Ron Sexsmith Live @ The Grammy Museum

 

(photos courtesy of Bob Steshetz)

 There are few venues as intimate and outstanding as the Clive Davis Theater, located inside the GRAMMY Museum at L.A. Live. Since opening a few years ago, the venue has hosted the celebrated likes of Ringo Starr, John Mellencamp, Los Lobos and more than 200 other famed artists for publicprograms that combine interviews and performance.

On Thursday night (Jan. 30), it was Canadian singer-songwriter Ron Sexsmith’s first chance to visit the 200-seat theater, where he spent an hour or so discussing his music with the GRAMMY Foundation’s Scott Goldman and answering questions from members of the audience before performing four songs off his forthcoming album Forever Endeavour (set for release on Feb. 5).

The intimate setting provided a perfect forum for the introspective Sexsmith to open up about the trials of being a cult hero who has admittedly remained mostly under the commercial music radar even while crafting a bold and timeless body of original work (Forever Endeavour will mark his 13^th full-length release since his 1991 indie debut).

He said even in periods when he experienced low album sales and fought pressure from record label executives to change his musical approach or material selection, it has been the praise of audiences and his own heroes (Elvis Costello, Elton John and Paul McCartney are among his biggest fans) who have helped propel him forward.

“I’ve always described (it like) Charlie Brown trying to kick the football. You write a bunch of songs and get your hopes up again,” he said of his drive to continue to write.

Sexsmith’s style, which he likened as “Canadian troubadour with all the British music I love,” carries on the songwriting-centric tradition of Lennon and McCartney, Ray Davies, Leonard Cohen and Harry Nilsson. But because the 49-year-old Sexsmith’s songs come from such a personal place and blend so many styles together, comparisons with other artists fall away.

“Every song has its own set of circumstances,” he explained.

While Sexsmith has written songs on guitar and piano, he actually prefers to write the songs freestyle, noting the melody is then free to go where it wants.

“I keep writing more songs. The last record (2011’s Long Player Late Bloomer) surprised me. Over in the U.K. I even got a sales award. I had these songs (before recording that album and wondered) what’s the point of making a record that nobody’s going to buy.”

However, because that album came in the wake of the 2010 documentary Love Shines (a favorite on the international film festival circuit and widely viewed via showings on BBC in England and HBO Canada), the Bob Rock-produced disc garnered well-deserved attention in his native Canada and Europe. He hopes his new album receives the same kind of well-deserved attention.

“We finished the new record in January (2012),” said Sexsmith, who worked with producer Mitchell Froom on the disc.

“I didn’t listen to it for most of the year (2012). Now that it’s about to come out, I’m excited again.”

But it was a simple statement a few minutes later that summed up why Sexsmith is so special: “I love songwriting so much.”

Armed with his six-string Taylor acoustic guitar, Sexsmith performed four new songs that carry on in the artfully-melodic and confessional style that sets him apart from so many other modern tunesmiths.

He opened with “Sneak Out the Back Door,” a beautiful acoustic song blending his unique style of finger picking guitar playing with rich singing and emotive lyrics.

The second song “Nowhere Is” proved to be a melodious song that further explored the sorrowful territory that he seemingly owns, courtesy of vivid images like: “I shoved everything I own into a room of regret.”

During the short set, he noted that one of his favorite pastimes is listening to vinyl albums while drinking wine. That was the perfect intro to his performance of the aptly-titled “Me, Myself and Wine.”

He closed with the majestic “Nowhere to Go,” whose eloquent lyrics detail the struggles of life. On the album, the song is supported by strings and a lush baroque pop arrangement. But even accompanied by his lone guitar the sparse version he offered up at the Clive Davis Theater, the song’s power was clear.

Robert Kinsler  2013 

Get Forever Endeavour Here

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January Gift Guide Part 2: DVDs

Late 2012 saw the release of a number of exciting music DVD/Blu-ray titles. Here is a round-up of some notable collections available now.

