Tuesday, June 30, 2009

"Walk Through The Fire" - Mark Karan - A Review

I became interested in reviewing Mark Karan for one reason only, because He played in Ratdog, Bob Weir's Band, and He had played with the Other Ones a few years ago, a group consisting of The Dead without Jerry. He and Steve Kimock were the guitarists. This is a very eclectic recording, but one thing is consistent , Mark provides lots of good guitar chops and jams many a song out at the end. Mark is a super talented guitarist, with many tones being shared in the mix. His guitar sound reminds me a bit of Dickey Betts and others.
"Walk Thru The Fire" is a song wrote while going thru cancer treatments, which is a slow paced, but victorious song. He plays some beautiful slide on this song. He has some help with some all star musicians like the Persuasions, Billy Payne (Little Feat), The Rowan Brothers, and a release of rock legend Delaney Bramlett, that was released after his death.(Love In Vain)
"Leave A Light On" (Mark Karan) is my favorite, it has a real nice slow, groove to it and I love the guitar jam at the end of the song. The whole album has a neat Americana, bluesy type sound to it. He does a great job at jamming out on the Dead's "Easy Wind" which is the only Dead song here. His vocals have some Pigpen Grit here, John Molo, sounds great on drums.
Walk Through The Fire was recorded over a four year period in six studios by eight engineers with twenty five musicians. Mark produced the record himself. It was mixed by Davy Vain, and mastered by the great Gavin Lurssen at Lurssen Mastering(student of the great Doug Sax). "Memphis Radio" is another bouncy song I like alot, real melodic, great hooks, nice guitar.
Mark's present band "Jemimah Puddleduck" shows up all over the place. This group showcases Mark on lead and all guitar, John Molo on drums, JT Thomas (Bruce Hornsby) on keyboards, and Bob Gross (Albert King, Delaney Bramlett) on bass. This is a solid recording, go on and pick up a copy.


http://www.walkthroughthefire.com/blog/

Monday, June 29, 2009

Lonesome River Band, #1 Single and #1 Album

Wow – well deserved recognition for the Lonesome River Band. They have the #1 ALBUM (”NO TURNING BACK“) on July’s Bluegrass Unlimited Magazine (BU) Top 15 album chart marking the third consecutive month holding the #1 spot! The band is also celebrating the #1 SINGLE, “Them Blues” on the July Bluegrass Unlimited Magazine Top 30 Singles Chart. Yet another single, “Like a Train Needs a Track” climbs again reaching #19 on the same chart.

We can’t agree more with The Bluegrass Special who recently said, “In its 25-year history of making memorable music the Lonesome River Band has arguably never been stronger than it is on NO TURNING BACK. If this album doesn’t earn a place on a lot of year-end Best Of lists, something’s amiss, because few other albums in any genre boast finer singing, songwriting, playing or more conviction than this gem.” We hope that this year brings lots of International Bluegrass Music Association (IBMA) Awards for this band! We know we are voting for LRB!!

With all of this good news, there is more! Next week Rural Rhythm Records will release the debut solo album by Brandon Rickman titled “YOUNG MAN, OLD SOUL” on June 30th. The first single, “Always Have, Always Will“ is already receiving incredible feedback from radio, media and fans and is already a top song on our iTunes!

Many congrats to: Sammy Shelor , Brandon Rickman, Mike Hartgrove, Andy Ball and Mike Anglin!

Saturday, June 27, 2009

Ronnie Milsap reveals personal journey on 'Then Sings My Soul'

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
June 25, 2009


Ronnie Milsap Reveals Personal Journey On 'Then Sings My Soul: 24 Favorite Hymns Gospel Songs,' Two CD Set


Nashville, TN – For the first time in his illustrious career, country legend Ronnie Milsap tells his inspirational story through the two CD set 'Then Sings My Soul: 24 Favorite Hymns Gospel Songs'. This stunning collection includes gospel greats including "I'll Fly Away", "Amazing Grace", "Up To Zion" and secular treasures like "Stand By Me", and "People Get Ready." 'Then Sings My Soul' marks the first time Milsap delves into the spiritual music that has surrounded his personal life.

