"Dogwood Winter" - Steve Gulley and Tim Stafford - A Review

Steve Gulley of Grasstowne and Tim Stafford of Blue Highway have put together one of the best all around recordings that I have heard in a while. Between the two, they have put together a a really well produced singer-songwriter style bluegrass set. The songs are more than chords and words. They are like portraits in music with a message or glorious picture. Dale Ann Bradley adds to the harmony vocals at times.

From "Why Ask Why?" to "Sixteen Cents", this collection of songs will hold you glued to your stereo, a very warm and encouraging album that is a real masterpiece in my opinion.

Gulley and Stafford are so natural together, their harmonies just set the words to life. Produced by Steve and Tim, it is a beautiful, almost audiophile recording, not overdone, but it is a real good sound that fits the mood and emotion they are trying to get across. The artwork is very noteworthy, as with Winter being the theme of a couple of songs, there are some great snowscapes. I thought that I'd picked up some James Taylor influences on a couple of songs. Each song has some notes by the writers , and I caught this time around, that Tim likes James Taylor and He was in their minds when they did "Torches".

This disc crosses lots of acoustic genres, it's not a full blown bluegrass kicker, but more of a mellow singer-songwriter type of bluegrass with definitely that High Lonesome sound firmly in mind. Their hidden sense of humour in some of the songs is a jewel. Open your mind and I can't see how you won't walk away with a lightened load and a smile on your face. Sometimes a record just has it, though you can't really say what it is, this CD has it, so I highly recommend, that you go somewhere on the web and sample it , and I'd love to hear what you think.

www.RuralRhythm.com

Top 5 Nominees Announced For The 16th Annual ICMA

TOP 5 NOMINEES ANNOUNCED FOR THE 16th ANNUAL
INSPIRATIONAL COUNTRY MUSIC AWARDS

Love and Theft, Joey + Rory, The Roys, Nathan Stanley along with Dr. Ralph Stanley and 2009 ICM Entertainer of the Year, CrossCountry The Band, Tommy Brandt to perform

Award Show Set for Thursday, October 14, 2010 at 7:00 p.m. at the
Trinity Music City USA Auditorium

NASHVILLE, TN-August 26, 2010—Top 5 category nominees announced for the 16th Annual Inspirational Country Music Awards Show. The ICM Awards are set for Thursday, October 14, 2010 at 7:00 p.m. CST at the Trinity Music City USA Auditorium located in Hendersonville, Tennessee.

The following 2010 Top 5 nominees are listed in alphabetical order within each category:

Entertainer of the Year*
Andrew Heller; Barry McGee; Jason Crabb; Point of Grace; Steve Richard; Tommy Brandt

Male Vocalist
Greg McDougal; Jason Crabb; Philip Dain Powell; Russ Murphy; Tommy Brandt

Female Vocalist
Amanda Fessant; Emma Jacob; Kathy Joy Bell; Mary James; Sandra Dee

Vocal Duo
Austins Bridge; Branded; Jeff & Sheri Easter; Joey & Rory; The Roys

Vocal Group*
Corey Brooks Band; CrossCountry The Band; Katalyst; Last Light Band; Point of Grace; The Springs

Mainstream Inspirational Country Song
Love Like Crazy – Lee Brice
That’s God – Jo Dee Messina
Temporary Home – Carrie Underwood
The Man I Want To Be – Chris Young
This Ain’t Nothing – Craig Morgan

Mainstream Country Artist
Carrie Underwood; Craig Morgan; Josh Turner; Jeff Bates; Ricky Skaggs

Christian Country Song
Beautiful – The Roys
Come To The Well-Mary James
Cowboys Love Jesus Too – Russ Murphy
Eighty Acre Church – Steve Richard
Faith In God-Tommy Brandt

Songwriter
Del Way; Dianna Paul; Greg McDougal; James Payne; Russ Murphy

Legend/Pioneer Award
Barry McGee; Dan Cowart with Last Light Band; LuLu Roman; Melanie Walker; Ricky Skaggs

Video
All I Ask For Anymore –Trace Adkins Label: Capitol Nashville Director: Deaton-Flanigen
Temporary Home – Carrie Underwood Label: Arista Nashville Director: Deaton-Flanigen
The House That Built Me – Miranda Lambert Label: Columbia Nashville Director: Trey Fanjoy
The Man I Want To Be – Chris Young Label: RCA Nashville Director: David McClister
This Ain’t Nothing – Craig Morgan Label: BNA Nashville Director: Steven L. Weaver

New Artist
Chip Willmore; Dianna Paul; Emma Jacob; Laura Dodd; Will Peppers

Musician
Dennis Agajanian; Gordon Mote; Greg McDougal; Ricky Skaggs; Tim Atwood

Comedy Act
Barry McGee; Chonda Pierce; Jeff Treece; Johnny Lee Cook; LuLu Roman

Radio Personality
BJ Fessant; Gary Richardson; J.R. Pitsenbarger; Leon Joplin; Rich Miller

