Tuesday, April 28, 2009

Collin Raye Plays Big Apple Next week

COLLIN RAYE PLAYS BIG APPLE NEXT WEEK TO PROMOTE HIS NEXT SMASH ALBUM, 'NEVER GOING BACK,' IN STORES APRIL 28



Upcoming media appearances include TODAY SHOW, CBS EARLY SHOW, THE MORNING SHOW WITH MIKE & JULIET, NBC's BETTER TV, and FOX News Channel's HANNITY and HUCKABEE

Nashville, TN – Platinum selling country music star Collin Raye will kick off the release of his new Time Life album, NEVER GOING BACK, which hits stores April 28th, by taking New York by storm! His upcoming New York media blitz begins by a performance on April 28th on America's #1 rated morning program, the TODAY SHOW. Kathie Lee Gifford and Hoda Kotb will also be interviewing the country artist.

In addition to the TODAY SHOW, Collin will also appear on the syndicated MORNING SHOW WITH MIKE & JULIET on Wednesday, April 29th, and on May 4th will be taping a performance for NBC's Better TV. In addition, Collin Raye will also appear April 29th on Fox News Channel's HANNITY, which air May 1st and gives another morning program performance on CBS' EARLY SHOW on May 2. Finally, he will appear and Fox News Channel’s HUCKABEE, which airs multiple times May 2nd & 3rd.

Raye’s smooth vocals have earned him 15 #1 Hits, 8 Top 5 Singles, 15 #1 Videos, along with numerous CMA and ACM award nominations throughout the years. He has sold over 5 million albums with his first four as consecutive Platinum sellers. Collin has appeared on several television specials including “Miss USA” (CBS), “Christmas with Kathie Lee Gifford” (ABC), “The Dallas Cowboys Salute”, and “Happy New Year America” (CBS).

Currently, Raye is featured in the May 4th issue of Country Weekly (on stands now).

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Media Contacts:


Webster & Associates Public Relations

Mary Michael - mary@websterpr.com 615-777-6995 ext 23

Kirt Webster – kirt@websterpr.com 615-777-6995 ext 30

Rural Rhytmn Records Announces Two #1s, Bluegrass Charts

Rural Rhythm Records Announces Two #1s
Bluegrass Unlimited Magazine National Survey Charts (May)


Rural Rhythm Records is pleased to announce two #1s on the May 2009 Bluegrass Unlimited Magazine National Bluegrass Survey with LONESOME RIVER BAND climbing to #1 on the Top 15 Album Chart (“NO TURNING BACK”) and CARRIE HASSLER & HARD RAIN at #1 on the Top 30 Single Chart (“I Can Go Back Anytime” from the album "CHHR2"). "We are thrilled to have a #1 song and album at the same time on the chart by two different artists. The artists and Rural Rhythm are very thankful to the Bluegrass Unlimited reporting stations, plus all the bluegrass radio stations worldwide who have been incredibly supportive of the song and album," said Sammy Passamano III, Rural Rhythm.

Lonesome River Band makes a strong appearance elsewhere on the chart with two songs from "NO TURNING BACK" appearing in the Top 30 Singles: “Them Blues,” (written by Bob “Cadillac” Holmes) climbing yet again to reach #4; plus another song, “Like a Train Needs a Track” (written by Marvin E. Clark and Jerry Salley) rising to #24. The album was produced by the Lonesome River Band.



Carrie Hassler and Hard Rain remain in the Top 15 Albums with “CHHR2” appearing at #12. Songwriter, Jennifer Strickland, has proven to be a perfect match for the band, penning “I Can Go Back Anytime,” plus the 2008 hit, “Going on the Next Train,” (from the group’s previous self-titled CD) that reached #11 on the Top 30 last year. Both of the band's Rural Rhythm albums were produced by Jim VanCleve.

Another Rural Rhythm artist receiving chart success for May is Melonie Cannon who climbs again to reach #9 on the Top 30 Singles with “I Call It Gone” (written by Marla Cannon-Goodman, Jennifer Hanson, Michael Heeney). The song is from her current album, “AND THE WHEELS TURN,” at #13 on the Top 15 Albums. The CD was produced by Buddy Cannon and Ronnie Bowman.


Audie Blaylock & Redline's new self-titled CD makes a fast appearance in the Top 15 Albums debuting at #12. The single, “Whispering Waters,” (written by Stanley Keach and Bill Tidwell) moves up to #25. The CD was produced by Audie Blaylock and has been receiving rave reviews since its January release.
For more information on these artists and their music, please visit www.ruralrhythm.com


###


RECORD LABEL:
Rural Rhythm Records
Radio Contact: Sammy Passamano, III
Email

MEDIA CONTACT:
Hope River Entertainment
678.377.3298
Email

ARTISTS:

Lonesome River Band

Carrie Hassler & Hard Rain

Melonie Cannon

Audie Blaylock & Redline

Justin Moore To Be On Thurday Night Opry Classics

Justin Moore To Appear on The Thursday Night Opry Country Classics Show!



