Rock And Blues International by Rock and Blues International

SEPTEMBER 2021

Rock And Blues International Lindsey Stirling ALSO IN THIS ISSUE

Al Basile Tommy Castro Kathy Lyon Jimmy Cliff Kat Von D Billie Eilish Jackson Browne and more!

Rock And Blues International September 2021 Hello Rock And Blues International readers. I hope everybody had a great August. As we’ve been telling you, concert tours are beginning to hit the road. I finally got to get out and see a concert this last month and I’m feeling so much better now. I was really going through a big funk waiting for that to happen. As I reported last month, there are a lot of great concert tours going out on the road now and I want to share those again with you. Among the festivals are the Rebel Rock Festival, Lollapalooza, Aftershock Festival, Utopiafest, 22nd Punk Rock Bowling Festival in Las Vegas, Queensryche, Night Ranger and a whole lot of other bands, not to mention the Louder Than Life Festival with Korn, Metallica, and Judas Priest. Other tours hitting the U.S. and Europe are Styx, Deep Purple with Blue Oyster Cult, Dead and Company, Megadeth with Lamb of God, Alan Parsons Project, Shinedown, Dirty Honey, Black Crowes, Ministry, Deicide, and The Dead Daisies. ShipRocked 2022 has even been announced. There’s going to be a lot of live music hitting the road before the end of the year. Be sure to check out all the tour announcements and ads in this issue. If you’re a publicist and your act doesn’t have a tour announcement in here, then you’re client is really missing out. Don’t leave them by the wayside. And now on to the September issue of Rock And Blues International. In this issue you can read stories about Lindsey Stirling, Al Basile, Alasstairi Greene, Tommy Castro, Luca Giordano, Kathy Lyon, TRNA, J Balvin, Jimmy Cliff, Billie Eilish, Lorde, Kaytranda, Jackson Browne, Ray Charles, Motorhead, Lamb Of God 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”. Chapter 6 is being presented here this month and we are looking forward to your feedback on it. 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” September 2021 • Rock and Blues International

Contents

VOL. 2 NO. 2

SEPTEMBER 2021

ISSUE NO. 14

LINDSEY STIRLING Lindsey Stirling talks about her new album release, Artemis, her current tour, and working with Amy Lee And Elle King

12 ALASTAIR GREENE

Alastair Green Releases New Single, Lies And Fear Produced by Tab Benoit

LUCA GIORDANO Edoardo Fassio talks about Luca Giordano and his new album release, Let’s Talk About It

28 KATHY LYON

Kathy Lyon Arrives Back Where She Always Knew She Belonged

46 46

LORDE Lorde Releases “Mood Ring” From Her Highly Anticipated Third Studio Album Solar Power

Rock and Blues International • September 2021

Contents

VOL. 2 NO. 2

SEPTEMBER 2021

ISSUE NO. 14

KAT VON D Kat Von D Shares New Snthwave Driven Single “Fear You”

58 JACKSON BROWNE

Jackson Browne’s Downhill From Everywhere Debuts at #5 on Billboard

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

In This Issue: 6 10 12 14 18 20 24 25 28 30 31

Lindsey Stirling Dexter Allen Alastair Greene Al Basile Soul Rebels Tommy Castro Luca Giordano (English) Luca Giordano (Italian) Kathy Lyon The Wanderin Hearts TRNA

32 34 38 40 44 46 50 52 54 56 58

J Balvin Jhay Cortez Jimmy Cliff Elvis Costello Billie Eilish Lorde Kat Von D Dropkick Murphys Justin Nozuka Kaytranda Jackson Browne

69 70 72 74 75 78 80 81 84

Hayley And The Crushers Ray Charles Motorhead Gama Bomb Dark Side Of The Moon Dying Fetus Ape Shifter Lamb Of God The Biker

September 2021 • Rock and Blues International

Lindsey Stirling

Rock and Blues International • September 2021

By Kevin Wildman Even now while the Covid Pandemic still rages, people are finally being allowed back into the concert halls to see the artists that are touring again. Among those out on tour was Lindsey Stirling. Lindsey Stirling is something of an enigma. She presents a show somewhat reminiscent of a cross between vaudeville, Cirque Du Soleil and a full-blown rock concert. Without a doubt, this young lady armed with her trusty violin is turning heads with her special brand of music and performance. I can tell you from experience that once you see Lindsey in concert, you will never forget it. It is a very extraordinary show. Lindsey has had quite a career so far since the release of her first album, the self-titled debut that was released in 2012. Since then she has racked up literally tens of millions of followers worldwide and had more that 3 billion views on YouTube. Her second album release, Shatter Me, debuted at #2 on the Billboard Charts and has been certified Gold. It held the #1 spot on the Classical Albums Chart for 21 consecutive weeks. Her third album, Brave Enough did equally as well, earning her the Billboard Music Award for “Top Dance/Electronic Album”. If that wasn’t enough, here live streaming holiday special, “Lindsey Stirling: Home For The Holidays received over 100,000 views and helped her close out 2020 in real style. The special featured songs from her chart-topping album, Warmer In The Winter, and featured her much talked about and breathtaking performance of “Crystallize,” where she hung by her hair in an unbelievable choreographed show where she literally danced on air. This has become her most talked about video performance to date. Now she is back on the road supporting her most recent album release, Artemis. Artemis is Lindsey’s fifth album release and in true Lindsey Stirling style, it debuted at #1 on “Billboard’s Dance/ Electronic Albums Chart” and remained there for 15 weeks. The album has already received over 100 million total streams and features two fantastic duo performances with Lindsey and Amy Lee (“Love Goes On And On”) and Elle King (“The Upside”). She has even taken Artemis to a new level and created a comic book series with it. We had a chance to sit down and talk with Lindsey just after her tour kicked off and she was quite candid about her new album, the tour, even the extraordinary performance of her video for “Crystallize.” Rock And Blues International: Before we get started, that video for “Crystallize” was unbelievable. That looked like it was probably a very difficult and painful video to make.

Lindsey Stirling Takes Her Artemis Tour On The Road Lindsey Stirling: That was quite the experience. That was definitely the most painful thing I’ve ever done, but it was so beautiful… right. Rock And Blues International: It was fantastic. I’ve never seen anything quite like that before. Lindsey Stirling: Yes, I’ve never done anything like that before. After that experience I decided I’d never do that again. Rock And Blues International: Well, you did it quite gracefully as well. It looked like it might have taken you quite a while to choreograph that. Lindsey Stirling: It did, it took a lot of time. I trained for a while to be even able to do it. I had to learn to withstand the pain, also learning to be balanced in a different way, then choreographing it and learning to perform it that way. It was quite multi-faceted. I think I trained for about three months to do that number.

it’s probably not the thing we’re going to see you doing in concert very often. Lindsey Stirling: No. It’s funny, originally I was learning it so I could do it on tour. I thought it would be so cool to do in my show, but then after doing it for a month I realized that I don’t want this to be a part of my life. It’s a lifestyle, it’s not just an art that you learn. You have to keep your head conditioned for it and I was like, I don’t want this to be part of my life. So, I learned it enough to do that routine, but sadly, I won’t be doing it probably ever again. Rock And Blues International: Well, it would probably be healthier for you to never do it again. Lindsey Stirling: I think so, my neck told me so.

Rock And Blues International: Wow, that’s really dedication… three months training just to do the video for one song.

Rock And Blues International: You’ve received a lot of credits and recognition on your new album. I believe you’ve received over 6 million streams, and the video for “Lose You Now” had over three million streams. Tell us a little about that and how it affects you. How do you feel about that?

Lindsey Stirling: Well, it was a bucket list thing that I always kind of wanted to do. I decided, it was now or never.

Lindsey Stirling: It’s been amazing. You know, I just have to stop and think about those numbers because they get thrown out all the time. With all the continued on next page September 2021 • Rock and Blues International

Rock And Blues International: Well,

outdo ourselves, but I’m trying to combat all those feelings by focusing on my faith. I’m just grateful. I’m just grateful I got to do it last time and that’s amazing and I’m grateful that I get a chance to do it again. I just definitely think that when I start to write another project or album. It’s the pressure all over again. Rock And Blues International: Competing against other people is one thing, but competing against yourself is something totally extraordinary. Lindsey Stirling: Absolutely! Rock And Blues International: You’ve got a new video for the song “Masquerade” from the new album. What can you tell us about that?

Lindsey Stirling continued from previous page different social media, I hear all these astronomical numbers all the time, but then you stop and think about it. Wow, six million people have listened to something I’ve done, and it makes me extremely grateful that the things I put out to the world are being received. And also, even more so, I’m very proud of those things I’ve put out to the world. It’s nice to be able to share that… especially that song because it was really cool to see how fans reacted to it and how it encouraged a lot of people to honor the people they love and share their stories about the people that they love. It’s just a really cool thing to see in my fan community to watch that happen. Rock And Blues International: And then you also did an acoustic version of the song with just piano and keys. What was the catalyst for that? Lindsey Stirling: I need to do that more I think. This song was just so beautiful, I just had to do a little something more for it. It was really nice. Rock And Blues International: On a couple of the songs on the new album, you have some guests performing with you. On “The Upside”, you have Elle King performing, and on “Love Goes On And On”, you have Amy Lee. Tell us a little about the experience about working with those two performers. Lindsey Stirling: I don’t think it’s any surprise to anyone that I love Evanescence. I always have. I was a fan of them back in Photo the day I was in High School. bywhen Jeff Fasano Back then I made music videos pretending

to be Amy Lee, so it was a quite cool, cool circle moment to have her perform on that song with me, but it really comes from the fact that I was on her album. That was one of the coolest phone calls I’ve ever got. ‘Will you be on an Evanescence album’? ‘Oh my gosh, yes!’ That turned into us touring together, then we became friends and it was pretty awesome that I could literally call her up and say, ‘hey, would you like to record on my album’, and she said ‘yes’. It was really cool how she put her own spin on the song and she wrote some of the lyrics on it. She really took that song to a whole new level. She’s the one that wrote the lyrics for the chorus. It’s probably my favorite song in the live show. And then Elle King was awesome. I wrote the song “Love Goes On And On” with another writer and we just felt that Elle King would be the perfect singer on it. She has such a unique voice and such a personality. I’ve just loved her since “Ex’s & Ohs”, so it was so cool to have Elle be a part of the album. Rock And Blues International: With the album debuting at #1 on Billboard, what kind of added pressure does that put on you when you start your next project or album? Lindsey Stirling: I feel that when something automatically does well, it does add a bit of additional pressure. I think that’s something we also put on ourselves. For some sort of reason we all seem to put that kind of pressure on ourselves and I’m when I write my next album, I’m going to go, ‘I hope this goes as good as the last one.’ We’re kind of competing so much to

Rock and Blues International • September 2021

Lindsey Stirling: Oh, I love that video. It was so fun. Ever since I wrote the song “Masquerade” over two years ago, I just knew it was going to be that kind of a video. It was going to take place in olden times, like 18th century, 17th century, something like that in my mind and it has to be very highbrow. At the same time it had to be funny. It had to be over the top and very vaudeville. My dancers and I had so much fun goofing around and being silly and creating the skits in it. My dancers were wearing mustaches and top hats. It just felt like we were having the times of our lives, and we really were when we made it. So that was a lot of fun to make and I’m super proud of how it turned out. Rock And Blues International: With all the diverse videos that you’ve been producing, do you think that now you are also turning into an actress? Lindsey Stirling: I’ve been told that I’m turning into an actress, but I’m sure that if I was ever thrown into an acting role, I’m sure I would need massive coaching to pull that off. When I am playing out one of my music videos, for some reason it feels very natural to act. For some reason, when the violin is in my hands, I can do a lot of things that I don’t think normally I can do. I’m better when I play my violin. It doesn’t make any since, but I can act better pantomiming with a violin. I think it’s my comfort zone. That violin is like my little secret weapon. Rock And Blues International: What made you select the violin as your main instrument as opposed to guitar, piano, or even just vocals? Lindsey Stirling: I fell in love with the violin when I was very little. My parents loved classical music and they would take me to these orchestra concerts continued on next page

Lindsey Stirling continued from previous page occasionally, like the orchestra concerts in the park and all these other different places and I quickly realized the violin was the star of the orchestra. Violinists were always the first chair and they were playing A and they tuned the whole orchestra beforehand. Sometimes they would have special players come out and the chorus would be in black and the one violinist would be wearing a red dress and they would solo. In my mind, it’s probably the same way kids look at Taylor Swift… like wow, she’s the star. I wasn’t really exposed to a lot of that kind of entertainment, but I was exposed in my mind to the violin. I wanted to play the violin because that was the star. Rock And Blues International: Well, it seems to me that when it comes to orchestra’s, from what I’ve seen so far, when it comes to string instruments, the most passionate sounding instrument is the violin. It’s the most emotional sounding instrument of all the stringed instruments. Lindsey Stirling: It really is an emotional instrument. It can cry, it can laugh, it can get romantic and I think it’s one of the most fun things about the violin. It speaks a special language. And interesting enough, it’s close to the same frequency as the human voice. People naturally feel the emotion because it’s resonating through the same register as the voice. Rock And Blues International: You’re back on the road again after this great hiatus that all of us have taken in the music business. What are your thoughts on that? Lindsey Stirling: I am so excited to be doing shows again. It’s just amazing to be back on the road. It’s been an incredible period. Before the first show, my crew and I got together to say a little prayer together before we went out on stage and there were tears… and then when we got off stage, once again we were crying because we were oh so happy to be back. I think we learned that everything seemed to be so special now that everything is coming back. Rock And Blues International: I know that you are also becoming an

inspiration to a lot of young people out there now. In fact, one of my friends came to me and told me that his daughter now wanted to play violin after seeing some of your videos and hearing your music. What are your feelings on that? What does it feel like to become a role model to young people out there in the world now? Lindsey Stirling: You know, it’s really, really cool when I see little kids come up to me. And even adults will come up to me and tell me ‘I just picked up the violin because of you,’ and that’s so cool to think that my art is inspiring somebody else, whether it’s violin or they want to be a singer. That’s my biggest hope is that it just inspires people to go out and chase their dream no matter how common or random their passions are. That’s a big thing I hope people leave my show with. I hope they look up there on that stage and see that girl from Arizona standing up there on stage with a violin having the time of my life in a sparkling costume. I really hope it makes them think ‘heck, I can do whatever I want to do. I can chase my dreams. I can be confident in my own skin if that girl up there on that stage can do it.’ That’s all I hope. Rock And Blues International: Who inspired you? Lindsey Stirling: One of my first inspirations was John Williams. He was a composer and a musical storyteller. He told stories through melodies so incredibly well and now that’s what I try to do. I try to tell great stories through my melodies on the violin through the way I play it. Lindsey Stirling is still presently on tour and if you haven’t seen her in concert, I highly recommend it. Besides all the

great music involved in the production, there are a lot of great moments and even skits between her and her dancers accentuating the songs she performs. It makes for a very lively performance. As one would expect, there were quite a few costume changes for Lindsey and her dancers as they fully embodied the characters that they were portraying in every song. She was just extraordinary, as she would be hoisted high above the stage as she just shredded away on her violin. And I don’t believe she ever stood still as she would dance her way across the stage back and forth throughout every number. She must have been exhausted after that performance. At one point she even had her dog join her on stage with a balloon tied to it. The entire concert was a joy to behold and I really can’t wait to see her again sometime. Artemis Tour Setlist: 1. Artemis 2. Til The Light Goes Out 3. Darkside 4. Shatter Me 5. Masquerade 6. Master Of Tides 7. Love Goes On and On 8. Crystallize 9. Disney Melody 10.Between Twilight 11.Sleepwalking 12.The Arena 13.Underground 14.Roundtable Rival 15.Don’t Let This Feeling Fade 16.First Light 17.Mirage 18.Guardian

September 2021 • Rock and Blues International

Dexter Allen’s Newest Album “Keep Moving On” Authentic Blues To The Core Mississippi Born, Raised And Still There Dexter Allen is a natural and he Mom and Dad. A good gospel based comes by it honestly having been raised family farming the land in Mississippi. on the family farm with his great The blues is also a natural especially if grandfather, his grandfather, along with you hail from the south and increasingly 10 Rock and Blues International • September 2021

so within the state of Mississippi. Early on in Dexter’s life it became obvious that the man’s soul filled talent coupled with his vocal ability which had been honed in church could open the way for big things and indeed they did. For example it would be Dexter’s good fortune to become a member of Bobby Rush’s band and more so over time because Bobby taught the young guitar man the ropes. No matter where they traveled Bobby kept asking Dexter questions to cause him to think about his future. It’s also interesting to note that since then Dexter does exactly that today with his son whether they are in the Dexter Allen recording studio or his son is about to perform. Dexter is as authentic as they come and he’s keeping the blues alive by passing it on the same way it was passed on to him. Most recently Dexter completed his newest album “Keep Moving On” which is on the Endless Blues Record label. When asked recently about how he feels about his new release Dexter shared, “I am songwriter that writes about things in the everyday world, about life, things that touch us all. “Keep Moving On” is a representation of who I have evolved into over the years.” Dexter has toured both inside the U.S. and outside in other countries. Abroad he’s performed on stages in Amsterdam, Tokyo, London, Brussels and more. Within the U.S, the cities are too numerous to list but he’s performed in cities such as New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, and Fort Lauderdale. Most recently Dexter performed on the Legendary Blues Cruise, Water Front Blues Festival and prior to those engagements he was on stage at the Salt Lake City Blues Festival, King Biscuit and the Chicago Blues Fest. In 2018 Dexter received the Jus’ Blues Award’s “Bobby Rush Blues Entertainment Award”.

