"Pull Your Savior In" - The Larry Stephenson Band - a review

Well, first off, this band is celebrating their 25th anniversary with this bluegrass/gospel CD. This recording majors on their vocals. Larry Stephenson sings lead, harmony and plays mandolin. Colby Laney sings lead and harmony vocals and plays guitar. Kenny Ingram sings  harmony vocals, plays banjo and some lead guitar on one song. Danny Stewart sings bass vocal on a song and plays acoustic bass.

   Jimmy Fortune, guest artist sings tenor vocal on a song. Aubrey Haynie plays fiddle. David Parmley and Dale Perry sing harmony vocals. Kristen Scott Benson played her first stint on banjo with this group at age 19. She played another stint with them a few years later. This album was produced by Ben Surrat and Larry Stephenson. 

   This is a very well produced CD. The first song is an accapello version of "Amazing Grace."  This is a song that everyone likes, but for some reason, it just does not move me. However, the next two songs "Pull Your Saviour In" and "Come To Jesus Moment" are two sensational gospel songs. I mean, the lyrics, the singing are all great. They kind of just stick with you. There is a good version of the "Great Speckled Bird". Other traditional songs done well are "How Great Thou Are" and "Let the Lower Lights Be Burning". Overall, it is a refreshing gospel album, that does a great balance of gospel and bluegrass. They sound like they are a really good bluegrass group.  This album comes out this week on Oct. 21. You can get a copy at their website or at Amazon.

                                       www.larrystephensonband.com

The Roys On TV This Weekend - June 2

Brother/Sister Bluegrass Duo Guests On RFD-TV's Reno's Old Time Music Festival & PBS Special, Pa's Fiddle: Charles Ingalls, American Fiddler

Nashville, TN (May 30, 2012) -- Bluegrass stars THE ROYS make two national TV appearances on Saturday, June 2, as they are guests on both RFD-TV's Reno's Old Time Music Festival and the PBS Special, Pa's Fiddle: America's Music.

Reno's Old Time Music Festival, hosted by Bluegrass legend Ronnie Reno, features THE ROYS singing five songs from their current CD, LONESOME WHISTLE (Rural Rhythm Records): the album's title track; their current single, Trailblazer; their #1 hit, Coal Minin' Man; the driving up-tempo Nothin' I Can Do About It Now, and the contemplative, I Wonder What God's Thinkin'. The program, seen by nearly 20 million viewers each week, is one of the most dynamic, acoustic music programs on television. Each episode contains stunning performances, historical footage, in-depth interviews and a deep respect for the heritage of Bluegrass music. THE ROYS' segment airs Saturday, June 2 at 6 p.m. CDT/ 7 p.m. EDT. Viewers should check www.rfdtv.com for more specific local listings.

The PBS Special, Pa's Fiddle: Charles Ingalls, American Fiddler, is the brain-child of Dr. Dale Cockrell, director of MTSU's Center for Popular Music and scholar of the songs embedded in the LITTLE HOUSE ON THE PRAIRIE books. Lee and Elaine Roy perform songs unique to the project: Buffalo Guys and Gum Tree Canoe. In January they joined Randy Travis, Ronnie Milsap and numerous other stars for the taping of the Special, which raised the rafters of the Loveless Barn outside of Nashville. The show airs Saturday, June 2, at 7 p.m. CDT/ 8 p.m. EDT; fans can learn more about this unique tribute to the music of Laura Ingalls Wilder and the program HERE. Nashville airings on WNPT- TV include Sunday, June 3 at 7 p.m. CDT/ 8 EDT and Monday, June 4 at 11 p.m. CDT/ midnight EDT.


Fans can find all the news on Lee and Elaine at www.theroysonline.com

# # #
MEDIA CONTACT

Martha E. Moore / 615-746-3994

www.somuchMOOREmedia.com

somuchmoore@charter.net

"Life Finds A Way" - The Grascals - A Review

Well, The Grascals just inked with their new label "Mountain Home", and they waste no time releasing a new CD. They had been with Rounder Records for a number of recordings, even had their own imprint, "BluGrascal Records" for a couple of CDs. This new CD has a bit of a different flavor to it, with a more country sound to their mix than usual, They still have their Bluegrass roots to the sound, maybe it is just the recording style, more of a modern, contemporary sound, following a real Bluegrass sounding CD in their Andy Griffith Tribute EP.

   The Grascals still are Jamie Johnson, guitar and vocals, Danny Roberts, mandolin, Kristin Scott Benson, Banjo and guitar, Terry Smith ,vocals and bass, Terry Eldredge, vocals and guitar, and last,but not least, Jeremy Abshire on fiddle.
Their vocals and harmony's are excellent and moving. They have a real good selection of songs, a couple of covers and some real good new original songs and a few songs by friends. Some interesting artwork on the cardboard sleeve. The sleeve has several folds in it for pics and testimonies. Nice liner notes by Tom T Hall and his wife Dixie. It makes for some interesting reading.

