New Music: The Rolling Stones, Steve Stoeckel, Ron Sexsmith

New titles featuring The Rolling Stones, Steve Stoeckel and Ron Sexsmith are well worth discovering.

Artist: The Rolling Stones
Title: GRRR Live! (Mercury Studios)
You might like if you enjoy: The Rolling Stones, John Mayer, classic rock
Tell me more: The Rolling Stones celebrated their 50th anniversary in 2012 and 2013 by embarking on the aptly-titled "50 & Counting Tour," a 30-show trek that took the legendary British troupe across North America and Europe. On Dec. 15, 2012, The Rolling Stones took the stage at New Jersey's Prudential Center for the final of four shows staged in the New York City area. That event was filmed and professionally recorded for a good reason; a number of notable guests joined the band further elevating the efforts of singer Mick Jagger, guitarists Keith Richards and Ronnie Wood, drummer Charlie Watts and their strong touring troupe. Now that memorable concert has been re-edited and the audio remixed. GRRR Live! is truly a stunning event that focuses on The Rolling Stones as a live band and the stylish architects of many of the most beloved classic rock cuts of all time. The 23-track set includes a spirited "It's Only Rock 'n' Roll (But I Like It)," "Gimme Shelter" (featuring Lady Gaga sharing lead vocals with Mick Jagger), a delightfully countrified "Dead Flowers," a rollicking take on Bo Diddley's "Who Do You Love?" with the Black Keys," and marathon run through "Midnight Rambler" with former Rolling Stones lead guitarist Mick Taylor. The event's final stretch included Bruce Springsteen adding firepower to a powerful "Tumbling Dice," a hard rocking "Brown Sugar," and remarkably nuanced performance of "You Can't Always Get What You Want." The DVD + 2CD edition reviewed in this column has several bonus performances filmed at the Dec. 13, 2012 show that add weight to the package, including a rollicking take on "Respectable" with guitar great John Mayer and a fiery reading of Chuck Berry's 1958 original "Around and Around." Released on Feb. 10, GRRR Live! is available in a number of different formats: 3LP black, 3LP colored white, 3LP red, 2CD, DVD + 2CD, Blu-ray + 2CD (the Blu-ray and digital versions will include Dolby Atmos). Information: RollingStones.com.

Artist: Steve Stoeckel

Title: The Power Of And (Big Stir Records)
You might like if you enjoy: The Spongetones, Paul McCartney, Crowded House, Irene Peña, Jamie Hoover
Tell me more: Steve Stoeckel — a founding member of acclaimed Power Pop Hall of Fame greats The Spongetones — is set to release his marvelous solo debut The Power Of And on Feb. 24. The wonderful 15-track disc features a parade of enticing tracks including the propulsive opener "Laura Lynn," gorgeous Baroque ballad "Birds," rousing '60s-flavored "Mod Girl," wistful "Strange Cameo," luxurious duet "Why" with songstress Irene Peña, and tender folk rocker "Hummingbird." The self-produced album also features the particularly ambitious "The Emerald Sea," a standout which effortlessly fuses Celtic folk with modern rock stylings with artful perfection (just listen to the tandem dance featuring pennywhistles and searing electric guitar work). The album's final offering is a bewitching modern rocker titled "Whistling Past Graveyards," an original that was the last collaboration between Stoeckel and Spongetones drummer Chris Garges before the latter's untimely passing in February 2022. Big Stir Records' first full-length release of 2023, The Power Of And will be available on audio CD and via all digital platforms on Friday, Feb. 24. Information: bigstirrecords.com.