Artist: Coldplay

Title: Live 2012
Tell Me More: Filmed at Stade de France in Paris, Live 2012 (Capitol) shows why Coldplay is among a select handful of rock acts today that can make a stadium feel like a small theater. The 96-minute DVD is a dazzling dose of audio/visual stimuli; the picture is crisp. Concertgoers were given lighted wristbands as they entered the venue, so the wide aerial camera shots make them look like confetti (actual shredded paper falls during the transcendent “In My Place”).

The British band kicks off with a fast-paced “Hurts Like Heaven” as graffiti is superimposed on them. Interviews and backstage footage are interspersed between the songs. At one point, singer Chris Martin says, “In the buildup to a concert, I get really excited.” That definitely comes across in his exuberant delivery. Highlights include the singalong “Yellow,” totally rocking “God Put a Smile Upon Your Face” (where Martin plays a paint-splattered electric guitar). Rihanna reprises her guest vocal appearance from the “Mylo Xyloto” album during “Princess of China.” She and Martin get really into the romantic song by getting really close and touching each other’s faces.

Note: There is also a CD component.    

Get Coldplay: Live 2012(CD/DVD) [Explicit] Here

 
Artist: Lady Antebellum

Title: Own the Night World Tour
Tell Me More: Filmed in June 2012, Own the Night World Tour (Eagle Vision) is a 94-minute concert from Little Rock, Arkansas. The superb musicianship on display here is a perfect example of why Lady A is one of the biggest acts in country music now. It opens with the trio harmonizing backstage before launching into the feisty title track.

The crisp picture makes the DVD look like it was shot in HD. The 13 tracks – including such hits as “Just a Kiss,” “I Run to You” and “Need You Now” – are interspersed with interviews and behind the scenes footage. Among the five bonus tracks are a mildly rocking take on Aerosmith’s “Sweet Emotion” and the fun Doobie Brothers cover “Black Water,” where Lady A is joined by tour mates Darius Rucker and Thompson Square. Also available on Blu-ray and digital video.

What about the packaging: The 12 pg. booklet contains several sharp color stills from the show and complete song credits.

Get Own the Night World Tour [Blu-ray] Here

Artist: Patti Smith

Title: Live at Montreux 2005
Tell Me More: The punk poet and her stellar longtime band were touring behind the ’04 album “Trampin” when this entrancing 83-minute show was filmed. “I’m glad to be back,” says Smith on Live at Montreux 2005 (Eagle Eye Media), before they begin “Redondo Beach.”

The subtle lighting is perfect for the setting. “Dancing Barefoot” is especially powerful, while a seven-minute cover of Dylan’s “Like a Rolling Stone” finds Smith doing vocal tradeoffs with guitarist Lenny Kaye. She gives a spirited delivery on “Because the Night” and does some primal screams on Buddy Holly’s “Not Fade Away.” 

Also available on Blu-ray and digital video

What about the packaging: The 4 pg. booklet contains stills from the show and liner notes by Kaye; the inlay tray has a photo of that year’s Montreux Jazz Festival poster.

 Get Live at Montreux 2005 [Blu-ray] Here

Artist: Paul McCartney

Title: Live Kisses
Tell Me More: McCartney had wanted to do a standards album that paid tribute to the music of his parents for years, but patiently waited while other musicians had their crack at it. The songs on his “Kisses on the Bottom” aren’t always the familiar jazz standards everyone knows.

For Live Kisses (Eagle Vision/MPL), McCartney ran through the album material at Hollywood’s famed Capitol Studios with a full band and orchestra (Diana Krall and Joe Walsh among them). Beautifully shot in black and white by award-winning director Jonas Akerlund, the 75-minute show includes interviews with many of the album participants (including Eric Clapton, Stevie Wonder and others).

Bonus material includes six versions of the McCartney-penned “My Valentine” starring Johnny Depp and Natalie Portman, making the videos, a 15-minute interview with McCartney and producer Tommy LiPuma by former LA Times pop critic Robert Hilburn and clips from the “Kisses” photo shoot.