   My favorite song on the CD is a cover by James Taylor, "Sweet Baby James", When Terry Eldredge goes into that with the beautiful pedal steel in the song, it really hits me emotionally and takes me back to when I was just getting out of High School, had always loved that song, The Grascals do a real emotive job on it and I really like Jamie's and Terry's  vocals. They do a nice upbeat Bluegrass jam called "Eleven,Eleven" which is a very good instrumental take. I really like their other cover song too, "Mystery Train" had always been a song that I had liked through the years. Nice mandolin on the song.

   Jamie does another original ballad that I love, "Pretty Melody", A very melodic song about a couple of school kids that ended up being life mates. Kristin's banjo is more restrained than usual on this CD, but she does some really sweet melodic parts here. The title song "Life Finds A Way" is another Grascals song that is a very melodic mid tempo ballad. The lyrics are great. The last song on the thirteen track disc is a beautiful gospel number called "Road To Surrender". This CD seems to be a real reflective type of musical creation. There are a couple of drinking songs that seem a bit out of place, but maybe, they are trying to break the serious vein of a lot of the songs. The instruments seem to be more in the background than usual, and the tones are not real crisp, but more on the mellow side. I would have loved to hear the award winning Kristin tear up a banjo break on a song or two.

    Grascal fans will love this, I enjoyed it alot, maybe it will bring some new fans. I love this mix of musicians and hope they stay together. Check it out.

   www.grascals.com
   www.crossroadsmusic.com      

"The Gospel Side Of Dailey And Vincent" - a review

This is one of the most eclectic gospel ,Bluegrass CDs that I have ever heard. There is an incredible amount of talent in each of these songs. The most important feature is the wonderful way Jamie Dailey and Darrin Vincent sing together.

  The sparse "Family Bible" (W. Nelson) with just guitars in accompaniment is slow paced and beautiful. Bryan Sutton plays guitar, but just chords, no lead.

  On the other hand you have "The 4th Man in the Fire" which is an uptempo piano based gospel song. There is a real low voice in the mix,there are so many guest vocalists including the angelic Sonya Isaacs on this CD.

  "Until at last I'm Home" (Vincent and others) is moderate paced with piano and few instruments, but loads of beautiful harmony.

  "Come Back To Me" (Jimmy Fortune) This is my favorite featuring Sutton on guitar and also Darrin Vincent. A very sweet melody,Sutton's playing is very subtle with lots of sweet resonance.

  This Disc is engineered by Michael Latterell at Trinity Sound and He also mixed it. Excellent job here as this was no easy project to mix. Mastered by Paul Blakemore at CMG Mastering.

   This is Dailey and Vincent's second gospel CD. I did not hear the first one, but this would be hard to top. I think that there is a style here for everyone. Also, this is a CrackerBarrel project, I have yet to review a less than stellar CrackerBarrel CD. This Cd will leave you refreshed!!

  www.daileyandvincent.com
  www.crackerbarrel.com  

"Randy Travis" - Cracker Barrel Collection

This is a classic collection of material from the great country artist Randy Travis, covers songs during late 80's and early 90's, Travis had a very unmistakable voice and was very country sounding, probably a bit too twangy for today, his voice was his strength, plus his music had a signature sound of twangy guitar and lots of old time pedal steel. This collection of twelve tracks has a few unreleased gems to share.




Every iconic artist like Travis has a few songs that are just always associated with him. The songs that I think of with Travis are "Forever and Ever, Amen" , "Better Class Of Losers" and the great Christian Country Song, "Three Wooden Crosses".



The story of "Three Wooden Crosses" is in my opinion one of the best Christian country songs written. Basic story of an accident involving an eighteen wheeler accident where three good upstanding people died and a hooker lives. Song ends with Preacher saying He's telling the story because the hooker was his mom and the blood stained Bible given her, had influenced her and she had read it to him. You have to hear it, just great story with great hooks and melody. A Travis Classic. This collection is good for a Randy Travis Fan, or someone who wants to hear him at his best.



www.crackerbarrel.com/

"Where were you When The World stopped Turning?' - Alan Jackson

"Take The Highway" -Blind Boys Of Alabama - a Review

The Iconic Gospel Group, "The Blind Boys Of Alabama" with the help of some Nashville Cats, put out a CD that is a Real good Spirit filled listen, co-produced by Jamey Johnson, it has the famous recognizable sound of the Blind Boys with the addition of the Nashville Sound. Adding a little Nashville to a project is usually a good thing and it sure works here with the help of Jamey, Vince Gill, Lee Ann Womack , and some great Nashville Musicians. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nVbglUZGUqo&feature=player_embedded  This Footage shows some joyful moments in Nashvilles' RCA Studio A.



