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Showing posts with label Alvin Lee. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Alvin Lee. Show all posts
Tuesday, April 2, 2013
Thursday, March 21, 2013
Hidden gems deserve to be heard
The first new studio album from The Fabulous Thunderbirds highlights a crop of releases worth seeking out.
Artist: The Fabulous Thunderbirds
Title: On The Verge (Severn Records)
You might be interested if you like: Junior Parker, Los Lonely Boys, Ben Harper
Tell me more: "On The Verge" will likely surprise casual fans of the Fabulous Thunderbirds (best known for their ‘80s hits “Tuff Enuff” and “Wrap It Up”) with a collection of mostly-original tunes mining a blend of Stax Records-styled R&B and soul as much as the Texas roadhouse blues that defined the group’s ‘70s and ‘80s work. From the hopeful blues of "I Want to Believe" to the soulful ballad "Do You Know Who I Am" that tackles the hardships of American life in 2013, "On The Verge" is one of the T-Birds' best albums. Throughout it all, Kim Wilson sings and blows his blues harp with a level of soul and sophistication that is simply thrilling. Information: www.FabulousThunderbirds.com.
listen to samples and get "On The Verge" here
Artist: Candice Night
Title: Reflections (UDR)
You might be interested if you like: Heart, the Corrs, Stevie Nicks
Tell me more: Best known for her role as lead vocalist of Blackmore's Night, singer-songwriter Candice Night's recent solo disc "Reflections" allows the singer to journey outside of the Renaissance arena to sing more modern material that incorporates country, folk, pop and New Age fused into her neo-Medieval approach. The beautiful "Black Roses" has an approach that is equal parts gothic rock and classical, whereas "Dangerous Smile" boasts a dance rock vibe. Night's sterling soprano also soars on the Celtic-flavored "For You" and folk gem "Alone With Fate." Information: www.udr-music.com.
listen to samples and get Candice Night here
Artist: Herb Alpert
Title: Fandango (Shout! Factory)
You might be interested if you like: Herb Alpert's Tijuana Brass
Tell me more: Long out of print, a long-awaited reissue of trumpeter Herb Alpert's solo masterwork "Fandango" is an instrumental album that resonates more than 30 years after its original release. The instrumental disc, which was recorded in Mexico City and boasts a Latin flair throughout, includes the upbeat title track, the Latin jazz standout "Margarita" and subtle "California Blues." Information: www.shoutfactory.com.
hear samples and get "Fandango" here
Artist: Alvin Lee
Title: I Hear You Rockin' (Viceroy Music)
You might be interested if you like: Eric Clapton, Jeff Beck, George Harrison
Tell me more: Earlier this month, singer-songwriter and guitar great Alvin Lee of Ten Years After fame died during a surgical procedure. He was 68. I reviewed his most recent album "Still On The Road to Freedom" in late 2012, but with his passing on March 6, 2013 it seemed like a good idea to suggest fans interested in discovering more of his music should check out his wonderful 1994 release "I Hear You Rockin'," which features one of the most stunning blues ballads ever ("The Bluest Blues" featuring a haunting slide solo courtesy of George Harrison) and a masterful reworking of The Beatles' "I Want You (She's So Heavy)." The album is available on Amazon.com as an import.
Get "I Hear You Rockin" here
Artist: The Fabulous Thunderbirds
Title: On The Verge (Severn Records)
You might be interested if you like: Junior Parker, Los Lonely Boys, Ben Harper
Tell me more: "On The Verge" will likely surprise casual fans of the Fabulous Thunderbirds (best known for their ‘80s hits “Tuff Enuff” and “Wrap It Up”) with a collection of mostly-original tunes mining a blend of Stax Records-styled R&B and soul as much as the Texas roadhouse blues that defined the group’s ‘70s and ‘80s work. From the hopeful blues of "I Want to Believe" to the soulful ballad "Do You Know Who I Am" that tackles the hardships of American life in 2013, "On The Verge" is one of the T-Birds' best albums. Throughout it all, Kim Wilson sings and blows his blues harp with a level of soul and sophistication that is simply thrilling. Information: www.FabulousThunderbirds.com.