NASHVILLE, Tenn. (April 27, 2009) – Valory Music Co. recording artist Justin Moore is scheduled to appear on the Opry Country Classics Show this Thursday night, April 30th. The show starts at 7 PM and will be hosted by Jeannie Seely. Justin will be performing along with Mel Tillis, Gene Watson and others. This is an all new addition to the Opry schedule and it is a spotlight on the classic country songs through live performances by the true Opry legends as well as talented new artists! The show will air on WSM- AM or Opry fans may purchase tickets by calling 1-800-SEE OPRY or visiting the website @ http://www.opry.com/TicketsAndInformation/Tickets.aspx


ABOUT JUSTIN MOORE

Born and raised in Poyen, Arkansas (Pop. 272), Southern Country Stylist Justin Moore embodies the soul and character of a kid from a small town in both life and in music with his tough-talking, straight-shooting brand of Country music.

His new single, “Small Town USA,” rises into Billboard’s Top 35 this week. The music video for “Small Town USA” was shot in Moore’s own hometown of Poyen, Arkansas, and features multiple generations of his family – from both of Moore’s grandfathers to his young cousins. His single, “Back That Thing Up,” was a Top 40 hit.

Moore has been chosen by Clear Channel as the radio giant’s NEW! Featured Artist for the month of May. As part of the program exposing new artists with the biggest potential to break through, Clear Channel will prominently feature Moore along with five tracks from his upcoming debut album across their network, including homepage placement on all country station websites during the month.
Moore has toured with Country superstar Trace Adkins as well as with Rock and Roll Hall of Fame members Lynyrd Skynyrd and Country music icon Hank Williams, Jr. He recently opened for superstars Brooks & Dunn and ZZ Top.

Moore has been featured in People magazine’s Country issue, was named one of Country Weekly’s “Who’s Hot in 2008,” has been featured on CMT, GAC and has been profiled in R&R, Country Aircheck and on NBC-affiliate WSMV’s Better Nashville.

For more information, please go to: http://www.myspace.com/moorejustinmusic


ABOUT THE GRAND OLE OPRY

The Grand Ole Opry presents the best in country music live every week from Nashville, TN. A uniquely American experience for more than 80 years, the Opry can heard on WSM-AM, XM Satellite Radio and opry.com. For more information, please visit opry.com or www.gaylordentertainment.com

_______________________________________________________


Media Contacts:

Webster & Associates Public Relations / 615-777-6995
Donna Schacher – donna@websterpr.com
Kirt Webster – kirt@websterpr.com

Thursday, April 23, 2009

Kingsley's Country Top 40 introduces "Locash Cowboys"

Bob Kingsley's Country Top 40 Introduces..
LoCash Cowboys



Bob Kingsley’s Country Top 40 announces the first performers to its “New Artist Showcase,” an exclusive event included in the CMA Music Festival trip packages offered by Nashville’s celebrity trip company, What A Trip! Entertainment. The show will be hosted by Country Radio’s icon, Bob Kingsley. Guests will have the opportunity to meet the artists, get autographs, take photos and enjoy a private event unlike any other.



The dynamic duo, the LoCash Cowboys, have been selected as one of the featured acts on the “New Artist Showcase.” The high-energy hybrid of country, rock and soul is making this duo the hottest up and coming recording artists in country music! They were recently signed to Stroudavarious Records by James Stroud, one of Nashville's most well-respected producers and record company executives.

The “New Artist Showcase” will introduce artists that Bob Kingsley personally believes are on the cutting edge of breaking into country radio. This appearance is quite an accomplishment for Preston Brust and Chris Lucas who started their musical career on the stage of the Wildhorse Saloon when they were combining forces to deliver heart-pounding performances night after night. Playing over 250 shows a year, the LoCash Cowboys have energized thousands of fans from coast to coast. Now, Bob Kingsley’s Country Top 40 guests will have the opportunity to experience the energy and excitement of the LoCash Cowboys at an exclusive event to be held in Nashville during CMA Music Festival.



"We're excited about our new partnership with Preston and Chris. LoCash has built a unique identity and a loyal fan base without the help of a record company, "says Stroudavarious Vice President of Marketing & Artist Development Derek Simon. "We're looking forward to helping them run with their vision, which is very clearly connecting with an audience of rabid music fans."


"CT40 fans are going to love these guys...highly energized and entertaining with great songs!", says Bob Kingsley



LoCash Cowboys came from the start-line at Wildhorse Saloon to being part of Bob Kingsley's very exclusive new artist showcase at the 2009 CMA Music Fest.