August 2021 • Rock and Blues International

Alastair Greene Laura Tate Releases Her New “Live” album Live From El Paso PHOTO: ROMAN SOBUS

1212 Rock Rock andand Blues Blues International International• September • August 2021 2021

Whiskey Bayou Records Artist Alastair Greene Releases New Single Lies And Fear Produced By Tab Benoit LISTEN TO THE NEW SINGLE - LIES AND FEAR (LIVE IN THE STUDIO) https://smarturl.it/AGLiesandFearLive Alastair Greene’s new single, “Lies and Fear,” available now worldwide, was recorded live in the studio with Greene’s own touring band. Alastair notes, “’Lies and Fear’ was one of the songs I’d written before going down to Louisiana to make the album that became THE NEW WORLD BLUES with producer Tab Benoit for his Whiskey Bayou Records label. Lyrically it reflects a turbulent time in our nation’s history when it was hard to know who and what to believe at any given time.” This is Greene’s third single inspired by his critically acclaimed album since its October 2020 release. THE NEW WORLD BLUES has received major airplay on SiriusXM Radio including being featured by Joe Bonamassa on his show. And just as with the previous two singles, a new music video will be out soon. Greene’s first video single “Living Today” saw a world premiere from Relix magazine, while “Bayou Mile” had a week-long exclusive premiere hosted on DittyTV. Stay tuned for more on the release of the new “Lies and Fear” music video. Greene’s spring/summer tour with Tab Benoit and his band continues to be a huge success, performing at major PHOTO: ROMAN SOBUS

Tab Benoit and Alistair Greene

festivals, theaters, and music venues including a six-night “Chicago Takeover” at the City Winery. Alastair seizes the moment, executing a blistering opening set with Tab on drums and Corey Duplechin on bass, garnering standing ovations for this super-trio nightly. Then after Benoit’s legendary, high energy set, Alastair joins Tab for a rip-roaring, head banging encore. It’s truly a musical event not to be missed. The tour has just started up again and continues throughout the summer and beyond. The Austin, Nashville and Toronto based Atomic Music Group is an international booking agency representing established recording artists of all genres and is now representing Greene alongside The Blasters, Sue Foley, Petula Clark and more. Atomic Music Group enthusiastically welcomes Greene to their roster: “Alastair is an exciting guitarist, singer, and songwriter with one hell of a pedigree. We are looking forward to taking an active role in his artistic development.” That pedigree includes eight years of international touring on lead guitar and vocals with the Alan Parsons Project, major dates with Starship featuring Mickey Thomas, blues gigs as a longtime regular and host at the Memphis-based Blues Foundation events and showcases, featured performances at the Big Blues Bender and the Legendary Rhythm & Blues Cruise, a year of worldwide touring with the Sugaray Rayford Band, which was nominated for a 2020 Blues Music Award, the current 2021 tour with Grammy nominated Tab Benoit, as well as the Alastair Greene Band, which has drawn comparisons to Gov’t Mule, ZZ Top and Cream. You can find tour dates and more information at alastairgreene.com September 2021 • Rock and Blues International 13

Al Basile 14

Rock and Blues International • September 2021

Multi-Blues Music Award Nominee Al Basile Testifies About the Power of the Blues on New CD, “B’s Testimony,” Coming September 17 from Sweetspot Records -time Blues Music Award-nominated singer/songwriter/ cornetist Al Basile announces a September 17 release date for his latest CD, B’s Testimony, on Sweetspot Records. B’s Testimony showcases an artist in complete control of his musical destiny, as Al Basile directed all the aspects of the new project, which he produced and was recorded by Jack Gauthier at Lakewest Studios in West Greenwich, Rhode Island. Basile (vocals and cornet) is joined on the new disc by his usual crew of New England music all-stars: Bruce Bears on keyboards, Brad Hallen on bass, Mark Teixeira on drums, Doug James on tenor sax and Jeff “Doc” Chanonhouse on trumpet, plus the guitar wizardry of multi-Blues Music Award nominee Kid Andersen. And fans of Basile’s signature cornet work will be pleased to know that his horn playing is prominently featured throughout the new disc. “My last album had just a trio behind me, so I wanted to try returning to the larger group I normally use,” Al Basile says about the new recording sessions. “I made the decisions, great and small, about this one. It’s the most complete involvement I’ve ever had, from writing the songs to arranging and rehearsing the guys, to singing and playing, to mixing and mastering, and the look and design of the CD itself – all way to the finish. It’s my vision.” B’s Testimony marks the first time that Basile has hooked up with Kid Andersen on one of his own albums, but the two musicians have been fans of each other’s work for some time and have played together over the years. “I had played with Kid at the BMAs a few years back and knew how versatile and imaginative he is, and that he has his own west coast studio at Greaseland,” Basile says. “So even in the Covid year, we could send him tracks and have him take part. He’s perfect for realizing my songs – he has a million ideas, all good, and he plays everything spot on. His energy lifts us all on this record, and he pushed me to try to match my solos to his level. Luckily I’ve been practicing more during Covid, so I was up to it!” Mississippi-based singer Shy Perry guests on a duet with Basile for the ballad, “One Day at a Time.” “I’d met Shy at the BMAs as well, and after listening to some of her own songs, I decided to write a duet for us,’ Basile declares. “This called for some serious vocal acting, as the song is dramatic, and she did a great job – she really sounds hurt. I love how rich and low her voice is – a nice change from the

higher sound so common with women vocalists in harmony with men.” B’s Testimony also heralds a return for Al Basile to the more-traditional album format. “After two song-cycle albums, which told complete stories in Me & the Originator and Last Hand, I wanted to go back to a collection of songs, each one of which expressed a story or dramatic situation,” Basile states. “I often write in the voice of other characters who are different from me (such as in ‘I’m Bad That Way,’ where the singer is a heel), and I like to tell the truth in every song – not necessarily one that happened to me, but one that does happen, and could happen to you. It’s my testimony because I can swear that all of this stuff happens when humans try to live together and make life work. So, some happy songs, some downhearted ones, some good luck, some buzzard luck. All true – I swear.” Al Basile’s previous album releases have consistently made the top 20 on the Living Blues charts. He’s been nominated eight times for a BMA as Best Horn Player, and his 2016 release, Mid-Century Modern, was nominated as Best Contemporary Blues Album. His songs have been covered by Ruth Brown, Johnny Rawls, and the Knickerbocker All Stars. Guests on his own releases have included the Blind Boys of Alabama, Sista Monica Parker, Sugar Ray Norcia, Jerry Portnoy, and jazz great Scott Hamilton. Celebrated for his mastery of lyric writing as well as music, Al’s skill with words extends to his other career as a poet: he is published regularly in leading journals, has won prizes, and has three books in print collecting his work from the Seventies until the present day. For the last four years he has taught lyric writing, led panels, and performed at poetry conferences. Born in Haverhill, Mass., on the north shore of Boston, Al was the first to receive a Master’s degree from Brown University’s writing program. He was the first trumpet player for Roomful of Blues in the mid-Seventies, and he’s enjoyed a long relationship as a co-writer and sideman during Robillard’s solo career since the Eighties, garnering credits as songwriter and trumpet player on a dozen of Duke’s CDs and DVDs. In 1998, he released his first solo CD on his own Sweetspot label. He also taught English, music, and physics in a private Rhode Island high school for 25 years before devoting himself to music and poetry full time in 2005. www.albasile.com September 2021 • Rock and Blues International 15

16 Rock and Blues International • July 2021

September 2021 • Rock and Blues International

The Soul Rebels Announce “Epic Vibes Tour’ Part 1 Midwest, West Coast, The South, North East Fall 2021 - 2022 THE SOUL REBELS are pleased to announce Part 1 of their EPIC VIBES TOUR, spanning Fall 2021 through Winter 2022. Touring will include concerts in the Midwest, Northeast, The South, West Coast and a robust schedule of performances in New Orleans. The Soul Rebels are excited to release new music this Fall in support of the tour, and announce Spring 2022 Part 2 of the tour in Fall 2021. The Epic Vibes Tour features select concerts with The Soul Rebels in live performance collaboration with star artists including Tarriona ‘Tank’ Ball of Tank And The Bangas, famed jazz trumpeter Keyon Harrold and hip hop icon GZA of Wu Tang Clan. The Soul Rebels are riding high from their recent collaboration and partnership with Sony 360 Reality Audio. The partnership showcases The Soul Rebels’ latest album Poetry In Motion in the 360 format, providing listeners an entirely new and immersive way to experience the album. The 360 Reality Audio version of the album is available to stream on Amazon Music HD, Tidal HiFi, and Deezer HiFi, and The Soul Rebels can be viewed in Sony produced and released advertisements and digital commercials. Brass sensation The Soul Rebels are riding high in 2021 after receiving national attention following the release of their new album, Poetry In Motion. The eight-member collective appeared on Def Jam artist Dave East and Nas’ “Godfather 4” single, Big Freedia and Icona Pop’s “Pipe That”, and reached fans with original singles “Greatness” featured as ESPN’s official College Hoops theme anthem, and “Good Time” featured on Netflix’s #BlackAF and Dad Stop Embarrassing Me! 18 Rock and Blues International • September 2021

The Soul Rebels have impressed viewers with two recent appearances on The Late Show with Stephen Colbert, featured on NPR’s Tiny Desk series with Wu Tang Clan frontman GZA, headlined the global TED Conference, and appeared on the official soundtrack for Universal Pictures’ hit comedy Girls Trip Connect with The Soul Rebels Website https://thesoulrebels.com Instagram https://www.instagram.com/thesoulrebels/ Facebook https://www.facebook.com/TheSoulRebels/. Tour Dates SEPT 7 Milwaukee, WI SHANK HALL SEPT 8 Chicago, IL CITY WINERY* SEPT 9 Madison, WI MAJESTIC THEATRE SEPT 10 Indianapolis, IN HI-FI ANNEX SEPT 11 St. Louis, MO MUSIC AT THE INTERSECTION FESTIVAL** SEPT 18 Puyallup, WA WASHINGTON STATE FAIR*** SEPT 20 Petaluma, CA LAGUNITAS BREWING COMPANY AMPITHEATER SEPT 25 New Orleans TIPITINA’S OCT 1 New Orleans FRENCH QUARTER FESTIVAL OCT 9 New Orleans JOY THEATER OCT 10 New Orleans BLUE NILE OCT 11 New Orleans TIPITINA’S SHORTY FEST OCT 12 New Orleans THREADHEAD FEST OCT 15 New Orleans DBA OCT 16 New Orleans THE BROADSIDE OCT 17 New Orleans THREE KEYS AT ACE HOTEL OCT 23 New Orleans FRIED CHICKEN FEST OCT 29 San Francisco, CA OUTSIDE LANDS OCT 30 Fairhope, AL THE FAIRHOPE MUSIC FESTIVAL NOV 3 Dallas, TX SUNDOWN AT GRANADA NOV 4 Houston, TX THE BRONZE PEACOCK AT HOUSE OF BLUES NOV 5 Austin, TX EMPIRE GARAGE NOV 6 San Antonio, TX CARVER COMMUNITY CULTURAL CENTER NOV 17 Philadelphia, PA THE ARDMORE^ NOV 18 Teaneck, NJ DEBONAIR MUSIC HALL NOV 19 Portsmouth, NH JIMMY’S ON CONGRESS NOV 20 NYC BROOKLYN MADE NOV 21 Woodstock, NY LEVON HELM SHED NOV 26 Memphis, TN RAILGARTEN DEC 17 Memphis, TN RAILGARTEN DEC 22 New Orleans HOUSE OF BLUES JAN 14 Memphis, TN RAILGARTEN FEB 16 San Diego, CA MUSIC BOX FEB 17 Los Angeles, CA TERAGRAM BALLROOM FEB 18 San Francisco, CA THE INDEPENDENT FEB 19 Oakland, CA THE NEW PARISH FEB 20 Felton, CA THE FELTON MUSIC HALL FEB 23 Seattle, WA NECTAR FEB 24 Olympia, WA CAPITOL THEATER FEB 25 Portland, OR TBA FEB 26 Bellingham, WA WILD BUFFALO *w/ Keyon Harrold **w/ GZA ***supporting Sublime ****w/ GZA / Lettuce ^w/ Tarriona “Tank” Ball

Tommy Castro

Rock and Blues International • September 2021

TOMMY CASTRO & THE PAINKILLERS ANNOUNCE A BLUESMAN CAME TO TOWN TOUR New Album, Tommy Castro Presents A Bluesman Came To Town, Set For September 17 Release New Song, Somewhere, Premieres Now! Listen to “Somewhere” here at https://youtu.be/BmBfrPIjxdU On Monday, August 9, internationally beloved guitarist, singer and songwriter Tommy Castro, leader of Tommy Castro & The Painkillers, announced dates for his A Bluesman Came To Town national tour. With performances all across the United States beginning in September 2021 and moving into early 2022, Tommy Castro & The Painkillers — bassist Randy McDonald, drummer Bowen Brown and keyboardist Michael Emerson — will reconnect with fans all over the country. Concert attendees are strongly advised to contact the venue to confirm performance.

gets bitten by the blues bug. He masters the guitar and heads out on the road seeking fame and fortune, only to find what he’s left behind is the treasure he’s been looking for. “A Bluesman Came To Town isn’t a story about me,” says Castro. “It’s pulled from some of my friends’ and my experiences, though. I’ve seen first-hand for a lot of years what it’s like out there on the road.”

Castro’s trailblazing new album, Tommy Castro Presents A Bluesman Came To Town, is set for September 17 release. The first song to be released from the album, Somewhere, also premieres on August 9. Throughout his long, constantly evolving career, guitarist, singer and songwriter Castro has always remained true to himself while exploring, growing and creating new music, and he has taken his thousands of devoted fans right along with him. Ranging from horn-fueled R&B to piping hot blues to fiery, stripped-down rock ‘n’ roll, each of his 16 albums is solidly built upon Castro’s unshakable musical foundation—a dynamic mix of 1960s-influenced guitar-fueled blues, testifying Memphis-soaked blue-eyed soul and Latintinged East San Jose funk, all driven by Castro’s grab-you-bythe-collar vocals and passionate guitar work. Blues Revue declared, “Tommy Castro can do no wrong.”

Listen to “Somewhere” here at https://youtu.be/BmBfrPIjxdU

Tommy Castro Presents A Bluesman Came To Town is a roots music odyssey. This special project was composed by Castro along with Grammy Award-winning producer and songwriter Tom Hambridge. Through its 13 songs, the album tells the tale of a young man, working on his family farm, who

The road has always been Castro’s home away from home. He and The Painkillers will instantly ignite a crowd, turn them into loyal fans, and then keep those fans coming back for more. Castro has traveled hundreds of thousands of miles and performed thousands of gigs at clubs, concert halls, and festivals all over the world. Famed guitarist Joe Bonamassa says, “Tommy has always been top of the heap among blues guitar players. He always puts on a great show.”

On the new A Bluesman Came To Town tour, Tommy Castro & The Painkillers will perform fan favorites as well as songs from the new album. “I’ve made seven albums for Alligator,” Castro says, “and I’ve never made the same record twice. I will always try to be my most authentic self. I give it all I’ve got every time we hit the stage!” “Castro is one of the brightest stars in the blues-soul genre. Voracious blues energy and ultimate soul power...impassioned vocals and pure inventiveness in his stellar guitar solos.” —Blues Music Magazine continued on next page September 2021 • Rock and Blues International

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TOMMY CASTRO & THE PAINKILLERS “Sizzling, slow-burning, gritty blues and rock...shimmering, swampy, downright funky vibes drenched with Castro’s stinging, pure and crisp lead runs and fluid, jetfueled solos.” —Living Blues “Soul-baring, roadhouse-meets-church, Memphis guitar licks...gritty voice...Southern colors and rootsy textures.” —Washington Post

Tommy Castro & The Painkillers Tour Dates 2021 U.S. Dates: Saturday, September 18 Berkeley, CA Cornerstone

* Tuesday, October 5 Iowa City, IA The Englert Theatre * Wednesday, October 6 Madison, WI Barrymore Theatre

Thursday, September 23 Boise, ID Treefort Music Festival

* Friday, October 8 Medina, MN Medina Entertainment Center

Friday, September 24 Victor, ID Knotty Pine Supper Club

* Saturday, October 9 Fond Du Lac, WI Sadoff Center for the Arts

Saturday, September 25 Salt Lake City, UT The Commonwealth Room

* Sunday, October 10 Aurora, IL The Venue

Monday, September 27 Tucson, AZ 191 Toole

* Tuesday, October 12 Evanston, IL SPACE

Tuesday, September 28 Phoenix, AZ MIM Music Theater

* Wednesday, October 13 Ferndale, MI The Magic Bag

Wednesday, September 29 Albuquerque, NM Dirty Bourbon

* Thursday, October 14 Cleveland, OH Music Box Supper Club

* Friday, October 1 Hutchinson, KS Historic Fox Theatre

* Saturday, October 16 Frankfort, KY Grand Theatrer

* Saturday, October 2 Kansas City, MO Knuckleheads

Tuesday, October 19 Nashville, TN 3rd & Lindsley

* Sunday, October 3 Des Moines, IA Wooly’s

Wednesday, October 20 Atlanta, GA City Winery

Rock and Blues International • September 2021

Thursday, October 21 Savannah, GA Victory North

Thursday, December 2 Denver, CO The Oriental Theater

Friday, October 22 Sanford, FL The Alley

Friday, December 3 Colorado Springs, CO Stargazers Theatre

Saturday, October 23 Boca Raton, FL The Funky Biscuit

Saturday, December 11 Petaluma, CA Mystic Theatre

Sunday, October 24 Tampa, FL Skipper’s Smokehouse

Sunday, December 12 Santa Cruz, CA Moe’s Alley

Saturday, November 6 Fort Lauderdale, FL Legendary Rhythm & Blues Cruise

Friday, December 17 Sacramento, CA The Sofia

Monday, November 15 New York, NY City Winery

Thursday, December 30 Fresno, CA The Painted Table Event Center

Tuesday, November 16 Old Saybrook, CT The Kate

Friday, December 31 Bakersfield, CA World Records

Wednesday, November 17 Pawling, NY Daryl’s House Thursday, November 18 Shirley, MA Bull Run Restaurant Friday, November 19 Teaneck, NJ Debonair Music Hall Saturday, November 20 Annapolis, MD Rams Head On Stage Sunday, November 21 Sellersville, PA Sellersville Theater Wednesday, November 24 Blawnox, PA Moondog’s Friday, November 26 Columbus, OH Natalie’s Grandview Saturday, November 27 New Berlin, IL Danenberger Family Vineyard Tuesday, November 30 Omaha, NE Stocks n Bonds

* 2021 Gulf Coast West Coast R&B Ramble With Marcia Ball

2022 U.S. Dates: Friday, January 7 Montclair, CA The Canyon Sunday, January 8 Agoura Hills, CA The Canyon Saturday, January 15 Modesto, CA The State Theatre Tuesday, January 18 Seattle, WA Triple Door Thursday, January 20 Tacoma, WA Spanish Ballroom Friday, January 21 Portland, OR Jack London Revue Saturday, January 22 Eugene, OR Sessions Music Hall