Artist: Ron Sexsmith
Title: The Vivian Line (Cooking Vinyl)
You might like if you enjoy: Elvis Costello, Burt Bacharach
Tell me more: Acclaimed Canadian singer-songwriter Ron Sexsmith is back with The Vivian Line, his first album since 2020's Hermitage. There is a genuine warmth across the acclaimed artist's 17th album, but the songs — both lyrically and musically — impress with burgeoning force with each subsequent listen. The yearning opener "A Place Called Love," nostalgic Baroque pop gem "What I Had In Mind," literate "Flower Boxes," sumptuous "Outdated and Antiquated" and joyful "One Bird Calling" are early standouts on the album; the Kinks-flavored "Country Mile," jazzy "This, That, And the Other Thing," poignant "When Our Love Was New" and "Ever Wonder" are late disc highlights. Information: RonSexsmith.com.

Robert Kinsler

Ron Sexsmith celebrates art of songwriting at The Coach House

Ron Sexsmith led his four-member band through a stellar 90-minute set of original music at The Coach House in San Juan Capistrano, CA on June 4, 2015. Photo credit: Bob Steshetz

Few songwriters have earned the level of well-deserved praise afforded Ron Sexsmith even while continuing to work mostly under the radar. Though the multi-Juno Award winner has earned notice from the celebrated likes of Elvis Costello, Elton John and Paul McCartney since releasing his solo debut album in 1995, the Canadian tunesmith has continued to perform at relatively small and intimate venues in the U.S.

On Thursday, June 4, 2015, Sexsmith made a much-anticipated return to The Coach House in San Juan Capistrano, CA, a venue ideally suited to his song-centered approach. With discerning concertgoers seated near the stage, Sexsmith and an outstanding four-man backing band dug into one of modern music's richest songbooks for a set boasting two dozen original selections that inexorably showcased his marvelous songcraft.

Ron Sexsmith sharing stories.
Photo credit: Bob Steshetz

Chief among the songs played in Orange County was material off Sexsmith's latest album, 2015's Carousel One. The disc finds Sexsmith in a surprisingly-cheerful mood and that optimistic tone played out at The Coach House too. The St. Catharines, Ontario native often using self-deprecating humor to enliven the songs with witty spoken introductions. 

Among the buoyant songs from Carousel One delivered at The Coach House was "Before the Light is Gone" (a song he explained is about his songwriting method) and the blues-tinged "Getaway Car" offered early in his 90-minute set, while the infectious "Saint Bernard" and reworked "Lucky Penny" (with its big choruses) came later. "Saint Bernard" in particular was a delight, with the live version a loose and rollicking take that had every member of Sexsmith's band singing along.

With 2015 marking the 20th anniversary of his self-titled debut album, Sexsmith introduced "There's a Rhythm" with one of his many revealing quips: "I thought there might be a parade or something. I was 31 when that came out; now I'm 51; it doesn't seem right." 

Having released more than a dozen studio albums since his debut, Sexsmith had plenty to choose from this night. Among the chief rewards  that came in the first half of his set was the shimmering "All in Good Time," a nuanced acoustic-guitar powered "Strawberry Blonde" and the melodic pop gem "Imaginary Friends."

A version of "Can't Get My Act Together," another potent cut off Carousel One, really achieved a Bruce Springsteen-worthy muscle thanks to the addition of some powerful piano playing from David Matheson supporting Sexsmith's lead vocals.

Ron Sexsmith at the piano.
Photo credit: Bob Steshetz

About midway through the concert, Sexsmith put down his Taylor acoustic guitar and performed alone at a grand piano. Among the standouts during this mini-set was a gorgeous rendition of "Tomorrow in Her Eyes" and upbeat "Brandy Alexander."

The last part of the night saw Sexsmith continuing to explore his catalog with a Americana folk take on "Lebanon, Tennessee" (another sterling song from his debut), a beautiful acoustic reading of "Gold In Them Hills" and beautiful baroque Beatlesque "Sure As The Sky" that was one of my favorite new songs performed.

Sexsmith closed out his fast-moving concert with the introspective "Deepens With Time," an elegant and beautiful song that proved how magically the artist can fuse songwriting and performance in the most intimate of settings. 



