Wednesday, December 22, 2010

Lonesome River Band in need of Mandolin Player

Meadows of Dan, VA) This past year, the Lonesome River Band added acoustic bass player Barry Reed to help shape their sound as they are starting a new chapter in LRB history. The band has a very busy schedule of activities, recordings, and tour dates for 2011 all leading up to their 30th year Anniversary in 2012.. In light of these very busy activities next year, Andy Ball as decided to leave the band effective January 8, 2011. Andy attends school in Windsor, Canada and works in Detroit, Michigan, so it has been a difficult task to balance all of this with his LRB demands for 2011 and beyond.




Band leader, Sammy Shelor is accepting demos for a mandolin player and tenor vocalist and someone well versed in LRB's music. Interested musicians are asked to contact Shelor through the band's website.



The Lonesome River Band is celebrating a current chart album, “STILL LEARNING” on Rural Rhythm Records. The album’s first single release, “Record Time Machine” and “Jack Up The Jail” have also climbed a variety of radio charts this year.



“STILL LEARNING” was just chosen in POP MATTERS TOP BLUEGRASS ALBUMS OF 2010; featured on the CMT.com “Top 10 Indie Albums Worth a Listen,” reviewed in Country Weekly Magazine and numerous other publications since its July release.



The Lonesome River Band can also be heard on another 2010 album release, "THE ALL-STAR JAM - LIVE AT GRAVES MOUNTAIN" recorded in June at the Graves Mountain Festival of Music in Syria, Virginia. This historic live album was in celebration of Rural Rhythm Records 55th Anniversary and includes numerous collaborations among some of the top acts in bluegrass music.



Please visit www.lonesomeriverband.com for more information.



CONTACTS:



LONESOME RIVER BAND

http://www.lonesomeriverband.com/

Monday, December 13, 2010

The Judds Help Bid Farewell to Longtime Friend Larry King

THE JUDDS HELP BID FAREWELL TO LONGTIME FRIEND LARRY KING


Wynonna & Naomi Judd to make appearance this Tuesday

during final week of Larry King Live

Nashville, TN – Wynonna and Naomi Judd will make a pit-stop from The Judds: The Last Encore tour on Tuesday, December 14th, to spend an hour with longtime friend Larry King during his final week as host of CNN’s Larry King Live.

About Larry King Live:

The hit show has been on the air since 1985 and the man with the suspenders, Larry King, has become one of the most recognizable faces in the news world, mostly for his slicked back hair, his big square glasses and his intriguing interviews with the people of the day. Everyone from former President Ronald Reagan to United Nations Goodwill Ambassador Angelina Jolie to former Governor Jesse Ventura have all appeared on the CNN prime time news program “Larry King Live.”



About The Judds:

Kentucky natives, The Judds, are one of the most successful country music duos of all time – amassing fourteen number-one hits and over 60 industry awards including multiple CMA, ACM and GRAMMY awards. After launching their career with Curb/RCA Records in 1984, The Judds sold 20 million albums in just 6 short years. By 1989, The Judds were one of the top-grossing and most popular touring acts in America. But at the height of their career, Naomi Judd announced she would have to retire from the music business due to health complications. To say goodbye to their fans, they launched the 116-city Judds Farewell Tour selling more concert tickets than anyone that year with the exception of The Grateful Dead and The Rolling Stones. Nearly ten years after her health turned around, the pair reunited on Dec. 31, 1999 for a New Year’s gala performance, and a reunion tour in 2000. They came together again at last year’s 2009 CMA Music Festival and captivated the massive audience with their homespun, acoustic harmonies that felt as revelatory as they did when they first shot onto the country music scene 26 years ago. Encouraged by that performance and driven by the fans, the duo decided to tour one last time for 2010’s The Judds: The Last Encore.



The Judds: The Last Encore tour will feature new Judds music while also highlighting 25 years of fan-favorites including some of Wynonna’s most celebrated solo hits. The tour will also feature holiday seasonal favorites, by weaving several classic Christmas songs into The Judds' diverse set list. Judds fans can find all of the latest info, including a complete listing of concert dates, sign up to receive e-mail alerts and the opportunity to connect with other JUDD-heads on the official tour website: www.thejuddstour2010.com







The Judds Media Contact:

Webster & Associates Public Relations / (615) 777-6995 x230

Kirt Webster / kirt@websterpr.com

Wednesday, December 08, 2010

The Grascals & Friends Coming To Cracker Barrel

Search Amazon.com for GrascalsTHE GRASCALS & FRIENDS COMING TO CRACKER BARREL


Exclusive CD will feature guest artists joining in for some bluegrass fun

LEBANON, Tenn. (December 6, 2010) Cracker Barrel Old Country Store is pleased to let you know that the next CD in its exclusive music program will feature some of the biggest names in country music joining up with one of the most beloved bands on today's bluegrass scene, The Grascals. The album, The Grascals & Friends - Country Classics With A Bluegrass Spin, has 13 country music songs on it that you have probably heard before, but most likely not like this. The Grascals bring their own bluegrass style to the tunes and bring the different tracks to life with eight of their friends, including Brad Paisley, Dierks Bentley, Charlie Daniels and Dolly Parton. The Grascals & Friends - Country Classics With A Bluegrass Spin will be available on January 10th, 2011, exclusively at all Cracker Barrel locations.



The bonus track, "I Am Strong," was written by Grascals band member Jamie Johnson and his wife Susanne Mumpower-Johnson along with Jenee Fleenor after The Grascals visited the St. Jude Children's Research Hospital® and were inspired by the stories and power of the children being treated there. "I Am Strong" is powerful in its message and artistic vision and brings together vocals from all of the artists who also appear separately with the Grascals on other tracks on this CD. In honor of the children and this song, Cracker Barrel is donating a percentage of the proceeds from this CD to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.



"The Grascals are steeped in bluegrass tradition and at the same time are in touch with their contemporary audiences, bringing authenticity as well as freshness to the music," said Chris Ciavarra, Senior Vice President of Marketing for Cracker Barrel. "We are pleased to be able to offer our guests this unique CD as the latest album in our exclusive music program."



The Grascals are frequent guests at Cracker Barrel as it provides a welcome stop along the way when they are out touring, which is most of the year. Ask any of the six band members what they like to eat when they stop in and there is no hesitation in the responses: chicken n' dumplins, the Sunrise Sampler, turnip greens or pinto beans....the answers go on and on.

The Grascals & Friends - Country Classics With A Bluegrass Spin will be the latest in Cracker Barrel's exclusive music program, which features numerous projects. In November of 2010, Cracker Barrel released Smokey Robinson's Now & Then which features six of his current songs and live versions of six of his classics that were recorded last year. It debuted at #19 on Billboard magazine's R&B chart. September saw the release of the self-titled Rodney Atkins, which includes four #1 hits, and also released Mandy Barnett's Winter Wonderland, which offers up all the authentic sounds of the holiday traditions so many of us cherish. In July, the company released Craig Morgan's That's Why-Collector's Edition, and in May the release of Wynonna's Love Heals debuted at #7 on the Billboard Magazine Top Country Albums chart. February's release of Dailey & Vincent Sing the Statler Brothers debuted at #1 on Billboard's Top Bluegrass Albums chart, where it spent nine weeks in the top position and 18 weeks overall in one of the three top positions since its release on February 1st. Releases in 2009 included November's Songs of Love and Heartache by Alan Jackson, September's release of an exclusive new version of The Foundation by the Zac Brown Band, August's George Jones' release of A Collection Of My Best Recollection, May's release of Montgomery Gentry's For Our Heroes, which debuted at #5 on Billboard Magazine's Top Country Albums chart, and March's release of Dolly Parton's Collector's Edition of Backwoods Barbie, which debuted at #9 on that chart. Over the last few years, Cracker Barrel has released exclusive CDs with Bill Gaither, Kenny Rogers, Ricky Skaggs, Aaron Tippin, Alison Krauss & Union Station, Josh Turner, Amy Grant, Sara Evans, and Charlie Daniels.



Tracks on The Grascals & Friends - Country Classics With A Bluegrass Spin:

1. Tiger By The Tail (with Brad Paisley)

2. Folsom Prison Blues (with Dierks Bentley)

3. Pain of Lovin' You (with Dolly Parton)

4. I Am Strong (with Dolly Parton)

5. Louisiana Saturday Night

6. The Year That Clayton Delaney Died (with Tom T. Hall)

7. White Lightning (with Darryl Worley)

8. The Devil Went Down To Georgia (with Charlie Daniels)

9. Leavin' Louisiana In Broad Daylight (with The Oak Ridge Boys)

10. Mr. Bojangles (with Joe Nichols)

11. Hank Williams Jr. Medley - Born To Boogie / All My Rowdy Friends Are Comin' Over Tonight

12. Cracker Barrel Swing (Instrumental)

13. I Am Strong (Bonus Track) Featuring guest appearances by Dolly Parton, The Oak Ridge Boys, Darryl Worley, Charlie Daniels, Terri Clark, Randy Owen, Steven Seagal, Tom T. Hall, Joe Nichols and Ansley McLaurin



About Cracker Barrel

Cracker Barrel Old Country Store provides a friendly home-away-from-home in its old country stores and restaurants. Guests are cared for like family while relaxing and enjoying real home-style food and shopping that's surprisingly unique, genuinely fun and reminiscent of America's country heritage...all at a fair price. The restaurant serves up delicious, home-style country food such as meatloaf and homemade chicken n' dumplins as well as its signature biscuits using an old family recipe. The authentic old country retail store is fun to shop and offers unique gifts and self-indulgences.



