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FEATURE MUSIC THIS MONTH?

JOE BONAMASSA Live at the Hollywood Bowl with Orchestra J&R ADVENTURES BILLY’S PICK

LINDSEY STIRLING Duality CONCORD

NATHANIEL RATELIFF & THE NIGHT SWEATS South of Here STAX/CONCORD

Lindsey Stirling has an assortment of violins that’s she named David Bowie, Cleopatra, Pickles, and Violumpet. In the past

American blues/rock guitarist Joe Bonamassa, who began his career at age 12, wasn’t initially inspired by the legendary African American blues musicians whose music changed the lives of British guitarists such as Eric Clapton, Peter Green, Jeff Beck, Jimmy Page, etc. It was these musicians and other Brits – Paul Kossoff, Rory Gallagher, and Gary Moore – whose recordings lit a fuse, triggering a conflagration that would change Joe’s life. In 1994, while the 16-year-old musician was still experimenting with various styles, he played in a band called Bloodline with the sons of Miles Davis, Robby Krieger and Berry Oakley. Convinced that blues music was his calling, he released his debut solo album in 2000, featuring original songs and covers of artists such as Jethro Tull, whose guitarist Martin Barre was another big influence, and Warren Haynes. Twenty-four years, 16 studio albums ,and just as many live releases later, Joe, a three-time Grammy nominee, has released this exemplary live album (also available on CD/DVD, 2x LP vinyl and digital formats) featuring Joe and his band accompanied by an ensemble of 40 orchestra members recorded live at the famed Hollywood Bowl. Repertoire includes many of Joe’s most requested originals and covers of songs by blues giants Bobby “Blue” Bland and Kenny Neal. A full orchestra, under the guidance of maestros David Campbell and Trevor Rabin, encapsulates the status of Joe Bonamassa as a leading figure in modern blues/rock.

“This album is a look into my own struggle with anxiety, insecurity and also stories of my life,” American soul star Nathaniel Rateliff says of his fourth album

decade, the American star has made the violin cool, and Duality – her seventh studio album – demonstrates her potent mix of classical and electronic. MEGHAN TRAINOR Timeless SONY

with The Night Sweats. Potent and personal, “I hope these songs give you the opportunity to better understand your own struggles.” VARIOUS ARTISTS Petty Country: A Country Music Celebration of Tom Petty UNIVERSAL

It’s no longer all about that bass, but after flirting with the idea of doing a country album, Meghan Trainor’s sixth album sees her

We lost Tom Petty in 2017. But his music lives on. And this lovingly curated tribute album showcases his superb songwriting. Some of the world’s biggest country stars

continuing down the cute pop path of her breakout hit. The record features a couple of cool collabs with T-Pain, including first single Been Like This .

feature, including Chris Stapleton, Luke Combs, Dolly Parton, Margo Price, Steve Earle, and Willie Nelson.

Radio legend Billy Pinnell presents Billy Pinnell’s Musical Moments on YouTube.

AUSSIE RELEASES

HOCKEY DAD Rebuild Repeat FARMER & THE OWL More hits from the ’gong. Rebuild Repeat is the fourth album for these Wollongong indie surf rockers, their first in four years. The band explains the title is all about the process of making a new record. “You knock down what you had from the past, redesign, rebuild it, and repeat.” Hockey Dad are shooting for their third Top 10 hit in a row, and Rebuild Repeat is a fine return.

HIATUS KAIYOTE Love Heart Cheat Code INERTIA As well as being at the forefront of Melbourne’s jazz/funk/soul scene, Hiatus Kaiyote have scored a remarkable three Grammy nominations. The band’s fourth studio album, made with American producer Mario Caldato Jr (Beastie Boys, Jack Johnson), is a crowd pleaser. As singer Nai Palm said of first single Everything’s Beautiful , it’s about “finding simple joy in your day”.

POND Stung! UNIVERSAL

SHEPPARD Zora CHUGG MUSIC

Prolific Perth psychedelic rockers Pond release their tenth studio album since 2009. We couldn’t help but nod our head when we noticed a couple of YouTube comments below this record’s first single, Neon River . “We need a full Pond movie, directed by Terry Gilliam,” one commenter suggested. Another remarked, “I see movies listening to Pond.” Yep, it’s intoxicating stuff.

George, Amy, and Emma Sheppard certainly know how to deliver a pop anthem. A decade after Geronimo , Brisbane’s biggest family band since the Bee Gees have delivered a collection of bangers, named in honour of their grandma (who makes a cameo appearance). George Sheppard says, “The album revolves around the rejuvenating nature of light and that no matter how dark life at times can feel, a new sunrise is just around the corner.”

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