"This recording of inspirational songs is going to set a brand new mark for me, especially. My fans, they have indicated they've wanted this for so long," Milsap explains, "And I was shy to do this for a long time because I didn't necessarily want to show the inside of my soul. It was easy to hide behind 'Daydreams About Night Things' or 'There's No Getting Over Me' or 'Stranger In My House.' It was easier to hide behind those big hits. Nobody ever asked me to dig deep inside of your spirit and expose that. That's why it took me a while to be able to do that."

Born in the Smoky Mountains of western North Carolina, Milsap lived in extreme poverty. His family brought him to church revival after church revival in the hopes that a divine intervention would cure their child of his blindness. A young Milsap left those revivals defeated, as his family presumed his own lack of faith prevented the miracle cure from happening. Throughout this, Milsap's faith was unwavering. At the age of six he moved to Raleigh to attend a state school for the blind and it was there he discovered his musical talents, which he then applied in church. Ironically it was an encounter with Ray Charles, another vision impaired musician who often performed gospel music, which inspired Milsap to focus on music as a career.

"Music has a way of making you feel something in your heart, in your soul. If it did 500 years ago, and it still does today, that's why Mozart and Beethoven are still popular," Milsap says of his goal for 'Then Sings My Soul.' "The old hymns still hold up, and they still make people feel something. They inspire everybody. They've been a part of my life throughout the years and I hope sharing them will inspire even more people."

'Then Sings My Soul: 24 Favorite Hymns Gospel Songs' Track List:

DISC 1
1. I'll Fly Away
2. How Great Thou Art
3. Soon and Very Soon
4. Farther Along
5. Amazing Grace
6. Stand By Me
7. Up To Zion
8. World of Wonder
9. In The Garden
10. Just A Closer Walk
11. Peace in the Valley
12. Have Thine Own Way

DISC 2
1. Swing Down
2. Precious Memories
3. Rock of Ages
4. People Get Ready
5. Softly and Tenderly
6. What a Friend
7. What a Difference
8. When Jesus Was All I Had
9. It Is No Secret
10. The Old Rugged Cross
11. Holy Holy Holy
12. The Lord's Prayer

Ronnie Milsap ranks as the preeminent country/soul singer of his generation with 40 number one hits, over 35 million records sold, 7 GRAMMY Awards, 8 CMA awards, 4 ACM awards and numerous other accolades to his credit. As a session musician earlier in his career the multi-instrumentalist played with JJ Cale and can be heard on Elvis Presley's "Kentucky Rain" (on piano) and "Don't Cry Daddy" (vocal harmony). In 1985, he established a foundation to assist the blind visually impaired and is an active board member for the American Federation For The Blind.

http://www.ronniemilsap.com

____________________________________

For review copy contact:
Heath Scott
heath@websterpr.com

Spirit Of America Tour

Photo Release:



Contact:

Paula Szeigis - Charlie Daniels Band - 615.443.2112 ext. 123 - paulacdb@aol.com

Christy Watkins - AristoMedia - 615.269.7071 ext. 124 - christy@aristomedia.com



(Nashville, TN - June 24th, 2009) On June 14, legendary artist Charlie Daniels helped the U.S. Army celebrate their 231st birthday at Fort Leonard Wood, Mo., courtesy of the Spirit of America Tour. A standing-room-only crowd of 3,000 soldiers enjoyed a 90-minute set from the iconic musician. Founder of the Spirit of America Tour, Robert Rosenthal, was honored during the show for bringing more than 110 shows to military bases in the United States since Sept. 11, 2001. Thousands of military personnel and their families have been treated to private, full production shows at no cost to them through the Spirit of America Tour. Shown left to right are Major General Gregg Martin, Rosenthal, Daniels and Command Sgt. Major Corbly.



Photo: Courtesy of Spirit of America Tour







Aristo P.R. | The AristoMedia Group | P.O. Box 22765 | Nashville, TN 37202
Phone: 615-269-7071 | Fax: 615-269-0131 | publicity@aristomedia.com

Monday, June 22, 2009

Richie Fields' Rocks Radio With "When You Love Someone That Much"

Richie Fields' Rocks Radio Today With "When You Love Someone That Much"

"Propulsive and energetic, with a wonderfully upbeat, positive message. His vocal rides above the rocking track with admirable force and emotion. This is Richie's third straight winner." - Robert K. Oermann/Music Row

Nashville, TN (June 22, 2009) -- Joint Journey recording artist Richie Fields' current single is the groove-oriented and emotionally-charged "When You Love Someone That Much." Written by Chip Martin and Jan Linville, the track was produced by veteran hit maker, J. Gary Smith (Lonestar, Andy Griggs) and associate producer, Clif Doyal. The single is impacting radio now; programmers can find the single on CDX, Vol. 475, or may download an airplay-quality copy at www.airplaydirect.com/richiefields.

