Tempest’s New Music Video “Jolly Roger” Heralding Upcoming Album “Going Home”

“Jolly Roger” is the music video from Tempest’s “Going Home.” With a handful of pirates and the classic Jolly Roger flying, the video was produced at Morgan’s Cove, the secret, treasure-laden pirate ship in a backyard of Morgan Hill, CA, as well as at SoundTek Studios in Campbell, CA. “Jolly Roger” is a folk-rock cover from the Byrds’ Roger McGuinn. 

The Bay Area Celtic Rock Band is releasing the new album, “Going Home,” on the group’s new record label Celtodelic on St. Patrick’s Day, March 17, 2022. Co-produced by band leader Lief Sorbye and Robert Berry (3, December People) in November and December of 2021, the album is best described as “Euro Celtic,” as Tempest incorporates more Scandinavian and British Isles material into their brand of Progressive Folk Rock.
 
Lief wrote “The Shepherd’s Daughter,” based on the traditional British ballad, The Knight and The Shepherd’s Daughter. “Dream Morris” was a melody fully formed in Lief’s head one morning when he woke.  
 
The disc features a range of spirited fiddle and mandolin instrumentals “The Optimist” and “Mrs. Preston’s Favorite.” There are songs in Lief’s native language Norwegian. “Hjemreise” is a dedication to the recent passing of his mom and the magical mountain cabin ‘Jegerstølen,’ pictured on the front cover of the record. The song title translates to the album title, Going Home.
 
The Norwegian children’s song “Pål Sine Høner” (Paul’s Chickens), a Swedish murder ballad “De Två Systrarna” (The Two Sisters), and the British “The Devil and the Farmer” are traditional folk songs on Going Home.

Hailing from Oslo, Norway, founding member and lead singer/electric mandolinist, Lief Sorbye, is recognized as a driving force in the modern folk-rock movement. He started Tempest in 1988 after years of touring and recording on the folk circuit. The band also features San Francisco’s Lee Corbie-Wells (fiddle, vocals), Bulgaria-born Nikolay Georgiev (guitars), Michigan’s Hugh Caley, (bassist), and Cuban drummer Adolfo Lazo, who is an original member of Tempest.  

TEMPEST ‘The Going Home Tour' Spring 2022

Feb. 26 | Vallejo, CA          EMPRESS THEATRE
Mar. 5 | Fresno, CA            FULL CIRCLE BREWING CO.
Mar. 12, 13 | Dublin, CA    ST. PATRICK’S DAY FESTIVAL
Mar. 17 | Healdsburg, CA   HEALDSBURG PLAZA
Mar. 17 | Soquel, CA          MICHAEL’S ON MAIN
Mar. 19 | Sutter Creek, CA SUTTER CREEK THEATER
Mar. 25 | Williamsburg, IA RAVEN WOLF
Mar. 26 | St. Louis, MO      FOCALPOINT THEATRE
Mar. 27 | Goshen, IN          IGNITION MUSIC GARAGE
Mar. 30 | Rochester, NY     LOVIN’ CUP
Mar. 31 | Albany, NY         THE LINDA THEATRE
Apr. 1 | Middletown, CT    BUTTONWOOD TREE ARTS CENTER
Apr. 2 | New Hope, PA       HAVANA
Apr. 3 | Wayne, PA             118 NORTH
Apr. 4 | Kenton, DE           COOLDOG CONCERT SERIES
Apr. 6 | Cleveland, OH       BROTHERS LOUNGE CONCERT HALL
Apr. 7 | White Oak, PA       BRYN MAWR CHURCH
Apr. 8 | Columbus, OH       BYRNES PUB
Apr. 9 | Dayton, OH           YELLOW CAB TAVERN

 

 

 

New John Roy Zat Album: Where Zat

Folk/Americana, Singer-Songwriter Fiddler

North California Folk/Americana singer-songwriter and fiddler John Roy Zat has a new album, Where Zat.  Released in November 2021, the album was produced with Ed Tree (Rita Coolidge, Juice Newton, Al Stewart). It is available on streaming media and for sale on Bandcamp at johnroyzat.bandcamp.com/releases.  

It features ten new songs, including:  “American Dream Cafe” with small town views on a changing world;  “I’m A Salmon In The River” about love from the perspective of a fish;  “I Took Hold Of Your Hand” about human love; and “California Is A Dream” -- and more!