Inspirational Country Radio Network
WCWV-Summersville, WV; WJCR - Upton, KY; WSM AM 650 – Nashville, TN
WTYS- Marianna, FL

Inspirational Bluegrass Artist
Cherryholmes; Lawrence Bishop; Rhonda Vincent; Ricky Skaggs; The Isaacs

Youth In Music
Abbey Gregory; Hannah Faith; Matthew Wacaster; Renee Spencer; The McDougal Kids

Music Evangelist
Amanda Fessant; Del Way; Greg McDougal; Russ Murphy; Tommy Brandt

Faith, Family & Country Movie
Flicka 2
Letters To God
Preacher’s Kid
The Blind Side
What Would Jesus Do

Television Network
Daystar; GAC; Gospel Music Channel; TBN; TCT Networks

*Denotes tie

Love and Theft, Joey + Rory, The Roys, Nathan Stanley along with Dr. Ralph Stanley and 2009 ICM Entertainer of the Year CrossCountry The Band and Tommy Brandt are all confirmed to perform on the award show. In addition, Megan Alexander, Correspondent for the national television show "INSIDE EDITION”, will co-host the show.

Tickets are $45.00 and are on sale now. Soles4Souls, the international shoe charity, will benefit from a portion of the ticket sales. For tickets, more information and show highlights, please visit www.icm-awards.com

The annual Inspirational Country Music Awards are dedicated to honoring and showcasing the biggest names and emerging talent among artists who perform Christian and Inspirational Country music. Inspirational Country music is inspired by Faith, Family, and Country™.

Previous show presenters and performers have included: Collin Raye, Ricky Skaggs, Craig Morgan, Tracy Lawrence, Natalie Grant with Wynonna, Charlie Daniels, Andy Griggs, Lonestar, Randy Houser, Jamie O’Neal, Josh Turner, Lee Greenwood, Emerson Drive, Richie McDonald, Linda Davis, Diamond Rio, Brian Littrell, Randy Owen, The Isaacs, Point of Grace, Phil Stacey, Melanie Walker, Jeff Bates, Tammy Cochran, the Carter Twins, Del Way and many more. Presenters and performers will be announced in the coming months.

The Inspirational Country Music Convention and Awards Show is a yearly event that draws music fans, broadcast media (radio, print, and TV) and the industry's top artists to Nashville to showcase music and to discuss industry related issues. The member-voted ICM Awards Show is the keynote event of Inspirational Country Week, slated for October 10-14, in Nashville, TN. The convention and show are presented by the 501C-3 not-for-profit corporation, founded in 1992, The Christian Country Music Association. For more Information on ICM Week, please email info@ccma.cc or visit www.ccma.cc

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For more information on ICM Awards Show, please contact:
Kim Dettwiller, Team Strategies, 615-321-4073, teamstrategies@comcast.net
Jason Higgins, Power Source, 615-248-8105 x223, Jason@ccma.cc


1803 Broadway #519 | Nashville, TN 37203 | phone: 615.321.4073
www.teamstrategies.net

Today's New Album Releases

TODAY'S NEW ALBUM RELEASES
Steve Gulley - Tim Stafford - "DOGWOOD WINTER"
Bartley Brothers - "HIT THE ROAD



August 24, 2010 - Rural Rhythm Records is very proud to announce two new album releases today: Steve Gulley and Tim Stafford, “DOGWOOD WINTER” and The Bartley Brother's "HIT THE ROAD."


"DOGWOOD WINTER" by Steve Gulley and Tim Stafford is surely one of the most anticipated new album releases of 2010. This is the first collaborative album by this award-winning songwriting team. Fans will enjoy hearing Steve and Tim in some different musical settings which they would not normally hear with their respective bands, GRASSTOWNE and BLUE HIGHWAY.

The album is a singer-songwriter album in every sense of the word. Steve and Tim hand picked 14 of their best new original songs they felt would be a good cross-section of their fine work together including the first single, the barn burner, "Just Along for the Ride." Since most of their songs are bluegrass, they asked some of their dear friends to help on the album. It just so happens their friends are some of the finest musicians in the bluegrass music today - Adam Steffey, Ron Stewart and Justin Moses.


“DOGWOOD WINTER” is available at Walmart, Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Best Buy, f.y.e. entertainment, Ernest Tubbs, CountySales, Music Shed and other fine outlets.

“HIT THE ROAD,” by Kentucky bluegrass music veterans The Bartley Brothers, is also another exciting bluegrass release featuring Rick and Shayne Bartley, Jayd Raines, and Josh Hymer. The first single release is the title track that truly showcases The Bartley Brothers traditional sound featuring their beautifully blended brother harmonies. Combine that with Rick and Shayne's top notch songwriting talents and you have a truly winning formula on their debut album.

These powerful elements are the reason why so much attention is being drawn to this emerging new group of respected veteran bluegrass musicians - The Bartley Brothers.