Cracker Barrel Old Country Store, Inc. (Nasdaq: CBRL) was established in 1969 in Lebanon, Tenn. and operates 597 company-owned locations in 42 states. Every Cracker Barrel unit is open seven days a week with hours Sunday through Thursday, 6 a.m. - 10 p.m., and Friday and Saturday, 6 a.m. - 11 p.m. For more information, visit crackerbarrel.com

Friday, December 03, 2010

The Grascals Celebrate Another successful year

The Grascals Celebrate Another Successful Year


2010 Brought Group Numerous #1s, Popular Videos & More

Nashville, TN (December 3, 2010) -- The Grascals recently celebrated another successful year with numerous #1s, popular videos, five-star shows and extensive press coverage behind them. The group's current CD, THE FAMOUS LEFTY FLYNN'S, ruled the Bluegrass Unlimited Chart for an astounding four-month run at #1, while the single, "Last Train To Clarksville," is that Chart's #1 single this month. The disc also reigned supreme on the Bluegrass Music Profiles Chart (#1 for two months), and the single hit the top of the European Hot Disc Chart.





The Grascals toured extensively, delighting fans at over 150 shows that included high-profile outings with Hank Williams Jr.'s Rowdy Friends Tour; the Jerry Lewis Muscular Dystrophy Association Telethon, the CMA Music Fest, the IBMA Fan Fest Stage, dozens of festivals, multiple Grand Ole Opry appearances and more. Their music video, "Last Train To Clarksville," received a favorable response from critics and fans alike, and a new video, filmed at St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, will hit the airwaves soon.

Change was in the wind for The Grascals throughout 2010; the band parted ways with Rounder Records after a successful six-year run and formed their own imprint, BluGrascal Records. The band celebrated a terrific first year with New Frontier Touring, and so much MOORE media joined The Grascals' team in March. At the helm of The Grascals' ship is Entertainment Evolution, the group's artist management firm.

The Grascals' Jamie Johnson sums up the year perfectly, saying, "We worked hard, we reaped a good bit of what we've sown, and we are continually blessed." The group is shown here, receiving #1 award plaques for THE FAMOUS LEFTY FLYNN'S, at NorthStar Studios following the filming of Reno's Old Time Music Festival television show.

Tuesday, November 23, 2010

"Homecoming, The Bluegrass Album" - Joe Diffie - A review

Joe Diffie has spent most of his career singing popular country music. Diffie's vocals sound as good or better than I expected, He does have a good set of pipes.




He sings mostly covers written by Nashville's best and even one by Otis Redding. The musicians read like a who's who of Bluegrass music.



The Grascals back him up on a song that he wrote "Rainin on A Rubber Dolly Now". This is a cohesive track and upbeat, one of the best bluegrass sounding songs on the disc.



"Route 5,Box 109" is my favorite, great song about family and Joe does a good job with this (Galen Griffin and Kerry Phillips) song.



Really, there is not a bad song on this disc, and the list of backup singers is nothing short of incredible. Diffie really puts himself into thes songs, though whether they sound more country or bluegrass is left up in the air, A dobro does not make A CD Bluegrass. I realize that entertainment is the whole end of an album and this is well done, not a cheap production done in a cheap project studio.

http://www.oceanwayrecording.com/studios-nashville.php



What kinda bothers me is the instruments are recorded in one studio and the vocals in another, so the recording is sort of Karaoke style. Instruments recorded in Oceanway studios and vocals recorded at Station West studio. Mostly all recorded, mixed and mastered by Luke Wooten, while Joe helps with production. The product is very polished, though it sounds a bit bright on one of my CD players.



A special treat is the playing of banjo by Kristen Scott on the Grascals track. This gal is easily one of the best banjo pickers going today, and still pretty young. "Fit For A King" (Carl Jackson,Jim Rushing) is a very good gospel, story song.



Only song I did not like was Diffie's "Til Death" - too graphic for me. Overall, this a good listen for country and Bluegrass fans.

Friday, November 19, 2010

The Band Perry - A Debut

Well, only a couple of months ago, this young trio of sister with brothers was unheard of. This CD, mostly recorded before they were signed with a label.




This CD is an excellent production, a mixture of country rock, and acoustic sounds with three vocals and excellent musicians. Mostly original songs, Kim Perry and brothers Neil and Reid. They even play instruments on their first CD.



The sound quality is excellent thru out the disc. Their lyrics are very good. Kim has a very special way of enunciating her vocals, they are easy to understand. This CD has hit the Charts heavy at number 11.

, Neil Perry really shines thru on mandolin on several songs. Helpful studio musicians are guitar- Bryan Sutton, Drums - Shannon Forrest, acoustic guitar - Biff Watson ,pedal steel ,Dan Dugmore and Mike Johnson, mastered by Hank William @ mastermix. Sorry, many artists left unnamed .



Favorite songs = You Lie, Hip To My Heart, If I Die Young, Heart, Quittin You, and Postcard From Paris. "If I Die Young" is an incredible debut song, very good since it is self written. These guys are really good at everything they do!!

Wednesday, November 17, 2010

The Oak Ridge Boys 2010 Tour, The Boys Are back for Chrismas

The Oak Ridge Boys 2010 Christmas Tour


The Boys Are Back Home for Christmas



Nashville, TN (November 16, 2010) – Each year, The Oak Ridge Boys’ Christmas tour plays to packed houses across America. This year The Boys Are Back for Christmas Tour will take the group to 18 states and 29 cities, mid-November through December 22. For the first time in ten years The Oak Ridge Boys will be bringing their Christmas show back home to Nashville and are doing so at the newly renovated Gaylord Opryland Resort on December 21.



The two-hour extravaganza features a mixture of traditional and contemporary songs—including religious, romantic, and fun holiday tunes—as well as the group’s classic Country-Pop hits, likeElvira, American Made, andThank God For Kids. The full-production show features beautiful sets, falling snow, and a visit from Santa Claus, and it includes songs from the Oaks’ five bestselling Christmas CDs.



The Boys are thrilled to be ending their holiday tour in Nashville. “It’s such an honor to play the last day of our tour this year in our hometown. It will provide a great opportunity for all of our local friends, fans and family to celebrate Christmas with The Oak Ridge Boys,” The Oaks’ Joe Bonsall explains, “we have been doing a full out Christmas tour since 1988, and since we last brought the tour to Nashville, our children have grown and we all have grandkids. The Boys are back home for Christmas in Nashville at Opryland…I’m not sure how it gets any better!”



VIP and Basic show ticket packages are available now by calling 1-888-677-9872. Packages include overnight accommodations at Gaylord Opryland Resort with a private viewing of the Gaylord Opryland’s Hall of Trees, as well as dinner prior to the Christmas concert. General show tickets are also available.



To find out more information about The Boys Are Back For Christmas show in Nashville visit http://www.gaylordhotels.com/gaylord-opryland/specials-packages/specials/oak-ridge-boys-christmas/index.html.



You can also follow the tour on Facebook at http://on.fb.me/9XKCcZ and Twitter at http://twitter.com/ORB_Christmas





Media Contact:

Webster & Associates, LLC

Jenelle Scott / 615-777-6995 x222

jenelle@websterpr.com

Tuesday, November 16, 2010

Charlie Daniels and Friends Celebrate Christmas 4 Kids at Sold Out Concert

Search Amazon.com for charlie daniels band

CHARLIE DANIELS & FRIENDS CELEBRATE


CHRISTMAS 4 KIDS AT SOLD OUT CONCERT



Nashville, TN -- Charlie Daniels will offer his time and talents to host and headline Charlie Daniels & Friends concert on Monday, November 22nd at the Ryman Auditorium, beginning at 7:00 PM. Charlie Daniels and friends Montgomery Gentry, Jake Owen, and Sawyer Brown will perform at the charity event that raises money for the Christmas 4 Kids organization (a division of Christmas For Kids, Inc). “We are completely out of seats,” Debbie Lamberson proclaimed earlier today. “This is a very exciting time for our organization and for Nashville.”



Christmas 4 Kids is a not-for-profit organization that has been in existence for over 25 years providing many children, each year, with their very own shopping spree. The funds generated by the concert, and the Tour Bus Show/Artist Meet and Greet event are used to give children from 30 different schools, a total of more than 400 children, a day-long shopping excursion. The special day consists of a chauffeured trip from their school aboard an entertainer's luxury tour bus, lunch, and a party hosted by Santa and Mrs. Claus at College Heights Baptist Church, and finally a trip to the Hendersonville, Tennessee, Walmart where they receive $150.00 to spend on anything they want and also receive a brand new winter coat.



The Annual Tour Bus Show/Artist Meet and Greet event will take place on Monday, December 13th in Hendersonville, TN. The shopping excursion takes place on Tuesday, December 14th. For more information on how you can volunteer to help chaperone one of these special children, visit www.Christmas4kids.org.

Thursday, November 11, 2010

" Hellos Goodbyes & Butterflies" - Donna Hughes - A Review

Donna Hughes second album that I have reviewed , "Hellos Goodbyes & Butterflies" is another very consistent piece of work. Her type of songwriting stays pretty much the same, and her sweet emotive vocals are still excellent, the big difference in her new CD is that JD Crowe produced it , while Tony Rice produced her other CD that I have heard. She has two other CDs before these That I can not comment on. Tony liked her piano playing, so on "Gaining Wisdom" , she played some piano, it is more of a sparse, but very well produced CD in the quality of the recording, very clean.




