New York, NY (Top40 Charts) Los Angeles-based musician Stevie Redstone's new album 'Shot In The Dark' - due May 31 - is a testament to rebirth and rejuvenation of artistic spirit. From opening for The Who to working with Dave Cobb (one of his first Nashville recordings), Redstone has never been one to slow down but change of pace is just what the hard-touring L.A. songwriter needed. Taking a breath from the road offered Redstone a chance to recharge and reflect, to experiment and explore, and it resulted in the creative windfall that led him to ready his spectacular debut.
This 10-track album is an infectious slice of vintage gold, a retro-tinged collection that feels both classic and modern as it draws from notes of Motown and Stax to Britpop and Laurel Canyon.
Recorded live and straight to tape at Los Angeles'
Valentine Studios with producer Nic Jodoin (Black
Rebel Motorcycle Club, Allah-Las), the album is dynamic, immediate and soulful. The piano-clad hipster's cuts burst with luscious '50s-infused jazz, jammy Motown horns and take-you-to-church harmonies, tipping the cap to
George Martin and Phil Spector in their outsized ambition. Each track is a rollicking throwback straight out of American Bandstand, chock full of introspective stories of love (or the lack there of), while even tackling both cultural and political issues with subtlety and nuance.
The record opens with the epic sweep of "Shot In The Dark," a densely orchestrated earworm all about taking chances and going after the things you want in life. Hints of The
Ronettes and The
Beach Boys permeate the tune, with Redstone's velvety voice carving straight through solid walls of strings and horns.
"Shots Fired" recalls 'Let It Bleed'-era Stones as it castigates America's epidemic of gun violence, and the unforgettable album closer "Rivers In The Sky" was born from the southern California drought. No matter the topic, Redstone ties it all together with passionate, explosive performances.
The
George Harrison-esque first single "Now" is available everywhere. Co-written by Redstone, the track combats the modern world's constant barrage of negativity with relentless optimism.
'Shot In The Dark' Track List:
1. Shot In The Dark
2. Now
3. Looking Glass
4. Surrender
5. Shots Fired
6. Thats the Day
7. Dance in the Rain
8. Secrets
9. River In The Sky
10. The Real Me
Upcoming Shows:
Tues., March 26 - Frog and Peach - San Luis Obispo, CA
Wed., March 27 - The Crepe Place -
Santa Cruz, CA
Thurs., March 28 - Standing Sun Wines - Buellton, CA
Fri., March 29 - Boom Boom Room - San Francisco, CA
Sat., March 30 - Torch Club - Sacramento, CA
Follow Stevie Redstone here:
Official website: stevieredstone.com
Facebook: facebook.com/stevieredstone
Instagram: instagram.com/stevieredstone