vox) Dan Milligan - Joy Thieves Erase Today (Ahrens, Gates, Lamar, Owen) Riggs- Rob Zombie, Scum of the Earth *Pablo Flores (bkgd vox), Spit Stix (drums), Andy Selway - Dwarves, KMFDM Chris Gates (guitar) Greg Hetson (guitar) David Skar Carpenter- Circle Burn/Snow Black Beers Steers and Queers- Life Liberty and the Cesar Soto- Ministry Pursuit of Happiness Mix (Owen, Jourgensen, Spit Stix- FEAR Van Acker, Rieflin, Barker, Connelly) - *Metal Galen Waling- Pig/Lords of Acid Mike Deleon (guitar), Bradley Bills (drums) Jason West - Wednesday 13, Creed Fisher Guided Meditation for Murder (Ahrens,Owen) *Denotes guest appearance December 2021 • Rock and Blues International 51

As the moniker cryptically suggests, the music of ALL HAIL THE YETI evokes a hair-raising mixture of superstitious ritual and trippy backwoods folklore. It’s all drenched in the countercultural, mind-smashing, gutpunching bile of likeminded spiritual shamans like Acid Bath and Eyehategod, with the down-tuned sludge of stoner rock, and an electric injection from fouron-the-floor classic rock pioneers.

Photo: Brian Cox

ALL HAIL THE YETI’S Bewitching Single “Headless Valley” Hits Streaming Platforms! Watch Video Here now at https://youtu.be/-fj1aer5FlU! New EP Within the Hollow Earth Released November 12 via Minus Head Records “Headless Valley”, the first single from ALL HAIL THE YETI’s upcoming EP, Within the Hollow Earth, was released on all streaming platforms. Says Connor Garrity, We very excited for the release of “Headless Valley” another campfire tale in the book of ALL HAIL THE YETI . The video was a blast to shoot and turned out exactly how we wanted. Brian Cox, Director, is a genius and totally nailed our vision! It’s been a long time coming and we have finally arrived at the date to release Within the Hollow Earth. Like so many others, Covid took so much from us, and we have had to push the release back four times. But now, with this amazing tour with Jinjer and Suicide Silence, it’s the perfect moment to unleash this demon on the listeners of the metal world. This is the perfect storm! Beware!” Watch the haunting video “Headless Valley” here at https://youtu.be/-fj1aer5FlU Now! Hardcore metal hybrid ALL HAIL THE YETI is currently on tour supporting Jinjer with special guests Suicide Silence, in support of their new EP, Within the Hollow Earth, due out November 12 via Minus Head Records. Within the Hollow Earth was recorded with Steve Evetts (Suicide Silence, DevilDriver) at the Omen Room in Orange County, CA. . 52 Rock and Blues International • December 2021

Heavy music adherents weaned on anything from Metallica and Pantera to metalcore, Southern groove, black metal or stoner grind will find a home among the ALL HAIL THE YETI faithful, as evidenced by stellar slabs Highway Crosses (2018), Screams from a Black Wilderness (2016), and their self-titled debut. A supernatural stew of superstition and sludge, ALL HAIL THE YETI’s catalog brings together postmodern heavy metal thunder with groove-soaked visions of riff-driven power. Every song is drenched in mind-expanding, earthshaking authenticity. A smattering of hardcore angst, the passion of ’90s rock radio, and the classic majesty ’70s AOR; this is music that aligns with the heavy hooks of Pantera, the steady pulse of early Crowbar, and the stoner grind of Acid Bath ALL HAIL THE YETI is: Connor Garritty - vocals Nicholas Diltz - bass and

vocals Ryan “Junior” Kittlitz - drums Dave Vanderlinde - guitar ALL HAIL THE YETI online: www.facebook.com/officialallhailtheyeti https://twitter.com/allhailtheyeti https://youtu.be/-fj1aer5FlU ALL HAIL THE YETI Upcoming Tour Dates with Jinjer and Suicide Silence: 12/1 - Tampa, FL – Jannus 12/2 - Pensacola, FL – Vinyl 12/3 - Atlanta, GA – Buckhead Theater 12/4 - Nashville, TN – Brooklyn Bowl 12/5 - New Orleans, LA – House of Blues 12/7 - Houston, TX – House of Blues 12/8 - San Antonio, TX – Aztec Theater 12/9 - Dallas, TX – House of Blues 12/11 - Albuquerque, NM – El Rey Theater 12/12 - Tempe, AZ - Marquee Theatre

December 2021 • Rock and Blues International

Rock and Blues International • November 2021

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February April 2021 2021 •• Rock Rock and and Blues Blues International International

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Fana Hues 56

Rock and Blues International • December 2021

Fana Hues Shares New Single + Video Watch “Pieces” Now! “Pieces” WATCH: https://youtu.be/GxfByyYZhTs LISTEN: https://ffm.to/Pieces_ Fana Hues has shared her new single “Pieces” with production by Tim Maxey. The tender track arrives with a video directed by Phillip Youmans that sets the stage with an alluring talent show of almost preternatural skills. The captivating performance draws the viewer in with an expert bubble-gum bubble blower, a powerful python and spellbinding movements. The performance concludes with Fana’s tears of glitter, a mesmerizing moment that shimmers out over the audience.

dancer and healer, spent concocting natural medicines and elixirs that would eventually restore her voice. A challenging and humbling experience, Fana’s period of near voicelessness, led her to appreciate both the power of healing and realize her purpose as a musician at a young age.