Richie's powerful baritone is a perfect match for the song, which is about love's ability to triumph even during adverse times. The single is already resonating with fans at his live shows, and it drew a big response from a packed house at FUEL nightclub during CMA Music Festival week. The country entertainer says that the song is hitting home with all of his audiences, and adds: "I knew it was special when I first listened to it during a pitch session a few months ago. I actually got goose bumps when I heard this one."

Fields continues to tour steadily, and returns to the studio soon to complete the recording of his upcoming CD. Since turning to music full-time in 2006, Richie's accomplishments include a slot on the CMA's Who New To Watch in 2009 list, and his national television debut on Inside Music Row in February. Richie was Country Weekly's "Who's New" in June, and will be featured in the magazine again in July.

Fans can learn more at www.richiefields.com and www.MySpace.com/richiefields . For interviews and press materials, email somuchmoore@charter.net or call Martha at 615-746-3994.

(Photo Credit: Melinda Norris)








Martha E. Moore / so much MOORE media - Established in 1988!

(O) 615.746.3994 / (M) 615-202-1313



somuchmoore@charter.net

martha@somuchmoore.com

http://www.somuchmoore.com

MySpace, Linked In & Facebook

GMV Nashville Expands Digital Catalog with Addition of New releases

GMV Nashville Expands Digital Catalog with Addition of New Releases, Classic Titles
'This Is My America' Set, Charlie Daniels, Toy Caldwell Albums Added, Among Others


(Nashville, TN - June 22, 2009) Digital distribution label GMV Nashville has announced the addition of several new titles to their online catalog, including the epic This Is My America set, out-of-print titles from the Charlie Daniels Band and Toy Caldwell, and more.

This Is My America is a three-disc compilation of original material that chronologically recounts the history of America through songs from 58 of Nashville's finest award-winning singers and songwriters. The project features artists such as Dolly Parton, Kathy Mattea, Charley Pride, Billy Dean, Beth Nielsen Chapman, the Nashville Symphony, the Fisk Jubilee Singers and more.

Renowned music critic and author Robert K. Oermann called Dean's "Wave On, Old Glory, Wave On," single "an anthem for a new era," and HistoryNet.com's Senior Online Editor Gerald Swick said, "Listening to this three-CD set is like watching an epic motion picture!"

This Is My America can be purchased as single track downloads or as individual albums at www.GMVNashville.com. Physical copies of the limited edition box set can be purchased at www.ThisIsMyAmerica.com.

The Charlie Daniels Band's Road Dogs was originally released in 2000 and widely regarded as a return to the band's Southern Rock roots. The digital release through GMV now includes a previously unreleased, live version of "The Devil Went Down to Georgia."

Toy Caldwell's Son of the South is also available in digital format for the first time. The critically-acclaimed album from the former Marshall Tucker Band guitarist and singer features guest spots by Gregg Allman, Willie Nelson, Mickey Raphael and Charlie Daniels.

"GMV Nashville is very excited to add to our expanding, worldwide catalog of Country titles," says GMV spokesperson Matt Watkins. "This Is My America is a historic undertaking that features some of the most talented singers and songwriters in the business, and artists like Charlie Daniels and Toy Caldwell are legendary in their influence across multiple genres. Some of these albums have been unavailable for years, and we're extremely proud to continue releasing a series of niche titles, special products and new releases for the growing audience of digital Country music fans."

Additional titles recently added to the GMV catalog include Sisters Wade (self-titled), Luke Reed (Corridos), Don King (The Days of You and Me) and Vol. 2 in the Country Hits You Missed series. All titles in the GMV catalog are available for worldwide purchase at the GMV website (www.GMVNashville.com) and other major online outlets.

