Rock and Blues International - June 2022

JUNE 2022

Rock And Blues International Charlie Musselwhite ALSO IN THIS ISSUE

Jack Johnson Alberto Marsico Alice Merton The Tragically Hip The Rolling Stones The Who James Bay and more!

Rock And Blues International June 2022 Hello Rock And Blues International readers. I hope everybody had a great May. As I told you last month, there are a lot more tours on the road in North America, South America, The British Isles, and Europe. It’s really great to see that. A lot of big name artists have hit the road. We here at Rock And Blues International are saying a prayer for all the people around the world going through tough times now. The war in the Ukraine is still going on, and now we have heard about this tragedy that took place in Uvalde in Texas with the deaths of 21 people, 19 children and 2 adult teachers. I am at a loss for words at this time. Both of these tragedies are awful and I really pray that everything starts getting better in the world. I’m tired of all this bad news!

Also, 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 June issue of Rock And Blues International. In this issue you can read stories about Charlie Musselwhite and his new Alligator Records release, Mississippi Son. Also in this issue, we’ve got a great story

by Edoardo Fassio about Alberto Marsico and how he will be coordinating Piemonte Blues Stop, a high-profile international educational and musical conference: a week of classes and three top shows held in a scenic setting, an eighteenth-century Palazzo in Castagnole Piemonte. Also in this issue, there are stories on Jack Johnson, Fred Hostetler, My Sleeping Karma, Manegarm, The Tragically Hip, Los Rivera Destino, James Bay Audrey Horne, Glass Animals, Zombi, The Rolling Stones, The Who, Noah Cyrus, 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” June 2022 • Rock and Blues International

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Contents

VOL. 2 NO .11

JUNE 2022

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ISSUE NO. 23

CHARLIE MUSSELWHITE Charlie Musselwhite releases his new Alligator Records Release Mississippi Son

15 JACK JOHNSON

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In Support Of His June 24th Album Release For Meet The Moonlight, Jack Johnson Releases The Title Track In Advance

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ALBERTO MARSICO Piemonte Blues Stop: According to Alberto Marsico, music is lived here

24 MY SLEEPING KARMA

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Hypnotic Rock Masters My Sleeping Karma Announce New Album Atma

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JAMES BAY Brit Award-Winning and Grammy Award-Nominated James Bay Announce New Album Leap Out July 8th

Contents

VOL. 2 NO. 11

JUNE 2022

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ISSUE NO. 23

SLEEPIN WITH SIRENS Sleeping With Sirens Announce Summer US Tour with Don Broco, Point North + Garzi

68 THE ROLLING STONES

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The Rolling Stones Release “Live At The El Mocambo” Album

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THE WHO The Who - The Second In A Series Of New Limited Edition Half Speed Mastered Albums ‘The Who Sell Out’ & ‘Tommy’ To Be Released July 6

In This Issue: 6 12 14 17 20 21 22 24 26 28 30

Charlie Musselwhite Mojo Monday Radio Show Jack Johnson Fred Hostetler Alberto Marsico (English) Alberto Marsico (Italian) Blues From The Top Festival My Sleeping Karma Tops Fabulous Alice Merton

32 Manegarm 34 The Tragically Hip 36 Los Rivera Destino (English) 38 Los Rivera Destino (Spanish) 40 FeuerschWanz 44 James Bay 46 Audrey Horne 48 Glass Animals 50 Natyash (English) 51 Natyash (Spanish) 52 Sleeping With Sirens

54 56 58 62 64 66 68 72 74 78 80 82

Joy Oladokun Neurotic Outsiders Zombi Paul Leary Alicia Blue Noah Cyrus The Rolling Stones Light Creates Shadow The Boneless Ones The Who The Rolling Stones The Biker

June 2022 • Rock and Blues International

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Charlie Musselwhite Presents His New Alligator Records Release Mississippi Son

By Kevin Wildman It’s really amazing how some things materialize, especially in the music business. That applies to the latest album release, Mississippi Son, by Charlie Musselwhite.

Charlie had been living in beautiful northern California for some time now and decided it was time to get back to his roots. It was time to move back to Mississippi. Charlie tells us that the California wildfires were just getting to close to his house, so he knew it was time for a change. Charlie had been born in Mississippi. In fact, he was born in Kosciusko, Mississippi on January 31st, 1944 to be exact. Charlie was raised by his single mother, Ruth Maxine Musselwhite, who obviously did a fine job raising him and instilling in him the values that he has today. When he was a child, Ruth moved the family to Mem6 Rock and Blues International • June 2022

phis where he would soon become immersed in the music culture of the blues, hillbilly, and gospel music.

He listened to this music on the radio and was surrounded by musicians in his neighborhood performing it as well. By the time he had reached his teens, this music was reaching into his soul and he just had to take his hand at it, playing guitar and harmonica. It wasn’t long before he started rubbing elbows with some of the greatest local musician this genre of music had to offer, such as Johnny Cash, Johnny Burnette, and the future ‘King’, Mr. Elvis Presley.

Charlie started checking out many of the local musicians on the scene at the time and it didn’t take long for him to become friends with some of the hot musicians on the scene, such as veteran bluesmen like Gus Cannon, Furry Lewis, and Will Shade. Yeah, he was rubbing

elbows with the best.

Like many struggling musicians, Charlie had to work and took in several jobs, such as a ditch digger, concrete laborer, and even as a moonshine runner.

I’ll bet there’s a song in there somewhere. He eventually moved to Chicago to find better employment where he found work driving an exterminator’s truck. Driving the truck by day, Charlie took to the South Side at night to frequent the blues clubs. The blues was definitely a big part of his life and he wanted to become part of the blues scene in Chicago as well.

It wasn’t long before Charlie became friends with the king of the harmonica, Big Walter Horton and he really became close to country bluesman continued on next page

Charlie Musselwhite continued from previous page Big Joe Williams. Charlie even shared an apartment with Big Joe. Charlie even wound up playing around with Big Joe at the clubs and also recorded an album with him in 1965 for Vanguard’s Chicago/The Blues/Today! Series. He would later rejoin Big Joe to record an album in 1969 for Arhoolie Records.

Charlie was quick to making friends. He fit in real good with the blues scene there in Chicago and he was soon hanging out with the like of Little Walter, Sonny Boy Williamson, Muddy Waters, Howlin’ Wolf, Magic Sam, Earl Hooker, Jimmy Reed, and many more.

Charlie released his first album on Vanguard in 1967, which was Stand Back! Here Comes Charley Musselwhite’s South Side Blues Band!

A lot has happened since then. Charlie has gone on to release over 40 albums of his own, perform in some of the most prestigious halls around the world and even lend his talents to a who’s who of musicians, including Tom Waits, Eddie Vedder, Ben Harper, John Lee Hooker, Bonnie Raitt, The Blind Boys of Alabama, INXS, Cyndi Lauper, and the list goes on and on. He has been nominated for Grammy Awards twelve times and has even won one, as well as winning many Living Blues Awards, and Blues Music Awards. He has had quite a career.

Now, let’s return back to the main subject of this article, Charlie’s new album Mississippi Son. Charlie’s latest offering, Mississippi Son has just been released on Alligator Records. The album was recorded not long after Charlie made his roots-bound move back to Mississippi. As we said in the beginning of this story, not all things are planned. This is one, but the result is fantastic. Charlie has a friend who has a recording studio not too far from his home in Clarksdale, Mississippi, so he decided to go over there to try it out and record some of the songs that he had been performing all his life.

As Charlie describes it, “A friend of mine has a studio just a couple of blocks away and we were just fooling around over there and recorded some

tunes just to see how they sounded.

Eventually we realized we had a whole album’s worth and thought maybe somebody might like it and Alligator jumped on it.”

The recording there went very smooth and Charlie and the guys had a great time recording some of Charlie’s favorite songs. “So we recorded tunes, one after the other at different times.

When I had time, I’d go over there and record a tune, listen to it, and maybe add harmonica to it. Then we had a drummer come over and play on a few tunes on it.

Then we had a bass player come over and play on a few tunes. So we had some that were just solo, some that had a drummer, and some had a drummer and a bass player, so we had those versions.

Then I thought about playing harmonica in a rack, but I play so much better when I’m holding a harmonica than on a rack, so I overdubbed harmonica.”

Without a doubt, the album was definitely coming together, even though it was not even planned. One of the big thrills Charlie had a recording this album was being reunited with an instrument that he used to see all the time as a kid, Big Joe Williams guitar. “One of the tunes features Big Joe’s guitar. A friend

of mine who also was a friend of Big Joe Williams, who had died, inherited his guitar and happened to bring it to town, so I thought, ‘why don’t we record a tune with Big Joe’s guitar’, so I did that. I recorded an instrumental remembering Big Joe. That’s how that happened.”

One thing about this album that is different from a lot of Charlie’s albums, is the guitar. While most of us automatically think of Charlie as a harmonica wizard, believe it or not, he performed all the guitar work on this album…

Every single song on Mississippi Son with guitar on it is performed solely by Charlie. “I didn’t really have a perspective on it,” explains Charlie. I always played guitar since I was a kid. I didn’t know if people were really ready to hear me play guitar or would have any interest in it, but when Alligator heard it they really got excited about it, so that’s why they put it out.”

Listening to the album, it really sounds like this was a very personal album to Charlie, but I was quick to find out from Charlie that everything about the Blues is extremely personal to him.

“Well, the Blues for me is always continued on next page June 2022 • Rock and Blues International

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Charlie Musselwhite continued from previous page personal. Some people will say to me, ‘I don’t care for Blues because it’s sad’ and I reply, ‘well, then you don’t know what the Blues really is,’ because the Blues is you comforter when you’re having a rough time, and it’s your buddy in good times. It’s all-purpose music for whatever life throws at you. So, it’s not just a fad, there’s more to it than just the music. It’s part of your life, it’s an attitude or a philosophy. It’s the thing that will get you through the world.”

Charlie explains that the songs that appear here were just songs that he liked.

“Well, they’re all songs that I like.

When I was recording these tunes I didn’t know where this was going to go.

We were just kind of fooling around in the studio. These were tunes that I already knew, that I already played for myself and friends, that I enjoy playing.

I just recorded what I knew. There wasn’t a big plan behind it. We were just fooling around in the studio and this is what came out. It’s what I do. There’s no formula or anything to it, it’s just what I do. They were songs I’ve always done and song I enjoy doing. I was just doing them for myself as much as anybody else. I had no idea this was going to go anywhere. We were just recording in the studio having fun.

There wasn’t any goal here. It was just to have fun recording.”

While some of the songs on the album are intensely personal to Charlie since he wrote them, he also performed a few that were written by his contemporaries. These were songs that he had been playing for years. There was really no plan here. In fact, when they were recorded, it hadn’t even been decided if this was going to be released. He was just trying to have some fun in the studio and see what kind of sound he could get But, by golly, by the time they out of this new room. finished having their fun with this entire 8 Rock and Blues International • June 2022

impromptu recording, it suddenly hit them… this might be fun to share with the rest of the Blues community of fans and artists. “At the end of it we looked at it and thought, yooo, maybe people would like this. I don’t know. I’m too close to it to have a perspective. It’s just what I’ve always done. I didn’t know what other people would think of it. I never even thought about it from that angle, so I was pleasantly surprised at the response when people did hear it. So that’s how it came to be put out on a record.”

I’ve got to admit that when I heard this album, some of the songs really brought back memories to me, although the versions that I heard may be well different from what Charlie performs on this album. I had heard “Crawling King Snake” performed by both The Doors and Eric Burdon. They both had their own distinct versions of the song and I always liked both of those versions. At any rate, I loved Charlie’s version of “Crawling King Snake” by Big Joe Williams. It was more authentic. continued on next page

Charlie Musselwhite continued from previous page Charlie told me, “The first time I heard that tune was late ‘50’s or early 60’s when I was listening to WLEC from Nashville. I could hear it at night in Memphis on my radio. I could hear John Lee Hooker playing that tune over the radio. I thought, man, that sounds so great in the middle of the night. It just had this sinister sound to it, just him and his foot tapping, playing his guitar. I just love that sound and the tune too.”

The album isn’t pigeonholed into one guitar mode whether it is acoustic or electric. Whichever way the song goes, it’s pure Charlie. As we mentioned before, the songs recorded on this album were songs that Charlie had already been performing… that is, with the exception of one, “Remembering Big Joe.” “The only one that this happened too off the top, would be “Remembering Big Joe,” explains Charlie. “A friend of mine that knew Big Joe Williams and lived near him near Crawford, Mississippi inherited a guitar of Joe’s after Joe died. He came to town and he had changed it from a 9string to a 6-string because my friend couldn’t play the 9 string. I was fooling around with it and I thought, ‘yes, let’s tape something with this guitar, so it was just an off the top of my head thing that just happened. I just played something… I didn’t even have anything worked out or memorized. I just was thinking about Big Joe and started playin’ kind of like him, not really like him, but kinda like him. Nobody could really play like Big Joe, so it was just a spontaneous thing that happened right there in the studio.”

Another old Charlie Musselwhite standard that appears on this album is “Blues Up The River.” This had been in Charlie’s repertoire for a very long time.

As Charlie tells us, “I wrote that years ago. I don’t remember when exactly, but I’d been doing it for a long time. I think I might have even recorded it before.”

“In Your Darkest Hour” was another oldie, but goodie that Charlie recorded for this release as well. “I have recorded that one before,” says Charlie.

“It’s just a song I wrote one day some years ago… I just write what I know. If I think of something, I get a picture in my

mind and I’ll just think of the words to describe that picture. I’m picturing someone alone in their room kind of down… You know… My baby left me and what it feels like. You lost your love in your darkest hour. ‘Baby think about me, and come on back home.’ It’s all right there.”

Another one of Charlie’s favorites on this album is “When The Frisco Left The Shed.” “That’s an 8-bar blues,” explains Charlie, “and I like 8-bar blues.

I think there’s another one on there too.

“Blues Gave Me A Ride” is also and 8bar blues song.”

When it comes to songwriting, Charlie has a unique style all his own that has worked pretty well with him over the years. “Whenever I think of a line or something will come to me, or I’ll hear somebody say something that makes me think it might make a song, I just make little notes. I’ve got all these little scraps of paper… just piles of them.

When I’m trying’ to write a song, sometimes I’ll go through all the scraps and look through them and I’ll say, ‘oh yeah, this will go with the first line that I already wrote, so I’ll add that to it and I’ll keep working it. Oh yeah, this will go with it too, so I’ll put it together like that. Or something will come to mind and I’ll write it down. They seem to take their own shape. I call it ‘following the will of the music.’ If you open yourself up to it, it will take you where it want to go, as if it’s already written.”

From Town To Town” is about Charlie being on the road over 200 dates a year.

By the time he’s finished one gig, he’s back on the road drifting to the next.”

Yes, without a doubt, this is really a very introspective look at Charlie and his life. Each song is a little vignettes into his life, yet not quite the sum of his career. Each song is like a small moment in time with a message all it’s own included. If you’re lucky and you pay close attention to the lyrics, you’ll gain a little insight into Charlie and just why he has been doing this all his life.

With Mississippi Son, Charlie definitely makes a move back to his roots… in both song and relocation. He comes full circle back to the beginning and celebrates his life with the release of this new album. Yes, without a doubt, there’s a little bit of wisdom in every one of the songs included on this album, a sharp remembrance that Charlie evokes in the song, “Blue Gave Me A Ride”…

“Blues tell the truth in a world that’s full of lies.”

Check out this new Alligator Records release and we think you’ll agree that this is one of Charlie’s finest releases. Besides performing all the harmonica pieces on this album, Charlie also performs every guitar lick here.… acoustic and electric. Accompanying Charlie on Mississippi Son is Ricky “Quicksand” Martin on drums and Barry Bays on acoustic standup bass. The album was produced by his longtime manager, producer, and wife Henri The entire album is full of songs Musselwhite. It was recorded at like that. Charlie, as he tells us, only Clarksdale SoundStage in Clarksdale, writes about what he knows. Songs like Mississippi. Be sure to pick a copy of “Blues Gave Me A Ride” and “My Road this up as soon as you can. You’ll be Lies In Darkness” pretty much sum it up glad you did. in just the name of the song. “Drifting June 2022 • Rock and Blues International 9

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Mojo Monday Radio Show & KWVH 94.3FM Present: Special Broadcast Featuring Artists Performing at the 20th Anniversary Blues From The Top Music Festival!

Show Airs Monday, June 6, From 8:00 pm - 10:00 pm Central Mojo Monday blues radio show and KWVH 94.3 FM present a Special Broadcast featuring artists performing at the 20th Anniversary Blues From The Top Music Festival in Winter Park, Colorado, airing Monday, June 6 from 8pm-10pm Central Time (BFTT special re-broadcasts Thursday, June 9 from 12Noon-2PM. Listen/Stream the show 24/7 at www.KWVH.org through June 13.

“We (BFTT Publicist Doug Deutsch and I) got together to do this project and promote the artists at the Blues From The Top Festival, hoping that some people can go see them live, or if they can’t, that they’re interested enough to follow a artist and buy some of their music or go see them live elsewhere,” explains Mojo Monday Host, Mark Lombardi, who’s hosted the weekly, two-hour Mojo Monday program for three years on the radio station based in Wimberly, Texas.

On the June 6 show, lauded blues guitarist and one of the BFTT headliners, Sue Foley is interviewed by Mark.

“I love playing new artist’s music and ask that they friend me on Facebook and send me some of their music (mp3 format),” says Lombardi. “We have an active and quickly-growing Mojo Monday Facebook Group with listeners in all fifty states as well as France, England, Italy and the Philippines.”

Presented by the Grand County Blues Society, the 2022 (20th Anniversary) Blues From The Top Music Festival features a musically diverse and star-studded lineup: Big Head Todd & the Monsters, Gov’t Mule, Larkin Poe, Tab Benoit, Charlie Musselwhite, Sue Foley, Southern Hospitality, Eddie 9V, Bette Smith, Southern Avenue, and the Emma Marie Band. Fore more information on tickets prices, etc. please visit https://grandblues.org/bluesfromthetop/.

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In Support Of His June 24th Album Release For Meet The Moonlight, Jack Johnson Releases The Title Track In Advance Stream “Meet The Moonlight” Here @ https://jackjohnson.lnk.to/MTM Watch The Video Here @ https://youtu.be/msq9Emh3ubw Multi-platinum recording artist Jack Johnson has released a second song and title track to his upcoming June 24th release, Meet The Moonlight, alongside a beautiful new video directed by acclaimed filmmaker Morgan Maassen. Stream “Meet The Moonlight” here and view the video here.

The album’s centerpiece, “Meet The Moonlight” presents a quietly hypnotic number that producer Blake Mills refers to as “one of the most spiritually interesting things I’ve ever worked on.” With its sweetly languid rhythms, mantra-like vocal delivery, and otherworldly guitar work, “Meet The Moonlight” serves as a lovely respite from the outside world as Johnson shares another gentle reminder for living well. The track’s spacious arrangement leaves a lot of room for the mystical. Adding to the track’s inspira-

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tion, “Whenever I walk outside at night and look up at the stars, it’s always a way to be present instead of worrying about the future or dwelling on the past,” said Johnson. Mills adds, “There’s a chord in the song that wasn’t part of the initial composition; it happened by mistake when we were first playing it. In the end we kept it, because what that chord suggested was all the mystery. To me it represents the whole process of us finding a common ground and working together to keep all those little idiosyncrasies tucked into the mix.”

Meet The Moonlight, Johnson’s eighth studio album and first full-length release in five years was produced by Blake Mills (acclaimed multi-instrumentalist/producer known for his work with acts like Alabama Shakes, Perfume Genius, and Jim James),

Rock and Blues International • June 2022

Meet The Moonlight marks a major artistic milestone for Johnson, whose decadesspanning career has included multiple awards and two Grammy nominations, over 25 million album units sold worldwide, and countless sold-out tours (during which he’s emerged as a leading force in greening the global touring industry). In a departure from his past work, most of the album took shape from one-on-one collaboration with Mills (whose contributions included everything from fretless guitar to Moog synth to steel drums), an intimate and highly experimental process that involved embedding Johnson’s elegantly stripped-back arrangements with enchanting sonic details. The album’s lead single, “One Step Ahead” is out now and has moved quickly up the Adult Album Alternative radio charts. The album will be supported continued on next page

Jack Johnson continued from previous page by a 35 date tour across North America including two newly announced shows in Hawaii.

The latest album from Jack Johnson, Meet The Moonlight opens on a question about the strange complexities of human nature, and never lets up on its heartfelt push for deeper understanding. Over the course of ten captivating and endlessly unpredictable tracks, the multi-platinum-selling singer/ songwriter examines a whole spectrum of existential concerns (the impermanence of life and fragility of human connection, the struggle for community and presence in an ever-fragmenting world), infusing each inquiry with the profound warmth and poetic grace that have always permeated his music.

His eighth studio album and first new fulllength in five years, Meet The Moonlight ultimately affirms Johnson as an essential voice in elevating our perspective and subtly guiding us toward a more expansive state of mind.

“In some ways good songs are like good science, where they create a chain of thought that just leads to more questions,” says Johnson. “There’s not always that nice clean solution for what to do next if you want a perfect relationship or more peace of mind; sometimes it’s just pointing out everything that gets in the way of that. But hopefully the song ends up making you feel good, and gives you the comfort of knowing that other people are going through the same hardships.”

Produced by Blake Mills (an acclaimed multi-instrumentalist/producer known for his work with acts like Alabama Shakes, Perfume Genius, and My Morning Jacket’s Jim James), Meet The Moonlight marks a major artistic milestone for Johnson, whose decades-spanning career has included multiple awards and two Grammy nominations, over 25 million album units sold worldwide, and countless sold-out tours (during which he’s emerged as a leading force in greening the global touring industry).

In a departure from his past work, most of the album took shape from one-on-one collaboration with Mills (whose contributions included everything from fretless guitar to Moog synth to steel drums), an intimate and highly experimental process that involved embedding Johnson’s elegantly stripped-back arrangements with enchanting sonic details.

“When Blake and I first got in touch we’d send each other playlists, and over time we realized we were drawn to music that sounds effortless despite all the effort put into making it,” says Johnson, who lists Greg Brown and J.J. Cale among their shared inspirations. “After a while we got a language together and I gained a trust in him that allowed me to let go, push outside my comfort zone, and get to a sound I really

loved.”