A student of R&B’s masterful vocalists Nina Simone, Dionne Warwick, Anita Baker, Beyonce video still Knowles, and Mary J. Blige, and one of nine children, Fana was raised within a large, musical family. Her father, a bass, guitar and piano player, taught her and her sisters how to sing. “I don’t remember a time when I wasn’t learning “Pieces” marks the beginning of a new chapter for Fana Hues harmonies,” Fana remembers, illustrating a home environment built to with more details on a comprehensive project via Bright Antenna Records to come. The song is the first solo offering from Fana Hues in foster her passion. “Music is literally in the fabric of our family [and] our bond as a family,” she says about her relatives, who make 2021 and arrives on the heels of the reimagined version of her track appearances in the form of memories in the self-conceptualized video “Desert Flower” ( https://youtu.be/GkzhZpjKeMw ) featuring Mereba for single, “Notice Me”. Her family is also the inspiration behind the and her feature on Tyler, The Creator’s song “SWEET / I THOUGHT moniker Hues, named to reflect their surname Hughes as well as YOU WANTED TO DANCE” ( https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZKjIHQxG_3Q ) from his Fana’s intention to be innovative in her approach. “I want to capture all the different shades of one idea,” she explains about bending and latest album CALL ME IF YOU GET LOST. twisting R&B, and bringing elements of herself to the genre. “Pieces” also follows Fana’s 2020 project, Hues, a sonicallyFana trained in violin lessons for eight years, and after sprawling collection of tracks that weaves moody trances with funky inheriting a bass from her father, taught herself to play. In school, an bass lines and delicate strings, landing cohesively as a thorough English teacher encouraged her poetry writing skills, and by the time reflection on the complexity of human emotion. “I thought it was she was a teen, Fana was writing her own songs. “It was one of my super important for me as a Black woman to be open about that favorite things to do for a long time,” she says about trips to San because so many times I feel like I’m not allowed to express my Quentin State Prison, where she participated in writer’s workshops emotions,” Fana says. “I’m kind of all over the place, but there’s always a method to the madness; it’s all centered; it all has a purpose.” and emotional literacy programs with inmates as a part of a local community organization, Aim4TheHeart. It’s where Fana says she Hues received critical acclaim from the likes of The FADER, Pigeons developed her voice as a songwriter, and rooted her musical practice & Planes, SPIN Magazine, V Magazine, NYLON etc. in service to others. Watch and listen to “Pieces” above and stay tuned for more Theatre has also been a really important part of her life that has from Fana Hues single cover shaped her as a writer. “Theatre specifically calls for a more tradicoming soon. tional and broader approach to conveying emotion,” Fana notes, “I was taught never to move without purpose in acting and I try to When incorporate that in my writing and everything I do really. To have singer-songwriter intention behind every word I write or move I make, makes for a Fana Hues was a better artistic display.” More recently Fana was cast in a musical child, illness took biographical exploration of Elvis Presley’s early days. Fana shared, “I away her voice for got to sing some of the blues and gospel songs he ‘borrowed’ from almost five years. black artists, but being in the production, and repeating the same track “I had scarlet every night for over 9 months allowed me to discover my voice in an fever, tonsillitis, entirely different way.” and strep throat at the same time,” Connect with Fana Hues: the 25-year-old Instagram @ https://www.instagram.com/fanahues/ from Pasadena, CA recalls about Twitter @ https://twitter.com/fanahues the years she spent Facebook @ https://www.facebook.com/fanahues yearning to sing— Soundcloud @ https://soundcloud.com/fanahues years her mother, a December 2021 • Rock and Blues International

credit: Robin Parsons

Rock and Blues International • November 2021

August 2021 • Rock and Blues International

60 Rock and Blues International • November 2021

November 2021 • Rock and Blues International

Rock and Blues International • June 2021

June 20211 • Rock and Blues International

Greg’s son Devon Allman and his group the Allman Betts Band (Allman; Duane Betts, son of Allman Brothers electric guitar legend, Dickey Betts; Berry Duane Oakley, son of the ‘Brother’s bass guitarist, Berry Oakley; John Ginty, keyboards; Johnny Stachela, guitar; R. Scott Bryan, percussion; John Lum, drums) are the featured act, serving as a sort of ‘house band’ for each performance alongside a diverse Who’sWho of today’s Blues/Rock/Roots guitar greats: Robert Randolph, Donavon Frankenreiter, Kenny Aronoff, Alex Orbison, Lilly Hiatt, Cody and Luther Dickinson, G. Love, Eric Gales, Joanne Shaw Taylor, Jimmy Hall, Lamar Williams Jr., Kenny Wayne Shepherd, Samantha Fish, Ally Venable, Ivan Neville, River Kittens, Art Edmanston, and George Porter Jr. The Allman Family Revival began in December 2017 as a celebration of Gregg’s 70th birthday and has grown into a yearly tradition. This year, they’re planning Last Waltz-style evenings packed with musical collaborations. “Hard to believe we are in the fifth year of the Allman Family Revival shows,” says Devon. “This year is going to be bonkers – nineteen cities, coast-to-coast in historic theaters with our beautiful, talented friends jamming all night long. I like having artists that knew Dad, played with him, maybe were an opening act, or were really influenced and inspired by him,” adds Allman. “As for a venue, I prefer those turn-of-thecentury to mid-20th century, old-school theaters. They are just gorgeous inside, sculpted for sound, and provide the perfect location for these very special shows. I love for this concert to feel like a night at the theater for our audience.” Devon Allman formed the Allman Betts Band in 2018 with Duane Betts, the son of Allman Brothers guitarist Dickey Betts. They play a mixture of original songs and tip their caps to their fathers by adding a couple of Allman Brothers classics to each live show. Devon Allman (Photo Courtesy Thunderbird Management)

ALLMAN FAMILY REVIVAL TOUR HONORS MEMORY OF GREG ALLMAN A Touring Celebration Of The Life And Music Of Gregg Allman Is Celebrated With An Upcoming 19-city Allman Family Revival Tour 64

Rock and Blues International • December 2021

Prior to Allman Family Revival, the Allman Betts Band had been on the road supporting their “Autumn in America” 2021 Tour. Their latest release is entitled “Bless Your Heart” (BMG). “The Allman Betts Band delivers the goods on Bless Your Heart,” writes Blues Rock Review. “It’s a road-forged album full of the chemistry of legends and the kind of telepathic musical interplay nine bands out of ten will never reach.” Remaining Allman Family Revival Tour 2021 Dates December 1st – New Orleans, LA @ Saenger Theater December 2nd – Atlanta, GA @ Coca-Cola Roxy December 3rd – Sarasota, FL @ Van Wezel PAC December 5th – Huntington, NY @ The Paramount December 7th – Boston, MA @ Orpheum Theater December 8th – New York, NY @ Beacon Theater December 9th – Philadelphia, PA @ The Met December 10th – Silver Springs, MD @ Fillmore December 11th – Ann Arbor, MI @ Michigan Theater December 12th – Chicago, IL @ Chicago Theater December 14th – Tulsa, OK @ Brady Theater December 16th – Phoenix, AZ @ Arizona Federal Theatre December 17th – Las Vegas, NV @ Theater at Virgin Hotels December 18th – San Francisco, CA @ The Fillmore December 19th – Los Angeles, CA @ The Wiltern December 31st - Macon, GA @ Macon City Auditorium