"Take The High Road" is a great song with The help of The Oak Ridge Boys, The Blind Boys bringing some fun and good ole joy to the Studio. A great relaxed sounding production with a live vibe, Jamey Johnson shows brilliance in his help with production. He had just met the BBoys at a gig and they hit it off right away, I think that you will be glad they did. Jamey hows another side of himself that is confident and full of musical intelligence. His song with the Boys "Have Thine Own Way" is a very good version of an old familiar song. Willie Nelson does "Family Bible" with the group sounding like himself. Hank Williams Jr. does a song his Dad wrote a long way back, "I Saw The Light", great version. Lee Ann Womack's "I was a Burden" is stellar, Womack is a country super star that is unusual in the fact that she has stuck to the stuff like George Straight. Vince Gill sounds great on his song with them "Give Me A Drink".



The CD is called "Take The High Road" and is coming out on Saguaro Records this month. Check out the great youtube coverage and I think that you will agree this is another winner for both Jamey Johnson and The Blind Boys. I must admit, I was wrong on my first take of Jamey, He is the real deal.



www.blindboys.com/

Guy Penrod Talks about new CD

"Lonesome Whistle" - The Roys - A Review

The Roys in a one word description are "refreshing". The brother and sister team have uncanny harmonies which only siblings can produce. Something special about family members singing together. They have written almost every song on this album. They just sing on this disc and leave the music to studio musicians Mark Fain, Bass/Dan Electro, Justin Moses, banjo, Randy Kohrs, Dobro, Cody Kilby, acoustic guitars, Steve Brewster, drums and Andy Leftwich, mandolin, fiddle and bouzouki.




Lee and Elaine must be excellent players also as they have some very good sponsors for guitars, mandolin, and strings.



"Coal Minin' Man", The first single from the CD, tells the story of a coal minin' man, a song about one of America's oldest and most dangerous professions. I really like this song as it is up beat and has a really good melody with those great bluegrass harmonies.



My favorite song off of the CD is "I Wonder What God's Thinking?". This song is very inspirational and some nice smooth Dobro. Once again, their harmonies are emotional as they really put themselves into the songs they present.



Their first Rural Rhythm CD features eleven modern sounding, refreshing songs, built on a traditional blend of acoustic, bluegrass instrumentation.



http://www.theroysonline.com/

"The Love Of God" - Kenny Rogers - A Review

It is hard to believe that Kenny Rogers has had a 50 year career, so far. Last night, He was given a salute "The First Fifty Years" on GAC TV.

This selection of Christian songs,hymns and gospel renderings has a real rootsy feel to it. It has an audiophile sound quality to it, a great production, all of the way around. It gives you Nashville's best in musicians and singers, but it does not sound like that is what you got. It is a warm,rootsy personal affair that is refreshing and peaceful to listen to. Doug Sax mastered it, He puts a stamp of true originality to it, plus, a warmth that you did not think a CD player could produce.The artwork on the Digipak is very somber in brownish tones with a couple of pictures of Kenny looking very serious, but serene. His vocals have never sounded better. He is very sincere in his singing and has picked a great set of songs , partially from public domain and partially from hymns and other artists.The CD starts out with "Will The Circle Be Unbroken" and moves thru a very varied set of gospel songs and Christian Ballads. The theme of the "Love Of God " comes out alot.



To hear Kenny sing "What a Friend We Have In Jesus" is so encouraging, he sings with so much meaning and sincerity. "Circle Of Friends", sung with Point Of Grace is more upbeat and like new territory for Kenny, He asked them if they would sing it with him.



This is a Cracker Barrel project, which is always a good thing, I do not think I have ever heard a bad one. They seem to give the artist freedom in every aspect of the project. It is refreshing to see this side of Kenny, God believing, and full of creativity. He is not ashamed to share his belief in God, through song and what he has written on the CD cover. The producers for the CD are Rodgers long time pianist Warren Hartman with Kyle Lehning(Randy Travis and others.)



"Peace" is a warm ballad by Michael Mcdonald that Kenny fell in love with. Great version of "I'll Fly Away" with the help of the Whites. My favorite song is "Rock Of Your Love" by Vince Gill. I love the vocals and country sound to it, some great country lead guitar and pedal steel. This is another great project by the Cracker Barrel gang, pick one up at their restaurant or on line.



http://www.kennyrogers.com/

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 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

So Much MOORE Media Adds Guy Penrod to Roster

so much MOORE media Adds Guy Penrod to Roster

Nashville, TN (July 13, 2010) -- Veteran industry publicist, Martha "skates" Moore, President of so much MOORE media, announces the firm's newest client, Guy Penrod, today. Moore will handle all aspects of country-oriented public relations efforts for Guy's newest disc, BREATHE DEEP (Servant Records/Gaither Music Group). "He's a joy to work with," says the up-beat Moore. "Great voice and experience are always a plus!"

Penrod, a 14-year veteran of the GRAMMY ® and Dove Award-winning Gaither Vocal Band, is excited to explore the country market. "I think there are so many correlations between great country and gospel songs that this project will resonate with fans of both genres," says Guy from his Tennessee home.

