Rock/Pop
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Walter Trout
All of us are broken. However, no one is beyond repair. It’s a philosophy that Walter Trout has lived by during seven volatile decades at the heart of America’s blues-rock scene. The fabled bluesman’s latest album, 2024’s Broken, chronicles the bitter schisms of modern life but refuses to succumb to them. For the last half-century, no matter how rocky his path, hope always lights the way. The beats of Trout’s unbelievable story are well-known: the traumatic childhood in Ocean City, New Jersey. The audacious West Coast move in ’74, and auspicious, chaotic sideman shifts with John Lee Hooker and Big Mama Thornton. The raging addictions that somehow never stopped the boogie when he was with Canned Heat in the early-’80s. Even now, some will point to Trout’s mid-’80s guitar pyrotechnics with John Mayall’s legendary Bluesbreakers as his career high point. But for far more fans, the blood, heart and soul of his solo career since 1989 is the main event. It’s a peerless creative streak underlined by the guitarist’s regular triumphs at awards ceremonies. Trout is a perennial visitor to the Blues Music Awards, SENA European Guitar Awards, British Blues Awards, and Blues Blast Music Awards. The iconic British DJ ‘Whispering’ Bob Harris spoke for millions when he mentioned Trout by name. He declared Trout “the world’s greatest rock guitarist” in his 2001 autobiography The Whispering Years. Trout could mark time and dine out on those past glories if he were a less questing artist. He could relax and leave the polemics and calls-to-arms to a younger generation. But that’s not enough, considers the still-hungry veteran. As the pandemic burnt out, Trout got back to business. In short, the career-long cycle of writing, touring and resting is still as natural to him as breathing. Recommended for fans of Joe Bonamassa, Kenny Wayne Shepherd, Sonny Landreth and Eric Gales.
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Walter Trout
All of us are broken. However, no one is beyond repair. It’s a philosophy that Walter Trout has lived by during seven volatile decades at the heart of America’s blues-rock scene. The fabled bluesman’s latest album, 2024’s Broken, chronicles the bitter schisms of modern life but refuses to succumb to them. For the last half-century, no matter how rocky his path, hope always lights the way. The beats of Trout’s unbelievable story are well-known: the traumatic childhood in Ocean City, New Jersey. The audacious West Coast move in ’74, and auspicious, chaotic sideman shifts with John Lee Hooker and Big Mama Thornton. The raging addictions that somehow never stopped the boogie when he was with Canned Heat in the early-’80s. Even now, some will point to Trout’s mid-’80s guitar pyrotechnics with John Mayall’s legendary Bluesbreakers as his career high point. But for far more fans, the blood, heart and soul of his solo career since 1989 is the main event. It’s a peerless creative streak underlined by the guitarist’s regular triumphs at awards ceremonies. Trout is a perennial visitor to the Blues Music Awards, SENA European Guitar Awards, British Blues Awards, and Blues Blast Music Awards. The iconic British DJ ‘Whispering’ Bob Harris spoke for millions when he mentioned Trout by name. He declared Trout “the world’s greatest rock guitarist” in his 2001 autobiography The Whispering Years. Trout could mark time and dine out on those past glories if he were a less questing artist. He could relax and leave the polemics and calls-to-arms to a younger generation. But that’s not enough, considers the still-hungry veteran. As the pandemic burnt out, Trout got back to business. In short, the career-long cycle of writing, touring and resting is still as natural to him as breathing. Recommended for fans of Joe Bonamassa, Kenny Wayne Shepherd, Sonny Landreth and Eric Gales.