About GMV Nashville:
GMV Nashville is a digital distribution label based out of Nashville, Tenn. Founded in 2007 as a subsidiary of The Goodland Group, the GMV catalog offers hard-to-find titles by classic artists, as well as current releases and special products. All of GMV's titles are available exclusively as digital downloads at most major online music retailers, including iTunes, Amazon, Napster, Rhapsody and more. Visit www.GMVNashville.com and www.myspace.com/gmvnashville for more information.

Thursday, June 18, 2009

Global Artists Gather for International Showcases in Music City

Global Artists Gather for International Showcases in Music City



(Nashville, TN - June 17, 2009) Seventeen international Country music artists gathered in Nashville last week to perform at the CMA Global Artist Party, held Monday, June 8, and the AristoMedia Global Showcase, held Tuesday, June 9.

Monday night's showcase, held at The Stage on Broadway, featured artists from Australia (Kirsty Lee Akers, Peter McWhirter, The McClymonts), Ireland (Colm Kirwan), the UK (Lucie Silvas), New Zealand (Ashley Cooper) and Canada (Victoria Banks, George Canyon).

The AristoMedia Global Showcase was held on Tuesday at The Second Fiddle and included artists from France (Pierre Lorry), the UK (Brianie, David Bradley), Australia (Dianna Corcoran, Corey Colum), Switzerland (Rolf Fritschi), Canada (Codie Prevost, Greg Hanna) and Norway (Tore Andersen).

A review of the 2009 Global Events can be seen at: www.AristoMedia.com/blog.


Artists performing at the CMA Global Artist Party on Monday, June 8 at The Stage on Broadway in downtown Nashville, Tenn. Pictured l to r, top row: The McClymonts (Brooke, Samantha and Mollie), George Canyon, Colm Kirwan, Peter McWhirter and Kirsty Lee Akers. Bottom row, l to r: Jace Everett (host), Ashley Cooper, Victoria Banks and Lucie Silvas.


Pictured l to right, top row: Chip Huffman (Nitetrain Coaches), Jeff Walker (AristoMedia), Mark Moffatt (Producer), Corey Colum, Rolf Fritschi, Tore Andersen, Greg Hanna and Robert Reynolds (host). Bottom row, l to r: David Bradley, Pierre Lorry, Brianie, Dianna Corcoran and Codie Prevost.

Tuesday, June 16, 2009

Richards And Southerns Announces Facebook Application Roll Out

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
June 11, 20009

RICHARDS AND SOUTHERN ANNOUNCES FACEBOOK™ APPLICATION ROLL-OUT, STRATEGIC MARKETING INITIATIVE

Richards and Southern, Inc., is rolling out the initial version of its retail Facebook™ application, inviting fans to interact with merchandise offerings and share desired items with friends.

The move is part of a broader strategic initiative to build and support artist careers.

Pinky Gonzales, a ten-year veteran in the digital entertainment space, is heading up the company’s marketing efforts. “Concert merchandising has historically been a souvenir-oriented business giving fans the bragging rights of having attended a sought-after show,” says Gonzales. “Through Facebook™, we’re extending that experience to include pre and post-show interactions.”

Each R&S client will be receiving a storefront featuring select items from their merchandise catalog. Through each store, fans can comment on items and share links with their own Facebook communities. The stores are accessed from a “Shop” tab on the official artist Facebook accounts.

Additionally, a Richards and Southern “Fan Page” has been launched, featuring items daily from the R&S client roster. Special discounts and exclusive merchandise offerings are available on an ongoing basis. Several hundred fans have already joined the group.

The move into social networking is just one of several significant steps being taken by the company to up the ante on traditional entertainment merchandising.

“We’re creating partnerships for our artists to help them build, communicate with and monetize their communities,” says Gonzales. “From those roots come the freedom for artists to make the music we love them for. It’s a privilege and an honor to be in such an important role.”

Richards and Southern plans to announce a series of additional technological and strategic enhancements over the coming months to further support this trend in entertainment merchandising.

