Two generations of blues-rock royalty collided when legendary multi-instrumentalist Steve Winwood joined the Tedeschi Trucks Band for a powerhouse performance at Bridgeport’s Hartford HealthCare Amphitheater. During the first of a two-night stand on their “Live In ’25” tour, Winwood—who had just completed a masterful opening set of his own—returned to the stage mid-way through TTB’s performance to lend his iconic vocals and guitar work to a medley of Sly & the Family Stone classics. The 13-piece ensemble tore through a “fiery instrumental interchange” on “Sing a Simple Song” before transitioning into an “incendiary” rendition of “I Want to Take You Higher.” The collaboration served as a poignant tribute to the late Sly Stone, with Susan Tedeschi and Winwood trading soulful verses over the band’s double-drum attack and Derek Trucks’ stinging slide guitar work. The night also featured a notable appearance by Nashville trumpeter Emmanuel Echem, who stepped in for longtime member Ephraim Owens, adding a fresh brass edge to the band’s already massive wall of sound.
Midlake Finds Golden-Hour Grace In ‘Days Gone By’
Denton’s psych-folk pioneers Midlake return with ‘Days Gone By’, a sun-drenched meditation on resilience and the passing of time. The track serves as a central highlight of their acclaimed sixth studio album, ‘A Bridge To Far’, out now via Bella Union. Recorded with producer Sam Evian, the song features the band’s signature lush harmonies and Jesse Chandler’s ethereal flute, bridging the gap between their pastoral roots and a more adventurous, hopeful soundscape. The accompanying “one-take” music video stars Emmy-nominated actor James Lance (Ted Lasso), who delivers a soul-stirring performance of celebratory movement on a Lower East Side street at dawn. Directed by Taylor McFadden and choreographed by Phil Colgan (Hamilton), the visual captures the exact moment of the morning golden hour, transforming a public crossroads into a private sanctuary of self-expression.
Chrissie Hynde & Pals Harmonize On Soulful New ‘Duets Special’
Rock legend Chrissie Hynde explores the power of melody with the release of her star-studded collection ‘Duets Special’, available now via Rhino and Parlophone. Credited to Chrissie Hynde & Pals, the 13-track album features stripped-down, intimate reinterpretations of classic songs, including a soulful cover of Billy Paul’s “Me and Mrs. Jones” with k.d. lang. The project originated from a spontaneous phone call with Rufus Wainwright’s husband, Jörn Weisbrodt, leading to a roster of collaborators that includes the late Mark Lanegan, Depeche Mode’s Dave Gahan, and Blondie’s Debbie Harry. From the hauntingly sparse rendition of “Always On My Mind” to the “somnambulant” beauty of Cass McCombs’ “County Line” with Alan Sparhawk, the album highlights Hynde’s “UNESCO world heritage” voice alongside some of the most distinct vocalists in music. Following The Pretenders’ acclaimed ‘Relentless’ and their ‘Kick ’em Where It Hurts’ live record, ‘Duets Special’ marks an unexpected and deeply creative turn in Hynde’s iconic career.
AVTT/PTTN: The Avett Brothers And Mike Patton Form An Unlikely Supergroup
In a collision of musical worlds that few saw coming, Scott and Seth Avett of The Avett Brothers have joined forces with Faith No More’s legendary frontman Mike Patton to form AVTT/PTTN. Their self-titled debut, ‘AVTT/PTTN’, is available now via Thirty Tigers in association with Ramseur Records and Ipecac Recordings. The nine-song project—produced by Patton, Scott Avett, and engineer Dana Nielsen—blends the brothers’ folk sensibilities with Patton’s experimental edge. What began as a secret creative exchange across coasts has resulted in a sound that moves from the gentle three-part harmonies of “Dark Night of My Soul” to a “gloriously gonzo” fuzz-rock rendition of the traditional “The Ox Driver’s Song.” Featuring guest contributions from harmonica virtuoso Mickey Raphael and IDM artist Otto Von Schirach, the album marks a bold departure for all three artists, proving that genuine collaboration knows no genre boundaries.
Ty Herndon And Chrissy Metz Give New Life To “She Wants To Be Wanted Again”
Country trailblazer Ty Herndon revisits one of his most poignant hits with a reimagined version of “She Wants To Be Wanted Again,” featuring the resonant vocals of Emmy-nominated actress and singer Chrissy Metz. Originally a top-30 hit from Herndon’s 1996 sophomore album ‘Living In A Moment’, the track has been refreshed with a contemporary pulse while maintaining the vulnerability that made it a fan favorite three decades ago. This collaboration serves as a centerpiece for Herndon’s career retrospective, ‘THIRTY, Vol. 1’, out now via Club44 Records. The project celebrates his 30-year legacy by pairing his unmistakable baritone with an all-star lineup of guests, including LeAnn Rimes and Ashley McBryde, breathing new energy into the signature songs that defined his path as a country music icon.