"HIT THE ROAD" is available at Amazon, Borders, Barnes & Noble, Ernest Tubbs, County Sales, Music Shed and other fine outlets.


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

RADIO - AIRPLAY DIRECT

MEDIA CONTACT: Hope River Entertainment
Penni McDaniel | 678.377.329| Email

"Always Have", Always Will" by Brandon Rickman(lead singer of LRB)

Always Have, Always Will” by Brandon Rickman
Certified as International Top 10
Listen to "Always Have, Always Will"



August 23, 2010 (Nashville, TN) - The International Association of Independent Recording Artists, IAIRA, who recognizes and honors artistic achievement, technical proficiency, and overall excellence in sound recording by monitoring chart activity has qualified the song, “Always Have, Always Will” written by Brandon Rickman and Chris Stapleton as a Certified International Top 10. The song appears on Brandon Rickman’s debut solo album, “YOUNG MAN, OLD SOUL.” Not only is Brandon an award-winning songwriter, he also contributes his distinctive lead vocals and guitar talents to the award-winning LONESOME RIVER BAND.

The album, “YOUNG MAN, OLD SOUL” was released summer of 2009 on Rural Rhythm Records and has achieved tremendous chart success and accolades along with three of his original songs also gaining attention: "Always Have, Always Will," "I Bought Her a Dog," and "Wearin' Her Knees Out Over Me."



Chart success includes, but is certainly not limited to:

#1 album for 4 consecutive weeks this year on the Roots Music Bluegrass Report
4 months on Cashbox Magazine’s Top 20 Bluegrass Albums
6 months on Bluegrass Unlimited Magazine’s Top 15 Album Chart
11 months on the Bluegrass Unlimited Magazine’s Top 30 Songs Chart for his original song, “Always Have, Always Will” (#9 last month).
7 months on the Bluegrass Unlimited Magazine’s Top 30 Song Chart for his original song, “I Bought Her a Dog” (#13 this month)
12 months on Bluegrass Music Profiles Magazine’s Top 30 Songs, “Always Have, Always Will”, (#10 last month)
6 months on Bluegrass Music Profiles Magazine’s Top 30 Songs, “I Bought Her a Dog” (#17 this month)
“Here Comes That Feeling”, his 3rd single to chart on Bluegrass Music Profiles Magazine’s Top 30 Songs
3 months on Bluegrass Music Profiles Magazine’s Top 10 Album Chart
Yet another Rickman original, “Wearin’ Her Knees Out Over Me” recently won Strictly Country Magazine’s Spirit Song of the Year.
Brandon has recently signed to SESAC, the nation’s fastest growing performing rights organization.

Brandon can also be heard on the LONESOME RIVER BAND’S brand new album, “STILL LEARNING” including the first single release, “Record Time Machine” and also on the upcoming “ALL-STAR JAM – LIVE AT GRAVES MOUNTAIN” album coming this Fall on Rural Rhythm Records.

For more information on Brandon Rickman, please visit www.lonesomeriverband.com, www.ruralrhythm.com. For Media information on Brandon Rickman, please visit www.hoperiverentertainment.com. Booking for the Lonesome River Band is provided by Roe Entertainment.
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RECORD LABEL:
Rural Rhythm Records

"Even If It Breaks My Heart" - Mountain Heart Live

I am crazy bout this band and Josh Shilling, their lead singer, This will be on their any day now new EP!!

ConGrats To Three Grascals Publicity People

A lot of music fans don't know what a publicist is, or what a publicist does. The Story of "The Grascals Success" lies not just in their great talent and creative music. Someone said, This is good, let's pull out all of the stops. Most projects just have one publicist. Publicists promote a CD release or an artist, they did both here. They have to put up with people like me , bugging them for CDs and pics and stuff. Look at this list who helped promote "The Famous Lefty Flynn."

Media Contacts:

Martha Moore, so much MOORE media / 615.746.3994
somuchmoore@charter.net

Jennifer Sacca, Rounder Records / 617.218.4503
jsacca@rounder.com

Kirt Webster, Webster & Associates / 615.777.6995
kirt@websterpr.com

Martha Moore of her own company SoMuchMoore PR, Martha used to be the publicist for KISS, and decided to go for Americana Music, I have known her a long time, and she is a super person, if you can find her, trapsing back and forth between the states and Europe with her clients.

Kirt Webster, well, He has a huge list of clients , products that he promotes including Hank williams Jr. I don't know if this is true , but word has it, that Kirt was the pR guy for Davey Crockett, now, don't quote me on that.

And last, but far from least is Jennifer Sacca from their label, Rounder Records, this label has been around awhile and is big into bluegrass and other genres. She might still have a couple of 8 tracks for sale on her site. I'm very Grateful for her, she has always been kind enough to send a CD to me when I asked.