listen to samples and get "On The Verge" here
Artist: Candice Night
Title: Reflections (UDR)
You might be interested if you like: Heart, the Corrs, Stevie Nicks
Tell me more: Best known for her role as lead vocalist of Blackmore's Night, singer-songwriter Candice Night's recent solo disc "Reflections" allows the singer to journey outside of the Renaissance arena to sing more modern material that incorporates country, folk, pop and New Age fused into her neo-Medieval approach. The beautiful "Black Roses" has an approach that is equal parts gothic rock and classical, whereas "Dangerous Smile" boasts a dance rock vibe. Night's sterling soprano also soars on the Celtic-flavored "For You" and folk gem "Alone With Fate." Information: www.udr-music.com.
listen to samples and get Candice Night here
Artist: Herb Alpert
Title: Fandango (Shout! Factory)
You might be interested if you like: Herb Alpert's Tijuana Brass
Tell me more: Long out of print, a long-awaited reissue of trumpeter Herb Alpert's solo masterwork "Fandango" is an instrumental album that resonates more than 30 years after its original release. The instrumental disc, which was recorded in Mexico City and boasts a Latin flair throughout, includes the upbeat title track, the Latin jazz standout "Margarita" and subtle "California Blues." Information: www.shoutfactory.com.
hear samples and get "Fandango" here
Artist: Alvin Lee
Title: I Hear You Rockin' (Viceroy Music)
You might be interested if you like: Eric Clapton, Jeff Beck, George Harrison
Tell me more: Earlier this month, singer-songwriter and guitar great Alvin Lee of Ten Years After fame died during a surgical procedure. He was 68. I reviewed his most recent album "Still On The Road to Freedom" in late 2012, but with his passing on March 6, 2013 it seemed like a good idea to suggest fans interested in discovering more of his music should check out his wonderful 1994 release "I Hear You Rockin'," which features one of the most stunning blues ballads ever ("The Bluest Blues" featuring a haunting slide solo courtesy of George Harrison) and a masterful reworking of The Beatles' "I Want You (She's So Heavy)." The album is available on Amazon.com as an import.
Get "I Hear You Rockin" here
Sunday, September 16, 2012
Musical veterans return with sterling efforts
Potent live ensemble Dave Matthews Band, legendary Ten Years After frontman Alvin Lee and singer-songwriter Don McLean have all returned with magnificent new albums.
Artist: Dave Matthews Band
Album: Away from the World (Bama Rags Recordings/RCA Records)
You might be interested in buying this if you like: Phish, Steely Dan, the Avett Brothers
Tell me more: Dave Matthews Band’s latest studio album, “Away from the World,” finds the talented ensemble at the top of their collective game. Whether performing straight-forward rock (“Rooftop”), introspective folk-rock (“Broken Things”), funk-rock (“Belly Belly Nice”) or haunting Americana-tinged ballads (“Sweet,” “If Only”), there are simply an endless numbers of colors and textures juxtaposed across the disc. Produced by Steve Lillywhite, the standard album features 11 songs, while a deluxe edition of “Away from the World” also features three live tracks.
Listen to samples and get Away From The World Here
Artist: Alvin Lee
Album: Still on the Road to Freedom (Rainman)
You might be interested in buying this if you like: Ten Years After, Eric Clapton, Alvin Lee’s 1973 solo album “On the Road to Freedom”
Tell me more: In August 1969, the legendary Woodstock Festival was held in rural New York with more than 500,000 concertgoers catching sets by seminal acts such as The Who, Jimi Hendrix, Jefferson Airplane, and Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young. Of all the 32 performances delivered over the historic weekend, no single turn was stronger than Ten Years After’s “I’m Going Home” immortalized in the subsequent film and soundtrack, a performance that earned the band immediate superstar status. Although Lee has long since left the band, his mammoth talents as singer, songwriter and – most notably – lead guitarist are showcased on his new solo album “Still on the Road to Freedom.” On the newly-released disc, a conceptual sequel to Lee’s grand 1973 album “On the Road to Freedom,” the artist explores a variety of styles including psychedelic blues (“Midnight Creeper”), traditional blues (“Save My Stuff”), rockabilly (“I’m a Lucky Man”) and gorgeous instrumental guitar work (“Song of the Red Rock Mountain”).