JD Crowes production is more bluegrass in the traditional sense, with lots of good dobro, Randy Kohrs and Rob Ickes. Also, a very good, clean recording ,featuring the stringed instruments and Hughes' excellent vocals and melodies. There are fifteen songs here, all written by Hughes, who is a very prolific writer , probably written about 300 songs by now. As Tony Rice fitted the production to Donna's songs and voice, I see that in JD Crowes work too. She is not your real traditional old timey bluegrass singer, with lots of banjo and fiddle going all the time. The music is mostly guitars ,dobro , some mandolin, but it hones in more as a southern sounding set that is definitely bluegrass flavored, but original in that Hughes' songs are original. She has has had her songs recorded by Alison Krauss and also the group Seldom Scene. Donna actually sounds alot like Alison Krauss and Union Station at places on this CD. It is quite amazing how, she can be so prolific with her music and bring out some really good songs that catch your attention. "Dr. Jekyll, Mr Hyde" is a very good song with a good set of hooks and a very realistic setting for the song. It is emotional , like something she lived. My personal favorite is "God Don't Make Mistakes" , that song really moves me each time that I hear it. and "Mid-Life Crisis" , songs based on life and stories, but isn't that what bluegrass and country music are all about. Also, Donna has some real good harmony's on the tracks.



Personaly, Hughes is a real talent , between being a songwriter and Bluegrass performer. She just seem to keep getting better.

www.donnahughes.com

, --

Wednesday, November 10, 2010

George Strait Announces 2011 Tour With Reba and Lee Ann Womack

GEORGE STRAIT ANNOUNCES 2011 TOUR


WITH REBA AND LEE ANN WOMACK



Nashville, Tenn. (November 5, 2010) -- George Strait fans who missed this year’s superstar pairing of King George, Phenom Reba McEntire and award-winning traditionalist Lee Ann Womack are getting a second chance in 2011.



“The George, Reba and Lee Ann tour is certainly one of the best on the road this year, offering an entertainment package perfect for cowboys, cowgirls … and city folk alike,” exclaims The Boot’s Vernell Hackett.



“All three of the performers – George Strait, Reba McEntire and Lee Ann Womack – delivered flawlessly in a concert perhaps best noted for its emphasis on performance over props or pyrotechnics,” says Amanda St. Amand of the St. Louis Post Dispatch.



“Call Strait the Bruce Springsteen of country music … ,” praises Jack Hill of the Arkansas Democrat Gazette .



“The icon appears to have no plans to slow down – good news, no doubt, to his fans,” says Larry Rodgers of Arizona Republic.





“No matter what the genre, singing doesn't get much better than this,” exclaims Geoffrey Himes of Baltimore’s City Paper.





At next week’s 44th Annual CMA Awards, King George is up for Male Vocalist of the Year award for the 24th time and is also nominated for Album of the Year for Twang, an award he won in 2008 for his critically claimed album Troubadour.





With a career spanning more than 30 years, George Strait has the most number one singles of any artist in history including Elvis (57 to date inclusive of all charts). He has sold nearly 69 million records and with 33 different platinum or multi-platinum albums has the most RIAA platinum certifications in country music and the third in all genres, behind The Beatles and Elvis Presley.



Strait’s CD Twang debuted at #1 on The Billboard 200 chart and the Top Country Albums chart. This is the fourth time in Strait's career that a new release has debuted at #1 on the Billboard 200 chart and the 13th time debuting at #1 on the Top Country Albums chart. His current single is “The Breath You Take.”



Named the Academy of Country Music’s Artist of the Decade last year, George Strait was nominated for this year's ACM Entertainer of the Year for the 12th time and Top Male Vocalist for the 20th time, bringing his all-time record to 81 ACM nominations.



One of the most successful female recording artists in history, Reba has sold over 55 million albums worldwide, earned 33 #1 singles and was recently recognized as the biggest female hit-maker in country music history by “Billboard,” “Mediabase” and “Country Aircheck.” She is the winner of 15 American Music Awards, 12 Academy of Country Music Awards, 9 People’s Choice Awards, 7 Country Music Awards and 2 GRAMMY Awards.



Reba is a 2010 CMA Nominee for “Female Vocalist of the Year.” The superstar recently surpassed the one million fan mark on Facebook, propelling her into an elite group of only 10 Country artists to achieve the popularity milestone. Reba’s unprecedented run of sales successes extended the superstar’s lead as the female artist with the most RIAA sales certification in Country music history. Also an acclaimed film, TV and Broadway actress, Reba signed with The Valory Music Co. in November 2008. The move reunited the multimedia entertainer with industry leader Scott Borchetta, now President and CEO of the Big Machine Label Group, which includes Big Machine Records, The Valory Music Co. and Republic Nashville.



Lee Ann Womack has sold over 6 million albums, won two Grammys and numerous other milestone awards. Womack’s current album Call Me Crazy has garnered critical acclaim from Rolling Stone, USA Today, Entertainment Weekly, Billboard and The New York Times, to name a few. She was nominated for Top Female Vocalist at the ACM Awards in 2009 and the debut single “Last Call” was nominated for a Grammy in the Best Female Country Vocal Performance category. Womack nominated for “Musical Event of the Year” with George Strait for “Everything But Quits” at the 2009 CMA Awards.





For more information on the tour and ticket on sale dates, visit www.GeorgeStrait.com.

Sunday, October 31, 2010

Graves Mountain All-Star Jam (Rural Rhythm 55 year Celebration Live Album)

If you are a fan of good old bluegrass music and live festivals, this is definitely for you. The event took place June 4, 2010 at the Graves Mountain Festival of Music in Syria, Virginia. This is beautiful ,rural Virginia, in the foothills of The Blueridge Mountains. I have spent a lot of time camping near this area and I love it.(Celebrating 55 Years of Bluegrass Music)




Many great Bluegrass bands were involved and they played lots of traditional bluegrass. Musicians involved were Russell Moore and Third Tyme Out, The Crowe Brothers, Lonesome River Band. Mark Newton, Carrie Hassler, Brand New Strings, Carl Jackson, Lou Reid and Carolina, Audie Blaylock and Redline, a very natural live recording with musicians from different bands joining each other on different songs. The Emcee was Kyle Cantrell of Sirius-XM radio.



Songwise, personally I really loved "Grave's Mountain Memories" written by Carl Jackson, who was asked to write the song by Sam Passamano, in commemoration of the event, "55 year Celebration". It just exudes Hi-lonesome bluegrass and He does an excellent job of telling about the festival and the History of The Graves Family too. Performed by the Rural Rhythm All-Stars, Carl Jackson, Mark Newton, Audie Blaylock, Lou Reid, Russell Moore, Sammy Shelor, Mike Hartgrove, Wayne Benson, Mike Anglin plus special kudos to Carrie Hassler for adding female backup vocals to so many songs. The song has a beautiful melody, and the chorus is off the meter with the excellent harmonies. It's a song that stays in your head, unless you like grunge music.



What is evident at the event is the pure joy that the artists have in playing and singing together. These folk are clearly enjoying themselves and that is what music should be about.



Sound engineering was handled by Gene Daniell who has 30 years experience in recording Bluegrass and Acoustic performances. He was helped by Mark Newton in mixing, mastering process done at his own studio in Marietta ,Georgia. Produced by Sam Passamano Jr. and Mark Newton.



President of Rural Rhythm Records, Sam Passamano Jr. has a real heart for bluegrass music and was responsible for putting this together. One of the top pure bluegrass labels , this 55 year celebration shares the vision of Bluegrass music. If you visit RR's website, the music is split into traditional Bluegrass, and contemporary bluegrass. He cares for it all. Also, has a Christian Division.



Over the last couple of years I have reviewed CDs by most of these bands and they put out a real good sounding CD. But, I think they all sound better live. The High Lonesome harmonies are sweet, and there are so many folk singing on some of the tracks. There is a lot more music where this came from, They wanted to get what they thought most special and best out first. These twelve songs represent all of the artists involved, (I'm pretty sure). But I hear there are hours of audio and also video. How neat ,would a DVD be?

But, let us not get ahead of things. These songs however give you a real feel for real bluegrass. A combination of songs which are vocal and instrumental, it is a special recording.



"Ground Speed" by the RR All-Stars with Sammy Shelar and Carl Jackson featured on banjo is really good. "Old Dangerfield" is another great instrumental by Audie Blaylocks band and Wayne Benson on fiddle. There is some remarkable playing going on by these excellent players. A couple of more vocal standouts are "Head Over Heels" by Carrie Hassler with Brand New Strings, with special guest Brandon Rickman. Also, The Crowe Brothers sound really good with the Lonesome River Band on "Roll In My Sweet Baby's Arms".



Well, more words are not really going to do this music justice, please check it out.



http://www.ruralrhythm.com/

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V8RJyX4faB8

Thursday, October 28, 2010

Friday, October 15, 2010

"That Just Happened" - Mountain Heart - A Review

Search Amazon.com for Mountain HeartMountain Heart has created a very creative acoustic rock recording with lots of influences. Josh's vocals are very rich, and can be easily mistaken for Vince Gill on a slow ballad. This recording sounds a lot like a live album, though I know there are several overdubs.




