New vacation music

I had a chance to listen to some new music while away on vacation last week. It blocked out the noise of my two kids fighting. Thank goodness for headphones.

John Kay, Heretics & Privateers, Cannonball Records

Although John Kay is best known as the brains and lead voice behind Steppenwolf, he began his musical career as a blues/folkie, working coffee houses in the western USA and Canada. Kay, whose birth name was Joachim Krauledat, has temporarily put aside Steppenwolf’s leather-clad-biker metal rock for a solo disc filled with blues-drenched topical songs that confront the immorality of big government, the futility of modern life, mindless consumerism, lack of hope, and the plight of the poor and disenchanted. This is nothing new for Kay; he’s been addressing thorny issues like this since Steppenwolf’s first album in 1968. As always, Kay’s lyrics are thoughtfully right on target, and likewise, the music pulls no punches. Fortunately, there’s still light at the end of the tunnel for all of us, according to Kay, and the choice track is “For The Women In My Life,” an unabashedly heartfelt tribute to Kay’s mother, wife and daughter. Heretics & Privateers is a brave record of substance, and definitely one of John Kay’s best efforts. Order yours from www.steppenwolf.com/johnkay.html.

Yardbirds, Reunion Jam, Mooreland Street Records

The Yardbirds were deservedly inducted in the Rock ‘n Roll Hall of Fame in 1992, and to celebrate, original members, drummer Jim McCarty and rhythm guitarist Chris Dreja, put together a new version of the band to play a few concerts in England. With American John Idan on guitar and vocals and bassist Rod Demick aboard, the revitalized Yardbirds recorded this live disc, that includes such classics as “I’m Not Talking,” “Train Kept A-Rolling,” “Ain’t Done Wrong,” “I Ain’t Got You,” “Rack My Mind,” “You’re A Better Man Than I” and “For Your Love,” their first hit single from 1965. The band sounds edgy and joyously hyped up, the recording quality is very good, and I’m happy to say that The Yardbirds will be appearing at this year’s Cavestomp concert this fall in NYC, the annual summit meeting of old and new garage bands. More on that later. Order your copy of Reunion Jam by logging on to www.delphi.com/moorelandstreet. This is one live album that really delivers.

Rod Piazza & The Mighty Flyers, Beyond The Source, Tone-Cool Records

Twice winners of the W.C. Handy Award for best blues band in the world, harp virtuoso Rod Piazza and his Mighty Flyers return with a disc that transcends the somewhat stifling I-IV-V, 12-bar blues format, as they stretch out into new areas, new grooves and new sounds. Piazza and his band take a few chances and generally come up winners, as they storm through 14 tunes, spotlighting the vocals and blues harp of the leader, his lovely and talented wife, Honey Piazza on piano, the righteous guitar of Rick Holmstrom, and the tight rhythm section of bassist Bill Stuve and drummer Steve Mugalian. Tone-Cool Records are sold at better record stores everywhere.

Louisiana Red, Driftin’, Earwig Records

Louisiana Red has been working the blues circuit for decades, without achieving the commercial success he deserves. He’s survived personal tragedies, a deprived, unhappy childhood and the aforementioned lack of recognition that has dogged him his entire life. Red returns with a vengeance on his new disc, with a crack backup band and some great new material that touches on all blues styles, from the Delta, to the south side of Chicago, to Memphis. A must for any blues fan. Earwig Records, 1818 West Pratt Blvd., Chicago, IL 60626-3120.