The most important thing is, it worked, The Grascals are hot and they are having a banner year. When I first saw this list, I found it hard to believe, Three publicists I know working he same CD. It was a prescription for success. Congrats Guys!!!!

Jim Moulton

Congratulations Grascals, you sure turned it up a notch!!!

The Grascals Receive Five IBMA Nominations
Genre-bending sextet celebrates #1 CD on both Bluegrass Charts; Gives Hank Williams, Jr. his first IBMA nomination
Nashville, TN - Two-time IBMA Entertainers of the Year The Grascals are in the hunt for the 2010 Awards, making the final ballot in the following categories:

• Entertainer of the Year
• Album of the Year (THE FAMOUS LEFTY FLYNN'S)
• Recorded Event of the Year for "I'm Blue, I'm Lonesome" with Hank Williams, Jr.
• Instrumental Recorded Performance of the Year for "Blue Rock Slide"
• Reigning two-time Banjo Player of the Year, Kristin Scott Benson, is nominated again for the award

"The Grascals are now six years old and we're still in the dance with the rest of the great bluegrass artists out there. We're very honored for all our IBMA nominations received today. Special thanks to all the fans, radio and IBMA members for their vote," says Jamie Johnson. "Thanks to the good Lord for letting us make the music that we love and continue to love - and will love for the rest of our career!"

Known as a genre-bending sextet that strives to give their audiences 110 percent each time they take the stage, The Grascals borrowed The Monkees' pop hit, "Last Train to Clarksville," and "grassed it up"as the first radio single and video from their fourth album, THE FAMOUS LEFTY FLYNN'S, which currently sits at #1 on both the Bluegrass Unlimited and Bluegrass Music Profiles charts. They will continue to open dates this Fall for the Hank Williams, Jr Rowdy Friends Tour, along with Jamey Johnson, Eric Church, Colt Ford, Gretchen Wilson and Sunny Sweeney.

The announcements were made this morning at the Country Music Hall of Fame & Museum; winners will be announced September 30 during the IBMA Awards Show at the Ryman Auditorium.


How I would love to be there!!!!! I remember reviewing the last Grascals CD, " Keep On Walking" ,It was pretty good, but I had trouble getting excited enough to review it. "The Famous Lefty Flynn" is just a masterpiece, Kristen Scott Benson, their great new banjo picker has to get some kudos here. The guys got some great songs together and just nailed them, One of the few groups that can make me start dancin' around my apartment. There is a sense of joy and excitement in what they are doing that has led to the success of this CD. And I personally hope they will have many more, and come up my way some time guys. Is this legal, I reviewed this group already, I just did it again. For the Record (or CD), It will be between this and The Lonesome River Band's "Still Learning" for best Album.

The ICM Awards to be held on Thursday, October 14, 2010 at the Trinity Music City USA Auditorium

The ICM Awards to be Held on Thursday, October 14, 2010
at the Trinity Music City USA Auditorium

NASHVILLE, TN-August 18, 2010—The 16th Annual Inspirational Country Music Awards Show (ICM Awards) announces that Love And Theft, Joey + Rory, The Roys, Nathan Stanley along with Dr. Ralph Stanley and 2009 ICM Entertainer of the Year CrossCountry The Band, are all confirmed to perform on the award show.

When you see husband & wife duo Joey+Rory, you don’t need to be told that what they have is genuine. Just listen to their music or listen to them talk and you can tell that what they have is the real deal…not just as a musical duo, but as a couple. The deep connection they have doesn’t just shine through their music, it’s the reason their music shines.

“It’s such a blessing to get to play music and travel and see things we’ve never been able to see before. But the highlight of it all is being able to do it together.” states Joey

“Our plan is the same as it’s always been - to show up, do what we do and hope that magic will happen,” says Rory. “As hard as we work, we ultimately know that God’s plans are a lot bigger and better than we can make ourselves.”

Megan Alexander, Correspondent for the national television show, "INSIDE EDITION”, will co-host the award show that will be held on Thursday, October 15, 2009, at 7:00 p.m. CST at the Trinity Music City USA Auditorium located in Hendersonville, Tennessee. Tickets are $45.00 and are on sale now. Soles4Souls, the international shoe charity, will benefit from a portion of the ticket sales. For tickets, more information and show highlights, please visit www.icm-awards.com.

The annual Inspirational Country Music Awards are dedicated to honoring and showcasing the biggest names and emerging talent among artists who perform Christian and Inspirational Country music. Inspirational Country music is inspired by Faith, Family, and Country™.

Previous show presenters and performers have included: Collin Raye, Ricky Skaggs, Craig Morgan, Tracy Lawrence, Natalie Grant with Wynonna, Charlie Daniels, Andy Griggs, Lonestar, Randy Houser, Jamie O’Neal, Josh Turner, Lee Greenwood, Emerson Drive, Richie McDonald, Linda Davis, Diamond Rio, Brian Littrell, Randy Owen, The Isaacs, Point of Grace, Phil Stacey, Melanie Walker, Jeff Bates, Tammy Cochran, the Carter Twins, Del Way and many more. Additional presenters and performers will be announced in the coming months.

