#vetsaid

Jeff Lynne’s ELO to Reunite at VetsAid

- Stephen Stills also on tap for Joe Walsh’s annual fundraiser, Nov. 12 in San Diego

Jeff Lynne’s ELO will play its first show in nearly a half-decade when it reunites for VetsAid.

“It’s going to be out of this world,” Lynne said in a statement.

His band, idle since 2019, will join event founder and organizer Joe Walsh, the War on Drugs, the Flaming Lips and Lucius for the annual fundraiser, slated for Nov. 12 in San Diego.

“And to top it all off, we have my dear friend and hero Stephen Stills joining as a special guest,” Walsh said in a statement.

Proceeds from the event will go to veterans-service charities based in or with operations in Southern California. The year 2023 marks the seventh VetAid - both live and virtual during the pandemic - which has given more than $3 million in grants since 2017.

Walsh is a Gold Star son whose father died on active duty in Okinawa when the future Eagle and James Gang leader was 20 months old.

“Through the establishment of VetsAid and this annual benefit concert, he aims to give back to those who have given so much in sacrifice for this country,” per a news release about the event.

Ticketing info here.

Song Review: James Taylor - “Sweet Baby James” (Live - Nov. 11, 2018)

James Taylor was telling the story of becoming the first non-Beatle signed to Apple Records and returning to the United States to meet his namesake nephew …

“And this song sorta came in the window as I was driving down Route 95,” Taylor said in introducing “Sweet Baby James” to the audience members who were still awake at the Nov. 11, 2018, edition of VetsAid in Washington state.

What transpires on the video just released from Taylor’s vault is a wistful rendition with plaintive steel and melancholic accordion over a subtle rhythm section. “Sweet Baby James” - the song and the person - are well into their 50s now and Taylor’s “cowboy lullaby” once again is as appropriate at midday as at midnight.

Grade card: James Taylor - “Sweet Baby James” (Live - 11/11/18) - B

Song Review: James Taylor - “Fire and Rain” (Live, Nov. 11, 2018)

When you’ve played “Fire and Rain” as often as James Taylor’s played “Fire and Rain,” there’s bound to be some weaker offerings.

The Nov. 11, 2018, performance at VetsAid is one of them. Taylor’s voice is a bit crusty and he’s backed by an unfamiliar band for a truncated set, leading to a subpar version of what’s got to be his most-played song.

And it’s understandable; these things happen. What’s tougher to fathom is why Taylor chose to pull this one from the vaults.

Grade card: James Taylor - “Fire and Rain” (Live - 11/11/18) - C+