Aimee Mann delivers rousing performance in San Juan Capistrano

Photos courtesy of Bob Steshetz

I've caught Aimee Mann in concert a number of times since the 1990s and being a big fan of her songcraft, I have always been impressed. But last night's performance by the Richmond, Virginia native on the first night of her fall 2012 tour proved to be the best show I've ever caught from the celebrated singer-songwriter.

Mann is touring in support of her fantastic new album Charmer, and kicked things off here in the O.C. with an 80-minute performance at The Coach House in San Juan Capistrano. Backed by a terrific 4-man band (featuring multi-instrumentalist Jamie Edwards, as well as bassist-vocalist Paul Bryan, who also produced Charmer), the show featured more than half of the cuts from Charmer and enough classic material to thrill everybody in the near-capacity crowd.

When Mann came out on stage at 9:20 p.m., she acknowledged the heartfelt screams and applause of an obviously-delighted crowd: "Thank you so much. This is the first show of the tour...and the first show I've played with a full band in years."

And play they did. Melody is such an essential ingredient in Mann's approach that both folk-rock (say "Gumby" off Charmer) or sparse acoustic material ("Save Me," which she performed alone with her acoustic guitar, and the subsequent "Wise Up" where she was supported only by her guitar and a keyboardist) can address the darkest of topics and still rouse.

Mann is obviously comfortable performing stripped-down acoustic material, but many of the greatest moments on Thursday night came when she and her band rocked. Fans of her powerful, upbeat melodic rock got plenty of chance to groove. There was the textured Beatles-tinged approach of the duet "Living a Lie" where she traded lead vocals with Bryan (who ably handled James Mercer slot featured on Charmer), the '80s-flavored synthpop of "Crazytown" and joyful gloom of "Slip and Roll," the latter featuring some fantastic fret work courtesy of Edwards. "Jamie's over here doing eight things at once," Mann said before noting wryly:  "I have the leather jacket."

Speaking of tuneful delights, "Labrador," also off the new album, is obviously already a fan favorite based on the collective cheers when Mann announced that the song was coming next. Few shows fly by with the speed of this one.

The encore featured Mann taking over bass guitar duties on "King of the Jailhouse," with the artful harmonies of Bryan and Mann adding a welcome warmth to the song. Saving the best for last, Mann strapped back on her guitar and led the troupe through an epic version of "Deathly" that grew in power from its quient launch to its roaring finish seven minutes later.  

Opening was the Wisconsin band Field Report. Having just released their self-titled commercial debut a few weeks ago, the six-man ensemble performed an inspired style of dreamy Americana that draws natural comparisons with Band of Horses and The Wilderness of Manitoba. In an age where many newcomers grab the spotlight with bombast and hype, Field Report achieved that same sort of attention with well-crafted and sterling arrangements over the course of 40 fine minutes. Led by Chris Porterfield (pictured on left) the group was the rare opening act that really got fans listening and later earned the praises of Mann herself. From their strong opening ("Route 18") to the memorable closing song, the monumental "Fergus Falls," Field Report proved themselves more than ready on this night.

Visit the band's official Web site for more information.

Aimee Mann at The Coach House, Thursday, Sept. 27, 2012

Main set: Disappeared / Gumby / Labrador / You Could Make a Killing / Lost In Space / Living a Lie / Charmer / Crazytown / Save Me / Wise Up / Slip and Roll / Soon Enough / That's Just What You Are / One / It's Not Safe
Encore: King of the Jailhouse / Deathly

Music Worth Buying episode: Dead Can Dance, Metric

On the latest episode of Music Worth Buying we celebrate the return of Dead Can Dance via Anastasis and Metric’s latest wonder Synthetica:

Aimee Mann kicks off tour at The Coach House tonight

Aimee Mann performs kicks off her Charmer tour at The Coach House. Photo: Sheryl Nields/Courtesy of the artist

No contemporary artist crafts songs quite like Aimee Mann. On her newly-issued album Charmer, the singer-songwriter offers up her literate observations via melodic and haunting songs that go down like vintage power-pop classics while boasting rich sonic colors and lyrical insights that artfully reveal themselves with each subsequent listen.


Retro '80s sounds permeate the cool neo-New Wave "Gamma Ray" and the album's winning title track. The undeniable "Labrador" is as catchy as any song released this year but further enhanced by Mann's emotive soprano conveying the song's deeper feelings of betrayal.

On "Living a Lie," she shares lead vocals with The Shins' James Mercer, their voices forming another magical point on a potent and powerful album.