The Inspirational Country Music Convention and Awards Show is a yearly event that draws music fans, broadcast media (radio, print, and TV) and the industry's top artists to Nashville to showcase music and to discuss industry related issues. The member-voted ICM Awards Show is the keynote event of Inspirational Country Week, slated for October 10-14, in Nashville, TN. The convention and show are presented by the 501C-3 not-for-profit corporation, founded in 1992, The Christian Country Music Association. For more Information on ICM Week, please email info@ccma.cc or visit www.ccma.cc .

###

For more information on ICM Awards Show, please contact:
Kim Dettwiller, Team Strategies, 615-321-4073, teamstrategies@comcast.net
Jason Higgins, Power Source, 615-248-8105 x223, Jason@ccma.cc

The Bluegrass Top 10. My favorites and What to look for!!

Well, My two favorite bluegrass CDs are doing well, "Still Learning" by The Lonesome River Band and also "The Famous Lefty FLynn's" by the Grascals.Both are very well done bluegrass Cds with a taste of variety. Both have broken in to the Billboard Bluegrass top ten.

What's next? Well, I am anxiously awaiting the release of Mountain Heart's new CD , which is rather an EP, just 7 songs. I have heard early rough recording of three of the songs and it sounds great. Also, am awaiting the release in the fall of Rural Rhythmn 50 year celebration at Graves Mountain, with most of their Artists taking place there.

Brian Wamplers "Talent Booster" Pedal

Brian Wampler is one of the best guitar pedal makers around, I am a proud owner of his ego compressor compressor which is a ross like Nashville compression pedal. These names were from a sort of joke web site someone made up of pedals, The ego compressor, Now it is the talent booster, it may not boost your talent, but you will get some great tones from this pedal, i love the sound of this boost.

Roy Clark Reunites with Long -Time Business Associates

ROY CLARK REUNITES WITH LONG-TIME BUSINESS ASSOCIATES

Roy Clark signs with Jim Halsey of The Halsey Company for management; returns to Paul Moore of William Morris Endeavor Entertainment for exclusive booking representation; Webster & Associates for publicity in association with The Brokaw Company
Nashville, TN – Roy Clark, Virginia born, multi-award winning virtuoso, actor, vocalist, philanthropist and all 'round great human being, has reunited with his long-time manager Jim Halsey of The Halsey Company and booking agent Paul Moore of William Morris Endeavor Entertainment for exclusive representation. In addition, Clark has added Webster & Associates Public Relations & Marketing for publicity representation in association with The Brokaw Company.

Best known as the country funny man who co-hosted HEE-HAW – one of the most successful and longest running syndicated shows in the history of TV – Roy is also a gifted entertainer and instrumentalist. His concert dates run the gamut from hysterical slapstick comedy to virtuoso performances on guitar, banjo and fiddle.

“He has headlined every major venue in the USA many times, as well as making
multiple appearances at major festivals overseas,” says WME’s Paul Moore. “A long time member of the Grand Ole Opry, last year, Roy was inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame in Nashville. He is a true living legend, and we’re delighted to have him back in our fold as a treasured client.”

In 1976, Roy Clark was the first American country singer to headline a tour through the U.S.S.R. It was a ground-breaking cultural exchange credited with helping further open the diplomatic relations between the USA and the then Soviet Union.

Roy was the first country artist to guest host the Tonight Show, and was one of the first stars from the world of country music to headline the biggest show rooms in Las Vegas where he repeatedly broke attendance records.

“The exciting opportunity of working again with Roy Clark ignites the possibilities of recreating the magical combination that was so successful with Roy and I for 33 years, pioneering firsts for country music,” says Jim Halsey. “We’ve always been a winning team. We have some unique and off the wall plans to make our magic again.”

Roy, one of America's most recognizable personalities still has that signature smile and twinkle in the eye that has made him a household superstar as a favorite on TV. Commercials, guest appearances, hosting television specials and his weekly hosting of 25 years on HEE-HAW still elicit greetings of fans on the street of, "I'm a pickin'", to which Roy always returns a friendly and energetic, "and I'm a grinnin'".

Roy was a pioneer of "firsts."

"Ghost Train, (The Studio B Sessions) - A review

Coming this month, is one of the most classic country recordings that I have heard in a while, Marty Stuart and his Fabulous Superlatives are just as good as a bluegrass band or country band. Recorded in historic RCA Studio B, The disc even has that info encoded. The title track "Ghost Train For-Oh -Ten" has that country train song vibe to it. Kenny Vaughn plays some great electric guitar riffs that are quick, focused and make you want to dance.