September 2021 • Rock and Blues International

Luca Giordano: Since I got back from Chicago By Edoardo Fassio Italian guitarist Luca Giordano has never been satisfied with following from afar the music he loves. At the age of 25 he quit a safe, steady job at home and with a few phone numbers jotted down he moved to Chicago to track down the blues right on its playground. Giordano spent the first months rounding up the clubs of the Windy City in search of a jam session where he could play and, in forced stages, expand his technical and human knowledge. The first paid gig was offered to him by Sharon Lewis, at the time not yet signed to Delmark. The Texan born singer hired him to replace her regular lead guitarist, thus opening the way to his professional career. Three years later, when Luca got back home to Teramo, Abruzzo, he had already won the trust of fellow musicians like Willie “Big Eyes” Smith, Eric Davis and the Troublemakers, Les Getrex, JW Williams o James Wheeler. His professional attitude, his reliability as an instrumentalist, arranger, organizer and bandleader and a warm and friendly temper make him the ideal link between the European live scene and quite a lot of American artists. Not just Chicagoans; in the last fifteen years he and his band put on shows together with Sugaray Rayford, Kenny “Blues Boss” Wayne, Toni Lynn Washington, Chris Cain, Leon Beal and Sax Gordon Beadle. At the same time, he began a relevant recording career. He cut records on his behalf or in partnership with Madrid harmonica player Quique Gomez and got involved, with an album and a tour of Lithuania, in the Griot Blues project of the Malian songster Baba Sissoko with the veteran American bluesman and polemicist Mighty Mo Rodgers, former producer of an amazing piece of work by Sonny Terry and Brownie McGhee. Let’s Talk About It, the third album under his name, was released in 2021 by a Brazilian label, testifying to the global dimension of the Abruzzo musician’s activities. There’s contributions from Rodgers and Beadle, coherent and precious as they can ever be, but it’s still Luca Giordano the main man, as a vocalist and a songwriter as well as on the six strings. It is proof of his maturity, and also shows a sincere sense of belonging to the contemporary blues scene. Not surprisingly, as the only covers, he chooses two compositions by artists of his generation, both of whom untimely passed away: Sean Costello and his friend Eric “Guitar” Davis. http://www.lucagiordanoband.com 24

Rock and Blues International • September 2021

Luca Giordano: da quando sono tornato da Chicago By Edoardo Fassio Il chitarrista italiano Luca Giordano non si e? accontentato di seguire la sua musica da lontano. All’eta? di 25 anni ha lasciato un posto relativamente sicuro in patria e con qualche numero di telefono annotato in agenda si e? trasferito a Chicago per stanare il blues sul suo terreno di gioco. Giordano trascorre i primi mesi a rastrellare i club della Windy City in cerca di una jam session dove poter suonare e allargare, a tappe forzate, le sue conoscenze tecniche e umane. Il primo lavoro retribuito gli viene proposto da Sharon Lewis, all’epoca ancora in attesa di scrittura da parte della Delmark. La cantante di origine texana lo recluta in sostituzione del chitarrista titolare e gli apre la via della carriera professionistica. Tre anni dopo, quando Luca rientra a casa, a Teramo, in Abruzzo, si e? ormai conquistato la fiducia di colleghi come Willie “Big Eyes” Smith, Eric Davis e i Troublemakers, Les Getrex, JW Williams o James Wheeler. L’atteggiamento professionale, l’affidabilita? come strumentista, arrangiatore, organizzatore e bandleader e un temperamento cordiale e amichevole ne fanno l’ideale collegamento tra la scena live europea e numerosi artisti statunitensi. Non solo chicagoani; in questo quindicennio la sua band da? spettacolo insieme a Sugaray Rayford, Kenny “Blues Boss” Wayne, Toni Lynn Washington, Chris Cain, Leon Beal e “Sax” Gordon Beadle. Allo stesso tempo avvia una sostenuta carriera discografica. Incide per suo conto o in mezzadria con l’armonicista madrileno Quique Gomez e partecipa, con un album e un tour della Lituania, al progetto Griot Blues del musicista e cantore maliano Baba Sissoko con il veterano bluesman e polemista statunitense Mighty Mo Rodgers, gia? produttore di un sorprendente lavoro di Sonny Terry e Brownie McGhee. L’ultimo album, Let’s Talk About It, esce nel 2021 per un’etichetta del Brasile, a testimoniare la dimensione globale delle attivita? del musicista abruzzese. Vi danno il loro contributo Rodgers e Beadle, coerente e prezioso come e? giusto attendersi, ma e? Luca Giordano il vero padrone di casa, alle sei corde come al canto e alla composizione. E? la sua prova di maturita?, e rappresenta pure un senso di appartenenza al blues contemporaneo. Non a caso, come uniche cover, sceglie due composizioni di artisti della sua generazione, entrambi scomparsi prematuramente: Sean Costello e l’amico Eric “Guitar” Davis. http://www.lucagiordanoband.com

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September 2021 • Rock and Blues International

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September 2021 • Rock and Blues International

Bittersweet Changes: Set Free By Time Kathy Lyon, An Extremely Talented Vocalist Arrives Back Where She Always Knew She Belonged Some people are fortunate they just know what they are destined to do and automatically move toward freely fulfilling their destiny. On the other hand there are those that know just exactly what they want to do but something detours their journey. Their desire doesn’t end, it just is delayed until time frees them up. Such was the situation with jazz vocalist Kathy Lyon. A beautiful voice, marvelous writing skills and patience, all attributes that match up perfectly with the disciplines required to master the rigors of top rated jazz creation and performance. Realizing that perhaps she was blessed with a golden voice and easily able to interpret charts and arrangements she continued albeit slowly moving toward this more exacting genre. Her journey began with her husband and musical collaborator Tom Lyon, with whom Kathy performed and toured throughout the U.S. and overseas, including seven tours for U.S. military personnel. Her professional career went on hold due to family life: first of all, raising children. Then came a sudden health issue that would change everything—her husband and musical partner suffered a devastating stroke that would require Kathy to put family first. Her musical career was put on the back burner until her Richard Cagle, Rich Chorne’ and Kathy Lyon at Montrose Records husband passed away in 2019. However she never stopped visualizing the dream as she continued to be marveled by the library of work of such great artists as Ella Fitzgerald, the Beatles, and then more recently Sade’. In fact she had honed her craft while on hiatus and would come back to perform at such notable events as the Roswell Jazz Festival, the Pensacola Jazz Festival, the Mid-Atlantic Jazz Festival and Panama City’s Jazz By The Bay. In 2001 she released her first CD titled, “Live At The TomKat Nite Club”. Next up was “Live At The East Coast Jazz Festival”, then “A Song For You” and most recently a collection of American standards featuring tenor sax great Houston Person titled “Nothin’ But Love”. Currently Kathy is recording with her good friend and guitar stylist Rich Chorne’ at Richard Cagle’s Montrose Records West in the beautiful mountains of New Mexico. When asked about her journey to date Kathy remarked, “All along I just felt that music would carry me and it did, it was therapeutic and always Kathy Lyon back on stage performing for jazz audiences in the U.S. present, a constant companion in both good times and the difficult years. Over time I developed an even stronger desire to share good music with the world. My love of delivering the message of a songwriter’s lyrics was always with me, and when my personal life required encouragement, music was there for me. Today, that’s my desire, I want to share the gift of creating music and delivering it to audiences. I want to touch my listeners with songs and interpretations that reach the soul.” Today Kathy Lyon is doing just that and you can follow along as Kathy shares her stage experiences just by clicking on her Facebook site. Learn more about Kathy at www.kathylyonmusic.com 28 Rock and Blues International • September 2021

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September 2021 • Rock and Blues International

The result is a vivacious record that celebrates life, new beginnings and shining through a darkening world. Remarkably, its songs have taken on a new relevance since they were written with heartfelt themes of the powers of positivity, community and always striving to battle against our troubles. It’s a quality that’s especially prevalent in their current single “On Our Way,” the central lyric “We’re on our way now, this broken moment is a fracture in time” neatly encapsulating where the world is at right now.

Credit: Shane McCauly

The Wandering Hearts New Self-Titled Album Is Out Now! Listen Here at https://wanderinghearts.lnk.to/TWHPR Watch The New Video For “On Our Way” here at https://youtu.be/vbMQarrzPz8 The Wandering Hearts today release their long-awaited self-titled second album, alongside a new video for “On Our Way.” Rich with beautifullycrafted vocal harmonies, rootsy rock reflection, and folk-tinged songwriting, the album is the culmination of a long journey during which the entire world changed. The project started in 2019 with writing sessions in their studio in Hackney, UK before they headed to the Catskills, NY for recording with producers Simone Felice (Jade Bird, The Lumineers) and David Baron. The

The song’s new video captures that sentiment. The Wandering Hearts are visibly elated by being able to perform together again, and the video is interspersed with an emotionally-charged narrative which finds a couple reunited after a long time apart. The visual was directed by Stuart Breadner (LaFontaines, Seafret, Del Amitri). Watch here at https://youtu.be/vbMQarrzPz8 The band added, “The video for ‘On Our Way’ encapsulates the song perfectly. We shot it on a deserted beach on the west coast of Scotland which shows the isolation we have all experienced over the past 18 months. There’s a happy reunion at the end and it feels like everyone can breathe again – that’s what the song is all about for us. We were super lucky with the amazing sunset and it felt so great to be creating in real life again.”

finishing touches came early in 2020, when they collaborated with the legendary Marty Stuart on “Dreams” at the Cash Cabin in Hendersonville, TN. Check out The Wandering Hearts here at https://wanderinghearts.lnk.to/ TWHPR The Wandering Hearts commented, “We cannot believe the time has finally come! Our album is out now and we are so proud of it. We are so happy it is out in the world for everyone to hear.”

Website https://thewanderinghearts.com Facebook https://www.facebook.com/thewanderinghearts Youtube https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC-lOZ8UH_Dj9yi303inLvuQ Twitter https://twitter.com/thewanderhearts 30

Rock and Blues International • September 2021

TRNA Bring Us New Music From Russia In The Form Of Their New Album Istok TRNA want to take you on a journey. Not to their Russian homeland, but beyond that, to a place not on anymap where the trio’sdreamy “celestial blackgaze” can properly get beneath your skin and into your mind. With their fourth album, Istok, their firstfor Candlelight Records, they’re pushing even further into the unknown.The band formed in 2013 in Saint Petersburg, following the breakup of similarly blissful-minded outfit, Princ Persii. Though not wanting to limit themselves to a genre, the “celestialblackgaze” fit so well that it stuck –descriptive enough to catch their vibe, loose enough to have no walls. The band list artists like Wolves In The Throne Room, Panopticon, Amenra, Godflesh and shoegaze pioneers Slowdive as influences, but TRNA exist very much in their own celectial space. “We don’t really feel any dependence on tags to start with -we don’t think of them when we write and record music, but dreamy is a good word,” they say. “We take a lot of inspiration from ‘dreamy’ music -we’re huge shoegaze fans after all. But speaking of tags I’d say blackgaze is maybe more limiting than dreamy. One could even argue that we lean more towards just post-black metal that blackgaze. Others would say there’s no difference. ”What’s important with Istok isits vastness, its depthand its message. Recorded at Dobrolet Studios in Saint Petersburg and, in part, in their rehearsal space, TRNA wanted Istok to meditate on the importance of nature, and in finding an inner peace from which to get a viewpoint on life and the world. “What is Istok? Istok is the place where all begins, where you go when you feel that you can’t bear your everyday life,” they explain. “It’s the great nothingness where you find peace. It’s the salvation and relief. But to get there is a whole journey and it’s different for everyone.“TRNA is always about nature,” they continue.“Of course we would like our music to speak for us and reading what people say about how they feel listening to it makes us believe that we manage to somehow get the message across.”Across Istok, this takes many forms, from a more gentle serenity to cascading eruptions of black metal. The opening title-track bursts with glory and wonder, while echoes of the past is a blastbeat-led rager, and the 13-minute instrumental Shining is like the euphoria after a storm. But all of it stems from the same point, and locks together to create an emotional journey. “We focus on different aspects of our life for each track and they have slightly differentmoods,” they say.“You could tellfor example that Burning Bridges, Shattered Dreamshas a darker message behind it. Anyway, Istok is the beginning point -the start and the end. ”Ultimately, TRNA find Istok far from the stars and the cosmic void, but much closer to home: it’s wherever they are and wherever they’re making music.“The key is to feel joy while playing it,” they say.“To gather at the rehearsal space, start playing finished tracks or just jamming and to feel this blissful feeling of floating on top of this sea of sounds, creating what our ears love so much.” September 2021 • Rock and Blues International

J Balvin J Balvin by Viviana Garcia

Rock and Blues International • September 2021

J Balvin Announces New Album Jose and Shares New Single & Video for “Que Locura” J Balvin is announcing that his highly anticipated fifth studio album, José, will arrive September 10th. The album is now available for pre-order and pre-save everywhere. Coinciding with the announcement, Balvin is sharing a new single, “Que Locura,” which arrives with a Jose Sagaro / Film Headz-directed music video. The new single and album announcement come in the middle of a massive summer for Balvin with the recent release of 3 viral singles, “In Da Getto” ( https://youtu.be/MjlTKXujfwE ) featuring Skrillex, “Qué Más Pues?” ( https://youtu.be/zisuhZqTeH4 ) featuring Argentinian singer María Becerra and his remix of “Poblado” ( https://jbalvin.lnk.to/PobladoRemix!PR ) by Crissin, Totoy El Frio, Natan Y Shander with Karol G and Nicky Jam that are dominating the modern Latin Music market and global charts. His most recent single, “In Da Getto,” has also been experiencing a meteoric rise in popularity on TikTok since its release in July. Earlier this week, Balvin received 9 nominations for the upcoming Billboard Latin Awards, including Composer of the Year and Artist of the Year. The summers’ success is on the heels of “Otra Noche Sin Ti” ( https://youtu.be/ qrTiyVEW8gc ), Balvin’s collaboration with Khalid, which reached #1 on Billboard’s Latin Airplay and Latin Rhythm charts, marking a historic 29th #1 Latin song for the artist — the most #1s of any Latin artist. José follows Balvin’s last solo effort, 2020’s highly praised album Colores, which peaked at #15 on the US Billboard 200 chart and #2 on the US Top Latin Albums chart. Rolling Stone stated, “Colores is a sophisticated show of Balvin’s sonic palette” and The New York Times claimed Colores as “a shiny reaffirmation of the steps that have made the reggaeton revival part of the broader global pop conversation.” Earlier this week, Balvin launched his campaign with Miller Lite, Es José Time ( https://www.esjosetime.com/av?url=https:// www.esjosetime.com/ ), which features brightly colored, limitededition cans designed in collaboration with Balvin himself and a video ( https://youtu.be/luS0S4O8Rsg ) showcasing Balvin’s human side, sans the bright lights of stardom. Es José Time also features an online contest ( https://digitalbeerpromo.com/sw4/MC4228 ) with prizes including Balvin-designed water bottles, decks of cards, sunglasses, and koozies. “Reggaeton’s Global Ambassador” - 4-time LATIN GRAMMY winner J Balvin is now one of the Top 10 streaming artists in 11 different countries on Spotify and Top 10 in 14 countries on Apple Music, regardless of language, and has developed a legion of fans worldwide. Hailed by Billboard as “the biggest breakout act Latin music has seen in many years” and Pitchfork as “the face of modern Reggaeton,” Balvin is leading a second generation of Musica Urbana

stars that have propelled Latin music to an unprecedented global embrace. His latest album, Colores, saw both critical acclaim and commercial success. With “Blanco,” “Morado” and “Rojo” going #1, J Balvin became the artist with the most #1 songs on the Latin Airplay charts in history, with 29 of his songs earning that spot over the course of his career. Most recently, his collaboration with Dua Lipa, Bad Bunny, and Tainy, “UN DÍA (ONE DAY),” has garnered over 900M streams and is RIAA certified Diamond. With his music and impact on the culture, Balvin has cemented himself as not only a leader of Reggaeton but as a torchbearer of the new state of Latin music by continuously expanding the limits of the genre and paving the way for “la nueva escuela.” Upcoming Tour Dates: 9/4 - 9/11 - 9/17 - Las Vegas, NV @ NEÓN 9/25 - Queens, NY @ Governors Ball Music Festival 10/1 - Miami, FL @ Uforia Mix Live 10/31 - San Francisco, CA @ Outside Lands Music & Arts Festival 2022: 1/16 - Los Angeles, CA @ CALIBASH Connect with J Balvin: Instagram https://www.instagram.com/jbalvin/ YouTube https://www.youtube.com/user/JbalvinTube Twitter https://twitter.com/JBALVIN Facebook https://www.facebook.com/JBalvinOficial/

WATCH: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rqAV8VcY6RQ LISTEN: https://jbalvin.lnk.to/QueLocura JOSÉ PRE-ORDER/PRE-SAVE: https://jbalvin.lnk.to/Jose!PR September 2021 • Rock and Blues International

Jhay Cortez

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Rock and Blues International •• November September2020 2021

Jhay Cortez Triumphs On Worldwide Charts With “En Mi Cuarto” Currently Has Four Songs In The Top 25 Of The Hot Latin Songs Chart Shares New Facebook-Exclusive Video For “En Mi Cuarto” “EN MI CUARTO” WATCH (FB-exclusive edition): https://fb.watch/7j1uN1uAsq/ LISTEN: https://jhayco.lnk.to/ EnMiCuarto Puerto Rican hitmaker Jhay Cortez is conquering the Hot Latin and global charts this summer, adding another entry to his list of hits with his collaborative track with Skrillex “En Mi Cuarto.” The track, which is the latest offering from Jhay’s long-awaited sophomore album, debuted at #22 on Billboard’s Hot Latin Songs and is currently charting across 96 countries. Coinciding with the song’s chart debut, Jhay is sharing a new Facebook Premium-exclusive video for “En Mi Cuarto” directed by Santiago Lafee, which infuses Skrillex-produced track with an explosive new energy. Along with the success of “En Mi Cuarto,” which is also quickly becoming a viral hit on TikTok, Cortez has a total of four songs in the Top 25 of the Hot Latin Songs chart, including the aforementioned single, “DÁKITI” ( https://youtu.be/ TmKh7lAwnBI ) with Bad Bunny, “911” ( https://youtu.be/ iHz_4r1nhzc ) with Sech, and “Fiel” ( https://youtu.be/ o1lKMrLat_I ) with Los Legendarios and Wisin. These accomplishments follow two wins and one nomination for Cortez at this year’s Premios Juventud. “DÁKITI” won Viral Track of the Year and Song of the Year, on top of the song peaking at #1 having spent 40 weeks on the Billboard Global 200 chart and the music video is quickly approaching 1 billion views on YouTube. Jhay also broke records for ticket sales at the iconic Coliseo de Puerto Rico, recognized as the most important arena of the urban genre in the region, with the announcement of his three successive shows at the venue as part of his “Timelezz Tour” last month. Puerto Rican-born artist Jhay Cortez, is the leader of a

new generation of Latin artists, with over 32 million monthly Spotify listeners and over 6 billion combined streams. Cortez has been producing and composing songs since he was 14 years old, bouncing between his hometown of Rio Pedro in his birth-country and New Jersey. It was at this age that he first discovered his love of the new wave of urban music that was on the rise - the sounds of reggaeton and the songs of Don Omar. Two years later, at 16, Jhay’s work as composer and producer on the album Invencible by Tito el Bambino paid off, scoring the upstart his first GRAMMY. Shortly after, his solo career took off, propelled by a string of solo singles, “Donde No Se Vea” (Where You Can’t See It), followed by “Se Supone” (I Suppose) and “Estan Pa’ Mi” (They Are There for Me). His critically-acclaimed production work resulted in his second GRAMMY in 2018 for “Best Urban Album” for his work on J Balvin’s album Vibras and a slew of Song of the Year awards from ASCAP with “I Like It” featuring Cardi B and J Balvin, “Criminal” and “No Es Justo” (It’s Not Fair). Cortez scored success after success on a solo level and through collaborations with global superstars J Balvin and Bad Bunny. New singles resulted in a number of accolades including a Top 100 spot on Billboard’s Hot 100, and one of the 25 most listened to songs globally on Spotify. He then released his debut album Famouz, which has been on the top 10 of Hot Latin Albums on Billboard for 70+ weeks. Now, following an industrious 2020 which saw the release of mega-hit “Dakiti” with Bad Bunny, and the aforementioned “Kobe En LA”, which has accumulated more than 25 million combined streams and 13 million views on YouTube since it’s release in November, Jhay Cortez tees up another phase of his culture-defining career with upcoming sophomore album Timelezz.