Guy, a highly sought-after studio singer in Nashville early in his career, appeared for three years on TNN's popular Music City Tonight as a vocalist in the house band prior to joining the GVB.
Moore, who's background includes stints as a publicist for major record labels (ABC, MCA, PolyGram), launched so much MOORE media in 1988. Martha's current artist roster includes: singer/songwriting legend Hank Cochran; Texas-based entertainer Mark Wayne Glasmire; country/bluegrass sextet, The Grascals; vocalist Susan Hickman and singer/songwriter Ray Stephenson.

For more information on Guy Penrod, go to guypenrod.com.
Get "the dish" on MM at www.somuchmoore.com, or email Martha at somuchmoore@charter.net.


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

"Are You The One" - Guy Penrod - Single Review

This is a single from Guy Penrod's debut country CD "Breathe Deep". Singles are fun to review, you just get into one song, not 12 or 15. This is a fine sounding Nashville Country song, produced by Brent Rowan who probably plays electric guitar on the CD too.
Being his first single puts a lot of pressure on it. Guy has sang 14 years with the Gaither Vocal Band, a household name in Gospel Bands. So, Penrod decides to step away from this group and sing on his own. Well, the lyrics to this song, really make you think about yourself, written by (Tammy Hyler and Shaye Smith). It is a very familiar sounding song with the typical "A call" studio musicians in Nashville playing on the disc with Brent producing it. Penrod has a very nice voice with the help of Wes Hightower on vocals. Give this a listen, there is a message here for you and me.

wwww.guypenrod.com

GAC Three Hour Relief Concert for Nashville Flood

Search Amazon.com for lady antebellum This Three Hour televised concert from the Ryman Auditorium was a winner for me and I think that a lot of folks that hate Nashville Country music would at least like it, if they saw this side of country music. First off, it is a very stripped back affair, mostly acoustic and the full band songs were not as full of effects and the pageantry usually associated with a Country concert.

Brad Paisley's wife and actor James Denton were the hosts of the show. There were celebrities manning the phones and a lot of flood footage during songs, but the music ruled.
Brad came running out ,starting the show with "Welcome To The Future", you could tell that folk did not have their usual road bands so a lot sung solo or with the house band. The drummer on Paisley's first song was great, really keeping a groove, and it seemed that Brad was happy letting other guys play lead guitar some since he did not have his effects, just a Dr Z amp with what looked like one pedal on top. He usually has a full rack with several pedals which were all destroyed in the flood. Dierks Bentley played with him on another song "American Saturday Night" and Brad was having fun playing, talking to the audience.

Martina was there singing about 3 or 4 songs and sounded very good. The crowd seemed to get the most excited when Keith Urban came out and did 2 acoustic songs, The first,"The Beatles -Help", which came out well. Then He did an upbeat version of an original song. He got the crowd involved in the song.

A couple of Nascar drivers showed up with the Head of Nascar to show their Support. The artists were really good at picking their songs and usually picked one out of their repertoire intended for encouragement. Some artists just showed up to man the phones ,and not even do a song.

New Nashville native Kebmo was there with another guy playing banjitar with him. He played a very appropriate song and sounded quite good. Two Christian artists who make Nashville their home did a song, CeCe Winans and Jaci Velasquez. They both were very good.

Sheryl Crow came out and did one new song that she had written on piano by herself. She talked about how much Nashville felt like home to her.

Kellie Pickler showed up for a song and some phone time, You know, this young lady is really doing herself well, she just has a great way about her and a good attitude. She sang a song with a couple of acoustic guitarists which came off real well.

I have always kind not liked Lady Antebellum, I guess for their super slick productions or some dumb thing, but their live appearances really won me over, They really got a large crowd reaction during their performances. They harmonize so well even live and their lo key demeanor can really win you over. What a vocal performance!!

All in all, This was very well done, and I think it really showed the good parts of Nashville and what The volunteer state is all about. They raised 2 million dollars for the surrounding 52 counties that need help, just a dent, but a good dent. Go to GAC's website if you would like to make a donation, the money goes to the Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee. It was hard to get thru on the phone lines, They showed the show back to back, and I got thru about a half hour into the second showing, and now I could kick myself, cause I talked to a nice sounding lady named Nicole, who was probably Nicole Kidman, because she was helping on the phones. Why couldn't I have at least asked?? A lot of people hung up om Brad Paisley who was on the phones alot.

http://www.gactv.com/gac/pac_ctnt/text/0,,GAC_26058_98169,00.html

Wynonna Judd Adds Her Own Personal Touch To Product Line At Cracker Barrel

Search Amazon.com for wynonna judd cd,WYNONNA JUDD ADDS PERSONAL TOUCH TO NEW PRODUCT LINE AT CRACKER BARREL OLD COUNTRY STORE®

Lifestyle products include shirts, writing journals, cosmetic bag and wallets


LEBANON, TENN (May 10, 2010) - Multi-platinum Curb Records recording artist and best-selling author Wynonna Judd has found a new home for her creative talents: Cracker Barrel Old Country Store®. A special collection of retail products, personally selected by Wynonna, will be available at all Cracker Barrel locations starting May 24th. The products reflect the savvy and successful lifestyle of a woman who is recognized as one of country music’s most accomplished artists.