Engineered by Joseph Lorge (Bob Dylan, Andrew Bird, Hiss Golden Messenger) and recorded in both Los Angeles and at The Mango Tree (Johnson’s home studio in Hawaii), Meet The Moonlight begins with the nuanced reflection of “Open Mind”: a prime introduction to the album’s spellbinding sonic backdrop and mood of mindful contemplation. One of several songs featuring his longtime bandmates Zach Gill (piano, organ, melodica), Adam Topol (drums, percussion), and Merlo Podlewski (vibraphone, percussion, bass), “Open Mind” unfolds in soulful harmonies and lush swells of fretless guitar as Johnson makes the case for a certain fullhearted optimism (e.g., “When everything around us is begging just to be loved a little more, we can pray to anything”). “Part of what I wanted to do with this album was create something that makes people feel better about the situation we’re living in, where sometimes it feels like things are completely falling apart,” he says. “‘Open Mind’ is a song about trying to find hope, which felt like a good starting point.”

impart both incisive social commentary and warmly delivered instruction within just a few indelibly catchy lines (from the chorus: “Never mind all the noise going through your head/Because every time we talk we say/The same things that we’ve said”). “We’re at a point where human nature hasn’t changed but the technology around us has changed dramatically, and it’s getting to this dangerous place where the most extreme and sensationalized opinions have the potential to be heard by so many people,” says Johnson.

“That line in the chorus is about trying to breathe through the noise and get to a calmer place, which seems important when we’re seeing a lot of friends lose trust and grow away from each other because they disagree over some issue or another.”

On the centerpiece and title track to Meet The Moonlight, Johnson presents a quietly hypnotic number that Mills refers to as “one of the most spiritually interesting things I’ve ever worked on.” With its sweetly languid rhythms, mantra-like vocal delivery, and otherworldly guitar work, “Meet The Moonlight” serves as a lovely respite from the outside world as Johnson shares another gentle reminder for living well (“It’s good not Later, on the galvanizing lead single to miss too many chances to follow love”).

“One Step Ahead,” Johnson offers up a more “Whenever I walk outside at night and look pensive meditation on getting by in the up at the stars, it’s always a way to be present modern world, turning his sharply observainstead of worrying about the future or tional songwriting to the topic of toxic dwelling on the past,” he says. Noting that the communication in a culture dominated by track’s spacious arrangement “leaves a lot of social media. Built on a cascading bassline room for the mystical,” Mills recalls a and incandescent textures, the bright yet continued on next page bristling track illuminates his rare ability to June 2022 • Rock and Blues International 15

communion that playing live always provides. “What I love most about live shows is when everybody’s singing together, there’s a sense that we’re all connected by the lyrics or even just the sentiment of the song,” he says. “I think there’s always some kind of hope in knowing that we can share a feeling in that way, and agree with each other on a very emotional level.”

Jack Johnson continued from previous page particularly charmed occurrence in bringing the “Meet The Moonlight” to life. “There’s a chord in that song that wasn’t part of the initial composition; it happened by mistake when we were first playing it,” he says. “Jack kept trying to replace that part with something that made more sense to his ear—but in the end we kept it, because what that chord suggested was all the mystery within the song. To me that represents the whole process of us finding a common ground and working together to keep all those little idiosyncrasies tucked into the mix.”

For Johnson, recording most of Meet The Moonlight at home in Hale?iwa (after starting out at L.A.’s Sound City Studios) played a vital part in finding their way to that playful spontaneity. “I’ve done so many albums now in my studio, and when I’m there it’s always easier to let go and not overthink,” he says. “Another thing that helped was Joseph Lorge was great about setting up while we were still rehearsing, and capturing that sweet spot where the song still has so much life to it. Because of that we ended up getting all these moments that feel kind of magical.” With the final round of sessions taking place at EastWest Studios in L.A. (where Johnson’s bandmates joined in), Meet The Moonlight contains such unexpected flourishes as the effervescent percussion on “Calm Down,” a song about supporting your loved ones in chaotic times. “We used the demo I’d made on my own, and the main backbeat is my wedding ring hitting against this hand drum in my studio,” says Johnson. Meanwhile, in the recording of “Costume Party,” Johnson added to the track’s kaleidoscopic sonic palette by blowing into a row of beer bottles. “I love all those moments where Jack lets himself get a little weird,” says Mills. “They remind me of that clubhouse feeling of where this record was made, and the spirit that we brought to it.”

Looking back on the questions raised throughout Meet The Moonlight, Johnson points to a piece of wisdom gleaned from Joseph Campbell: “Participate joyfully in the sorrows of the world. We cannot cure the world of sorrows, but we can choose to live in joy.” “That’s something I think about a lot: when it seems like there may not be a great outcome in the future, how do you wake up each day and bring as much joy into the world as you can?” he says. A longtime environmentalist who joined his wife Kim in co-founding K?kua Hawai?i Foundation (a nonprofit devoted to supporting environmental education), Johnson has found immense purpose in caring for his community (including, most recently, working on and developing a learning farm). “That to me is the essence of joyful participation: doing what you can to see a positive result, so you can always zoom out and find some brightness when the big picture is dark,” he says.

And as he gears up for a 35-date North American tour in support of Meet The Moonlight, Johnson looks forward to the unbridled sense of

STAY CONNECTED: https://jackjohnsonmusic.com/ Facebook @ https://www.facebook.com/jackjohnson Twitter @ https://twitter.com/JackJohnson 16 Rock and Blues International • June 2022

Jack Johnson has released seven studio albums and two live albums that have sold over 25 million copies worldwide. His Brushfire Records label and touring crew continue to be leaders in the greening of the music industry and his All At Once social action network connects fans with local non-profits at each tour stop. Jack, with his wife Kim, founded the Kokua Hawaii Foundation to support environmental education in Hawaii’s schools and communities, as well as the Johnson Ohana Foundation to support environmental, art and music education worldwide. Proceeds from albums and tour profits, along with Johnson’s personal charitable activities, have resulted in over $37 million donated to charity since 2001.

Meet The Moonlight 2022 Tour: June 21 June 22 Theater * June 24 June 25 June 26 June 28 June 30 July 2 July 3 July 5 July 8 July 29 July 30 August 18 August 19

Gilford, NH Wantagh, NY

Bank of New Hampshire Pavilion * Northwell Health at Jones Beach

Columbia, MD Merriweather Post Pavilion * Camden, NJ Freedom Mortgage Pavilion * Hartford, CT Xfinity Theatre * Cuyahoga Falls, OH Blossom Music Center * Chicago, IL Bank Pavilion at Northerly Island * Clarkston, MI Pine Knob Music Theatre * Noblesville, IN Ruoff Music Center * Toronto, Canada Budweiser Stage * Marshfield, MA Levitate Music and Arts Festival Honolulu, HI Waikiki Shell + ADDED Honolulu, HI Waikiki Shell + ADDED West Palm Beach, FL iTHINK Financial Amphitheatre # Tampa, FL MIDFLORIDA Credit Union Amphitheatre# August 20 Alpharetta, GA Ameris Bank Amphitheatre # August 21 Raleigh, NC Credit Union Music Park at Walnut Creek # August 23 Charlotte, NC PNC Music Pavilion # August 24 Nashville, TN Ascend Amphitheater # August 26 Woodlands, TX The Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion # August 27 Del Valle, TX Germania Insurance Amphitheater # August 28 Dallas, TX Dos Equis Pavilion # August 31 Englewood, CO Fiddler’s Green Amphitheatre # September 1 Englewood, CO Fiddler’s Green Amphitheatre # ADDED September 2 Salt Lake City, UT USANA Amphitheatre # September 4 Stateline, NV Lake Tahoe Outdoor Arena at Harveys # September 5 Stateline, NV Lake Tahoe Outdoor Arena at Harveys # ADDED September 24 George, WA Gorge Amphitheatre & September 25 Bend, OR Hayden Homes Amphitheatre ^ SOLD OUT September 26 Troutdale, OR McMenamins Edgefield Amphitheater ^ SOLD OUT September 28 Berkeley, CA The Greek Theatre ^ SOLD OUT September 29 Berkeley, CA The Greek Theatre ^ ADDED October 1 Los Angeles, CA Hollywood Bowl % SOLD OUT October 2 Los Angeles, CA Hollywood Bowl % ADDED October 4 Santa Barbara, CA Santa Barbara Bowl ^ SOLD OUT October 5 Santa Barbara, CA Santa Barbara Bowl ^ SOLD OUT October 7 Chula Vista, CA North Island Credit Union Amphitheatre ** * With special guests Durand Jones & The Indications + With special guests Paula Fuga and Tavana # With very special guest Ziggy Marley ** With very special guest Ben Harper & the Innocent Criminals, plus special guests Ron Artis II & Thunderstorm Artis % With very special guests Lake Street Dive, plus special guests Ron Artis II & Thunderstorm Artis ^ with special guests Ron Artis II & Thunderstorm Artis

Wall of Dreams Ep is the fourth album release by Fred Hostetler since returning in 2018 from 17 years in India and is the followup to Fortuna Redux. He is a bluesloving American singer- songwriter and a rock era survivor who co-founded the seminal LAbased blues rock band Blue By Nature in the 90’s. He worked with major artists like Johnny Winter, Graham Parker, The Knack, Billy Squire, and Jeff Beck, as well as Grammy-winning producer Jack Douglas. He now resides on Whidbey Island in the Pacific Northwest. Hostetler recently received the UK’s 2021 Severn FM (UK) - The Blues Hour ‘Industry Award’. Wall of Dreams Ep is a cohesive thematic work which harkens back to progressive rock days.

Wall of Dreams I started this song years ago but never finished it because I always heard the voice of Eric Troyer, who has sung on many hit records (including John Lennon), singing it with me like in our early band days. Finally, that happened and my dream came to fruition.

Of course we are both Beatle fans and I had hopes this song might in a humble way pay homage to their inspiring music.

You Don’t Know What You Don’t Know “ A funky bluesy rocker with ‘get down’ bass and guitars alongside an evocative lyric and stirring vocal creates a biting commentary on ‘me first’ culture. This song is an open and honest look at what is possibly the cause and effect of the self-centered nationalist ideal. It has the ‘call to arms’ sound that falls back to the mid 60’s and early 70’s, social activism style, one that was instrumental in the positive social changes of civil rights and antiwar sentiment, made popular by the Beatles and their contemporaries. You Don’t Know What You Don’t Know is definitely one to hear and contemplate.” (indiepulsemusic.com) True True Love “Infatuation, disappointment, retreat, awakening, return, opening, love, commitment. The journey that carries us back again, hearts rent open by a succession of grace filled moments...” (from my boyhood friend R.Glendon Brunk’s book ‘Yearning Wild’).

Such are the roots of this song. They say love is ever expanding, and I found it to be true when attempting to ‘corral’ it to four minutes of words and music. What started out with a simple acoustic guitar didn’t seem to touch the cosmic expanse of the topic, so I just kept letting it go and grow. I guess I just couldn’t stop ‘feeling the love’. Co-writer Karen Lawrence has her own lovely but different version called ‘True Love’ which I hope she can release some day. (FH) February 2022 Olof Daughters Finnish Knee High Leather Boots Once I saw a girl on the street. 50 years later I wrote this song. I met her again and marriedmher. This song is based on a real experience/happening in the 70’s in New York City where our band was recording at Electric Ladyland Studios in the Village. Eric Troyer was also in the band at the time and as luck

Fred Hostetler Talks About His New EP, Wall Of Dreams, Track By Track would have it, I enlisted him to add harmony vocals and keyboards. He also mixed this track. It is a throwback to the days Bob Dylan prowled those same streets. Thanks Bob! Dreamers Dream The mystery and power of dreams and the agony and ecstasy of those who dream inspired this one. From the hardships of immigrants to the millions of people sheltered at home during the coronavirus pandemic, dreams have poured out after people were forced to ‘go inside’ both literally and figuratively. Some dream experts believe the change in daily life forced our subconscious minds to draw more heavily on themes from our past. ...”peace of mind leads to a positive dream affect,” so dream on, dream on.

River of Hope First off, thanks to Robbie Cribbs who created this song and offered it to me to record and release. In the year 2020 Mother Nature stunned humans. Nature’s fury appeared in the form of Covid 19 unleashing mayhem. Trying to find a way to relieve the anxiety of it all, Robbie pulled a tenor ukulele off the wall and began fiddling around. In hindsight he noted, “I almost felt like thousands of voices were traveling through me in a unified statement of hope.” I shared this feeling as I wrote and recorded my parts.

I have found the whole process extremely uplifting and hope many other people will discover a bit of solace upon hearing it. So climb aboard, relax, enjoy, and join the flow as we float down the River of Hope.

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Piemonte Blues Stop: According to Alberto Marsico, music is lived here

By Edoardo Fassio At first impression, Alberto Marsico brings to mind a placid, calm, even shy person. But appearance is deceptive. Matter of fact, few musicians in Italy and Europe are as active as he is. Turin-born Alberto took his first professional steps in blues and jazz by playing in various local bands. With one of them, the Kingbees, he recorded his debut album, Swing the Blues, at the age of 23, in 1989.

Although in great demand as a pianist, in a few years Marsico decided to devote himself exclusively to the Hammond organ. Bewitched by that combination of blues, gospel, funk and soul that had taken hold in the late 1950s, somewhere between jazz club sediments and Baptist oratorio groove, Alberto discovered that his destiny has been marked by organists such as Shirley Scott, Jimmy McGriff and of course by the Smiths: Jimmy Smith, Dr Lonnie Smith and Johnny “Hammond” Smith. His skills with the new instrument, of which he will soon become a master in the touch, in the registers, in voicing the restless occurring of calm and storm, as in life, were appreciated to the point that one of his inspirers, Brother Jack McDuff, recorded one of Alberto’s songs, making it the title track of his Jack-Pot CD. Marsico has rarely slowed down since then. He has toured Europe and the world, has taught the secrets of his instrument at the Conservatories of Leipzig, Dresden and Enschede, has attended concert and recording halls in California and Russia, in Singapore and Sydney, in Shanghai and Tokyo, in Bangkok and Hong Kong. His art can be found in the catalogs of labels such as Delmark, Azzurra, Organic Music and Verve.

In June he will coordinate Piemonte Blues Stop, a high-profile international educational and musical conference: a week of classes and three top shows held in a scenic setting, an eighteenth-century Palazzo in Castagnole Piemonte, half an hour’s drive from Turin.

Teachers and performers include Duke Robillard, Sugar Ray Norcia, Alex Schultz, Tad Robinson, Mudcat Ward and Mark Teixeira, all of them happy to share a total living/ learning experience with students of the blues.

Italian keyboard wiz is confident to replicate, in the key of blues, the unforgettable success of June 2008, when he conducted We Love Jazz, one of the most important European jazz tutorials. Luminaries such as Benny Golson, Jimmy Cobb, Buster Williams, Joey DeFrancesco and George Cables held classes to 104 students from around the world; over 3,000 people attended the shows that were part of the event, which drew the attention of press and TV, making Castagnole, a quiet country village of 2,000, a small Woodstock of jazz. Never trust appearances.

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Piemonte Blues Stop: per Alberto Marsico la musica si vive qui

By Edoardo Fassio A incontrarlo di persona, il torinese Alberto Marsico dà l’idea di una persona placida, tranquilla, addirittura timida. Ma l’apparenza sorniona è ingannevole. In realtà pochi musicisti in Italia e in Europa sono attivi come lui. Alberto mosse i primi passi professionali nell’ambiente jazz e blues suonando in numerose band locali.

Con una di queste, i Kingbees, incise il suo primo disco, Swing The Blues, a 23 anni, nel 1989.

Pur richiestissimo come pianista, qualche anno più tardi Marsico decise di dedicarsi esclusivamente all’organo Hammond. Stregato da quella combinazione tra blues, gospel, funk e soul che aveva preso piede alla fine degli anni 1950, tra sedimenti di jazz club e groove da oratorio battista, Alberto scoprì che la sua strada era segnata da organisti come Shirley Scott, Jimmy McGriff e naturalmente dagli Smith: Jimmy Smith, Dr Lonnie Smith e Johnny “Hammond” Smith. Le sue qualità al nuovo strumento, di cui diventerà un maestro nel tocco, nei registri, nell’esprimere il succedersi inquietante, come nella vita, di bonaccia e tempesta, vengono apprezzate al punto che uno dei suoi ispiratori, Brother Jack McDuff, registra un suo brano e ne fa la title-track dell’album Jack-Pot. Da allora Marsico si è fermato di rado. Ha girato l’Europa e gli altri continenti, ha insegnato i segreti dello strumento ai Conservatori di Lipsia, Dresda ed Enschede, è stato in sale di concerto e di incisione in California e in Russia, a Singapore e a Sydney, a Shanghai e a Tokyo, a Bangkok e a Hong Kong.

La sua arte si trova nei cataloghi di etichette come Delmark, Azzurra, Organic Music e Verve.

A giugno coordinerà Piemonte Blues Stop, una manifestazione didatticomusicale di alto profilo internazionale, che prevede una settimana di lezioni e tre concerti di altissimo livello in un contesto da sogno, un Palazzo settecentesco di Castagnole Piemonte, a mezz’ora di auto da Torino. Tra i docenti e i performer sono stati arruolati Duke Robillard, Sugar Ray Norcia, Alex Schultz, Tad Robinson, Mudcat Ward e Mark Teixeira, felici di vivere un’intensa esperienza di condivisione totale con gli allievi.

Marsico spera di replicare, in chiave blues, l’indimenticabile avventura del giugno 2008, quando diresse We Love Jazz, uno dei più importanti seminari di jazz europei. Insegnanti quali Benny Golson, Jimmy Cobb, Buster Williams, Joey DeFrancesco e George Cables tennero lezione a 104 allievi da tutto il mondo; oltre 3000 spettatori assistettero ai concerti paralleli all’iniziativa, che attirò l’attenzione della carta stampata e della televisione e fece di Castagnole, un silenzioso villaggio di campagna di duemila anime, una piccola Woodstock del jazz. Mai fidarsi delle apparenze.

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Grand County Blues Society Presents....

20th Anniversary of Blues From The Top Music Festival June 24-26, 2022 #ElevateYourBlues @bluesfromthetop WINTER PARK, COLORADO - A musically diverse and adventurous lineup featuring Big Head Todd & the Monsters, Gov’t Mule, Larkin Poe, Tab Benoit, Charlie Musslewhite, Sue Foley, Southern Hospitality, Eddie 9V, Bette Smith, Southern Avenue, and the Emma Marie Band, will all be performing at the 20th Anniversary Blues From The Top Music Festival presented by the Grand County Blues Society, taking place at Rendezvous Event Center, 78821 US Hwy 40, Friday, June 24 through Sunday, June 26, 2022. VIP and General Admission Festival tickets priced from $55 (per day) to $295.00 (3-Day Festival VIP Access) now on sale, buy early for best price. Children 12 and under, Free. Purchase BFTT Tickets here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/20th-anniversaryblues-from-the-top-music-festival-tickets275330800837?aff=ConstantContacteNews.

Festival Details: Blues From The Top has earned the reputation for showcasing some of the best national talent in the business. Rendezvous Event Center at Hideaway Park, the home of Blues From The Top, is centrally located in downtown Winter Park, Colorado, making BFTT a truly one-of-a-kind event with amazing views of the Continental Divide. Blues From The Top has grown since it’s conception in 2003 and has evolved into a true blues and roots music event, providing a welcoming atmosphere for all people, young & old. The event’s producers, along with our volunteers and amazing skitown community, create a utopia of great music and a great vibe for festival attendees. #ElevateYourBlues #BFTT. Please visit the official website at BluesfromtheTop.org.

has also gifted over eight-hundred individual children personal instruments. We continue to support the music therapy industry with an all-out effort and constant fund-raising to continue the mission. Music Therapy needs an advocate, and we are proud to be considered a front-runner. We have done all of this with an all-volunteer board, and a very loyal and generous membership. Visit GrandBlues.org, and BlueStarConnection.org for more information.

About Winter Park, CO: Conveniently located 67 miles west of Denver in the Rocky Mountains. The Winter Park Area is trademarked as “Winter Park, Colorado Unfiltered.” Visit playwinterpark.com. grandblues.org/bluesfromthetop facebook.com/bluesfromthetop instagram.com/bluesfromthetop

Make it a Staycation... Come up Thursday, June 23 by 6pm for a special FREE concert at the Rendezvous Event Center in downtown Winter Park. Music continues nightly throughout town over the weekend.

About the Grand County Blues Society: The Grand County Blues Society (GCBS) non-profit (501c3) was created in 2002 to enhance the cultural existence of Grand County residents and to be a beacon for our friends and visitors that love escaping to the shadow of the Continental Divide. For well over a decade, the GCBS has produced eighteen Blues Festivals, over two-hundred and sixty five individual blues concerts, and has continued it’s support of our primary programs.

Check Out The Music: The Grand County Blues Society has been a pioneer in the realm of blues music education.

School-age kids across Grand County are lucky to have been immersed in the blues. Not only have they been entertained by all the programs that have come their way; they have also been on the stage, creating their own “bluesical” and giving performances on the festival stages over the years.

Blue Star Connection (BSC) is our most notable program and in it’s seventeenth year, has supplied over sixty-five Children’s Hospitals with valuable and plentiful collections of musical instruments for their music therapy departments. BSC 22 Rock and Blues International • June 2022

GOV’T MULE PERFORMING ON FRIDAY, JUNE 24 One wouldn’t think that in a career spanning more than 25 years and some 20 live and studio albums, there could possibly be anything left for a band to accomplish that could be considered a first. And when that band is Gov’t Mule, a group known for pushing the parameters while melding a variety of genres — rock, R&B, jam, funk, jazz, and practically everything in-between — it’s even more astonishing to think there’s anything that hasn’t already been attempted. Indeed, Gov’t Mule have never been known to rest on their laurels or shy away from a new challenge. Theirs is a sound that feeds off spontaneity and improvisation, a signature style that pays little heed to expectation, predictability, or needless repetition.

Consequently, it’s not so much surprising that they’ve opted to record an album focused solely on the blues, but rather the fact continued on next page

Blues From The Top

BIG HEAD TODD AND THE MONSTERS PERFORMING SATURDAY, JUNE 25

continued from previous page that they haven’t dared to do it before.

That said, the band’s new album, Heavy Load Blues (released November 12, 2021 on Fantasy Records) marks yet another milestone in Gov’t Mule’s remarkable trajectory. Yet, it’s also been a project that guitarist, vocalist, songwriter, and consistent helmsman Warren Haynes has set his sights on undertaking for quite some time.