Review by Robert Kinsler

Sights and Sounds: Eric Clapton, Ron Sexsmith, Kacey Musgraves, Mike Porcaro, Billy Idol

Happy St. Patrick's Day everybody! I'm listening to one of my new favorite Irish bands Pugwash (the wonderful 2014 Omnivore Recordings collection "A Rose in a Garden of Weeds") in celebration of the day!

Now on with a slew of news to share...

Legendary songwriter, vocalist, guitarist and 19-time Grammy Award-winner Eric Clapton will release a brand-new 'Best Of' compilation, entitled Forever Man, via Reprise Records on April 28, 2015 in the U.S.

Featuring 51 tracks over three CDs, Forever Man spans three decades of Clapton's Reprise Records years and features classic studio tracks and a Blues-themed disc.

The collection traces much of Clapton's career featuring the Grammy Award-winning tracks"Change The World", "Tears In Heaven", "Bad Love" and including materials form Eric's Grammy Award-winning albums From The Cradle and Unplugged. Guest performers include B.B. King and J.J. Cale.

The release of Forever Man coincides with an upcoming tour, which includes nine concert dates in celebration of his 70^th birthday on March 30^th. The shows will take place at New York City's famed Madison Square Garden on May 1^st and 2^nd and at London's Royal Albert Hall on May 14^th, 15^th, 17^th, 18^th, 20^th, 21^st, and 23^rd. The shows will feature Clapton, accompanied by his band members Paul Carrack, Steve Gadd, Nathan East, Chris Stainton, Sharon White, and Michelle John, with opening support act Andy Fairweather Low and the Low Riders.

Forever Man is available for pre-order beginning today, March 17, and will be available in multiple configurations: a 3-CD, 2-CD, a vinyl 2-LP set and digital downloads. The package also comes with liner notes written by noted rock journalist and author Malcolm Dome. Click here or here to pre-order.     

Please see below for all Forever Man track-listings.

3CD and Digital Download Edition:

CD1- Studio

1. Gotta Get Over
2. I've Got A Rock 'N' Roll Heart
3. Run Back To Your Side
4. Tears In Heaven
5. Call Me The Breeze
6. Forever Man
7. Believe In Life
8. Bad Love
9. My Father's Eyes
10. Anyway The Wind Blows - with J.J. Cale
11. Travelin' Alone
12. Change The World
13. Behind The Mask
14. It's In The Way That You Use It
15. Pretending
16. Riding With The King - with B.B. King
17. Circus
18. Revolution 

CD2 - Live

1. Badge
2. Sunshine Of Your Love
3. White Room
4. Wonderful Tonight
5. Worried Life Blues
6. Cocaine
7. Layla (Unplugged)
8. Nobody Knows You When You're Down & Out (Unplugged)
9. Walkin' Blues (Unplugged)
10. Them Changes - with Steve Winwood
11. Presence Of The Lord - with Steve Winwood
12. Hoochie Coochie Man
13. Goin' Down Slow
14. Over The Rainbow

CD3 - Blues

1. Before You Accuse Me
2. Last Fair Deal Gone Down
3. Hold On, I'm Comin' - with B.B. King
4. Terraplane Blues
5. It Hurts Me Too
6. Little Queen Of Spades
7. Third Degree
8. Motherless Child
9. Sportin' Life Blues - with J.J. Cale
10. Ramblin' On My Mind
11. Stop Breakin' Down Blues
12. Everybody Oughta Make A Change
13. Sweet Home Chicago
14. If I Had Possession Over Judgement Day
15. Hard Times Blues
16. Got You On My mind
17. I'm Tore Down
18. Milkcow's Calf Blues
19. Key To The Highway - with B.B. King 

2CD and Digital Download Edition:

CD1

1. Gotta Get Over
2. I've Got A Rock 'N' Roll Heart                              
3. Anyway The Wind Blows - with J.J. Cale                      
4. My Father's Eyes                                            
5. Motherless Child                                            
6. Pretending                                                  
7. Little Queen Of Spades                                      
8. Bad Love                                                    
9. Behind The Mask
10. Tears In Heaven
11. Change The World
12. Call Me The Breeze
13. Forever Man
14. Riding With The King - with B.B. King
15. It's In The Way That You Use It                             
16. Circus
17. Got You On My Mind
18. Travelin' Alone
19. Revolution