“I think that Cracker Barrel represents everything that the Judds stood for: family, food and fellowship. I love the rocking chairs and I feel really good when I go to Cracker Barrel,” said Wynonna. “When we talked about a Wynonna collection of retail products for Cracker Barrel, I wanted items that women would see as useful in their everyday lives. All of our selections are high-quality, too. It’s like my mother said, ‘do it right, or don’t do it at all’.”

Wynonna’s partnership with Cracker Barrel started as a discussion about an exclusive CD of her music, and the conversation quickly grew to include a collection of retail products that mirrors her personal tastes. Wynonna believes the products will be well-received by women who balance the responsibilities of family, careers and their own personal enrichment.

The Wynonna collection of retail items includes:

Shirts: a knit shirt with subtle sparkles and a jersey knit shirt with rhinestones
Mugs: a wonderful gift for Wynonna fans - perfect for coffee and conversations with friends
Journals/Notepads: beautiful keepsakes to capture heartfelt moments and quick thoughts
Clutch Wallets: a sleek and convenient option for carrying your essentials
Cosmetic Bag: a stylish and sturdy case for your make-up needs
Sunglasses: classic frames with rhinestone studs and lenses that offer 100% UV protection

“For years, Wynonna has shared her creativity and style through her songs and performances,” said Terry Maxwell, Senior Vice President of Retail at Cracker Barrel. “With this collection of retail products, Cracker Barrel has become a new stage for Wynonna’s incredible talents. We believe these items will resonate well with our guests who identify with Wynonna’s experiences as a mother and daughter.”

The arrival of Wynonna retail products coincides with the May 24th release of the Love Heals CD, an exclusive recording for Cracker Barrel which features many of Wynonna’s number one hits along with three tracks not previously offered for sale. Both Cracker Barrel and Wynonna are honored that the CD and other Wynonna retail products will support American service men and women who have been severely wounded in battle. Cracker Barrel will donate a portion of proceeds from the sale of Wynonna-related products to Wounded Warrior Project, a nonprofit organization that provides assistance to wounded service men and women.

Wynonna fans can now pre-order the Love Heals CD through the Cracker Barrel website (crackerbarrel.com). They can also register to win A Weekend with Wynonna in Music City Sweepstakes. The grand prize package includes a trip to Nashville to meet Wynonna and see her perform at the Grand Ole Opry®. The lucky winner will also visit many of Nashville’s top attractions. Pre-order and contest information can be found on the Cracker Barrel website (crackerbarrel.com).




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 594 company-owned locations in 41 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.

About Wounded Warrior Project
The mission of the Wounded Warrior Project is to honor and empower wounded warriors. Its purpose is to raise awareness and to enlist the public’s aid for the needs of severely injured service members, to help severely injured men and women aid and assist each other, and to provide unique, direct programs and services to meet their needs. WWP is a national, nonpartisan organization headquartered in Jacksonville, FL. To get involved and learn more, visit www.woundedwarriorproject.org

About Wynonna Judd
5-time GRAMMY Award winning artist, Wynonna Judd first gained fame as part of one of the most successful musical duos of all time, The Judds. On top of that amazing feat, she also holds multiple gold, platinum and multi-platinum certifications from the RIAA in excess of 30 million units sold for albums released throughout her illustrious 25-year career. In addition to her countless musical achievements, Wynonna became a New York Times best-selling author in 2005 with the release of her long-awaited autobiography, Coming Home to Myself, released in conjunction with her live CD and DVD: Her Story: Scenes from a Lifetime.

Wynonna recently announced she plans to reunite with her mother, Naomi, for a final Judds tour in 2010. She is also presently touring in support of her critically acclaimed seventh solo studio album, Sing: Chapter 1, an eclectic assortment of standards paying homage to all the different genres and songs that have formed the soundtrack to her life.
To learn more, visit www.wynonna.com



Media contacts:

Rural Rhythm Releases "Look To The Light" songs by Rick Lang

Rural Rhythm Christian is proud to announce the May 4, 2010 album release of “LOOK TO THE LIGHT: Songs of Faith from the Pen of Rick Lang.” Christian songwriter, Rick Lang has had well over two dozen of his songs recorded and performed by a variety of top, well-known and award-winning bluegrass groups. Also serving as Executive Producer, Lang hand picked award-winning bluegrass artists to perform on the album including: Russell Moore, Dale Ann Bradley, Jeff Parker, Junior Sisk, and Barry Scott; with musicians, Michael Cleveland, Ron Stewart, John Miller, Jesse Brock and more.

The album, arranged and co-produced by John Miller and Jesse Brock, features newly written songs by Rick Lang and co-writing assistance on three tracks from Pete Goble, Ted DeMille and Justin Carbone. The first single release, “How Far Will I Fall,” includes the incredible lead vocals by Russell Moore who said, “This is a wonderful project and I'm very proud that Rick asked me to be a part of it. I hope that my vocal contributions have given justice to his heartfelt messages." The song is now available to radio via AirPlay Direct and will also be serviced to Bluegrass, Southern Gospel and Country Gospel radio stations.