listen to samples and get Still on the Road to Freedom here
Artist: Don McLean
Album: American Troubadour (Time Life)
You might be interested in buying this if you like: James Taylor, Paul Simon, Gordon Lightfoot
Tell me more: Few songs have enjoyed the long-time standing of Don McLean’s timeless 1971 hit “American Pie.” However, McLean has actually had an extensive career writing countless gems in the folk, rock and country genres. On the two-disc “American Troubadour,” McLean’s sweeping approach is heard on a across-the-board collection celebrating his legacy. From a live version of the Buddy Holly gem “Everyday” (recorded live in 1984) to the exquisite “Vincent (Starry, Starry Night)” and his heartfelt ballad “And I Love You So” (recorded as a duet with Nanci Griffith) to the country-tinged “Castles in the Air,” the mix of live and studio recordings serves as a perfect audio companion to the authorized documentary “Don McLean: American Troubadour” released on DVD on Sept. 11, 2012. Fans of “American Pie” will love the CD, courtesy of a particularly-strong performance of the opus recorded in Austin, Texas in November 1999.
listen to samples and get Don Mclean: American Troubadour here
Robert Kinsler 2012
Artist: Dave Matthews Band
Album: Away from the World (Bama Rags Recordings/RCA Records)
You might be interested in buying this if you like: Phish, Steely Dan, the Avett Brothers
Tell me more: Dave Matthews Band’s latest studio album, “Away from the World,” finds the talented ensemble at the top of their collective game. Whether performing straight-forward rock (“Rooftop”), introspective folk-rock (“Broken Things”), funk-rock (“Belly Belly Nice”) or haunting Americana-tinged ballads (“Sweet,” “If Only”), there are simply an endless numbers of colors and textures juxtaposed across the disc. Produced by Steve Lillywhite, the standard album features 11 songs, while a deluxe edition of “Away from the World” also features three live tracks.
Listen to samples and get Away From The World Here
Artist: Alvin LeeAlbum: Still on the Road to Freedom (Rainman)
You might be interested in buying this if you like: Ten Years After, Eric Clapton, Alvin Lee’s 1973 solo album “On the Road to Freedom”
Tell me more: In August 1969, the legendary Woodstock Festival was held in rural New York with more than 500,000 concertgoers catching sets by seminal acts such as The Who, Jimi Hendrix, Jefferson Airplane, and Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young. Of all the 32 performances delivered over the historic weekend, no single turn was stronger than Ten Years After’s “I’m Going Home” immortalized in the subsequent film and soundtrack, a performance that earned the band immediate superstar status. Although Lee has long since left the band, his mammoth talents as singer, songwriter and – most notably – lead guitarist are showcased on his new solo album “Still on the Road to Freedom.” On the newly-released disc, a conceptual sequel to Lee’s grand 1973 album “On the Road to Freedom,” the artist explores a variety of styles including psychedelic blues (“Midnight Creeper”), traditional blues (“Save My Stuff”), rockabilly (“I’m a Lucky Man”) and gorgeous instrumental guitar work (“Song of the Red Rock Mountain”).
listen to samples and get Still on the Road to Freedom here
Artist: Don McLeanAlbum: American Troubadour (Time Life)
You might be interested in buying this if you like: James Taylor, Paul Simon, Gordon Lightfoot
Tell me more: Few songs have enjoyed the long-time standing of Don McLean’s timeless 1971 hit “American Pie.” However, McLean has actually had an extensive career writing countless gems in the folk, rock and country genres. On the two-disc “American Troubadour,” McLean’s sweeping approach is heard on a across-the-board collection celebrating his legacy. From a live version of the Buddy Holly gem “Everyday” (recorded live in 1984) to the exquisite “Vincent (Starry, Starry Night)” and his heartfelt ballad “And I Love You So” (recorded as a duet with Nanci Griffith) to the country-tinged “Castles in the Air,” the mix of live and studio recordings serves as a perfect audio companion to the authorized documentary “Don McLean: American Troubadour” released on DVD on Sept. 11, 2012. Fans of “American Pie” will love the CD, courtesy of a particularly-strong performance of the opus recorded in Austin, Texas in November 1999.
listen to samples and get Don Mclean: American Troubadour here
Robert Kinsler 2012
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