“My dear friends who made that album all agreed to come. Andy Newmark, Kevin McCormick, Cindy Mizelle, and my brother Tom Lofgren joining us to form an amazing band,” notes Nils. “In preparation for the tour my wonderful wife Amy hosted us all in our home and garage studio to put the show together. Amy designed our merchandise, cooked beautiful food for us and created a safe, welcoming musical environment for all. We created the show’s foundation to work from and headed out to share this fresh, new band.”
Improvisation has always been a key element in live performances for Nils, a veteran member of some of the greatest rock bands in history, as well as an accomplished and successful solo artist.
“All the band members are old friends used to being encouraged to stretch out and improvise with me (and) our crew did a fabulous job getting everything right for us to do our best every night.”
He continues, “Regularly hearing inspired, improvisational surprises from your fellow band mates elevated our interaction and made for one of a kind, unique shows every night. We all thrive in a live setting and at every show, the audience kicked the music up to a special level we only reach with their contagious, inspired energy.”
The album includes live renditions of two of the Lou Reed/Nils Lofgren penned songs, “Don’t Let Your Guard Down” and “Give,” along with Nils’ protest song “Rock or Not” and “Too Blue to Play,” all from the Blue With Lou album.
Mizelle’s backing vocals can be heard on several tunes like “Big Tears Fall,” “Tender Love” and “Too Many Miles.” Lofgren does a 14-minute-plus version of “Girl in Motion” and tells a studio story about of Ringo Starr.
Elsewhere, there are live renditions from Grin and Lofgren's solo work and Hank Williams cover “Mind Your Own Business.”
“We kept the shows reckless and fun with a lot of jamming and interaction. Tour bussing from town to town all over America, we all brought our collective experience and love for performing to every show,” Nils reflects.
“Turning up to ‘eleven’ and wailing inside this amazing band was a joy and revelation to me, having been away from playing with my own electric band for so long. Proud to share this rough and ready collection that breathes new life and inspiration into the best of my songs.
"After 51 years on the road, I’m so grateful to have been inspired by this band and our audiences as never before."
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