The good news for Southern California fans of the artist is that Mann kicks off her tour in support of Charmer with a headlining show at The Coach House, 33157 Camino Capistrano, San Juan Capistrano, at 8 p.m. tonight (Thursday, Sept. 27). Adding icing on the cake is that the wonderful Americana band Field Report will open the show.

Tickets are only $25, and every seat at the legendary Orange County venue is a great one.

Information: 949-496-8930   Online information: http://www.thecoachhouse.com/

Coldplay to issue 'Live 2012' on CD/DVD, Blu-ray/CD and Digitally on November 20

Hardly a day goes by without another big announcement relating to high-profile releases coming between now and the end of 2012. Ready for some Coldplay?

Coldplay's aptly-titled 'Live 2012' set for release

Pre-order launches today for tour film / live album, coming via CD/DVD, Blu-ray/CD and Digitally on November 20, 2012

EPIX to exclusively premiere the concert event on November 17

On November 20, 2012, Capitol Records will release Coldplay's Live 2012, the band's first concert film / live album in nine years. It documents the band's Mylo Xyloto world tour, which has been seen by more than three million people since it began in June 2011. Premium network EPIX will premiere the tour film as an EPIX original concert event in the United States on TV, online at EpixHD.com, and on EPIX apps on hundreds of devices including Xbox consoles, iPads, iPhones, Roku players and more!

Read the rest of the media release below...

Coldplay 2012 media release Fans can check out the film's trailer and pre-order Live 2012 now at www.coldplay.com. The film was directed by Paul Dugdale, who helmed Adele's Live at the Royal Albert Hall and The Prodigy'sWorlds On Fire concert films. Live 2012 includes footage from Coldplay's shows at Paris's Stade de France, Montreal's Bell Centre and last year's triumphant Pyramid Stage headline performance at Glastonbury Festival. Coldplay's 2012 outing came in at No. 1 on Billboard's latest ranking of the year's top-grossing tours. Coldplay frontman Chris Martin said: "The Mylo Xyloto tour has been the most fun we've ever had as a band. It's felt very uplifting right from the start; partly because we are proud of the music, the LED wristbands, the pyrotechnics, the lasers and all of that stuff, but mainly because of the amazing audiences that we've been playing for. Over the years, our crowd has become more and more a part of the concert itself. They're loud, diverse, full of soul, and make the songs sound much better than we can on our own. We wanted to try to bottle the incredible feeling that they give us, and hence our concert film." Live 2012 director Paul Dugdale said: "We wanted to make a film that was as intimate as it was epic, punctuating Coldplay's colour-drenched performance with candid portraits of the band. The set is curated from several concerts around the globe, using the 75,000-capacity Stade de France as the backbone. Myself and JA Digital wanted to approach this film in the same way Coldplay approach their stage show: it's essentially a film about people, and we wanted to highlight how the band have blurred the barrier between stage and audience to create a tour that reaches out to everyone from the front row of the stadium to those right at the back. It's a 90 minute kaleidoscope of emotions. My main objective as a filmmaker was to make the viewers' eyes widen and their hearts beat faster." Live 2012 will be available in the U.S. on CD/DVD, Blu-ray/CD and digitally.    Coldplay has sold more than 50 million records worldwide and won numerous awards, including seven GRAMMY®s, seven BRITs, six Q Awards and five MTV Video Music Awards. "Paradise," which won the VMA for Best Rock Video earlier this month, has 150 million views and more than 2.5 million downloads of the single have been sold.

Paul McCartney's 'Live Kisses' set for release on November 13

Here is the latest item to land in my inbox...I had a chance to catch 'Live Kisses' on PBS earlier this month and it was fantastic (Click here to see my review). The forthcoming DVD/Blu-ray/digital video release has a wealth of bonus material too!

Paul McCartney - Live Kisses set for release on DVD, Blu-ray and Digital Video on November 13, 2012


Relive the magic of one of Sir Paul’s most intimate concerts ever as he performs standards from his critically acclaimed album 'Kisses On The Bottom'

New York, NY (September 24, 2012)—November 13, 2012 will see the release of Live Kisses – a stunning 13-song film, directed by Jonas Åkerlund, that captures the magic of an extraordinary evening in February of this year. In the intimate surroundings of Capitol Studios in Los Angeles, where Paul McCartney recorded much of his Kisses On The Bottom album, he was reunited with the all-star musicians who joined him on the record to bring the songs to life for a once in a lifetime performance.

This was a concert unlike any Paul had given before. Without his famous Höfner bass in hand or in fact any musical instruments, Paul took his place behind the same microphone that has captured some of the most iconic voices in history to focus on his vocal delivery as he led the assembled A-list group of musicians through a collection of the standards he grew up listening to in his childhood, as well as his own original composition “My Valentine.”

