Earlier this year, Paul McCartney released Kisses On The Bottom, a new album of pop standards that pre-date the rock and roll era (along with two new songs written in that style).  And while he didn’t tour to promote it, he did perform the songs at Capitol Studios in Los Angeles (where he recorded the album) on February 9.  That set, called Live Kisses, will air on PBS’s Great Performances, which premieres Friday, September 7 at 9 pm (check local listings).

For this performance, he opted not to play instruments (fans know that Paul plays bass, guitar or keyboards while singing at his concerts), and simply concentrated on his vocals at this one-time-only (so far) event.  His backing band included jazz superstar Diana Krall on piano, and highlights included his drummer Abe Laboriel Jr. harmonizing with him on “I’m Gonna Sit Right Down And Write Myself A Letter,” “The Glory Of Love” and “Ac-Cent-Tchu-Ate The Positive.” Meanwhile, Eagle (and brother-in-law to Beatle Ringo Starr) Joe Walsh plays acoustic guitar on “My Valentine” and “Get Yourself Another Fool.” The set is already available online: it’s called iTunes Live From Capitol Studios.

Meanwhile McCartney, who also put out an expanded reissue of his 1971 album Ram earlier this year, is said to be working on a new record that sees him returning to the more familiar territory of rock and roll.

– Brian Ives, CBS Local