CD2 - Blues

1. Before You Accuse Me
2. Last Fair Deal Gone Down
3. Hold On, I'm Comin' - with B.B. King
4. Terraplane Blues
5. It Hurts Me Too
6. Little Queen Of Spades
7. Third Degree
8. Motherless Child
9. Sportin' Life Blues - with J.J. Cale
10. Ramblin' On My Mind
11. Stop Breakin' Down Blues
12. Everybody Oughta Make A Change
13. Sweet Home Chicago
14. If I Had Possession Over Judgement Day
15. Hard Times Blues
16. Got You On My mind
17. I'm Tore Down
18. Milkcow's Calf Blues
19. Key To The Highway - with B.B. King

Vinyl Edition:

Side 1

1. Gotta Get Over
2. I've Got A Rock 'N' Roll Heart                              
3. Anyway The Wind Blows - with J.J. Cale                      
4. My Father's Eyes                                            
5. Motherless Child                                            

Side 2

1. Pretending                                                  
2. Little Queen Of Spades                                      
3. Bad Love                                                    
4. Behind The Mask 

Side 3

1. Tears In Heaven
2. Change The World
3. Call Me The Breeze
4. Forever Man
5. Riding With The King - with B.B. King 

Side 4

1. It's In The Way That You Use It                             
2. Circus
3. Got You On My mind
4. Travelin' Alone
5. Revolution

Canadian singer-songwriter Ron Sexsmith is preparing for the release of his new studio album, Carousel One, out in North America on Tuesday, March 31, 2015. The album will be released in the U.S. via Compass Records and in his home country by Warner Music Canada. Carousel One, produced by Jim Scott, features 14 new Sexsmith originals. It was recorded with an incredible cast of musicians including bass player Bob Glaub (John Lennon, Lucinda Williams, Jackson Browne), guitarist Jon Graboff (John Lee Hooker, Dr John), drummer Don Heffington (Bob Dylan, Emmylou Harris), and keyboard player John Ginty (Dixie Chicks).  Carousel One finds Sexsmith in surprising territory for a man often pegged as a downbeat balladeer: he’s actually contented. "I didn’t realize until we were putting the songs together for Carousel One that this would be more outgoing. There's a lot more humour,” says Ron. “I mean, there’s even a smiling picture on the cover, which I've just never had before. I just hope it doesn't scare the children."

Watch the official lyric video for "Saint Bernard" via the embedded link above The first single off Carousel One, “Saint Bernard,” is a tribute to an anonymous family dog from a photograph picked up in a second-hand shop by Ron's  wife. "They’ve always been my favorite type of dog," says Ron, recalling the genesis of the song. "I was sitting in the kitchen one day playing guitar. I had this melody but no lyrics, so I looked up at the picture and just started singing the opening lines. I guess the album is kind of a travelogue of music that I like which was mostly a happy accident."

Mercury Nashville singer/songwriter Kacey Musgraves earns the No.1 most added song at Country radio this week with her new single “Biscuits.” From her upcoming sophomore album, the Grammy winner co-wrote the tune with good friends Shane McAnally and Brandy Clark. The same trio wrote the gold-certified “Follow Your Arrow” which won the 2014 CMA Song of the Year. “Biscuits” is available now at digital retailers worldwide:http://umgn.us/BiscuitsSingle.

“‘Biscuits’ is just another example of why Kacey is one of the most brilliant and original singer-songwriters in country music today.” – Johnny Chiang, OM KKBQ

Musgraves earned numerous accolades for her critically-acclaimed debut album Same Trailer Different Park including 2014 ACM Album of the Year and 2014 Grammy Awards Best Country Album. The Texas native recently took her ‘Same Tour Different Trailer’ tour to Australia for several shows including a performance for the CMC Music Awards. She will continue the remaining US dates of the tour on March 26^th in Washington, DC. Musgraves’ second album is set to be released later this year.