Streamed live to the world online, Live Kisses marked the launch of Paul’s Kisses On The Bottom album. The film tells the story of how, with the help of Grammy Award-winning producer Tommy LiPuma, Diana Krall and her band, Paul created a critically acclaimed album, which featured guest appearances from Eric Clapton and Stevie Wonder. The record represents a deeply personal journey through classic American compositions that a young Paul first heard his father perform on piano at home. Upon its release Kisses… topped the US Billboard Jazz album chart at number 1, as well as charting top 5 all around the world.

On the night the all-star line up were reunited to include musical director Diana Krall (piano), John Clayton (bass), Karriem Riggins (drums), John Pizzarelli (guitar), Anthony Wilson (guitar), Mike Mainieri (vibraphone) and conductor Alan Broadbent. Tommy LiPuma and Al Schmitt resumed their roles in the studio and special guest musicians on the evening included Abe Laboriel Jr. (from Paul’s touring band) on backing vocals and Eagles guitarist Joe Walsh. Walsh performed the “My Valentine” guitar solo originally recorded by Eric Clapton on the studio album.

The concert was performed just hours after Paul brought Vine Street in LA to a standstill as he was presented with his own star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in front of the Capitol Records Building. The night of the concert (February 9th) was also the 48th anniversary of The Beatles' U.S. TV debut on The Ed Sullivan Show.

Bonus Live Kisses material includes six versions of the “My Valentine” music video, directed by Paul and starring Johnny Depp and Natalie Portman as well as a “Making My Valentine” film. There are also two short films with behind the scenes footage filmed at the Mary McCartney album photoshoot for Kisses On The Bottom. The final extra is an interview with Paul and producer Tommy LiPuma talking about the story of the album, its conception and creation.

Live Kisses is an intimate and charming concert film which offers an insight into the music and songwriters that inspired Paul to go on to become the most successful songwriter and performer in modern history. Beautifully presented, Live Kisses comes with a 40-page hardback book containing photographs from the day itself, including the rehearsals.

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TRACKLISTING

1) I’m Gonna Sit Right Down And Write Myself A Letter

2) Home (When Shadows Fall)

3) It’s Only A Paper Moon

4) The Glory Of Love

5) More I Cannot Wish You

6) We Three (My Echo, My Shadow And Me)

7) Ac-Cent-Tchu-Ate The Positive

8) My Valentine

9) Always

10) My Very Good Friend The Milkman

11) Bye Bye Blackbird

12) Get Yourself Another Fool

13) My One And Only Love

Sights and Sounds: The Replacements, First Aid Kit, 'Live From the Artists Den'

This fall promises to provide a wealth of noteworthy releases. From Micky Dolenz' Remember and the Freddie Mercury documentary The Great Pretender (which are both set to arrive this Tuesday, Sept. 25), there is a wide range of new DVD/Blu-ray and album releases set to hit between now and the end of 2012, as well as music specials coming to television. Here are several high-profile releases that landed in my inbox late last week...