The cookin' "That Just Happened" starts the disc out , with several people helping out, especially on vocals. sounds a bit like Seatrain on Steroids, like it rocks, in it's acoustic way. If you heard it this summer, like I did, I think that you would agree. Love Van Cleve's fiddle tones, and the B3 organ. Eddie Bayers' Drums really add a lot to the whole CD. He is a real pro and has played on so many big records, it would be hard to count. Some neat bass notes rumble in the mix by Jason Moore. For an acoustic recording, this is real loud, but there is no distortion or problems.



There are some Bluegrass purists that really do not like what groups like the "Infamous Stringdusters", "Punch Brothers" and "Mountain Heart" are doing to bluegrass. They are just playing their style of it , that is all. On the other hand, this summer, purists like Del Coury welcomed Mountain Heart with open hands to his festival. Also, one of Bluegrass's best guitarists "Tony Rice" played several shows with them this year. Bryan Sutton plays on several songs, can't forget him, I think that I like his playing on "Whipping Post" best. Well, it took a bit longer than expected to get out, but there are seven excellent songs on the EP. Only available at their website store.



www.mountainheart.com



By The Way, The Artwork on the CD and the Cardboard cover is excellent. There are four original and three cover songs on the EP. The version of the "Ride" is the best that I have ever heard, I really listened to what Josh was singing and the song really hit me with a whole new light. The version of "Whipping Post" is quite awesome too, Making these classic electric songs acoustic was a great idea, plus the group takes the music to different places than before. Josh's "Even If It Breaks My Heart" is my favorite original song, I loved that song from when I first heard them do it in concert.

Thursday, October 14, 2010

Jones Appears on Talk Show To Support New Book

Jones appears on talk show to support new book


My Country: 50 Musicians on God,

America & the Songs They Love

Nashville, TN – Country music has always played a huge role in the story of American culture, but never has country music—in all its forms—been more of-the-moment than right now. Capturing this moment is award-winning photographer, Melanie Dunea. For her new book, Dunea focuses her camera lens on the musical form most intrinsically linked to American identity- country music. In MY COUNTRY: 50 Musicians on God, America & The Songs They Love, Dunea explores the world of country music, from its gritty roots to today’s country-pop.



The book profiles 50 country music icons and includes Dunea’s stunning and highly imaginative portraits of each, shot in locations from the Grand Ole Opry to a decommissioned prison in Tennessee to the shores of the Caribbean. Alongside each portrait are a series of questions which explore the artist’s musical roots and inspirations, their defining moments, and what makes country music the heart and soul of America to them. The answers offer a revealing, highly personal look at these iconic subjects.

George Jones knew he wanted to be a country musician when he first heard Hank Williams on the radio. For Shelby Lynn there’s never been any other option: “No, that’s all I’ve ever done. It’s the most natural thing. It’s like breathing.”



Barbara Mandrell wishes she had written “Battle Hymn of the Republic.” Rosanne Cash, “Hey Porter.”



Had they not been country singers, Little Jimmy Dickens would have been a jockey “not a disc jockey, just a jockey”; Dwight Yoakam would have been an industrial designer “My inclination is to design things, although I lack the formal training. I’ve always been a fan of Raymond Loewy and Coco Chanel.” Gretchen Wilson, a forensics expert and Crystal Gale would have joined the FBI.



When asked if he could thank god in person for one thing, the notorious David Allan Coe replied “I’m not sure that I believe in the God that you’re wanting me to think of.”



Kenny Chesney describes his ultimate musical experience: “A behind-closed-doors jam session in Jamaica with Bob Marley and the original Wailers…”

Also included in the book are playlists of each artists’ five favorite songs of all time—gathered together, for the first time ever.



Among the other musicians featured in MY COUNTRY are: Brad Paisley, Carrie Underwood, Jimmy Wayne, Julianne Hough, Lee Ann Womack, Martina McBride, Reba McEntire, Randy Travis, Vince Gill, Shelby Lynn, Clint Black, Wynonna Judd, Trisha Yearwood, George Jones, plus many more.



About the Author:

Melanie Dunea has photographed the most influential and powerful people in the public eye. Her photographs are regularly published in magazines such as Town and Country, Vanity Fair, People, Gourmet, Newsweek, New York, Redbook and Ladies Home Journal. She is also the author of My Last Supper. Dunea resides in New York City.





Media contacts:



For George Jones

Webster & Associates Public Relations / 615-777-6995 x230

Kirt Webster / kirt@websterpr.com

Sunday, October 10, 2010

Mountain Heart EP In The Mail - Order Today!!

Mountain Heart has a new EP waiting for you to order at their website store!!!

Mountain Heart Site

"The Foundation" (Cracker Barrel Version) - Zac Brown Band - a Review

For a long time, I had been fighting this guys material, Like, who is he? Covering all this stuff and sounding like Charlie Daniels. Doing Southern Rock in his shows.

Zac Brown quit his job cooking in the Family restaurant in Atlanta to start a musical career. He started out just by himself singing and playing guitar. One by one ,He added members to his group. This is his third CD i think, the First one on a major Label. What I am listening to is what won me over for good. There is a short fiddle intro and then the song starts, I used to see this video on GAC all of the time, The song is Free, The video shows the ZBB on a visit to Iraq and follows them around and they do a show for the troups. For me , this is tops, it is a real sacrifice to make a trip to Iraq, but they looked comfortable and the song is beautiful.

Alan Jackson's cohort for many years, Keith Stegall helps him produce this CD. Brown insists that their music is Southern, not country, now there are places in the CD that I can pick that up, but face it folks, "chicken pickin' is chickin' pickin'". Talking about, "Chicken Fried" is a classic song that just begs a listen, full of great hooks and melodies. I really love a song that they do called "Mary". It is about someone who is letting him down. Between him and his lead guitar player, the song has some really great guitar pickin', his classical type guitar gives out a different vibe, but he makes it work. It is a custom Taylor, made for him. He really can play well as does his whole band.

"Different Kind Of Find" goes into some southern rock on the lead guitar, this recording has a real live vibe. His band really has their own signature on their sound and they are southern folk that make you feel at home. When I first watched him, I just did not trust him. He seemed a bit aloof, I think that is, just him. After watching much footage of him, he seems to be a real downhome type of guy.

Bonus coverage - What makes this Foundation different is the addition of three cover songs that they do live. They do a Band like version of "The Night They Drove Ole Dixie Down", The vocals are just great, lots of emotion and energy put into it. Then they do a Lucinda Williams song, "I lost It" For the last song is a very moving version of Dylan's "I Shall Be Released." Another awesome rendition with an incredible slide break, ala Duane Allman , I mean the phrasing, everything sounds just like He is in the House. Man, can this guy play some guitar. Zac sings this really well with help from his band.

Well, this was a very enjoyable review. This CD is plain good, plus , the bonus stuff. Now if I play my cards right, the good thing about reviewing for Cracker Barrel is that if they like your review, you might get a gift certificate for yourself and a friend for a meal, not a chintzy meal, but like whatever you want to eat. Zac ,also has some things in the store , like a cookbook and a couple of sauces "Southern Ground Grub".

--
God Is Good
www.countrystarsonline.com
www.countryreviews.blogspot.com

Friday, October 08, 2010

Rural Rhythms Records has Big Release Out too "Live @ Graves Mountain"

Search Amazon.com for Rural Rhythms RecordsTHE ALL-STAR JAM – LIVE AT GRAVES MOUNTAIN was recorded on June 4, 2010 at the 18th Annual Graves Mountain Festival of Music in Syria, Virginia. This special day in Bluegrass was celebrated with performances by six chart-topping artists including: Russell Moore & IIIrd Tyme Out, Lonesome River Band, Lou Reid & Carolina, Carrie Hassler, Audie Blaylock and Redline, and The Crowe Brothers; along with a few special guests: Carl Jackson, Mark Newton, Brand New Strings, and marvelously emceed by popular Sirius-XM radio personality Kyle Cantrell.

“It was an inspired—magical, day of music at Graves Mountain when these songs were recorded….In this idyllic setting, it seemed that all the elements were in place for a perfect bluegrass experience, and that’s exactly what we all had. I was honored to have gotten to participate.”
– Kyle Cantrell, Sirius-XM Satellite Radio

This album contains those very special times throughout the day where the artists performed in an All-Star ensemble to create one-of-a-kind performances never before heard live or in the studio. THE ALL-STAR JAM – LIVE AT GRAVES MOUNTAIN is a special commemorative album celebrating Bluegrass music and family traditions which have been passed down through many generations and still hold an important meaning in our lives today.