TAB BENOIT PERFORMING SUNDAY, JUNE 26 Tab Benoit - rrespected guitarist, vocalist and storyteller supreme - is renown throughout his thirty-plus-year career for his passionate environmental activism. To that end, he performed two nights in his hometown of Houma, Louisiana at the 16th Annual Voice of the Wetlands Festival. He also appears prominently in the IMax motion picture Hurricane on the Bayou, a documentary of Hurricane Katrina’s effects and a call to protect and restore the Wetlands, and produced a CD to help restore that state’s Coastal Wetlands. Benoit was inducted into the Louisiana Folklife Center Hall of Master Folk Artists in 2020.

SOUTHERN AVENUE PERFORMING FRIDAY, JUNE 24

Memphis-based, GRAMMYnominated Southern Avenue inked their first record deal with legendary Stax Records in 2016. The first Memphis band signed to Stax in over forty years, their self-titled album was an immediate hit, reaching #1 on iTunes “Top Blues Albums” chart before being honored with the 2018 Blues Music Award for “Best Emerging Artist Album.” 2019’s Keep On proved an ever greater success, debuting among the Top 5 on Billboard’s “Top Blues Album” chart amidst worldwide critical acclaim, ultimately earning Southern Avenue their first GRAMMY award nomination, for “Best Contemporary Blues Album.”

LARKIN POE PERFORMING SATURDAY, JUNE 25 “Mad As A Hatter” is from Larkin Poe and @Nu Deco Ensemble’s new album “Paint The Roses - Live In Concert” out now. Watch/listen to the video here on YouTube: https:// www.youtube.com/ watch?v=Xn0kknnsmV4.

BIG HEAD TODD AND THE MONSTERS

Big Head Todd and The Monsters are a rock band formed in 1984 in Colorado, with Todd Mohr on guitar and vocals, Brian Nevin on drums and Brad Christerson on bass. The trio toured Europe in 1985, where their first demo track and music videos were produced in London. The band has released a number of albums since 1989 with their 1993 album Sister Sweetly going platinum in the United States. The band has developed a sizable live following especially in the Mountain States of the United States.

SOUTHERN HOSPITALITY PERFORMING SUNDAY, JUNE 26 The South has long been known for hospitality and down home music.

Recently the region has seen the emergence of a musical group of young musicians who are masters of their craft and embody the soul and spirit of Dixie.

The band creating all the buzz, known as Southern Hospitality, is comprised of lap steel guitar master Damon Fowler, guitarist extraordinaire J.P. Soars, keyboard wizard Victor Wainwright, bassist Terrance Grayson, and drummer/ percussionist, Chris Peet. Together, their mutual chemistry, high energy and skill sets create a cohesive vision, with echoes of Muscle Shoals and Macon, that organically flows together into an entirely original and dynamic form of Americana, Southern soul roots music with a modern sensability June 2022 • Rock and Blues International 23

New Music From Germany

photo: Ingo Spörl / Hard Media

Hypnotic Rock Masters My Sleeping Karma Announce New Album Atma And Share Haunting Music Video For Their First Single “Prema”!

Heavy hypnotic rock masters My Sleeping Karma returnwith their deepest and most emotional record to date!

Atma out July 29, 2022 via Napalm Records Pre-Order Here at https://www.napalmrecordsamerica.com/mysleepingkarma Watch the music video for first album single “Prema” here at https://youtu.be/XONnmccKhPI As many artists have experienced, the nity. past two years hit the entire music and culture industry hard. But MY SLEEPING KARMA Closing a seven-year gap since their – they have truly faced the abyss. Formed latest studio album, Moksha, MY SLEEPING almost 20 years ago as a strong bond of best KARMA have announced the release their friends with a steady line-up ever since, the most emotional, deep, and darkest record to band has amassed an incredibly successful date, inspired by tragic events, on July 29, back catalogue of five highly acclaimed 2022 via Napalm Records. records and a live album in 2017, as well as extensive touring performances at sold-out The new album, entitled Atma, venues and prestigious festivals that have describes the (absolute) self, the indestrucmarked them as one of the most welltible, eternal essence of the spirit, and is often respected instrumental post- and hypnotic translated as the “soul”. Sickness, death, and rock bands within the heavy music commuexistential fear had brought the band to a 24 Rock and Blues International • June 2022

point in music and life at which they were close to parting ways. But their will to survive has been recorded on Atma – a record the band wasn’t even sure would see the light of day when they started working on it back in 2017, and if it did, would’ve never been for industry sales, fame or success. Atma tells the story of their lives, processing the trauma of personal tragedies, deepest pain and fear of four best friends that have been going through their darkest days since their band existence. continued on next page

My Sleeping Karma continued from previous page

Atma track listing: 1. Maya Shakti 2. Prema 3. Mukti 4. Avatara 5. Pralaya 6. Ananda Atma is available for pre-order now in the following formats: - Digisleeve CD Edition - 1LP Gatefold Black & 12 Page Booklet - 1LP Gatefold & 12 Page Booklet GOLD LTD 300 Copies - 1LP Gatefold & 12 Page Booklet TRANSPARENT TURQUOISE PURPLE SPLATTER LTD 500 Copies - Vinyl Hardcover Book (1LP Gatefold CLEAR plus 10" Vinyl CLEAR (2 Bonus Tracks) - 48 Page Booklet LTD 500 Copies - Digisleeve CD Edition & Canvas Edition (Napalm EU Only) - Digisleeve CD Edition & Shirt (Napalm EU Only) - Digital [ Vinyl Hardcover Book (1LP Gatefold CLEAR plus 10" Vinyl CLEAR (2 Bonus Tracks) - 48 Page Booklet LTD ] Today, MY SLEEPING KARMA have released the first single taken from Atma!

‘Prema’ excels with a wide sound spectrum ranging between hard-hitting rock moments, ambient vibes and synth post-rock grandeur that bridge majestic texture and fast-paced dynamics.

“We already started working on the video content back in 2018. The world is full of hate, envy, fear and greed and it seems the competition never stops,” the band comments.

“Society is becoming more and more

lost in a dog eat dog jungle, and back then we would have never thought that in 2022, it would be even worse. Besides the latest pandemic or the Russian/Ukrainian war, so many individuals are facing massive conflicts on a daily basis.

In the end, there´s always hope that the world will become better again, once mankind understands. Love is the key and peace starts inside of everyone. The video track ‘Prema’ tells that story and the entire album is all about this. “Atma” goes out with love to our dear families, friends and fans.

Thanks for supporting us over the years and especially in the latest dark times.”

Most of the six new album tracks near the 10-minute mark and shine in distinctive MY SLEEPING KARMA fashion – from crystal clear, otherworldly intros bursting into bittersweet melodies of vulnerable beauty to imposing soundspheres of mesmerizing heaviness with entrancing undercurrents.

From the album’s first tone, it’s immediately evident that Atma isn’t just another new MY SLEEPING KARMA record – it’s an infinite darkness, despair and sadness that furiously drives the German four-piece on studio album number six. As Dave Wyndorf once said, MY SLEEPING KARMA is ART – and their new, cathartic record not only captures the zeitgeist of the times, but leaves a little light for hope, love, beauty and strength amid all the ugly facets of our vulnerable lives.

Atma was produced, recorded and mixed by drummer Steffen Weigand at New Life Studios, and was mastered by Andreas Balaskas at Masterlab Studios in Berlin. The album artwork has been created by incredibly talented artist Sebastian Jerke.

MY SLEEPING KARMA is: Matte – Bass Seppi – Guitar Steffen – Drums Norman – Soundboard

MY SLEEPING KARMA online: WEBSITE @ https://www.mysleepingkarma.de/ FACEBOOK @ https://www.facebook.com/MySleepingKarma TWITTER @ https://twitter.com/sleepingkarma NAPALM RECORDS @ https://label.napalmrecords.com/my-sleeping-karma June 2022 • Rock and Blues International

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New Music From Montreal

TOPS release ‘Empty Seats’ EP and Shares New Video For “Janet Planet”

Credit, Vision Addict

“Janet Planet” WATCH: https://youtu.be/4XACcdvI97o LISTEN: https://tops.lnk.to/EmptySeatsID Empty Seats PURCHASE: https://tops.bandcamp.com/ “ultra-tight guitar grooves and nods to Stevie Nicks’ trills” Bandcamp “Unassuming but fascinatingly complex” The FADER

“TOPS’ songwriting remains intuitive and rewarding” Pitchfork “One of the most riveting and peerless acts in indie rock” Stereogum

“One of Canada’s most consistent musical exports” Montreal-based group TOPS NYLON officially released their new EP Empty 26 Rock and Blues International • June 2022

Seats via their label Musique TOPS and shares a brand new single and accompanying Anthony Martino Maurice-directed video in “Janet Planet.”

Of the EP track, TOPS vocalist Jane Penny says: “‘Janet Planet’ is about feeling trapped inside of your own head, trapped by your thoughts, trapped by continued on next page

TOPS continued from previous page TOPS Empty Seats Musique TOPS 1. Perfected Steps 2. Janet Planet 3. Waiting 4. Party Again 5. Future Waits everything, looking for an escape, and all of the misguided ways I’ve tried to dispel these feelings.”

Speaking on the video, she adds “I wanted to make an intimate performance video which captures the sense of frustration and the bliss of escapism. I decided to channel the videos that inspired me as a kid, where a woman forcefully inhabits the screen and gives all of herself to the moment as she performs her song (think bjork, lisa loeb, sheryl crow etc.). We chose the color blue as the guiding visual theme because of its mystery, depth and otherworldly quality, and used this color to take me in and out of two different modes: exasperation and fantasy. I’m proud of the way that the video succeeds in having a strong artistic direction while also capturing the energy of our live shows in a very direct way.”

In addition to “Janet Planet,” the 5-track EP Empty Seats also includes the previously released tracks “Perfected Steps” ( https://youtu.be/fzrDlFPM5f4 ) in addition to “Waiting” ( https://youtu.be/A2P0wLBpH7s ) and “Party Again” ( https:// youtu.be/izWf40-3n1Y ) both of which were originally released in 2021.

TOPS were formed in Montreal when song-writing duo David Carriere and Jane Penny decided to join forces with drummer Riley Fleck. Since then they have become one of the most influential underground bands of the past decade, creating a space for sophisticated pop music in the indie world.

Their tendency to opt towards making straight-forward, stripped down and honest recordings lets their pop songwriting shine out in the open. With a heart firmly attached to their sleeves, their songcraft delves into the emotional intricacy of personal relationships, asking questions about power and desire. Riley Fleck’s measured drumming and David Carriere’s trademark guitar licks mesh with Marta Cikojevic’s lush keyboards. All these elements work in tandem and in service of Jane Penny’s unmistakable, wistful voice.

The result of this mixture is a collection of four selfproduced records and a handful of singles that cover a range of moods and a complex emotional realm while maintaining a groove and musicality. Soft rock infused pop hits flow easily, surrounded by their signature moody ballads.

Upcoming Live Dates 05/12 - Cairo, EG @ Cairo Jazz Club 05/21 - Amsterdam, NL @ London Calling @ Paradiso 05/23 - Birmingham, UK @ Hare and Hounds 05/24 - Bristol, UK @ Exchange 05/26 - Liverpool, UK @ Jimmy’s 05/27 - Manchester, UK @ YES 05/28 - Glasgow, UK @ Stereo 05/29 - Leeds, UK @ The Brudenell Social Club 05/30 - Nottingham, UK @ Bodega 06/01 - London, UK @ Village Underground 06/03 - Groningen, NL @ Vera 06/04 - Utrecht, NL @ Ekko 06/05 - Brussels, BE @ Botanique 06/06 - Paris, FR @ La Boule Noire 06/08 - Lyon, FR @ Sonic 06/10 - Barcelona, ES @ Primavera Sound 06/13 - Bologna, IT @ Covo Summer 06/14 - Zurich, CH @ Komplex 457 06/15 - Munich, DE @ Strom 06/16 - Nürnberg, DE @ Stereo 06/17 - Prague, CZ @ Underdogs Ballroom 06/19 - Berlin, DE @ Berghain Kantine 06/21 - Copenhagen, DK @ Pumpehuset Byhaven 06/22 - Gothenburg, SE @ Oceanen 06/23 - Stockholm, SE @ Hus 7 06/24 - Oslo, NO @ John Dee 06/26 - Malmö, SE @ Plan B 06/28 - Opole, PO @ Klubokawiarnia 06/29 - Warsaw, PO @ Poglos Tickets @ https://tttopsss.com/#tour June 2022 • Rock and Blues International 27

New Music From The U.K.

Photo credit: Derek Ridgers

UK’s (almost) most dangerous band FABULOUS “Get F***ed” with Kylie Minogue, Beastie Boys with Keanu Reeves in the (literal) trunk UK’s (Almost) Most Dangerous Band FABULOUS (Finally) Release Their Epic Opus GET F***ED BY FABULOUS On June 24, 2022 Check Out Fabulous “Get Off of My Cloud” a https://youtu.be/DMZYTU7dGbs Brief Two Year History (1991-1993) Involves Kylie Minogue, Pete Wakeman, Radiohead, Beastie Boys and Keanu Reeves (in the trunk of a car!!)

Few bands’ reputations precede them as much as 1990s British band FABULOUS. Much like the Sex Pistols a dozen years before them, Fabulous’ media headlines back then often included the words “Vandals,” “Banned,” and “Riots.” Banned by nearly every venue of their debut UK tour, they featured heavily in NME, i-D, The Face, The Wire, Select, and Melody Maker even though they only officially released a mere handful of singles, one of which, “Destined To Be Free” garnered NME’s prestigious “Single of the Week.” But before they could release their debut album, the band imploded… and their history became UK legend. On June 24, 2022 however, Boston-based Supermegabot Records is unearthing their 15-track neverbefore-released album GET F***ED BY FABULOUS to deliver what exactly has been

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missing in the rock world for the last three decades.

Including the original seven single A and B-sides, coupled with loads of unreleased instant-classic anthems by a wildly-overlooked band from an unsung era of rock history, Get F***ed… carries all the unbridled swagger and unchecked danger that was absent from the post-shoegazer/ecstacylaced rave trash that dominated the music scene of that time. With all the attitude and unrestrained infamy of punk bands before them, Fabulous bearhugged Kylie Minogue, Keanu Reeves, Radiohead and Beastie Boys among many others in their den of iniquity and shook up the sleepy music world.

The band’s first lineup featured NME journalist Simon “Spence” Dudfield (singer) and NME photographers Martyn Goodacre (guitar) and Russell Underwood (guitar), rounded out by Kieron “Ronnie Fabulous” Flynn (bass) and Robert “Hodge” Hodges

(drums). Equally key was the presence of manager Brown who was also NME editor (and future founder of Loaded Magazine) in the role of not exactly a manager, more a sixth member / agent provocateur.

Produced by Jon Langford (Mekons), their first single on the iconic Heavenly Records “Destined To Be Free” b/w “There’s A Riot Going On,” was released in November 1991 and it burned up the charts. They were consumed with NME “Single of the Week,” television, tours (opening for the Beastie Boys, having a fledgling Radiohead open for them, riots, chaos, and loads of coverage. A seemingly endless party had begun. For the next year, Fabulous went full-on, keeping the rumor mill churning, which in turn drove everyone in the business to chase the band.

The following May, KROQ in Los Angeles played the B-side “There’s A Riot Going On” as LA burned after the Rodney King verdict. continued on next page

FABULOUS continued from previous page “We had loads of narcotics, a pad in Soho and masses of arrogance,” recalls Fabulous manager James Brown. “It ended at the Mondrian Hotel in Hollywood, after a disastrous dinner with Seymour Stein (a.k.a.

The Man Who Signed Madonna) and Mo Ostin (a.k.a. Chairman of Warner/Reprise). It is fair to say that they were responsible for 50% of the hits in America and had been for 20 years: they were two of the five most influential people in the music world, and we turned up late for the meeting, minus demo tape, with nothing but dirty clothes and indifference to the godfathers of the American music industry. We ordered 10 bottles of wine and the bill came to £4,000.” Needless to say, a signing offer didn’t materialize.

And in due fashion, the stranger-thanfiction stories continued. Pete Waterman (of the massive pop hitmaking production team Stock Aitken Waterman) signed the band to his PWL label and promised to release their supposed debut album Produced By Kylie (of Minogue fame, of course). Simon claimed to Pete that it would be “a cross between the Sex Pistols and Kylie Minogue. He respected that and wanted to work with us.” The signing fizzled soon after and that record never came out.

Enter Keanu Reeves. Running into the actor while he was in London filming a movie, he got mixed up with the band in a bar and ended up stuffed into the trunk of their car. “It must have been a half-hour drive. You could hear him giggling in the back every now and then,” laughs Martyn. “He looked a bit disheveled but got out like nothing had happened and said something like ‘Awesome!’”

A year and a half after the release of “Destined To Be Free,” they finally get

Photo credit: Michael Sanders around to releasing new music. Produced by Miles Hunt (The Wonderstuff), “Personality Recession” had early on been singled out as perhaps their best song and created a nice boost for the band but did little to return them to their rightful spot at the top of the charts.

Their following single “Dead Friends” fizzled too. But it wasn’t because the songs sucked… their mates Manic Street Preachers released their debut Generation Terrorists and sucked the air out of their room… and in the States, Nirvana and grunge killed the scene (of which they were part), leaving no room left for Fabulous to reclaim their stake.

GET F***ED WITH FABULOUS Tracklisting Personality Recession Pour Petrol In Her Face Contribution The Faces There’s A Riot Going On Lady Day Dead Friends Destined To Be Free Capital Gold Get Off My Cloud Bus Stop Everything’s Fine The Great British Showbiz Show Right Out Of Here Manic Street Preachers

“We had a lot of attention early on, but deservedly so, because we were probably the most exciting band in the country,” says Simon. “We were the only band saying anything, the only band that had any intelligence, and we just put people’s backs up. Someone said Fabulous were like the KLF with guitars, and we’ve always just wanted to be terrorists; to stick it up the establishment, to stick it up the music industry.”

As an epitaph, Fabulous had broken up with little fanfare merely a year later in 1993.

What remained of UK rock was mushed together under the far more mannered Britpop genre.

What had Fabulous been about? Were they a brilliant band, a revolt against tedium, an attempt to get rich off media manipulation, the luckiest or unluckiest bastards on the planet?

The answer is in the dictionary: fabulous (adj.) fab·?u·?lous | \ ?fa-by?l?s 1. fabulous wealth tremendous, stupendous, prodigious, phenomenal, remarkable, exceptional; astounding, amazing, fantastic, breathtaking, staggering, unthinkable, unimaginable, incredible, unbelievable, unheard of, untold, undreamed of, beyond one’s wildest dreams; informal mind-boggling, mind-blowing, jaw-dropping.

2. informal : we had a fabulous time.

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Today, Alice strides towards the June 17th release of her second album S.I.D.E.S. by sharing the new song “Loveback.” “Loveback” opens S.I.D.E.S. with a bang. At first it feels like a bellicose leap into indie-rock and power-pop, but cheerleader-style group vocal shouts and left field alt-pop traits soon set its fun factor to stun. While it provides a playful opening punch to the album, there’s a serious note too. Her lyrics introduce the themes that follow throughout with the rebellious statement: “Watch my lips as I say: I don’t need you!”

Alice says, “‘Loveback’ talks about waking up one day and realising someone has stolen a part of you that you want back.It was the realisation that I didn’t ‘need’ anyone to exist. I was never dependent on anyone or anything, even if it at times felt like it. I felt like I was handing out something I was rarely getting back. At some point, I felt like I had forgotten why I’m doing what I’m doing, and felt like I had lost sight of what’s really important to me.”

“Loveback” was written and produced by Alice with Tim Morten, who is one of her main collaborators on the S.I.D.E.S. album. It was then mixed by the Grammy nominee Matty Green (Dua Lipa, Ed Sheeran, Royal Blood).

Alice Merton Shares Single And Lyric Video For “Loveback” New Album ‘S.I.D.E.S.’ LP Out 6/17 via Mom + Pop Alice Merton’s recent singles have of Top 10 charts across Europe. She’s established an uncompromising new now positioned to breakthrough into a attitude as she laces her sound with edge, wider international audience, as eviexperimentation and outspoken honesty. denced by her recent single “Same At the same time, her darker approach is Team” being named as Jo Whiley’s only making her alt-pop more enticing Infatuation on BBC Radio 2, and by adding a fresh element to a style that introduced on Elton John’s radio show took her to a billion+ streams and a rush Rocket Hour.

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As signposted by “Loveback,” S.I.D.E.S. sees Alice fighting against the things that have held her back in the past.

Whether it’s with relationships, work conflicts or simply her own self-doubt, Alice isn’t afraid to face up to every challenge she faces. What emerges is an artist with a new-found confidence and determination to do things her way. Her vision has been fully realised with a team of celebrated collaborators, which also includes Koz (Dua Lipa), Jonny Coffer (Beyoncé, Ellie Goulding), Jennifer Decilveo (Anne-Marie, Andra Day), and Matty Green (Dua Lipa, Royal Blood).

Alice Merton is just about to embark upon an US tour as special guest to Bastille. Her first run of Stateside shows in three years includes a majorLos continued on next page

Alice Merton continued from previous page Angeles show at the YouTube Theater. She recently achieved a lifelong ambition when she performed two special orchestral shows alongside the Frankfurt Radio Symphony, while her live plans continue with a major autumn European tour in support of S.I.D.E.S. Please see HERE for a full list of dates and ticket information.

Alice Merton has over 1B+ total global streams, with her breakthrough debut single “No Roots” being an international smash hit with 825MM+ streams, 1MM+ sales worldwide, and having nearly 1MM+ creations on TikTok. After her debut EP released in 2018, she was the #4 most Shazamed Artist that year.

Merton’s previous TV performances include The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon, LIVE! With Kelly and Ryan (x2), The Late Late Show with James Corden, and Good Day NY (x2). Alice Merton had a headline US tour after her debut. She has played major global festivals and also went on tour supporting Vance Joy. Deemed an “Artist You Need To Know”

by Rolling Stone, Merton has received press support from Billboard, Stereogum, Line Of Best Fit, and more.

Alice Merton On Tour!