Reference links:
R&S Facebook™ fan page: http://Richards-Southern.com/facebook

Taylor Swift store: http://apps.facebook.com/shop_taylor_swift

Rascal Flatts store: http://apps.facebook.com/shop_rascal_flatts

Kenny Chesney store: http://apps.facebook.com/shop_kenny_chesney

Celebrating it’s 50th anniversary and long an innovator in the business of concert venue merchandise for much of country music’s top touring acts, Richard's and Southern specializes in being a full service company that offers an in house design team, production and marketing of all merchandise. Additionally, Richards and Southern provides the artists with management and fulfillment for their online stores.

# # #

For More Information Contact:

Tuesday, June 09, 2009

New Twitter Chart tracks popularity of Country Artists

New Twitter Chart Tracks Popularity
of Country Artists


MusicRow Magazine and AristoWorks Partner to Create
New Social Network Charting System

(Nashville, TN - June 9, 2009) Country music trade publication MusicRow and New Media marketing group AristoWorks have formed a chart to track Country music artists' popularity among Twitter users.


The rankings are based on the number of users "following" each artist. Currently, there are 72 chart positions. Miley Cyrus and Taylor Swift occupy the No. 1 and 2 spots, respectively, with Billy Ray Cyrus, Keith Urban, LeAnn Rimes, Kellie Pickler, Julianne Hough, Rascal Flatts, Martina McBride and Willie Nelson rounding out the Top 10. An artist must have a minimum of 100 followers to chart.


"Today's media landscape is becoming a highly fragmented, on-demand media world," says MusicRow Publisher David M. Ross. "As a result, artists are using an increasingly sophisticated new tool set to reach consumers and create new fans. This Twitter chart is the first of a series of projects we are developing with AristoWorks to help our readers quantify their online efforts."


The first of its kind charting system, developed by AristoWorks, utilizes the Active Programming Interface (API) offered by Twitter and gathers data to update the chart daily.


"This system really stems from a simple idea, but gives labels, managers and new media marketers a unique benchmark for where their brands stack up against others," says AristoWorks New Media Director Jon Walker. "Although the Twitter chart is currently operating in beta mode, the immediate response from artists, labels and managers has been impressive."



Additional chart features, including user trending statistics, will be implemented in the official release. View the new Twitter chart at: www.musicrow.com/charts/top-ranking-country-artists/



About MusicRow:

Known as Nashville's Music Industry Trade Publication, MusicRow has been in continuous publication for more than 27 years. Written for people who work in the music business, the publication reaches its subscribers through a mix of special weekly pdf reports (delivered via e-mail), a constantly updated Web Presence and bi-monthly print magazines. MusicRow's strategic mix of print and digital information streams ensure that its readers constantly get the information they need in the fastest possible way. www.MusicRow.com

Monday, June 08, 2009

Martina, Jamey Johnson , Jamie Oneal, Jason Michael Carroll to Perform

MARTINA McBRIDE, JAMEY JOHNSON, JAMIE O’NEAL, JASON MICHAEL CARROLL SET TO PERFORM AT LITTLE BIG TOWN RIDE FOR A CURE




NASHVILLE, TN – Little Big Town is set to host Ride For A Cure on Sunday, June 14, 2009 benefiting the T.J. Martell Foundation. The event, presented by Roberts and Lyons, marks the third year of Little Big Town’s involvement that features a motorcycle ride from the Harley-Davidson of Cool Springs to the Harley-Davidson of Columbia, a barbecue lunch provided by Applebee’s and a post ride performance by Little Big Town, Martina McBride, Jamey Johnson, Jamie O’Neal, Jason Michael Carroll, Kate & Kacey, Ray Scott, and Shelly Fairchild.

Both motorcycle riders and non-riders are welcome to attend. The T. J. Martell Foundation is offering a special VIP ticket for $300 that includes breakfast, access to the VIP areas during the ride, lunch, a gift bag, t-shirt and performance. Rider and non-rider tickets are $35 and include the ride (if a rider), lunch, t-shirt and performance. Tickets may be purchased on line at www.nashvillerideforacure.com.

Proceeds from Ride for a Cure locally supports cancer research at the Frances Williams Preston Laboratories at the Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center. The T.J. Martell Foundation supports leukemia, cancer and AIDS research at six top hospitals in the United States. The Frances Williams Preston Laboratories were named after Frances Preston, past President and CEO of BMI and current President of the national T.J. Martell Foundation.