The Replacements 'Color Me Obsessed' comes to DVD on November 20, 2012

COLOR ME OBSESSED, the first documentary about famed 80's indie-rock band The Replacements, will be released in a two-disc DVD set (with 6 hours of extras) on November 20, 2012 via MVD Entertainment Group. Told through the eyes of fans, friends, and contemporaries, COLOR ME OBSESSED breaks from the traditional music documentary format of music and performances. Not looking to make a VH1/where-are-they-now style documentary, director Gorman Bechard took a unique approach, "I decided to present the band in a more iconic way," he explains. "I thought, people believe in God without seeing or hearing him but rather through the passion, faith, and stories of others. After watching COLOR ME OBSESSED, I'm pretty sure music fans will believe in The Replacements in much the same way." Telling the band's story was a project close to the heart for Bechard. Like many who were weaned on punk music he latched onto this brash young Minneapolis band with fervor. Dubbed "the last best band" by Spin Magazine, their live shows could be miraculous or downright disasters. Their fans, unwaveringly faithful. As critic's darlings, their albums were wrought with angry guitars and passionate well-written lyrics that hinted at potential commercial success. Yet, somehow, the band managed to continually shoot themselves in the foot. Their relative obscurity was a motivating factor in presenting their story on film. "The Replacements should have been the next Rolling Stones," Bechard says, "And to the people who loved them, I think they were." Combining over 140 interviews with rockers (Colin Meloy of The Decemberists, Craig Finn of The Hold Steady, Tommy Ramone, Grant Hart and Greg Norton of Husker Du, all three members of Goo Goo Dolls), journalists (Robert Christgau, Legs McNeil, Ira Robbins, Greg Kot, Jim DeRogatis), and fans both famous (Tom Arnold, Dave Foley, George Wendt) and not, Bechard delivers the obsessive tale of the most influential band you've never heard of, The Replacements. And though containing not one note of their music, COLOR ME OBSESSED is a documentary that really rocks.   Bechard is also releasing his Archers of Loaf reunion tour/concert documentary WHAT DID YOU EXPECT? on November 20. The film features the Indie rock icons playing two hometown concerts at Cat's Cradle in Chapel Hill, NC. It premiered at NXNE in Toronto in June.   Website: www.ColorMeObsessed.com  FIRST AID KIT: "WOLF" VIDEO PREMIERE ON VEVO SINGLE & EXCLUSIVE ITUNES SESSION NOW AVAILABLE LIMITED EDITION DELUXE PACKAGE OF ACCLAIMED ALBUM THE LION'S ROAR COMING OCTOBER 2ND NORTH AMERICAN FALL TOUR BEGINS SEPTEMBER 24, 2012 First Aid Kit premiered their dreamlike, kaleidoscopic new video for single "Wolf" today on Vevo. Shot in the forest of Järvsö, Hälsingland in Sweden, the Johan Söderberg-directed video can be seen here: http://youtu.be/Czj7SyPNRto. "It's about our destruction of the planet," said the band. "But it's also about finding the animal within you. Because we know that underneath that polished, civilized exterior there is definitely a wild creature longing to howl or roar." "Wolf" is also now available as a single via all major digital retailers, including iTunes and Amazon. Last week, First Aid Kit's exclusive iTunes Session arrived on the iTunes store and features Swedish sisters Klara and Johanna Söderberg augmented by a full string section for the first time. The session is comprised of slightly restyled arrangements of four songs found on their acclaimed sophomore LP The Lion's Roar; one each from debut album The Big Black and the Blue and their Drunken Trees EP; "Wolf"; and their celebrated cover of Patti Smith's "Dancing Barefoot", never before recorded. The Lion's Roar producer Mike Mogis (Bright Eyes, Monsters Of Folk) performs on all tracks, while Conor Oberst reprises his guest verse on "King of the World." First Aid Kit's North American fall tour - their biggest to date - begins on September 24 in Chicago, IL, and continues through October 20 in Seattle, WA, and includes an October 12 performance at the Austin City Limits Festival. A limited edition, deluxe package of The Lion's Roar will be available on October 2, which features additional tracks as well as a DVD of live on-the-road documentary Follow You Down and music videos for three The Lion's Roar tracks, among other items. A full itinerary is below. First Aid Kit continue to have an amazing 2012, performing earlier this month to a packed crowd from the main stage at the UK's Bestival fest (watch them play "Emmylou" here: http://youtu.be/PHkVWDaGkUs). Late last month, they performed Simon & Garfunkel's "America" at the Polar Music Prize ceremony to a standing ovation from Paul Simon himself (http://youtu.be/pa3xOakbGTo). The Lion's Roar was released on January 17th via Wichita Recordings and has already sold over 150,000 copies worldwide (over 50,000 in the US alone), while the band made their US television debut on Conan in April and performed at the Coachella, Newport Folk, and Lollapalooza festivals this year as well. Information: www.thisisfirstaidkit.com  Fifth season of 'Live From The Artists Den' set to premiere on October 5, 2012 New season features Norah Jones, The Wallflowers, Rufus Wainwright and Mayer Hawthorne On October 5, 2012, the fifth season of the innovative music series Live from the Artists Den will premiere nationally on public television with an episode featuring nine-time Grammy Award winner Norah Jones (check local listings). The New York Emmy-nominated show-about which the New York Times said, "on this show, the setting is a headliner, too"-connects music fans with a remarkable line-up of icons and emerging stars performing in unique and historic venues. The exciting new season features Norah Jones, The Wallflowers, Rufus Wainwright, and Mayer Hawthorne. Viewers can preview clips from the episodes on the Artists Den website at www.artistsden.com. The series is a production of Artists Den Entertainment presented by WLIW21 in association with WNET New York Public Media, and is distributed by American Public Television.   "People are always asking me what place I love to play the most," said Jones at her taping of Live from the Artists Den at the Green Building in Brooklyn. "I always say it's really not about the country as much as it is the venue. It's so nice to play in a place that has a good vibe." The season will air nationally on public television in many of the country's top markets, beginning this October. In the New York metro area, Live from the Artists Den will premiere Fridays at 10pm beginning October 5th on THIRTEEN and Saturdays at 10pm beginning October 6th on WLIW21. In the Greater Los Angeles area, the series will premiere Sundays at 8pm beginning October 28th on PBS OC; in Washington, D.C., Sundays at 11pm beginning October 7th on WHUT; in Dallas, Thursdays at 11pm beginning October 11th on KERA; in San Francisco, Tuesdays at 11pm beginning October 9th on KQED; in Philadelphia, Sundays at 10pm beginning October 7 on NJTV; and in Minneapolis, Saturday, October 6th at 10pm and Tuesdays at 11pm beginning October 9th on TPT. For premiere dates and air times in other markets, visit http://www.artistsden.com. Live from the Artists Den is filmed in high-definition. Beginning October 5 - Grammy Award-winner Norah Jones at the Green Building in Brooklyn, NY. October 12 - Multiplatinum rockers The Wallflowers at Bimbo's 365 Club in San Francisco. October 19 - Vocal virtuoso Rufus Wainwright at the Church of the Ascension on New York's Fifth Avenue. October 26 - Soul phenomenon Mayer Hawthorne at the historic Park Plaza Hotel in Los Angeles. For WNET New York Public Media, Executive in Charge: Gillian Rose. For the Artists Den: Executive Producer Mark Lieberman.    About the Artists Den Live from the Artists Den is a three-time New York Emmy®-nominated music television series that features popular recording artists performing in non-traditional settings throughout North America.Live from the Artists Den aired its 4th season nationally on public television in 2012, has expanded digitally through Hulu, Pandora, and Vevo, and is now broadcast internationally in Germany, Australia, New Zealand, Canada, Israel and Latin America. Featured artists have included Adele, Kid Rock, Ben Harper, Regina Spektor, Ringo Starr, The Fray, Raphael Saadiq, Death Cab for Cutie, David Gray, Corinne Bailey Rae, the Black Crowes, Alanis Morissette, Tori Amos, Elvis Costello and Robert Plant. Featured venues have included Graceland, the first art museum in America, a Masonic temple, a former Archdiocese cathedral, a 1930s silent movie theater, the world's oldest merchant sailing vessel, the New York Public Library, and the Metropolitan Museum of Art. A full listing of previously featured artists, TV episodes, and venues can be viewed at artistsden.com.