OCTOBER 18th - Manchester, Gorilla 19th - Glasgow, Oran Mor 21st- London, Islington Assembly Hall 22nd - Paris, Le Trabendo 25th - Milan, Fabrique 27th - Prague, Lucerna Music Bar 29th - Budapest, Akvarium NagyHall 30th - Vienna, SiMM City 31st - Zurich,Plaza NOVEMBER 5th - Poznan, TAMA 6th - Warsaw, Palladium 8th - Stuttgart, LKA-Longhorn 9th - Munich, Muffathalle 11th - Dortmund, FZW 12th - Frankfurt, Zoom 13th - Cologne, Live Music Hall 15th - Bielefeld, Forum Bielefeld 16th - Bremen, Modernes 17th - Hamburg, Uebel & Gefaehrlich 23rd - Vilnius, Kablys & Kultura DECEMBER 1st - Berlin, Huxley’s Neue Welt

S.I.D.E.S. TRACKLISTING 01. Loveback 02. Island 03. Future 04. Same Team 05. Blurry 06. Everything 07. Blindside 08. Shiny Things 09. 100 Stories 10. Hero 11. Mania 12. Vertigo 13. Breathe In, Breathe Out 14. Letting You Know 15. The Other Side

S.I.D.E.S. LP Out June 17 via Mom + Pop - Shop Online at https://shop.krasserstoff.com/alicemerton Photo by JIDOH PRE-ORDER: Alice Merton - S.I.D.E.S. Pre-Order @ https://shop.krasserstoff.com/alicemerton LISTEN/WATCH & SHARE: Alice Merton - “Loveback” Stream @ https://lnk.to/alicemerton_loveback YouTube @ https://youtu.be/yw5aIrKFdWc LISTEN/WATCH & SHARE: Alice Merton - “Blindside” Stream @ https://lnk.to/alicemerton-blindside YouTube @ https://www.youtube.com/embed/FucjpAj8xYY LISTEN/WATCH & SHARE: Alice Merton - “Same Team” Stream @ https://ffm.to/sameteam YouTube @ https://youtu.be/Sbew2nmMP6o LISTEN & SHARE: Alice Merton - “Hero/Island” Stream @ https://lnk.to/alicemerton-hero-island WATCH & SHARE: Alice Merton - “Hero” YouTube @ https://youtu.be/4rHFchfrA4s WATCH & SHARE: Alice Merton - “Vertigo” (Lights Out In The Basement) YouTube @ https://www.youtube.com/ watch?v=UuB8bfw91GM&ab_channel=AliceMerton LISTEN/WATCH & SHARE: Alice Merton - “Vertigo” Stream @ https://smarturl.it/AliceMertonVertigo Soundcloud @ https://soundcloud.com/alicemerton/vertigo Watch on Jimmy Kimmel Live @ https://youtu.be/HfdllWFZdiw

Website @ https://www.alicemerton.com/ Facebook @ https://www.facebook.com/alicemerton/ Twitter @ https://twitter.com/alicemerton?lang=en Soundcloud @ https://soundcloud.com/alicemerton Bandcamp @ https://alicemertonmusic.bandcamp.com/ Instagram @ https://www.instagram.com/accounts/login/?next=/alicemerton/ YouTube @ https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC-kzn5xgDaXXRi_pvcZ02rQ Spotify @ https://open.spotify.com/artist/7f0OLhGgBMX9fUjm1dcPip TikTok @ https://www.tiktok.com/404?fromUrl=/%252540alicemerton?lang=en June 2022 • Rock and Blues International 31

New Goth Metal From Sweden

SIDDHARTHA

Photo Credit: Isak Skagerström

MÅNEGARM Releases Lyric Video for “Freyrs blod”, Cut from New Album, “Ynglingaättens Öde” Swedish Folk Metal Frontrunners MÅNEGARM Release New Lyric Video for “Freyrs blod” Watch Here at https://youtu.be/tJdXHofEfXI New Album, Ynglingaättens Öde, Out Now via Napalm Records Order Now at https://www.napalmrecordsamerica.com/manegarm

Photo Credit to Soloman Chiniquay

After releasing their chart topping, critically acclaimed epos Ynglingaättens Öde, leading Swedish Viking metal wolf pack MÅNEGARM keep the heathen fire burning bright! Today the three-piece has unveiled a visually palpable lyric video for the album opener, “Freyrs blod”.

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minute opus “Freyrs blod”, MÅNEGARM lure the listener deep into ancient times. The track spans a wide arc between black metal elements that flow into more melodic parts and even acoustic interludes with guitar and violin tunes, just to turn once again into thunderous soundscapes. With this majestic opener, MÅNEGARM showcase why they are regarded as Swedish

genre pioneers with good reason, as they inimitably manage to combine vicious black metal foundations with classic folk and Viking elements.

MÅNEGARM on “Freyrs blod”: “Here’s our brand new lyric video for the song”Freyrs blod”, taken from the continued on next page

MÅNEGARM continued from previous page Ynglingaättens Öde tracklisting: 1. Freyrs blod 2. Ulvhjärtat 3. Adils fall 4. En snara av guld 5. Stridsgalten 6. Auns söner 7. Vitta vettr 8. Hågkomst av ett liv Ynglingaättens Öde is available in the following formats: - Wooden Box (incl. Digipack, 7" Single, album cover flag, logo patch) – limited to 500 copies worldwide - 1LP Gatefold Marbled Gold & Black – limited to 300 copies worldwide - 1LP Gatefold BLACK - Shirt & Digipack Bundle - Digipack CD - Digital Full Length Album

new album Ynglingaättens Öde. “Freyrs blod” is the opener on the album and really shows the diversity of MÅNEGARM. Ingo Spörl of Hard Media has created this beautiful and captivating video, full of epic landscapes and nature, that really intertwines with the music in a stunning way!

So brothers & sisters; Sit back and enjoy our Freyrs blod!”

MÅNEGARM have made a name for themselves in the international scene by releasing nine full-length records since their debut, Nordstjärnans tidsålder, back in 1998. Now, the Scandinavian crew takes another stroll through ancient sagas and myths of long forgotten times on the successor to 2019’s chart-topping Fornaldarsagor with their 10th studio album, Ynglingaättens Öde (EN: the fate of the

Ynglinga kin).

On Ynglingaättens Öde, MÅNEGARM incorporates Pagan inspired lyricism based on the old Norse poem Ynglingatal, that describes the fate of an old Norse dynasty - the house of Ynglinga. The album offers balanced variety and atmosphere, breathing new life into ancient myths. Vocalist Erik Grawsiö tells the stories of kings, warriors and battles with clear vocals and contrasts them with grim growls and fierce battle cries! With Ynglingaättens Öde, MÅNEGARM underline their standing as spearheads of the world of Viking metal once more and keep Pagan traditions alive, even after 25 years of existence.

Ynglingaättens Öde. We truly believe this album is our strongest and most complete album to date and despite the dark days of the pandemic, we have created a concept album that is 100% MÅNEGARM and packed with strong melodies, riffs and powerful choruses.

This time, we explore an old Swedish Norse dynasty of rulers where we detail their deeds, their rule and above all their deaths.

So come join us on this journey and meet the fate of the Yngliga kin!”

MÅNEGARM are: Erik Grawsiö - vocals & bass Markus Andé - guitars Jakob Hallegren - drums Live dates 2022:

MÅNEGARM on the album: “Thousands of working hours turned into this beast - our new album,

MÅNEGARM online: Homepage @ http://www.manegarmsweden.com/ Facebook @ https://www.facebook.com/Manegarmsweden/ Twitter @ https://twitter.com/Manegarmsweden Napalm Records @ https://label.napalmrecords.com/manegarm

11.06.22 SE – Sölvesborg / Sweden Rock 13.08.22 DE – Schlotheim / Party San Metal Open Air 26.08.22 SE – Norrtälje / Månegarm Open Air 27.08.22 SE – Norrtälje / Månegarm Open Air June 2022 • Rock and Blues International 33

New Music From Canada

The Tragically Hip Announce Their First Standalone Live Album In 25 Years, Live At The Roxy, Set To Release June 24 The Highly Coveted Original Recording From The Iconic Roxy Concert On May 3, 1991 In Los Angeles, Will Be Available First Time Digitally And As Double LP/CD Featuring The Fan Favourite Killer Whale Tank Version Of “New Orleans Is Sinking” Pre-order and pre-save the album here at https://thehip.lnk.tt/liveattheroxy The track is available to stream/buy here at https://thehip.lnk.tt/shedidntknow Follow The Tragically Hip: Website @ https://thehip.com/ Facebook @ https://www.facebook.com/TheTragicallyHip/ Twitter @ https://twitter.com/thehipdotcom Tik Tok @ https://www.tiktok.com/@thehipofficial 34

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The Tragically Hip continued from previous page Live At The Roxy, Los Angeles May 3rd, 1991 Track listing: Little Bones She Didn’t Know Twist My Arm Highway Girl Cordelia Trickle Down The Luxury Three Pistols Fight I Believe in You (Or I’ll Be Leaving You Tonight) New Orleans is Sinking On The Verge Long Time Running Blow At High Dough All Canadian Surf Club The Tragically Hip have announced they will be releasing Live At The Roxy worldwide as a standalone live album on June 24 through Universal Music Canada. Prior to its inclusion on the Road Apples 30th Anniversary Deluxe package last year, the 15-song concert had not been publicly available and was a sought-after show for the bootleggers and diehard fans. Now, this legendary recording is available digitally for the first time and as a standalone 2 LP vinyl album and a single CD. The Tragically Hip’s announcement is celebrated with the release of the live version of “She Didn’t Know,” offering a glimpse into the vibrant improvisation and intimate commentary of the entire album.

Originally recorded on May 3, 1991, at the iconic Los Angeles venue for a Westwood One radio show, only 40 minutes of the set was broadcasted on air at the time, making the full recording that much more in demand.

This renowned concert saw the band at peak performance and is considered one of the best live shows from any rock band of the era.

Reminiscing on the night and what made this show particularly special for the band, bassist Gord Sinclair recalls: “I remember the Roxy show like it was yesterday. We had spent a year on the road before recording Road Apples and got right back in the saddle when we finished. The new tunes worked great live and by the time we got to LA we were firing on all pistons.”

Live At The Roxy is the second standalone live record for the band and it’s been 25 years since their first, Live Between Us, released in 1997. With all tracks

completely remastered in 2021 by Ted Jensen at Sterling Sound in Nashville, the album features the fan-favorite “Killer Whale Tank” version of “New Orleans Is Sinking.” The nine-minute track is characterized by a midsong story from the late frontman Gord Downie about a job cleaning an aquarium and inadvertently causing friction between the two whales held in the tank, fact or fiction, fans listen in wonderment. The captivating adlibbing throughout the entirety of the record creates the experience for the listener and as Sinclair describes: “a great show is something you just have to experience to understand. The magic stays with you. Listening back 30 years later and I’m transported to that hot, sweaty, and very special night. The band was tight and unstoppable. Great crowd, great venue.

Together we took things to another level.”

The Tragically Hip fans brought this release to fruition after countless requests for the deep-cut versions of some of the band’s most celebrated songs. Live At The Roxy offers a timeless experience of this sensational night as never before released. The striking album artwork is sequential to the Road Apples 30th Anniversary Deluxe art sure to be a favorite of any collection.

Critically acclaimed for more than three decades, The Tragically Hip has been at the heart of the Canadian musical zeitgeist, evoking a strong emotional connection between their music and their fans that

remains unrivaled. A five-piece group of friends including Rob Baker (guitar), Gord Downie (vocals, guitar), Johnny Fay (drums), Paul Langlois (guitar) and Gord Sinclair (bass), who grew up in Kingston, Ontario, The Tragically Hip have achieved both mass popularity with more than 10 million albums in Canada and over 1.5 million sold in the U.S, as well as peer recognition through 15 Juno Awards – picking up the distinguished Humanitarian Award in 2021 which recognizes Canadian artists or industry leaders whose humanitarian contributions have positively enhanced the social fabric of Canada and beyond. Their studio catalogue includes their self-titled debut album The Tragically Hip (1987), Up To Here (1989), Road Apples (1991), Fully Completely (1992), Day For Night (1994), Trouble At The Henhouse (1996), Phantom Power (1998), Music @ Work (2000), In Violet Light (2002), In Between Evolution (2004), World Container (2006), We Are The Same (2009), Now For Plan A (2012), Man Machine Poem (2016) and Saskadelphia (2021). A National Celebration was the final show of The Tragically Hip’s Man Machine Poem Tour recorded on August 20th, 2016, at the K-Rock Centre in their hometown of Kingston, Ontario, and is their last performance as a five-piece band. Through their career the band became a cultural touchstone in Canada, who despite their accolades and numerous recognitions, will always be proudest of the humanitarian work they have done over the years through numerous charitable organizations and causes.

June 2022 • Rock and Blues International 35

New Music From Puerto Rico

Los Rivera Destino Cook Up Breakfast in Humorous New Music Video “Pancakes” New Video “Foto de Perfil” @ https://youtu.be/XJaUvQomvO8 Acclaimed Puerto Rican band Los Rivera Destino continues to build their unstoppable momentum as one of the most intriguing rising acts in Latin music, today sharing the new music video for their single “Pancakes,” a cut from their highly anticipated debut album “Besitos y Besitas,” which was released in April 18.

“Pancakes” delivers both the progressive sound and the charming playfulness that have quickly made Los Rivera Destino a sensation, blending syrupy sweet riffs with witty lyrics that envelop listeners in a humorfueled romantic fantasy. The music video, which was directed by the band and sees the trio studying as chefs at La Escuela Hotelera de San Juan, a culinary and hospitality school in Puerto Rico, preparing pancakes alongside their beautiful classmate and instructor, but not without getting into a little trouble along the way. Fans will enjoy the whole amusing visual piece and will flip for the shocking surprise ending that they didn’t see coming.

“We understand that anyone in the world who throws a pancake in the face of Mariam Pabon (Comedian and Actress) deserves a beating from Savio Vega (WWEIWA). Even if Savio Vega threw a pancake in Mariam Pabon’s face, another Savio Vega would show up to beat up that Savio Vega.

We definitely deserve everything that happened to us in the filming of this music video, even though we were the directors of it.”

The band first introduced “Pancakes” to the public in their NPR Tiny Desk (Home) Concert performance earlier this year as a prelude to the release of their 14-track debut album produced by Ismael Cancel. An extraordinary project that sees the band merging the past with the future, defying generational boundaries by confronting stereotypes and challenging the status quo while also drawing from their ancestral roots and the rich musical history of their beloved

Isla del Encanto, “Besitos y Besitas” features the hit singles “Castigo” ft. Pedro Capó, “Mis Amigos,” “Edgar Allan Poe,” and “Foto de Perfil” ft. Ñengo Flow and iLe, along with collaborations with artists such as Guaynaa, Riccie Oriach, El Kanka, and Paula Cendejas.

Following its release the album has experienced worldwide success across all digital platforms and has garnered attention from a variety of major publications.

Since arriving on the scene in 2018, when they commanded global attention with their viral bolero interpretation of “Te Boté,” Los Rivera Destino has won acclaim from both listeners and press around the world. In 2019, they followed the success of “Te Boté” with “Flor,” their popular collaboration with Bad Bunny, and ever since then, the group has continued to captivate listeners with their innovative sound, leaving an unforgettable mark on Latin music within the span of just a few short years.

Follow LOS RIVERA DESTINO Facebook @ https://www.facebook.com/LosRiveraDestino Instagram @ Twitter @ https://twitter.com/LosRiveraD YouTube @ https://www.youtube.com/c/LosRiveraDestino/featured 36

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May 2022 • Rock and Blues International 37

New Music From Puerto Rico

Los Rivera Destono Cocinan El Desayuno En Su Nuevo y Humorístico Video Musical “Pancakes” “Pancakes” aparece en el popular álbum debut de la banda “Besitos y Besitas” @ https://youtu.be/XJaUvQomvO8 La aclamada banda puertorriqueña Los Rivera Destino continúa impulsándose como uno de los actos emergentes más intrigantes de la música latina, compartiendo hoy el nuevo video musical de su sencillo “Pancakes”, un corte de su muy esperado álbum debut “Besitos y Besitas”, que fue lanzado el pasado 18 de abril.

“Pancakes” ofrece tanto el sonido progresivo como el encantador carácter lúdico que ha hecho que Los Rivera Destino se conviertan rápidamente en una sensación, mezclando riffs dulces y almibarados con letras ingeniosas que envuelven a los oyentes en una fantasía romántica cargada de humor.

El vídeo musical, dirigido por la banda, muestra al trío estudiando como chefs en La Escuela Hotelera de San Juan, una escuela de cocina y hostelería en Puerto Rico, preparando tortitas junto a su bella

compañera de clase e instructora, pero no sin meterse en un pequeño problema por el camino. Esta es una divertida pieza visual que cautiva con una final sorpresa.

“Entendemos que cualquier persona en el mundo que le tire un pancake en la cara a Mariam Pabón (Comediante y Actriz) se merece una paliza de Savio Vega (WWEIWA). Incluso, si Savio Vega le tirara un pancake en la cara a Mariam Pabón aparecería otro Savio Vega a darle una paliza a ese Savio Vega. Nosotros definitivamente merecemos todo lo que nos pasó en la filmación de este video musical, aunque hayamos sido los directores del mismo.”

La banda presentó por primera vez “Pancakes” al público en su actuación en el NPR Tiny Desk (Home) Concert a principios de este año como preludio al lanzamiento de

Sigue a LOS RIVERA DESTINO @ Facebook @ https://www.facebook.com/LosRiveraDestino Instagram @ Twitter @ https://twitter.com/LosRiveraD YouTube @ https://www.youtube.com/c/LosRiveraDestino/featured 38

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su álbum debut de 14 temas producido por Ismael Cancel y Los Rivera Destino. Un proyecto extraordinario en el que la banda fusiona el pasado con el futuro, desafiando los límites generacionales al enfrentarse a los estereotipos y el statu quo, a la vez que se inspira en sus raíces ancestrales y en la rica historia musical de su querida Isla del Encanto. “Besitos y Besitas” incluye los exitosos sencillos “Castigo” ft. Pedro Capó, “Mis Amigos”, “Edgar Allan Poe” y “Foto de Perfil” con Ñengo Flow e iLe, además de colaboraciones con artistas como Guaynaa, Riccie Oriach y Paula Cendejas.

Desde su llegada a la escena en 2018, cuando comandaron la atención global con su interpretación viral de boleros de “Te Boté”, Los Rivera Destino han ganado elogios tanto de los oyentes como de la prensa dentro y fuera de Puerto Rico. En 2019, siguieron el éxito de “Te Boté” con “Flor”, su popular colaboración con Bad Bunny, y desde entonces, el grupo ha seguido cautivando a los oyentes con su sonido innovador, dejando una marca inolvidable en la música latina en el lapso de unos cuantos años.

June 2022 • Rock and Blues International 39

New Music From Germany

Photo Credit: Nikolaj Georgiew

FeuerschWanz Releases Very Personal Video for “Das Herz eines Drachen” from #1 German Album Chart Topper Memento Mori Get Your Copy Here At https://www.napalmrecordsamerica.com/feuerschwanz Following their massive German chart entry at #1 with their new studio album Memento Mori in the beginning of 2022, FEUERSCHWANZ have released an official video for what is likely their most personal song to date – “Das Herz eines Drachen” [en: The Heart of a Dragon]. The medieval folk rockers’ ballad shows a previously unknown side of the band with its evident seriousness. In a fire lit by burning guitar sounds and flute melodies, Captain Feuerschwanz mourns his fallen father with his head held high. A song that brings hope in dark times and once again underlines the credo of the last studio album - Memento Mori!

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“Das Herz eines Drachen”

https://youtu.be/2SRIlaW_vT0

Rock and Blues International •• November June 20222020

Hauptmann Feuerschwanz on “Das Herz eines Drachen”: “Das Herz eines Drachen” is a very personal song for me. To find words and sounds for feelings for which there are no words is almost impossible, but with the help of my friends from Feuerschwanz I mastered this challenge.

What if the world feels so threatening that the nervous system goes into a freeze? Perhaps that’s why it’s no coincidence that my second profession, as a psychologist, deals with the effects of trauma on our nervous systems. “Das Herz eines Drachen” is a song that is supposed to bring healing and reconciliation for everything that continued on next page

Track-list for Memento Mori Untot im Drachenboot Ultima Nocte Rausch der Barbarei Krampus Feuer & Schwert Das Herz eines Drachen Rohirrim Am Galgen Hannibal Skaldenmet

FeuerschWanz continued from previous page hurt us when we were young. I have found a new share of authentic strength and connection with my family and to the whole world again through my Dragonheart.”

After the great chart entry at #1 the new FEUERSCHWANZ album Memento Mori remained in the Top 120 of the official German album charts for a total of 11 weeks.

On Memento Mori, FEUERSCHWANZ finally make the step away from the simpler humor of earlier days, to one of the most important bands in German Folk-Rock!

With chanting violin playing, Memento Mori starts its heroic journey with its eponymous opener. The song turns out to be a melodic rock anthem with a well-known medieval character, a blazing guitar riff and life-affirming lyrics. On “Untot im Drachenboot”, the squad around Hauptmann Feuerschwanz sets off for new musical shores in a Viking ship full of undead warriors.

“Rausch der Barberei”, on the other hand delivers a violent, raw voice and driving drumming that send its listeners into unbridled frenzy. On “Krampus”, FEUERSCHWANZ sing in a canon of vocals and instruments about the ancient legend of the demonic companion of St. Nicholas, who is dressed in fur and a horned mask.

“Hannibal” on the other hand embarks on a raging battle of powerful choirs, swirling violin and guitar solos and driving drums, led by army commander Hannibal. The crowning finale of the almost 40-minute adventure is provided by “Skaldenmet” with its proudly advancing bass.

In trademark FEUERSCHWANZ style, Memento Mori is about great adventures, historic battles and outstanding heroic deeds.

FEUERSCHWANZ manage to stay true to their trademarks and at the same time venture into new musical realms. Fans of the band can look forward to an extensive deluxe edition of the album, which extends the running time of Memento Mori by almost double! Two additional CDs feature instru-

mental versions of all eleven tracks as well as the cover CD Die Glorreichen Sieben (The Magnificent Seven), which includes seven epic reissues from Amon Amarth to Die Ärzte and The Weeknd.

FEUERSCHWANZ on the new album: “You take nothing with you to your grave, except your coffin... Memento Mori is the direct successor to Die Letzte Schlacht!

The world of Hauptmann Feuerschwanz is in flames, overrun by the living dead and scourged by religious zealots... All of this sounds frighteningly real, even in Anno Domini 2021, so it’s time to defy the storm once again and celebrate life. Let’s live here, let’s live now - until death sharpens his knife!”