“LOOK TO THE LIGHT’ is more than a great gospel album, it’s a tour de force of bluegrass’ finest, coupled with heartfelt songs from the pen of preeminent bluegrass gospel songwriter Rick Lang. "A must have,” said Terry Herd, Bluegrass Radio Network.

Rick Lang is featured in the new issue of Bluegrass Music Profiles, Songwriter Profile and also in the current issue of Power Source Magazine, Bluegrass News section, New Release Spotlight. Rick explains his goal for “LOOK TO THE LIGHT ” saying, “To touch the heart and stir the soul of all who listen to these songs. Each was written from personal experiences and my own struggles with day-to-day life and my faith.”

Tracks include:
1. THIRST & HUNGER (Russell Moore & Dale Ann Bradley)
2. BEAUTIFUL HALL (Jeff Parker)
3. LOOK TO THE LIGHT (John Miller, Jesse Brock & Dale Ann Bradley)
4. ANGEL AT YOUR SIDE (Barry Scott & Dale Ann Bradley)
5. I’VE BEEN REDEEMED (Junior Sisk)
6. BAD NEWS FOR THE DEVIL (John Miller & Dale Ann Bradley)
7. HIS LOVING CARE (Junior Sisk)
8. HE’LL LEAD YOU UP (Jeff Parker)
9. HOW FAR WILL I FALL (Russell Moore & Dale Ann Bradley)
10. I LONG TO SEE HIS FACE (John Miller & Jesse Brock)
11. THE GOOD SAMARITAN (Jeff Parker)
12. MOMMA’S PRAYER BEADS (John Miller & Dale Ann Bradley)
13. HE UNDERSTANDS (Barry Scott & Dale Ann Bradley)
14. SAILING ON (Russell Moore & Dale Ann Bradley)

Les Butler, Syndicated Radio Host, Front Porch Fellowship / Singing News Magazine said, “Add simple Christian lyrics to some high powered singing and playing and you’ve got an equation for success!”

“LOOK TO THE LIGHT” will be available nationwide at top bluegrass locations including iTunes, Amazon.com, Ernest Tubb Record Shops, County Sales, Music Shed, Rural Rhythm Records and more.

Please visit www.RuralRhythm.com for more information.

PREORDER YOUR COPY HERE



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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

The Country Music Hall OF Fame AND Museum Presents Sunday In The Country

THE COUNTRY MUSIC HALL OF FAME® AND MUSEUM PRESENTS

SUNDAY IN THE COUNTRY

12 INSPIRING HITS FROM TODAY’S TOP COUNTRY ARTISTS

Vince Gill, Martina McBride, Tim McGraw, Keith Urban Among the Artists Featured in New CD Collection Benefiting Country Music Hall of Fame® and Museum


Nashville, TN – Themes of family and faith run deep in country music, as evidenced by the explosion of inspiring hits topping the mainstream radio and sales charts.

New Haven Records in partnership with the Country Music Hall of Fame® and Museum will release the CD Sunday in the Country: 12 Inspiring Hits From Today’s Top Country Artists this month. The project is set for a March launch at Christian retail through Provident-Integrity Distribution, and will be released to mainstream outlets through SONY Distribution.

The landmark new release includes a virtual “Who’s Who” of Grammy, Country Music Association and Academy of Country Music award-winning artists. Artists featured include Trace Adkins, Alabama, Diamond Rio, Vince Gill, Tracy Lawrence, Martina McBride, Tim McGraw, George Strait, Josh Turner, Keith Urban, Steve Wariner and Lee Ann Womack.

Ken Harding, president of New Haven Records, comments, “For more than 20 years, our company has focused on the uniquely American genres of country, southern gospel, and black gospel music. Sunday in the Country, the third project in our outstanding partnership with the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum, has the potential to be our most successful release in the series.”

“Inspirational songs have always had an important place in the country music canon,” adds Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum Director Kyle Young. “The songs that comprise Sunday in the Country uphold this rich tradition, offering hope, fellowship, solace and gratitude. New Haven Records has been releasing meaningful country and gospel recordings for two decades, and we’re pleased to be partners with them on this project.”

Joining successful collections such as Three Wooden Crosses, Amazing Grace, Country’s Salute to Gospel and Songs for Worship—Country, this newest, unparalleled compilation of today’s favorite inspirational country songs represents the top-voted selections in a survey sent to hundreds of country radio programmers. The list was then reviewed by historians at the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum who developed the final artist/track selection for the project in association with New Haven Records President, Ken Harding.

The twelve tracks presented in Sunday in the Country are songs that have individually sold millions of units—they are songs that have become modern country-gospel classics and touched the lives of countless listeners with the message of faith.

Executive producers for the album are Ken Harding, LeAnn Bennett and the staff of the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum.

The package includes photos and extensive liner notes. A portion of the proceeds will benefit the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum, a non-profit 501(c)(3) educational organization.