Multi-Platinum entertainer Jason Aldean continues to hold his ground making modern albums with an oldschool soul through the release of the first part of his 10th studio album MACON (Macon Music/Broken Bow Records) today. Featuring the album’s recent multi-week No. One “If I Didn’t Love You” with Carrie Underwood, fans get a taste of where he is from and how far he has taken his signature sound through the nine new tracks and five live tracks. Over the course of the following months, Aldean will continue to deliver new songs leading into the full release of all 30 tracks - 20 new and at least one live hit off each of his previous albums on April 22, 2022. The full release of MACON, GEORGIA will be marked by a three-disc collector’s vinyl set and fans can listen to the new album here. As the No. One most streamed Country artist of all time on Pandora, Aldean will celebrate the release of MACON, GEORGIA tonight (11/12 at 6:30P CT) during SiriusXM and Pandora’s “Small Stage Series” where he will perform new music at Nashville’s Marathon Music Works. SiriusXM subscribers and Pandora listeners can RSVP for free here. Next up, the AMA “Favorite Male Vocalist” nominee will perform his 26th No. One “If I Didn’t Love You” with Underwood during the American Music Awards (11/21 at 7:00P CT on ABC) and take viewers down memory lane during this year’s new “My Hometown” segment. The “dynamic duo” (US Weekly) of Aldean and Carrie Underwood just made their debut performance of the powerful duet, “If I Didn’t Love You,” during the CMA Awards that had the two “imbuing their vocals with a resonance and pain that was palpable, (Billboard).” Fans can revisit the “powerhouse” (PEOPLE) performance here. Aldean has learned a thing or two about the music he has made over the past 16 years, but as far as he’s come, Aldean always looks back home to Macon, Georgia. Working alongside longtime producer Michael Knox, the expansive release’s first batch, MACON, runs the gamut from straight-up stadium rockers to bluesy barstool ballads, peppered with modern embellishments and all the chest thumping small-town pride his fans have come to crave. Aldean pushes his patented muscle Country sound to the limit with his hard rock, woozy barroom ballads, experimentation with hip hop and R&B, but stays centered in country lifestyle. The three-time ACM “Entertainer

JASON ALDEAN GOES BACK TO HIS ROOTS WITH FIRST PORTION OF 10TH STUDIO ALBUM MACON, GEORGIA New Album Offers 15 Songs with 10 New and One Live Track Off Each of His First Five Albums with New Music Continuing to Rollout Until April 22, 2022 of the Year” has bolstered 26 No. One hits, 15 billion streams and more than 20 million albums sold. Notably, seven of Aldean’s previous studio albums have been certified PLATINUM or more and he has the most Top 10 song on Billboard’s Hot Country Songs chart, more than any other artists, since making his chart debut in 2005. Aldean just wrapped the “explosive run” (Tulsa World) behind his BACK IN THE

SADDLE TOUR 2021, as he continues be one of a card-carrying member of Country’s elite headliners whose incendiary tours are nearing legendary status. The multi-Platinum singer has launched Wolf Moon Bourbon, an 80 proof bourbon that has been distilled from Midwestern grains and aged for four years offering a finish of caramel, oak and spice. For more information, visit www.JasonAldean.com. December 2021 • Rock and Blues International 65

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DevilDriver & Lamb Of God Singers Invest in Charity-Minded Cryptocurrency Metal singers Dez Fafara and D. Randall Blythe abide by the maxim to “put your money where your mouth is” with Chakra Coin, a new cryptocurrency designed to foster community and invest in charitable causes. See Variety’s coverage in Music Industry Moves here: https://variety.com/ 2021/music/news/ sam-smith-warnerchappell-republic1235102308/

charitable component as one of its core tenants will be one small step towards creating a fairer, more altruistic economic system for everyone.”

Longtime friends, both frontmen earned gold records with their respective bands and share unwavering commitments to artistic integrity, with a progressive outlook and attitude about the world around them. While it is a deflationary token allowing for passive income generation, the core Chakra Coin team pledge to donate a portion of profits to various causes and hope to encourage the whole community to do the same.

Dez Fafara

“I’m a believer in Chakra Coin,” explains Fafara, best-known as the frontman for DevilDriver and Coal Chamber and a co-founder of The Oracle Management, representing extreme music titans like Cradle Of Filth and Jinjer. “We started this venture to create a community of giving back and paying it forward. I will donate partial proceeds to multiple charity organizations. I hope that everyone who participates in Chakra Coin will do the same, creating a better world and a more cohesive existence for everyone involved.” Chakra Coin is a decentralized, deflationary meme token. It is similar to Shiba Inu, Safemoon, and other cryptocurrencies that took the global financial ecosystem by storm after early adopters of these tokens saw their value 70

D. Randall Blythe

skyrocket in a relatively short time span. Chakra Coin combines profitable yield generating DeFi and safe store-of-value, a gas-free cryptocurrency free from friction and borders. Its stated disruptive aim is to help usher in a fairer economic standard of living. Chakra Coin is also a fully community-owned token. “The potential of blockchain technology, including DeFi and cryptocurrencies, to create a more equitable system of wealth distribution is extremely intriguing to me,” offers Blythe. “It is my hope that being involved on the ground floor with a cryptocurrency community that holds a

Rock and Blues International • December 2021

His band, Lamb Of God, earned five Grammy nominations across eight studio albums. Lamb Of God toured with Metallica, Slayer and Slipknot as they ascended to the top-tier of modern metal bands; they recently wrapped a U.S. tour co-headlining with Megadeth. Blythe is also an accomplished photographer and bestselling author. In addition to sharing stages together, Blythe and Fafara are partners in the SunCult surf wear brand. Both are quick to point out that they are not financial advisors, and they encourage their friends, peers, and fans to conduct their own consultations with qualified advisors about Chakra Coin, or any investments. At this time cryptocurrencies are still highly volatile, and no one should invest money they can’t afford to lose into any sort of asset, cryptocurrency or otherwise. “Dogecoin, Shiba Inu, Safemoon, and all of the stuff happening with cryptocurrencies is immensely exciting,” adds Fafara. “My hope is that Chakra Coin will encourage others to share the wealth with the less fortunate.” Learn more about CHAKRA COIN: https://www.chakracoin.io https://t.me/chakracoinchat