“It was a great day of music and camaraderie and I believe the songs contained on this CD have captured some very special moments that took place on stage between the artists and the fans and between the artists themselves!”
- RUSSELL MOORE

“It was like a homecoming with our fellow Rural Rhythm artists that we’ll always remember.”
- SAMMY SHELOR

“… I hope you enjoy the songs that Rural Rhythm artists have scrambled together in different configurations for a once in a lifetime event.”
- LOU REID

“It has been an honor to be a part of something so magical. Just to share the stage with so many wonderful and talented people was a dream come true for me.”
- CARRIE HASSLER

“…It’s like in the last line in the verse of the song “Graves Mountain Memories” by our brother Carl Jackson says, “Where making friends and keeping people are the words that you live by” That’s what bluegrass music is all about.”
-MARK NEWTON

“When you do something long enough you get to know and see a lot of people, in our case usually in passing, so to have all these people in one place for the day and be able to interact musically is something that doesn’t happen very often, we had a blast!” – AUDIE BLAYLOCK

“We had a great time working with our long time friends Sammy Shelor and Lonesome River Band and Russell Moore & IIIrd Tyme Out,” – THE CROWE BROTHERS

Executive Producer: Sam Passamano, Jr.
Producer & Production Coordinator: Mark Newton

TRACKS:
MORE PRETTY GIRLS THAN ONE – The Crowe Brothers with Russell Moore, Sammy Shelor and Mike Hartgrove
HOLD WHATCHA GOT – Lonesome River Band with Audie Blaylock
LONESOME RIVER – Lou Reid & Carolina with Russell Moore
OLD DANGERFIELD – Audie Blaylock & Redline with Wayne Benson
GRAVES MOUNTAIN MEMORIES – Rural Rhythm All-Stars: Carl Jackson, Mark Newton, Audie Blaylock, Lou Reid, Russell Moore, Carrie Hassler, Sammy Shelor, Mike Hartgrove, Wayne Benson
HEAD OVER HEELS – Carrie Hassler with Brand New Strings and special guest Brandon Rickman
ONCE MORE – Audie Blaylock & Redline with special guests Russell Moore and Lou Reid
GROUND SPEED – Rural Rhythm All-Stars: Sammy Shelor, Carl Jackson, Brandon Rickman, Wayne Benson, Mike Hartgrove
HEN I STOP DREAMING – The Crowe Brothers with special guests Russell Moore and Sammy Shelor
GET IN LINE BROTHER – Audie Blaylock & Redline with Russell Moore and Carrie Hassler
HOME SWEET HOME – Rural Rhythm All-Stars: Sammy Shelor, Carl Jackson, Brandon Rickman,Wayne Benson, Mike Hartgrove
ROLL IN MY SWEET BABY’S ARMS – Lonesome River Band with special guests Josh Crowe and Wayne Crow

LABEL: RURAL RHYTHM RECORDS
ARTIST: VARIOUS ARTIST
TITLE: THE ALL-STAR JAM - Live at Graves Mountain
FORMAT: CD
CD NUMBER: RUR-1073
LIST PRICE: $15.98
UPC: 7-3235-11073-2-8



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

RADIO - AIRPLAY DIRECT

I can't Wait to hear this one!!!

New "Mountain Heart" EP is shipping

Search Amazon.com for Mountain HeartPurchase securely here:
It is finally here!
The long awaited Mountain Heart EP entitled "That Just Happened" will hit the street on Tuesday, October 12, 2010.
This 7 cut album is filled with surprises and several super-star guest appearances.
Go to the MH store page (www.mountainheart.com) and you can pre-order you copy today!
It will also be available starting on street date, October 12'th at all French's Shoes & Boots locations in Tennessee. French's is the official clothing partner of Mountain Heart.
French's locations stocking the new album:
French's Shoes & Boots
1268 2'nd Ave.
Nashville, TN 37201
615-736-2934

French's Shoes & Boots
1837 South Church Street
Murfreesboro, TN 37130
615-893-6005

French's Shoes & Boots
1271 South Walnut Street
Cookeville, TN 38501
931-528-2779

Crossville Boot
78 North Main Street
Crossville, TN 38555
931-456-1100

French's Shoes & Boots
328 5'th Ave. North
Franklin, TN 37064
615-599-6965

French's Shoes & Boots
738 Madison Street
Shelbyville, TN 37160
931-684-2230

French's Shoes & Boots
117 North Main Street
Crossville, TN 38555
931-484-2236

French's Shoes & Boots
2327 Hwy 465
Dickson, TN 37055
615-446-0634

And check out the newly added tour dates listed on www.mountainheart.com that begin our "That Just Happened" 2010-11 Tour!
Hope you enjoy the new music and we hope to see you on the road soon!
Purchase securely here:





Upcoming Shows/Events:

Date:Location:Venue:Ticket Price:
Oct 16, 2010Little Rock, ARWildwood Park For The... (map)n/a (buy)Details >>
Nov 06, 2010Polk City, FLSertoma MUsic Ranch (map)n/a (buy)Details >>
Nov 13, 2010Fischer, TXFischer Hall (map)n/a Details >>
Dec 04, 2010Walhalla, SCWalhalla Civic Auditorium (map)n/a (buy)Details >>
Aug 05, 2011East Hartford, CTMartin Park (map)Tickets TBD Details >>

Full show/event calendar >>




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Thursday, October 07, 2010

The Judds To "Flip The Switch" On The Opry's Signature Barn As Opry Continues support in Fight Against Breast Cancer

THE JUDDS TO “FLIP THE SWITCH” ON THE OPRY’S SIGNATURE BARN AS “OPRY GOES PINK” FOR THE SECOND YEAR IN SUPPORT OF THE FIGHT AGAINST BREAST CANCER
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (Oct. 7, 2010) – Wynonna & Naomi – The Judds – will make a special appearance at The Grand Ole Opry in support of Women Rock For The Cure™ and Susan G. Komen for the Cure in the fight against breast cancer on Friday, Oct. 15. The 5-time GRAMMY award-winning duo will “flip the switch” to help the Opry’s signature barn backdrop turn pink for its second annual “Opry Goes Pink” show.

FOX News anchor Greta Van Susteren will be on hand as a guest announcer for a portion of the night’s show, including The Judds introduction to the audience. In addition to The Judds, the show will include performances by John Anderson, Joey + Rory, Marty Stuart, and others as well as special activities recognizing breast cancer survivors and the continuing fight against the disease.

When fans mention the code OPRYPINK when ordering tickets via telephone (800-SEE-OPRY) or enter the same code when purchasing tickets online (opry.com), $5 from the sale of those tickets will be donated to Women Rock For The Cure and the Greater Nashville affiliate of Susan G. Komen for the Cure. Pink Packages including Opry tickets, a meet and greet with The Judds, and a Judds-autographed “Opry Goes Pink” print (package components dependent upon price level), are also available benefiting the two charities. Package information can be found at opry.com.

About The Judds
Kentucky natives The Judds are one of the most successful country music duos of all time – amassing 14 number-one hits and more than 60 industry awards including multiple CMA, ACM and GRAMMY awards. After launching their career with Curb/RCA Records in 1984, The Judds sold 20 million albums in just six short years. By 1989, The Judds were one of the top-grossing and most popular touring acts in America. But at the height of their career, Naomi Judd announced she would have to retire from the music business due to health complications. To say goodbye to their fans, they launched the 116-city Judds Farewell Tour selling more concert tickets than anyone that year with the exception of The Grateful Dead and The Rolling Stones. Nearly 10 years after Naomi’s health turned around, the pair reunited on Dec. 31, 1999, for a New Year’s gala performance, and a reunion tour in 2000. They came together again at last year’s 2009 CMA Music Festival and captivated the massive audience with their homespun, acoustic harmonies that felt as revelatory as they did when they first shot onto the country music scene 26 years ago. Encouraged by that performance and driven by the fans, the duo decided to tour one last time for 2010’s The Judds: The Last Encore.

About the Grand Ole Opry
The Grand Ole Opry presents the best in country music live every week from Nashville, Tenn. Celebrating 85 years of entertainment, the Opry can be heard on 650 WSM-AM, SIRIUS XM Satellite Radio, and opry.com. The syndicated weekly program, America’s Opry Weekend, airs on country radio stations across America and on the Armed Forces Radio Network. The Grand Ole Opry is owned by Gaylord Entertainment (NYSE: GET), a Nashville-based hospitality and entertainment company that also owns and operates Gaylord Hotels. For more information, visit opry.com or www.gaylordentertainment.com

About Women Rock For The Cure
WRFTC was founded in 2007 by four friends with ties to the music industry: Jensen Sussman, Liz Lee Schullo, Rebekah Lee Beard and Tara Austin who all met through the Society of Leaders in Development (SOLID), an organization for young music business professionals. With the support of SOLID, the girls set out to organize an all-female, writer-in-the round benefit concert – later called Women Rock For The Cure – to help raise awareness and funds for SOLID’s Race For The Cure team. Since then, WRFTC has worked to support the Greater Nashville affiliate of Susan G. Komen For The Cure, raising money and increasing breast cancer awareness locally. After two amazing years of standing-room-only concerts, the founders decided to make WRFTC a non-profit organization. With the group’s new status, WRFTC is pinker than ever and always rockin’ to reach the organization’s vision; WRFTC is committed to fighting breast cancer by utilizing the passion, creativity and strength of the entertainment industry to find inspiring ways to raise money for Susan G. Komen for the Cure® Greater Nashville, as well as creating awareness programs for men and women of all ages. For more information, visit www.womenrockforthecure.org.

About the Greater Nashville Affiliate of Susan G. Komen for the Cure
The Greater Nashville Affiliate of Susan G. Komen for the Cure — along with those who generously support us with their talent, time and resources—is working to better the lives of those facing breast cancer in our community. We join more than 100,000 breast cancer survivors and activists around the globe as part of the world’s largest and most progressive grassroots network fighting breast cancer. Through events like the Komen Greater Nashville Race for the Cure, we have invested $2.5 Million in local breast health and breast cancer awareness projects in 11 counties over the past ten years. Up to 75 percent of net proceeds generated by the Komen Greater Nashville Affiliate stay in the Nashville area while the remaining income goes to the Susan G. Komen for the Cure Award and Research Grant Programs supporting research, awards and educational and scientific programs around the world. Join us by calling 615-383-0017 or visiting us online at www.komen-nashville.org.