About Bob Kingsley's Country Top 40


Every time he gets in front of the microphone, Bob Kingsley adds to his status as the most listened-to radio voice in country music history. The Host and Executive Producer of Bob Kingsley's Country Top 40, far and away the most successful show of its kind, has been the king of the country countdown for three decades now, and to hear him tell it, the process retains every bit of its magic. Bob's love for the genre, its people and its history has always been evident in that warm, rich voice, and the combination has given him both a vast and loyal audience and legendary status within the industry. He has twice been named the CMA's National Broadcast Personality of the Year and his show received Billboard's Network/Syndicated Program of the Year award no fewer than 16 times. Bob also received the ACM’s National Broadcast Personality of the Year Award in 2007 and, perhaps most tellingly, he was inducted in 1998 into the Country Music DJ Hall of Fame.

About What A Trip! Entertainment


Since launching in 1998, What A Trip! co-founders Grace Reinbold and Darlene Williams have guided the company to unprecedented success. Today, What A Trip! Entertainment is recognized as the leading purveyor of unique trips and travel planning for record labels as well as radio and television networks. In 2009, packages offering the public an opportunity to experience the extraordinary trips that What A Trip! Entertainment is known for, have been introduced. What A Trip! Entertainment continues to offer the very best in exclusive experiences for everyone from industry leaders to celebrity artists to the fans that make it all possible, treating everyone as a VIP along the way.






Media Contacts


Darlene Williams/Grace Reinbold

What A Trip Entertainment

(615) 269-0039

Darlene@whatatripent.com

Grace@whatatripent.com



Bob Kingsley’s Country Top 40

Jeff Steele
(817) 599-4099 x 2234

jsteele@CT40.com



Bonnie Brozik

Webster & Associates PR

(615) 777-6995 x33

bonnie@websterpr.com

Kirt Webster
Webster & Associates PR
(615) 777-6995 x 30
kirt@websterpr.com



Webster and Associates Public Relations · PO Box 23015 · Nashville · TN · 37202

Adam Gregory Concludes Soles4Soles Campaign

Country Artist Adam Gregory Concludes Successful Soles4Souls Campaign and Tour




(Nashville, TN - April 23, 2009) Big Machine/NSA/Midas recording artist Adam Gregory recently wrapped up a successful six-week tour partnership with Nashville-based charity organization Soles4Souls.

Gregory visited select markets across the country during his "What It Takes 2009" club tour, playing shows and partnering with local radio stations to raise money and awareness for the Soles4Souls organization.

"Soles4Souls is a great charity that's really helping out a lot of people," says Gregory. "People forget about the basic comforts that most of us take for granted, like a simple pair of shoes, but think about how miserable you'd be without them. I'm proud to say that we helped make a difference in a lot of people's lives through this partnership."

The tour generated thousands of dollars in donations and gently worn shoes. Each show benefited from local radio tie-ins and included a singles mixer component. In some cities, Gregory personally visited shelters to distribute shoes to needy individuals within the community.

"Adam Gregory is a talented young artist with a big heart," said Wayne Elsey, Founder and CEO of Soles4Souls. "We expect big things from him in the future and look forward to working with this young man again."

Gregory's newest album, Crazy Days, was released in Canada on March 24. Gregory's current tour resumes May 16 in Detroit, Mich. For more information and tour dates, visit www.AdamGregory.com.

About Adam Gregory:
Twenty-three-year-old Big Machine/NSA/Midas recording artist Adam Gregory is a native of Edmonton, Alberta, Canada. After signing his first record deal with Sony Music Canada at age 13, he scored several Top Ten hits and Gold records in his native country before permanently relocating to Nashville in 2007. The rising star sped up the U.S. charts in the summer of 2008, breaking into the Top 30 with his first stateside single, "Crazy Days." Gregory released his follow-up single, "What It Takes," in November, followed by promotional tours with both Cricket Communications, Inc. and Soles4Souls. His album, Crazy Days, was released in Canada in March, with a U.S. debut to follow. Visit www.AdamGregory.com for more information.


About Soles4Souls:
Nashville-based Soles4SoulsTM facilitates the donations of both new and used shoes, which are used to aid the hurting worldwide. Soles4Souls has distributed more than 4.3 million pairs (currently donating one pair every 17 seconds) to people in over 125 countries, including Honduras, Uganda, Romania, and the United States. The charity has been featured recently in Runner's World and the Green Guide by National Geographic. It has also appeared on CNN, NBC, ABC, FOX, CBS, and hundreds of regional outlets around North America. Soles4Souls is a 501(c)(3) recognized by the IRS; donating parties are eligible for tax advantages. Visit www.giveshoes.org for more information.