FEUERSCHWANZ are: Johanna – violin, hurdy-gurdyr Hauptmann – vocals, guitar Hodi – flutes, bagpipes, guitars, vocals Hans – guitar Jarne – bass Rollo – drums Musch Musch – dance & performance Myu – dance & performance

Feuerschwanz On Tour 03.06.22 DE – Dietenhofen / Bibertal Festival 10.06.22 DE – Kranichfeld / Sternenklang Festival 11.06.22 DE – Gelsenkirchen / Folkfield Fesrtival 24.06.22 DE – Dischingen / Rock am Härtsfeldsee 09.07.22 DE – Tuttlingen / Honbergsommer 23.07.22 DE – Bückeburg / MPS 04.08.22 ES – Villena / Leyendas Del Rock 05.08.22 DE – Wacken / Wacken Open Air 06.08.22 DE – Cologne / Südbrücke – Only Metfest in 2022 w/ Equilibrium, Wind Rose, Grailknights 07.08.22 DE – Hildesheim / M’era Luna Festival 12.08.22 AT – Graz / Metal On The Hill 13.08.22 DE – Höchstadt a. d. Aisch / Schlosshof Festival 17.08.22 DE – Dinkelsbühl / Summer Breeze 18.08.22 DE – Lindau / Club Vaudeville 19.08.22 CH – Vallamand / Rock The Lakes 20.08.22 CZ – Moravsk_ Krumlov / Rock Castle 26.08.22 DE – Dresden / Schleife 1 Open Air 27.08.22 DE – Schleswig / Baltic Open Air 03.09.22 DE – Luhmühlen / MPS 14.10.22 ES – Mallorca / Full Metal Holiday

More Info: FACEBOOK @ https://www.facebook.com/feuerschwanz/ TWITTER @ https://twitter.com/metundmiezen HOMEPAGE @ https://feuerschwanz.de/ NAPALM RECORDS @ https://label.napalmrecords.com/feuerschwanz June 2022

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post HERE

New Metal From U,K,

To announce the album and this next chapter, Bay shared a powerful letter on social media where he talked about his mental journey towards the making of this next body of work. Read the letter below and on social media– HERE.

Photo: PC Julia Broad

Brit Award-Winning and Grammy Award-Nominated James Bay Announce New Album Leap Out July 8th Leap Features Collaborations With Grammy Winning Producers and Songwriters Including Dave Cobb, Ian Fitchuk, Joel Little, Foy Vance, Finneas, And More!

Shares Brand New Single “One Life” Today Pre-order and pre-save Leap here at https://jamesbay.lnk.to/Leap Listen to “One Life”—HERE and check out the lyric video here at https://youtu.be/nvAYQpUoW3g Three-time GRAMMY® Awardnominated and BRIT Award-winning multi-platinum singer, songwriter, producer, and guitarist James Bay will release his highly anticipated third full-length album, Leap, on July 8th via Mercury/ Republic Records.

For Leap, Bay worked with some of the most sought after producers and songwriters in a mixture of in person and remote sessions in Nashville & London including Foy Vance [Ed Sheeran], Dave Cobb [Brandi Carlile, Chris Stapleton], Ian Fitchuk [Kacey Musgraves, Brett Eldredge], Joel Little [Lorde, Taylor Swift] & Finneas [Billie Eilish, The Knocks].

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Check out the full tracklist below!

To herald the arrival of the record, he just shared a brand-new single entitled “One Life.” Bay previewed the single this week with a heartfelt note on socials talking about the inspiration behind the song - his relationship with his longtime girlfriend Lucy. On the song Bay said: “This is a song I wrote about me and Lucy.

We first got together at 16 and have been together ever since. She’s supported me since day 1. From open mic nights, right through to my biggest shows. It’s been one adventure after another, but now we’re on the biggest one of all. Raising our beautiful daughter Ada.” Check out the

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It arrives on the heels of “Give Me The Reason”. The latter has already gathered nearly 8 million global streams and right out of the gate, Rolling Stone detailed how the single captures “that feeling of being on the verge of letting go of someone, while looking for any excuse to give it another try.” NME dubbed it “bittersweet,” and mxdwn noted, “the song opens up with his iconic voice that ignites the listener.” “Give Me The Reason” was recorded at both Blackbird studios in Nashville and in London with producer Gabe Simon [Lana Del Rey, Maroon 5, Calum Scott] and co-written with Foy Vance and features Ian Fitchuk on drums.

Watch the incredible music video here at https://youtu.be/m1SUJQ05OrQ. This summer James will be joining The Lumineers on their 2022 Brightside World Tour where he will be joining them on nine dates including Nashville’s Bridgestone Arena on September 1st and Chicago’s Wrigley Field on September 3rd.

See full dates below.

FROM JAMES BAY In 2019 I was really struggling. I started writing songs to try and help me deal with fear, anxiety and problems with self-confidence. Feelings that run deep, that I’ve never wanted to share. Somehow, it all turned into some of the most hopeful and uplifting music I have ever made.

I didn’t realize I was only halfway through making my third album when I came across John Burroughs’ quote “leap and the net will appear”. It was in a book about creative rediscovery and those words really sparked something in me. I was reading it because I was lost, feeling worthless. By 2020 I’d written a new batch of sad songs. I recorded them and thought the record was done. Then suddenly the world shut down and I couldn’t tour my new music. All I could do was stay home and write more. That’s when the album really started to take shape. It turns out there is light to be found even in the darkest moments.

I spend a lot of time (too much time) tangled up in negative thoughts. It’s so easy to spiral. But during all that extra time writing, I decided to embrace my sadness rather than fight it and I began to recognize what lifts me up when things get tough. Suddenly I was pushing the boundaries of my writing in ways I never continued on next page

Leap Tracklist “Give Me The Reason” “Nowhere Left To Go” “Save Your Love” “Everyone Needs Someone” “One Life” “Silent Love” “Love Don’t Hate Me” “Brilliant Still” “Right Now” “We Used To Shine” “Endless Summer Nights” “Better”

James Bay continued from previous page had before. I looked around at the people in my life that love and care about me the most and for the first time ever, I found a way to write from that emotion. I’ve always been afraid to go to those places, be that vulnerable; to say I love you, I need you and thank you in my writing.

It was so freeing to celebrate those people in my life that I love the most, that hold me up when I really need it. They’re the ones who give me the courage to go for it, to dare. When I can’t see the net, they give me the courage to leap.

James Bay For as much as James Bay upholds traditions of timeless songcraft, the UK singer, songwriter, guitarist, and producer also confidently challenges himself and popular music. He spikes a tried-and-true style with clever lyricism, honest confessions, and instrumental proficiency. On the heels of his platinum- certified 2015 debut Chaos And The Calm, he garnered GRAMMY® nods in the categories of “Best New Artist,” “Best Rock Album,” and “Best Rock Song” for the gold-selling single “Hold Back The River.” Meanwhile, “Let It Go” went triple-platinum. Nominated for dozens of awards, he took home two BRIT Awards, two Q Awards, and top honors at the Ivor Novello Awards and ECHO Awards. Tallying nearly 7.5 billion streams by 2022, he has performed on Saturday Night Live, The Ellen DeGeneres Show, Jimmy Kimmel LIVE!, and Late Night with Seth Meyers. He has notably dueted with numerous musical icons including Alicia Keys on The Voice, asked to join Mick Jagger while supporting The Rolling Stones at Twickenham Stadium in London, and joined Sheryl Crow on stage after performing his own set at Eric Clapton’s 2019 Crossroads Guitar Festival in Dallas, TX. In addition to selling out shows on four continents, Epiphone honored him with his own Limited-Edition

James Bay Signature “1966” guitar.

Following the success of 2018’s Electric Light, he deconstructed his sound to its bare essentials on the Oh My Messy Mind EP a year later hitting nearly 550 million global streams. It yielded the hit “Peer Pressure” [feat. Julia Michaels], generating nearly 350 million global streams, received critical acclaim from Time, Rolling Stone, and Billboard and the next year James opening up for Ed Sheeran on his 2019 record-breaking stadium run. In 2020, James released his new single “Chew On My Heart” which has already hit nearly 90 million streams , delivered a historic performance on the top of the London Eye for The Late Late Show with James Corden, performed on The Today Show, Mahogany Sessions and a full concert on YouTube in support of #SaveOurVenues.

He also created his own virtual event to share his music to fans during the pandemic, James Bay – Live At Shakespeare’s Globe which was a full concert event livestreamed at the historic venue. Last year, he guested on Maisie Peter’s song “Funeral,” which was featured on Apple TV+ original series “Trying: Season2” soundtrack.

To set the tone for the new year and his next chapter of music James recently finished a sold out “New Songs & New Stories” solo tour across the UK in support of Independent Venue Week. On the tour he returned to numerous independent music venues where he first got his start as an artist- performing with just a microphone & a guitar – and previewed new music set to come in 2022….

James Bay 2022 Tour Dates: August 17th Tulsa, OK Bok Center August 19th Dallas, TX American Airlines Center August 20th Austin, TX Moody Center August 26th Atlanta, GA State Farm Arena August 27th Charlotte, NC Spectum Center August 31st Louisville, KY KFC Yum! Center September 1st Nashville, TN Bridgestone Arena September 3rd Chicago, IL Wrigley Field September 6th Grand Rapids, MI Van Andel Arena June 2022 • Rock and Blues International 45

New Music From Norway The students did a great job and the video turned out very funny and looks professional, so we wanted to share it with you all. None of the dolls were harmed in the making of this video (as far as we know).”

Photo Credit: Studio Haara

Norwegian Heavy Rockers Audrey Horne Release Student-Produced Music Video for “Break Out” GOVI by Jorden Lee

Watch the new clip here at https://youtu.be/T0RbMNj1ZN8 Purchase the Album here at https://www.napalmrecordsamerica.com/audreyhorne Four years after their much-acclaimed Blackout record, on April 22, 2022 Bergenbased heavy rock act AUDREY HORNE released their chart-topping, seventh studio album, entitled Devil’s Bell, via Napalm Records.

To celebrate their brand new record in style, the band has just premiered a new music video for the track “Break Out”, but chose a unique, creative way to bring it to life. As guitarist Arve Isdal works at a school teaching music production, the band invited a group of the school’s talented film students to create the track’s amazing music video – supporting arts education and the future of rock! The clip perfectly matches the song – a true hard rocking anthem.

Arve says about the new video and its making-of: “The film students at a school I work for, Noroff Fagskole, had an assignment to make music videos. I thought it would be a

good idea for them to try to make a video for Audrey Horne.

Unfortunately we didn‘t have time to actually be present in the video, so we had to send the infamous doll versions of ourselves to star in it.

Devil’s Bell tracklisting: 01. Ashes To Ashes 02. Animal 03. Break Out 04. Return To Grave Valley 05. Danse Macabre 06. Devil’s Bell 07. All Is Lost 08. Toxic Twins 09. From Darkness

AUDREY HORNE online: FACEBOOK @ https://www.facebook.com/AudreyHorneOfficial NAPALM RECORDS @ https://label.napalmrecords.com/audreyhorne 46

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The band’s new album, Devil’s Bell – which entered the official album charts with positions such as #16 in Switzerland, #19 in Germany, #61 in France and #89 on the Hard Music Charts in Canada – shines with nine fist-pumping songs that will shake concert venues worldwide. As with every AUDREY HORNE album, there are no duds or misfires as the songs flow together seamlessly, making Devil’s Bell a delight to play from the first note straight to the end. Frontman Toschie once again proves that he has one of the most charismatic and energetic voices in rock, and the kinetic guitar-work of Ice Dale (Enslaved) and Thomas Tofthagen (ex-Sahg) underlines an outstanding genre-warp of 70s and 80s rock via NWOBHM, keeping the music rocking and the listener locked in. The band is tight, the music is festive, and the songs stick upon first listen – that’s how a modern hard rock album should sound!

AUDREY HORNE is: Torkjell “Toschie” Rød – Vocals Arve Isdal – Guitar Thomas Tofthagen – Guitar Espen Lien – Bass Kjetil Greve – Drums Devil’s Bell was recorded and produced by the band, with mixing by Herbrand Larsen.

Highly praised by the music press, with several top album soundcheck and chart positions, AUDREY HORNE’s new album is out now on Napalm Records and available as the following formats: - 6page Digisleeve - 1 LP Gatefold Black Vinyl - 1 LP Gatefold Curacao Vinyl + Slipmat - Digital

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Glass Animals Win Top Rock Artist & “Pepsi Mic Drop Moment” For “Longest Run To #1 On Billboard Hot 100” At 2022 Billboard Music Awards Glass Animals took home their first wins at the 2022 Billboard Music Awards, including Top Rock Artist and the brand-new “Pepsi?

Mic Drop Moment” for the “Longest Run To #1 On Billboard Hot 100” for “Heat Waves”’ record-breaking run to #1 after 59 weeks on the Hot 100 Chart—watch the band’s acceptance speech for Top Rock Artist here at https:// twitter.com/BBMAs/status/ 1526005025071190016.

The two wins top off the GRAMMY-nominated band’s historic year as the biggest band in the world, with “Heat Waves” peaking at #1 on the Billboard Hot 100 Chart for 5 weeks in a row, #1 on the Billboard Global 200 Chart for 6 weeks in a row, and #1 on the Billboard Radio Songs Chart and Billboard Global Excl. US Chart for 5 weeks. Not to mention, “Heat Waves” was the longest-leading #1 song on Billboard Hot 100 by a British Group in over 25 years, breaking Spice Girls’ “Wannabe”

record in 1997, and the longest-leading #1 song on Billboard Global 200. The song has also tied for the 6th-longest #1 run by British Groups in Hot 100’s history, alongside The Beatles’ “Can’t Buy Me Love” & “Get Back” and Wings’ “Silly Love Songs.” Recently, frontman Dave Bayley hit #1 on the Billboard Hot 100 Songwriters Chart—a career first.

Not to mention, Bayley recently teamed up with Florence + The Machine to co-write and coproduce several songs on her new album, Dance Fever, including her lead single “My Love” and tracks “Dream Girl Evil,” “Prayer Factory,” “Heaven Is Here,” “Daffodil,” “Restraint,” and “Morning Elvis.” In addition, Glass Animals released a remix of their latest single “I Don’t Wanna Talk (I Just Wanna Dance)” with The Strokes’ Albert Hammond Jr.— listen here at https://glassanimals.lnk.to/ IDWTIJWDRemixPR.

FOLLOW GLASS ANIMALS: FACEBOOK @ https://www.facebook.com/glassanimals SPOTIFY @ https://open.spotify.com/artist/4yvcSjfu4PC0CYQyLy4wSq TWITTER @ https://twitter.com/glassanimals WEBSITE @ https://opensource.glassanimals.com/ 48

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this audiovisual piece and the production, development and launch was entrusted to Landian, which conducted a beta test with NATYASH and her dance team through motion capture suits and facial expression recognition systems in real time.

New Music From Columbia

The audience, largely belonging to Steer Meta’s technical team, was able to interact with the artist through their avatars’ reactions and tridimensional elements within the scene. Thanks to this technology, it was possible to accomplish this historic project for Latin music in realistic and immersive environments, thus creating an unprecedented work of art.

**MUSIC ALERT** Natyash Is a Total “Malosa” and Launches Into The Metaverse The Colombian Artist Presents Her Second Single of 2022 and Releases a Video With The Latest in Augmented Reality Technology Within The Metaverse Listen “Malosa” here at https://farolatino.ffm.to/malosa “Malosa” is now available on digital platforms and YouTube @ https://www.youtube.com/c/NatyAshba8/ featured.

Since the recent launch of her career, NATYASH has defined herself by being daring in her experimentation.

“Malosa,” the second single from her first album, is no exception. On this new track, she fused four genres of the same musical line (reggaeton, Dominican dembow, guaracha and Brazilian funk), resulting in a completely innovative creation that aims to connect music lovers and blow their minds. This musical offering from NATYASH will be one of the biggest releases of 2022.

“Malosa” describes a commanding and empowered woman that makes her presence known, leaving everyone speechless, and was written by NATYASH herself with Giovanni Toro and Sebastián Barreto. The single also features the production of the renowned Medellín-based producer “Boxian.”

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“Music has evolved like everything else, and ‘Malosa’ is the perfect example of being able to fuse sounds that have been mutating...And not to mention the video, which was a very ambitious project because we made it in a metaverse,” the artist explained.

The music video that accompanies this release is a groundbreaking production because NATYASH is the first Latin artist to create one completely within the metaverse. The singer is no stranger to digital trends, and for months she has demonstrated a strong interest in the wold of the metaverse, including NFTs, of which she already has a collection for sale. She is currently developing a universe for enjoying virtual concerts through the Landian metaverse, created on Unreal Engine. Jaime Gómez directed

NATYASH began her artistic life within the fashion industry and before long she started to learn the music business from her husband DJ Ashba, renowned former guitarist for the band Guns N’ Roses.

After spending a lot of time exploring her passion for the arts and constructing a new musical identity, this beautiful Colombian launched her career as a performer last year and is known as one of the promising new artists in urban music in Latin America, where she has established herself on the major music charts with a strong, impressive and distinct approach.

Singles such as “SIN COMPROMISO” and “REPEAT” have become favorites for urban music lovers.

With open arms, countries such as Chile, Ecuador and Colombia have received a fresh, daring, and intriguing proposal with which NATYASH without a doubt presents herself as one of the new figures in music, allowing her to land on the greatest stages in the world, where she has shared her music with prominent urban artists.

Her recent single “REPEAT” now ranks among the most streamed songs and is already an anthem in multiple cities in Colombia, which confirms that NATYASH has arrived to position herself as the next female urban sensation. “Malosa,” her latest single, is one of her best releases of 2022.

Rock And Blues International

Desde el reciente comienzo de su carrera, NATYASH se ha caracterizado por atreverse a experimentar: “Malosa”, el segundo adelanto de su primer disco, no es la excepción. En este nuevo track, fusionó cuatro géneros de su misma línea musical (reggaetón, dembow dominicano, guaracha y funk brasileño), dando con una creación completamente innovadora que busca que los amantes de la música se conecten y hagan volar sus mentes. Esta apuesta musical de NATYASH será una de las más grandes para este 2022.

“Malosa” describe a una mujer dominante y empoderada que marca presencia sin dejar a nadie indiferente y contó con la composición de Giovanni Toro, Sebastián Barreto y la mismísima NATYASH. También, el single contó con la producción del reconocido productor musical “Boxian”, en la ciudad de Medellín.

“Así como todo ha evolucionado, la música no es la excepción, y ‘Malosa’ es la muestra perfecta para poder fusionar sonidos que han venido mutando… Y ni hablar del video que fue un trabajo muy ambicioso al hacerlo dentro de un metaverso”, declaró la artista.

El videoclip que acompaña este lanzamiento es una apuesta novedosa, ya que NATYASH es la primera artista latina en crear uno en su totalidad dentro del metaverso. La cantante no es ajena a las tendencias digitales, y es que desde hace meses ha mostrado un gran interés por todo este mundo del metaverso, incluso los NFTs, de los cuales ya cuenta con una colección a la venta. En la actualidad se está desarrollando un universo para disfrutar de conciertos virtuales a través del metarverso de Landian, creado sobre Unreal Engime.

Para esta pieza audiovisual, la dirección estuvo a cargo de Jaime Gómez y la producción, desarrollo y puesta en marcha estuvo a cargo de Landian. Por su parte, se realizó una prueba beta con NATYASH junto a su equipo de baile, a través de trajes de motion capture y sistemas de reconocimiento de expresiones faciales en tiempo real.

El público -en gran parte perteneciente al equipo técnico de Steer Meta- pudo interactuar con la artista por medio de reacciones de sus avatares y elementos tridimensionales dentro de la escena. Gracias a esta tecnología fue posible llevar a cabo este proyecto

** Nuevo Lanzamiento ** Natyash Ahora Es Toda Una “Malosa” Y Se Lanza Al Metaverso La Artista Çolombiana Presenta Su Sengundo Sencillo Para Este 2022 Y Estrena Un Video Con Lo Último De La Tecnologia De Realidad Almentada Dentro Del Metaverso Escucha “Malosa” aqui @ https://farolatino.ffm.to/malosa YouTube @ https://www.youtube.com/c/NatyAshba8/ featured. histórico para la música latina en entornos realistas e inmersivos, generando así un espectáculo sin precedentes.

“Malosa”, disponible en plataformas digitales y YouTube @ https://www.youtube.com/c/NatyAshba8/ featured.

NATYASH comenzó su vida artística dentro de la industria de la moda y poco después empezó a conocer el negocio de la música de la mano de su amor DJ Ashba, reconocido exguitarrista de rock de la banda Guns N´Roses.

NATYASH es conocida como una de las nuevas promesas de la música urbana en Latino América, donde ha venido consolidándose en los principales listados musicales con una propuesta arrolladora, impactante y diferente. Esta bella colombiana se lanzó al mundo de los escenarios el año anterior después de mucho tiempo explorando su pasión por las artes y construyendo una identidad

musical novedosa.

Sencillos como “SIN COMPROMISO” Y “REPEAT” se han convertido en las canciones preferidas de los amantes de los sonidos urbanos.

Países como Chile, Ecuador y Colombia han recibido con los brazos abiertos una propuesta fresca, irreverente e interesante con la que NATYASH sin duda se perfila como una de las nuevas figuras en la música permitiéndole pisar grandes escenarios en el mundo donde compartió su música con destacados artistas urbanos.

Actualmente, su reciente sencillo “REPEAT” se encuentra dentro de las canciones con mayor número de reproducciones y ya es un himno en varias ciudades de Colombia, lo que confirma que NATYASH ha llegado a posicionarse como la próxima promesa urbana femenina. A su vez, está estrenando su nuevo single “Malosa”, el cual es una de sus apuestas más grandes para este 2022.

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Photo Credit - Josh Adams

Sleeping With Sirens Announce Summer US Tour with Don Broco, Point North + Garzi Ticket Info Here at http://sirensmusic.co/ VIP Package Info Here at https://sleepingwithsirensvip.wun.io/ Sleeping With Sirens have today announced their Ctrl + Alt + Del Tour this summer with Don Broco, Point North, and Garzi as support. Each stop on the tour will have limited availability of exclusive pre-show Sleeping With Sirens VIP experience packages which include one premium reserved or general admission ticket, an intimate acoustic performance, Q&A, group photo, and exclusive VIP merch.

