Welcome to this week’s Release Round-Up!

Rush, In Rio [4-LP Vinyl] (Atlantic/Rhino) (Amazon U.S. / Amazon U.K. / Amazon Canada)

Recorded live during their 2002 “comeback” tour, Rush’s In Rio was originally released on CD and DVD in 2003. Now, the 28-song set featuring hits and deep cuts from across their career arrives on vinyl for the first time, across four 180-gram discs. The collection includes all 29 songs from the Rio gig, plus two bonus tracks recorded at other stops during the Vapor Trails Tour. “Between Sun & Moon” was recorded on September 27, 2002 in Phoenix, AZ and “Vital Signs” was recorded on October 19, 2002 in Quebec City, Quebec.

Jorma Kaukonen and Jack Casady, Bear’s Sonic Journals: Before We Were Them (Owsley Stanley Foundation) (Amazon U.S. / Amazon U.K. / Amazon Canada)

This new archival release captures Jefferson Airplane’s Jorma Kaukonen and Jack Casady in their pre-Hot Tuna days, playing a scorching set with Joey Covington on drums filling out their power trio.  Recorded on June 28, 1969 in Santa Rosa, California, the album features blues favorites like “Rock Me Baby” and “Come Back Baby” plus the Airplane’s “Star Track” and four rare performances named by Jorma and Jack especially for this release.  Both artists have contributed to the liner notes, as well.  Available on CD and digital platforms.

Various Artists, Imagine: The John Lennon 75th Birthday Concert (Blackbird)

2CD/DVD: Amazon U.S. / Amazon U.K. / Amazon Canada Link TBD
2CD: Amazon U.S. / Amazon U.K. / Amazon Canada
Vinyl: Amazon U.S. / Amazon U.K. / Amazon Canada

Recorded live at The Theatre at Madison Square Garden on December 5, 2015, this concert features John Lennon solo and Beatles songs performed by such stars as John Fogerty (“In My Life,” “Give Peace a Chance”), Willie Nelson (“Imagine”), Sheryl Crow (“A Hard Day’s Night”), Steven Tyler (“Come Together”), The Roots (“Mother”) and Peter Frampton (“Norwegian Wood”).  Available in 2CD, 2CD/DVD, 2-LP vinyl, and digital formats.

Joe Jackson, Fool (Edel/earMUSIC) (Amazon U.S. / Amazon U.K. / Amazon Canada)

Joe Jackson returns with his 20th studio album and first since 2015.  Fool features Jackson backed by the Fast Forward Band of Teddy Kumpel on guitar, Doug Yowell on drums, and longtime collaborator Graham Maby on bass.  Available on CD, digital, and LP.

Ronnie Milsap, The Duets (G-Force/Riser House) (Amazon U.S. / Amazon U.K. / Amazon Canada)

The singer-pianist-country legend is joined on a host of his favorite tunes by Dolly Parton, Willie Nelson, Kacey Musgraves, George Strait, Luke Bryan, the late Leon Russell, and others.  Available on CD and digital platforms.