Tab Benoit makes triumphant return to The Coach House

Tab Benoit is no longer the blues' best-kept secret.

Making his first performance in Orange County since his stunning 75-minute performance at the Doheny Blues Festival in May, the Louisiana bluesman headlined before a near-capacity crowd at the Coach House on Thursday night (Sept. 20, 2012). As he went on to prove throughout his second-ever performance at the veritable San Juan Capistrano venue ("Thank you for having me back; its been awhile"), lightning can definitely strike twice. 

With 50 minutes more at his disposal than his set in Dana Point four months ago, Benoit unleashed flashy guitar play, top-tier singing and compelling storytelling about life in the Bayou with a mixture that worked especially well in the intimate setting. What was thankfully clear from his opening shot, the high-octane "Why Are People Like That," his style is at odds with the been-there-done-that presentation of Chicago blues-minded acts that are so plentiful nowadays. I can recall no other shows hearing the headliner discuss the joys of eating alligator and frog.

Backed by a bassist and drummer, Benoit played with a delicious ferocity where he wrapped loads of guitar solos around sung verses and choruses. Breaking guitar strings (as he did during several tunes) never slowed him down or diminished the power of his set. "That was the five-string version of that song ("Why Are People Like That")," he joked after noting breaking a string at the beginning of his set. "Not on purpose, but that's okay."

On the second song, "Night Train" he performed several inspired solos, with a full range of dynamics and seemingly-endless tones plucked from one of a trio of Fender guitars he used. In his skilled hands there were whistling strings, speedy runs and bends that seemed to add up to a language all of their own. 

Even on the R&B-tinged ballad "Sunrise" where his emotive vocals were displayed, Benoit availed textured and magnificent guitar work to bring another level of beauty to the song. He minded similarly-powerful depths on the gospel-flavored "Shelter Me."

On "Medicine," a heavy mixture of blues and rock marked a late-in-the-set highlight, with Benoit and bassist Corey Duplechin locking into a heavy groove on their way to a powerful finale with still more breathtaking guitar work.

Throughout the entire show, which didn't end until after midnight, Benoit demonstrated that he has earned his place alongside Joe Bonamassa and Derek Trucks as one of this era's best and most original blues guitar heroes. And as her proved during a lengthy and jaw-dropping drum solo late in the night, Benoit seems to be gifted at just about everything he does.