Rock And Blues International

First single and video, “Remnant,” from Ignescent’s upcoming EP Ascension will be released on January 21, 2022. “Remnant” was produced by Cameron Pierce Mizell who has worked with Sleeping With Sirens and Memphis May Fire. “We will not be silent and we will not back down. We are the remnant.” “The definition of remnant is a small remaining quantity of something, especially after a tragedy. ‘Remnant’ is about us being blessed beyond measure despite our failures and weaknesses and despite going through tragedy and hardships. It’s about perseverance and saying to the world even when we are brokenhearted and suffering we won’t give up and we will keep going,” vocalist Jennifer Benson says. “We will come up stronger despite adversity. It’s an encouragement to others to do the same and to not lose hope and to not give in to fear. I hope this song makes people feel inspired and to rock out!” “As a band we want to be honest that we struggle with anxiety and depression at times and want to encourage others that they are not alone. It’s been a hard couple years for everyone. The bass player, Ian, worked with Covid patients at the hospital and seeing that was hard and seeing what my family went through was hard but we want people to know that that they are not alone and that they are loved.” The full EP, Ascension, drops March 4th and will be celebrated with a live performance at The Forge in Joliet, IL with Otep on the same date. The EP will include a new song, “Anymore”, mixed and edited by Nick Radovanovic, who has worked with Skillet. Female fronted and from Chicago, Illinois, Ignescent is a Billboard-charting rock band founded by Jennifer Benson. Since 2008, the band has been primarily touring throughout the Midwest and Nashville area. IGNESCENT headlined the Budweiser Boneyard Stage last year at Rock Fest in Cadott, Wisconsin. Ignescent have opened for Stryper, Flyleaf, Eve 6, Megadeth, Saliva, Lacey Sturm, Otep, Another Lost Year, Art of Dying, Letters From The Fire, Like a Storm and has played at fests with Switchfoot, Colton Dixon, Memphis May Fire, The Devil Wears Prada, Veridia, Building 429, Chris Tomlin, and TobyMac. The band has cowritten songs with Jeremy Valentyne of New Years Day, including their last release “Exodus,” which he also produced and performed on. Their previous single “Goodbye” is available on Apple Music, iTunes and Spotify. - https://music.apple.com/us/album/ goodbye-single/1542712041 Ignescent’s music is a great mixture of

Photo: Joseph Davis Castleberry

Chicago’s Ignescent Reveal Video Teaser for “Remnant” Scheduled for Release January 21st Full EP Ascension Drops March 4, 2022! Pre-Orders for “Remnant” at: https://distrokid.com/hyperfollow/ignescent/remnant rock and pop with a great message. Their music has a rock/alternative edge that sounds right at home with most Top 40 formats. Ignescent combines their musical backgrounds to form a harmony that is both addictively musical and inspiring. Ignescent is more than just a rock band, they are real people with a combination of great stories, combined with moving guitars riffs and a driving beat create a sound fans connect to. Their influences include Flyleaf, Evanescence, and Jinjer. “We’re authentic people that just want to encourage others with our message”, shares Jennifer Benson. Ignescent’s first CD, Electrified, was produced by four-time Dove Award winning & Grammy nominated producer Travis Wyrick (10 Years, P.O.D.) and recorded at Lakeside Studios in Knoxville, Tennessee. The first song on the CD, “Calling Out to You”, was co-written with former lead guitarist of Skillet, Ben Kasica, and hit the top 30 on Billboard’s “Hot Christian Songs Charts”. Ignescent’s second CD was

produced by Eric LaBrosse of Cherry Pit Studios. Ignescent also recently co-wrote a song with Sameer Bhattacharya of Flyleaf. Ignescent has already been booked at Rock Fest in Cadott, WI summer of 2022 and will be appearing with special guest Sameer Bhattacharya. IGNESCENT is: Jennifer Benson on lead vocals, Ian Sebastian on bass guitar, Joshua Garcia on guitar, Tyree Newell on drums For more information go to www.ignescentmusic.com Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/ignescentmusic Ignescent online merch store: https://ignescent.creator-spring.com Spotify: IGNESCENT https://open.spotify.com/album/ 2Ii9bZClSJnfoWsA8A02XL?si=Op2lNT2XSpydPoqxfHx3Q&utm_source=copy-link

Watch The Video Teaser for “Remnant” at https://www.dropbox.com/s/93qyuvh8eex6g6w/Ignescent%20Remnant%20Promo%20Video.mp4?dl=0 December 2021 • Rock and Blues International

Empiires Release Their New Lyric Video – “Stronger” Lee McKinney (Born of Osiris) Announces New Upcoming Solo Album ‘In The Light of Knowledge’ (via Sumerian Records) Out 1/14/2022 Releases New Playthrough “Stormrage” Watch Here at https://youtu.be/—PAST-PEkg Listen Here at https://youtu.be/—PAST-PEkg Incendiary guitarist Lee McKinney (of Born Of Osiris) has today announced his expansive forthcoming solo album ‘In The Light of Knowledge’, out via Sumerian Records on January 14, 2022. In celebration of the news, Lee released a playthrough for his track “Stormrage” taken from the upcoming album. Pre-order ‘In The Light of Knowledge’ here at http://sumerianrecs.com/ITLOK, and watch the video for “Stormrage”.

IN THE LIGHT OF KNOWLEDGE LEE MCKINNEY Track Listing: 1. Crystal Song 2. In The Light of Knowledge 3. Stormrage 4. Haven 5. Vitruvian Park 6. Highmountain 7. The Reason 8. The Maven (In The Sky)

Rock and Blues International • December 2021

Empiires - Stronger Official Lyric Video at https://youtu.be/wIYUMwvoAdE Buy/Stream link https://ffm.to/empiiresstronger The Dallas, TX band “EMPIIRES” is a modern rock/metal band bringing their unique brand of fist-pumping metal to growing audiences across Texas. We last heard from the band Empiires (TLG/ INgrooves label) during the lockdown year, as they were putting out a series of killer new singles and videos, and grinding hard to hone their songcraft. The band is back with an inspirational new single and an accompanying lyric video – “Stronger.” The infectious, heavy song is a rallying cry to anyone who has ever dealt with self-doubt and can build a bridge to fans struggling in these tense times. “Stronger” is a song about reflection. Seeing yourself and finding the strength to overcome your own shortcomings. We all make mistakes. Learning from those mistakes makes us “Stronger”

“Stronger” is available on Spotify ( https://open.spotify.com/track/ 5HS3G8XVIhsVxsfSVXSIWQ?si=8852e5f3b7334361 ) and other streaming platforms. FACEBOOK @ https:// www.facebook.com/ empiiresofficial Twitter @ https:// twitter.com/empiiresofcl EMPIIRES Bishop Booker – Vocals Darren Wise – Guitar Matthew Gene – Bass Clay Wise – Drums

March 2021 • Rock and Blues International

lineup changes, the group held strong and began receiving praise internationally from the likes of Holland’s Aardshock and Germany‘s Heavy Oder Vas? with the release of their one and only six-song demo. By 2001, interpersonal problems, disagreements over musical direction, business decisions and presentation had taken their toll and October Thorns disbanded, playing just two reunion shows in New York City in the years that followed. More than two decades since forming, October Thorns is set to finally release a long-awaited album, Circle Game, next year via Divebomb Records. Over the years, interest in releasing October Thorns’ only official output has remained consistent. Now, with the assistance of Icefish keyboardist and engineer Alex Argento, these early recordings have been elevated to modern production standards and are ready for release. In addition to “Circle Game,” the full album will include unreleased mixes of the songs “Leviathan” and “Sounds of Life,” as well as unheard demo tracks.