Connect with Jhay Cortez: Instagram @ https://www.instagram.com/jhaycortez/?hl=en YouTube @ https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCvpEyEBML6z-PJJ9XrqgpKQ Twitter https://twitter.com/jhaycortez?ref_src=twsrc%5Egoogle%7Ctwcamp%5Eserp%7Ctwgr%5Eauthor Facebook @ https://www.facebook.com/jhaycortezmusic September 2021 • Rock and Blues International

Rock and Blues International • June 2021

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Rock and Blues International • February 2021

December 2020 • Rock and Blues International

of St. James and his musical birthplace of Kingston, Jamaica. As one of the last surviving members of the great generation of Reggae pioneers who have since passed (Bob Marley, Peter Tosh, Bunny Wailer, Toots Hibbert), he helped bring the genre to all corners of the globe and helped it gain worldwide popularity. Jimmy Cliff’s impact on music and culture is inescapable. He received Jamaica’s highest honor “The Order of Merit.” He is one of only two Jamaican Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductees—Bob Marley being the other. His critically acclaimed album Rebirth was awarded the GRAMMY Award for “Best Reggae Album” and was selected as one of Rolling Stone’s “50 Best Albums of 2012.” Immortal anthems including “Wonderful World, Beautiful People,” “You Can Get It If You Really Want,” “The Harder They Come,” and many of his other singles such as “Wild World,” “Hakuna Matata” (with Lebo M.) have had chart success across the globe including Australia, Austria, Belgium, France, Germany, Ireland, Italy, Netherlands, Switzerland, U.K. and New Zealand. Everyone from Annie Lennox to Paul Simon has sought him out for collaborations, while Bruce Springsteen, Willie Nelson, Cher, New Order, and Fiona Apple have recorded notable covers. Springsteen’s “Trapped” was included on the We Are The World benefit album. Bob Dylan announced Cliff’s track “Vietnam,” “the greatest protest song ever written.” A distinctive screen presence, he had a starring role in the film and on the soundtrack for the 1972 classic The Harder They Come, which drew an international spotlight on reggae. His career in film includes his wonderful version of “I Can See Clearly Now,” from the ‘Cool Runnings’ soundtrack and his other film appearances include Club Paradise, Muscle Shoals, Marked For Death, and more.

Photo by Vision Addict

Global Reggae Pioneer Jimmy Cliff Has A New Single & Video For “Human Touch” Out Now! Musician, actor, singer, songwriter, producer, humanitarian and global music legend Jimmy Cliff releases “Human Touch,” his first offering of new music in almost 4 years. “Human Touch” was written to promote human interaction just in time for post-Covid realities and exudes his spiritual maturity “Human Touch” availabl here at https://stream.lnk.to/JimmyCliffHumanTouch. New video available here at https://youtu.be/WvSUJPjS4Pw. “As an African descendant, I am blessed and happy to display our unique human story of survival and triumph and to clothe this stage of my musical journey in the great achievements & lessons of Ancient Egyptian enlightenment that has so influenced the recent centuries of human civilization as reflected in obelisks and other Pharaonic monuments in the major cities and culture of the ‘new world’,” adds Jimmy Cliff. “Human Touch” is out now August 6, Jamaican Independence Day, as a tribute to Cliff’s birthplace the Somerton District

Rock and Blues International • September 2021

Afrobeats & Reggaeton dominance in streaming popular music pulsates from Jimmy Cliff’s roots influencing global music genres, with his residencies in Latin America and Africa. 2021 promises to be another pivotal year in Cliff’s career as he prepares for the release of his upcoming album and celebrates the 60th anniversary of the founding of Beverly Records and as label, artist and producers, their seminal influences in Island Records 60th. 2022 will mark the 50th anniversary of the acclaimed film and soundtrack, The Harder They Come.

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ELVIS COSTELLO & THE ATTRACTIONS’ “THIS YEAR’S GIRL” GETS TURNED ON ITS HEAD WITH SPANISH LANGUAGE INTERPRETATION, “LA CHICA DE HOY,” BY CHILEAN POP STAR, CAMI THE ALBUM FEATURES THE ATTRACTIONS’ ORIGINAL INSTRUMENTAL PERFORMANCES WITH NEWLY RECORDED VOCALS BY LATIN POP AND ROCK ARTISTS SINGING COSTELLO’S LYRICS ADAPTED INTO SPANISH ALBUM STARS: CAMI, DRACO ROSA, FITO PÁEZ, FRANCISCA VALENZUELA Y LUIS HUMBERTO NAVEJAS, GIAN MARCO Y NICOLE ZIGNAGO, JESSE & JOY, JORGE DREXLER, JUANES, LA MARISOUL, LUIS FONSI, MORAT, NINA DIAZ, PABLO LÓPEZ, RAQUEL SOFÍA Y FUEGO, SEBASTIÁN YATRA AND VEGA

Spanish Model Due September 10 Via UMe WATCH/SHARE VIDEO FOR “LA CHICA DE HOY” (THIS YEAR’S GIRL) BY CAMI AT https://youtu.be/n0ZtHceZ8yA WATCH/SHARE VIDEO FOR “PUMP IT UP” BY JUANES AT https://youtu.be/Kc_MYgfqHXI In 2018, Elvis Costello had a dream where he heard his entire This Year’s Model album performed in Spanish. He reached out to frequent collaborator, Argentinian-born, Latin GRAMMY Producer of the Year, Sebastian Krys about the idea, and it wasn’t long before the two were recruiting some of the biggest Latin rock and pop artists from around the globe to interpret these songs in Spanish, backed by Costello and The Attractions’ original performances, for the daring, first of its kind record, Spanish Model, due September 10 via UMe. On Spanish Model, “This Year’s Girl,” or as it’s known on the record, “La Chica De Hoy,” has been turned on its head by Chilean Latin pop star Cami who offers an exciting and unique Spanish language interpretation and modern female perspective to the song. Written by Costello in 1978 about men’s lustful desires and society’s objectification of women, the song takes on a whole new meaning when sung from the point of view of a 23-yearold woman who is reclaiming the narrative. “La Chica De Hoy” bows today accompanied by a powerful video, shot and 40 Rock and Blues International • September 2021

directed by Carolina Rizzotto, that takes a page from Bob Dylan’s “Subterranean Homesick Blues” as Cami holds up and rips up signs featuring the translated lyrics. WATCH/SHARE VIDEO FOR “LA CHICA DE HOY” at https:// youtu.be/n0ZtHceZ8yA PRE-ORDER SPANISH MODEL at https://elviscostello.lnk.to/ SpanishModelPR PRE-ORDER THIS YEAR’S MODEL at https:// elviscostello.lnk.to/ ThisYearsModelPR “It is an honor for me to be invited to perform the Spanish version of the classic ‘This Year’s Girl’ by the maestro, Elvis Costello,” Cami said. “I consider myself part of a major change in the music industry regarding women and I feel like this song was very pioneering at the time, in the debate on gender equity. I am very thankful this type of song exists so we can engage in a continued on next page

ELVIS COSTELLO & THE ATTRACTIONS’ continued from previous page dialogue and have a debate over subject matter that is still very relevant today. Women are grateful that lyrics like these exist for all of us. Elvis’s lyrics have meaning and they resonate and make you want to study the lyric to find out what he really meant to say in each phrase, that is beautiful. Elvis is an artist that I admire a lot. I grew up with his music and I even remember my dad singing to it during my childhood. However, the invitation to participate in this album was surprisingly good. I was in the studio recording my previous album and my producer Sebastian Krys invited me to participate. While recording the vocals, we tried not to change the lyrics from the original English version so much. As I expected, everything happened very naturally. There was something exceptional in our version that I’m so happy to share with you. I hope you enjoy it.” Costello offers, “It’s so fantastic to have a singer like Cami singing ‘This Year’s Girl.’ She’s got one of these voices where the microphone just loves her voice. It’s totally another story with a young woman singing it like this. Cami is telling her story, but she’s so cool. It’s such a hip way she’s singing it, and it’s a tremendous piece of work from Sebastian.” As Costello and Krys began to think of artists that would be a good fit, they discovered that This Year’s Model was an important record to many artists in the pan-Latin world, but its true nature had never been fully appreciated because of the language barrier. They enlisted many Costello fans, a few who Krys and Costello felt would be a great fit for the songs and all of whom have stellar careers and were excited to participate and bring their own styles to the immediacy and poignancy of the original songs, helping to create an entirely new listening experience. Spanish Model features such artists as: Cami, Draco Rosa, Fito Páez, Francisca Valenzuela & Luis Humberto Navejas (lead singer of Enjambre), Gian Marco & Nicole Zignago, Jesse & Joy, Jorge Drexler, Juanes, La Marisoul, Luis Fonsi, Morat, Nina Diaz, Pablo López, Raquel Sofía & Fuego, Sebastián Yatra, and Vega. They sing these timeless and universal songs, which have been expertly translated and adapted into Spanish to retain their meaning, energy, attitude, and wit. The concept represents what may be a first: an artist replacing their vocals with newly recorded performances by other artists singing in another language, backed by the original music with 19 featured artists representing 10 countries and territories across the Spanish-speaking world including: Argentina, Chile, Colombia, Dominican Republic, Mexico, Peru, Puerto Rico, Spain, Uruguay, plus several from the United States. The album includes 16 tracks drawing from the original U.S. version of This Year’s Model (“Pump It Up,” “Radio Radio,” “This Year’s Girl,” “The Beat”) plus several other

songs from those sessions. The album will be available on CD, digitally and 180-gram vinyl. This Year’s Model, which has been newly remastered, will also be released concurrently on CD and 180-gram black vinyl with the addition of “Big Tears” and “Radio Radio.” A limited edition version, that pairs both Spanish Model and the new pressing of This Year’s Model together as a 180-gram double LP, will be released exclusively via ElvisCostello.com, uDiscover and Sound Of Vinyl webstores. Spanish Model was announced in July with the release of an exciting video from Colombian superstar Juanes, whose own recently released Origen album was also produced by Sebastian Krys and featured Pete Thomas on drums. His exhilarating performance of “Pump It Up,” (with its spitfire lyrics now in Spanish) manages to match the same intensity and feel as the original, while Costello’s original backing vocals provide the trademark chorus and an instant familiarity. The video plays on this by transforming Costello’s signature video by rotoscoping the original and inserting Juanes’ head in place of Costello’s to create a playfully updated version that’s a perfect blend of the old and new, that this daring album embodies. “‘Pump It Up’ is such an iconic and signature song from Elvis’ amazing repertoire, that it was a real honor to have the chance to sing with the original 1978 recording and be a part of that propulsive energy,” Juanes said. Since releasing, My Aim Is True, in 1977, the always musically curious Costello has allowed himself to follow his artistic desires wherever it takes him, often into unpredictable yet exciting territory. Across more than four decades, the iconoclast has reveled in exploring the human condition through a wildly diverse catalog that includes collaborations with Burt Bacharach, Allen Toussaint, Paul McCartney, T Bone Burnett, Brodsky Quartet, Spinal Tap, Anne Sofie von Otter, The Roots and his wife, Diana Krall along with many others spanning a dizzying array of genres, from country and jazz to orchestral, pop, rock, experimental and beyond, all the while keeping his audiences on their toes. After winning a Grammy for Look Now, his 2018 album with The Imposters, Costello recently released a French language EP, featuring French adaptations by Iggy Pop, Isabelle Adjani, Tshegue, Etta Somatis & AJUQ of songs from his acclaimed 2020 album, Hey Clockface. “Part of the fun of this project is its unexpected nature,” Costello said. “Although, I think people in my audience that have been paying attention are pretty much used to surprises by now.” “When Elvis told me the idea,” Krys said, “it took me about 15 seconds to answer. I have been in so many situations where I was trying to turn Latin artists onto Elvis Costello’s music. The feedback I heard most often was ‘I love it. I wish I knew what he was saying.’ Spanish Model is an opportunity to turn an entire side of the world onto this great record and through these voices, get these ideas out. Lyrically, This Year’s Model is still relevant today, what the songs have to say and how they say it.” Costello and Krys worked closely with all the artists and in some cases with several songwriters, including Elsten continued on next page September 2021 • Rock and Blues International 41

ELVIS COSTELLO & THE ATTRACTIONS’ continued from previous page Torres, Ximena Muñoz, Luis Mitre, Andie Sandoval, and Vega, to adapt the lyrics so the Spanish versions would seamlessly capture each song. With the lyrics in place, each artist set out to record. The translation was key as Luis Fonsi explained: “The lyrics felt really natural. Nothing stuck out, and you can’t just read it. You must sing the lyrics to really know if the song will work or not. From the first time I started singing ‘You Belong To Me,’ it just felt natural. It’s true to the original lyric. It has that same energy.” “It’s tricky,” Fonsi said, “because you want to respect the original version. I tip-toed my way around it. Do you veer off a little bit? What’s the perfect combination?” “I had a blast singing ‘Triggers,’” La Marisoul said. “The translation was beautiful. I just love ballads where I can get down and sing.” Costello first hinted about the release last year when he created an “October surprise” playlist, 50 Songs for 50 Days, which included a, briefly available, preview of Spanish Model with Gian Marco and Nicole Zignago’s politically charged version of “Crawling To The U.S.A.” Costello and Krys recently discussed the origins of Spanish Model at the 2021 Latin Alternative Music Conference last month. “This Year’s Model is about desire and how that relates to love, fashion and to the male gaze towards women and control, especially in political control over us all,” Costello said. “I don’t think there’s anything that somebody in another language would not have encountered. Some of the lyrics might be a little obscure because I use peculiar English idioms, but I constantly fall in love with records in other languages in which I don’t even know one or two courtesy words. What you respond to is the humanity, the pride, the sorrow, the celebration.” Ultimately, Spanish Model echoes the personal journey of celebrating influences and inspirations that Costello has embarked upon in countless creative ways over the years, whether taking him outside his comfort zone, expanding his musical repertoire or, as with this project, discovering something new altogether. Elvis Costello & The Attractions (with Various Artists) — SPANISH MODEL [CD + LP] CD/DIGITAL All Songs With Elvis Costello & The Attractions 1. No Action – Nina Diaz 2. (Yo No Quiero Ir A) Chelsea ((I Don’t Want To Go To) Chelsea) - Raquel Sofía y Fuego 42

Rock and Blues International • September 2021

3. Yo Te Vi (The Beat) – Draco Rosa 4. Pump It Up – Juanes 5. Detonantes (Little Triggers) – La Marisoul 6. Tu Eres Para Mi (You Belong To Me) – Luis Fonsi 7. Hand In Hand – Francisca Valenzuela y Luis Humberto Navejas 8. La Chica de Hoy (This Year’s Girl) – Cami 9. Mentira (Lip Service) – Pablo López 10. Viviendo en el Paraiso (Living In Paradise) – Jesse & Joy 11. Lipstick Vogue – Morat 12. La Turba (Night Rally) – Jorge Drexler 13. Llorar (Big Tears) – Sebastián Yatra 14. Radio Radio – Fito Páez 15. Crawling To The U.S.A. - Gian Marco y Nicole Zignago 16. Se Esta Perdiendo La Inocencia (Running Out Of Angels) - Vega LP SIDE A 1. No Action – Nina Diaz 2. (Yo No Quiero Ir A) Chelsea ((I Don’t Want To Go To) Chelsea) - Raquel Sofía y Fuego 3. Yo Te Vi (The Beat) – Draco Rosa 4. Pump It Up – Juanes 5. Detonantes (Little Triggers) – La Marisoul 6. Tu Eres Para Mi (You Belong To Me) – Luis Fonsi 7. Hand In Hand – Francisca Valenzuela y Luis Humberto Navejas 8. La Chica de Hoy (This Year’s Girl) – Cami SIDE B 1. Mentira (Lip Service) – Pablo López 2. Viviendo en el Paraiso (Living In Paradise) – Jesse & Joy 3. Lipstick Vogue – Morat 4. La Turba (Night Rally) – Jorge Drexler 5. Llorar (Big Tears) – Sebastián Yatra 6. Radio Radio – Fito Páez 7. Crawling To The U.S.A. - Gian Marco y Nicole Zignago 8. Se Esta Perdiendo La Inocencia (Running Out Of Angels) – Vega ELVIS COSTELLO FACEBOOK https://www.facebook.com/ElvisCostello INSTAGRAM https://www.instagram.com/elviscostello/ TWITTER https://twitter.com/ElvisCostello YOUTUBE https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCntMV2RVIrRzQ2v4obEJ5w WEBSITE https://www.elviscostello.com/#!/

September 2021 • Rock and Blues International

generation. Weaving razor-sharp wit, everyday observations, secrets and escapades, all-the-while exploring what it is to be a complex human being, navigating the modern world. Listeners are left enchanted and captivated by this new chapter, as she delivers her rawest, most confessionary work to date. The album’s essence, artwork and color palette was inspired by some of her alltime favorite recording artists Julie London, Frank Sinatra and Peggy Lee, and the 1950’s and 60’s “golden era’ they once reigned. Produced by her brother FINNEAS at his home studio in Los Angeles, ‘Happier Than Ever’ solidifies Billie Eilish once again, as one of the most crucial pop artists of our time. Listen to ‘Happier Than Ever’ HERE at https://billieeilish.lnk.to/HappierThanEver. In other news, seven-time GRAMMY® Award-winning Billie Eilish will make her Disney+ debut with “Happier than Ever: A Love Letter to Los Angeles,” a cinematic concert experience, premiering globally on Friday, September 3. Fresh off the heels of her brand-new album, “Happier than Ever,” the Disney+ original will feature an intimate performance of every song in the album’s sequential order – for the first and only time – from the stage of the legendary Hollywood Bowl.