The band most recently released their track “Bloody Knuckles”, their first original release since their 2019 smashhit album ‘How It Feels To Be Lost’. Check out “Bloody Knuckles” at https://youtu.be/Dr93IjkUatI. Falling on the more melodic side of the post-hardcore world, Florida’s Sleeping with Sirens create a whirlwind of emotion with their yearning and aggressive blend of metal and emo influences. Formed in 2009, Sleeping with Sirens — featuring vocalist Kellin Quinn, guitarists Jack Fowler and Jesse Lawson, bassist Justin Hills, and drummer Gabe Barham — quickly caught the attention of metalcore label Rise Records, which signed them and released their debut record, With Ears to See, And Eyes to Hear, in 2010. The album launched the band onto the Billboard Heatseekers chart, debuting at number seven and selling over 25,000 copies. Their 52 52 Rock Rockand andBlues BluesInternational International ••• June November April2022 20222020

sophomore effort, Let’s Cheers to This, arrived in May of the following year. At the beginning of 2013, the bandmembers announced they had entered the studio to record their third album, and Feel was released just six months later. The album debuted at number three on the U.S. Billboard 200 chart. Madness, the band’s fourth studio long-player and first outing for Epitaph Records, arrived in early 2015.

Live and Unplugged followed the next year, an acoustic set that also included covers of Sublime’s “Santeria” and Goo Goo Dolls’ “Iris.” The band’s fifth set, Gossip, arrived in 2017 on Warner Bros.

Produced by David Bendeth, the album featured a stark, pop-friendly shift heard on tracks such as the lead single “Legends.” Over the next two years, the band played major tours of North America and Europe in support of the album, and in early 2019 announced a new record deal with Sumerian Records. Their first effort for the label, How It Feels to Be Lost, arrived later that year.

Their sixth album, How It Feels marked a return to their heavier post-hardcore sound and featured the singles “Leave It All Behind” and “Break Me Down,” as well as a collaboration with Benji Madden. Upon release, the set debuted within the Top 100 on the Billboard 200.

Find Sleeping With Sirens Online http://sirensmusic.co Twitter @ https://twitter.com/SWStheband Facebook @ https://www.facebook.com/ sleepingwithsirens/

Sleeping With Sirens On Tour July 14 - Chicago, IL @ House of Blues July 15 - Mansfield, OH @ Inkcarceration Festival July 16 - Ft. Wayne, IN @ Pierre’s July 17 - Pontiac, MI @ The Crofoot July 19 - Philadelphia, PA @ Union Transfer July 20 - Worcester, MA @ The Palladium July 21 - New York, NY @ Palladium Times Square July 23 - Baltimore, MD @ Hammerjacks July 25 - Charlotte, NC @ The Fillmore July 26 - Atlanta, GA @ The Masquerade July 27 - Orlando, FL @ House of Blues July 29 - Houston, TX @ Warehouse Live July 30 - Dallas, TX @ South Side Music Hall July 31 - San Antonio, TX @ Vibes Event Center August 2 - Tempe, AZ @ Marquee Theatre August 4 - Los Angeles, CA @ 1720 August 5 - San Diego, CA @ The Observatory August 6 - Santa Ana, CA @ The Observatory August 7 - Sacramento, CA @ Ace of Spades August 9 - Portland, OR @ Crystal Ballroom August 10 - Seattle, WA @ Showbox August 12 - Salt Lake City, UT @ Depot August 13 - Denver, CO @ Ogden Theatre August 14 - Kansas City, MO @ Truman

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Joy Oladokun 54 Rock and Blues International • June 2022

Joy Oladokun’s New Single “Purple Haze” Out Now! Debuted On “The Late Show With Stephen Colbert” Nationwide Headline Tour Underway

www.joyoladokun.com Breakthrough artist Joy Oladokun’s new single, “Purple Haze,” is out today on Amigo Records/Verve Forecast/Republic Records (stream/purchase here at https://joyoladokun.lnk.to/Purple-Haze ). The song, about love and the end of the world, made its debut last week on “The Late Show with Stephen Colbert” (watch here at https://youtu.be/SU5-7lknJ2c ).

Of the song, Oladokun shares, “I wrote ‘Purple Haze’ while I was in LA after some wildfires, and I noticed the sky was not the color that it should be. It made me think about the world we live in and all the information we get on a daily basis. It almost feels like we might be on our way out as a species but there are wonderful things like family, friends, partners, dogs - things that inspire us towards beauty and excitement. Even if this all ends, it was worth the experience.”

Joy is currently in the midst of her first nationwide headline tour. Upcoming stops include Pittsburgh’s Thunderbird Music Hall, Washington DC’s Union Stage, Atlanta’s Terminal West and Nashville’s The Basement East (two nights) among many others.

She will also join Maren Morris and My Morning Jacket for several shows this year and will make her Bonnaroo debut in June.

See below for complete tour itinerary.

Continuing to receive overwhelming acclaim, Joy was recently featured in Vanity Fair, who praises, “Her name is both prescient and redundant. She oozes energy that shifts a room’s center of gravity and makes you happy for it. It is charisma and she has it in spades. It’s the way she approaches her craft too.”

“Purple Haze” follows Joy’s recent releases, “Fortune Favors The Bold” and “Keeping The Light On,” as well as her breakthrough major label debut, in defense of my own happiness (Amigo Records/Verve Forecast/Republic Records—stream/ purchase here). Widely acclaimed, the album landed on numerous “Best of 2021” lists including at NPR Music, Billboard, Variety, American Songwriter, The Tennessean, Nashville Scene and The Bitter Southerner.

Since her debut, Joy has been featured as part of NPR Music’s “Tiny Desk (Home) Concert” series, was a guest on the acclaimed podcast “Song Exploder” and has performed on “CBS Saturday Morning,” “Jimmy Kimmel Live!,” “The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon,” “The Late Show with Stephen Colbert,” “TODAY” and PBS’ “Austin City Limits.” She was also named a member of the #YouTubeBlack Voices Class of 2021, a NPR

Music/Slingshot’s 2021 Artists to Watch, a Billboard LGBTQ Artist of the Month, Spotify’s RADAR US: Artists to Watch 2021 and Amazon Music’s Artists to Watch 2021, was highlighted as part of HULU’s “Your Attention Please: The Concert” alongside 24kGoldn, Kiana Ledé, Lil Yachty and Swae Lee, and had her music featured on CBS’ “CSI: Vegas,” NBC’s “This Is Us,” ABC’s “Grey’s Anatomy,” ABC’s “Station 19” and NBC’s “America’s Got Talent” and HBO’s “And Just Like That” among many others.

Moreover, Joy recently collaborated with Brandi Carlile and Lucie Silvas on new song “We Don’t Know We’re Living,” with Noah Kahan on his track, “Someone Like You” and with Jason Isbell for a new version of Bonnie Raitt’s “I Can’t Make You Love Me” as part of her debut Spotify Singles session.

JOY OLADOKUN CONFIRMED TOUR DATES June 18—Manchester, TN—Bonnaroo Music Festival August 4—Columbia, MD—Merriweather Post Pavilion^ August 5—Cleveland, OH—Jacobs Pavilion at Nautica^ August 6—Detroit, MI—Michigan Lottery Amphitheatre^ August 11—Redmond, WA—Marymoor Park+ August 12—Bend, OR—Hayden Homes Amphitheater+ August 14—Stanford, CA—Frost Amphitheater+ August 16—Santa Barbara, CA—Santa Barbara Bowl+ August 17—Los Angeles, CA—Hollywood Forever Cemetery+ August 19—Taos, NM—Kit Carson Park+ August 21—Salt Lake City, UT—Venue+ August 23—Dillon, CO—Dillon Amphitheater+ August 24—Dillon, CO—Dillon Amphitheater+ August 26—Morrison, CO—Red Rocks Amphitheatre+ August 27—Morrison, CO—Red Rocks Amphitheatre+ September 15—Boston, MA—Leader Bank Pavilion+ September 16—New Haven, CT—Westville Music Bowl+ September 19—Charlottesville, VA—Ting Pavilion+ September 20—Wilmington, NC—Live Oak Bank Pavilion+ September 22—Asheville, NC—Rabbit Rabbit+ September 23—Nashville, TN—Ascend Amphitheater+ September 24—Huntsville, AL—The Orion Amphitheater+ September 30—Dana Point, CA—Ohana Festival 2022 *with special guest Bre Kennedy ^supporting Maren Morris +supporting My Morning Jacket June 2022

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“Their odes to nasty sex and bad women are tinged with tongue-incheek campiness. ‘Jerk’ is so obnoxious it’s impossible to dislike it.”

- ALL MUSIC GUIDE “Pure Hollywood, honestly, and comfortably vulgar.” - NEW YORK TIMES

When former Sex Pistol STEVE JONES joined a pick up band for a benefit concert for a cancer-stricken friend at LA’s notorious Viper Room back in the mid ’90s, he probably had no clue that the lineup he’d choose would result in a full blown record deal with Madonna’s Maverick Records for $1million. What started out as a random mishmash of his musician friends - JOHN TAYLOR (Duran Duran) and DUFF McKAGAN and MATT SORUM (Guns N’ Roses) and a Monday night residency at the infamous club turned into NEUROTIC OUTSIDERS. Together, they took all that power they possessed and channeled it into a selftitled debut which was originally released in 1996. Long out of print, Neurotic Outsiders is being rereleased as an Expanded Edition, containing all the tracks from the album plus their rare Japanese–only EP. It will be released on June 3, 2022 via Boston-based Supermegabot Records.

NEUROTIC OUTSIDERS (clockwise from top left: Matt Sorum, Steve Jones, John Taylor, Duff McKagan

Neurotic Outsiders’ Long Out-Of-Print Debut To Be Re-Released In Expanded Form - Out June 3, 2022 The Neurotic Outsiders are Steve Jones (Sex Pistols), John Taylor (Duran Duran), Duff McKagan and Matt Sorum (Guns N’ Roses) Check Out Neurotic Outsiders “Jerk” at https://youtu.be/bOs3wBAfwMo 50 Rock Rockand andBlues BluesInternational International •• June October 56 20222021

“We all were in these highprofile, high maintenance bands with very little actual playing. With Neurotic Outsiders, things felt completely loose,” laughs Taylor of the ragtag nature of the band. Originally starting out as cover band that hosted a wide array of surprise guests including Simon LeBon, Billy idol, Izzy Stradlin, Chrissie Hynde, Ian Astbury, Sporty Spice Mel C, Iggy Pop, Brian Setzer, and Slash, the band’s own internal chemistry between its four members was so apparent that soon Neurotic Outsiders was born.

As more and more of Jones’ post-Sex Pistols originals started making their way into their sets, the band began embracing the new continued on next page

Neurotic Outsiders continued from previous page material. Comprised of no frills, guitar-drenched, cracking rock n’ roll tunes, most of the originals were unheard material leftover from Jones’ Sex Pistols/Professionals days. “He [Jones] gave me the tape of his songs and it became my favorite tape,” recalls McKagan. “It sounded like 1979 English punk rock with an American feel. It was rockin’. It was heavy. Jonesy wrote the coolest pop.”

Pulling in Talking Heads’ Jerry Harrison to harness its power, the self-titled debut was chock full of songs that reveled in the rock n’ roll excess of yore which New York Times characterized as “pure Hollywood, honestly, and comfortably vulgar” and Details called “crude punk rock.”

Kicking off right out of the gate with the slash and burn of “Nasty Ho” into the pounding sear of “Always Wrong,” they unexpectedly sprinkled honest and tender tunes throughout, including the wistful “Union,” a rumination on the demise of the Sex Pistols (who ironically reformed just as the song was completed). “Story Of My Life” retells Jones’ own addict’s lament while Taylor’s “Better Way” is “a testament to our sober lives and it was not the song I would have envisioned writing with the co-author of ‘Pretty Vacant’.”

Other tracks include “Angelina” (a tribute to the inescapable 80’s / 90’s pink-haired billboard queen of LA), “Good News” (a bitter send-off with the lyric “the good news is you’re dying, the bad news is I’m alive”). The album’s first single “Jerk” is a standard self-deprecating Jones’ track where he proclaims “I’m a jerk” as a chorus. Included are covers Duran Duran’s “Planet Earth” (from the Japan-only EP) and a

NEUROTIC OUTSIDERS Tracklisting Nasty Ho Always Wrong Angelina Good News Better Way Feelings Are Good Revolution Jerk Union Janie Jones Story Of My Life Six Feet Under Seattle Head Spanish Ballroom Planet Earth Jerk (Clean Version)

furious rendition of The Clash’s “Janie Jones.”

adapted by director Danny Boyle (Trainspotting, Slumdog Millionaire) as the 2022 Hulu miniseries “Pistol.”

Just as the band was starting to gather steam, each of the band members were - one by one - pulled away when their previously inactive bands started reforming again, leaving prospects of a continuation of Neurotic Outsiders swept away in the Viper Room’s evening detritus. Had they stuck together, it might have reenergized Jones to continue making music. But as it stands, this currently stands as his final album (he is, by admission, “quite lazy”).

“I am proud of that album,” smiles Jones through a sepia-toned lens. “This is one album I really do like. I like the songwriting. I like the production and I like the way it’s played. We had a fun time making that record and I think it could’ve done well if we’d all been around to give it a proper push.”

EPITAPH: Since 1996, the band reformed in 1999 for three shows at the (now defunct) Viper Room, but they’ve all stayed busy.

The album’s lyrics foreshadowed many of the themes addressed in Steve Jones’ acclaimed 2018 autobiography, Lonely Boy, now

Matt Sorum’s long-delayed autobiography, Double Talkin’ Jive has been released by Rare Bird Books this week, covering his career from playing in Tori Amos’ Y Kant Tori Read project, through the Cult, GnR, Velvet Revolver and beyond.

Duff McKagan made numerous albums, both solo and in other bands, and has written two books, before reuniting with the reformed Guns N Roses who’ve been touring since 2016.

John Taylor recorded six solo albums, wrote his autobiography, and has been touring and recording with Duran Duran since the original band reunited in 2000.

All four members of Neurotic Outsiders are in the Rock N Roll Hall Of Fame, as is the album’s producer Jerry Harrison. John Taylor’s induction with Duran Duran will take place this November.

This Expanded Edition of Neurotic Outsiders includes the original remastered album adding four b-sides from a rare Japan-only EP. It will be released on June 3.

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Zombi Announces Zombi & Friends, Volume 1 Covers Album featuring Members Of Pinkis Black, The Sword, Trans Am & Zao WATCH/PRE-ORDER: https://orcd.co/zombifriendsvol1 Please Post and Share: https://bit.ly/ZombiFriendsVolume1-YT OFFICIAL LINKS: ZOMBI on Facebook @ https://www.facebook.com/ZombiBand/ ZOMBI on Twitter @ https://twitter.com/ZombiBand ZOMBI on Bandcamp @ https://zombi.bandcamp.com/ ZOMBI returns once again and has recruited friends from Pinkish Black, The Sword, Trans Am & Zao to create ZOMBI & FRIENDS, VOL. 1, a collection of classic rock covers!

ZOMBI & FRIENDS, VOL. 1 sees the band faithfully covering tracks ranging from The Doobie Brothers, to The Alan Parsons Project, Dionne Warwick, Neil Diamond, and more!

released a new one almost every Friday.

It was a chance to stay busy and connected during the pandemic. Admittedly it started as a bit of a joke with our Barbra Streisand cover, which was originally going to be a one-off, but the reaction was so strong we decided to plan out a whole series.”

ZOMBI & FRIENDS, VOL. 1 is available on all streaming services HERE and physical pre-orders are available via Relapse.com HERE. ZOMBI & FRIENDS, VOL. 1 physical items are officially out June 17 on LP/ CD.

Steve Moore of ZOMBI comments: “Last year we invited some of our close friends to take part in a series of soft and smooth cover songs we loved from our childhood. Over the course of the year we recorded 25 songs, from roughly the mid 70’s through the mid 80’s, and 58 Rock and Blues International • June 2022

ZOMBI & FRIENDS, VOL. 1 TRACKLIST: Guilty (Originally by Barry Gibb) Suspicions (Originally by Eddie Rabbitt) I Can’t Tell You Why (Originally by Eagles) Sirius/Eye in the Sky (Originally by The Alan Parsons Project) Take You Back (Originally by Frank Stallone) Takin’ It To the Streets (Originally by Michael McDonald) Captain of Her Heart (Originally by Double) Deja Vu (Originally by Dionne Warwick) You’ll Never Find Another Love Like Mine (Originally by Lou Rawls) America (Originally by Neil Diamond)

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54

Rock and Blues International • November 2021

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Rock And Blues International

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

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Paul Leary (Butthole Surfers) Announces Debut LP Reissue, Shares “Speedo Man” Single + Video via BV | Reissue 2xLP Out 6/17 via ShimmyDisc/Joyful Noise 62

Rock and Blues International • June 2022

The History of Dogs Reissue LP Out 6/17 2xLP with Born Stupid LP Available for PreOrder Now via ShimmyDisc/Joyful Noise Watch “Speedo Man” at https://youtu.be/cQDTst-Twdc PAUL LEARY LINKS Facebook @ https://www.facebook.com/paul.leary.165 Twitter @ https://twitter.com/Learymon Paul Leary (Butthole Surfers) has announced a reissue of his debut LP, The History of Dogs (originally shared in 1992), due June 17 via Shimmy-Disc/Joyful Noise. To commemorate the announcement, he has shared a brand new single and bonus track off the record entitled “Speedo Man,” along with an accompanying music video.

Paul Leary’s latest solo LP, Born Stupid, came out last year via Shimmy-Disc/Joyful Noise. Both records — Born Stupid and the newly reissued The History of Dogs — are available to pre-order as a 2xLP bundle @ https://shimmy-disc.net/shimmy-2012.html No, it doesn’t sound like the Butthole Surfers. It was never going to sound like Butthole Surfers. Get over it !!!

It’s time to revisit Paul Leary’s 1992 debut solo LP - the avalanche of sound he titled The History of Dogs, “Revisited” here with two additional tracks that did not appear on the original LP, including one that will soon appear as the first video from the LP, “Speedo Man.” You won’t believe your eyes. Believe me.

This 1992 LP was WAY ahead of its time. Originally released on Rough Trade Records during the glory days of Butthole Surfers’ crash course across the stages of every music festival criss-crossing the globe, this is zany, complex, unhinged, and sometimes just gloriously weird music, but it also features some of the most catchy indie pop music anthems you’ll ever hear, and certainly far catchier than anything you’d ever hear from the BS catalog of psychedelic hysteria.

Listen to “The Birds Are Dying,” or “Fine Home,” and then try to say that Paul Leary isn’t one of the most gifted songwriters/ producers of the late 20th century? This indispensable LP reissue (ReMastered in 2021 by Paul and Shimmy-Disc founder Kramer) is a

wondrous time capsule that brings us back in time to where we all were 30 years ago, firm in our belief that there simply wasn’t another band anywhere on earth like Butthole Surfers, and firm in the belief that the band’s driving musical force, Paul Leary, like his partner Gibby Haynes, was one of those once-in-a-lifetime talents that just couldn’t be ignored. These two were a force-of-nature. That great band may be in hibernation, but...stay tuned.

Kramer, who played bass guitar in the band in 1985, says, “It was the year of the dog, and I was the bassist in the greatest band in the world. Life was good.”

Last year, Shimmy-Disc released Paul’s 2nd solo LP, Born Stupid, to rave reviews. It was his first solo LP in nearly 30 years.

Now it’s 2022 and Shimmy-Disc is reissuing Paul’s first solo LP, re-Mastered for Vinyl, with a vengeance. Like Kramer said...Life is Good.

The History of Dogs (Reissue) - TRACKLISTING 1. The Birds Are Dying 2. Apollo One 3. Dalhart Down the Road 4. How Much Longer 5. He’s Working Overtime 6. Speedo Man 7. Indians Storm the Government 8. Is It Mikey 9. Too Many People 10. The City 11. Fine Home 12. The Adventures of Pee Pee the Sailor

LISTEN/WATCH & SHARE: Paul Leary - “Speedo Man” Stream @ https://soundcloud.com/user-246996167/speedo-man/s-HWymzkzuS8I YouTube @ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cQDTst-Twdc LISTEN/PURCHASE & SHARE: Paul Leary - Born Stupid LP Stream @ https://open.spotify.com/album/2xKVhVdJTaA5e99HAZJeMd Purchase @ https://shimmy-disc.net/bornstupid.html WATCH & SHARE: Paul Leary - “Mohawk Town” YouTube @ https://youtu.be/F8GqvSKUDwU LISTEN/WATCH & SHARE: Paul Leary - “The Adventures of Pee Pee the Sailor” YouTube @ https://youtu.be/ZV6JTP87Tnk June 2022

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Photo credit: Tammie Valer

Alicia Blue shares video for dreamy indiefolk anthem “Dog Days In LA,” Announces ‘Inner Child Work’ EP out July 15 Streams “Dog Days In LA” at https://ffm.to/dogdaysinla Check Out The Video at https://youtu.be/uGfhQL8Nhwk “‘Dog Days in LA” is a bridge between old and new, between folk and rock, between what was, what is and what’s to come,” says Nashville-based magnetic indiefolk singer-songwriter Alicia Blue about the first single/video off her new EP Inner Child Work out on July 15 via Magnetic Moon.

“Dog Days in LA” is about her realization of how much she didn’t have her life in California figured out. “Each song on Inner Child Work is really just about the difficulty of navigating this life and not having all the proper tools to live it in the most successful way,” Blue describes. “And by successful, I mean the ‘healthiest.’ I like to think that getting this all out helps me in some way.”

Directed by Tyler Dunning Evans, the video for “Dog Days of LA” was filmed in

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and around the outskirts of Los Angeles and Joshua Tree. The video follows Blue driving in a convertible with the top down, air washing over her, creating a pleasurable sensory overload adorned with a unique blend of LA skylines and picturesque cityscapes.

Blessed with a gift for words shaped by her first passion - poetry, and a blue-sky voice to sing them, Blue says though she started out as a folk singer, she just couldn’t seem to color within those sometimes rigid genre lines for her new EP. “Intense indie rock themes started speaking to me, holding my lyrics, framing every word I was trying to say. Then, as I found myself gaining clarity on what this record was about, I decided to leave LA and move to Nashville.”