Tickets and additional information can be found at www.KaceyMusgraves.com.


I was very sad to hear the passing of long-time Toto bassist Mike Porcaro over the weekend. Here is the statement from The Recording Academy's Neil Portnow on the passing of the gifted musician:

The Recording Academy Statement^® re: Mike Porcaro
Monday, March 16, 2015
 
Mike Porcaro, three-time GRAMMY^® winner and longtime bassist for the multi-platinum selling rock group Toto, was a dynamic musician and performer. Mike joined his brothers Steve Porcaro and the late Jeff Porcaro in the band in 1982, around the time of the release ofToto IV, which ultimately earned Album Of The Year honors. Throughout his career, his love for music and performing was always evident, and was showcased frequently due to the group’s relentless touring and international popularity. Our music community has lost an influential and charismatic creator, and his legacy will continue to inspire and entertain. Our thoughts go out to his family, friends, and fellow group members, as well as to all who have been entertained by his exceptional talent.
 
Neil Portnow
President/CEO
The Recording Academy


Finally, make sure to check out writer George A. Paul's review of Billy Idol's tell-all autobiography Dancing With Myself here. Anyone interested in not only Idol, but the costs of rock stardom will find the honest look at the rocker's life a good read.

March 31 release of 'Carousel One' to mark return of singer-songwriter Ron Sexsmith

It's clear that 2015 is in full swing with regular announcements of new albums - just last week it was confirmed that both Ringo Starr and Other Lives have new releases coming. I couldn't be more excited with news that singer-songwriter Ron Sexsmith's 'Carousel One' is set to be released here in North America on Tuesday, March 31, 2015. Here is the information posted on the Amazon Web site, and there is an :

Ron Sexsmith's new release on Compass Records, Carousel One, is the cherished Canadian crooner s first album in two years. It finds Sexsmith in surprising territory for a man often pegged as a downbeat balladeer: he s actually contented. 

The 16-track album is a warm, deeply involving set of songs that showcases Sexsmith's great empathy and occasional sentimentality, but also his often-overlooked playfulness. Carousel One (named for the luggage retrieval belt at Los Angeles airport where bags off Toronto flights are delivered) is probably the most diverse album of Sexsmith's nearly 20-year solo career. 

Songs like "No One" came from the idea of attempting to write in the vein of Roger Miller. Opening track "Sure As The Sky" originated as a folky campfire song but it turned into more of a folk/rock number.

Producer Jim Scott assembled a seasoned band to play on the album: bass player Bob Glaub (John Lennon, Lucinda Williams, Graham Nash); guitarist Jon Graboff (John Lee Hooker, Dr John); drummer Don Heffington (Bob Dylan, Emmylou Harris); and keyboard player John McGinty (Neal Casal, Matthew Sweet). 

Ron has been a critical success since his self-titled debut back in 1995, an album that won the admiration of songwriters such as Elvis Costello and Paul McCartney. Carousel One glides into 2015 with the poignancy and craft that has come to be expected of Ron ever since then.

This album comes packaged in a 4-color bi-fold wallet with a 12 page booklet with full credits, lyrics and liner notes. This CD edition includes two bonus tracks.

For more information on his upcoming album and tour dates, visit www.ronsexsmith.com/

Singer, Songwriters and Slide Guitar Greats Shine

Singer-songwriter Ron Sexsmith’s 13th full-length album Forever Endeavour highlights a crop of fantastic new releases that also includes the first-ever album featuring The Slide Brothers, the latest sonic chapter courtesy of singer-guitarist Bob Bennett and an impressive debut from 17-year-old Scott James.