‘HAPPIER THAN EVER’ DEBUTS AT #1 IN THE U.S. [DARKROOM / INTERSCOPE RECORDS] #1 IN CANADA, UNITED KINGDOM, AUSTRALIA, GERMANY, FRANCE, ITALY, BELGIUM, AUSTRIA, DENMARK, NETHERLANDS, NORWAY, SWITZERLAND, IRELAND AND NEW ZEALAND. Billie Eilish’s sophomore album Fans and critics across the globe have ‘Happier Than Ever’ has officially debuted at Number 1 on the Billboard 200 in the U.S., as praised Eilish, applauding her unflinching defiance and unwavering artistic approach, as well as in Belgium, Finland, France, Germany, Ireland, Italy, Norway, Switzerland, she continues to rule the pop landscape United Kingdom, Australia, New Zealand and instead of pandering to it. The 16-track fulllength proves to be another welcomed Canada. ‘Happier Than Ever’ also now triumph for popular music. A combination of officially holds the record for highest vinyl non-fiction and fantasy, Eilish steps out into sales upon release over the last 30 years. This the limelight as one of the most treasured, is her second Number 1 album in the U.S. talented and intricate songwriters of her and in multiple countries around the world. 44 Rock and Blues International • September 2021

Directed by Robert Rodriguez and Oscar-winner Patrick Osborne the special will also include animated elements, taking viewers on a dreamlike journey through Billie’s hometown of Los Angeles and its most iconic backdrops. “Happier than Ever: A Love Letter to Los Angeles” features FINNEAS, the Los Angeles Children’s Chorus, the Los Angeles Philharmonic conducted by Music & Artistic Director Gustavo Dudamel, and world renowned Brazilian guitarist, Romero Lubambo, with Orchestra Arrangements by David Campbell. “Happier than Ever: A Love Letter to Los Angeles” was produced by Interscope Films and Darkroom Productions, in associate with Nexus Studios and Aron Levine Productions, with Kerry Asmussen as the Live Concert Director and Pablo Berron as Director of Photography. Starting February 3 in New Orleans, Billie Eilish’s sold-out HAPPIER THAN EVER, THE WORLD TOUR commences. The arena run will be making 32 stops across North America, before heading over the Atlantic for an 18-date arena tour through Europe and the United Kingdom, starting June 3. For merchandise and more details go to: www.billieeilish.com/ ‘Happier Than Ever’ the album is out everywhere now. With the release of her highly anticipated sophomore album ‘Happier Than Ever,’ the 19-year-old Los Angeles native remains one of the biggest stars to emerge in the 21st century. Since the release of her debut single “ocean eyes” in 2015, Eilish continued on next page

continued from previous page continues to shatter the ceiling of music with her genre-defying sound. Fast forward from her humble breakout, her album WHEN WE ALL FALL ASLEEP, WHERE DO WE GO? debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard 200 in the U.S as well as 17 additional countries around the world upon release in 2019, and was the most streamed album of that year. WHEN WE ALL FALL ASLEEP, WHERE DO WE GO? was written, produced and recorded entirely by Billie Eilish and brother FINNEAS in their childhood home of Los Angeles. Billie Eilish went on to make history as the youngest artist to receive nominations and win in all the major categories at the 62nd GRAMMY® Awards, receiving an award for Best New Artist, Album of the Year, Record of the Year, Song of the Year, and Best Pop Vocal Album. Billie Eilish is also the youngest artist to write and record an official James Bond theme song, ‘No Time To Die.’ Most recently, Billie Eilish was nominated for four additional awards at the 63rd Annual GRAMMY Awards in 2021, and took home both Record of the Year for ‘everything i wanted,’ and Best Song Written For Visual Media for ‘No Time To Die.’ Billie Eilish’s latest album ‘Happier Than Ever’ was written by Billie and her brother FINNEAS, who also produced the album. LISTEN ‘HAPPIER THAN EVER’ (ALBUM) at https://billieeilish.lnk.to/HappierThanEver Getting Older Billie Bossa Nova Oxytocin Lost Cause Not My Responsibility Everybody Dies NDA Happier Than Ever I Didn’t Change My Number my future GOLDWING Halley’s Comet OverHeated Your Power Therefore I Am Male Fantasy WATCH ‘HAPPIER THAN EVER” (OFFICIAL MUSIC VIDEO) at https://youtu.be/5GJWxDKyk3A 2022 NORTH AMERICAN TOUR DATES* - SOLD OUT 02/03 - Smoothie King Center – New Orleans, LA 02/05 – State Farm Arena – Atlanta, GA 02/06 – Spectrum Center – Charlotte, NC 02/08 – PPG Paints Arena – Pittsburgh, PA 02/09 – Capital One Arena – Washington, DC 02/10 – Bryce Jordan Center – University Park, PA 02/12 – KeyBank Center – Buffalo, NY 02/13 – Wells Fargo Center – Philadelphia, PA 02/15 – Centre Bell – Montreal, QC 02/16 – Scotiabank Arena – Toronto, ON 02/18 – Madison Square Garden – New York, NY 02/19 - Madison Square Garden – New York, NY 02/20 – TD Garden – Boston, MA 02/22 – Prudential Center – Newark, NJ 03/08 – Legacy Arena – Birmingham, AL 03/09 – Bridgestone Arena – Nashville, TN 03/11 – Yum! Center – Louisville, KY 03/12 – Little Caesars Arena – Detroit, MI 03/14 – United Center – Chicago, IL 03/15 – Xcel Center – St. Paul, MN 03/16 – CHI Health Center – Omaha, NE 03/19 – Ball Arena (formerly Pepsi Center) – Denver, CO

03/21 – Vivint Arena – Salt Lake City, UT 03/24 – Rogers Arena – Vancouver, BC 03/25 – Climate Pledge Arena – Seattle, WA 03/29 – Chase Center – San Francisco – CA 03/30 – Golden 1 Center – Sacramento, CA 04/01 – T-Mobile Arena – Las Vegas, NV 04/02 – Gila River Arena – Glendale, AZ 04/06 – The Forum – Los Angeles, CA 04/08 – The Forum – Los Angeles, CA 04/09 – The Forum – Los Angeles, CA 2022 EU/UK TOUR DATES – SOLD OUT June 3 – SSE Arena – Belfast, UK June 4 – 3Arena – Dublin, IE June 5 – 3Arena – Dublin, IE June 7 – AO Arena – Manchester, UK June 8 – AO Arena – Manchester, UK June 10 – The O2 – London, UK June 11 – The O2 – London, UK June 12 – The O2 – London, UK June 14 – The SSE Hydro – Glasgow, UK June 15 – Utilita Arena – Birmingham, UK June 16 – The O2 – London, UK June 18 – Ziggo Dome – Amsterdam, NL June 19 – Festhalle – Frankfurt, DE June 21 – Lanxess Arena – Cologne, DE June 22 – Accor Arena – Paris, FR June 25 – The O2 – London, UK June 28 – Sportpaleis – Antwerp, BE June 30 – Mercedes-Benz Arena – Berlin, DE July 2 – Hallenstadion – Zurich, CH *Members of the Verizon customer loyalty program, Verizon Up, will receive access to US dates on this tour. Limited quantities of Super Tickets will be available in 2022 for Verizon Up members to claim through the My Verizon app. OFFICIAL WEBSITE - https://www.billieeilish.com/ FACEBOOK - https://www.facebook.com/billieeilish/ TWITTER - https://twitter.com/billieeilish?lang=en INSTAGRAM - https://www.instagram.com/billieeilish/ YOUTUBE - https://www.youtube.com/channel/ UCiGm_E4ZwYSHV3bcW1pnSeQ September 2021 • Rock and Blues International

Photo Credit: Ophelia Mikkelson Jones

GRAMMY® Award-winning multiplatinum artist LORDE has dropped “MOOD RING”, the latest song off her third studio album, Solar Power, which was released via Republic Records last month on Friday, August 20th. The song comes alongside an epic music video featuring LORDE as you’ve never seen her before. Of the song Lorde says, “This is a song I am very excited about, it’s so much fun to me. Obviously when making this album I did a deep-dive into 60s, Flower Child culture. I wanted to understand the commune life, dropping out from society and trying to start again. That really resonated to me when writing this album. One thing that occurred to me as a major parallel between that time and our time is our wellness culture and our culture of spirituality, pseudo-spirituality, wellness, pseudo-wellness. Things like eating a macro-biotic vegan diet or burning sage, keeping crystals, reading tarot cards or your horoscope. These were all things that they were dabbling in back then, and that me and my girlfriends are dabbling in today. I was like “I think there’s a pop song in here”. So this is kind of my extremely satirical look at all of those vibes.”

Credit: Nova Rockafeller

Lorde Releases “Mood Ring” From Her Highly Anticipated Third Studio Album Solar Power The Artist Will Headline The “GMA” Summer Concert Series With First InPerson Central Park Show In Almost Two Years

The song is the latest glimpse into what the full Solar Power universe will feel like. A celebration of the natural world, the album includes 12 tracks and is produced by Jack Antonoff who she collaborated with on her chart-topping last album, Melodrama. Most notably, to honor the natural world the artist is presenting the album in a first-of-its kind, discless format. An ecoconscious Music Box will be available for purchase in lieu of a CD. This innovative offering will contain some of those special extras that fans might normally receive in a CD packet, such as visual content, handwritten notes, exclusive photos, and a download card. The card will give purchasers a high-quality download of the music, two exclusive bonus tracks, and access to some special surprises along the way. When talking about the concept Lorde says, “I decided early on in the process of making this album that I also wanted to create an environmentally kind, forward-thinking alternative to the CD. I wanted this Music Box product to be similar in size, shape and price to a CD, to continued on next page

Pre-Order / Pre-Save / Pre-Add Solar Power here at https://lorde.lnk.to/SPAlbum_US Listen to “Mood Ring” here at https://lorde.lnk.to/MoodRing_US Watch the video for “Mood Ring” here at https://youtu.be/P103bWMdvtA 52 46

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Lorde Releases “Mood Ring” continued from previous page live alongside it in a retail environment, but be something which stands apart and that’s committed to the evolving nature of a modern album.” The artist will take to the stage on album release day to headline the “GMA” Summer Concert Series with their first inperson Central Park show in nearly two years. Then starting August 23rd, LORDE will join “The Late Late Show with James Corden” for a week-long residency during the show’s first week back from summer hiatus. Earlier this summer, Lorde announced her 2022 World tour dates. The sold-out 40+ show tour, promoted by AEG Presents in the US and Canada, is her first North American tour since 2018 and kicks off in North America in Nashville on April 3 at the Opry House before concluding at the Santa Barbara Bowl on May 7. In 2013, a 16-year-old LORDE quietly, yet confidently asserted herself as the voice of a generation with her full-length debut, Pure Heroine. The album would go triple-platinum, win two GRAMMY® Awards, and spawn the certified Diamond, recordbreaking, international juggernaut single, “Royals,” and quadruple-platinum follow up “Team.” The former cemented LORDE as “the youngest solo artist and the only New Zealander to achieve #1 on the Billboard Hot 100 since 1987.” Time exalted her amongst the “Most Influential Teenagers in the World,” she landed on Forbes’s “30 Under 30” List, graced the cover of Rolling Stone and performed alongside Nirvana during the 2014 Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony. She also curated the official soundtrack for The Hunger Games: Mockingjay – Part 1 and recorded “Yellow Flicker Beat” as the lead single. In 2017 LORDE released her second full-length studio album, Melodrama which debuted at #1 on the Billboard 200 Chart, making her the first ever NZ artist to land a #1 debut album in the United States. The album reached #1 in over 45 countries and earned LORDE a nomination for Album of the Year at the 2018 GRAMMY® Awards. LORDE makes her highly anticipated return with critically acclaimed new single, “Solar Power,” from her third fulllength studio album, Solar Power, due out August 20th. LORDE currently has over 12 million albums sold worldwide and over 10 billion streams worldwide Solar Power Tracklist: 1. The Path 2. Solar Power 3. California 4. Stoned at the Nail Salon 5. Fallen Fruit 6. Secrets From a Girl (Who’s Seen It All) 7. The Man with the Axe 8. Dominoes 9. Big Star 10. Leader of a New Regime 11. Mood Ring 12. Oceanic Feeling LORDE TOUR DATES:

Date City February 26

Venue Christchurch, NZ - Electric Avenue Festival

Photo Credit: Ophelia Mikkelson Jones

February 27 March 1 March 2 March 4 March 5 March 10 March 12 March 15 March 19 April 3 April 5 April 7 April 8 April 9 April 12 April 13 April 15 April 16 April 18 April 19 April 20 April 22 April 23 April 25 April 27 April 30 May 1 May 3 May 5 May 6 May 7 May 25 May 26 May 28 May 30 June 1 June 2 June 3 June 7 June 8 June 10 June 13 June 14 June 16 June 17 June 18 June 21 June 23 June 28

Upper Moutere, NZ - Neudorf Vineyards Wellington, NZ - Days Bay Havelock North, NZ - Black Barn Vineyards New Plymouth, NZ - Bowl of Brooklands Auckland, NZ Outerfields Brisbane, AU Riverstage Melbourne, AU SMMB Sydney, AU Aware Super Theatre Perth, AU Belvoir Amphitheater Nashville, TN Opry House Detroit, MI Masonic Temple Theatre Montreal, QC Salle Willfrid Pelletier Toronto, ON Meridian Hall Toronto, ON Meridian Hall Boston, MA Boch Center – Wang Theatre Boston, MA Boch Center – Wang Theatre Uncasville, CT Mohegan Sun Arena Washington, DC The Anthem New York, NY Radio City Music Hall New York, NY Radio City Music Hall Philadelphia, PA The Met Chicago, IL The Chicago Theatre Chicago, IL The Chicago Theatre Minneapolis, MN The Armory Denver, CO Mission Ballroom Seattle, WA WaMu Theatre Portland, OR Theater of the Clouds San Francisco, CA Bill Graham Civic Auditorium Los Angeles, CA Shrine Auditorium Los Angeles, CA Shrine Auditorium Santa Barbara, CA Santa Barbara Bowl Leeds, UK O2 Academy Edinburgh, UK Usher Hall Manchester, UK O2 Victoria Warehouse Birmingham, UK O2 Academy London, UK Roundhouse London, UK Roundhouse London, UK Roundhouse Paris, FR Casino de Paris Amsterdam, NL AFAS Live Barcelona, ES Primavera Sound Zurich, CH Halle 622 Munich, DE Zenith Rome, IT Cavea – Auditorium Parco della Musica Villafranca di Verona, IT Castello di Villafranca Sibenik, HR Saint Mihovil Fortress Cologne, DE Open Air am Tanzbrunnen Berlin, DE Verti Music Hall London, UK Alexandra Palace September 2021 • Rock and Blues International

LINDSAY ELL SHARES SEVEN-STAGE VIDEO SERIES ON ONE YEAR ANNIVERSARY OF heart theory ALBUM https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8hJ-VEA_3P4&list=PL99P-glmLVhsm8jDfVN3q2JFkohB7l9hX&index=3&ab_channel=LindsayEll Chart topping musician, vocalist and songwriter Lindsay Ell celebrated the one year anniversary of her critically-acclaimed concept album heart theory on Saturday, August 14. As the incredibly personal record explores the seven stages of grief, Lindsay shared a seven-part video series that explores each stage in the grieving process. The videos were aptly filmed in seven different environments that represent each of the stages and were directed and produced by Scott Scovill at Moo TV using extended reality technology. The series premiered on CMT, where Lindsay spoke in depth about the videos. heart theory was written largely by Ell, inspired by a monumental break-up; a major health scare; turning 30; and confronting trauma from her childhood for the first time publicly. The “masterpiece of an album” (American Songwriter) and Ell’s “most empowering album to date” (Rolling Stone), has garnered more than 61 million on-demand streams to date and was nominated for “Country Album of the Year” at Canada’s prestigious Juno Awards. The 12-track project debuted inside the Top 10 of Billboard’s Top Country Albums and Top 5 on the UK Country Album chart and several of the songs have been performed on popular US TV shows including NBC’s TODAY, Tamron Hall Show and FOX & Friends. “It’s amazing to be able to bring the songs off heart theory to life in a new and innovative way. The capabilities of XR are limitless which made it possible for me to communicate the emotions tied to the seven stages of grief,” said Lindsay Ell. “Releasing them all now is an awesome way to celebrate the anniversary of this album.” While tackling some of the harder topics, like in the beautiful track “make you” ( https://youtu.be/QnJa6RdjKws ) which delves into her experience as a sexual violence survivor—Ell hoped the project would be a roadmap of comfort and reassurance and a reminder to believe in yourself, especially during tumultuous times. In an effort to extend that sentiment, Ell created the Make You Movement, a charitable fund where she can direct money on an as-needed basis to organizations helping youth and victims of sexual trauma. Since the pandemic began, Ell nabbed two ACM Awards nominations (“New Female Artist of the Year” and “Vocal Event of the Year” for her No. 1 hit “What Happens In a Small Town” with Brantley Gilbert), earned her first Gold record in Canada, won a Canadian Country Music Award and is currently out on the road with Blake Shelton on his Friends and Heroes Tour. “Seven locations in one day! Using extended reality technology we placed Lindsay in seven incredible environments,” said Scott Scovill, owner Moo TV. “Diverse and dangerous places like a burning forest, inside a cave, standing on a ledge in a prison, all from the safety of the Moo TV XR stage, all captured in real time. Like Lindsay, this technology is amazing!” Lauded as “one of the most exciting and talented young artists in country music” (Forbes), Lindsay Ell is a triple threat: accom-