Media Contacts:
Women Rock For The Cure and Susan G. Komen For The Cure
Jensen Sussman, Co-President Women Rock For The Cure
jensen.sussman@wmg.com / (615) 915-9318

Tuesday, October 05, 2010

Oak Ridge Boys to appear on Food Network's Diners, Drive-ins and Dives tonight 9 pm (cst) ! !

The Oak Ridge Boys to appear on Food Networks’ Diners, Drive-ins and Dives tonight 9 pm (CST)!!!
Hendersonville TN - The Oak Ridge Boys along with Diners, Drive-ins and Dives host Guy Fieri will cook up a variety of Mediterranean and Middle Eastern dishes based on centuries-old family recipes like Hummus, Baba Ghanoush, Falafel and Tabbouleh at Café Rakka tonight on the popular Food Network television show. This cozy, comfortable restaurant in Hendersonville, Tennessee, is fast becoming a Middle Tennessee favorite, serving signature dishes with flair and a perfect pick for Guy Fieri!

Diners, Drive-ins and Dives are popular again thanks to faithful baby boomers, a slew of younger fans and a whole new generation of owners. Join Guy Fieri as he visits classic "greasy spoon" spots, from a roadside shack in Tarpley, Texas to a Las Vegas sports bar with stellar stromboli.

Saturday, October 02, 2010

The Circle is Home Again, at The Opry!!

Search Amazon.com for grand old opryI must admit if you have anything to do with Nashville , and watching that devastating flood, Tonight's Concert meant a lot. The Circle is back where it belongs. Brad Paisley and Little Jimmy Dickens open up in song. Brad did a song by himself acoustically later in show, That was a real treat. Martina was one of few females performing, which was a bit unusual. Keth Urban did a real nice version of Radney Foster's "I'm In". I'm still humming it. There was some nice storys interspersed about people helping each other during the flood.
There were two songs done which were milestones just by the incredible musicianship. First , there was Charlie Daniels with Montgomery Gentry doing the "Devil Came Down To Georgia". The one big guy in Montgomery Gentry just swang his mike stand, like he usually does. His partner sang the Devil's part. Charlies Band was smoking ( no, not literally), they were really hot, I never saw Charlie play fiddle as well as He did tonight, He played an ending that was like nothing I have ever seen him doe, like He slowly crawled up the scale playing fiddle at full Speed and when they got to a certain spot, He just Stopped, almost like he was out of energy, but it was planned. He got the most reaction from the Crowd.
The last song was a guitar jam of "Working Man's Blues" . It was Brad Paisley, Keith Urban, Marty Stuart and Steve Wariner playing guitar and Ricky Scaggs on mandolin, great song and version. They were all good, but surprizing me a little were Marty Stuart and Steve Wariner. Always liked Wariner, but his lead was just plain incredible, jazzy sounding and Marty Stuart was playing some older timed type country, just very enjoyable. Here is a version of the same song from 2 years ago at The opry.

Friday, October 01, 2010

"Mississippi Rain" - Badhorse" - A Review

Reviewing a single is fun because I really get to concentrate on just one song. I just got this today, and am listening to the CD single for the first time. Man, I love that lead guitar , classic country, rock stuff. I had never heard of Badhorse, but they have quite a resume'.
It's raining tonight in Philly and I mean "Cats and Dogs".

This is a country ROCK ballad, that has a great set of hooks, The singer to this song has got a warm emotive voice. You know, had it not been for a wonderful person who sent me this, I would have never heard like this, This is a very good recording, with that Big Studio sound and some strings tastefully placed in the mix. The drums are real good, just love the guitar licks, really fit in with the vocals and do not overpower them, even the guy takes off, He has his own sound. This is definitely radio Friendly, a very hot performance with great vocals and the song itself, is a great vehicle for the mix. This is a very good band that has opened for the big guys , like the Sensational new Zac Brown. If they put out much more like this, These groups will be opening for Badhorse.
Well, I have to give it a thumbs up, very good song. With the right promotion and some luck, it's a winner. I say that with some Sarcasm, because I think We all know that the best song is not always picked, but my best wishes for BadHorse and "Mississippi Rain".

Sunday, September 26, 2010

"That Just Happened" - Preorder now, out Oct 12 - Mountain Heart

Search Amazon.com for mountain heartYes, Mountain Heart even calls themselves alt/bluegrass. This group is releasing a seven song EP on Oct 10, but, a bit different than usual. I do know this, It is a great recording, has four very good original songs , and 3 covers, Little Sadie, The Ride, and a long 7 minute jam of Whipping Post by the Allman Brothers band. Will leave the links for you.

Oh yeh, as far as I know, no mp3s are scheduled to sell anywhere, this CD will be a real treat, I know a Lot of work has gone into it.

This group has done nothing , but work themselves to death all summer, hitting all of The Festivals. They have no record label now, They had been with Rural Rhythmns Records for a couple of years and their live CD at the Ark in Ann Arbor, Michigan. They have no publicist, personally, because of my love for their music, I have been trying to share their exploits this summer. Bluegrass Bands literally live on that Bus most of the time. They have a real good collection of Youtubes on Youtube. They have no deal for Distribution, right now, only for sale at their website, you can preorder and they will try to get it out to you by Oct 12. Name of EP is "That Just Happened", which is a real good selection of songs. Personally, I think they should have worked something out with Rural Rhythms records which is a good label. Their music is all acoustic, only baddie is Shillings "Electric Keyboards".

Original members are banjo player Barry Abernathy who plays with a very small part of his hand, but sounds great. Jim Van Cleve is the other original member, great fiddle player. Other members are lead singer Josh Shilling(piano, guitar), Jake Stargel (Lead guitar) , Aaron Ramsey who plays a wicked mandolin and Jason Moore on Bass. This band is 10 years old, and they go on with a Facebook crowd of 7,000 and their manager Brian Smith. I was priviledged to meet them all and see them this June at Sellersville Theater, where they put on a great show. Here is a youtube of their cover of "Whipping Post" -http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MSeBZOb4x9s&hd=1

These guys are country and bluegrass thru and thru, they like hunting , the great outdoors, and a song that gave them a boost this year was An incredible rendition of "The National Anthem" at a Nascar race. They have been getting some endorsement breaks with Vietti brand of Chili, and Mike Long Guitars. Go check out
www.MountainHeart.com and go to store, and preorder their CD, you will not be disapointed.
Another alternative Bluegrass group is a group called "The Infamous Stringdusters", they are a different story, but their last CD ,produced by Gary Paczosa is just excellent. More bands, The Greencards and TheDuhks plus The Punch Brothers. Now , go enjoy some Bluegrass.

Friday, September 24, 2010

"Things That Fly" - Infamous Stringdusters - A Review

Listening to this on a good DVD player is a real experience. Theses guys are talented musicians, and since their last 2 CDs ,which were more Bluegrass sounding. These guys have really taken off into a sound that is almost orchestral. When you have Gary Paczosa in tow, the man for acoustic recordings in Nashville or where ever he is and then having it mastered by Doug Sax, well, not going to get better sound quality than that. I have heard many of Paczosa's recordings since 2000, including "One Moment More" by Mindy Smith which also had Doug Sax mastering it. You just can't lose, He knows how to put singers and musicians in the place to succeed.

On this CD, It starts out sounding very modern almost like chamber music, with the quality of sound on the instruments is other worldy. On track #9, there is a beautiful little 45 second number, which leads into track 10, a first time real normal structured song, and from there on in, the music becomes more of a vehicle of expression, that Falco and Hall do well with. I would compare the music here to the Punch Brothers. Just some real great musicianship.

Tuesday, September 21, 2010

Mel Tillis Heads To Big Apple for National Media Appearances in support of debut Comedy Album

Mel Tillis Heads to Big Apple for National Media Appearances in Support of Debut Comedy Album

Tillis Scheduled for Appearances with Fox & Friends,
the Fox News Strategy Room, Sirius-XM Satellite Radio

Nashville, TN – September 20, 2010 - It’s a big week for country music’s iconic funnyman, Mel Tillis. Tonight, Tillis receives the Academy of Country Music’s Cliffie Stone Pioneer Award and tomorrow, Tuesday, September 21, will release his debut comedy album, You Ain’t Gonna Believe This… (Show Dog-Universal Music).

Also this week, in addition to a slew of Nashville media stops, (CMT Radio, CMT.com, RFD's Crook & Chase, WZTV's Tennessee Mornings, WSMV's Better Nashville, WTVF's Talk of the Town) the Country Music Hall of Famer will head to New York City for national appearances with the Fox News Channel’s Fox & Friends, FoxNews.com’s Strategy Room and Sirius-XM Satellite Radio. Sirius-XM stops include Getting Late (Raw Dog), Judith Regan (Stars),The Frank DeCaro Show (OutQ) and The Bill Mack Show (Willie’s Place).