"Hard Working Man" (Marty Stuart) is a slow country ballad that talk about the plight of the hard working man. Excellent vocals and great old-timey pedal steel by Ralph Mooney. Good solo by Vaughan. BTW, the rest of the Superlatives are Harry Stinson on drums and Paul Martin on Bass. Four different pedal steel players are used, Ralph Mooney,Kayton Roberts,Gary Carter, and Robby Turner. There are some sparse strings in the background. Ralph Mooney plays a solo of his "Crazy Arms" on pedal steel after being asked by Marty. He really nails the song. "Porter Wagoners Grave" is a classic country talk song that Stuart does a very emotive job at performing, while the band plays quietly in the background. If Marty Stuart is not one of the fine voices of country today, no one is, this song never fails to touch me. The he goes into a melody after the talk part. This is a very touching song.

After this song the band goes into a little Bakersfield sound, 'Little Heartbreaker" , which has some great lyrics, raw guitar pickin', this is good, picture Dwight Yoacum with someone else singing and Vaughn goes into some more great guitar work, minced with pedal steel.

For an ending, they go acoustic and play a bluegrass jam with mandolin, mostly ripping off thru a melody. As the disc starts with a very country rocker "Branded" which has lots of electric guitar , some great country hooks, and more pedal steel. This band rocks, sounding a bit like Radney Foster. My favorite song is "Country Boy Rock and Roll" - Kenny Vaughan plays some of the hottest guitar playing that I ever heard, He plays right along with the melody of the song and goes plain nuts at end.(Whew) The cover is retro back and white of a train comin' a you. This is Marty at his best.

www.martystuart.net

The Grascals' "The Famous Lefty Flynn" Tops Bluegrass Charts

The Grascals' THE FAMOUS LEFTY FLYNN'S Tops Bluegrass Charts
New Video Goes Viral; Upcoming Shows Include Opry On August 13 & KY State Fair (With The Oak Ridge Boys) On August 22
Nashville, TN (August 6, 2010) -- IBMA Entertainers of the Year, The Grascals, have the # 1 CD on both the Bluegrass Unlimited and Bluegrass Music Profiles Charts this month. Heralded as "one of the best bluegrass albums anyone is likely to hear in 2010" by Roughstock.com, THE FAMOUS LEFTY FLYNN'S is bringing the spotlight to bear on Jamie Johnson, Terry Eldredge, Danny Roberts, Terry Smith and newest members, Jeremy Abshire and Kristin Scott Benson. "It's a thrill to be recognized for your hard work," says group co-founder Johnson of the dual number ones. The Grascals received the good news just after returning from their first tour of France.
The disc has already spawned a hit single, "Last Train To Clarksville," which currently sits at #4 on the BMP Chart and #15 on the BU Chart. The CD's title track moves to #18 (BMP) and #22 (BU). Additionally, "Train" is one of Sirius XM BLUEGRASS JUNCTION's MOST-PLAYED TRACKS with 52 spins, while the disc hits the show's MOST-PLAYED ALBUMS Chart's Top 5 this week with 135 spins.
Meanwhile, the sextet's "Last Train To Clarksville" video goes viral; appearing on over 200 country and bluegrass industry websites, while simultaneously spreading to social networking sites such as
YouTube (www.youtube.com/watch?v=QIY_Aluk1hs),Twitter and Facebook. The music clip premiered on AOL/The Boot the week of July 19, making it the first bluegrass artist video ever debuted on the site.

The Grascals, sponsored by MOBIL DELVAC, tour over 140 dates a year, and will perform at The Grand Ole Opry on August 13 and at the Kentucky State Fair with The Oak Ridge Boys on August 22. They continue to grace festivals across the U.S. this summer and Fall and, in October, they'll re-join Hank Williams, Jr. for additional Rowdy Friends Tour dates.
Catch up with The Grascals online at www.grascals.com.



MEDIA CONTACT:
Martha E. Moore
so much MOORE media - Established in 1988!
(O) 615.746.3994 / (M) 615.202.1313

somuchmoore@charter.net
http://www.somuchmoore.com
MySpace, Linked In & Facebook
Twitter: @skates23

Husband and Wife Duo Joey+Rory Release Album Number Two

HUSBAND AND WIFE DUO JOEY+RORY RELEASE
ALBUM NUMBER TWO
(Click Here To Listen to the title cut)

“This Song’s For You” the New Single Collaboration with Zac Brown Band
is Anthem to Country Music Fans (Click Here To Listen)

Nashville, TN – (August 4, 2010) --

“...We've sold a lot of our first record and we even had a hit, but now the big wigs back in Nashville say we need to kick it up a bit...”

And that's just what Joey+Rory do on their boldly titled sophomore release,
Album Number Two (in stores September 14). It's the follow-up to their successful debut album The Life of a Song - an album that entered the Billboard Country Album Chart at #10 and quickly spawned a Top 30 hit earning the husband & wife act the 2010 ACM Award for New Duo as well as several industry and fan-voted award nominations.