48 Rock and Blues International • September 2021

plished musician, unique vocalist and awe-inspiring songwriter. The Calgary native learned to play guitar while traveling with her father to country-bluegrass camps as a young girl. Ell honed her craft as a musical stylist and songwriter after being discovered by BTO and The Guess Who’s Randy Bachman (“American Woman” / “Taking Care of Business”) who discovered her at the age of 13. The multi-instrumentalist was soon touring alongside the likes of Luke Bryan, Buddy Guy, and Keith Urban. Ell also shared the stage with distinguished country group, Little Big Town, along with other powerhouse female artists in one the biggest moments of the 2019 CMA Awards where she was also nominated for Musical Event of the Year. Ell’s nominations do not stop there. She has been nominated for New Female Artist of the Year in both 2019 and 2020, in addition to her 2020 ACM nomination of Music Event of the Year. Ell also won 2020 CCMA Interactive Artist or Group of the Year for the second year in a row. These wins and nominations are well earned after Ell exhilarated audiences as part of Keith Urban’s Graffiti U World Tour, Brantley Gilbert’s Not Like Us Tour, and Brad Paisley’s Weekend Warrior World Tour. Ell’s first full-length album The Project debuted at No. 1 on the Country Album Sales Chart and was named Billboard’s “Best Country Album of 2017. “What Happens In a Small Town,” Lindsay’s duet with Brantley Gilbert, claimed the top spot at country radio, marking her first No. 1 in the US. She has two No. 1 singles under her belt in Canada. Her critically-acclaimed sophomore album, heart theory was nominated for “Country Album of the Year” at Canada’s prestigious Juno Awards She is currently out on tour with Blake Shelton. For more information visit: www.LindsayEll.com. heart theory track listing: shock 1. “Hits me” (Lindsay Ell, Tyler Hubbard, Corey Crowder) denial 2. “how good” (Lindsay Ell, Brandy Clark) 3. “i don’t lovE you” (Adam Hambrick, Melissa Fuller, Neil Medley) anger 4. “wAnt me back” (Lindsay Ell, Kane Brown, Matt McGinn, Lindsay Rimes) 5. “get oveR you” (Lindsay Ell, Gordie Sampson, Kelly Archer) 6. “wrong girl” (Lindsay Ell, Steph Jones, Matt McGinn, Luke Niccoli) bargaining 7. “body language of a breakup” (Lindsay Ell, Laura Veltz, Sam Ellis) depression 8. “good on you” (Lindsay Ell, Sam Ellis, Micah Premnath) testing 9. “The oTHEr side” (Lindsay Ell, Jessie Jo Dillon, Matt McGinn) 10. “gO to” (Lindsay Ell, Nicolle Gaylon, Jordan Reynolds) acceptance 11. “make you” (Lindsay Ell, Brandy Clark) 12. “ReadY to love” (Lindsay Ell, Jessie Jo Dillon, Matt McGinn, Joey Hyde)

June 2021 • Rock and Blues International

Photo Credits: Travis Shinn

Kat Von D Shares New Synthwave Driven Single “Fear You” Listen to ‘Fear You’ here at https://katvond.lnk.to/fearyou Pre-order ‘Love Made Me Do It’ here at https://katvond.lnk.to/lovemademedoit 50

Rock and Blues International • September 2021

Kat Von D continued from previous page Gifted multi-hyphenate Kat Von D recently shared her ‘synthwave driven single ‘Fear You’. On the track, impassioned paranoia seeps through the cracks of her delivery as she details “being scared to let yourself fall in love,” bathed in a gorgeous retro soundscape laced with instantly recognisable 808 drums. Lyrically, the track explores trust, self-exploration and the concept of overcoming your inner fears when it comes to fully committing your heart to a loved one. Written with Linda Perry, the single was produced by Kat and her band members Gregg Foreman AKA Mr. Pharmacist (synth 1/Cat Power,The Gossip), Sammi Doll (synth 2/IAMX) and Dave Parley (drums/Prayers). Talking about the track Kat says; “this was originally my favorite track. It still might be! I chose it to be the fifth song, because five is my favorite number. Lyrically, it’s about how you can’t lose if you don’t play. You’re so scared of taking the leap and trying, because you assume you’re going to fail. I was in a relationship where we were too scared to make it real. It was self-tormenting. You’re building it up to fall apart. You want to know someone wholeheartedly, but that would require you to get over your fear. You just won’t.” The new cut follows on recently released singles, the driving darkwave laced ‘Enough’, the vulnerable synthwave slow jam, ‘I Am Nothing’( https://katvond.lnk.to/iamnothing ) , which found the talented artist at her most intimate and vulnerable, and the debut single ‘Exorcism’ ( https:// katvond.lnk.to/exorcism ) - defined by Billboard as “a darkwave bop about love, loss and change” - which unveiled the album’s recurring theme, in Kat’s own words; “‘Love Made Me Do It’ is a collection of all my hopeless romantic thoughts poured into one album.” ‘Love Made Me Do It’ sits at the core of Kat’s universe, proving that music is her first and strongest passion. Having been a classically trained pianist since her youth with a deep appreciation for music of all genres, Kat poured her soul into this long-awaited full-length debut album. The album eatures collaborators Dave Grohl, Linda Perry, Dave Sitek (TV On The Radio), Peter Murphy (Bauhaus), Danny Lohner (Nine Inch Nails), Ladyhawke and Charo. Long before the history-making tattoos, ubiquitous television shows, best-selling books, and influential beauty empire, Kat Von D sat down at a piano for nearly two hours a day and played. In essence, music became her first creative language and most trusted outlet. Classical training and a deep appreciation for music of all genres essentially underscored her life. She studied voice under Ken Tamplin six days per week, strengthening her vocals. In 2012, she began writing with GRAMMY® Award-nominated legend Linda Perry. Following this experience, Kat continued to write on her own, sitting at the piano and summoning songs from raw emotion. During 2014, she retreated to London to record the original mix of what would become her full-length debut album ‘Love Made Me Do It’ (KVD/Kartel Music Group) before cementing it with her band—Gregg Foreman AKA Mr. Pharmacist (synth 1), Sammi Doll (synth 2), Dave Parley (drums), and Brynn Route (contortionist). They moved into a bungalow cottage on her property, lived together, and finished the record. Capping off the process, Dan Haigh of Gunship handled mixing. A pastiche of shapeshifting analog synths, post-punk dreamscapes, gothic

hues, and shy pop magnetism, these eleven songs echo the eternal will of the perennially brokenhearted to love until death. It’s highlighted by standouts such as the first single ‘Exorcism’, ‘Protected’ featuring Peter Murphy of Bauhaus and produced and co-written with Danny Lohner (Nine Inch Nails, A Perfect Circle), and ‘The Calling’ capped off by neverbefore-heard recordings from original scream queen Vampira In support of her debut LP, Love Made Me Do It, Kat Von D premieres her theatrical live show performance with her full band for a limited West Coast tour featuring very special guest Prayers. Tour dates and tickets links are: 9/27 Phoenix, AZ, The Van Buren 9/28 San Diego, CA, House of Blues 9/30 Los Angeles, CA, The Belasco 10/02 San Francisco, CA, August Hall Select Press Quotes “The song has Von D heading in a modern pop direction with its driving, gloomy vibe — one that still showcases the kind of melodic hooks and sonic sheen to which Top 40 fans have grown accustomed”. -Loudwire “‘I Am Nothing’ is a psychedelic dose of swelling, brooding dream pop... it evokes the sheen of the ’80s gothic synthwave that partially inspired her musical journey.” – Consequence “a darkwave bop about love, loss and change”. - Billboard “Kat Von D is a legend in her own right, a jack of all trades if there ever was one.” - Flaunt “Fantastical... think The Cure meets Garbage”. -Blackbook FOLLOW KAT VON D WEBSITE https://katvond.com/ SPOTIFY https://open.spotify.com/artist/ 0eLQCmRxdnxAK9rchhAFlU APPLE MUSIC https://music.apple.com/gb/artist/kat-von-d/1564286242 FACEBOOK https://www.facebook.com/katvond INSTAGRAM https://www.instagram.com/thekatvond/ TWITTER https://twitter.com/thekatvond YOUTUBE https://www.youtube.com/channel/ UCU2ACt2gy77iJAZq46Uzqkw September 2021 • Rock and Blues International

Turn Up That Dial, released April 30 via the band’s own Born & Bred Records, is Dropkick Murphys’ tenth studio album, and fourth consecutive Billboard top 10 album debut, joining 11 Short Stories Of Pain & Glory (2017), Signed and Sealed in Blood (2013), and Going Out In Style (2011).

Ken Casey, Dropkick Murphys

Dropkick Murphys Release Hysterical Video For H.B.D.M.F. With Special Appearance By The Puppets Of Punchdance Studios Dropkick Murphys & Rancid Launch CoHeadlining Boston To Berkeley II U.S. Tour Dropkick Murphys have just released a hysterical video for “H.B.D.M.F.,” their song from Turn Up That Dial, poking fun at those adults who over-celebrate their birthdays. A team of puppets, including an overzealous and self-absorbed lead character, join the band to make up the cast for the genius clip directed by Dave Stauble and Tim Dennesen of Punchdance Studios. Watch the video for “H.B.D.M.F.” here: https://youtu.be/SvyZI0dGvVE

Dropkick Murphys founder and co-lead vocalist Ken Casey said, “We had to learn to get creative making videos during the COVID restrictions. We had to think outside the box, but it led to some really hilarious stuff like this video.” In other news, Dropkick Murphys and Rancid will hit the road together next week for the first time since 2017, for the co-headlining Boston To Berkeley II Tour with special guests The Bronx on most dates. The U.S. trek–which was originally scheduled for May of 2020– runs from August 10 – October 16 and will also feature festival appearances by Dropkick Murphys and Rancid at Summerfest in Milwaukee on September 16, Riot Fest in Chicago on September 18 and Aftershock in Sacramento on October 8.

Fans will recognize some of the “H.B.D.M.F.” video characters from Dropkick Murphys’ 2021 streaming performances Dropkick Murphys St. Patrick’s Day Stream 2021...Still Locked Down and the Turn Up That Dial May 1 album release party free live stream concert. And for this video, some Dropkick Murphys band members even tried their hand at puppeteering. 52 Rock and Blues International • September 2021

Dropkick Murphys are: Al Barr (lead vocals), Tim Brennan (guitars, tin whistle, accordion, piano, vocals), Ken Casey (lead vocals), Jeff DaRosa (guitars, banjo, mandolin, vocals), Matt Kelly (drums, percussion, vocals), James Lynch (guitars, vocals), Kevin Rheault (touring bassist) and Lee Forshner (touring bagpipe player). Dropkick Murphys proudly remain Boston’s rock ‘n’ roll underdogs turned champions. Since 1996, the boys have thrown down with the kind of rock ‘n’ roll that’s meant to be chanted at last call, in packed arenas, and during the fourth quarter, third period, or ninth inning of a comeback rally. With a celebrated discography including 2005’s gold-selling The Warrior’s Code and the near double platinum classic “I’m Shipping Up To Boston,” they’ve quietly moved 8 million-plus units worldwide. Whether you caught a legendary gig at The Rathskeller (The Rat) under Kenmore Square, found the band by taking the T to Newbury Comics to cop Do Or Die in ’98, discovered them in Martin Scorsese’s Academy Awardwinning The Departed, or saw ‘em throw down at Coachella (or one of hundreds of other festivals), you’ve become a part of their extended family. Among many accolades, they’ve earned four consecutive Billboard top 10 album debuts (2021’s Turn Up That Dial, 11 Short Stories Of Pain & Glory, Signed and Sealed in Blood, Going Out In Style), generated half-a-billion streams, and sold out gigs on multiple continents. Not to mention, The Signed and Sealed in Blood standout “Rose Tattoo” graced Loudwire’s “Top 66 Best Of The Decade Rock Songs” at #21 with a bullet. continued on next page

Dropkick Murphys continued from previous page Catch Dropkick Murphys on tour in the following cities (Boston To Berkeley II tour unless otherwise noted): Tue. 8/10 Waite Park, MN The Ledge Amphitheater - Waite Park Wed. 8/11 Kansas City, MO Grinders

Al Barr, Dropkick Murphys

Fri. 8/13 Lincoln, NE Lincoln On The Streets

Hartford Health Care Amphitheater in Bridgeport

Sat. 8/14 Wichita, KS Wave

Thu. 9/16 Milwaukee, WI BMO Harris Pavilion (Summerfest) *

Sun. 8/15 Sauget, IL Pop’s Outside

Fri. 9/17 Des Moines, IA Lauridsen Amphitheater at Water Works Park #

Thu. 10/7 Palo Alto, CA Frost Amphitheater

Sat. 9/18 Chicago, IL Douglass Park (Riot Fest) *

Fri. 10/8 Sacramento, CA Discovery Park (Aftershock) *

Fri. 9/24 Nashville, TN Ascend Amphitheater +

Sat. 10/9 Santa Ana, CA Observatory OC Festival Grounds

Sat. 9/25 Atlanta, GA Atlanta Civic Center – Outdoors +

Sun. 10/10 San Diego, CA Gallagher Square at Petco Park San Diego

Tue. 8/17 Washington, PA Wild Things Park Wed. 8/18 Cincinnati, OH The ICON Festival Stage at Smale Park Fri. 8/20 Gilford, NH Bank Of New Hampshire Pavilion Sat. 8/21 Worcester, MA The Palladium Outdoors Sun. 8/22 Lewiston, NY Artpark Amphitheater Mon. 8/23 Columbus, OH EXPRESS LIVE! - Outdoors Wed. 8/25 Richmond, VA Virginia Credit Union Live! Fri. 8/27 Asbury Park, NJ Stone Pony Summerstage Sat. 8/28 New York, NY Forest Hills Stadium Tue. 8/31 Philadelphia, PA Skyline Stage @ Mann Music Center Wed. 9/1 Bridgeport, CT

Mon. 9/27 Corpus Christi, TX Concrete Street Amphitheatre

Mon. 10/4 Nampa, ID Ford Idaho Center Amphitheater Tue. 10/5 Seattle, WA WAMU Theater

Tue. 10/12 Mesa, AZ Mesa Amphitheatre

Tue. 9/28 Grand Prairie, TX Texas Trust CU Theatre at Grand Prairie Wed. 9/29 Oklahoma City, OK The Zoo Amphitheatre

Wed. 10/13 Paso Robles, CA Vina Robles Amphitheatre Fri. 10/15 Las Vegas, NV Theater at Virgin Hotels Las Vegas

Fri. 10/1 Denver, CO Mission Ballroom Outdoors

Sat. 10/16 Los Angeles, C Shrine LA Outdoors

Sat. 10/2 Sandy, UT U of U Health Plaza Rio Tinto Stadium

* Festival date + without The Bronx, opener TBA # Dropkick Murphys with The Mighty Mighty Bosstones & Jesse Ahern

Website: www.DropkickMurphys.com Facebook: www.facebook.com/DropkickMurphys Instagram: www.instagram.com/dropkickmurphys Twitch: www.twitch.tv/dropkickmurphys Twitter: www.twitter.com/DropkickMurphys YouTube: www.youtube.com/DropkickMurphys September 2021 • Rock and Blues International

Last month, Justin Nozuka shared two brand new singles - the A side “Nova” paired with B side “Closer” via Flaunt. “Nova” is a celebration of Justin’s R&B arrival, punctuating his embrace and incorporation of the contemporary genre into his sound over the last year. On the tracks, Justin says, “With these two I felt the pull to dive into a more contemporary sound. It’s the first time I’ve really gone in this direction… kinda scary but also very liberating. I’m just having fun with these two, exploring new sounds. Have been sitting on the Nova idea for over 2 years, played it for my manager and he was like THAT - let’s get That.” Justin Nozuka previously released his now & then (A Live Performance from Revolution Studio) EP, featuring the brand new track “Miami (Live).” This followed his EP then, now & again, out via post 1988/Black Box. Complex featured the EP, dubbing it “the perfect project to spin whether you’re feeling good, bad, or comme ci comme ça.” The full EP follows the release of recent singles, “summer night o8” (tipped at Clash and Ones To Watch) and the Mahalia-featuring track, “No One But You”, which amassed over 6M streams late last year, as well as support from Complex and SPIN.

Justin Nozuka Shares “Nova” Video LISTEN / WATCH & SHARE: Justin Nozuka - “Nova / Closer” Stream http://smarturl.it/JNNOVA YouTube https://youtu.be/_5-GOaCBbH8 54

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The 32-year old New York-born, Toronto-raised and world-travelled Nozuka has been a mainstay of contemporary pop, folk and alternative R&B since he released his first album Holly at the age of 17. He comes by those influences honestly, following the lead of his four musical brothers. His first obsession was Lauryn Hill’s 1998 masterpiece The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill. That album was the gateway to late 90’s/early 2000’s R&B and 1970’s-era singer/songwriters that have coalesced to define Nozuka’s sound. “I’m confidently getting back to the roots and music that taught me how to sing and educated me on songwriting in general,” Justin remarks of his new material. “Contemporary R&B music with a keen ear for ‘70’s era recording sounds and techniques. I think R&B melodies and music has an innate quality continued on next page

Justin Nozuka continued from previous page of deep passion, pain and love. There’s a nostalgia for 90s and 2000s R&B that I crave right now. I also feel recording techniques and sounds from the 70s have an unbeaten richness to them. Those two elements together, make for what I believe is damn good, nourishing music.” When Justin Nozuka is asked to describe his music, he uses words like honesty, passion, vulnerability, and true love. These themes have been consistent throughout his decade-plus as a world-renowned singer/songwriter, but they have never felt quite so poignant or important as they do within the context of our world today. Having self-produced some of his earlier projects, he takes a hands-on approach to his craft. It is this precision, intention, and dedication that truly characterizes Justin Nozuka as an artist. These same characteristics have allowed people around the world to connect to Nozuka’s music. Whether it’s two JUNO Nominations in his native Canada, a pair of NRJ Awards in France, or sold-out club performances across Europe and the United States, he has touched many listeners and fans throughout his career. Alongside these accolades, Justin has toured internationally, appeared on Jimmy Kimmel Live, The Late Show and Good Morning America. Justin Nozuka began writing his own songs at the age of 12. His debut album “Holly” was released in 2007 to critical acclaim when Justin was 17. Since his debut, Justin has received an NRJ Award for “Duo of the Year,” two Gold albums (“Holly,” and “You I Wind Land Sea”), and over 250MM global streams. He was also nominated for two JUNO awards (most recently being in 2011 for Adult Alternative Album of the Year, a category he shared with Neil Young.) He has toured the world extensively. Justin’s musical influences are soul, gospel, folk, and blues. Playing support slots for world renowned artists such as Stevie Wonder, Mary J. Blige, John Mayer, and Jason Mraz, Nozuka continues to demonstrate his ability to impress and inspire on a global level.