Tune-In:

Wednesday, September 22

6:00 AM EST
Fox News Channel – Fox & Friends

2:20 PM EST
FoxNews.com – Strategy Room

Thursday, September 23

1:30 PM EST
Sirius-XM - The Frank DeCaro Show (Ch. 109 - OutQ)

2:00 PM EST
Sirius-XM - The Bill Mack Show (Ch. 64 - Willie's Place)

*Additional Sirius-XM visits to be aired at later date

Thursday, September 16, 2010

Mountain Heart Teams Up with Vietti Chili for music and Chili

Search Amazon.com for mountain heart cdMountain Heart has teamed up with legendary Tennessee food company, Vietti Chili to offer up a limited edition Mountain Heart/Vieti Chili, just in time for football season!
Here is the recent press release:
Mountain Heart is very pleased to announce that they have been chosen as the next Vietti Vinyl Artist. This marketing initiative was developed several years ago by Nashville-based Choice Food of America to promote their all-natural Vietti Chili while partnering with outstanding Nashville based music artists in a unique branding awareness program which promotes both the artist and the Vietti brand.
Thru this special branding relationship, Mountain Heart will receive enhanced, targeted visibility thru non-traditional methods via grocery store shelves as opposed to the typical manner thru retail music retail locations. Working in conjunction with Vietti’s vast network of vendor partners throughout the Southeast, this partnership will help showcase Mountain Heart to a broad new audience thru visual placement directly on their cans of chili, tens of thousands of which will boast a full color photo and bio of the band along with a link to their web site. The band and their music is also exposed via the Vietti Vinyl web site link at http://www.viettivinyl.com/artists.html
Leadership Artists, Mountain Heart’s management company is currently working with Choice Foods to arrange personal appearances at selected locations along the group’s tour schedule later this year. The goal is to continue to expose Mountain Heart to a diversified audience, something that is further supported thru the exciting new music Mountain Heart plans to release later this summer.
Since forming in 1999, Mountain Heart has done nothing short of revolutionize the way to play and present acoustic music. As one of the most highly awarded ensembles ever, this band and its members have amassed multiple awards and nominations and have also appeared on the legendary Grand Ole Opry stage over one hundred times.
Their musical virtuosity, unmatched energy, and keen sense of entertainment dynamics have helped them to forge a highly unique sound and stage show, appealing to a wide variety of musical tastes. Sharing the stage with such icons as Lynyrd Skynyrd, John Fogerty, Kansas, Alison Krauss, LeAnn Rimes, Travis Tritt, Brad Paisley, and Merle Haggard, Mountain Heart always makes an undeniable connection to an audience, leaving them begging for more.
Known as “the great tastin’ chili from Music City,” all-natural Vietti Chili has been manufactured in Nashville, Tennessee, since 1898. The Vietti brand is distributed through major grocery chains and independent grocery stores throughout the Southeast. Vietti formulations are original recipes that add variety to the chili category, while its packaging reinforces the Music City connection by promoting emerging musical talent through the Vietti Vinyl program.
Vietti Vinyl is the natural convergence of two powerful forces that are uniquely Nashville—its great food and its great music. Vietti Chili, as a beloved heritage brand for Music City, celebrates Nashville’s revered musical tradition by selecting the most representative singers, songwriters and bands—introducing them to a new audience in a non-traditional way, through our product labels and website.
Learn more about Vietti Chili and sample music from all Vietti Vinyl artists at www.ViettiChili.com.
Vietti Chili is a brand of Nashville-based Choice Food of America.
The chili can be found in the following states at these fine aprticipating stores:
Alabama: Associated Food Centers, Food Center, Food Giant, Food Lion, Piggly Wiggly
Georgia: Kroger, Piggly Wiggly

Fly Palomino Tour

FLY PALAMINO TOUR


The Infamous Stringdusters – Trampled by Turtles
www.thestringdusters.com – www.trampledbyturtles.com


"The Infamous Stringdusters epitomizes the ethic of today's young 'new-grass' artists. Their instrumental virtuosity is front and center, but it's paired with an insouciant curiosity for everything from shiny Nashville harmonies to jam-band wonkery." - LA Times


Click here to check out the recent show review in Huffington Post


September 16th, 2010 – Nashville, TN - The definition of bluegrass is being challenged. Ever since the "O Brother" bubble burst, string-bands have developed into the mainstream redefining bluegrass and shifting the limiting paradigm of acoustic instruments. Divergent string-band worlds collide as thrash grassers Trampled by Turtles and virtuosic-jammers The Infamous Stringdusters team up to bring you the Fly Palomino Tour.

The Infamous Stringdusters are at the forefront of a new movement in bluegrass music and touring in support of their Sugar Hill release Things That Fly. Their unmatched virtuosity has enabled them to take acoustic music to a completely new level. They wield an expansive repertoire touching on masters from Jimmy Martin to John Hartford, but their strength lies in their original compositions. Dedication to arrangements sets them apart and extended improvisation makes every performance completely unique. The live Stringdusters experience is anti-formulaic, groove friendly, and mind-expanding - not your granddaddy's bluegrass. Unless your granddaddy was Jerry Garcia.

Trampled by Turtles continue touring in support of their latest release, Palomino, which in April became their first #1 debut on Billboard’s Bluegrass chart. Separating the band from the pack is the contrast of their lightening fast, punk-influenced barn-burners and their lonesome, Townes Van Zandt-inspired ballads. Frontman/songwriter Dave Simonett’s vocals and lyrics capture the stark MN landscapes and the mood of the North Country like no other current artist with his hauntingly beautiful songs. The bands' unique mixture of rock influences and authentic style have garnered them coverage from a wide range of publications from Daytrotter to Paste to Relix to CMT.

Fly Palamino Tour Dates

11/04/10 Chicago, IL @ Double Door
11/05/10 Ann Arbor, MI @ Blind Pig
11/06/10 Cleveland, OH @ Beachland Ballroom
11/08/10 Northampton, MA @ Iron Horse Music Hall
11/09/10 South Burlington, VT @ Higher Ground
11/10/10 Cambridge, MA @ Middle East
11/11/10 New York, NY @ Bowery Ballroom
11/12/10 Falls Church, VA @ State Theatre
11/13/10 Baltimore, MD @ 8×10
11/14/10 Charleston, WV @ Mountain Stage
11/16/10 Asheville, NC @ Grey Eagle
11/17/10 Carrboro, NC @ Cat’s Cradle
11/18/10 Wilmington, NC @ Soap Box Laundro Lounge
11/19/10 Charlotte, NC @ Visulite Theatre
11/20/10 Atlanta, GA @ Variety Playhouse

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Monday, September 13, 2010

New Releases From Rural Rhythm Records

Search Amazon.com for rural rhythm
TWO CDS RELEASING SEPTEMBER 28, 2010

RODNEY DILLARD & THE DILLARD BAND
"I WISH LIFE WAS LIKE MAYBERRY"
Listen clip of new single, "There is a Time"


LOU REID & CAROLINA
"SOUNDS LIKE HEAVEN TO ME"
Rural Rhythm Christian
Listen to a clip of the new single,
"God's Front Porch"

RELEASING OCTOBER 12, 2010

BLUE MOON RISING - "STRANGE NEW WORLD"
Listen to a clip of new single,
"Time to be Movin' On"

RELEASING OCTOBER 26, 2010

VARIOUS ARTISTS
"THE ALL-STAR JAM - Live at Graves Mountain "
Celebration of Rural Rhythm Records
55th Anniversary
The first single, "Graves Mountain Memories" written by Carl Jackson, contains vocal performances by Russell Moore, Lou Reid, Audie Blaylock, Carrie Hassler, Carl Jackson & Mark Newton with Sammy Shelor (Banjo), Wayne Benson (Mandolin), Mike Hartgrove (Fiddle), and Mike Anglin (Bass).

Friday, September 10, 2010

Tune In Tommorow To See Joey + Rory Perform On CBS Early Show

TUNE IN TOMORROW TO SEE
JOEY+RORY PERFORM ON CBS EARLY SHOW

Husband/Wife Duo Hit The Big Apple for Album Number Two Media

Nashville, Tenn. (September 10, 2010) -- The famous line “We’re Not in Kansas Anymore” couldn’t have been more appropriate for Rory Feek, hit songwriter and half of the successful husband/wife country music duo Joey+Rory. The overall clad native from Atchison, Kansas landed in New York City yesterday with wife Joey for a few days of media appearances and performances to promote their sophomore CD
Album Number Two which comes out Tuesday, September 14th. Interviews and performances with several national outlets included NBC, CBS, Better TV,
Ladies Home Journal, Westwood One Radio and People Magazine - Country Edition.
Tomorrow morning, the couple will perform two songs outside on the Plaza for CBS Early Show. “To Say Goodbye” during a 9/11 dedication and their current single “This Song’s For You.”

“I’m told it’s fashion week here so I’m not quite sure we fit in or if my bibs are appropriate attire,” laughs Rory. “But everyone is so nice and we are surprised at how many country music fans are in the big city. We are a long way off from our farm house in Pottsville, Tennessee but it’s been a great experience.”

Ladies Home Journal prepared one of the items served at Marcy Jo’s, the restaurant Joey owns with her sister-in-law and the couple “taste tested” the results. Viewers can see how the national magazine stacked up and watch the entire online interview at http://www.lhj.com/blogs/ladieslounge Fans can register to win an autography copy of the new album.

Joey, who celebrated her birthday in the big city will also appear in an upcoming issue of People Magazine - Country Edition and the duo recently nominated for CMA Duo of the Year is featured in an upcoming Country Weekly issue as they recount the romantic story of how and where they first laid eyes on each other.