Also available on Blu-ray and digital video

What about the packaging: The hardbound, 42 pg. book includes multiple color and black & white photos from the live broadcast, liner notes by Elvis Costello (who also does a Q&A with McCartney) and full song credits. The DVD goes into a cardboard slot.

 Get Paul McCartney: Live Kisses [Blu-ray] Here

Artist: The Doobie Brothers

Title: Let the Music Play
Tell Me More: Produced by Barry Ehrmann, who also helmed the Doobies’ initial 1982 farewell concert film, “Let the Music Play” (Eagle Vision) is a 99-minute documentary about the San Jose band’s history. The key players - including Michael McDonald - are all interviewed.

Bonus material consists of nine career-spanning live performances that run 45 minutes. Most are 1970s/80s clips, but “Long Train Running” and “China Grove” are from the past decade.

What about the packaging: The 8 pg. booklet contains liner notes by San Francisco Chronicle pop critic Joel Selvin and color archival photos. 

Also available on Blu-ray and digital video

 Get Let the Music Play [Blu-ray] Here

Artist: Stray Cats

Title: Live at Montreux 1981
Tell Me More: A year before they’d score hits on the Billboard chart with “Rock This Town” and “Stray Cat Strut,” Long Island’s Stray Cats amassed a European following. That is clear from the start of Live at Montreux 1981 (Eagle Eye Media). The 79-minute show is a sweaty, high energy romp through rockabilly territory from start to finish. Audience members are extremely close to the trio and some cameramen are nestled between the fans (one blows cigarette smoke into a lens), giving it a claustrophobic vibe. Even at age 22, Brian Setzer was a wicked guitar slinger and proves his mettle on an extended version of “Town.” Other standouts include Gene Vincent’s “Be Bop-A-Lula,” “Rumble in Brighton” and the raveup, “Fishnet Stockings.”

Also available on digital video

What about the packaging: The 4 pg. booklet contains stills from the show and liner notes by rockabilly author Craig Morrison; the inlay tray has a photo of that year’s Montreux Jazz Festival poster.

 Get Live at Montreux 1981Here

Artist: Freddie Mercury

Title: The Great Pretender
Tell Me More: A fine 85-minute documentary, The Great Pretender (Eagle Vision) provides an in-depth spotlight on the Queen frontman’s personal life and endeavors outside the band. For those who had limited knowledge of Mercury’s solo albums “The Great Pretender” and “Barcelona” (an unlikely pairing with Spanish opera star Montserrat Caballe), this DVD is enlightening. Queen members Brian May and Roger Taylor were recently interviewed, as were longtime manager Jim Beach, Caballe and others. Bonus material includes extended interviews with Caballe, Mercury (from 1985) and the recent re-do of “Barcelona” with orchestra.

Also available on Blu-ray and digital video

What about the packaging: The 8 pg. booklet contains liner notes by the documentary’s director/producer Rhys Thomas, excerpted from a companion photo book of the same name; the inlay tray has a nice live shot of Mercury.

Get Freddie Mercury: The Great Pretender [Blu-ray] Here

Artist: Queen

Title: Greatest Video Hits
Tell Me More: With a running time of more than three hours, Greatest Video Hits (Eagle Vision) rounds up 33 of the band’s promotional music videos in non-chronological order on 2 DVDs. Restored and remixed in 5.1 surround sound, these clips sound better than ever. From “Bohemian Rhapsody” and “Another One Bites the Dust” to “Radio Ga Ga” and “I Want to Break Free,” all of Queen’s memorable clips are here. Members Brian May and Roger Taylor provide fans with interesting tidbits via audio commentary.

Also available on Blu-ray.

What about the packaging: The 12 pg. booklet contains full director credits, photos of the band and 45 single sleeve covers.
Get Queen - Greatest Video Hits 1 Here

Artist: Bachman & Turner

Title: Live at the Roseland Ballroom
Tell Me More: Opening with “Let it Rock,” the main members of BTO put on a 93-minute show during Live at the Roseland Ballroom (Eagle Vision). The classic rockers perform best known staples from the BTO and Guess Who catalogs like “American Woman,” “You Ain’t Seen Nothin’ Yet” and “Takin’ Care of Business.” They are joined in NYC by keyboardist Paul Shaffer for an unlikely cover of “Shakin’ All Over.”