ADVERTISE HERE Advertise in a revolutionary new magazine that will be taking the music world by storm! call us now at 281-650-1953

“Nova” Music Video https://youtu.be/_5-GOaCBbH8 JUSTIN NOZUKA LINKS Website https://www.justinnozuka.com/ Instagram https://www.instagram.com/justinnozuka/?hl=en Twitter https://twitter.com/ justinnozuka?ref_src=twsrc%5Egoogle%7Ctwcamp%5Eserp%7Ctwgr%5Eauthor Spotify https://open.spotify.com/artist/1uquUYtkdKei0zuhBY9P0t Facebook https://www.facebook.com/justinnozuka/

Rock And Blues International

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

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Kaytranada Kaytranda byXaiver Tera

Rock and Blues International • September 2021

Kaytranada Announces Fall North American Tour TICKETS: kaytranada.com LISTEN: BUBBA https://smarturl.it/xBUBBAx Kaytranda has announced his Fall North American tour dates. Kicking off September 4th in Seattle, the headlining tour will see KAYTRANADA play seventeen shows including stops in Dallas, Miami, Brooklyn, Atlanta, Vancouver, and more, before concluding the run on December 30th in Toronto. Pre-sale tickets went on sale Wednesday, August 11th at noon EST with general tickets on sale Friday, August 13th at 10 am local time. The tour announcement follows the artist’s 2019 album BUBBA, out now via RCA Records, for which he received two GRAMMY wins for Best Dance/Electronic Album and Best Dance Recording for “10%” featuring Kali Uchis. Fully produced by Kaytranda, BUBBA is the highly-anticipated follow up to his breakout debut album 99.9% and features Pharrell Williams, Tinashe, Kali Uchis, GoldLink, Charlotte Day Wilson, Estelle, VanJess, Masego, Mick Jenkins, SiR, and more. The album landed at #1 on the Billboard Electronic Albums chart and #3 on the Billboard R&B Albums chart upon its release. Listen to BUBBA above, see full tour routing below, and stay tuned for more from Kaytranda coming soon. Upcoming Tour Dates: 09/04 - Seattle, WA @ Day In Day Out 09/18 - Denver, CO @ Westword Music Showcase 09/26 - San Diego, CA @ CRSSD Festival 10/08 - Montreal, QC @ Piknic Electronik 10/13 - Washington, DC @ The Anthem 10/14 - Brooklyn, NY @ The Great Hall @ Avant Gardner 10/21 - Atlanta, GA @ Coca Cola Roxy

Photo by Liam Macrae 10/22 - New Orleans, LA @ Buku: Planet B 10/23 - Miami, FL @ III Points 10/29 - San Francisco, CA @ Outside Lands Festival 10/31 - Los Angeles, CA @ The Shrine Expo Hall 11/11 - Dallas, TX @ South Side Ballroom 11/12 - Houston, TX @ The Lawn @ White Oak Music Hall 11/13 - Vancouver, BC @ PNE Forum 12/03 - Austin, TX @ Stubb’s Wallercreek Amphitheater 12/08 - Boston, MA @ House of Blues 12/30 - Toronto, ON @ History Kaytranda Bubba RCA Records 1. DO IT 2. The Music feat. Iman Omari 3. Go DJ feat. SiR 4. Gray Area feat. Mick Jenkins 5. Puff Lah 6. 10% feat. Kali Uchis 7. Need It feat. Masego 8. Taste feat. VanJess 9. Oh No feat. Estelle 10. What You Need feat. Charlotte Day Wilson 11. Vex Oh feat. GoldLink, Eight9fly, & Ari PenSmith 12. Scared To Death 13. Freefall feat. Durand Bernarr 14. Culture feat. Teedra Moses 15. The Worst In Me feat. Tinashe 16. September 21 17. Midsection feat. Pharrell Williams Connect with KAYTRANADA:

Website http://www.kaytranada.com Instagram https://www.instagram.com/kaytranada/ Twitter https://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp September 2021 • Rock and Blues International

Jackson Browne’s Downhill From Everywhere Debuts at #5 on Billboard Current Album, Album Sales, and Americana Album Charts On Tour with James Taylor with Upcoming Shows in Nashville, Atlanta, Long Island, New Jersey and more Speaking at AmericanaFest Panel Discussion in September Jackson Browne’s new album Downhill From Everycredit: Robin Parsons where (Inside Recordings) recently debuted at #5 on the Billboard Current Album Chart, the Album Sales Chart, as well as the Americana Album Chart. In support of the record, Browne is on an extensive US tour with James Taylor throughout August and October, with a headline tour of his own in September. See full list of tour dates below. For more information, please visit www.jacksonbrowne.com The Beaver County Times reviewed the recent show with Taylor in Pittsburgh raving that Browne was “sounding highoctane as ever,” while the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette noted, “The evening ended with Browne back out for jubilant covers of his ‘Take It Easy’ and Carole King’s ‘You’ve Got a Friend’ that had people all over...singing and hugging like the pandemic never happened.” Reviewing the Blossom Music Center show outside of Cleveland, Ultimate Classic Rock said the album single “My Cleveland Heart” was “unsurprisingly, a big hit during the concert.” In conjunction with The GRAMMY Museum, Browne will also take part in a keynote interview at this year’s AmericanaFest taking place in Nashville from September 22 to 25. Downhill From Everywhere has been embraced by The Independent, Variety, Grammy.com, NPR’s Here & Now, Rolling Stone, AllMusic, Under The Radar, No Depression, and many more including the Associated Press who called it, “a timeless rock album,” and Forbes who said, “Downhill From Everywhere is why Browne is in both the Rock And Roll and Songwriters Hall Of Fames.” Browne was also recently interviewed on WTF w/ Marc Maron and Here’s The Thing w/ Alex Baldwin, and performed “My Cleveland Heart” on Jimmy Kimmel Live! 58 Rock and Blues International • September 2021

Credit: Nels Israelson

Jackson Browne “Evening With” Tour: September 5 - Santa Barbara, CA @ Santa Barbara Bowl September 8 - Paso Robles, CA @ Vina Robles Amphitheatre September 10 - Napa, CA @ Oxbow Riverstage September 11 - Stateline, NV @ Harveys Outdoor Arena September 14 - Prescott, AZ @ Findlay Toyota Center September 15 - Tucson, AZ @ Tucson Music Hall September 17 - Phoenix, AZ @ The Celebrity Theatre September 18 - Phoenix, AZ @ The Celebrity Theatre September 20 - Albuquerque, NM @ Kiva Auditorium Jackson Browne with James Taylor Tour: August 13 - Louisville, KY @ KFC Yum Center August 14 - Memphis, TN @ FedEx Forum August 16 - Nashville, TN @ Bridgestone Arena August 17 - Atlanta, GA @ Infinite Energy Center August 19 - Hershey, PA @ Giant Center August 21 - Bethel, NY @ Bethel Woods Center For The Arts August 25 - Camden, NJ @ BB&T August 27 - Wantagh, NY @ Jones Beach August 28 - Holmdel, NJ @ PNC Bank Arts October 16 - New Orleans, LA @ Smoothie King Center October 17 - Houston, TX @ Toyota Center October 19 - Fort Worth, TX @ Dickies Arena October 22 - Salt Lake City, UT @ Maverik Center October 23 - Boise, ID @ ExtraMile Arena October 25 - Portland, OR @ Moda Center October 27 - Tacoma, WA @ Tacoma Dome October 29 - San Francisco, CA @ Chase Center October 30 - Anaheim, CA @ Honda Center November 1 - San Diego, CA @ Pechanga Arena Follow Jackson Browne: Website https://www.jacksonbrowne.com/ Facebook https://www.facebook.com/jacksonbrowne Twitter https://twitter.com/jacksonbrowne Instagram https://www.instagram.com/jacksonbrowne/?hl=en YouTube https://www.youtube.com/channel/ UC1KYlOjI34ob_hicXVBuukA/featured

August 2021 • Rock and Blues International

Poolside Glitter Trash Rockers HAYLEY AND THE CRUSHERS Leave The BS In The Rearview With “She Drives”

Listen https://li.sten.to/shedrives

Watch https://youtu.be/y6YmY0aYims

Frontwoman and guitarist Hayley Crusher Cain of Southern California glitter trash punks Hayley and the Crushers grabs the steering wheel with “She Drives,” an ode to open road freedom and leaving angst in the rearview mirror. Fizzy, frothy, and still a little dangerous, Hayley and the Crushers offer up a truck load of bold, bad girl fun. Produced by legendary punk producer Paul Roessler (TSOL, Josie Cotton, Richie Ramone) at New Wave icon Josie Cotton’s Kitten Robot Studios in LA, and mastered by Mass Giorgini (Anti-Flag, Rise Against, Alkaline Trio) at Sonic Iguana Studios, the track is a sticky mid-summer joyride paved by the kind of breezy retropop-rock perfection so sorely missing from today’s radio dial.

stressed-out call from a friend who had just had a massive fight with her partner. This friend of mine is known to drive like a bat out of hell on a normal day. But after this particular fight, she drove and just kept driving, eventually ending up in Malibu. I was inspired by the idea that we can’t outrun our worst feelings, but it sure is human nature to try.”

On the inspiration behind of the deceptively bubbly tune, Cain says, “I wrote ‘She Drives’ in the bathtub, after getting a 60 Rock and Blues International • September 2021

Hayley and the Crushers Photo credit: Thomas Ignatius (hi-res) A sunny follow up to the band’s June 2021 single “Culde-Sac,” “She Drives” is the product of Hayley and the Crushers’ recent partnership with L.A.-based Kitten Robot Records. Lyrically inspired by 2020’s COVID-19 lockdown with imagery lifted from Ira Levin’s 1972 novel The Stepford continued on next page

HAYLEY AND THE CRUSHERS continued from previous page Wives, “Cul-de-Sac” features dark guitars, wormy hooks and the band’s soaring candy-coated vocals locked and loaded. The accompanying video is a foreboding, technicolor nightmare that slowly closes in on the viewer. Safe to say, the past two singles showcase the band’s surprising emotional diversity. Hayley “Crusher” Cain leads her mischievous Crushers (bassist Dr. Cain ESQ and drummer “Action” Benjamin Cabreana) with a wink and a snarl, a modern-day Gidget with a budget model Gretsch. “She Drives” features friends of the band Geoff Palmer and Trenton Class on guitar as well as Roessler on backing vocal duty. Bassist Dr. Cain ESQ also commanded the glockenspiel for added sparkle. Signed to Cotton’s Kitten Robot Records earlier this year, the band is working on their follow-up to full-length albums Vintage Millennial (2020) and COOL/LAME (2018). Hayley and the Crushers are Hayley Crusher Cain (vocals, guitar), Dr. Cain, ESQ (bass), and Action Ben Cabreana (drums). “She Drives” is available on DSPs via Kitten Robot Records here: https://li.sten.to/shedrives “If there was one particular band that almost saved 2020, it was Hayley and the Crushers. This band had my #2 album and my #2 single of the year in addition to releasing the awesome “Church of Flag” single earlier this month. This was certainly not the happiest year, but there’s always hope when you take up residence in the Crusherverse.” - Lordge Rutledge, Faster and Louder “San Luis Obispo’s Hayley & the Crushers come at you with a wallop and a wink, churning out old-school, sweet/tart power-pop while dressed like they’d found the thrift store you’ve been looking for your whole life.” - Buzzbands “Like a Sour Patch Kid, Hayley & the Crushers are unapologetically bright and fun, with a wallop of mischief.” - BUST Magazine

Hayley and the Crushers Photo credit: Thomas Ignatius

“The naked embodiment of power pop punk!” - Josie Cotton Twitter https://twitter.com/hayleycrusher?lang=en Facebook https://www.facebook.com/hayleyandthecrushers Website https://www.hayleyandthecrushers.com/ Instagram https://www.instagram.com/hayleyandthecrushers/?hl=en YouTube https://www.youtube.com/channel/ UCLDJXUZWUeuhu_6UHcF32Og September 2021 • Rock and Blues International

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68 Rock and Blues International • September 2021

Ray Charles Inducted Into The Country Music Hall Of Fame

Rock and Blues International • September 2021

Ray Charles Inducted Into The Country Music Hall Of Fame The Country Music Hall of Fame has announced that Ray Charles has been inducted as an official member. Charles, who revolutionized the country genre and brought it to new audiences with albums like 1962’s Modern Sounds in Country and Western Music, will be inducted in the “Veterans Era Artist” category. Election to the Country Music Hall of Fame is country music’s highest honor. The Country Music Association (CMA), the country music industry’s trade organization, created the accolade to recognize significant contributions to the advance of country music. Ray Charles’s recordings are major landmarks in American culture. By blending country and roots with other popular sounds, this visionary singer, songwriter, pianist and composer brought his expansive musical vision to a worldwide audience. Ray’s album Modern Sounds in Country and Western Music was the first certified Gold album in country music history, and included the first world-wide hit record in country music with the single “I Can’t Stop Loving You.” According to the great Willie Nelson, “Ray Charles did more for country music than any other artist.” “I’d like to thank everyone who voted to induct Ray Charles into the Country Music Hall of Fame,” said Valerie Ervin, Ray Charles Foundation President. “Needless to say, Ray Charles loved Country Music. As a matter of fact, he risked a lot in 1962 when he decided to record Modern Sounds in Country and Western Music. I cannot express enough how happy and honored Ray Charles would be at this moment in time, as I am for him. Congratulations to all the fellow inductees and as Ray Charles would say, ‘That is so nice.’” Ray further helped bring Americans together with his rendition of “America the Beautiful,” and he remains the only artist in history to create and define a national anthem. Charles was also one of the first recording artists to have ownership of his masters as well as complete creative freedom. Charles’ staggering achievements over a 58-year career include 17 GRAMMY Awards, induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, a Lifetime Achievement and the President’s Merit Award, the Presidential Medal for the Arts, France’s Legion of Honor, the Kennedy Center Honors, the NAACP Image Awards’ “Hall of Fame Award,” and numerous other music Halls of Fame, including those for Jazz and Rhythm & Blues, all testament to his enormous influence. In 2019, he was honored by the Grand Ole Opry with An Opry Salute to Ray Charles, which was broadcast across PBS stations. One of the greatest artists of all time, Charles successfully mastered and forever changed the blues, jazz, gospel, rock, pop, and country music landscapes. He teamed up with the best of the best in each stylistic genre, including B.B. King, Aretha Franklin, Lou Rawls, Hank Williams Jr, Willie Nelson, Stevie Wonder, and countless others. As he described himself.

“I’m not a country singer. I’m a singer who sings country songs. I’m not a blues singer, but I can sing the blues. I’m not really a crooner, but I can sing love songs. I’m not a specialist, but I’m a pretty good utility man. I can play first base, second base, shortstop. I can catch and maybe even pitch a little.” In conjunction with this announcement Tangerine Records has released a new lyric video for Ray Charles’ “Crying Time,” a signature country performance from Charles which was first recorded by Buck Owens in 1964. Also available to stream is a sampler playlist of some of his most beloved country recordings which features “Together Again,” “Take These Chains” and “Ring of Fire,” along with “Crying Time.” Additional singles will follow in the coming weeks, showcasing Ray’s works in the Classic Pop genre. Stream: “Crying Time” (Lyric Video) at https://youtu.be/ QqC_X3ZXyXY?list=PL1a1FcevWP1sGSXR51dC_3r4NyiROyWp Stream: Ray Charles “Country” Sampler Playlist at https://raycharles.lnk.to/RCtgcoPR In addition to his incredible contributions to Country Music, Ray Charles continued to do something no other artist had done before or since, conquering all genres of music, from gospel and R&B to soul, country, jazz, blues, and pop, which led Frank Sinatra to dub Ray Charles, the only “True Genius” in music. These songs and many more are featured on True Genius, a newly remastered, limited-edition set featuring 90 of the greatest songs from his legendary career and all of Ray’s biggest hits, to be released on September 10th and available for pre-order here. The digital release of True Genius marks the first time this incredible collection of Ray Charles most important works will be widely available on streaming platforms, bringing classic hits such as “Hit The Road Jack,” “Crying Time,” “Busted,” “America The Beautiful,” “A Song for You,” “Unchain My Heart,” and many, many more back to streaming after more than a decade. Ray Charles was more than just the Genius of Soul; he was the True Genius of Music. Ray Charles on the Web: Website https://raycharles.com/ Facebook https://www.facebook.com/RayCharles Instagram https://www.instagram.com/official.raycharles/ September 2021 • Rock and Blues International

“Ace Of Spades” Rings Down from Heaven! Local Festival in Weert, Netherlands, Sees 40 Year MOTÖRHEAD Timeless Classic Performed in the Most Unique Way As the townsfolk of Weert in the south of the Netherlands gathered for the local Torenfestival on July 17, 2021, it is fair to say they did not expect to hear MOTÖRHEAD’s iconic, thunderous classic outlaw rock’n’roll anthem “Ace of Spades’ ringing from the church bells! Yet that is precisely what happened, as local guitarist Jitse Zonneveld partnered with keyboardist and bell-ringer Frank Steijns to perform an unforgettably unique version of the worldwide classic involving Zonneveld shredding the riffs while Steijns hammered the keys/bells to achieve a wonderfully unique performance of the eternal international hit. The response locally was uproariously enthusiastic, as locals loved it, and even Dutch national TV reported the performance. While it’s fair to say that Lemmy would’ve been at first a little perplexed at hearing MOTÖRHEAD cascading from the bell tower of a local church, he’d have been delighted to know that Motörmusic had forced its way into such rarified air and received such an overwhelmingly positive amount of support. It’s also worth noting that Steijns plays in Andre Rieu’s Johan Strauss Orchestra, which is quite something when you consider that Andre Rieu is Holland’s biggest export…yes…bigger than tulips and cheese! You can enjoy the performance for yourself here: https://youtu.be/O-JsEP9hDQk MOTÖRHEAD online: Facebook @ https://www.facebook.com/OfficialMotorhead • Instagram @ https://www.instagram.com/officialmotorhead/ YouTube @ https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCbPCDmtTU-W4SdA8abZtWpA • Website @ https://imotorhead.com/ Spotify ™ @ https://open.spotify.com/artist/1DFr97A9HnbV3SKTJFu62M?si=ogdngGItTISJ15NHhP3bcQ&nd=1 72 Rock and Blues International • September 2021

Photo: Alan Ballard

March 2021 • Rock and Blues International

BOMB will be heading out on an eight day headlining tour in UK / Ireland. The tour will get underway on November 6, with GAMA BOMB performing at Damnation Festival, and run until November 13. The headlining shows, alongside support from Shrapnel, will serve as their first set of UK and Ireland live shows since the release of their latest album, Sea Savage, in December 2020.