Artist: Ron Sexsmith

Title: Forever Endeavour (MRI Associated)

You might be interested if you like: Ray Davies, Paul McCartney, Aimee Mann, Elvis Costello

Tell me more: Few modern-day songwriters probe the deepest recesses of their soul with the intelligence and emotional heft of Ron Sexsmith. On his newly-released album Forever Endeavour, the acclaimed Canadian has issued yet another brillian collection of original songs. He tackles the haunting territory of self doubt with melodious depth on “Nowhere To Go” while elsewhere celebrating the joys of romantic love on “She Does My Heart Good” that is served with an undercurrent of melancholy via the sparse acoustic soundscape. Sexsmith can make even the routine magical, as evidenced on “Me, Myself and Wine” where he sings of the simple joy of playing vinyl albums while drinking a good glass of red wine. At other times the tone is darker; on “Sneak Out the Back Door” Sexsmith sings of quietly slipping out the back rather than take a farewell tour as is the fashion nowadays. The album closes with the beautiful “The Morning Light” with Sexsmith addressing his own mortality even while celebrating the simple joy of waking to enjoy another day. Information: www.RonSexsmith.com.

Artist: Robert Randolph and The Slide Brothers

Title: Robert Randolph Presents: The Slide Brothers (Concord Records)

You might be interested if you like: Jeff Healey, Derek Trucks, Duane Allman

Tell me more: February 19 will mark the first-ever commercial release featuring The Slide Brothers, a group of fabled musicians who continue to champion the sacred steel tradition that was developed in the House of God Church more than 80 years ago. From a beautiful reworking of George Harrison’s “My Sweet Lord” to the fiery blues track “Praise You” (featuring guest songstress Shemekia Copeland on vocals) and the gospel powerhouse “Catch That Train,” there is no denying the passion that The Slide Brothers bring to the 11 tracks on the collection. The virtuoso musicianship is amazing, and listening to Calvin Cooke, Chuck Campbell, Darick Campbell and Aubrey Ghent perform is breathtaking. Information: www.ConcordMusicGroup.com.

Artist: Bob Bennett

Title: Joy Deep As Sorrow (Whitewater Productions)

You might be interested if you like: Doyle Dykes, Dan Fogelberg, Glen Campbell, Bob Bennett's previous albums

Tell me more: One of the founding voices of the modern-day Christian music movement, singer-songwriter Bob Bennett has returned with a beautiful acoustic album that includes breezy folk rock (the heartful “Strange Joy”), lush folk (“Fairthful,” “Broken Beauty”) and even Americana-styled ballads (a cover of Steve Bell’s “Birth of a Song” and his own “Panhandled at the Western Wall”). Bennett’s voice is as sweet and emotive as ever, with his lyrics capturing the depth of his faith and complexity of the struggles faced by people regardless of where they worship. Information: www.BobBennett.com.

Artist: Scott James

Title: Destinesia (Scott James Music)

You might be interested if you like: Gavin DeGraw, Allen Stone, Amos Lee

Tell me more: Why is Scott James’ debut Destinesia so impressive? The EP features only six songs, but the mix of fantastic and original songwriting, pleasing vocals and strong musicianship are especially noteworthy since James is only 17. This album is not the product of any slick marketing campaign; James makes his mark immediately with a deeply-affecting guitar line at the beginning of “My Road” and further seals the artistic deal accompanied by his piano on the sparse “Garden.” Definitely an artist to watch, James lyrics and songcraft carry the weight of an artist much older. Add that he has a potent touch on both guitar and piano, well it’s supernatural. Information: www.ScottJamesMusic.com.

Inbox Update: Ron Sexsmith, Suede, Red

Here is the latest news plucked out of my inbox. Just a reminder too that Ron Sexsmith's new album Forever Endeavour is out today. You can get more information on that by checking out my article that posted on the Music Worth Buying site last week.

If you're a fan of (London) Suede, check out writer George A. Paul's post on the band's forthcoming album release here.

Finally, Red's new album is also out today. Here is the official release with all the details:

Red (L-R): Anthony Armstrong, Joe Rickard, Randy Armstrong and Michael Barnes.