Where Zat’s first music video, “I’m a Salmon In The River” was released today -- Friday, January 28.  It is a photo essay with images of rivers, fishermen, bears and salmon: “I’m a salmon in the river swimming upstream. I'm a salmon in the river, no one's gonna catch me. A thousand miles I travel, to find love in the gravel . . . ”  The video is live on YouTube.

John has been songwriting and fiddling for a while. In 1977, he played fiddle on Kate Wolf’s recording of his co-write with Texas fiddle legend, Luke Thomasson, “Midnight on the Water.”  The recording was released on Kate's second album, Lines On The Paper (Kaleidoscope Records), and has since been recorded and performed by Banish Misfortune, Caroline Herring and many others. 

 John’s previous albums, WHO ZAT?,  Collaborations, and Solo, have received consistent airplay on independent radio and charted well on Roots Music Report and other radio playlists.

 Born in Paris, John grew up in Saigon, Washington DC, Cannes, Bangkok, and Southern California.  He has been a touring artist, band member, and a musician with a day job, raising his family!  His last job in the corporate world was as CFO of The Asia Foundation, a non-profit focused on improving government in Asia.  As of June 2011, John is back to writing and performing full time. He has some stories to tell.

 

Michael Veitch’s New Album, “Wachtraum”

“Valentine’s Day” is the first single and a lyric video

 

Michael Veitch’s “Wachtraum,” (which means “Wake Dream”) is available in all digital and physical stores and by mail order c/o www.michaelveitch.com/michael-veitch-store. 

“Valentine’s Day,” a co-write with Michael’s long-time recording engineer Julie Last, is the album’s first single.  Watch a lyric video at www.youtube.com/watch?v=5xLaHAnvO8E. Folking’s Bill Golembeski says the song “is upbeat and pushes the pop-o-meter needle into much radio friendlier climes. This one is smooth, passionate, and graced with Hallmark greeted lyrics. And Michael gets to open the throttle on his (really nice) falsetto.”   Music Connection’s Eric Harabadian cites “Valentine’s Day”  “choice hooks and romantic sentiments.”

Favorite songs on “Wachtraum” include “August Nights,” which has a “Beach Boys” vibe.  “April Fools,” co-written with Judy Kass, deals with delusional thinking. “Happy Fourth of July” recalls leaders and peace activists we’ve lost since the 1960s and features Dan playing brother Chris’s guitar. “Wachtraum” ends with the holy days of December with “One Wish” a duet with ethereal singer-songwriter Kirsti Gholsen.

Six Degrees’ Anne Carlini praises Michael’s songwriting, “His music visits the past without regret and the future with an optimist’s eye while his lyrics and melody weave a narrative of world class performance.”

This April, Michael appears on PBS’s upcoming broadcast, “We Remember-Songs from Survivors"-- songwriters collaborating with Holocaust survivors.   

Michael’s thankful that the folk community has helped him through the years. Judy Collins covered his song “Veteran’s Day,” on her 2013 Live From the Temple of Dendur DVD, and 2011 CD “Bohemian.”  Michael’s song “Pledging Allegiance,” which reached #10 on the 2017 Folk/Americana charts, was honored by Music2Life Foundation. He’s a regular at festivals, notably the 2001 Newport Folk Festival. Breaking out in the1980s, with the help of Shawn Colvin—first sending him to Greenwich Village to expand his songwriting with Jack Hardy, and later—in the 1990s—having him open for her on an extensive tour; she also sang on his first album, “New York Journal.”

He has shared stages with a who’s who of singer-songwriters over many years of touring.     

 

 

www.Michaelveitch.com

Wachtraum

1.First Day

2.Valentine’s Day

3.Moving Day

4.April Fools

5.Sunday Afternoon

6.Happy Fourth of July

7.August Nights

8.Always Vermont

9.Birthday Oh Birthday

10.Last Days of Summer

11.First Snow of the Year

12.One Wish

  

MEMOIR OF A RASCAL – FELIX CAVALIERE ANNOUNCES AUTOBIOGRAPHY

 