Aristo P.R. | The AristoMedia Group | P.O. Box 22765

Monday, April 20, 2009

"Fascination" - The Greencards - A Review

I have loved the Greencards for quite awhile, I have reviewed "Weather and Water", a tone laden newgrass CD with lots of good songs. Then there was "Viridian", their last disc with Dualtone. I had always sort of compared the Greencards to the Duhks and the Duhks latest CD was a disappointment to me, lots of odd melodies even some stuff with strings and orchestra.
The Greencards latest CD has taken a turn from their new grass beginnings, and as one Newspaper has called it, enchanting, fascinating. The recording style is remarkably different, not having Bryan Sutton and Pat Flynn on guitar to me is a big change in sound. especially Sutton seemed to work so well with them, as a three point group, they really cannot do everything they do without some help.They have Jedd Hughes on guitars, bass and vocals. Giles Reaves on percussion and autoharp. Producer Jay Joyce on bass. Jay Joyce was the well credentialed producer they had picked for this project, that was planned to be different. Young said that this CD took 8-9 months to plan , write and record where as the other Discs had only taken a couple of weeks head start. This is a very complex recording, the use of guitar is very sparse, for single line statements, not rhythm. "Rivertown" is one song that sounds a bit familiar, just listening to a live version "All the Way From Italy" from Veridian. It sounds great live. "Movin On" Live From The Ark", sounds great , This is a great live group. One thing about this recording is that it has almost a surround sound type sound, especially when you put on headphones. Tonally,
it is great, mastered by Doug Sax, one of my Favorites. Wow, the guitarist with them at the ark is awesome, He just took a long break. (Andy Falco)
Kym Warner , multi stringed instrument player is from Austalia. So, Eeamon Mcloughlin is the renegade from England, on fiddle. "We went into the studio on Fascination from Day One that this wasn't The Greencards Two years ago - this is us moving forward" Warner insists. I just noticed, one of the greatest acoustic recording engineers of all time in Nashville , Gary Paczosa, is not involved in recording, production , or mixing, He is now into A & R Direction. So now, Gary is working with finding new artists for Sugar Hill, (Bummer), I hope that he does well, it is the obvious up move, but he had a signature style of recording music,I reviewed many a disc with Gary at the controls.
OK, what is the Deal with Fascination, It sure does not sound like your mothers Greencards. Are you a diehard fan, you will probably find a way to like it. I have listened to this CD every way possible, and do appreciate the sonic quality, a bit too much reverb and delay to make up for empty space in the sparseness of it all, Like The Duhks, you have to let a group grow. I did not review The Duhks, it was just too weird. This is weird and different, but I probably will not listen to it again, even though it is a well done record. Life is too short to listen to music that you do not like, but at the same time, I spent lots of time with this, because I love this group and it is only 1/4 of their repertoire.www.thegreencards.com
www.sugarhillrecords.com

Saturday, April 18, 2009

Audie Blaylock and Redline Celebrating - - -

Audie Blaylock & Redline Celebrating Billboard Chart AlbumBand Chosen as 2009 IBMA Showcase Performer
The Bluegrass Journal calls the new CD, AUDIE BLAYLOCK & REDLINE a “power-house of traditional bluegrass” as evidenced by the current chart success since the January release. The album is currently appearing on the Billboard Magazine Top 50 Bluegrass Albums, #5 on the Cashbox Magazine Top 25 Albums, and holding the #2 position on Bluegrass Music Profiles Magazine (BMP) Top 15 Album Chart. TWO singles make their appearance on the BMP’s Top 30 Songs Chart this month - “Whispering Waters” at #8 and “Lonesome Weary Heart” at #22. “Whispering Waters” also debuted this month on the Bluegrass Unlimited Top 30 Singles Chart and also climbed to #2 on Sirius Radio’s Bluegrass Junction Top 40 weekly song chart as well as appearing in the Sirius Radio’s Top 40 Bluegrass Artists chart.As announced by the International Bluegrass Music Association (IBMA) yesterday, Audie Blaylock & Redline have just been chosen as an official Showcase Artist for the 2009 IBMA World of Bluegrass convention to be held September 28 – October 4, 2009 in Nashville, TN. Audie has received numerous honors and awards by the Association throughout the years including the 2001 IBMA Entertainer of the Year Award (as a member of member of Rhonda Vincent & The Rage) and the 2007 IBMA Instrumental Group of the Year Award (Michael Cleveland and Flamekeeper featuring Audie Blaylock). Audie’s impressive career also includes a Grammy® nomination for Best Bluegrass Album and an IBMA nomination for Recorded Event of the Year for "A Tribute to Jimmy Martin: The King of Bluegrass.”The band is currently on tour including this weekend’s performance at the Laurel Lakes Spring Bluegrass Festival in Salemburg, NC. Next month, the band has numerous scheduled performances including the Red, White and Blue Festival in Hollywood, FL, several days at Silver Dollar City in Branson, MO, and the Jimmy Martin Memorial Bluegrass Festival in Sneedville, TN. For a complete tour schedule, plus more information on Audie Blaylock & Redline, please visit: www.audieblaylock.com