New York Progressive Rockers October Thorns Reveal Video for “Circle Game,” Featuring Classic Early Footage of Bassist David Z

Following October Thorns, LaPlaca went on to play with Chris Caffery (Savatage/ Trans-Siberian Orchestra), Ted Poley (Danger Danger), Carnivore AD and currently plays with Drift Into Black, while David Z went on to make a name for himself with TransSiberian Orchestra, Joan Jett, Jeff Scott Soto, and his own band, ZO2. On July 14, 2017, David Z was tragically killed in a vehicle crash while on tour with Adrenaline Mob. The news sent shockwaves through his extended community of friends and family, and the David Z Foundation was created in his memory to continue the work of music education through school programs and scholarships at the School of Rock and Brooklyn College.

Watch “Circle Game” Now at https://youtu.be/l8bEn8sH_ag

While there are currently no plans to reform the band or tour, the release of Circle Game is an homage to David Z and also serves as a foundation for a new project, Critical Consciousness, whose a debut album slated for spring of 2022. Songs from the October Thorns album will be part of the Critical Consciousness live set.

Long-Awaited Official Album Featuring Remixed and Remastered Demos Set for Release Next Year via Divebomb Records OCTOBER THORNS online: https://octoberthorns1.bandcamp.com www.facebook.com/October-Thorns-116719685391554/ www.instagram.com/october_thorns/ New York-based progressive metal act October Thorns featuring late bassist David Z has revealed a video for their recently released single “Circle Game,” featuring never-before-seen live footage from the band’s first big show in Brooklyn and snapshots from the band’s personal collections. “This is the first time in over 20 years that this footage has been made public and we hope it brings back some good memo-

Rock and Blues International

ries,” says vocalist Paul LaPlaca. “19-yearold David Z is featured at the end with an extended bass solo with a two-handed tapping version of Michael Jackson’s ‘Billie Jean, complete with a moonwalk.” Formed in 1999, October Thornsquickly became a mainstay at Brooklyn’s “Rock Capital of the World,” L’Amour, and found themselves trekking from state to state to take part in every metal festival on the continent. Despite numerous

• December 2021

Andorra’s own extreme progressive metal unit Persefone is thrilled to announce the upcoming release of their long-awaited Napalm Records debut, entitled metanoia. Scheduled for release on February 4, 2022, metanoia crosses genre boundaries with ease, mesmerizing the listener with dynamic songwriting and technical precision and proving Persefone’s worthy position as longstanding favorites of progressive metal! Featuring collaborations with standout artists like Steffen Kummerer (Obscura, Thulcandra), Einar Solberg (Leprous), Angel Vivaldi and Merethe Soltvedt (Two Steps From Hell), metanoia exploits the full potential of contrasts in every song, with each track representing a story evolving from beginning to end and constantly growing in strength – redefining typical musical boundaries. Mixed by David Castillo (Leprous, Soen, Opeth) and mastered by Tony Lindgren (Enslaved, Ihsahn, Sepultura), the new full-length stretches over 10 songs, each appearing to glide seamlessly from one to the next. First single “Merkabah” promises an intense ride that reveals both the heaviest and most vulnerable sides of Persefone. An atmospheric entrance carries Miguel Espinosa’s deep, majestic voice, transitioning into an interplay of Marc Martins evil growls and Miguel’s clean vocals. Flickering guitar riffs front a spherical orchestra, spanning the song’s intensity to its maximum. Persefone guide progressive metal to a new chapter! Persefone on “Merkabah”: “metanoia is all about a musical journey for a spiritual breakthrough. Merkabah is a vehicle to elevate, Merkabah asks for meditation and trust in the process. With this song we wanted to mark a pivotal moment in the album and write about a personal detour from the old self, a painful and needed transformation to reach new heights, to leave fear behind, to embrace life as the amazing experience we have been gifted with... “on my knees, I still believe”.” Outstanding progressive/melodic death metal outfit Persefone is known for their band of rich soundscapes and technically precise work that sets new standards in modern extreme progressive metal. Founded in 2001, Persefone has released five studio albums, each one showcasing the band’s myriad of musical principles: high technicality, distinct melodies, plenty of head-turning riffs and musical acrobatics. The band has toured worldwide with notable acts like Obituary and Leprous, has hit stages at important festivals such as Wacken Open Air, Metal Days, Brutal Assault, ProgPower and 70,000 Tons of Metal, and is now set to release their new album, metanoia! metanoia sets off with the opulent opener “Katabasis”, drawing dramatic, cinematic soundscapes mixed with electronic influences. The soft, clear vocals of Miguel Espinosa alternate with sharp growls and pierce through constantly changing riffs. Persefone balances soft passages with intense walls of sound on tracks like “Aware of Being Watched” – in which clean vocals and jazzy sections alternate with intense riffing carried by dense drumming – while solid, rich sound takes on orchestral dimensions on songs such as “Leap of Faith”. Vivid and dynamic instrumentation, tempo and rhythm make up the intense ride “Merkabah”, showcasing the band’s hardest yet most vulnerable sides as screams and blast beats are followed by soft instrumentation – spanning the song’s intensity to its maximum. A special surprise is the 11-minute masterpiece “Consciousness Pt III”, which continues a series of songs from the band’s fourth album Spiritual Migration (2013). The album closes with another opulent set of songs, “Anabasis Part I”, “Anabasis Part II” and “Anabasis Part III”. “Anabasis Part I” starts off with calm, dreamy piano sounds, drifting over to the intense “Anabasis Part II” and leading seamlessly into “Anabasis Part III”, gently closing the album with a cinematic outro. Persefone about the new album: “metanoia is the next step in our personal pursuit for existential growth through music. This album is a call for a deep change, a call for an inner journey through fear and pain, a call for a leap into a meaningful and rooted place. Making this album has forced us to face many musical and personal hurdles and fears, and the result of that confrontation lives within all the notes and words captured on this new chapter in our journey. May you will find meaning in all this musical chaos.”

