News & REVIEWS

DOWNBEAT BLUES / FRANK-JOHN HADLEY

OCTOBER 2018.

Barry Goldberg, In The Groove (Sunset Blvd. 7931; 36:43  4/5 STARS) 

Goldberg might be known best for playing keyboards alongside Charlie Musslewhite, Paul Butterfield and fellow Electric Flag founder Mike Bloomfield during the 1960s. Now, he’s released his most impressive solo album since 1969’s Two Blues Jews. On enjoyable originals and old obscurities—11 of 12 the tracks instrumental—Goldberg’s B-3 sounds both rough and sleek, operating within a wide dynamic range from dark textured growls and bellows to sweet, lyric high notes. Backed by choice musicians like Texas guitarist Denny Freeman, he’s clearly having one hell of a fun time. “The Mighty Mezz,” or instance, swings as if ectoplasm were connecting him to the phantom of Jimmy Smith. Venerable Les McCann sings on “Had Enough Of You.”

Ordering info: sunsetblvdmusic.com 

Deep in the Soul Pocket

Barry Goldberg - In the Groove

BY HYPERBOLIUM. JUNE 26, 2018

Barry Goldberg has magic in his fingers. Early on, the Chicago-born keyboardist developed that magic in sessions with Muddy Waters, Otis Rush and Howlin’ Wolf; he backed Dylan in his first electric gig at Newport, played on the infamous Super Session with Mike Bloomfield, Al Kooper and Stephen Stills, and co-founded the Electric Flag. He carved out a career as a studio player, and recorded a solo catalog that began with 1966’s Blowing My Mind. He’s remained active as a producer and musician ever since, and now, nearly twenty years after his last solo release, he’s recorded a collection of blues, soul and rock that show off both his early musical influences, and the seemingly infinite reservoir of magic that still resides in his fingers.

Mixing five new compositions and seven covers, Goldberg pays deep tribute to the music that primed his musical dreams. His mastery of piano, Wurlitzer piano and Hammond B-3 is matched by a musical sensibility weaned on the African-American programming of legendary Chicago radio stations WGES in the 1950s, and the Chess-owned WVON in the 1960s. The album opens with its lone vocal track, a co-write with vocalist Les McCann, “Guess I Had Enough of You.” Don Heffington and Tony Marsico lay down a heavy bottom end here, as Rob Stone’s harmonica and Goldberg’s organ add flourishes to McCann’s vocal riffing. It’s a solid opener to an album that is all about the groove.

Goldberg’s originals include the hard-swinging Hammond workout, “The Mighty Mezz,” the low blues “Ghosts in My Basement,” the jazz jam “Westside Girl,” and the relaxed funk of the title track. The covers are just as varied, including Milt Buckner’s late-night “Mighty Low,” Joe Sublett’s growling sax on Doc Bagby’s “Dumplin’s,” Goldberg’s boogie piano on the Cyclones’ “Bullwhip Rock,” a tough stroll through Sil Austin’s “Slow Walk,” titles from Johnny and the Hurricanes and the original northwest Wailers, and a rolling piano solo of Lead Belly’s “Alberta.” Goldberg selected his musicians as thoughtfully as his songs, and their expert touch is captured by Carla Olsen’s production and Johnny Lee Schell’s engineering, as they all venture together deep into the groove. [©2018 Hyperbolium]

This is an exciting and engaging collection of tracks from blues keyboard legend Barry Goldberg. There’s Joe Sublett’s soulful saxophone, the whole band is tight and powerful, and the songs don’t sound all alike, which is often the case with albums of instrumentals. The one vocal, Guess I’ve Had Enough of You, is by Les McCann! Bullwhip Rock is great rock ’n’ roll, there’s blues and jazz and soul all over this work. Goldberg hasn’t put out an album for nine years, since Soul Riot!, and this one shows what a master musician he is. 

Jerome Blue, June 20 2018.