Sunday in the Country will be the subject of a major media/promotional campaign in both the mainstream and Christian retail markets.

Track listing:

Long Black Train
Josh Turner

I Believe
Diamond Rio

But for the Grace of God
Keith Urban

Blessed
Martina McBride

Drugs or Jesus
Tim McGraw

Muddy Water
Trace Adkins

Go Rest High on That Mountain
Vince Gill

Holes in the Floor of Heaven
Steve Wariner

Up to Him
Tracy Lawrence

Angels Among Us
Alabama

Get Up in Jesus’ Name
Lee Ann Womack

I Found Jesus on the Jailhouse Floor
George Strait

About the Country Music Hall of Fame® and Museum
Accredited by the American Association of Museums, the Country Music Hall of Fame® and Museum is operated by the Country Music Foundation, a not-for-profit 501(c)(3) educational organization chartered by the state of Tennessee in 1964. The Museum’s mission is the preservation of the history of country and related vernacular music rooted in southern culture. With the same educational mission, the Foundation also operates CMF Records, the Museum’s Frist Library and Archive, CMF Press, Historic RCA Studio B, and Hatch Show Print. More information about the Country Music Hall of Fame® and Museum is available at www.countrymusichalloffame.org or by calling (615) 416-2001.

About New Haven Records
Founded in 1990 by veteran label executive Ken Harding, New Haven Records is an independently owned Nashville-based music corporation that includes label, publishing, and film companies focusing on the uniquely American genres of Country, Gospel, and Black Gospel. Today, over twenty years later, New Haven continues to produce and promote life transforming music and artistry with integrity and excellence. Resource online: www.newhavenrecords.com







Media Contacts:



For New Haven Records:
Jackie Monaghan
Morningstar PR
(615) 646-5990—Direct
morningstarpr@comcast.net

For country media/radio opportunities:
Kirt Webster
Webster PR
(615) 777-6995
kirt@websterpr.com

Oak Ridge Boys To Receive Prestigious SGMG President's Honor

Oak Ridge Boys to Receive
Prestigious SGMG President’s Honor

SGMG Announces 2010 Harmony Honors Celebration Concert


Nashville, TN – Today, Judy Nelon, Southern Gospel Music Guild (SGMG) President and on behalf of the SGMG Executive Board, announced The Oak Ridge Boys as the 2010 recipients of the SGMG President's Honor during the SGMG Harmony Honors at the Gaylord Opryland Hotel on April 19, 2010. All four members of The Oak Ridge Boys - Duane Allen, Joe Bonsall, William Lee Golden, and Richard Sterban – will be in attendance to accept this honor.

“I fondly recall having the opportunity of presenting a Gospel Music Award to the Oak Ridge Boys in Los Angeles, California in 1973. It just happened to have been Joe Bonsall’s first week with the group. Now, thirty-seven years later, it is such a privilege to present the prestigious SGMG President's Honor to this same amazing group, consisting of Duane Allen, William Lee Golden, Richard Sterban and Joe Bonsall in recognition of their long successful career and significant contributions to the field of southern gospel music,” says Nelon.

The Oak Ridge Boys continue to make new music and entertain millions of fans. With numerous Gold and Platinum albums, they have also enjoyed more than a dozen Number One singles and over 30 Top Ten hits with over 30 million records sold throughout their illustrious 40 year career. With talents that have long been recognized by their peers, this Grammy Award winning group has also received eight Dove Awards, four ACM Awards, four CMA Awards and are members of the Gospel Music Hall of Fame. In 2009, the Oak Ridge Boys released their acclaimed new album, The Boys Are Back on SpringHill Records and they continue to perform (with a full touring schedule) live nationwide throughout the year.

Founding member, Duane Allen commented on this great honor, "I have always felt that it was a huge honor to be recognized by your hometown or from one's roots. Gospel music is the foundation of The Oak Ridge Boys' music, Southern style quartet music. I would like to thank all of the former members of The Oak Ridge Boys' organization for laying the groundwork for all of us, and to offer my deepest gratitude to the SGMG for this wonderful honor."

The SGMG Harmony Honors Celebration Concert showcases artists with outstanding accomplishments and award nominations over the past year including Grammy, Dove and Singing News Awards, as well as radio airplay and touring success. The top ten songs of the genre are also recognized. The event will include performances by The Oak Ridge Boys, Jason Crabb, Guy Penrod, Jeff & Sheri Easter, Karen Peck & New River, Bowling Family, Gold City, Perrys, Blackwood Brothers, Tribute Quartet and more.

The SGMG Harmony Honors Celebration Concert will be held on Monday, April 19th at 7:00 pm (CST) in the Gaylord Opryland Hotel in Nashville, Tennessee. The SGMG Celebration Concert is free and open to the public.





