Janet Jackson made some great records with the Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis back in the day, but mostly staked her claim to fame on being Michael Jackson’s hot sister. And, really, was her music ever rock ‘n roll? The Rock Hall has always had an uneasy relationship with reality....
With the “Studio 54” movie by Matt Tymauer a regional hit here in New York City, we decided to take a look book at one of the definitive stars of those halcyon times when disco ruled in the ’70s and early ’80s....
Elton John made a two-night stand at his favorite venue in the world, Madison Square Garden in New York City, as part of his “Farewell Yellow Brick Road Tour,” and it was star-studded in more ways than one....
Tom Petty died suddenly one year ago from an accidental drug overdoes, robbing rock music of one of its most enduring artists. For me, it seemed as if Petty would always be around delivering his rock solid music....
When celebrity author Mark Bego originally wrote his 1989 biography, “Aretha Franklin: Queen of Soul,” he had no idea that it would be updated three times, the latest being the new “Tribute Edition” of the book by Skyhorse Publishing, which puts her career in perspective since her death at 76 in August....
Hozier, the pulti-platinum singer/songwriter, has released has released his latest EP, Nina Cried Power, via Columbia Records. The 4-track set is the first collection of new music Hozier has shared since the 2014 release of his critically acclaimed self-titled debut album....
The re-constituted Fleetwood Mac appeared on the Ellen DeGeneres show (their first-time ever on TV) performing “The Chain” and “Gypsy.” At first blush, with new additions Neil Finn and Mike Campbell replacing Lindsay Buckingham, they pretty much sounded the same. And that’s a good thing....
Ian McDonald, best known for founding British supergroups King Crimson and Foreigner, takes the prize as the most interesting old-new act in music. His new group, Honey West, released their debut album, Bad Old World to rave reviews for its sound and lyrics. The album features Honey West founder, accomplished actor and neighbor Ted Zurkowski (the Actor’s Studio)), McDonald’s son Maxwell on bass, and Steve Holley from Paul McCartney’s Wings on drums....
Rock and roll biographer Mark Bego is shifting gears with a big, bold and colorful cookbook. But he’s not straying too far from his genre. His latest is “Eat Like a Rock Star,” a compilation of recipes recommended by 46 artists, plus several of his own. Boz Scaggs, Richie Sambora, Joey Fatone, Micky Dolenz, Mary Wilson and Michael McDonald are among his rock star chefs. ...
Who has the song of Summer 2017? Ed Sheeran? Kimberly Davis? Harry Styles? Miley Cyrus? Would you believe Raspin Stuwart? His ethereal, 2012 reggae-themed tune, “Smoke The Hookah,” is the most radio-requested song this summer. The song (produced by Steve Reid and Bo Astrup) has also racked up an impressive number of downloads....
Mike Greenly is probably best known as the world’s first “interactive journalist” but he’s had a second career all along as a songwriter. He’s now working with the likes of producer Tony Moran and vocalist Jason Walker. In fact, he penned Walker’s No. 1 dance record “Say Yes.” Now 72 and residing in New York City, Greenly is still writing speeches for the likes of Exxon/Mobil and Tito’s Vodka, but his songwriting is also continuing to flourish....
Elvis Costello’s career, like his music, has been multi-layered and ever changing, delighting and sometimes baffling fans and critics alike. But he finally puts it all in perspective in a just-released DVD from his recent solo “Detour” tour. It’s stripped down and simply terrific. The DVD, “Elvis Costello Detour: Live at Liverpool Philharmonic Hall Featuring Larkin Poe,” is best described as a musical documentary....
Ryan “Gooch” Nelson, a New Jersey singer-songwriter, has done the impossible. A quadriplegic who was recently diagnosed with cancer, he’s conjured a rip-snorting, foot-stomping songs for his debut album Comin’ Home. It’s a tribute to anyone who’s undergone personal tragedy. In 2004, Gooch was in a terrible car accident that left him paralyzed from the neck down. Five years later, he was diagnosed with chronic myelogenous leukemia....
Micky Dolenz of The Monkees and Peter Noone of UK rock group Herman’s Hermits share a lot of rock history. Both broke out in the 1960s and have continued performing ever since. Now, they’re sharing their experiences in a sort of actor’s studio for musicians. Dolenz recalled a party at his house in Los Angeles during the 1970s which served as a sort of coming out party on the West Coast for John Lennon. Many bold-faced names were there, but when a limo pulled up at 2 AM and out stepped Brian Wilson ...
Steve Martin’s and Edie Brickell’s first album, 2013’s Love Has Come for You, found the two iconoclastic artists making emotionally resonant, readily accessible music. Their collaboration continues, taking them into fresh creative territory on the duo’s new sophomore album, 'So Familiar.' Producer Peter Asher has worked with everyone from James Taylor to Linda Ronstadt and Elton John. ...
Lenny Kravitz, known for his retro style and innovative sound, has just released “Just Let Go,” a live-concert DVD, recorded during the European leg of his recent world tour. Kravitz in concert is a force to be reckoned with The 51-year-old singer spans genres from rock, blues, soul, R&B, funk and jazz, to reggae, hard rock, psychedelic, pop and folk. Playing with Kravitz on the tour were David Bowie’s bassist Gail Ann Dorsey Carlos Santana’s wife Cindy Blackman Santana...
Ingersol may not be an artist you immediately associate with Adele, Taylor Swift or Katy Perry, but the young singer, songwriter is part of a trend that has re-ignited the music world. The passion and insight of today’s female singer, songwriters recalls the golden era of Joni Mitchell, Chrissie Hynde and Sarah McLachlan. Ingersol, will released her self-titled, debut album (via JIC Music) on Nov. 6....
The dazzling new Fillmore music hall opened last week at the historic Ajax Metal Company Plant in Philadelphia’s Fishtown district, carrying out the vision of founder Bill Graham, who pioneered the rock club 50 years ago this December....
Rob Thomas and his work with Matchbox 20 has been consistently exemplary. But as a songwriter, he’s beyond compare. His new solo album The Great Unknown is a superlative work in every way. “Hold On Forever,” “Pieces” and the title track are simply terrific. His work with Carlos Santana, Mick Jagger, Tom Petty, Willie Nelson, Marc Anthony, Taylor Hicks, Travis Tritt and Daughtry are superlative. His Smooth triple platinum album with Carlos, is perhaps his zenith....
Micky Dolenz and his Monkees bandmates are enjoying a career resurgence that other legacy pop stars dream about. At 70, Dolenz just returned from a week in England, where he and Monkees bandmate Peter Tork performed two sold-out shows. He also has a new album on the way....
Of Monsters And Men, the six-member indie folk/pop band from Keflavík, Iceland, grabbed international attention with their 2011 album My Head Is An Animal. The album was so good many wondered how they could possibly top it. But their follow-up Beneath The Skin, released in June, is my spot-on call for best album of the year....
Allen Klein was the man behind the curtain when The Beatles and Rolling Stones made it big. His influence on rock and roll is incalculable for someone who is unknown outside tight industry circles But Fred Goodman is out to change all that. Klein founded ABKCO Music & Records Inc. in 1961. While managing the Rolling Stones, he bought the rights to all of the band’s music composed before 1971....
Brian Wilson of Beach Boys fame went out on the road last year with guitarist Jeff Beck, of all people, and announced he was working on a new solo album. The album, No Pier Pressure is a confusing affair on several fronts, but Wilson’s genius shines through nonetheless. The album also features guest performances by Sebu Simonian of Capital Cities, Kacey Musgraves, of She & Him, and former band member Blondie Chaplin. Al Jardine and Dave Marks also contribute. ...