Bentley's Bandstand: June 2018

Barry Goldberg, In the Groove. When it comes to blues keyboard players, today the list starts right here. Barry Goldberg has the kind of credentials that don't stop, from The Electric Flag to Bob Dylan (who co-produced Goldberg's early '70s album). He was all in on his latest instrumental fest, produced by former Textone Carla Olson with a who's who of the blues crew in the house. There are several Goldberg originals and a few barn-burners originated by Sil Austin, the Cyclones, Milt Buckner, and others. No matter what is being played, though, Barry Goldberg knows exactly where to go on his keyboard to find the bluest notes possible. He then twists and turns and delivers them in a way that makes the soul sizzle like only a few players still can. This isn't music that's taught in school. It was primarily taught on the streets of Chicago's South and West sides in the '60s when Goldberg was there with Charlie Musselwhite, Paul Butterfield, Michael Bloomfield, Steve Miller, and more. Over a half-century later, all went on to become masters of the blues. Barry Goldberg has waited his whole life to record this set, and there was no way he wasn't going to nail it to the wall. Blues or lose. 

Exclusive First Listen: Stephen Stills And The Rides Get A ‘Kick Out Of It’

Stephen Stills, Kenny Wayne Shepherd and Barry Goldberg return with new album.

Stephen Stills, Kenny Wayne Shepherd and Barry Goldberg are back as The Rides, the super-trio that surfaced in 2013 with their debut album, “Can’t Get Enough.” Now, three years later, the band is gearing up to release the follow-up, “Pierced Arrow,” due out Friday.  

Stills said they had no doubts about getting the band together again for another album. [Read more...]

Interview with Barry Goldberg 

- By LINDA CAIN

Goldberg keeps Chicago and the blues close to his heart as he embarks on a tour with his new band, The Rides.

In the halls of Chicago Blues history, Barry Goldberg’s name will forever be linked to his fallen compatriots Michael Bloomfield and Paul Butterfield.  And Goldberg wouldn’t have it any other way. After all, he famously backed up Bob Dylan at the Newport Folk Festival with Butterfield’s band and he played keyboards with Bloomfield in The Electric Flag.[Read More...]

Neil Young joins Stephen Stills' 4th Light Up the Blues autism benefit

Stephen Stills and his long-ago Buffalo Springfield band mate Neil Young will take part again in Stills’ fourth Light Up the Blues concert to benefit Autism Speaks, scheduled for May 21 at the Pantages Theatre in Hollywood.

Young was among Stills’ guests at last year’s edition of the event, and this year Stills and his band, the Rides (which also features guitarist Kenny Wayne Shepherd and veteran blues-rock keyboardist Barry Goldberg) will be joined by Jakob Dylan, Nikka Costa, the War on Drugs, Chris Stills and emcee Jack Black

[Read More...]

EXCLUSIVE: The Rides Share A Behind The Scenes Glimpse Into Their Upcoming Record, “Pierced Arrow”

Some people daydream about their perfect musical line-up… legendary Stephen Stills, guitarist  Kenny Wayne Shepherd and keyboard extraordinaire Barry Goldberg turned their blues-rock dream band into reality! That’s the Rides, a super group with a mile long resume, from Rock n Roll Hall of Fame inductions to Grammy wins, whose 2013 debut, Can’t Get Enough, landed them in the Top 40 on the Billboard 200 and garnered them a nomination for Best Rock Blues Album at the 2014 Blues Music Awards.

[Read More... ]

SONG PREMIER: The Rides “Virtual World” >>>LISTEN

Goldberg adds, “It’s so great to be back recording and playing live on this high level again with Stephen and Kenny Wayne, and we’re really excited about the music on Pierced Arrow…The chemistry is just so good between the three of us. We all have so much respect for each other.”

THE RIDES' TOUR DATES ANNOUNCED

>>>buy tickets!

The Rides’ ‘Pierced Arrow Tour’ Stephen Stills, Kenny Wayne Shepherd, and Electric Flag keyboardist Barry Goldberg are back for another bluesy journey across the land when The Rides steps out in support of a new album arriving in May. Read more...

Due out May 6, Pierced Arrow is the band’s second album and showcases a group whose individual members have learned how to work together. [Pre-ORDER Here...!]

THE RIDES TOUR DATES:

Coming soon... stay tuned!

remembering SOUL LEGEND PERCY SLEDGE...[ROLLING STONE MAGAZINE]   

The Rides Complete 2nd Album!!

Blues-rock supergroup The Rides have completed recording their second album, guitarist Kenny Wayne Shepherd has confirmed. Read More... 