Photo Credit: Èric Rossell

Extreme Progressive Metal Unit Persefone to Release Napalm Records Debut, “metanoia”, out February 4, 2022 First Single “Merkabah” + Official Music Video Out Now Watch here at https://youtu.be/mtI7HbSLi_M Pre-Order now at https://www.napalmrecordsamerica.com/ persefone Persefone online: Website @ https://persefone.com Facebook @ https://www.facebook.com/persefoneband YouTube @ https://www.youtube.com/persefoneband Napalm Records @ https://label.napalmrecords.com/persefone Save your copy of metanoia now at https://www.napalmrecordsamerica.com/persefone metanoia tracklist: 1. Metanoia ft. Einar Solberg 2. Katabasis 3. Architecture of the I 4. Leap of Faith 5. Aware of Being Watched 6. Merkabah 7. Consciousness Part III 8. Anabasis Part I 9. Anabasis Part II ft. Steffen Kummerer, Angel Vivaldi und Merethe Soltvedt 10. Anabasis Part III December 2021 • Rock and Blues International

Rock and Blues International • July 2021

June 2021 • Rock and Blues International

Gonna Ride Your Wild Horses. Watch here: In celebration of Achtung Baby’s anniversary, the band have collaborated with Berlin-based French artist Thierry Noir (the first artist to paint on the Berlin Wall) for a special one-off installation at the legendary Hansa Studios in Kreuzberg. Thirty years ago, the band commissioned Noir to paint a series of now iconic Trabant cars, which featured on the album artwork, as well 1991’s Zoo TV Tour. U2 x THIERRY NOIR sees Noir return with a newly painted Trabant for 2021, as well as an exclusive mural painted on a section of the Berlin wall. For free access and information, visit: The bonnet of the Trabant will be auctioned at Phillips, London, on December 9, as part of their New Now sale, with proceeds going to the Berlin Institute for Sound and Music. For more information, visit:

U2 Achtung Baby 30th Anniversary Edition Out Now! Island Records, Interscope, and UMe today announce the 30th Anniversary Edition release of U2’s seminal album Achtung Baby, which will see a special Standard and Deluxe vinyl release on November 19, ahead of a 50-track digital boxset available December 3, 2021.

Achtung Baby (30th Anniversary Edition) is available on Standard black vinyl and Deluxe color vinyl on November 19, with Achtung Baby (2018 Remaster) and Achtung Baby (Unter Remixes) also available digitally that day. A 50-track digital boxset – to include Uber Remixes, Unter Remixes, B-Sides with 22 tracks never-before available digitally – will be released on December 3, 2021.

U2 X-Radio, the band’s SiriusXM channel, will this month present an Achtung Baby special to include interviews with band members and album collaboration Daniel Lanois, Flood, and Anton Corbijn. More information here:

Thirty years ago, Bono described Achtung Baby as “the sound of four men chopping down The Joshua Tree” while Jon Pareles of the New York Times wrote that “stripped-down and defying its old formulas, U2 has given itself a fighting chance for the 1990’s”. The album won a Grammy Award for Best Rock Performance and became one of the most significant records of the nineties and of U2’s career. Recorded over six months at Hansa Studio in Berlin and Windmill Lane in Dublin, Achtung Baby is U2’s seventh studio album. Produced by long-time U2 collaborators Daniel Lanois and Brian Eno with Steve Lillywhite, Achtung Baby was engineered by Flood and released on November 18, 1991. Lead by The Fly, four other singles followed: Mysterious Ways, One, Even Better Than The Real Thing, and Who’s 78 Rock and Blues International • December 2021 ?www.U2.com

September 2021 • Rock and Blues International

anniversary activities: https:// sublime.lnk.to/ 25thAnniversary. “We’re not trying to write punk rock. We’re not trying to write reggae. We’re not trying to write ska,” Sublime’s Bradley Nowell told KROQ in 1995. “We’re just trying to write a good song.” They did exactly that— time and time again. “What I Got,” “Santeria,” “Wrong Way,” and “Doin’ Time” remain innovative staples from the ’90s alternative boom. But they accomplished even more: In less than a decade within the national limelight, the laid-back Long Beach trio spawned an entire genre— fusing reggae grooves, punk grittiness, ska energy, back porch folk introspection, and hip-hop swagger. Decades after the tragic death of singersongwriter Bradley Nowell, Sublime remain an institution: They’ve sold over 18 million albums to date; and their merchandise, emblazoned with the iconic sun logo, dominates sales at retailers like Target, Urban Outfitters, Hot Topic, Spencer Gifts and Walmart. Most importantly, the music remains timeless—a rite of passage for misfit listeners who refuse to color within the lines of conventional genre.

Sublime Celebrates 25th Anniversary Of Iconic Self-titled Album With The Premiere Of The Official Music Video For “Pawn Shop” Watch “Pawn Shop” Here at https://youtu.be/gAQ7fGXHFJ8 Sublime premiered the official music video for fan favorite “Pawn Shop” to celebrate the 25th Anniversary of band’s multi-platinum, self-titled album Sublime. Created by artist Darin Vartanian, known as Pix3lface, the new video is animated in the style of psychedelic-surfer-punk-graffiti inspired by late-night edgy animations, west coast surfer tattoo art and archival flyers, with Sublime’s iconography morphing throughout. Darin Vartanian, aka Pix3lface, said, “I wanted to make something that started and never ended, a classic trip of animation, that people can zone out to and just revisit this classic song we all know and love. Those were always my favorite animations as a kid, just seeing things morph from one thing to the next, that was the umbrella idea.” Sublime drummer Bud Gaugh 80

Rock and Blues International

added, “The hands reaching for the guitar reminds me of how happy Brad was when we got his amp out of hock so we could play shows.” Watch the official video for “Pawn Shop” here: http://sublime.lnk.to/ pawnshopvideo. 25 years ago, Sublime’s self-titled album was released after the untimely passing of lead singer Bradley Nowell, spawning timeless hits like “What I Got,” “Santeria,” and “Wrong Way.” The iconic album continues to connect with fans and live on a quarter-century after its initial release, as the music endures, and new generations discover Sublime. Earlier this year, the band premiered “Garden Grove,” a video shot as a “love letter” to the Long Beach lifestyle. “Garden Grove” can be viewed here, along with the band’s other 25th

• December 2021

Sublime Online: Official Website: www.sublimelbc.com Facebook: www.facebook.com/sublime Twitter: www.twitter.com/sublime Instagram: www.instagram.com/sublime