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­ Cover photo ©1967 Paul McCartney / Photographer Linda McCartney    Music lovers of yesterday and today recognize that distinctive voice and that iconic intro in an instant: One, two, three! Sharing his stories—from his first classical piano lessons in his childhood home of Pelham, New York, through his years topping the charts, and to his inductions into the Rock & Roll, Songwriter, Vocal Group, Grammy and Musicians Halls of Fame—celebrated songwriter and singer Felix Cavaliere is pleased to announce his autobiography, “Memoir of a Rascal,” releasing March 22 via Ingram Spark. Cavaliere’s career, which spans over a half-century, is a testament to rock ‘n’ roll: he writes about being galvanized by the new sound legendary disc jockey Alan Freed bought to WINS radio in New York, the pain of losing his mother when he was only 13, his wild ride with Joey Dee and The Starlighters, taking the stage at the famed Hamptons, New York club The Barge and becoming the King of Blue-Eyed Soul© with one of America’s early rock bands. Few artists can claim they defined a generation; Cavaliere’s message of peace, love and happiness endures in his music and is likewise threaded through his autobiography, a reminder to never stop listening for the world’s beauty.   “Memoir of a Rascal…From Pelham, NY To The Rock & Roll Hall Of Fame” features a forward by famed rock ‘n’ roll deejay Cousin Brucie. The cover is an original photograph by Linda McCartney taken during The Rascals’ New York City’s The Phone Booth concert. Cavaliere’s gregarious writing is enhanced by heartfelt memories of the magic of the Rascals, his spiritual journey and guru Swami Satchidananda’s lifechanging influence, and professional accomplishments like being named to the Musicians Hall of Fame. A bold memoir that touches laughter, loss, lawsuits and love, “Memoir of a Rascal” is a firsthand account of rock ‘n’ roll history from a man recognized as one if its most celebrated artists—but who also sees himself as one of the genre’s biggest fans.   Fans can also expect Cavaliere’s new album, “Then & Now,” to arrive the end of summer 2022.     “I know fans have been asking me for years to finish my autobiography,” Cavaliere said. “This is for the fans. It’s a blessing to revisit memories and hopefully my story can inspire the next generation of singers and songwriters.”   With No. 1 songs like “Good Lovin’”, “Groovin’”, “A Beautiful Morning”, “I’ve Been Lonely Too Long”, “People Got To Be Free” and “How Can I Be Sure”, The Rascals are considered the best ‘blue-eyed soul’ group to come out of the 1960s. For Cavaliere, making people feel good is fundamental to his illustrious career that includes the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, Songwriter Hall of Fame, Vocal Group Hall of Fame, Grammy Hall of Fame and Musicians Hall of Fame. As a solo artist, Cavaliere connected with a new generation of fans with his hit “Only A Heart Sees” in 1979, and in 2008 Cavaliere worked with Steve Cropper on the Grammy-nominated “Nudge It Up A Notch.” In 2019, Cavaliere was inducted into the Musicians Hall Of Fame. Cavaliere is a 2022 recipient of the Free Speech in Music Award presented by Middle Tennessee University and in April embarks on a Legends Live Tour with Micky Dolenz of The Monkees in select markets.    Felix Cavaliere’s Rascals 2022 Tour    February 26 | The Casino @ Dania Beach | Dania Beach, Fla.  March 28-31 | Flower Power Cruise April 1 | Southwest Florida Events Center | Bonita Springs, Fla. April 2 | Center @ Anna Maria Island | Anna Maria Island, Fla. April 8 | Seneca Niagara Resort & Casino | Niagara Falls, N.Y. April 9 | Rams Head On Stage | Annapolis, Md. April 23 | American Music Theatre | Lancaster, Pa.* April 24 | Keswick Theatre | Glenside, Pa.* May 12 | Count Basie Center | Red Bank, N.J.* May 14 | Patchogue Theatre | Patchogue, N.Y.* June 3 | Palladium Times Square | New York, N.Y.* June 4 | Lynn Auditorium | Lynn, Mass.* June 10-12 | Blue Note Hawaii | Honolulu, Hawaii July 16 | Meadow Brooke Theatre | Rochester, Mich.    More dates being announced soon.  *Legends Live Featuring Felix Cavaliere’s Rascals and Micky Dolenz of The Monkees

TEMPEST ‘Jolly Roger’

Tempest premiering their video right now.

#pirates Morgans Cove, CA #BayAreaMusic #FolkMusic #ProgressiveRock #ProgRock #NewMusic #MusicVideo #GreatLiveBand #JollyRoger #RogerMcGuinn

“Save the Monarch”: New Video from John Hall featuring Dar Williams

Nashville, TN – Acclaimed singer-songwriter, environmental activist and former U.S. Congressman John Hall announced today the release of a new video for his song “Save the Monarch,” which features renowned folk music artist Dar Williams. The four-and-a half minute long video is available on Hall’s website and YouTube (https://youtu.be/Q3y2L4jyyJo)

“Save the Monarch” appears on Hall’s latest album, Reclaiming My Time, which was released in May 2021. Hall’s sixth solo record, in addition to the 18 albums he released with the pop-rock band Orleans, Reclaiming My Time broke the Top 20 on the Americana Country Charts and was widely praised upon release. (The album’s title is a phrase used on the floor of Congress when a member wants to resume speaking after an interruption.) 