Slash Unleashes Raw Blues Power With ‘Live At The S.E.R.P.E.N.T. Festival’
Guitar icon Slash returns to his musical foundations with the release of the electrifying live album and concert film ‘Live At The S.E.R.P.E.N.T. Festival’, out now via earMUSIC. This full-throttle collection captures the legendary guitarist and his formidable ensemble, Slash’s Blues Ball, during their blistering performance at Denver’s Mission Ballroom. Throughout the set, the band tears through soulful reinterpretations of blues and rock staples by titans like Robert Johnson, Howlin’ Wolf, and Jimi Hendrix. The project serves as a definitive live companion to his solo blues album ‘Orgy of the Damned’, featuring the debut of his original instrumental “Metal Chestnut” alongside a sprawling rendition of “Stone Free.” Beyond the music, the S.E.R.P.E.N.T. Festival—an acronym for Solidarity, Engagement, Restore, Peace, Equality N’ Tolerance—stands as a philanthropic powerhouse, having raised over $125,000 for various social justice and mental health nonprofits during its inaugural run.
Gold Celeste Delivers Dream-Pop Magic Live On KEXP
Norwegian psychedelic-pop outfit Gold Celeste recently visited the KEXP studios to celebrate the 10th anniversary of their debut album, The Glow. Recorded in July and released this fall, the session features the band performing the hazy, sun-drenched classics that first put them on the international indie map. Led by the ethereal vocals of Simen Hallset, the four-song set includes fan favorites “Time of Your Life” and “Grand New Spin,” showcasing the lush arrangements and lo-fi textures that define their sound. The performance comes as the band concludes their first-ever North American tour alongside Vinyl Williams, a run that also highlighted material from their brand-new Rendezvous EP. Between the sweeping synth layers and vintage guitar tones, the session serves as a perfect testament to the band’s enduring ability to create immersive, transcendental pop.
Riley Green Saddles Up For Huge “Cowboy As It Gets” 2026 Tour
Country star Riley Green is taking his grit and southern authenticity to the big stage with the announcement of his 2026 “Cowboy As It Gets Tour.” Produced by Live Nation, the massive headlining run will see the ACM and CMA award winner hitting major arenas and amphitheatres across the country. Fans can expect a powerhouse night of music with a rotating cast of special guests including Justin Moore and Drake White joining the bill. The tour celebrates the success of his ‘Don’t Mind If I Do (Deluxe)’ album, which expanded his 2024 project with six new tracks, including the Randy Houser collaboration “Cowboy As It Gets” and the Willie Nelson-assisted “One To Willie.” Between his four 2025 CMA nominations and this newly unveiled itinerary, Green continues to solidify his position as one of the most compelling voices in modern country music.
Riley Green 2026 Cowboy As It Gets Tour Dates:
Apr 16 – Southaven, MS @ Landers Center
Apr 17 – Louisville, KY @ KFC Yum! Center
Apr 18 – Nashville, TN @ Bridgestone Arena
May 7 – Charlotte, NC @ PNC Music Pavilion
May 8 – Alpharetta, GA @ Ameris Bank Amphitheatre
Jun 18 – Holmdel, NJ @ PNC Bank Arts Center
Jun 19 – Saratoga Springs, NY @ Saratoga Performing Arts Center
Jun 20 – Wantagh, NY @ Northwell at Jones Beach Theater
Jun 25 – Noblesville, IN @ Ruoff Music Center
Jun 26 – Burgettstown, PA @ The Pavilion at Star Lake
Jul 16 – Green Bay, WI @ Resch Center
Jul 23 – Salt Lake City, UT @ Utah First Credit Union Amphitheatre
Aug 6 – Darien Center, NY @ Darien Lake Amphitheater
Aug 7 – Cuyahoga Falls, OH @ Blossom Music Center
Aug 8 – Bristow, VA @ Jiffy Lube Live
Aug 13 – Camden, NJ @ Freedom Mortgage Pavilion
Aug 14 – Hartford, CT @ The XFINITY Theatre
Aug 15 – Bangor, ME @ Maine Savings Amphitheatre
Aug 21 – Sioux Falls, SD @ Denny Sanford PREMIER Center
Aug 22 – Grand Forks, ND @ Ralph Engelstad Arena
Richard Ayoade Jokes About “Bromance” With Robert Redford
Acclaimed director and comedic force Richard Ayoade returned to the Sundance Film Festival with his dark doppelgänger thriller The Double, starring Jesse Eisenberg and Mia Wasikowska. During a press stop for the film, Ayoade leaned into his signature deadpan wit, claiming a “deep connection” and a burgeoning bromance with festival founder Robert Redford. The director joked that the Hollywood legend had given him a particularly warm welcome, playfully suggesting that their relationship had reached a level of intimacy rarely seen between filmmakers and the festival’s patriarch. This marked Ayoade’s second major appearance at the festival, following the success of his debut feature Submarine three years prior.
Japanese Breakfast Casts A Melancholic Spell Live On KEXP
Michelle Zauner and her full touring ensemble returned to the KEXP studios to deliver a hauntingly beautiful live session featuring material from her 2025 masterpiece, For Melancholy Brunettes (& sad women). Recorded in July and released this fall, the performance captures the band’s shift from the bright, brassy hues of Jubilee into a moodier, guitar-driven territory inspired by gothic literature and 17th-century Dutch art. The four-song set highlights the “fierce shuffle” of “Mega Circuit” and the ethereal poeticism of “Honey Water,” alongside “My Baby (Got Nothing At All),” a stand-alone anthem written for the Celine Song film The Materialists. Accompanied by sweeping violin from Lauren Elizabeth Baba and soulful saxophone by Adam Schatz, Zauner continues to solidify her reputation as one of indie music’s most intentional and compelling storytellers.