Also available on Blu-ray and digital video

Live at the Roseland Ballroom NYC [Blu-ray]

Artist: Meatloaf

Title: Guilty Pleasures Tour
Tell Me More: Meatloaf’s public profile was elevated in the U.S. with his turn on NBC’s “Celebrity Apprentice.” The Guilty Pleasures Tour DVD (Concert One Ltd.) finds the singer performing a two-hour show at the Sydney Entertainment Centre on the 2012 tour for most recent album “Hang Cool, Teddy Bear.” Shot in Hi-Def, Meatloaf dramatically performs faves from “Rocky Horror,” as well as epic length versions of “Bat Out of Hell,” “You Took the Words (Right Out of My Mouth),” “Rock ‘n’ Roll Dreams,” “Anything for Love” and “Paradise By the Dashboard Light.” A 40-minute documentary on the tour and Meatloaf interview is the bonus feature.
Get Meatloaf: Guilty Pleasures Tour, Live From Sydney Here

Artist: Diana Ross

Title: Live in Central Park
Tell Me More: “I’ve never sang in the rain before,” says Ross onstage, halfway into a windy, drenched outdoor concert at New York City’s Central Park in 1983. She had a reputation as a diva but was definitely a trooper on that mid-summer day. The event was being broadcast live on Showtime and via satellite around the world; producers followed Ross’ lead and stayed with her as long as possibly. Live in Central Park (Shout! Factory)

is its DVD debut. Included here is the shortened show as well as the full make-up concert the following afternoon. There is footage from news reports and director Steve Binder provided an interesting commentary, noting that there was no editing done at the time for Day 1. Everyone had to jump through logistics hoops to do the show again with hundreds of thousands of concertgoers.

What about the packaging: The 4 pg. booklet contains liner notes by Ross; the inlay tray has a wide crowd shot

Get Diana Ross Live In Central Park (1983) Here

Artist: The Raconteurs

Title: Live at Montreux 2008
Tell Me More: One of former White Stripes front man Jack White’s better projects, The Raconteurs have received modern rock airplay and did the main stage at Coachella. Live at Montreux 2008 (Eagle Eye Media) is a 90-minute, 16 song concert from the famed festival. The band gives sizzling performances of its blues/rock songs like “Steady, As She Goes,” “Consoler of the Lonely” and “Broken Boy Soldier.” White trades off on lead vocals with Brendan Benson and the group’s ferocious sound is exemplified on a cover of Terry Reid’s “Rich Kid Blues.”  

What about the packaging: The liner notes include the story of the band.

The Raconteurs: Live at Montreux 2008 [Blu-ray]
Get The Raconteurs: Live at Montreux 2008 [Blu-ray] Here

Artist: Various

Title: No Room for Rockstars
Tell Me More: What is it really like to play the Vans Warped Tour? This solid 100-minute DVD documentary answers the question. Over multiple city stops, No Room for Rockstars (Shout! Factory) follows acts that have made minor inroads (Mike Posner, Never Shout Never) and one (Twentynine Palms’ Forever Came Calling) just trying to realize their dream of securing a one-time slot on a smaller side stage in San Diego. There are interviews with Warped veteran Fletcher Dragge of Pennywise, tour founder Kevin Lyman and others. SoCal hardcore band Suicide Silence – which recently lost their lead singer in a tragic accident – also gets some major screen time. Bonus material includes more interviews (Andrew W.K., Casualties, Dillinger Escape Plan) and behind the scenes footage (Bouncing Souls perform with a fan). Subtitles available in four languages. The CD component has live performances from No Doubt, Sublime, Suicidal Tendencies, The Specials and more.

What about the packaging: The 20-pg. booklet has multiple color photos and Warped history told in quotes.  

Get The Vans Warped Tour: No Room for Rockstars (DVD/CD) Here