### Listen to a song clip of Whispering Waters

Thursday, April 16, 2009

Music Business Radio Features Publicist/Artist Manager Jim Della Croce

Music Business Radio Features Publicist/Artist Manager Jim Della Croce
(Nashville, TN - April 15, 2009) - WRLT FM's Lightning 100 will air a special Music Business Radio program on Sunday, April 18th at 7:00 PM CST, featuring renowned music industry publicist and artist manager, Jim Della Croce. Host, author and consultant, David Hooper visits with the industry veteran, in studio in Nashville, as the two recount the storied career of the owner and founder of The Press Office and Pathfinder Management. The show will air again on Monday.
Music Business Radio is a syndicated, weekly, one-hour specialty program spotlighting the inside workings of the music business. The show is hosted by music marketing expert, consultant, and author, David Hooper, and features interviews with various industry professionals giving the listener their insight and expertise into the business. Our wide-ranging guest list include Grammy Award winning producers, artists, musicians, and songwriters...as well as, record executives, promoters and artist managers. Music Business Radio is produced by Gary Kraen and Engineered/Produced by Dan Buckley.
This week, on Music Business Radio, Della Croce visits some critical stops and signposts that dot the serpentine road to success that leads him on his journey through the ever changing landscape of life in the music business.
Della Croce discusses with Hooper, the privilege of writing, crafting, and executing public relations and management strategies for and with the cream of the rock, country, folk and bluegrass crop of recording and performing artists.
Della Croce discusses breaking into the music business, and growing his skills to professionally represent pioneering artists including: John Anderson, Bad Company, Levon Helm, Ralph Stanley, Jesse Winchester, Badfinger, Martina McBride, Leon Redbone, Karla Bonoff, Vince Gill, Eddie Money, Merle Haggard, The Clash, Waylon Jennings, Robert Hazard, Robert Palmer/The Power Station, Little Feat and The Beach Boys.
Corporate branding and PR are also discussed through his years of consulting seemingly every major record label from Arista, Atlantic, BMG, and Capitol Records on through to Warner Bros. Records. Major Concert Venue PR, major tour/Tour Press and songwriter PR tactics also make their way into the subject matter.
The show is broadcast from Nashville, TN Sunday, April 19th at 7pm (CST) on WRLT-fm 100.1 and rebroadcasts on Monday, April 20th at 11pm (CST) also on WRLT-FM 100.1. The show is also streamed worldwide via the Internet during these same times on www.wrlt.com or www.lightning100.com Music Business Radio can also be found on I-tunes and Zum and can be downloaded directly from Musicbusinessradio.com.

Music Business Radio reaches a worldwide audience and logs over 10,000 downloads per-month.
To listen to the show live on the web, simply click: Tune in to WRLT Lightning 100.1 on Sunday, April 18th at 7:00 PM CT for a guided tour through Rock & Roll history along with innovative methods for breaking new artists. For more information on Music Business Radio, visit www.musicbusinessradio.com or visit www.thepressoffice.com for additional information on Jim Della Croce.
http://blog.musicbusinessradio.com/2009/04/music-business-radio-jim-della-croce.html
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_____________________________________________________________________
Media Contact:
THE PRESS OFFICE
Jim Della Croce, Owner / Publicist
o. 615.750.5938
c. 615.419.9989
f. 615.810.9492

e. thepathfinder@mindspring.com
1009 16th Avenue South
Nashville, TN 37212
www.absolutepublicity.comMAXIMUM PR!For the Entertainment Industry
Proudly Representing:John Anderson, Aaron Tippin, Larry Gatlin & The Gatlin Brothers, Billy Dean, Leon Redbone, NASCAR's Chase Mattioli

Tuesday, April 14, 2009

Harry Kalas,Philly Legend, Dies to leave a City of grieving fans

Harry Kalas, longtime announcer and friend of the Philadelphia Phillies died of Heart Disease yesterday. Kalas had been at the job for well over 30 years ,announcing games and doing community service. He was known as "The Voice of the Philly's", He moved here from Illinois a long time ago and the fans here quickly accepted his friendly ways and his always being there to sign an autograph or have his picture taken with a Fan. Yesterday, I listened as many Philly fans called into Philly Radio Sports show WIP, to share their experience with Harry.
Harry had not a strike against him in his many years here, unusual in the Sports world. Myself, not necessarily a Philly's or Baseball fan, listened with great interest at their last 2 seasons ,the latest ending in winning the World series. I will miss that voice and his many Kalasisms like for a home run- "That ball is out a here" with his personal touch on the phrasing. He would get excited over his Phillies, the team considering him a member. Harry smoked , so before the last game, a number of them , lit a smoke in the dugout and took one puff in honor of Harry K. The airways won't be the same without Kalas, an unusual guy, who would sing High Hopes at the 7th inning stretch. Kalas is like unto a country legend.