Don McLean’s 1971 masterpiece American Pie was released 50 years ago on October 24, 1971. Both the song “American Pie” went to #1 on the Billboard Hot 100 and spent 4 weeks at #1 in the first two months of 1972. The album also went to #1 for 3 consecutive weeks in January 1972. His many accolades include induction into the Songwriters’ Hall of Fame, his song was inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame, and artists of all genres and generations have covered his songs including Madonna, Fred Astaire, Chet Atkins, Weird Al Yankovic, Elvis Presley, Josh Groban, and Perry Como. He recently received his star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in Los Angeles, CA and American Pie was featured in 2021 Black Widow and FINCH. “I can’t believe it’s 50 years to the day when “American Pie” was released. They say time flies when you’re having fun and I guess that’s right. I’ve had a fabulous life in music and the arts and got to see the world all because of that wonderful album and the many that followed. All because of my loyal fan base throughout the world. All because of the many friends I have and the help they have given me,” remarks Don McLean. Now, in celebration of the 50th Anniversary of American Pie, UMe has created an official lyric video with Don McLean. The lyrics are sourced from what Don considers the gospel, the original 1971 sheet music for the song down to the correct abbreviations and punctuation. “This video is the first step in a promotion program by my label to celebrate the 50th Anniversary of the album and single American Pie. This promises to be a lot of fun and I look forward to everything they have planned. Thank you UMe,” adds McLean. Recorded at The Record Plant in the late spring of 1971, American Pie was issued as a double A-side single in November 1971 and charted within a month. Interest from the media and public sent the single to #1 in the U.S. and McLean to international superstardom. Every line of the song was analyzed time and time again to find the real meaning but McLean refused to acknowledge any of the interpretations, only adding to its mystery. His second single, “Vincent”,

Don McLean’s Classic American Pie Album Celebrates 50th Anniversary New Lyric Video Debuts Using Original 1971 Sheet Music Watch The Lyric Video here at https://youtu.be/PRpiBpDy7MQ charted on March 18, 1972 going on to reach #12 in the U.S and #1 in the U.K. The American Pie album remained at #1 in the U.K. for 7 weeks in 1972, and in the U.K. charts for 53 consecutive weeks. It contained not only the iconic chart-topping title cut, but also the hit single “Vincent,” a tribute to artist Vincent van Gogh, that climbed to No. 12 on the Billboard Hot 100 and also topped the charts in the U.K. American Pie was McLean’s second disc, following his 1970 debut Tapestry. But after the success of American Pie, Tapestry was reissued by United Artists and charted in the U.S. on February 12, 1972 reaching #111 and the

top-15 in the United Kingdom; it includes two of McLean’s hits, “And I Love You So” and “Castles in the Air.” A New York native, McLean went on to become one of the most-revered and respected singer-songwriters of his generation. Future hits following “American Pie” included “Dreidel,” “Castles In The Air,” and “Wonderful Baby.” He also paid tribute to Roy Orbison’s influence with a 1980 hit recording of “Crying.”

In 2017, American Pie was remastered from the original analog tape and lacquers cut both at Capitol Studios in Hollywood. December 2021 • Rock and Blues International 81

The Biker, The Blues, On The Streets And Slow Blues For Antidote Ever had your worst day get even worse? Even when you put on your glad rags and made the scene it just wasn’t working? Baby that’s the blues and when life gets that way you just got to wade through it. It sucks but when life hits you right between the eyes you’ve got to find your path out. This issue finds the biker realizing he’s rolling solo, alone. He’s checking out the evening action on a hot, humid night where the sounds are rich, the cats in the band got it working, and yet something is missing) I took a wrong turn at the corner of walk and don’t walk and me and the shovel found a parking space in front of a blues bar. The music was inviting, it was live slow blues. Next door was a high class strip joint with the straights wearing their ties and eighty dollar shoes armed with credit cards with high limits mustering up enough courage outside to enter this den of inequity. For me, the blues is calling and I enter into the belly of the beast. Sometimes there isn’t any escaping it. Someone said to have love and lost is better than to have never loved at all. Really? I would like to put a combat boot right up their ass. As I made my way to the entrance I noticed a kid with a shoe shine kit off to one side. I wondered how the hell does that equate at zero dark thirty at night? He was wearing his best smile asking the tie and shoes dudes if they wanted a shine. However, it was a perfect blues street, the street lights were not bright white but rather a reddish amber look dotted the boulevard. It was then that I noticed the smell of perfume wafting out of the doorway. I recognized it right away it was the same fragrance of the gal that got away sometime back. Man I miss her but I blew it and I’ve got to live with it. That’s all I needed, that fragrant reminder amplifying reminders of that woman’s missing warmth but there I was keeping to myself looking for some slow blues, a good cigar, and single malt scotch. As I entered the bar the live music carried the lyrics about a love lost and the tune included a really cool slow blues lead guitar solo. Smoke filled the room, it was a nice place, yet no cover charge. The waitress said to just find a seat and she would be right back. I was by myself so I headed straight to the bar for a stool. The guy sitting next to me was smoking a fifty ring with a maduro wrapper and that exact smell was what I looking for on this night. The barkeep came over and I ordered Glenmorangie , the eighteen year old single malt scotch version that goes down smoother than a glass of soft purified water but includes the spirits that transports you to the nth degree. I thought I spied a cigar case and asked the barkeep if they sold cigars and he said yep. He returned with a nice selection, a cutter, and a butane cigar lighter. I made my choice, prepared it, and fired that puppy up. A woman entered the club through the front door entrance. She was wearing a shiny sequined dark green gown with a low cut neck line and sporting black lace gloves. A guy in the front row moved over one chair and she sat down beside him. The song ended and she went up on stage, there wasn’t an introduction but it was obvious that when she was there the door to perform was always open. A slow piano opening backed by soft rim shots and a bass line to die for just before this delicious creature delivered my antidote for the evening. Funny, it came as an antidote in a strange way as she was singing BB King’s famous “The Thrill Is gone”. That’s what had happened to me years ago but it wasn’t me who said in so many words the thrill is gone. However, looking back it was my fault. I had a good thing but hormones being what they were - well I am a man and like a dog chasing a fire truck I got caught up in the allure of a gorgeous woman. You know in this life you can love somebody for a night, for a week, for a month, or even years. Call it what you will but when the moon is riding high and you continued on next page