When you see the husband & wife duo you don't need to be told that what they have is genuine. Just listen to their music or listen to them talk and you can tell that what they have is the real-deal, …not just as a musical duo, but as a couple. The deep connection they have doesn't just shine through their music, it’s the reason their music shines.

The new album draws from the same deep well that inspired that debut and which now delves deeper into the stories of Joey+Rory’s everyday life together and the things that make them laugh, cry and love each other as they do. The new material featured on Album Number Two is largely co-written by Rory, an award-winning hit songwriter in his own right. In this new set, the couple continues the theme of keeping their music honest, just as much as keeping it real, without taking themselves too seriously.

“...Our new image consultant, says we need a fresh hairdo...as if that's gonna make-or-break Album Number Two...”

One of many shining moments on Album Number Two is the final track and lead single, written by Rory and Zac Brown titled “This Song’s For You.” The song, featuring the Zac Brown Band and produced by Keith Stegall, is a working man’s anthem and a tip of the hat to country music fans and concert-goers. It was written by Rory and Zac on the road and was first introduced on the “Breaking Southern Ground” tour. The overwhelming response prompted a halt to the release of the already completed Joey+Rory album until the song was recorded and added.

“We worked it up with Zac in rehearsals for the spring tour as something to do in the encore,” says Rory. “But the response to the first time we sang it on stage took our breath away. It still does. It's not just for the fans...it's for all the people out there who work hard for a living, are barely getting by, and who truly love this country even though it ain't perfect.”

A video for the single was recently shot in Joey+Rory’s community near their farm in Pottsville, TN with a cast of nearly 60 everyday folks who live there. Scheduled for release mid-August, the video was directed by Darren Doane who also directed Zac Brown Band’s live DVD and last three videos.

Other cuts led primarily by Joey’s honey-laden vocals cover all the bases from their signature tongue-in-cheek style of the title cut to “That’s Important To Me,” a song that encapsulates the down-to-earth values that define Joey+Rory both as a couple and a duo alike. There are songs about love (“Born To Be Your Woman”), about cheating (“God Help My Man”), and about faith (“Where Jesus Is”). Songs about cowboys (“All You Need Is Me”), horses (“The Horse Nobody Could Ride”), and even one about being famous (“Farm To Fame”).

"We just want to be who we are, nothing more and nothing less," says Joey, "and sometimes that means speaking our minds." Rory adds, "Our plan for this new record is the same as it’s always been - to show up, do what we do and hope that magic happens.”

“...Now you might think we're crazy, but is it really all that hard...just cut some songs that move you, and sing 'em from the heart. But if we are mistaken...and our career is through. We'll bid our fans a fine farewell with Album Number Two.”

# # #

Bluegrass: super small Niche or just not popular?

I have been priviledged to review and listen to lots of Bluegrass music over the last couple of years. I don't get it, Why isn't it more popular?
The music out today is very well done, you can get old time bluegrass, newgrass and what I call modern Bluegrass , which is just regular bluegrass with
a modern, well mastered recording. There are many groups out there which are excellent like "The Lonesome River Band", "The Grascals", "Mountain Heart",
and on and on. You will not find these groups on radio anywhere, maybe a Sirius channel or on the internet.

Labels like Sugar Hill, Rounder, Rural Rythmn and many more have lots of great bluegrass to sell. But, not many takers. If you look at the Billboard Bluegrass Chart, which goes 1-10, you will find Steve Martin's new CD, which is not as good as most of the full time artists out there. You will find Dierks Bentley with the Punch Brothers ruling on top with "Up On The Ridge". I think Dierks is a pretty good Country Singer, but this just does not do anything for me anymore than Steve Martin's Bluegrass CD do anything for me, just 2 popular Big Label acts, With no lasting substance.

First Radio Single by Blue Moon Rising

"STRANGE NEW WORLD" Album by Blue Moon Rising
Rural Rhythm Launches First Radio Single Release
Listen to a clip of "Time To Be Movin' On"


Rural Rhythm Records is proud to announce the first radio single release, “Time To Be Movin' On” from the highly anticipated new album, “STRANGE NEW WORLD” by BLUE MOON RISING. The single was released to radio via the label's "Fresh Cuts & Key Tracks, #8" and is also available now via AIRPLAY DIRECT. "Time To Be Movin' On" was written by band leader and acclaimed songwriter, Chris West who describes the song as kicking off with a little Johnny Cash / Del Reeves and will surely please BMR fans once again. Chris also contributes his powerful signature vocals and guitar, along with the exciting new line up of: Brandon Bostic (mandolin, vocals); Tony Mowell (bass and vocals); Owen Piatt (banjo); with special guests, Tim Crouch (fiddle) and Randy Kohrs (Dobro).

“STRANGE NEW WORLD” is Blue Moon Rising’s fifth career album and their first recording on Rural Rhythm Records. The project combines a very eclectic mix of new original material with West contributing 7 of the 13 tracks. Other writers include: Mike Dekle, Kevin Denney, Becky Buller, Jon Weisberger/Jeremy Garrett and Clint Wilson.