Monday, April 13, 2009

Charlie Daniels Receives Joe M Rodgers Spirit of America Award

Charlie Daniels Receives Joe M. Rodgers Spirit of America Award From MTSU
(Nashville, TN - April 13, 2009) Middle Tennessee State University (MTSU) officials presented legendary musician Charlie Daniels with the Joe M. Rodgers Spirit of America Award, an honor presented to a businessperson who has demonstrated the best of the spirit of America through significant contributions in government, education, and/or civic and charitable organizations. MTSU's Executives-in-Residence program presented the award at an invitation-only luncheon held on campus Wednesday, April 8, in the Tennessee Room of the school's James Union Building. "Charlie is a successful businessman with more than 50 years in the music business and a working ranch," MTSU Dean of Business Jim Burton said. "He has dedicated considerable time and talent to entertaining and building the morale of American servicemen and women, and he never fails to honor their service and dedication. He is a most worthy recipient of the Joe M. Rodgers Spirit of America Award." For more information on Charlie Daniels, please visit www.charliedaniels.com.

Thursday, April 09, 2009

One of My Favorite Songs

Willie and Melonie

http://www.cmt.com/videos/melonie-cannon/343322/back-to-earth-feat-willie-nelson.jhtml?

Doesn't get much better than this
Jim

"Country Club" - John Doe and Sadies - From Website

Country Club
John Doe and The Sadies
In true honky tonk style Country Club is the idea from both sides. A post show hang-out between X and the Knitters' John Doe and The Sadies produced the idea to join forces to make an album of country songs. Timeless sounds abound on Country Club driven by Does gorgeously rough-hewn vocals, the dueling thousand pound chops of the guitar-wielding Good brothers and The Sadies world class rhythm section of Mike Belitsky and Sean Dean. Classic tunes by Merle Haggard and Waylon Jennings stand along side corkers by Tammy Wynette and Roger Miller, all of them getting unique treatments by Doe and The Sadies. The album also features four originals; three from The Sadies and one courtesy of the timeless pairing of John Doe and Exene Cervenka. On Country Club Doe and The Sadies find the perfect blend of the reverent and the experimental resulting in a slightly psychedelic brew that just might pass for straight if you are not looking.

Monday, April 06, 2009

2008 Colgate Country Showdown Winners Nash Street Blow into The Windy City

2008 COLGATE COUNTRY SHOWDOWN WINNERS NASH STREET BLOW INTO THE WINDY CITY FOR LIVE PERFORMANCE ON WGN SUPERSTATION
(Nashville, TN - April 6, 2009) - Tomorrow, April 7, the 2008 Colgate Country Showdown champions Nash Street hit the national television scene with a ‘Grassroots Country' performance live from Chicago, IL on the WGN Superstation's Midday News.
Nash Street's ‘Grassroots Country' sound is the group's self-invented genre for their style of unique music.
"Our music is dominated by Country and Bluegrass sounds but you can also hear hints from of other genres like Folk and Americana" says Nash Street fiddler Hannah Melby. "We wanted to come up with some way of defining our own sound and ‘Grassroots Country' seemed so fitting!"
Nash Street stole the show at last year's Colgate Country Showdown, ultimately winning the national contest and taking home the $100,000 grand prize.
Catch the Nash Street's live performance on the WGN Superstation's Midday News tomorrow at 12:00PM CST.For more information on Nash Street visit wwww.nashstreet.com and www.myspace.com/nashstreet.
_____________________________________________________________
Publicity Contact:
ABSOLUTE PUBLICITY INC.Don Murry Grubbs, Publicisto. 615.275.8380f. 615.810.9492don@absolutepublicity.com1009 16th Ave SNashville, TN 37212www.absolutepublicity.com
Absolute Publicity Inc. is proud to represent Pam Tillis, Alabama's Jeff Cook, Nash Street, Karissa and the Finnigan Bros.
Publicity Support: The Press Office: John Anderson, Aaron Tippin, Larry Gatlin & The Gatlin Brothers, Thompson Ward, ARCA/Re-Max and NASCAR Camping World Series driver Chase Mattioli and The Liquid Fence Company

The Press Office / Absolute Publicity Inc. • 1009 16th Ave. South • Nashville • TN • 37212

Sunday, April 05, 2009

Americans like TV better than stereo, why we have hi-def video, but not audio

Recently, I purchased an OPPO Digital universal disc player or DVD player, I wanted to upgrade my CD player, but that is a lot of bucks. This unit ,the 1080, geared towards sound is 169 dollars, makes your regular CDs sound alot better and if you have DVD audio product or SACD CD, they sound incredible. Yes, there is technology to make much better sounding music for not much more money, Company's are not making much in the way of SACD or DVD audio these days, because we did not want it, I remember Best Buys used to have a whole aisle of it. If you do want to listen to something awesome, check out Alison Krauss's "Live DVD" , It is quite remarkable sounding in dolby digital, which the OPPO does too. I guess most people are wired for visual rather than audio. Today's CDs for the most part , don't sound that great, there is not a standard sound. When we had vinyl, it seemed like all records had about the same sound quality, well, unfortunately, not true for CDs. Another enhancement, the OPPO picks up is the HDCD, which is done alot, but if your CD player can not read the HDCD, you can't hear what it does. Alot of true audiophiles have gone back to vinyl completely, a lot of today's CDs are available on vinyl. Rhino records and MusicDirect are two good websites to look for vinyl. A common myth about CDs is that mastering is some kind of digital magic that started with CDS, mastering has been around since vinyl records are mastered too, but in analog. In truth, you cannot hear a digital signal. It has to be converted to analog so you can hear it, so one of the most important things about a CD player is its Digital to Analog converter. My old CD player, which is only about 10 years old had a 1 bit DAC(converter), that is not alot, my OPPO has a 24 bit DAC, which is a big reason that it sounds so much better.
Finally, one last modern thing we have are mp3 players, mp3s are very compressed forms of music, so they do not take up much much space and the average mp3 player that people jog around with has a DAC that costs about 15 cents. Well, enough of that, I'm sure that lots of you knew at least some of this, but I sure wish that there were more SACDs around, in fact, they make a hybrid kind now, that you can play in any CD player, so maybe they will catch on.
Best now
Jim