Photographer credit: Kiran Acharya

Gama Bomb Return With Anti-Nuclear Weapons Single, “Thunder Over London”, New EP Out Now! WATCH THE MUSIC VIDEO FOR THUNDER OVER LONDON BELOW https://youtu.be/XUuSM_2aSbk Irish thrashers, GAMA BOMB are today premiering their new single, Thunder Over London, and it’s accompanying music video via YouTube. Thunder Over London is the title track from their surprise release three-song digital EP, due out tomorrow (August 6), and sees the band pivot back to their more political roots as they rally against nuclear arms. The music video alternates between the band performing, with beloved band mascot Snowy on drums, and key statistics and thought provoking information on nuclear weapons.

On the title track, Philly adds: “It’s a song about the waste and evil of nuclear weapons, talking about the history of punishing your enemy’s civilians with aerial bombing, leading us to a world where thousands of nukes are ready to launch any second, but nobody writes songs about it any more. We want people to wake up and get angry about that.”

Speaking on the surprise EP release, Philly Byrne (vocals) comments: “This EP was born out of the sessions for our last album Sea Savage - two of the tracks were meant for the album but had Having unfortutheir own vibe, so felt better somewhere nately cancelled a else; the last track we couldn’t find a September run alonglyric idea for - maybe I was burnt out side Exhorder due to but it later became Thunder Over coronavirus concerns, London.” this November GAMA 74 Rock and Blues International • September 2021

GAMA BOMB November tour dates (w/ Shrapnel) 6 November - Damnation Festival, Leeds* 7 November - The Underworld, London 8 November - The Brickmakers, Norwich 9 November - Star & Garter, Manchester 10 November - Asylum 2, Birmingham 11 November - Classic Grand, Glasgow 12 November - Limelight 2, Belfast 13 November - Voodoo Lounge, Dublin *GAMA BOMB only Thunder Over London tracklist: 1. Thunder Over London 2. Reveal The Shrieking Skulls 3. Shut Up and Shout Facebook https://www.facebook.com/gamabomb Twitter https://twitter.com/gamabomb Instagram https://www.instagram.com/gamabombthrash/

The Dark Side Of The Moon Reveals First Ever Single and Official Music Video! Consisting of Members of Feuerschwanz, Amaranthe and Ad Infinitum Watch the Video for Game Of Thrones Soundtrack Cover “Jenny Of Oldstones” here at https://youtu.be/uO4qhtGij_0 A new band is born! THE DARK SIDE OF THE MOON, consisting of members of Feuerschwanz, Amaranthe and Ad Infinitum, enters the scene with a bittersweet reinterpretation of Florence & The Machine’s Game Of Thrones soundtrack song, “Jenny Of Oldstones”! Multi-talented vocalist Melissa Bonny breathes new soul into the song, playfully switching between soft clean vocals and oppressive growls in her very own manner. With “Jenny Of Oldstones”, THE DARK SIDE OF THE MOON set the direction to transform musical themes from cinematography, TV shows and video games into powerful and epic modern metal tracks and add completely new elements through the characteristic guitar playing of Hans Platz, as well as the use of the harp. In doing so, THE DARK SIDE OF THE MOON will not limit themselves to cover versions, but will also write original songs.

THE DARK SIDE OF THE MOON on “Jenny Of Oldstones”: “We are proud and happy to present “Jenny Of Oldstones” - you’ve never heard the song from Game Of Thrones like this! Heavy Metal is incredibly expressive, there are so many ways to form a song’s musical and dynamic look - we create the images and emotions in the listener’s mind just by the power of music. From this came the idea to metalize film music - we bring you Cinematic Metal! We can hardly believe it - half a year ago this song was the result of a bet made by Melissa and Hans, but this song led us to something really big - because of this one song Napalm Records signed us, an international band was formed, and now we are hard at work producing a full album! We’ll show you the dark side of songs you thought you knew!”

t all started with a bet between Melissa Bonny and Hans Platz. Whoever lost owed the other a “dare”.Photo HansCredit: won Svenja Met and challenged Melissa to record a metal version of “Jenny Of Oldstones” with him. So the band began to turn their favorite cinematic themes into powerful metal songs! THE DARK SIDE OF THE MOON are: Melissa Bonny – vocals Hans Platz – guitars Morten Løwe Sørensen – drums Jenny Diehl – harp Be one of the early adopters and follow THE DARK SIDE OF THE MOON here: FACEBOOK https://www.facebook.com/tdsotmofficial INSTAGRAM https://www.instagram.com/tdsotmofficial/

HOMEPAGE https://www.darksideofficial.com/ September 2021 • Rock and Blues International 75

Rock and Blues International • July 2021

June 2021 • Rock and Blues International

Descend Into Depravity (2009), Reign Supreme (2012)) Their latest album, Wrong One to Fuck With (2017), was hailed as a “menacing motherfucker“ by Metal Injection. Now over 25 years into their distinguished career, DYING FETUS cement their legacy and uphold their position as the most dominant force in death metal today. Dying Fetus on Bandcamp https://dyingfetus.bandcamp.com/ Dying Fetus on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/dyingfetus Dying Fetus on Twitter https://twitter.com/dyingfetusband

Dying Fetus Announce US Fall Headling Tour Brutal Death Metal overlords DYING FETUS announce US Fall headline tour dates beginning October 26 and ending November 20. Direct support will be provided by Terror, Band of Sacrifice & Vitriol. Tickets are on sale Friday, August 13 at 10am EST. Additionally, DYING FETUS will be performing select appearances before the tour at Psycho Las Vegas in August and in September with Code Orange (in Pittsburgh) and two additional East Coast headline shows. A full collection of DYING FETUS music video and live performances is available via YouTube here at https:// www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL5F88008F84FF4F01 Self-reliance and musical integrity are the two principles to which DYING FETUS have always lived by. Formed in 1991, during the height of the death metal explosion, DYING FETUS have matured into one of the premiere extreme death metal/grindcore acts to emerge from the massive global metal underground. Combining an innovative mix of technical virtuosity and catchy song structures to create the ultimate blend of death metal, hardcore and grind, the band is recognized worldwide as a prime example of songwriting perfection across eight studio albums: (Purification Through Violence (1996), Killing On Adrenaline (1998), Destroy The Opposition (2001), Stop At Nothing (2003), War Of Attrition (2007), 78

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Dying Fetus on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/ dyingfetusofficial/ DYING FETUS TOUR DATES:

September 2021 • Rock and Blues International

was released in March 2017.

Photo: Chris Lakriz

Progressive Stoner Rock Trio APE SHIFTER Drops Groove-Laden New Single, “Village Strut” Progressive stoner rock trio APE SHIFTER has dropped a groove-heavy new single, “Village Strut,” available now via all digital music providers via Heavy Progressive Records.

Fusing a classic heavy rock sound that arcs in the stoner rock direction with technical musical prowess, APE SHIFTER is dissimilar from any other progressive instrumental band.

“Village Strut” comes on the heels of APE SHIFTER’s first digital single since the release of 2019’s Ape Shifter II album, “Betty Davis,” which was released on July 26 to coincide with the American funk and soul singer’s 76th birthday. Inspired by Jeff Beck, Led Zeppelin and ZZ Top “Village Strut” is full of rock ‘n’ roll swagger.

APE SHIFTER has been ripping it up in Europe over the last five years playing festivals, headline shows and as serving as support for acts such as Loudness, The Skull, Chris Slade Timeline and Chris Haskett (Rollins Band). The group was founded in 2015 by Sorry About Your Daughter guitarist Aug, a cool underground guitarist who has been living at the foothills of the Alps in Southern Germany for the last 20-some years. Their debut, Ape Shifter I,

“Joe Walsh and Rick Derringer were getting a lot of spins on my turntable,” says guitarist Jeff Aug. “APE SHIFTER had been playing around with this groove for a while now, but it wasn´t ‘clicking.’ Then one night, I pulled up a drum beat in my Studio One program and just went with it. Out came this arrangement. We sent it to our drummer Tony and he knew exactly where we were going with it.” 80

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Born in D.C. and raised in Laurel, Maryland, Aug has toured with Allan Holdsworth, Soft Machine, Stu Hamm, Greg Howe, Alex Skolnick, Carl Verheyen, Johnny A., Albert Lee, and has performed shows with Jawbox, Shudder To Think, and Ice-T and Body Count as a member of Sorry About Your Daughter. He has worked with John Stabb from punk legends Government Issue, has been touring and recording with Anne Clark for the last 18 years and has been touring and releasing albums as a solo guitarist for the more than 30 years. Aug can also be heard on the Atari Teenage Riot album Is This Hyperreal?. Not surprisingly, Aug set the world record for the “most concerts performed in different countries in 24 hours,” not once but twice in 2009 and 2012). He´s been featured on NPR´s show Morning Edition and has had a #1 selling album on iTunes Acoustic Music Charts in the U.S. “Village Strut” also features bassist Florian Walter and D.C.-based drummer Tony Mcghee, filling in during APE SHIFTER drummer Kurty Münch’s sabbatical. Listen to “Village Strut” now via Bandcamp, Spotify, Amazon Music and YouTube. APE SHIFTER online: www.ape-shifter.com www.facebook.com/apeshifter

LAMB OF GOD’s Sacrament Receives 15th Anniversary Digital Reissue In celebration of the 15th anniversary of LAMB OF GOD’s massive Sacrament album, Epic Records is issuing an anniversary edition of the album and short documentary. The remastered Sacrament (15th Anniversary) will contain the original album tracks, as well as previously unreleased bonus live tracks recorded at House of Vans Chicago in the band’s only live performance of 2020. The album is scheduled for a digital release on August 20, with a vinyl edition slated for early next year. The “Making of Sacrament” feature, originally included on the Walk with Me in Hell DVD, will premiere on YouTube August 20. Watch the trailer here. Originally released on August 22, 2006, Sacrament debuted at #8 and sold nearly 65,000 copies in its first week. The album spawned the popular track “Redneck,” which brought LAMB OF GOD their first Grammy award nomination for “Best Metal Performance.” The album was certified Gold by the RIAA in September of 2019. Sacrament (15th Anniversary) track listing: 1. Walk with Me in Hell 2. Again We Rise 3. Redneck 4. Pathetic 5. Foot to the Throat 6. Descending 7. Blacken the Cursed Sun 8. Forgotten (Lost Angels) 9. Requiem 10. More Time to Kill 11. Beating on Death’s Door 12. Walk with Me in Hell (Live from House of Vans Chicago)* 13. Redneck (Live from House of Vans Chicago)* 14. Descending (Live from House of Vans Chicago)* *Previously unavailable on DSPs In total, LAMB OF GOD has sold more than 2.5 million

2006 Sacrament-era LAMB OF GOD albums worldwide and garnered over 400 million streams. The metal giants signed with Epic in 2004 and released Ashes of the Wake shortly thereafter. The album debuted at #27 on the Billboard 200, sold over 35,000 copies in its first week and was eventually certified Gold. Sacrament saw release two years later, followed by Wrath in 2009. Wrath sold over 68,000 copies in its first week and debuted at #3. The album’s lead single, “Ghost Walking,” garnered yet another Grammy nomination for LAMB OF GOD for “Best Hard Rock/Metal Performance.” 2015’s VII: Sturm und Drang made its debut at #3 and put another Grammy nomination under the group’s belt for “512” in the “Best Metal Performance” category. After intense touring, LAMB OF GOD finally returned to the studio to record their 2020 self-titled album, which debuted at #1 on the Hard Rock Albums chart and peaked at #2 on the Top Albums chart. Following the expanded re-release of Lamb Of God earlier this year, the quintet is now readying for a co-headline tour with Megadeth on The Metal Tour of the Year, featuring support from Trivium and Hatebreed. LAMB OF GOD The Metal Tour of the Year w/Megadeth, Trivium & Hatebreed dates: 9/1 - Irvine, CA - FivePoint Amphitheatre 9/2 - Concord, CA - Concord Pavilion 9/4 - Portland, OR - Moda Center 9/5 - Auburn, WA - White River Amphitheatre 9/9 - Tinley Park, IL - Hollywood Casino Amphitheatre - Chicago 9/11 - Danville, VA - Blue Ridge Festival *Festival 9/12 - Wantagh, NY - Northwell Health at Jones Beach Theater 9/13 - Boston, MA - Leader Bank Pavilion 9/15 - Camden, NJ - BB&T Pavilion 9/16 - Holmdel, NJ - PNC Bank Arts Center 9/18 - Noblesville, IN - Ruoff Music Center 9/19 - Clarkston, MI - DTE Energy Music Theatre 9/20 - Cincinnati, OH - PNC Pavilion 9/22 - Rogers, AR - Walmart AMP 9/24 - Mount Pleasant, MI - Soaring Eagle Casino Amphitheatre 9/25 - Indianola, IA - Knotfest *Festival 9/26 - St. Louis, MO - Hollywood Casino Amphitheatre - St. Louis 9/28 - Minneapolis, MN - Armory 9/30 - Toronto, ON - Budweiser Stage 10/1 - Laval, QC - Place Bell 10/2 - Quebec City, QC - Centre Videotron LAMB OF GOD online: www.lamb-of-god.com www.facebook.com/lambofgod https://twitter.com/lambofgod September 2021 • Rock and Blues International

Rock and Blues International • September 2021

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The Biker, The Blues, and There She Was...... The open road has a lot to offer including some unforeseen situations, some good, some not so good, and some that include memories of love lost. I was tooling along the long black snake and not a care in the world other than needing to stop for gas and to stretch my legs. Soon a modern day oasis came into sight and the sign said exit here. I went down the ramp and had my choice of brands and the cache’ of fast food joints that were housed inside those stations. However, one of those signs was different. A silhouette of a gal standing next to a dancer’s pole and the words “Come On In”. Well it was a hot day and in small letters the sign also advertised air conditioning. Ok, more than one reason to stretch the legs and take in the local sights. What was about to unfold I never could have imagined but this is how life goes at times. Back a number of years ago I dated a stripper in Arizona she would actually go on to be Miss Nude Arizona and yes she was beautiful. Some folks probably cannot imagine a biker falling in love with a gal who showed the world everything that a birthday suit had to reveal but I did of course. She could have probably chosen just about any guy she wanted but somehow fate brought us together. Man, that woman was exotic. Well here I was walking into the air conditioned dark strip joint and before my eyes could adjust a voice yelled out John is that you? Well a lot of people have the name John so I thought at first it was coincidence but yet something in the tone of that voice had me wondering…. My eyes adjusted and there on stage is the gal that got away years ago and to make matters worse The Eagles were her next song up and the tune was “Witch Woman”. Déjà vu all over again as Yogi would say. Here we were years later and hundreds of miles away from Arizona and look who I ran into today. Fate? Who knows. It’s just one of those things. She could still dance and have the day birds watching her every move as they were seated around the raised stage. The song ended, there was clapping going on, the stage lights came up a bit and I could see her staring at me. Then as it goes in places like that the next song began, she had chosen Timmy Thomas’ “Why Can’t We Live Together” and that really brought back the memories. She used to get off at midnight and we would scoot up to the No Tell Motel and it became quite the regular trip. It was more than physical but of course it was indeed physical as well. We were both free souls, she was more about the metaphysical and I was more about freedom. Her husband had left her for another woman, one of her friends no less and me I was hanging alone at the time. There was a great kinship between us but yet there was a distance between us too. Hard to explain, especially in your early twenties. She finished her set and topped off her show with Steely Dan’s “Do It Again”. As she approached me we both began to smile at the same time. Her walk was distinctive and fit the groove of her ending song. The question is what do you say other than how you doing? Her selections were transporting me in time and it was bitter sweet. She started the conversation, “Think they got a No Tell Motel in his one horse town?” We both began to laugh between us. She sure did look good and whatever that perfume was alluring to say the least. She asked, “What are you riding?” I said I chopped a 75 shovel and I am out for a test drive. Now she was really giggling as she shook her head. I said how about a Courvoisier and she said you remembered. I said how could I ever forget. Then I asked her what her name was and she broke up rolling with laughter (old joke between us about drunks in strip joints) Then she hit me right between the eyes and said she missed me and realized after I was gone that continued on next page

Rock and Blues International • September 2021

The Biker, The Blues, and There She Was......continued she was in love with me. I told her she always had bad taste in men and hoped that she would smile but she didn’t, she was dead serious now. She asked, “So what’s your story?” I said I was on an odyssey to see America on two wheels. She asked and looked right through me asking, “will you ever come off the road?” I didn’t answer. She went on, “I heard you were working in Chicago with some ladies of the night.” I said don’t believe everything you hear, I am nobody’s pimp. Never been, never will be. But I might provide some protection from time to time and I asked, “you?” She smiled and said after leaving the Sisters Of The Unredeemed Convent I decided to roam. Two blind souls trying to find the ember that light the fires of the night. It was her turn to make the rounds and hustle some tips for the jukebox and off she went looking back every once in a while. She punched in Bill Withers “Ain’t No Sunshine” being sung by Michael Bolton. I saw her glances my way and I kept thinking make your money baby there’s time for us later or was there? It’s like a married man falling in love with another woman but knows better than to cross that line, ouch that hurts. Then again a person only goes around this world one time maybe letting your heart guide you and not your logic is the right way? Maybe that’s why I am on this long open, empty highway? “Bar keep another scotch, thanks.” Two souls traveling in different directions finding solace in each other’s journey. That’s a bitch and that’s the blues baby, that’s the way it goes, and why I live there. Her next song was “Spooky” by Classics IV. Her moves were still good and she could flirt with the front row with the best of them. She was just too cool. Her set ended soon and she came back to visit some more. One of her new dancer friends at the bar came over and asked her some irrelevant question. I am sure she was curious to learn who I was but not too much was being discovered. The next gal up on stage started her set out with Don Henley’s “All She Wants To Do Is Dance”. Good choice. The place was beginning to bop with the rhythm of the tune. All the girls on shift were smiling and flirting. It was good time to watch the hustlers work their end of the game. The two of us were all smiles and yes I was going to find a couple of bottles and find some little No Tell Motel. Life was good, bittersweet and strange for sure, but good none the less. I settled up with the bartender and made tracks for the front door and just as I broke stride to open the door I took one more glance back at her on stage. Man she was a sexy as ever dancing to En Vogue’s “Give Him Something He Can Feel”. Life is good, yep, definitely good. So if you are ever out and about and bored out of your mind strap a sleeping bag onto the front forks of your scooter and set your sails for America. Come on do it, come on and do it, you know you really want to…. In closing– the blues is cool, it’s real, there are songs that fit being down, some that fit being up, and some that hit the mark any ole time at all. The blues is an American cultural success but then again it is also real life for all of us. Traditional blues, Blues Rock, Soul Blues, and more. The main thing is to set yourself free and not trap yourself into being something you are not. Who knows one day you could walk into a bar and run into a memory that is bittersweet and let me tell you I am sure there is blues number for that situation too. September 2021 • Rock and Blues International 85