For more information on Ride for a Cure or the T.J. Martell Foundation, contact the T.J. Martell Foundation at (615) 256-2002 or logo onto www.tjmartellfoundation.org. Be sure to vote for Little Big Town with the CMT Awards at http://www.cmt.com/cmt-music-awards/index.jhtml.

About the T.J. Martell Foundation
The T.J. Martell Foundation is a national 501 (c)3 nonprofit organization that supports innovative research for leukemia, cancer and AIDS at six top research hospitals in the United States. In Nashville, the Foundation supports cancer research at the Frances Williams Preston Laboratories at the Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center.

The Frances Williams Preston Laboratories were established in 1993 in honor of Frances Preston, longtime president and CEO of BMI, president of the T.J. Martell Foundation board of directors and founder of Country in the Rockies.

To learn more about the T.J. Martell Foundation, please go to www.tjmartellfoundation.org.

About Little Big Town
Little Big Town is currently working on their upcoming release for Capitol Nashville. Their sophomore CD, critically-acclaimed A Place to Land included the Grammy nominated song “Life in a Northern Town.” The band released Platinum-selling record, The Road to Here, in 2005 and in 2007 they were awarded Academy of Country Music’s Top New Vocal Group. In the last year they scored a nomination for CMA Vocal Group of the Year and two Academy of Country Music nods for Top Vocal Group and Vocal Event of the Year for “Life In A Northern Town.” The band has headlined their own tour as well as toured with Martina McBride, George Strait, and others. To learn more, visit http://www.littlebigtown.com.

______________________________________________________
Media Contacts:

RIDE FOR A CURE / FOR EVENT CREDENTIALS CONTACT:
Webster & Associates / (615) 777-6995
Kirt Webster – kirt@websterpr.com

FOR LITTLE BIG TOWN
FrontPage Publicity / (615) 383-0412
Kathy Best – kathy@frontpagepublicity.com

TJ Martell Foundation / (615) 256-2002
Laura Heatherly – Lheatherly@tjmartellfoundation.org

Friday, June 05, 2009

"Supposed To Be" - Jett's Creek - a Review

Jett's Creek is one of Hope River's newest Bluegrass groups. This has been a year of few releases and also the releases I have heard have been disappointments. This group has a very sparse clean sound. Their strength is a a great selection of songs from many good writers. "Supposed To Be" is written by singer Angie Young. The CD was produced by Angie Young and Adam McIntosh. The sound is very clean with a traditional, pop newgrass sound mixed with some beautiful gospel, bluegrass tunes. It is a very good recording, though it has the feel of a demo, not used to hearing such a sparse recording.
Jett's Creek is Angie Young - (lead vocals) , Adam Mcintosh - (banjo,bass, lead guitar, mandolin,lead and harmony vocals.) Jon McIntosh (guitar and lead and harmony vocals.) Pearl Bradley(guy) mandolin. plus on this disc, guest musicians : Evan Mcgregor(fiddle), Tim Kidd (bass on "When God Dips his pen of love in My Heart", "Supposed to Be" and "I'll Be Back".)
This group is a family band, each member is married and their family is a big part of their lives. A big strength also of the group is their excellent ability to harmonize with each other. On some of their songs ,you can close your eyes and hear old fashioned harmonies from years ago. I, personally, really appreciate the lead guitar work of Adam McIntosh, almost every song has a very melodic guitar solo in the mix, He reminds me a bit of Ron Block of Union Station. He plays some excellent banjo too. The fiddle of Evan Mcgregor really adds alot to the CD.
My personal favorite is the last song on the disc "I'll Be Back" (Ronnie and Buddy Cannon) This was on Melanie Cannon's last CD which I really loved. A slow bluegrass ballad that is charged with emotion. "A Song For Life" (Rodney Crowell) is a slow beauty. It has some real nice Mandolin and harmonies. Opener "Highway 40 Blues" (Larry Cordle) is a great up beat opener.
Lead singer Angie Young has a real Sweet country, bluegrass voice. Her harmonies are also sweet. These musicians really play as one, like they have played together for a long time. Give them a listen, the official CD release party is at the end of this month in Franklin Ohio.

www.jetts-creek.com
www.myspace.com/jettscreek
www.hoperiverentertainment.com
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