The songs on “STRANGE NEW WORLD” certainly showcase Blue Moon Rising’s range, versatility and maturity as it continually shifts between hard-core traditional bluegrass, blues, gospel, country and singer-songwriter influenced music. If one could paint a picture that captures the subjects and themes from songs like the peppy honky-tonk influenced kick-off track, “Time To Be Movin' On,” the soulful blues influenced, “He’s All Around Us” and the haunting and beautiful Kevin Denney original, “My Sitting Window” the painting would represent a “STRANGE NEW WORLD” indeed!

With that imagery in mind, Chris West enlisted the help of his artist friend, Jason Jones, who created the album artwork for the band’s previous album, “ONE LONELY SHADOW.” Chris explains, “I asked Jason to create a very artsy vision of a strange new world where things aren't quite right in comparison to the world we live in. I wanted every single image on the CD to tie in directly with a song in some way. I wrote a blues song about temptation and the struggle between good and evil on this project called ‘He's All Around Us’, hence the transparent devil behind the tree on the cover. There's a love song on the CD called ‘Stone by Stone’ for a girl named Jenny where the lovelorn singer says ‘My Jenny belongs in an Ivory Tower.’ So Jason made the tower the centerpiece on the cover. We also married several songs together within the art. I wrote song on the CD called ‘Hard Luck Joe’ about a homeless man who used to have a much better life. If you'll notice the tree on the cover, there's a heart carved in it that says ‘Joe -n- Jenny’ where we've married the songs ‘Hard Luck Joe’ and ‘Stone by Stone.’ When you give the CD a thorough listen, you'll be able to go back and look at this great piece of art and know what every single image is about."

BLUE MOON RISING is sponsored by GHS Strings, Blue Chip Picks, and Chota Outfitters. For information on the new album, tour schedule and more, please visit www.bluemoonrisingband.com.

CONTACT INFORMATION:

RECORD LABEL AND RADIO CONTACT
Rural Rhythm Records
Sammy Passamano, III

BOOKING CONTACT:
Graham Talent Group
Randy Graham
859-421-7718

BLUE MOON RISING
Chris West | Email
www.BlueMoonRisingBand.com

MEDIA and Additional BOOKING CONTACT:
Hope River Entertainment
Penni McDaniel | Email
678-377-3298

Three Concert Promoters form Alliance, Open offices in Nashville

Three Concert Promoters form Alliance;
Open offices in Nashville

Nashville, TN – Gary Weinberger, President of Red Mountain Entertainment, announced today the formation of a strategic alliance between concert promoters Red Mountain Entertainment (RME), Blue Deuce Entertainment (BDE) and Green Machine Concerts (GMC). New offices will be located at 1028 B 18th Street on historic Music Row in Nashville, Tennessee. New phone number is 615-320-7800.

“Over the years John Ruffino, Russell Doussan, Jim Green, Jay Wilson, Jill Wheeler and I have developed many meaningful relationships with artists, managers and agents based in Nashville,” Weinberger said. “In order to maximize the services we provide to our clients, now seems the right time to have a more prominent presence in Nashville.“

“The people we work with in Nashville have become such an important part of our business opening an office there makes great sense to us,” said Russell Doussan, president of BDE.

“I have worked with Russell, John and Gary over the years and look forward to collaborating with them and expanding our promotional footprint,” said Jim Green.

It was announced last month by Dale Morris and Marc Oswald, co-owners of Fontanel, the hiring of RME as the promoter/operator of concerts and events at The Woods at Fontanel. “Having the resources and contacts Russell and Jim have developed the three of our company’s will work to help The Woods at Fontanel achieve it’s goals,” said John Ruffino, a partner at RME.

A little history on RME, BDE & GMC:
RME is also known for booking concerts for the 9,600 capacity Amphitheater at The Wharf in Orange Beach, Alabama, and co-producing with BDE the highly successful Rowdy Frynds Tours starring Hank Williams Jr. and Lynyrd Skynyrd in 2007 & 2008. They recently completed the spring leg of the 2010 Rowdy Friends Tour with Hank Williams Jr., Eric Church, Jamie Johnson and The Grascals and are currently working on the fall leg of the tour. Currently RME is consulting with the City of Tuscaloosa, Alabama, on a 7,400 capacity Amphitheater scheduled to open in the spring of 2011.

Collectively, RME, BDE & GMC co-produced the SOLD OUT 2010 Jagermeister Tour with Eric Church in 30 cities and currently book several festivals and colleges throughout the Southeast. In 2009 the group produced over 250 concerts in 90 cities in 32 states.

Additionally, beyond booking, the group has a sponsorship division and more recently worked with high profile clients including Coca-Cola, Anheuser-Busch, Miller-Coors, The National Guard, Merrell and Abita Beer.



Media Contacts:
Webster & Associates, LLC
Kirt Webster / kirt@websterpr.com
615-777-6995 x230

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