Media Contacts:


For press credentials contact:
Aaron Crisler
aaron@thejudynelongroup.com
615-474-8673

For more information about SGMG and other media inquiries contact:
Crystal Burchette-Johnson

"Come Together Now" Single Available at all Digital Retailers, Music Video Debuts This Week

“Come Together Now” Single Available at All Digital Retailers, Music Video Debuts This Week

NASHVILLE, TENN. (February 18, 2010) – Artistic communities around the world continue to come together in efforts to aid the island nation of Haiti after the devastating earthquakes of January 12, 2010. Music City has done its part with the recent collaboration of the biggest names in Nashville’s own Country, Christian and Gospel music communities.

Multi-Platinum, GRAMMY and Dove Award winning artist Michael W. Smith gathered a community of Nashville-based artists on January 27 at Belmont University’s Ocean Way Studio to record “Come Together Now” – a song written by Smith, David Mullen and Cindy Morgan – to benefit Haiti relief efforts.

Released under the banner Music City Unites For Haiti (Various Artists), and with the studio’s, artists’ and musicians’ time all donated, proceeds from the single will go to designated charity and relief work through Samaritan’s Purse and American Red Cross.

The single is now available at all digital retailers.

Bringing aid and relief efforts to Haiti is a personal mission for Michael W. Smith, who has already traveled to the island with Samaritan’s Purse, a non-denominational evangelical Christian humanitarian organization, in the wake of the earthquake, and whose wife Debbie has done missionary work in the nation in the past.

“I’m deeply grateful to Michael for all his efforts to help those suffering in Haiti, shares Franklin Graham, president and CEO of Samaritan’s Purse. “Every artist and every individual who can use their talent and ability to shed light on those in need, when it’s all added together, it makes a huge difference. My prayer is that God will use this song and video to touch the hearts of this nation to give generously to the people of Haiti.”


The music video for “Come Together Now” will be distributed by The AristoMedia Group. Please visit http://aristovideopromo.com/michael-w-smith-brings-music-city-together-to-help-haiti/ to stream the video. To request a copy of “Come Together Now” for additional streaming or broadcast purposes, contact Craig Bann at cbann@aristomedia.com.

In addition, “Come Together Now” will be the lead track for the March 2nd Healing4Haiti, a full album project featuring songs by artists including Israel Houghton, DecembeRadio, Kari Jobe, The Afters, Hawk Nelson, Flyleaf’s Lacey Mosley, Canton Jones, Lincoln Brewster and Mary Mary. For more information on the album, please visit: www.healing4haiti.info or www.samaritanspurse.org.

Artists part of “Come Together Now” Music City Unites for Haiti include:
Aaron Shust, Alathea, Amy Grant, Vince Gill, Ashley Cleveland, Austins Bridge, Brandon Heath, Britt Nicole, Chris McClarney, Chris Rodriguez, Chris Sligh, Don Poythress, Dorothy Savage, Duane Allen, Echoing Angels, Everlife, Francesca Battistelli, Jaime Jamgochian, Jared Anderson, Jody Davis, John Schlitt, Kate Lazar, Katinas, Kevin Max, Kirk Sullivan, Lee Greenwood, Manic Drive, Margaret Becker, Mark Hall, Matt Dowley, Matthew West, Matt Maher, Meredith Andrews, Michael Tait, MIKESCHAIR, Mike Weaver, Paige Armstrong, Phil Stacey, Point of Grace, PureNRG, Rachael Lampa, Restless Heart, Selah, Steven Curtis Chapman, Toby Mac, Veronica Petrucci, Wynonna, and Yellow Cavalier.

About Michael W. Smith: (Reunion Records/Provident Music Group):
Throughout his 27-year career as a recording artist, Michael W. Smith has amassed an impressive catalog of achievements. His 21 albums have garnered multiple honors including an American Music Award, three GRAMMY ® Awards (from 13 nominations), 44 GMA Dove Awards and 33 No. 1 radio hits. In addition, he holds 16 Gold and five platinum albums for career sales approaching 15 million.

Smith, who was inducted into the Gospel Music Hall of Fame in 2009, has scored several film projects, written 11 books and has been featured by media outlets including, NBC’s Today Show, Good Morning America, NBC Nightly News, Larry King Live, FOX and Friends, Hannity and Colmes, USA Today, NY Times, The Washington Post, LA Times, Newsweek, has been named one of People Magazine's "Most Beautiful People" and has presented multiple times on the GRAMMY Awards show. His tours consistently rank among the best attended in the country, and he has performed to capacity crowds throughout the world.

Constantly giving back to the community, one of Smith’s current projects is Rocketown--a nightclub for teens in his hometown of Nashville, Tenn.--which serves as safe place for young people to enjoy music and for artists to be discovered. He and wife Debbie Smith are the proud parents of five children. For up-to-date information on Michael W. Smith, please visit www.michaelwsmith.com or www.providentpress.com.

About AristoVideo:
A division of The AristoMedia Group, AristoVideo has built a 25-year history of marketing artists through visual mediums, including music videos, EPKs, liners and interview features, which are serviced to television, closed-circuit and Internet outlets across the globe. Visit www.AristoVideoPromo.com for more information.

For radio servicing of “Come Together Now” please contact Andrew Patton at andrew.patton@pattonhouseentertainment.com