Saturday, April 04, 2009

Collin raye Partners with Operation Kids To Offer Free Download

COLLIN RAYE PARTNERS WITH OPERATION KIDS TO OFFER FREE DOWNLOAD OF NEW SONG “SHE’S WITH ME” TO RAISE MONEY FOR CHILDREN FACING EXTRAORDINARY MEDICAL EXPENSES

Fairfax, VA (March 31, 2009) --- Country music star Collin Raye and Operation Kids have teamed up to offer a free download of Collin’s new song, “She’s With Me,” to anyone who donates $5 or more to Operation Kids to help children facing extraordinary medical expenses through their website (http://operationkids.org/collinraye/). After making the donation online, fans will be directed to click through to a special page where they will be able to download the track before it is available anywhere else. “She’s With Me” was recorded for Raye’s forthcoming album, Never Going Back (released April 28th on Time Life), and is an intensely personal, poignant song of unconditional love written by Raye for his severely neurologically ill granddaughter. This free download offer will run through May 10th.

Operation Kids is a non-profit organization that matches caring donors with qualified children’s charities and programs in the areas of health, education, safety and well-being. Operation Kids seeks to measurably improve the lives of children by identifying charities and programs most effectively addressing key issues.

Operation Kids will reward the metropolitan area that raises the most money during the campaign by contributing a portion of the proceeds to a local children’s health charity or program to help children in their own community.

“Operation Kids is an amazing charity in that they benefit SO MANY and in such different circumstances, not just limiting to one thing or another” says Raye. “And the lengths they go to to be accountable, assuring the donors of where the money goes and to whom,” he continues, “that in itself makes Operation Kids very special. Through them, so many children are helped. It’s a true honor and privilege to be associated with Operation Kids.”

“The song deeply touches everyone that hears it and from the beginning we wanted to work with Collin to bring Operation Kids some help for all their great work,” said Mike Jason, Time Life Senior Vice President Audio & Video Retail.

Collin Raye is one of country music’s most beloved stars, with four #1 Billboard country singles, 21 Top 10, four platinum albums, three AC hits, several CMA and ACM nominations and years of sold out tours. He will appear on the Today Show, the CBS Early Show and a number of other programs in early May to promote the release of Never Going Back. On his new album, Raye mixes up the laid back rock and folk of mid-seventies Southern California with country and rock n’ roll, creating a sophisticated and diverse album. Never Going Back evokes the spirit of the day when an artist could record an album and perform it just as it sounds in a smoky club or on a stadium stage. Recorded in Alabama’s historic Muscle Shoals, the album feels guided by the ghosts of the country, rock, blues and pop albums that the region cultivated throughout the 70s.

About Operation KidsOperation Kids is a trademarked d.b.a. of the OK Foundation, a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization dedicated to more effective giving. We manage donations that serve the needs of the Whole Child – their education, health, safety and well-being. Founded in 1999, the mission of Operation Kids is to support a community of children’s issues through qualified and measurably effective charities and programs. The “OK Charity” designation means donors can give with confidence and expect accountability and results. 100% of all donations go directly to programs. More at www.operationkids.org.
Blog: http://operationkids.wordpress.com
YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/operationkids
About Time Life
Time Life and the Time Life logo are registered trademarks of Time Warner Inc. and affiliated companies, used under license by Direct Holdings Americas Inc., which is not affiliated with Time Warner Inc. or Time Inc. Headquartered in Fairfax VA, Direct Holdings Americas Inc.'s history began in 1961 as Time Life a direct marketing division of Time Incorporated specializing in music and books. The business has been operated as a separate company since the mid-1970s when it relocated to Virginia, and has since grown to become one of the world’s largest direct marketers of audio and video products throughout North America, Europe and Australia. The Company has set the standard in the direct response industry by pioneering direct marketing techniques and building one of the most trusted and recognized brands in commerce. The Company now also sells its products through major traditional and non-traditional retailers around the world as well as via the Internet. The Company was sold in 2003 to private investors.