Rock and Blues International • June 2022

That move meant leaving the only home she had ever known, a city she both loved and felt lost/distorted in, but a trek out to Nashville to record music gave Blue perspective on her life in Los Angeles. “The poet in me sees the lost souls everywhere in LA ... at open mics, bars, parties, shows and more. I even saw it in myself. I hit a point where I started to understand myself, realizing I hadn’t known WTF I was doing for so long, around a bunch of other people who didn’t know WTF they were doing either. Eventually, you just have to let yourself say goodbye... not with any intention of superiority, but with a sense of finding something new.” She says “Dog Days In LA” is that bridge between “finding yourself and continued on next page

Alicia Blue continued from previous page Inner Child Work Tracklist 1.“Dog Days in LA” 2. “Saline Waters” 3. “DTMTS (Don’t Tell Me to Smile)” 4. “Fine” 5. “Dirty Hippie” admitting that you were lost in the first place.”

Once in Nashville, she then found a perfect creative foil in the Nashville-based songwriter and producer Lincoln Parish, originally of the band Cage the Elephant.

Parish helped to provide a solid musical foundation for her songs—including some new guitar progressions, textures, and riffs— so she could focus on doing her best, most creative writing work to date. Inner Child Work finds her grappling with some longoverdue emotional reckonings. “I didn’t grow up with any faith or trust in what you might call self-help or anything like that,” she says.

“I got my first therapist a few years ago and realized there were things holding me back from doing what I wanted with my life.

Things like anxiety, depression—I just had no language to describe them previously, so there was no way to deal with their existence.”

There are moments on Inner Child Work that focus on more immediate, pressing matters. “Saline Waters” is about facing mortality and is like a “darker and more aggressive take on Joni Mitchell’s’ ‘Circle Game,’” Blue says, while the witty indie rock “DTMTS (Don’t Tell Me To Smile)” states in no uncertain terms the narrator’s frustration with being told she’d look prettier and/or

single cover for “Dog Days In LA”

photo by JP Cordero

happier if she’d just smile.

Even when noting her admiration for authors like Jack Kerouac and Joan Didion, as well as songwriter/poets like Bob Dylan, Joni Mitchell and Leonard Cohen, it’s still difficult to pin down her exact musical influences on Alicia Blue’s Inner Child Work—and that’s exactly how the California singer-songwriter likes it. Although her folk roots are never far from the surface, the EP/ album encompasses ’90s alternative rock (“Dirty Hippie”), and even Tori Amos-esque introspection (“Fine”).

Inner Child Work is indeed just the beginning for Alicia Blue, as it’s an EP that finds her examining who she was and setting her sights on where she wants to be. “This EP and my existence as an artist come from a need to connect and develop relationships— yet simultaneously I’ve always felt like this lone candle in a dark room,” Blue says. “My artistry and the album have this wildness to them. But I can also feel this softening happening. Inner Child Work is caught right at the point of in-between, which I would call healing.”

Releasing her first EP in 2019, fate fell immediately for her with Starbucks asking for her song “Magma” to be featured in stores worldwide via their Starbucks Acoustic playlist on Spotify. Garnering immediate attention as a songwriter and singer, Alicia quickly became a pivotal figure on the LA songwriting circuit. She’s been featured in publications including Billboard and Atwood Magazine, as well as LA’s legendary KCRW. Alicia Blue’s first full-length album Bravebird was released April 2020 in the middle of a global pandemic, securing spots on Spotify’s influential Fresh Finds Pop and Fresh Finds Rock playlists and garnering a whole new round of buzz and attention. In January 2021, she was featured at the top of Atwood Magazine’s “2021 Artists to Watch.”

With new music in hand, Alicia Blue is poised for a breakout this year.

“Dog Days of LA” is now available via Magnetic Moon and can be purchased/ streamed here. Inner Child Work will be released on July 15, 2022 via Magnetic Moon.

Follow Alicia Blue Online At: Twitter @ https://twitter.com/AliciaBlueMusic Facebook @ https://www.facebook.com/Aliciabluemusic Website @ https://aliciablue.com/ June 2022 • Rock and Blues International

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America this fall. Noah is also confirmed to play both weekends of Austin City Limits (TICKETS) this year; October 7th - 9th and October 14th - 16th. For a full list of tour dates and to purchase tickets, please visit https:// www.noahcyrus.com.

For her forthcoming debut full-length, ‘The Hardest Part,’ Noah recruited esteemed, award-winning record producer Mike Crossey[Arctic Monkeys, Ben Howard, The 1975, Wolf Alice], who helped guide her vision and find her voice. Noah oversaw all the arrangements on the record and made sure to emphasize the incorporation of instruments such as pedal steel and slide guitar. “Creating the arrangements was the most fulfilling part of this record,” she goes on. “Mike and I were so driven and fully engulfed in the music. It was seamless—our brains connected into one.

I found a safe place to make music with people I love and trust. The process was really healing for me.” She adds, “For the first time, I’m revealing my complete and honest truth.” On ‘The Hardest Part,’ Noah has truly stepped into herself on her 2022 full-length debut album.

Noah Cyrus Releases ‘Mr Percocet’ Debut Album ‘The Hardest Part’ Out July 15 Announces North American Tour Dates Including Austin City Limits ‘MR. PERCOCET’ WATCH @ https://youtu.be/Ghl_vkEV3tc LISTEN @ https://noahcyrus.lnk.to/MrPercocet ‘THE HARDEST PART’ PRE-ORDER/ADD/SAVE @ https://www.noahcyrus.com/ Multi-platinum selling, GRAMMY® Award-nominated Noah Cyrus continues to tease her highly anticipated and deeply personal debut album, ‘The Hardest Part,’ out July 15 (RECORDS / Columbia Records). The rousing ‘Mr. Percocet,’ showcases her undeniable knack for intricate and heartwrenching songwriting. Brutally honest, ‘Mr. Percocet’ details a complicated journey of addiction and recovery that the young Cyrus continues to navigate, while so beautifully pouring her experiences into every ounce of her music and forthcoming body of work.

Noah has lived every song, and the embers of her experiences burn bright over a soundtrack steeped in pop spirit, folk eloquence, and the country soul of her Nashville roots. Light years beyond anything she’s released previously, this new chapter will undoubtedly

place Noah Cyrus firmly in the upper echelon of contemporary singer-songwriters.

Speaking about the new single, Noah reveals, “This song is written about my personal experience with the confusion and insecurities that arise in a relationship when substance abuse is involved. It causes such manic behavioral changes that you can lose sight of yourself and who you fell in love with.”

‘Mr. Percocet’ follows the release of ‘I Burned LA Down,’ which saw its late night television debut on ABC’s Jimmy Kimmel Live!

Also announced today, Noah Cyrus will embark on a headlining tour across North

Follow Noah Cyrus Online at: OFFICIAL WEBSITE @ https://www.noahcyrus.com/ YOUTUBE @ https://www.youtube.com/channel/ UCoA_M5jHdV9_dJZMm9-Cr5A TWITTER @ https://twitter.com/noahcyrus FACEBOOK @ https://www.facebook.com/NoahCyrus 66 Rock and Blues International • June 2022

Emerging in 2016 at the age of 16, Noah Cyrus immediately captivated audiences with her unique blend of pop and soulful southern vocals. Her undeniable songwriting skills were truly showcased in 2020’s The End of Everything EP which yielded the tripleplatinum “July” and RIAA certified GOLD release “Lonely.” In between earning a GRAMMY® Award nod in the category of “Best New Artist,” she teamed up with PJ Harding for the People Don’t Change EP in 2021. NME rated “4-out-of-5 stars” and predicted, “it’s not hard to imagine her becoming a household name in her own right.”

Along the way, she performed at Coachella twice, while Billboard named her among its “21 Under 21” for three straight years. She also shined on The Late Late Show with James Corden, The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon, Ellen, and The Today Show.

NORTH AMERICAN TOUR DATES 10/4 - Phoenix, AZ - Crescent Ballroom 10/5 - Albuquerque, NM - El Rey 10/7 - 10/9 - Austin, TX - Austin City Limits 10/9 - Houston, TX - House of Blues 10/10 - Oklahoma City, OK - Tower Theatre 10/11 - Fort Worth, TX - Tannahill’s Tavern & Music Hall 10/13 - Dallas, TX - Echo Lounge 10/14 - 10/16 - Austin, TX - Austin City Limits 10/16 - Nashville, TN - Marathon Music Works 10/17 - Atlanta, GA - Buckhead Theatre 10/19 - Brooklyn, NY - Brooklyn Steel 10/20 - Philadelphia, PA - TLA 10/21 - Washington D.C. - 9:30 Club 10/22 - Boston, MA - Paradise Rock Club 10/24 - Montreal, QC - Le Studio TD 10/25 - Toronto, ON - The Phoenix 10/27 - Chicago, IL - House of Blues 10/28 - Kansas City, MO - The Truman 10/29 - Minneapolis, MN - Varsity Theatre 10/31 - Denver, CO - Summit Music Hall 11/1 - Salt Lake City, UT - The Grand at Complex 11/3 - San Francisco, CA - August Hall 11/4 - Los Angeles, CA - The Wiltern

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all the odds, the band produced two nights of exhilarating music that they still talk about in Toronto, and in Rolling Stones legend, to this day.

The Rolling Stones Release “Live At The El Mocambo” Album First Ever Release Of The Legendary 1977 Shows Featuring Never Before Heard Recordings www.rollingstones.com http://www.facebook.com/therollingstones www.twitter.com/rollingstones www.instagram.com/therollingstones www.youtube.com/therollingstones A legendary event in the incredible the “El Mo,” a fixture of the Toronto 60-year history of the Rolling Stones is music scene since the 1940s, punk and released in full for the first time today, disco were both rearing into full view, Friday, May 13th, via UMe. Live At The supposedly ready to see off a band who El Mocambo marks the first official had already been at the top of their game appearance of the group’s two famous for 15 years. Over two nights, in an secret concerts at the 300-capacity intimate space in one of their favorite Toronto club in March 1977. cities, they were about to make that prognosis look foolish indeed.

The album is available on double CD, 4 LP Black Vinyl, 4 LP Neon Vinyl The gigs became reality and digitally. It features the Stones’ full after the El Mocambo was set from the March 5 show, plus three identified as the potential home bonus tracks from the March 4 gig, for a secret booking. A radio newly mixed by Bob Clearmountain. contest was organized in which Only four of the performances found the prize was tickets to see their way onto the Love You Live album Canadian rock heroes April that followed in September 1977, which Wine, supported by an unknown was dominated by tracks captured on the band called the Cockroaches. band’s 1975 and ’76 tours, with the full Guess who they turned out to set having never been heard before. be...

As the Rolling Stones gear up for their 60th anniversary celebrations, Live At The El Mocambo is available now, listen here.

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On the nights, naturally, April Wine were themselves the opening act, and so it was that the Stones rolled back the years to the exhilarating club incarnation of their early years. Against

It was a setlist for all seasons, from Muddy Waters’ “Mannish Boy” and Bo Diddley’s “Crackin’ Up” to staples such as “Let’s Spend The Night Together,” “It’s Only Rock ‘N’ Roll” and “Tumbling Dice,” and back to the blues with Big Maceo’s “Worried Life Blues” and Willie Dixon’s “Little Red Rooster.”

There was the live debut of “Worried About You,” not heard in studio form until 1981’s Tattoo You, and more highlights from “Honky Tonk Women” to “Hot Stuff.” Forty-five years on, this is a trip back to the intensity of the Crawdaddy Club in the Stones’ earliest days, as revisited by the greatest rock ‘n’ roll band in the world.

TRACKLISTING: 1. Honky Tonk Women 2. All Down The Line 3. Hand Of Fate 4. Route 66 5. Fool To Cry 6. Crazy Mama 7. Mannish Boy 8. Crackin’ Up 9. Dance Little Sister 10. Around And Around 11. Tumbling Dice 12. Hot Stuff 13. Star Star 14. Let’s Spend The Night Together 15. Worried Life Blues 16. Little Red Rooster 17. It’s Only Rock ‘N’ Roll (But I Like It) 18. Rip This Joint 19. Brown Sugar 20. Jumpin’ Jack Flash 21. Melody 22. Luxury

Maybe You Should Run Your Next Tour Schedule In Rock And Blues International! email: rockandbluesinternational@gmail.com or call today 281-650-1953 For Fast Service

June 2022 • Rock and Blues International

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March 2021 • Rock and Blues International

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listener on an interior journey into the creative process, psyche, and a confrontation with the Shadow, buried deep in the unconscious mind. This alchemical mixture offers the audience a blank canvas to paint their own rendering of interpretation upon. LCS have positioned themselves to have breakthrough potential with an innovative concept, genre defining sound, and enigmatic live performance that engages the audience in a new way.

Light Creates Shadow Share New Song From Upcoming Debut Ghosts Pass Through, Running From The Body Portland Post-Metal Produced By Matt Bayles (Isis, Mastodon) Hear/share “Causal Horizon” Bandcamp @ https://lightcreatesshadow.bandcamp.com/album/ ghosts-pass-through-running-from-the-body Artistic post-metal band Light Creates Shadow release their 3rd full length, Ghosts pass through, running from the body on 07/01/2022. Recorded at Pearl Jam guitarist Stone Gossard’s Studio Litho in Seattle WA, it was produced, engineered, and mixed by Matt Bayles (Mastodon, Russian Circles, Deftones). Mastered by Ed Brooks (Mastodon, Caspian, Isis).

of a profound emotional and psychological journey. The alchemy was enough to catch the attention of famed producer Matt Bayles. Completed in 10 intensely focused 12-hour days in May of 2021, the rigor pushed everyone involved to exhaustion, but the belief that they were creating something special was the intrinsic motivation needed to complete the record.

Ghosts… is an album borne from Light Creates Shadow utilize the organic and intuitive connection conceptual frameworks to take the between guitarist/vocalist Marc Changnon, bassist Jered Johnson and Light Creates Shadow drummer Adam Young. After releasing a lo-fi acoustic album, 2 Windows in 2011 Ghosts pass through, running and 2015’s post rock/shoegaze leaning from the body Emerge From The Illusion, LCS reRecord Label: self-released formed with a new lineup and progressed Release Date: July 1, 2022 into an artistic and stylistic rebirth with Ghosts… Combining progressive 01. Sensed Presence dynamics, uniquely delivered vocals, 02. Post Truth channeled lyrics, intricately woven 03. Dark Triad passages that power through unorthodox arrangements culminating into epic walls 04. Causal Horizon 05. Outlier of sound. This leads to the construction 72 Rock and Blues International • June 2022

“We believe music that explores the depths of what is possible between audience and artist, should be transparent about its intentions,” explains Changnon.

“To provide context, I’m inferring that if a band are conduits for channeled meaning, healing and collective synchronicity, then that same transference is innately present in the connection with the listener. We are going to explore this synchronistic relationship through a companion interactive web experience that will intrigue even the most hardened skeptics.”

Light Creates Shadow draw influences from artists such as; TOOL, Pink Floyd, Mastodon, Isis, Emma Ruth Rundle, The Smashing Pumpkins and Sunny Day Real Estate to name a few.

But LCS believe they are establishing their own path and feel their sound is authentically their own. “We are looking to create a following predicated on reintroducing heavy music to the depths of intellect, emotion, and soul, as an experiential necessity. I believe that art is at its peak when you are forced to be an active participant in the exchange.”

Ghosts pass through, running from the body will be available on LP, CD and download on July 1st, 2022..com

Wood & Wire’s Tony Kamel Announces Solo Release Back Down Home

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photo by Timi Devlin

Punk Icons The Boneless Ones Featuring Max Fox, Troy Takaki, Craig Locicero, and Chris Kontos Release Their New Album Back To The Grind via Thunder and Lightning Records Watch new “Blood on the Street” video here at https://youtu.be/lelC_Z8WeK4 Buy Here: https://bonelessones.bandcamp.com/ and Here: https://thebonelessonesstore.bigcartel.com/products BONELESS ONES online: https://www.facebook.com/thebonelessones https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCZAcH-1mGRdXb38EdO0SFaw https://www.instagram.com/the_boneless_ones/ https://bonelessones.bandcamp.com/ https://open.spotify.com/artist/3BMp3T7OuiQFbspGgVU5v8 https://music.apple.com/us/artist/the-boneless-ones/28991324 74 Rock and Blues International • June 2022

The Boneless Ones continued from previous page Troy says, “The music for ‘Blood on the Street’ was one of the first two songs that Craig sent us. We loved it. We knew immediately that he was perfect for the band.

Inspiration can come from lots of places. The movie Vanishing Point was the was the inspiration for both the lyrics and the video of this song” Craig expounds, “The moment I agreed to help write a new record with the guys, two songs popped into my head almost simultaneously. A furious Circle Jerks-vibed punk song (Heavy Is the Face) and an epic Godzilla stomper. This one, ‘Blood On The Street’. I was hoping they would like them.

Max immediately knew what he wanted to do and pulled out a sheet of lyrics he already had with the Vanishing Point theme. It was like the two things were meant for each other and it snowballed into an almost finished product in one rehearsal. That’s how it goes when you know the shit is good.”

The Boneless Ones celebrate their much-anticipated return with new album, Back to the Grind. Featuring founding members Max Fox (vocals) and Troy Takaki (bass) with erstwhile drummer Chris Kontos (ex-Attitude Adjustment, ex-Machine Head) and new guitarist Craig Locicero (Dress the Dead, ex-Forbidden), and after 35 years, still - the Bay Area quartet breathe present-day life into the sounds/customs that crucially bridged punk, hardcore, metal, and skateboarding. In fact, it was appearances on pivotal compilations Them Boners Be Poppin’ (Boner) and Skate Rock Volume 3 Wild Riders of Boards (Thrasher) that set up

photo by Timi Devlin debut album Skate for the Devil for nearcontinuous reverence from the day of its release in 1986 to its most recent re-issue via Beer City Records in 2020.

Formed in Berkeley, California, in 1984. Initially, they weren’t even a musical group—more a cadre of Pro-Am aspiring punks aligned to a single skate-or-die goal.

The genesis of the moniker goes back to Fox and cohort Takaki pilfering boneless stickers from grocery store meat departments. They plastered the ‘boneless’ red decals everywhere. Then, still, without a band, they designed a logo. When a skate photo of Fox, Takaki, and ripper Joel Chavez appeared in East Bay fanzine Cometbus, they were mistaken for a real-life band. Naturally, Chavez’s trick—called a “boneless”—combined with youthful guerilla marketing tactics had paid off. The Boneless Ones were officially born. Obligatory lineup changes eventually coalesced into Fox and Takaki bringing in Joe Satriani-educated guitarist Luke Skeels and Fang drummer Tim Stilletto. Not long after, the quartet wrote and recorded Skate for the Devil with Kevin Army.

The rest, the adage goes, is history.

like “Keg Kept a Flowin’,” “Love to Hate,” “Miss Fresno,” and “Skate for the Devil” had to have the same impetus, a similar tonguein-cheek constitution, and above all, continued adoration for all things skateboarding. Not for nothing but Thrasher Magazine called “Skate for the Devil” one of the greatest skate rock songs of all time. So, high bars had been set. With heavy hearts from the passing of Skeels (R.I.P. October 26, 2020) and good friend Eddie Jennings and palpable nostalgia in their minds, The Boneless Ones reconvened not as a reunion band but as an entity driven to create anew. Indeed, Kontos (originally in the band’s ’86 and ’87 configurations) and Locicero provided indispensable firepower and aptitude to the overall songwriting sessions. The Boneless Ones pulled four unreleased tracks (“Tied to a Stake,” “Church of Violence,” “In the Cold,” and “Faces of Death”) from a long-lost ’87 demo while the band minted up-to-date songs in “Back to the Grind,” “We Ride the Night,” “Blood on the Streets,” and “I Wish You Were a Beer,” the follow-up to “Miss Fresno.” Back to the Grind is real, and it surpasses all expectations.

Back to the Grind is an album steeped in Bay Area roots—the vibrant Berkeley scene, Ruthie’s Inn, et al.—but it’s not a retread musically. Yes, old songs have been retooled. Yet, it’s the new songs where The Boneless Ones overwhelmingly shine rebellious, wax dynamic (fast and slow), and hit harder than metal to concrete. The guitar hero antics of Skeel are still imbued in Locicero’s contributions, and the tongue-incheek humor of the group’s formative years remains intact. There’s no confusion in direction, however. This is skate rock/crossover music, as poignant today as it was in the mid-’80s. That’s evident from the old-school

Skate for the Devil was constructed with spontaneous spirit, freshfaced grit, and a middlefinger attitude. Whatever was to come after classics June 2022

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The Boneless Ones continued from previous page gallop of “Church of Violence” and the shoutout grind of “Crossing Over” to the launchramp pulse of “Good Friends” and the Vanishing Point-informed “Blood on the Streets.” For a bunch of guys with miles on their backs and stories to tell, Back to the Grind illustrates that it’s never too late to resurrect and persist once more that which matters most. ?”We wrote the whole record in the spare bedroom at my house,” says drummer Chris Kontos. “I was on electric drums. I kept it caveman. I didn’t want a Machine Head or Gojira-level drumming style on this record.

The record needed to be played on a steering wheel—like air drums. Craig was really hitting on some Rikk Agnew [Christian Death, Adolescents] moments on this record.

He also understood the skate theme that we were going for. The modern [recording] tech going straight into my computer really helped our playbacks. We finally had a quality preproduction from that. We all had our parts down by the time we were ready to go in and record.”

The Boneless Ones are, if anything, chroniclers. Musically, that’s tangible throughout Back to the Grind. Lyrically, Fox has lived a life, and all that comes with it.

Themes of brotherhood, lost love, reflection, and skateboarding—a scene in which the vocalist remains very active—are woven throughout the lyrical outlay. Indeed, “Back to the Grind” hits on never letting go, while “Bones of Rock” pays homage to rock ‘n’ roll; heartbreak is tackled on “In the Cold,” and “Good Friends” honors the unfortunate passing of a friend; “Crossing Over” takes on the tenets of Bay Area cross-over music, and the bands that inspired it. Back to the Grind is a testament to the last 35 years of Fox’s life.

“There’s two different styles I write in,” Fox says. “There’s storytelling songs and songs that tell a story. I wrote a lot of the new songs from the heart—things that have happened in my life. They’re ‘life songs.’ I’ve lived my life, and I have stories to tell. I’m conscious that not every song needs to be a long and drawn-out novella. Some of the songs are playful, fun, and joyful. But there’s a very serious side to us, too. Both sides are important to us, and I think they define what The Boneless Ones were and are now.”