Both of the photos were taken by Bob Steshetz at The Coach House on Sept. 20. Check out more of his concert and event photos at his Bob By Request blog and on his Facebook page.

Inbox Update: Colbie Caillat, Gary Clark Jr., Celtic Woman

This week has seen news on a number of upcoming - hard to believe - Christmas albums! Indeed, the holidays are just around the corner...and new music from singer-guitarist Gary Clark Jr. is sure to make fans get into the holiday spirit!

Colbie Caillat to release 'Christmas in the Sand' on October 23, 2012

Originals, classics and guest appearances from Brad Paisley & Gavin DeGram spotlight the artist's first Christmas album

Two-time Grammy winning, singer songwriter Colbie Caillat will release her first album of holiday music, CHRISTMAS IN THE SAND, on October 23 on Republic Records. The Malibu-born, platinum recording artist brings her easy going rhythms and breezy style to CHRISTMAS IN THE SAND which features four original Christmas songs including the humorous, mid-tempo title track which was written by Caillat, Jason Reeves and Kara DioGuardi. Caillat also recorded classics like Merry Christmas Baby, featuring Brad Paisley on vocals and a smokin’ guitar, and Baby It’s Cold Outside, featuring Gavin DeGraw on vocals. Grammy winning producer, Ken Caillat, who is Colbie’s dad, produced the album.



“I have so many warm and sunny memories of Christmas, literally and figuratively. Christmas means family, tradition, and the spirit of giving and sharing, but when you grow up in California, it can also mean sunshine and a beach day!” says Colbie. “I wanted to share all these wonderful feelings with my fans. It’s an album I’ve always wanted to make and was it was more gratifying having made it with my dad.”

It was while she was on vacation on a small island in Bali that Colbie picked the songs to record for this record. “I was staying in this tiny hut,” she said. “It was beautiful and sunny and the people were warm and wonderful. But I spent a lot of time listening to Christmas songs – and picked the ones I love to sing most of all. It was perfect for an album called Christmas in the Sand.” Other originals on the album are Mistletoe, written by Colbie Caillat, Stacy Blue, Mikal Blue, Everyday is Christmas, written by Colbie Caillat, Jason Reeves, Kara DioGuardi and Happy Christmas, written by Colbie Caillat and Toby Gad.

When Colbie returned from Bali and before heading out on the road for her hugely successful co-headlining summer tour with DeGraw, she and her father, recorded CHRISTMAS IN THE SAND at The Village recording studio in Los Angeles.

Caillat’s first album COCO debuted at No. 5 and raced its way past the multi-Platinum barrier. Her first single, Bubbly, caught a generation’s imagination and has become one of the best-selling digital tracks of all time. Billboard took note by naming Caillat its Breakthrough Artist of the Year. Her second album BREAKTHROUGH broke at No. 1 and was honored with two Grammy nominations; that same year, Colbie won two Grammys for her collaborations with Jason Mraz and Taylor Swift.

Her most recent album ALL OF YOU netted Caillat her sixth platinum single in Brighter Than the Sun and a gold single for “I Do”. It was Album of the Week at the NY Post and received rave reviews, with People magazine saying it ‘brings on the glow of Summer. Brighter Than the Sun was featured more than 20 film, tv shows and commercials. Caillat and her original music were featured in the Cotton campaign. She also wrote and arranged ABC Family Channel’s “25 Days of Christmas,” two years ago.

Her embrace has stretched to include work for honorable causes including the Surfrider Foundation, Save the Music, Farm Sanctuary, the Humane Society of the U.S.


Gary Clark Jr. launches music club pre-order for his forthcoming album 'Blak And Blu' due October 22

Rock 'n' soul phenomenon Gary Clark Jr. has launched a pre-order for his eagerly anticipated upcoming album Blak And Blu at his official website www.garyclarkjr.com. Those who pre-order the album, which is due October 22, 2012 from Warner Bros. Records, will receive:


Pre-sale access to Clark's upcoming shows beginning Sep 20, including the newly announced dates (see below) which go on sale to the general public on Sep 21 and 22. Pre-orders will also receive the album in full plus two Bonus tracks: "Breakdown" and "Soul," (to be received on album release date) and a Gary Clark Jr. Blak And Blu album art T-shirt that will be shipped on album release date.

As a special "Thank You" from Gary, pre-orders will receive an instant digital download of "Ain't Messin 'Round". In addition, all pre-orders will also receive two full concert bootleg live recordings digitally at a later date to be confirmed. Visit Gary Clark Jr.'s official Web site for more details.