BORN IN CHICAGO DOCUMENTARY FILM SCREENS FOR INDUCTION CEREMONY @ ROCK 'N ROLL HALL OF FAME MUSEUM, CLEVELAND OH APRIL 18

CHICAGO BLUES ROYALTY LIVE @ Gator By The Bay, SAN DIEGO May 9th

Appearing as the Chicago Blues Royalty Review with Johnny V will be Corky Siegel, Sam Lay, Barry Goldberg and Marcy Levy, all legendary pioneers of the Chicago Blues scene who are known for some pretty exciting genre-splicing. Blues with a touch of rock, blues and classical, and even blues with electric folk—all are in these performers’ far-reaching repertoires. Saturday 4:20 PM. Buy Tickets. 

BORN IN CHICAGO DOCUMENTARY FILM SCREENS @ the Grammy Museum, Los Angeles CA MONDAY MAY 11

LIVE PERFORMANCE BY BARRY GOLDBERG, CORKY SIEGEL, SAM LAY, AS WELL AS MARCY LEVY, JIMMY VIVINO, GARY MALLABER and RICK REED... 

BORN IN CHICAGO PREMIERE PARTY
VIC THEATER THURSDAY JUNE 6

A premiere party and (Sweet) homecoming for the documentary film Born In Chicago is set to for Thursday, June 6 at the Vic Theatre in, 3145 N. Sheffield in Chicago, 7 pm.  The evening will be highlighted by full sets of musical performances by Chicago Blues Reunion -- Barry Goldberg, Nick Gravenites, Harvey Mandel, and Corky Siegel – who will be joined by special guests including Charlie Musselwhite, Eric Burdon, Sam Lay and Elvin Bishop plus surprise guests. Proceeds from the event will benefit Chicago’s Coalition for the Homeless. Tickets on sale through etix.com. 

Born In Chicago documentary film screens Friday, June 7

Born In Chicago documentary film screens Friday, June 7 at 8:15 PM at the Gene Siskel Film Center, 164 N. State Street, followed by a discussion and audience questions with Barry Goldberg, Nick Gravenites, Sam Lay, Harvey Mandel and Corky Siegel.

Additional screenings are scheduled for Saturday, June 8 at 5:15 PM, Monday, June 10 at 6:15 PM, Wednesday, June 12 at 6:15 PM and Thursday, June 13 at 8:30 PM. Tickets on sale through Ticketmaster Ticketmaster, 800-982-2787, www.ticketmaster.com and at the Gene Siskel Center box office, 312-846-2600.

Link to trailer: http://vimeo.com/sinapz/review/61650612/1b89ba3898

Check out Born In Chicago Facebook Page: www.facebook.com/BornInChicagoMovie

BLACKS AND WHITES MADE THE BLUES!

‘Born in Chicago’ Tells of Titans Who Taught Young Protegés reaD MORE...

Barry Goldberg ranked No.25 on the "100 Greatest Rock Keyboardists/Pianists"

 JIMI HENDRIX (first KNown as) JimmY JAMES and the blue flames...

According to Randy California, Jimmy James and the Blue Flames often played five sets a nights, sometimes six days a week for little more than tips. After about a month into their three month stint at the Cafe Wha?, the group, with Hendrix as the focus, began to receive attention from the music establishment. Read More...

Barry Goldberg & Bob Dylan's Secret Gem

One of the quiet gems of 2009 was an album originally produced by Bob Dylan in 1973. Other than his own work under the pseudonymous Jack Frost, it's the only album Dylan ever produced. It's not, however, a Dylan record, it's a Barry Goldberg record. Even if you've never heard of Barry Goldberg, you've heard Barry Goldberg. Read More...

Barry Goldberg: Fifty Years Of Chicago Blues - MICHAEL SIGMAN

The story of American music is often the story of race -- and particularly of white boys and girls learning about music from black men and women. The tale of Elvis Presley hanging out in Mississippi juke joints is something like a gospel story in the history of American culture.

The compelling new documentary Born In Chicago (directed by John Anderson, produced by John Beug and co-produced by Barry Goldberg) is the Genesis story of a bunch of middle-class white kids (Goldberg, Read More... 

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