“When I wrote ‘Save the Monarch’ I envisioned it as a hymn for endangered species, a sincere prayer that we answer the call to be good stewards of the earth,” said Hall. “The urgency of needing to protect life on our planet has been an enduring theme in my work, and I was absolutely thrilled when Dar (Williams), a neighbor of mine when I lived in New York’s Hudson Valley, agreed to sing the song with me. Dar is such an extraordinary artist and writer, as well as an engaged environmentalist. She certainly helps lift the song and gives it greater resonance.”

Hall and Williams swapping vocals on “Save the Monarch” is certainly apt, as they served for several years together on the board of directors of the Hudson River Sloop Clearwater, an environmental and education nonprofit co-founded in 1969 by folk music icon and activist Pete Seeger. 

The video for “Save the Monarch” was directed, filmed and edited by Rob Arthur, who has directed videos for the Doobie Brothers, Dave Mason and Peter Frampton as well. A veteran keyboardist, Arthur has spent the past two decades serving as the bandleader for Peter Frampton. 

Hall plays all of the instruments on “Save the Monarch” except for drums, which are handled by Peter O’Brien, Hall’s former bandmate in Orleans. Reclaiming My Time is notable for the many musical artists who joined Hall in the studio, including John Cowan (New Grass Revival, Doobie Brothers), Andrea Zonn (James Taylor, Vince Gill), Jay Collins (Dukes of September, Allmans), Sean Paddock (Kenny Chesney) and pedal steel guitar player Dan Dugmore. Steve Wariner co-wrote and sang a duet with Hall on “Another Sunset.”

Hall is known mostly for his work with Orleans; the band’s hits “Still the One” and “Dance with Me,” which he co-wrote with former wife Johanna Hall, continue to be streamed over 100,000 times apiece daily. Last year, Orleans released a Christmas album called New Star Shining, and in 2022 the band will be celebrating its 50th anniversary.

In 1979, Hall launched Musicians United for Safe Energy (MUSE) with Bonnie Raitt, Jackson Browne and Graham Nash, which culminated in the famed “No Nukes” concerts, which featured the above-mentioned musical artists, as well as Bruce Springsteen, James Taylor, the Doobie Brothers and Carly Simon. 

Hall was elected in 2006 and 2008 to serve in the U.S. House of Representatives, where he fought for environmental issues and veterans’ disability rights. In 2016, his memoir Still the One: A Rock’n’Roll Journey to Congress and Back was published.

 

 

New Music Winter 2022

What’s a Place Like This Doing in a Girl Like Me  Val Kinzler

Uptempo & edgy, spoken word female voice like Kathryn Hepburn meets Tim Curry, spooky music.  haunted woman inside of a MAN-made hell, graveyard full of rights gone wrong, weak from being strong. dr. jekyll, watch me hide. dismember me. 

Well, Well, Well  John Roy Zat 

Male vocals, upbeat violin about surviving it all.  "Well, well, well, I've been down in the well... my own private hell" and coming out of it.  "I rise up now to dance w/ the sun" 

Inside Looking Out Joe Matera  

Tenor male voice w/ best elements of rock & roll British (Yardbirds-y/Spencer Davis/Hollies tempos) meets modern rock instruments and electronica as rock instruments. Analyzing the situation.  hook: "Lost in Transit, Inside Looking Out"   

Valentine’s Day Michael Veitch 

Slow tempo, male singer w/ falsetto, acoustic instruments, setting a winter melting mood, comparing to a true love who blooms "from beneath the ice and snow

One Good Man  Cornelius Eady

Male vocals. percussion, John Henry's hammer, one good man shook people up, against the odds, mock the devil straight to his face, Resist.

Halfway Normal World Dean Friedman

Slow tempo, piano, tenor. covid-related, wanting to hang out friends again at the movies & at home, diner, ballgame, , throw a party and sound effects from ballgame, "I wish I could get back to a halfway normal world."

Save the Monarch John Hall & Dar Williams 

John & Dar Williams duet on this hymn-like singer-songwriter song, guitar/bass/drums, environment, Monarch, emperor, queen, king--animals with royal names that are endangered species 

Dance Mashup - The Kings - I Know So

One of the songs I'm plugging this week.  "I know -know so-ooo!"