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For further information, please contact:Webster & Associates Public Relations Mary Michael / mary@websterpr.com 615-777-6995 x 23Kirt Webster / kirt@websterpr.com 615-777-6995 x 30
Webster and Associates Public Relations · PO Box 23015 · Nashville · TN · 37202
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"Ashes Won't Burn" - Jeff Cook and his Goodtimes Allstar Band

Ex- Alabama lead guitarist Jeff Cook has not stopped playing since Alabama officially broke up in 04. His Allstar Goodtime band is a group is a nine piece group including himself that he handpicked to target fairs, festivals, casinos and very diverse types of music that Cook calls Funtry' music. It is a very veteran bunch of musicians. Their album "Ashes Won't Burn" is a mix of cover songs like "Knockin' On Heaven's Door", "Mist Of Desire", "Brick House"(Commodores), Free's "All Right Now" , an excellent version of the Beatles' "I Feel Fine". Honestly, I was surprised as I listened to the CD a few times, really was not what I was expecting. It is definitely a funky ,rockin' album. This group probably puts on a great live show.
Along with Cook, Larry Hanson, also from Alabama, plays guitar, sax, keyboards and trumpet. Lead guitarist Link Detten Has been a pro entertainer for over twenty years. He has played by himself to having been in many other bands. RK Brown , began his career young at 16 hitting the road, playing bass also, played with Curtis Mayfield, Clint Black, Charlie Pride and many others.
The record is on Quest Records. It is available for download on itunes and on Cook's website. The only other project I reviewed of Cook's was a Cracker Barrel Restaurant release of "Unreleased Songs From Alabama's Farewell tour". I basically missed Alabama's careeer, not listening to music, but Church music in the Eighties when they were super hot, remember a gal that I worked with, loved Alabama, and I loved country music, but wasn't familiar with much, but their big hits. I really enjoyed The Cracker Barrel release, The band sounded great, it was a very good recording. I remember listing the musicians wrong and I got an e-mail from a Jeff Cook, He said, you are not very familiar with Alabama , are you? I confessed that I was not, and he told me that I had a couple of the musicians playing wrong instruments. I e-mailed the guy back, not knowing who it was, until I went to fix the problem and saw Jeff Cook, I had to laugh at myself. Basically, this is a bunch of super talented musicians that click well. It sounds like they enjoy what they are doing. So, you Alabama fans, go on and pick up a copy.

http://www.jeffcook-agb.com/

Wednesday, April 01, 2009

Bryan Clark's Gossip,Inspiration and Slander Creates Cosmic Ripple

Double-Disc Set Available Today On Rainfeather Records
Nashville, TN (March 31, 2009) -- Singer/songwriter Bryan Clark's newest CD - GOSSIP, INSPIRATION & SLANDER- is creating a cosmic ripple, spurring a tour, producing a flurry of media attention, and inspiring Flatpicking Guitar magazine to offer Clark a guest column in their May issue. The double-disc set is available today on Rainfeather Records.
First Dates of the GOSSIP, INSPIRATION and SLANDER Tour include:
May 2 Backyard Jam @ The Island, Clarksville
May 15 Strawberry Music Festival, Clarksville
May 22 Norm's River Roadhouse, Nashville
June 9 Listening Room, Nashville

Early Media Comments:

“Bryan Clark’s stellar playing and singing combine influences from numerous musical aspects. As a soloist, he’s equally soulful and ambitious, able to execute complex progressions or edgy chord flurries with the same care and dexterity he brings to sweet, soothing ballads. Clark’s new double CD Gossip, Inspiration and Slander has both an electric and acoustic side, and has him displaying his fluency in bluegrass flatpicking, jazz and blues tunes, and his proficiency operating as either a leader or a rhythm contributor.” Ron Wynn / NASHVILLE CITY PAPER

"Gossip, Inspiration, and Slander is a testament to Bryan’s abilities as a picker, singer, songwriter, composer, arranger, and producer. The boy can do it all! The CD is more Newgrass than Bill Monroe and really more Americana than bluegrass, but the songwriting and vocals are very strong and the performance turned in by all of the band members is phenomenal. Be prepared to add a new name to your list of favorite flatpickers” - Dan Miller / FLATPICKING GUITAR Magazine
The new CD led to a feature in the March/April issue of Flatpicking Guitar magazine, additional coverage (both current and upcoming) in Vintage Guitar, Country Weekly, The Alternate Root, Americana Music Times and more. His musical compositions can be heard on ESPN, America’s Next Top Model and The History Channel, and eight live performance videos are posted at www.bryanclarkmusic.com. Bryan Clark is endorsed by Collings Guitars, John Pearse Strings, Elliot Capos, Pro Pick Fingerpick and Red Bear Flatpicks.
For interviews, contact Martha E. Moore/ somuchmoore@charter.net .


MEDIA CONTACT:
Martha E. Moore / so much MOORE media - Established in 1988!
(O) 615.746.3994 / (M) 615-202-1313

somuchmoore@charter.net
martha@somuchmoore.com
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