Rock and Blues International • December 2021

Continued: The Biker, The Blues, On The Streets And Slow Blues For Antidote are looking across the room into eyes that are smiling back well you might be stronger than me because this dog was about to chase a firetruck. Oh I knew I shouldn’t but then again my what a lovely, sexy, divine creature. So the fire truck would eventually pass my side of the bar and well basically in so many words I chased this lady until she caught me. I mean I am not complaining but then again she could trip you and still beat you to the floor if you get my drift. So the allure was strong and that night cost me the most precious, coolest lady that had ever entered my life. Now years later here I am hopefully smarter, a bit older like I say maybe wiser although still hoping no fire trucks pass by. Bar keep another round please. Then the strangest aroma wafted around where I was sitting, I could have sworn I was smelling ganja. I left for the head and down the narrow hallway the was a backdoor open, Ahh that was where the odor was coming from. From just outside the doorway a guy wearing a black fedora with a bright red feather in the head band took a hit and then stretched his hand out to me. Well when in Rome and besides it’s hard to pack smoke across state lines so yes indeed. The perfectly rolled joint went around a couple of times then I nodded thank you and off to the head. Once back inside I could hear the deep bass sound of a male voice as I was walking back down that hallway. Being a bit mellower than I had been just a few minutes before the blues was meandering through my brain at a really nice slow blues tempo and it was hitting home really cool. Twelve bars of bliss at this point in time. No vocals just the lead guitar man bending the strings pumping all he had into the delivery. Now about this time another thing changed as well. When I returned to my bar stool that fine young thing I mentioned earlier was sitting on my stool talking intently to the man who had been smoking that kick ass cigar next to me. I just politely reached between them and picked up my cigar and scotch. She said, “Excuse me, here sit back down.” I nodded no and told her I was fine. When I brought the stogie up to my lips she stretched her arm out and was holding a lit cigar lighter in it. The music had now taken on a deeper meaning, same tempo, same song but now the piano man was laying it down ever so perfect. My new bar stool friend began to sway a bit with the music. I looked at my watch and realized that it was time to check on the ole shovel so I went for the front door cigar in hand. As I looked around while taking at couple of puffs at the same time everything out there was fine. Then that alluring, sexy woman came right out the door behind me. She smiled and thanked me for the seat. I replied my pleasure and then she added that if I would like to see a classy performance come and see her in about fifteen minutes. She pulled the entrance door to the strip club, opened it and went inside. Really and truly there was no decision to make, the fire truck just passed by, my fire truck chasing days were reactivated, and like a moth to a flame I was both curious and attracted at the same time. Lord have mercy. I went back inside the blues bar to pay the tab, “Bartender close me out please.” The guy with the great cigar didn’t miss a beat he just said, “Her name is Anna.” I nodded, paid up and made my way out the front door. Once inside next door I knew I was not going to sit in the front row with the rail birds. So I found a small empty table up against the wall about half way back. The experience was kind of weird actually - while I was in my element at the very same time I felt as though I wasn’t. I can’t explain the mixed emotions any better but that’s just how it was. The gal that was on stage at that moment in time was a pro for sure and she too was gorgeous. She was doing a chair act and using their stripper’s pole too. The music ended, people clapped loudly and then they announced, “Put your hands together ladies and gentlemen for Anna.” She walked right by me, didn’t pay any attention to me at all. Obviously she was working the crowd and so any personal distraction could only serve to reduce her tips. Now I am telling you that as good as this woman was at delivering the blues next door she was equally capable delivering as a top shelf stripper. Sexy, not garish nor dirty, just lady like, very sexy. You know the look if you’ve ever seen it. It’s times like this when I wish I hadn’t built a solo seat for the shovel. I mean I wasn’t completely stupid about it after all I did acquire a pea pad with suction cups on the bottom for the rear fender but oh a nice saddle seat built for two is more continued on next page December 2021 • Rock and Blues International

Continued: The Biker, The Blues, On The Streets And Slow Blues For Antidote personal. The rear fender bungs accept the upright struts with ease and can easily handle the weight so I had been thinking ahead but only in regard to short distances. So here I was shaking a bit of the blues off but not completely, something just wasn’t right. I still missed a special someone. Soon Anna had completed her set and walked through the crowd with her tip jar. When she got to me she invited me to a late night breakfast eventually meeting up at Pop’s Greasy Spoon. The coffee was good, the waiter was wearing a hair net which was a little odd but the food looked and smelled really good. For some reason out of nowhere Anna began to tell me about her lost love and I thought oh my God I thought I had found bliss but actually I am on an emotional rollercoaster complete with sad memories coming right at me. She couldn’t possibly know my past but talk about a buzz cutter. I was polite and listened but not intently as her story reminded me of a woman with yellow scrambled hair, marmalade thighs, and ruby red lips with the softest hair known to man. Then she splashed a dash of that perfume on and that reminded me of better days gone by so the night that was to be would not be this evening. We ate and I invited Anna for a ride tomorrow, which tomorrow had already arrived but later that same day. She smiled, nodded yes, and we parted that morning. As I sat down on my bike I wondered if I had just missed a promising romantic opportunity by being the fool that I am or maybe just maybe the one that got away will never be out of my mind. Later that day Anna would be surprised to learn that I didn’t show up in front of the club. Nah in the end this dog wasn’t going to chase any firetrucks at the corner of walk and don’t walk. Maybe on a different day I would have but maybe I’ve learned a hard lesson. Her story about the one that got away in her life was a stark reminder of the best thing that had ever entered my life and I blew it. The blues - if you got ‘em typically there is something real behind them. Some days you shake them off, some days you just don’t. About this time I talked to my bike, “Let’s go baby, turn over, warm up and let’s get down the road. Just you and me sweetie, just you and me baby.” There is something just therapeutic about the roar of a V-Twin coupled with the open road with no particular place to go. Good day to think about a cat named Curtis Loew. Ole Curt knew the score: music, wine, and a constant stream of new friends. Lynyrd Skynyrd captured the fictious man’s essence and brought it to life in their hit song. The lyrics set the scene nicely, “Play me a song Curtis Loew, Curtis Loew, I got your drinking money, tune up your dobro, People said he was useless, them people are the fools ‘cause Curtis Loew was the finest picker to ever play the blues”…. There’s something in those lyrics that lets you know that Curtis, who is thought to have been fictious, found something, made the best of his world, and if you listen closely you learn that he was sharing it with those that were fortunate enough to be around him. His way of life may not have matched up with anyone else’s but Curtis didn’t play the blues, Curtis Loew and the blues were one. If the man in this classic song had been real he might have been a cool cat to hang without a doubt. Nice day, the open road and I don’t want to go home. No I am going to find me a Curtis Loew kind of performer somewhere down the road. Until next time Later…. 84 Rock and Blues International • December 2021

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