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Ron Sexsmith at Dakota
The Dakota 1010 Nicollet Mall, Minneapolis, MN, United States“nimble wordplay… wistful and gorgeous” – American Songwriter Ron Sexsmith is a three-time Juno award-winning singer songwriter from Ontario. The melodic songs of the 1960s drew Ron to music from an early age. There, he heard them on the radio and his mom’s record collection. Further, Buddy Holly and Elton John were his earliest musical heroes. He always loved to sing and started playing guitar at age fourteen. However, he didn’t truly become a songwriter until he was twenty-one. Ron moved his young family to Toronto to further pursue a career in music. There, he worked as a courier by day, while performing in the clubs by night. He formed the band Ron Sexsmith and The Uncool and started gaining attention from music label executives. But all passed on signing him. In 1991 he released his first full-length album, Grand Opera Lane. The Canadian music industry rejected the album, although it found its way to Los Angeles. Then, Ron signed his first music publishing deal followed by a recording contract. Sexsmith released his self-titled label debut album in 1995. The melancholic tone and sparse acoustic arrangements of the album met with disapproval from his label. However, an enthusiastic endorsement from Elvis Costello drew media attention and the album was declared a critical success. Rolling Stone wrote: “He just may be the most fluent balladeer to come along since Tim Hardin or Harry Nilsson.” He has built a steadfast reputation with critics and with some of his own songwriting heroes. These include Elton John, Ray Davies, John Prine, Gordon Lightfoot, Leonard Cohen and Paul McCartney. Additionally, Sexsmith is loved for his characteristically honest, sensitive, and enduring approach to the songwriting craft. Recommended for fans of Tim Hardin, Pernice Brothers, Del Amitri and Martin Sexton. 📸: Kerry Vergeer
$41.95 -
Joe Cruz: Sounds of Santana at Dakota
The Dakota 1010 Nicollet Mall, Minneapolis, MN, United StatesGuitarist Joe Cruz leads an electrifying 7-piece band playing Carlos Santana’s best-known hits. Here, he does this amidst guitar shredding and storytelling about Santana’s life and legacy. The authentically passionate Joe Cruz and his pyrotechnic playing are a wonder to watch. Moreover, he displays his love of his own Mexican heritage and lifelong Latin-infused musical style. The dynamic Sounds of Santana band is made up of lead electric guitar, electric bass, drums, and organ. Also, two Latin percussionists and Spanish/English vocal performances. Groove along with classics including “Black Magic Woman,” “Evil Ways,” and “Oye Como Va.” Additionally, radio hits including Santana’s collaborations with Michelle Branch “The Game Of Love” and the Rob Thomas summer smash, “Smooth.” Joe Cruz is regarded as one of the most versatile and energetic multi-stringed instrumentalists on the Twin Cities music scene. Throughout his thirty-year career, this passionate musician has been involved with numerous groups and recording projects. Here, he has developed a vast array of styles. On any given night he can be found playing anything from solo acoustic guitar to screaming electric or swinging with a jazz combo. Also, picking mandolin in a bluegrass band or exploring Latin music on Cuban trés and Puerto Rican cuatro. He currently performs solo, as well as with his trio, Scenic Roots. He also plays regularly with fiddler Brian Wicklund & The Barley Jacks and with blues piano man Scottie “Bones” Miller. Recommended for fans of Santana, Eric Clapton, The Eagles and Jimi Hendrix.
$30.62 -
Joan Osborne Sings The Songs of Bob Dylan at Dakota
The Dakota 1010 Nicollet Mall, Minneapolis, MN, United States“A fiercely intelligent, no-nonsense singer.” – The New York Times Joan Osborne released the critically acclaimed Songs of Bob Dylan in 2017. There, her artistic and soulful reinterpretations of Dylan songs was an eye-opening moment in an already celebrated career. Eight years after that milestone recording, Osborne released the stunning Dylanology Live in April 2025. The captivating recording finds the gifted vocalist performing in front of a live audience. Moreover, special guests Amy Helm, Robert Randolph and Jackie Greene join her. Songs include “Spanish Harlem Incident”, “Buckets Of Rain” “Masters Of War”. Also, “Tonight I’ll Be Staying Here With You” and “High Water (For Charley Patton)”. Osborne has never been an artist confined to one space as she continues to seamlessly blend into any genre. Furthermore, she has continually proven this throughout her three-decade, multi-Grammy nominated career. Her incredible, distinctive voice always shines through her own songs. However, she has also become one of her generation’s finest interpreters. Dylanology Live is yet another testament to her artistic range. It’s been quite the journey since the woman AllMusic.com declared “the most gifted vocalist of her generation” moved from small-town Kentucky to attend NYU film school in the 1980s. Osborne’s astounding voice drew attention when she joined the fun at open mic nights in downtown clubs. Then, that led to 1995’s Relish, “that rare breed of album where critical consensus, popular approval and enduring appeal unite” (American Songwriter). Since then, she’s performed with Motown’s revered rhythm section the Funk Brothers and toured with the Grateful Dead. Here, she first met and sang with Dylan. Further, she’s harmonized with Stevie Wonder at the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, and duetted with Luciano Pavarotti. Additionally, she co-headlined a tour with the legendary Mavis Staples. Recommended for fans of Bob Dylan, Indigo Girls, Sheryl Crow and Sarah McLachlan.
$63.58