Kevin Army and his trusty 8-track recorder did the job on Skate for the Devil in ’86. The Boneless Ones (and technology) have moved on, however. The group enlisted producer Zack ‘The Wizard’ Ohren (Machine Head, Fallujah) and Oakland-based Sharkbite Studios to properly capture Back to the Grind. The sessions were rigorous yet

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productive. On the first day, Kontos got through 10 of the 13 songs, while Fox nailed the vocals in two days. The Boneless Ones then brought on Grammy Award-winning mixing engineer Matt Winegar (Fantastic Negrito, Primus) and mastering guru Ed Littman for Ed Littman Mastering to ensure Back to the Grind would boom and grind from loudspeakers at skateparks to streaming playback.

“Zack was good,” says Takaki. “He was there with us from the get-go. You always know where you stand with Zack—he speaks his thoughts. So, he helped us clean up our act. Chris was incredible. His playing is so physical. After the drums, we did bass and rhythm guitar. Now, we record everything individually. I work in movies, so I understand the theory, but this is the first time I recorded the bass by myself. The recording was so much different from the first album.

We definitely pulled favors to get the music recorded 1,000 times better than it should’ve

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been.”

Where The Boneless Ones go from here is determined by fun and feels. That’s how they started, and that’s how they’ll continue on. Certainly, the years of covert marketing via Hollywood movies (Diary of a Wimpy Kid [as Löded Diper], The Bounty Hunter), skate videos (Monster Energy Drink and Thrasher Magazine “Magic Maka Bus” with pro Grant Taylor), and appearances in other mediums have helped The Boneless Ones stay front and center. The tradition carries on with music spots in downhill skater documentary Nick Broms: What’s the Rush? and HBO Max series Dead Boy Detectives.

Renowned artist Mark DeVito (Metallica, Motörhead) completes the Bay Area circle with a raging cover piece and a cool new slime-green logo design. The kegs keep flowin’, the party’s never dull, and most importantly, the grinds are always gnarly with The Boneless Ones’s Back to the Grind.

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The Who - The Second In A Series Of New Limited Edition Half Speed Mastered Albums ‘The Who Sell Out’ & ‘Tommy’ To Be Released July 6 MASTERED BY JON ASTLEY AND CUT FOR VINYL BY MILES SHOWELL AT ABBEY ROAD STUDIOS PRE-ORDER NOW http://thewho.lnk.to/TheWhoSellOutHSM http://thewho.lnk.to/TommyHSM Follow The Who Online At: Facebook @ https://www.facebook.com/thewho Twitter @ https://twitter.com/thewho YouTube @ https://www.youtube.com/user/TheWhoVEVO Website @ https://www.thewho.com/ July 6, 2022 will see the release of the second in a series of half speed mastered studio albums from The Who; The Who Sell Out and Tommy.

These limited-edition black vinyl versions have been mastered by long-time Who engineer Jon Astley and cut for vinyl by Miles Showell at Abbey Road Studios with a half-speed mastering technique which produces a superior vinyl cut and are packaged in original sleeves with obi strips and certificates of authenticity.

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Regarded as one of the most important albums of all time, Tommy is a rock opera about a Deaf Dumb and Blind Boy, which, when released in 1969, reached No. 2 in the U.K. charts and No. 7 in the U.S. The album contains songs such as “Pinball Wizard,” “The Acid Queen” & “I’m Free” and is packaged in the original sleeve artwork.

Released in 1967, The Who Sell Out was the third album released by the band and is revered for being one of the first concept

• June 2022

albums, celebrating the short-lived pirate radio stations of the late 60s with its groundbreaking use of fake adverts and jingles between songs.

Highlights include such as “I Can See for Miles,” “Armenia City in the Sky” and “Tattoo,” and as with Tommy, it has been mastered by long-time Who engineer Jon Astley from the original tapes and is housed in its original sleeve with obi and certificate of authenticity. continued on next page

The Who continued from previous page The Who are one of the top three greatest rock legacies in music history with nine U.S. & 10 U.K. top ten albums and 14 U.K. top ten singles.

They have played over well over 2000 gigs in a career spanning over 50 years including venues such as Woodstock, Monterey Pop, Glastonbury (twice), Hyde Park (four times), The Isle Of Wight (three times), the closing ceremony of the 2012 Olympics, Desert Trip, Shea Stadium, The Superbowl half time show and Live Aid to name but a very few.

Emerging in the mid-1960s as a new and incendiary force in rock n’ roll, their brash style and poignant storytelling garnered them one of music’s most passionate followings, with the legendary foursome blazing a searing new template for rock, punk, and everything after.

Inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall Of Fame in 1990, the band has placed 27 topforty singles in the United States and United Kingdom and earning 17 Top Ten albums, including the 1969 ground-breaking rock opera Tommy, 1971’s pummeling Live At Leeds, 1973’s Quadrophenia and 1978’s Who Are You. The Who debuted in 1964 with a trio of anthems “I Can’t Explain,” “The Kids Are Alright” and “My Generation.” Since then, they have delivered to the world hits such as “Baba O’Riley,” “Won’t Get Fooled Again,” “Pinball Wizard,” Who Are You,” and ”You Better You Bet.” In 2008, they became the first rock band ever to be awarded the prestigious Kennedy Center Honors. The Who has performed all over the world including global music events for the Super Bowl XLIV Halftime Show in 2010 and closing the Summer Olympics in 2012. The Who continued their charity work by playing a concert in January 2011 to raise money for trials of a new cancer treatment called PDT. In December 2012 they performed at the Hurricane Sandy Benefit in New York.

Alongside his ground-breaking work with the Teenage Cancer Trust in the U.K., in November 2012 Daltrey, with Townshend at his side, launched Teen Cancer America, $1 from each ticket sold for the 2019 MOVING ON! tour which each night features a full orchestra will benefit Teen Cancer America (www.teencanceramerica.org)

With both Roger and Pete delivering their own memoirs (Pete’s Who I Am was released to much acclaim in 2012, and Roger’s autobiography, Thanks A Lot Mr. Kibblewhite; My Story, was embraced by critics in 2018) it’s fitting that the two remaining WHO members have shared their incredible legacy in literary fashion, for few bands have had a more lasting impact on the rock era and the reverberating pop culture than The Who. The band released their first new album in thirteen years, the critically acclaimed WHO in 2019 and are currently on the road in the USA with their THE WHO HITS BACK tour.

THE WHO SELL OUT - HALF SPEED MASTERED VINYL TRACK LIST SIDE 1 Armenia City In The Sky Heinz Baked Beans Mary Anne With The Shaky Hand Odorono Tattoo Our Love Was I Can See For Miles SIDE 2 Can’t Reach You Medac Relax Silas Stingy Sunrise Rael (1 And 2)

THE WHO TOMMY - HALF SPEED MASTERED VINYL TRACK LIST SIDE 1 Overture It’s A Boy 1921 Amazing Journey Sparks The Hawker SIDE 2 Christmas Cousin Kevin The Acid Queen Underture SIDE 3 Do You Think It’s Alright?

Fiddle About Pinball Wizard There’s A Doctor Go To The Mirror!

Tommy, Can You Hear Me? Smash The Mirror Sensation SIDE 4 Miracle Cure Sally Simpson I’m Free Welcome Tommy’s Holiday Camp We’re Not Going To Take It June 2022 • Rock and Blues International

THE ROLLING STONES SINGLES 1963-1966 COMING FROM ABKCO JUNE 10 Faithful Reproductions of First 18 Vinyl Singles & E.P.s Includes Landmark Hits “Satisfaction,” “Get Off Of My Cloud,” “Time Is On My Side”; Comes With 32-Page Book and Ephemera ABKCO Records will release The Rolling Stones Singles 1963-1966 on June 10 in celebration of the group’s 60th anniversary this year. The limited-edition set includes reproductions of the first 18 7” vinyl singles and extended play records by “The World’s Greatest Rock ‘n’ Roll Band,” as originally released by Decca and London Records. The tracks are all remastered by 12-time Grammy Awardwinning engineer Bob Ludwig. The set, replete with period-correct picture sleeve art, will also come with a 32-page book with extensive liner notes by Stones authority Nigel Williamson, as well as rare photos and ephemera plus a set of five photo cards and a poster, all housed in a hard-shell box. A companion second vinyl box set in the series, The Rolling Stones Singles 1966-1971, will be released next year.

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Before they were thought of as one of the rock era’s quintessential album bands, the Rolling Stones began their recording career in 1963 with a slew of singles that captured the energy and excitement created by the classic lineup of Mick Jagger, Keith Richards, Brian Jones, Charlie Watts and Bill Wyman. Their version of Chuck Berry’s “Come On” backed with a cover of Muddy Waters’ “I Want To Be Loved” kicked it all off, and was quickly followed up with “I Wanna Be Your Man,” a song written by John Lennon and Paul McCartney for the Stones to use, before being recorded by The Beatles themselves. London Records, their US label, quickly withdrew the single on “moral grounds” due to the illicit implications of the B-side “Stoned” (credited to Nanker Phelge – the songwriting pseudonym for the entire band). None of the songs from these first two singles appeared

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on any of their albums.

The Rolling Stones Singles 19631966 follows the group’s shift away from covers in favor of originals, due in large part to Jagger and Richards developing into one of the most accomplished powerhouse songwriting duos of their generation. Of the nine US Top 40 hits contained within the set, all but one are Jagger/Richards compositions. These include “(I Can’t Get No) Satisfaction” and “Get Off Of My Cloud,” which were number one hits on both sides of the Atlantic. This collection includes the US and UK versions of both these singles, which feature different sleeve art and B-sides. The sole Top 40 cover is “Time Is On My Side,” (written by Jerry Ragovoy and notably recorded by Irma Thomas). The single in this collection is the lesser-known version which features an continued on next page

THE ROLLING STONES continued from previous page organ intro. Another rarity that never made it onto an album in any form is “Sad Day,” the US B-side of the 1966 hit “19th Nervous Breakdown.”

Three extended-play (E.P.) 7” records are included in The Rolling Stones Singles 1963-1966, all of which were originally UK-only releases. These are The Rolling Stones (not to be confused with the album of the same name) and Five by Five (recorded at Chicago’s famed Chess Studio at 2120 South Michigan Avenue), both released in 1964, as well as 1965’s Got Live If You Want It! – the first of many live records by a band that to this very day is known as an explosive concert attraction.

ABKCO Records is home to the entire catalog of The Rolling Stones from 1963 to early 1971. This includes the albums The Rolling Stones, England’s Newest Hit Makers, 12 X 5, The Rolling Stones No. 2, The Rolling Stones, Now!, Out of Our Heads, December’s Children (And Everybody’s), Aftermath, Got Live If You Want It!, Between the Buttons, Their Satanic Majesties Request, Beggars Banquet, Let It Bleed and Get Yer Ya-Ya’s Out! The Rolling Stones in Concert.

ABKCO Films is home to Charlie Is My Darling - Ireland 1965 and The Rolling Stones Rock and Roll Circus.

Preorder The Rolling Stones Singles 1963-1966 now at https://shop.abkco.com/ products/the-rolling-stones-singles-19631966-7-in-singles-box-set The Rolling Stones Singles 19631966 tracklist: “Come On” (originally released June 1963) Side A: Come On Side B: I Want To Be Loved “I Wanna Be Your Man” (originally released November 1963) Side A: I Wanna Be Your Man Side B: Stoned The Rolling Stones E.P. (originally released January 1964) Side A: Bye Bye Johnny Money

Side B: You Better Move On Poison Ivy “Not Fade Away” (originally released February 1964) Side A: Not Fade Away Side B: Little By Little “Tell Me” (originally released June 1964) Side A: Tell Me Side B: I Just Wanna Make Love To You “It’s All Over Now” (originally released June 1964) Side A: It’s All Over Now Side B: Good Times, Bad Times Five by Five E.P. (originally released August 1964) Side A: If You Need Me Empty Heart 2120 South Michigan Avenue Side B: Confessin’ The Blues Around and Around “Time Is On My Side” (originally released September 1964) Side A: Time Is On My Side Side B: Congratulations “Little Red Rooster” (originally released November 1964) Side A: Little Red Rooster Side B: Off The Hook “Heart Of Stone” (originally released December 1964) Side A: Heart Of Stone Side B: What A Shame “The Last Time” (originally released February 1965) Side A: The Last Time Side B: Play With Fire Got Live If You Want It! E.P. (originally released June 1965) Side A: We Want The Stones (Live) Everybody Needs Somebody To Love (Live) Pain In My Heart (Live) Route 66 (Live) Side B: I’m Moving On I’m Alright “(I Can’t Get No) Satisfaction” (US version, originally released June 1965) Side A: (I Can’t Get No) Satisfaction Side B: The Under Assistant West Coast Promotion Man

“(I Can’t Get No) Satisfaction)” (UK version, originally released August 1965) Side A: (I Can’t Get No) Satisfaction Side B: The Spider And The Fly “Get Off Of My Cloud” (US version, originally released September 1965) Side A: Get Off Of My Cloud Side B: I’m Free “Get Off Of My Cloud (UK version, originally released October 1965) Side A: Get Off Of My Cloud Side B: The Singer Not The Song “As Tears Go By” (originally released December 1965) Side A: As Tears Go By Side B: Gotta Get Away “19th Nervous Breakdown” (US version, originally released February 1966) Side A: 19th Nervous Breakdown Side B: Sad Day ABOUT ABKCO Music & Records, Inc., is one of the world’s leading independent entertainment companies. It is home to iconic music catalogues that include compositions and recordings by Sam Cooke, The Rolling Stones, Bobby Womack, Eric Burdon, The Animals, Herman’s Hermits,?Marianne Faithfull,?The Kinks?as well as the Cameo Parkway masters by such artists as Chubby Checker, Bobby Rydell, Clint Eastwood, The?Dovells, ? and The Mysterians, The?Orlons, Dee?Dee?Sharp, Charlie Gracie, Bob Seger, and The Tymes.

Releases on ABKCO’s?SAR Records include albums by L.C. Cooke, The Soul Stirrers, Billy Preston, Johnnie Taylor, The?Valentinos, Mel Carter?and more.

ABKCO is active on many fronts, including the release of critically lauded soundtracks, compilations, reissues from its catalog, film, commercial placement of its master recordings and music publishing properties in all media. One?Night In Miami…, ABKCO’s latest theatrical production, received a nomination for the 2017 Olivier® Award for Best New Play?and three?Academy Award?nominations?as a?Major Motion Picture directed by Oscar® winner Regina King. ABKCO’s latest TV production is?The?Durrells?in?Corfu, based?on Gerald Durrell’s book?The?Corfu?Trilogy?and ABKCO’s latest releases are The French Dispatch (Original Soundtrack) and its companion album Chansons d’Ennui Tip Top by Jarvis Cocker.

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The Biker, The Blues And The Pusher When person, be it a man or a woman, decides that the open road calls their name sometimes that beckoned call leads to immediate action and other times it’s a slow burn to freedom. In my case I knew that’s where I wanted to be and I knew what I wanted to build. I had tasted the open road decades before and it began whispering in my ear all so subtly and then it became a huge bass drum banging in my head. I am what I am and nothing I had experienced since those years was satisfying me. So I began to daydream to and from work about what I would build IF I were to hit the road again and I knew exactly what I wanted to ride. I wanted to build a classic and so I purchased an old used 1975 Harley Davidson Shovelhead. It had been stolen and recovered and the insurance company was selling it for $3,000. It didn’t look like much but that didn’t matter because all that I wanted was the engine and transmission. In the end this baby was not going to look anything like it did in the beginning. In essence I would file for a title as a motor cycle manufacturer and not for a reconstruction title.

Eventually four years later it was reality. Then came the big decision. Was I really going to chuck it all and explode into space or not? Was it “Never Too Late To Start All Over Again”? Then an amazing thing happened just as I was firing up the scooter and checking for oil leaks “The Pusher” comes on the radio. It wasn’t the lyrics that grabbed me it was the era, memories of when it was hotter than hell on FM and AM wouldn’t touch it. Then right afterward the show host spins “Magic Carpet Ride” oh man I was hooked for sure. It’s like someone injected brown sugar into my arm, I was immediately transported back into my element and that was it I was going but going where? Didn’t matter. The open road beckoned and I was going. That was it. Worse yet it was late Spring and the south was already ripe for puttin’ down the road. That made it convenient in regard to timing as well. So off I went. About five hundred miles later I found myself in Saint Louis Missouri known for its traditional and blues rock corner bars. What could be better than that? Nothing, it was a good choice. I stopped at a place named Highway 61 Roadhouse And Kitchen. A blues and jazz joint that I found while searching the net using the words “blues bar St. Louis”. It looked cool and once inside it definitely was all that and more. Well first of all you just cannot be in St. Louis and not drink Budweiser or some derivate thereof. Next ribs, yep, St. Louis ribs, a nice sweet taste with a hint of heat. Finally a place outside where a person can fire up a cigar and kick back. The added bonus here was the music. Kick ass get down blues the night I was there. Also Highway 61 Roadhouse goes a step further with their love of the art as they feature cigar box guitars in their collection. So there I was and no one needed to wind this place up. The juke was cooking with tracks such as James Taylor’s “Steamroller Blues” and Canned Heat’s “Goin’ Up The Country” not to mention Buddy Guy’s “Damn Right I Got The Blues”. This joint was jumping, the place was smokin’. In walked John McVey, the veteran blues guitar man songwriter. John, if you don’t know it, was a central figure in Gary Clark Jr’s decision to move forward with the blues years ago back when John lived in Austin. I decided to stay. I didn’t know if John was to perform that night but knowing this man was there was enough no matter what. If you haven’t heard his work check him out. His 82

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Page 2 - The Biker, The Blues And The Pusher notes are crisp and clear and the feeling is found in everything he does. I was sitting at a table and after dark the place fills up fast and two couples came in attempting to spot an open table. It didn’t matter to me where I would sit so I gave them my table and moved to the bar. The bartender said thanks. I didn’t realize he had even noticed and I nodded in return. I moved from Bud to scotch and felt right at home. Lots of folks dropping in to eat their bar food and by the way their bar food isn’t just the usual bar food found in local bars someone put some thought and care into these entrees. I didn’t see John McVey after moving to the bar but I did see two nice ladies with one man. My very next thought was damn I should have kept that table. I mean a man has to have his priorities. Anyway, both of the ladies left the man’s side and made a bee line for the lady’s room. Have you ever noticed that when women go to the restroom they go in groups? Men don’t usually do that, we don’t go come on Bear go to the restroom with me. Women do and it’s quite normal. Anyway I digress.

So on their way back they stopped at a table and said hi to some folks and as they passed me at the bar the one gal asked me if that was my bike outside. I said yes and asked how did you know? She said the hat. Ha, I forgot I had my Harley ball cap hat on. I said yep that could be the first sign.

They laughed too. We chit chatted through the short list of usual out of town questions that most folks ask travelers. Were you from? Did you ride all the way here?

Where you going? Topics like that. They departed and returned to their seats at the other end of the bar. A short time later the lady helping the man behind the bar came by and left a bar marker in front of me. She said you have one coming from those folks at the other end of the bar. I couldn’t see them directly now so I looked in the mirror and could see one of the ladies looking in the mirror too.

Since it was too far away to say thanks I just hoisted my scotch glass and nodded thank you. She smiled and raised her glass too. They announced over the PA system that the evening’s entertainment would be starting soon. The three piece band would be performing traditional blues numbers. Soon afterward they started and the music was really good. Nice place I thought to myself. It’s got it all working. Now the place was wall to wall and it wasn’t even a Friday or Saturday night, way cool. Soon another man appeared behind the bar and he looked rather familiar. He was at the cash register so I couldn’t see his face too well other than in the mirror then he turned slightly to talk to the lady behind the bar and then I was sure I had met this man some other place. After he completed whatever he was doing at the register he was walking by the bottles on the back bar and I think surveying how much he had on hand. When he got down by me I asked him if he had recently been to the Blues Music Awards in Memphis and he said yes. I said I thought so no big deal and closed up our conversation by saying that he just looked familiar and I wanted to figure out where I had met him. So it all began to make complete sense. This man loves the blues to the continued on next page June 2022 • Rock and Blues International

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Page 3 - The Biker, The Blues And The Pusher max, he knows the market in St. Louis, folks there love the blues too, and Memphis is not that far away from St. Louis. Even the name of the place respects blues folklore, Highway 61. Too cool! As I sat there I began to think about what time of day I would hit the road tomorrow and exactly where did I want to go? I didn’t have the answers yet but I thought about traveling old route 66, stopping at a roadside park, and eating hot dogs. That might not sound like much but if you have the freedom to scoot on up the road stopping at a roadside rest and enjoying an outdoor lunch then that’s cool. So that’s exactly what I did. While I was there a family pulled up husband, wife, and three kids. It reminded me of the late fifties and traveling with Mom and Dad with my brother. We traveled 66 and to save money stopped at rest stops along the way to eat and stretch our legs. On this day the father walked over and asked if he could have a hot coal so he could start a quick fire and of course I said yes. In fact, I told him you can just use what I have there I am done with it. He nodded and waved for his family. As I was picking up my stuff the man asked me if I liked fried green tomatoes and I said yes I do. He told me his wife was going to make some on the grill and there was plenty to go around. I thanked him but said I would be moving on. He nodded as he was turning on his portable radio at the same time. He saw me look at his radio and said you sure you don’t want to join us and at that moment I said you know I would. Don’t know why but something about that scene took me back in time. Dad loved Hank Williams and while he didn’t have a portable radio with him at our roadside rest stops back then he did sing verse after verse.

Pop always said that country and blues live right next door to each other and Hank Williams was living proof of that for those of us that touched the Appalachian Trail. You can still hear that blend of country and blues today in the tunes of the Texas bluesman Bert Wills. His “Slow Blues Lullaby” will

drift you away as he describes the late evening bar scene. Then in another album he lays down an acoustic country blues number complete with drawn out Hank Williams blending of notes. Not made up the man is from the trail region. The name of that tune is “Lonesome Highway”. So on this fine day I took out my cell phone and played some Bert Wills. They really liked it and we had a really nice conversation about music and the various cultures that surround what we enjoy. It’s nights like in Saint Louis and days like this at a roadside rest that makes me glad that I decided to stop fishing and cut bait if you now what I mean. By the way that lady’s fried green tomatoes were breaded just right and man were they ever good. It was definitely time to head out and I had been thinking that I would ride until I made Kansas City. First I will check the oil in the ole Red Devil and then her and I have a date with destiny. We be traveling west on route 66. As Waylon Jennings sang in the Billy Jo Shaver song “Low Down Freedom”, “Like them big wheels I’ll be rollin’ like them rivers gonna flow to sea” Until next time - Adios for now….

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