An interview and acoustic performance of "That's Important To Me" on the national syndicated television show Better TV is set to air September 22nd.

# # #

For more information, contact:

Kathy Best
615-383-0412
kathy@frontpagepublicity.com

Sunday, September 05, 2010

Jesse McReynolds And Friends - Songs Of The Grateful Dead

Songs Of The Grateful Dead This CD was a real treat I received in the mail today. Jesse McReynolds and his brother Jim played in a bluegrass band that Jerry Garcia loved in the 60s and He would drive around the southern Bluegrass festivals of Alabama ,Virginia looking for his favorite groups. The wheel of life is so strange at times, He did meet Jesse and the group, but just got an autograph.

Forward to the 90's and Jesse finds out about Jerry and the Grateful Dead and his second wife Joy is a Dead fan. One thing leads to another and he is together with David Nelson of the New Riders, and Stu Allen of The JGB and others of Jesse's group. They put together a twelve set song list of Dead songs , plus a new song "Day by Day" written by Hunter and McReynolds.

Jerry Garcia would have loved this, Jesse really puts his soul into this and he comes across like someone who has known this music all of his life. His vocals and mandolin embrace the songs of Garcia and Hunter like no one else could. Plus having Stu Allen and David Nelson on guitar, there is some very Garcia like licks. He sings "Stella Blue" like He had lived the song and the music is so pretty with incredible pedal steel. This is not like a tribute album where someone rips thru the melodies, This guy lives them, having been very familiar with the Grateful Dead for over a Decade now. His version of "Deep Elem Blues" really bounces along a lot like Jerry would. Robert Hunter said "Jesse's singing voice is like a long-lost brother voice between Jerry Garcia and David Nelson."

I love Jesse doing "Deal", sounds great. It sounds alot like Jerry's original. The mandolin is sweet. Plus a great telecaster solo.
His version of "Ripple" is poetry in motion.

His song with Robert Hunter is an original called "Day By Day" which is a mid tempo song with real melodic mandolin and guitar, and the words are simple truths of life. Hunter really seemed to enjoy the song they wrote together.

The CD starts out with "Black Muddy River", Jesse seems real comfortable with this and his mandolin is great here, he really has a very recognizable style, all his own. His version of "Franklin's Tower" has a country feel to it. Please let me try to get this across, This has a real old timey traditional bluegrass sound, but is a great recording. I have to see what else this man has available in recordings.

To hear a bluegrass icon sing Grateful Dead songs written by a man (Jerry Garcia) who idolized him is a miracle. The kind I like.

www.jimandjesse.com
www.woodstockrecords.com

Thursday, September 02, 2010

THE ROYS On A Mission - Partner With Compassion International To Help Bogoto's Needy

THE ROYS On A Mission - Partner With Compassion International To Help Bogota's Needy

Organization Offers Nutritional, Spiritual, Educational And Health Assistance

Nashville, TN (September 2, 2010) -- Brother and sister duo THE ROYS traveled to Bogota last month with volunteers from Compassion International to learn more about the organization and its mission to positively impact a community of 13 million. During the trip, Lee and Elaine each chose to sponsor an eight-year old child - Miguel and Nayelis.



The four-day trip THE ROYS took to the impoverished country was a busy one; Lee and Elaine attended a training seminar and visited an educational center filled with needy children and members of CI. THE ROYS observed extreme living conditions: dirt floors, no heat, and one home without a roof. "It was truly an eye-opening experience," explains Elaine. “We live in such an incredible country, and we take so much for granted. Lee and I will be sharing our mission experience with our fans at our live shows." The duo performed at several impromptu gatherings to joyful crowds of children and volunteers.
The siblings returned to the U.S. with a new outlook. "The families we met in Bogota live in destitute conditions, yet they have a grateful attitude," Lee adds. "Elaine and I have a good life, and are so fortunate to be able to do what we do for a living and share our musical gift with people."

THE ROYS are also donating their time and energies to the Jerry Lewis MDA Telethon, and will perform on the broadcast this Labor Day weekend.

For more information about COMPASSION INTERNATIONAL, log on to www.compassion.com/theroys.

The UnderGround Bluegrasss In McMinnville, Tenn.



Yes, down in Tennessee exists a real Bluegrass Underground, a large Cavern under the ground where Bluegrass artists have gone to do some serious pickin. It gives a sweet aural back dropp , some natural reverb, just a great show,

Wednesday, September 01, 2010

Miranda Lambert is Speechless

MIRANDA LAMBERT IS SPEECHLESS!


Lambert Lands the Most Nominations for any Female Artist
in the History of the CMA Awards!


Nashville, TN (September 1, 2010) – It’s rare that fiery Texas songstress Miranda Lambert is left speechless but that’s exactly what happened today when she learned of her record breaking nine CMA Award nominations including Entertainer, Female and Album of the Year. Lambert, along with Dierks Bentley, appeared on
Good Morning America today to read the announcements and was told just minutes before going on air.

“They don't even make a word to describe how I feel,” she admitted. “I'm still coming to terms with this.”

Nominees in seven other categories were announced yesterday and when the final nominations were tallied, Lambert led the list of finalists with nine nominations - the most for any female artist in the history of the CMA Awards. Alan Jackson received 10 nominations in 2002. Prior to that, Merle Haggard held the record with nine in 1970.

“I've had a band for 10 years and its all coming together this year,” said Lambert. “This means so much to me to be recognized by my friends. We all work together and pull for each other. Thank you country music for letting me live my dreams. God bless this industry and my fans!”

Immediately following the announcements, the stunned Miranda Lambert headed to Today Show for a quick appearance to promote her upcoming September 29th performance on the show and then caught a flight out. She may have been a woman of few words on air today but many of her peers had plenty to say.

"It's always exciting to see great talent receive the recognition it deserves. Even better, Miranda Lambert earned these history-making honors without having to compromise her music or her vision in any way."

Alan Light (The New York Times, Rolling Stone, msn.com)

“This shows that Miranda knew who she was as an artist before she got her deal and that she never kept fighting to win through for that vision. Just like Willie Nelson, Waylon Jennings and others. We're proud to have been there at the beginning.”

Pam Shane (KTTX-Bryan/College Station, TX)

“Miranda always remains true to herself and her music. Miranda Lambert's 9 CMA Award nominations are recognition of how we've all seen her grow as both an artist and a person over the last several years. Congrats to one of our genre's treasures!

Ed Warm (Joe’s Bar/Chicago)

“…It looks like the Country Music Association has a new sweetheart of the rodeo.”

Dave Itzkoff (New York Times)

“Since the beginning, I’ve always known she had the talent and it’s great to see the rest of the world catching up!"

Mike Culotta (OM/PD – WQYK/Tampa, FL)

"I started working with Miranda 10 years ago and I'm so proud of her and her accomplishments. They are a long time coming."

Joey Lee (WME)

Lambert received nominations for Entertainer; Female Vocalist; Album for Revolution produced by Frank Liddell and Mike Wrucke; two for Single, "The House That Built Me" and "White Liar;" Song for "White Liar," which she wrote with Natalie Hemby; Musical Event, for "Bad Angel" with Dierks Bentley and Jamey Johnson; and two for Music Video of the Year for "The House That Built Me," directed by Trey Fanjoy, and "White Liar," directed by Chris Hicky.

When told that she was actually competing with herself in several categories, Lambert exclaimed: “Is that possible? I didn’t even know that was possible!”

"The 44th Annual CMA Awards" will be hosted for the third time by Brad Paisley and Carrie Underwood and broadcast live from the Bridgestone Arena in Nashville, Wednesday, Nov. 10 (8:00-11:00 PM/ET) on the ABC Television Network.

Three-time GRAMMY® nominee, platinum-selling recording artist and hit singer/songwriter Miranda Lambert recently added nine CMA nominations to her already impressive list of accolades she’s received this year, including her first CMT Award. The fan-voted CMT Award for Female Video of the Year joins Miranda’s recent ACM wins for Album of the Year (Revolution), Female Vocalist of the Year and Video of the Year (White Liar). Her second single from Revolution, "The House That Built Me," held the Number 1 position for 4 straight weeks. It follows “White Liar” which was Miranda’s first career No.1 single. Miranda is slathering on the southern charm with her newest single, “Only Prettier.”

Revolution, her critically-acclaimed third album, has quickly surpassed the Gold sales mark after debuting at No. 1 on Billboard's Country Album Charts making her one of four artists in country music history whose first three albums landed the top position right out of the box. It received rare perfect reviews from countless publications including four stars from Rolling Stone and USA Today, an 'A' from Entertainment Weekly and exuberant praise from the New York Times, SPIN, the Washington Post and more. Many have proclaimed Revolution the "Best Album of the Year" in any genre including the Houston Chronicle and NPR's All Things Considered.

In 2008, Miranda Lambert first won the coveted ACM Album of the Year and in 2007 the ACM Best New Female Award.

She recently wrapped up her own "Roadside Bars and Pink Guitars" headlining tour, joined a stint of dates on the Lilith Fair tour, and will be kicking off CMT On Tour Miranda Lambert Revolution 2010 in September. For more information, visit www.MirandaLambert.com

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Contact:

Kathy Best
FrontPage Publicity
kathy@frontpagepublicity.com
615-383-0412
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