Newly announced Gary Clark Jr. headline dates:

11/2 Boston, MA The Sinclair

11/3 Boston, MA The Sinclair

11/4 New York, NY Bowery Ballroom

11/5 New York, NY Bowery Ballroom

11/9 Washington, DC 9:30 Club

11/10 Philadelphia, PA Theatre of the Living Arts (TLA)

11/13 Los Angeles, CA Troubadour

11/14 Los Angeles, CA Troubadour

11/15 Los Angeles, CA Troubadour

11/16 San Francisco, CA The Fillmore

Clark's additional tour dates are as follows:

9/22 Hamburg, GER Reeperbahn Festival

9/26 Melbourne, AUS The Cherry Bar

9/27 Melbourne, AUS The Tote

9/28 Sydney, AUS The Annandale Hotel

10/10 Austin, TX Stubb's - Waller Creek Conservancy Benefit

10/11 San Antonio, TX Arneson River Theater

10/14 Austin, TX Austin City Limits

10/20 Mountain View, CA Bridge School Benefit Concert

10/21 Mountain View, CA Bridge School Benefit Concert

10/26 New Orleans, LA Voodoo Festival



Celtic Woman to release second holiday album 'Home For Christmas' on October 9

All-Female Irish Music Ensemble to launch 2012 Christmas celebration symphony tour in December

Beloved global sensation Celtic Woman will release a new holiday album, entitled Home For Christmas, on October 9, 2012, via Manhattan Records. Sure to become a must-have gift item, Home for Christmas features the celestial voices of Chloë Agnew, Lisa Lambe, and Méav Ní Mhaolchatha along with dynamic inventiveness from Celtic Violinist Máiréad Nesbitt. This is the all-female Irish music ensemble’s second Christmas album and features such holiday favorites as “Winter Wonderland, “I’ll Be Home for Christmas” and the Christmas classic “Silent Night”. Its first, the platinum-selling A Christmas Celebration, featured songs from Celtic Woman’s PBS special and is a perennial holiday favorite and stocking-stuffer.



In addition to releasing Home For Christmas, Celtic Woman (Touring Members: Chloë Agnew, Lisa Lambe, Susan McFadden, Máiréad Nesbitt) return to the US on December 1, 2012 for its critically-acclaimed 2012 Christmas Celebration Symphony Tour. The concert tour promises to be a dynamic live music experience that showcases the angelic voices of Celtic Woman underscored by the stirring sound of a full symphony orchestra. Please see below for all tour dates.


Since Celtic Woman’s inception in 2004, the unique ensemble has emerged as a spectacular commercial success and a genuine cultural phenomenon thanks to their evocative, uplifting music. The group’s albums and DVDs have gone multi platinum, sold +7 million units worldwide (including their 2012 project BELIEVE), notched two Top 10 album debuts on the Billboard Top 200 Album chart and four Top 5 releases on the Top DVD Music Video chart, and sold more than 2.2 million concert tickets. All seven Celtic Woman album releases have debuted at #1 on the Billboard World Music Chart.



Celtic Woman – Home For Christmas

Album Tracklisting:

1. I'll Be Home For Christmas (Lisa Lambe)

2. Hark The Herald Angels Sing (Chloë Agnew, Méav Ní Mhaolchatha, Lisa Lambe, Máiréad Nesbitt)

3. Santa Claus Is Coming To Town (Chloë Agnew, Máiréad Nesbitt)

4. Silent Night (Méav Ní Mhaolchatha)

5. We Three Kings (Lisa Lambe, Chloë Agnew, Méav Ní Mhaolchatha)

6. We Wish You A Merry Christmas (Chloë Agnew, Méav Ní Mhaolchatha, Lisa Lambe, Máiréad Nesbitt)

7. What Child Is This (Méav Ní Mhaolchatha, Máiréad Nesbitt)

8. Adeste Fideles (Chloë Agnew)

9. Winter Wonderland (Chloë Agnew, Méav Ní Mhaolchatha, Lisa Lambe, Máiréad Nesbitt)

10. Mary's Boy Child (Lisa Lambe, Chloë Agnew, Méav Ní Mhaolchatha)

11. Auld Lang Syne (Lisa Lambe)

12. Joy To The World (Lisa Lambe, Chloë Agnew, Méav Ní Mhaolchatha)



Celtic Woman — Christmas Celebration Symphony Tour dates are as follows:


12/01 Foxwoods, CT MGM Grand at Foxwoods

12/03 Pittsburgh, PA Heinz Hall

12/04 Pittsburgh, PA Heinz Hall

12/06 Detroit, MI The Fox Theatre

12/07 Minneapolis, MN Convention Center Auditorium

12/08 Naperville, IL Pfeiffer Hall

12/09 Naperville, IL Pfeiffer Hall

12/11 Costa Mesa, CA Segerstrom Center for the Arts

12/13 Temecula, CA Pechanga Resort and Casino

12/14 Temecula, CA Pechanga Resort and Casino

12/15 Indio, CA Fantasy Springs

12/16 Tucson, AZ Centennial Hall

12/18 College Station, TX Rudder Auditorium

12/20 Atlanta, GA Symphony Hall

12/21 Anniston, AL Anniston PAC

12/22 Huntsville, AL Von Braun Center


Information: www.celticwoman.com

Joe Bonamassa 'Beacon Theatre' 2-disc live release coming Sept. 25

This just in...

Joe Bonamassa: Beacon Theatre - Live From New York is a double live album to be released by J&R Adventures in the US on Tuesday September 25, 2012, featuring 20 stunning tracks that span his incredible career.  

The festivities kick off with 72nd St. Subway Blues, followed by Slow Train, from 2011's solo album Dust Bowl, plus fan favorites Midnight Blues,Dust Bowl, Bird On A Wire, Blue & Evil, Mountain Time, and many more. Beth Hart performs with Joe Bonamassa on I'll Take Care of You and Sinner's Prayer. John Hiatt joins Bonamassa on Down Around My Place and I Know A Place, while Paul Rodgers (Free, Bad Company) is featured alongside Bonamassa on Fire And Water and Walk In My Shadows.

Bonamassa is offering the live track “When The Fire Hits The Sea” as a free download – http://bit.ly/QgjEny

Album Track Listing:

CD 1

1:  72nd St. Subway Blues

2:  Slow Train

3:  Cradle Rock

4:  When The Fire Hits The Sea

5:  Midnight Blues

6:  Dust Bowl

7:  The River

8:  I'll Take Care Of You (with Beth Hart)

9:  Sinner's Prayer (with Beth Hart)

10:  You Better Watch Yourself

11:  Steal Your Heart Away

CD 2

1:  Bird On A Wire

2:  Down Around My Place (with John Hiatt)

3:  I Know A Place (with John Hiatt)

4:  Blue And Evil

5:  Walk In My Shadows (with Paul Rodgers)

6:  Fire And Water (with Paul Rodgers) 

7:  Mountain Time

8:  Young Man Blues

9.  If Heartaches Were Nickels

Bonamassa will begin his US Fall Tour on October 13. Full list of dates below.   

US TOUR

10/13     HONOLULU, HI                      HAWAII THEATRE            

10/30     DALLAS, TX                           MUSIC HALL AT FAIR PARK         

11/01     TULSA, OK                             BRADY THEATRE              

11/02     KANSAS CITY, MO                 KANSAS CITY MUSIC HALL           

11/03     ST. LOUIS, MO                       THE FOX THEATRE           

11/06     MERRILLVILLE, IN                THE STAR PLAZA              

11/07     FT. WAYNE, IN                      THE EMBASSY THEATRE

11/09     CINCINNATI, OH                    TAFT THEATRE  

11/10     COLUMBUS, OH                       PALACE THEATRE            

11/13     TOLEDO, OH                          STRANAHAN THEATRE  

11/14     YOUNGSTOWN, OH               DEYOR PAC        

11/16     ROCHESTER, NY                      AUDITORIUM THEATRE

11/17     TORONTO, ONT CAN              ROY THOMSON HALL     

11/20     SPRINGFIELD, MA                 SYMPHONY HALL            

11/23     LONG ISLAND, NY                 TILLES CENTER FOR THE PERFORMING ARTS       

11/24     WASHINGTON D.C.                WARNER THEATRE          

11/27     CHARLESTON, WV                 CLAY CENTER    

11/28     DURHAM, NC                         DURHAM PAC  

11/30     COLUMBUS, GA                       RIVER CENTER  

12/01     BILOXI, MS                            MISSISSIPPI COAST COLISEUM 

12/03     GREENVILLE, SC                     PEACE CENTER PAC        

12/05     MONTGOMERY, AL                MONTGOMERY PAC      

12/07     TALLAHASSEE, FL                 TALLAHASSEE COUNTY CIVIC CENTER    

12/09     JACKSONVILLE, FL               THE FLORIDA THEATRE  

12/10     ORLANDO, FL                        BOB CARR PAC 

12/11     MELBOURNE, FL                    KINGS CENTER FOR THE PERFORMING ARTS       

12/13     HOLLYWOOD, FL                   HARD ROCK LIVE             

12/15     FT. MYERS, FL                       GERMAIN ARENA