RED'S FOURTH ALBUM ‘RELEASE THE PANIC’ OUT NOW

(FEBRUARY 5) ON ESSENTIAL (PROVIDENT/SONY)

“RED continue to craft heavy, hypnotic, and heartfelt hard rock on their fourth full-length album. Release the Panic expands upon their patent sound with a more immense and immersive scope.…on the first single ‘Perfect Life,’ they carry a massive stadium-size refrain into crossover territory while ‘The Moment We Come Alive’ sails to divine heights on a tender piano and vocal crescendo. All said and done, it's one of the most epic, entrancing, and engaging hard rock albums of 2013 and RED's best work yet.”



--Rick Florino, ARTISTDirect, February 4, 2013



The two-time GRAMMY-nominated rock group RED will unleash their fourth album RELEASE THE PANIC in both Deluxe and Standard editions on Tuesday, February 5 via Essential (Provident Label Group/Sony).

To record RELEASE THE PANIC, the group teamed with producer Howard Benson (P.O.D., My Chemical Romance, Daughtry) at his brand-new West Valley Studios in Los Angeles. RED have delivered a potent set of standout songs that were mixed by Benson and Mike Plotnikoff including “Perfect Life,” “Die For You,” “Release the Panic” and “Same Disease.”


RED is currently on tour this winter/spring for the Winterjam Arena Tour. Expect the group to announce a nationwide U.S. spring tour soon.


Following is the full tracklisting for RED’s RELEASE THE PANIC:



Release The Panic

1. Release The Panic

2. Perfect Life

3. Die For You

4. Damage

5. Same Disease

6. Hold Me Now

7. If We Only

8. So Far Away

9. Glass House

10. The Moment We Come Alive



Release The Panic Deluxe Edition Bonus Tracks

11. Love Will Leave A Mark

12. As You Go

13. Hymn For The Missing (Guillotine remix)

14. Death of Me (Guillotine remix)

15. Breathe Into Me (Remix Acoustica)



www.redmusiconline.com

www.facebook.com/redmusiconline

www.twitter.com/redmusiconline



About RED:

Nashville-based rock outfit RED comprises Michael Barnes (vocals), Anthony Armstrong (guitar) Randy Armstrong (bass) and Joe Rickard (drums).Together, its three prior albums-- End of Silence (2006), Innocence & Instinct (2009) and Until We Have Faces (2011)--have sold more than 882,000 units, garnered two GRAMMY nominations, five GMA Dove Awards, two

Top 10 Active Rock singles, three Top 10 Mainstream Rock singles and 10 consecutive

No. 1 hits at Christian radio. RED’s Until We Have Faces, released Feb. 1, 2011) marked the group’s highest national debut at No. 2 on the coveted Billboard Top 200 Albums Chart. Additionally, the project topped the following Nielsen SoundScan charts:

Current Hard Music, Current Rock Music, Current Alternative, Christian Rock, Current Contemporary Christian Album and RecordLabel Independent charts. Also its debut week, two of the album’s songs were spotlighted on national TV, with TBS’ “Conan” featuring “Faceless” and NBC’s “Tonight Show with Jay Leno” highlighting “Not Alone.” In addition, RED is known for its relentless touring, performing alongside notable rock names such as Hinder, 3 Doors Down, Creed, Breaking Benjamin, Three Days Grace, Godsmack, Sevendust, Drowning Pool, Flyleaf, Seether, Saving Abel, Staind, Third Day, Switchfoot, Skillet, Papa Roach, Buckcherry and others. Rave reviews for the band’s live shows and albums have been featured in top media outlets including USA Today, Billboard, Modern Drummer, Rolling Stone and Guitar World

Ron Sexsmith shares stories and music at GRAMMY Museum

Ron Sexsmith Live @ The GRAMMY Museum

Posted on February 1, 2013 by admin

 

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 public programs that combine interviews and performance.

On Thursday night (Jan. 30, 2013), 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).

Ron Sexsmith, left, with Scott Goldman at GRAMMY Museum

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 

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