Josh Slone is good, real good. He knows how to make a song his and get into it, and make it come alive. Slone has been blessed with a great voice plus the tight high lonesome harmonies are great.
Rural Rhythm scores again. This recording is hot, the followup of the great opening song is a heartbreak ballad "Daddies Don't Cry" and then the real upbeat "Destination Heartbreak" which is another strong offering, nice mandolin and fiddle. This recording has a good deal of reverb and compression, but it is used tastefully. When a producer or mastering engineer uses these tools right, it adds excitement and warmth to the music.
I would love to hear his four piece band live, because it is just him on guitar, a bass player, banjo and mandolin. He has a lot of guest musicians and vocalists on this CD. It is hard to pick out which singers and players are in his band, because there are seventeen people listed as singers or musicians on the CD. But the vocals are tight and there is great Dobro, Banjo and Fiddle.
I love the material, some great song writers stuff. Songs are more like country songs done the bluegrass way. Mark Brinkman, Larry Cordle, whose "Big Blue Raindrops" is a classic. Josh really sounds like a pro, not someone who is doing his first CD.
"Bluegrass and Me" by Mike Wells who wrote alot of these songs is a great uptempo song. The arrangements may be sparse at times, but the music is always top flight. There is a great guitar solo on "Hillbilly Girl", which I'm guessing was done by Josh, because he is the only guitar picker listed.
The closer "Long Legged Woman" is a hoot with some great fiddle playing by Gerald Evans who I read that this was his last CD. That is sad news, Sounds like a man that will be missed by many.
Josh is also a very good guitar player. This is a very good CD overall with lots of great original bluegrass, wish Josh The best!!!
http://www.joshsloneandcoaltown.net/
Tuesday, February 22, 2011
Thursday, February 17, 2011
The Judds To Premiere In Primetime On Own: Oprah Winfrey Network,Sunday, April 10
"THE JUDDS" TO PREMIERE IN PRIMETIME ON
OWN: OPRAH WINFREY NETWORK, SUNDAY, APRIL 10
New Docu-Series Follows Legendary
Mother-Daughter Duo On Their Reunion Concert Tour
Los Angeles, CA --- For the first time on television, Judds fans and OWN viewers enter the private and public lives of country music icons, Naomi and Wynonna Judd, on the new docu-series, “The Judds.” The six-episode series follows the award winning mother/daughter duo as they hit the road for their first and final concert tour in ten years. Cameras capture their emotional journey as they work to heal their relationship, reconnect with their fans and share the spotlight once again. “The Judds” premieres April 10 at 9:00 p.m. ET/PT on OWN: Oprah Winfrey Network.
After decades of struggle and recovery, Naomi and Wynonna are ready to share their celebrated and often complicated lives. The series begins as both mother and daughter prepare for their final reunion tour. Stress is high as both Judds realize that performing together again is a “make or break” deal when it comes to their relationship. They love each other and want more than anything to heal their connection, but the tour, combined with unresolved issues and painful memories from the past, threaten to derail their efforts.
Viewers are fully immersed in Naomi and Wynonna’s hectic and exciting world. They travel city-to-city performing and meeting with their loyal fans (“Juddheads”), head home to their 1000-acre farm, and go behind closed doors for emotional sessions with their longtime life coach, Dr. Ted Klontz. Through it all — the good and challenging times — Naomi and Wynonna share their personal story openly and honestly. Naomi confesses never-before-told painful secrets from her childhood and together they discuss their fears about the tour. In addition, Wynonna speaks candidly about finding new love and the challenges of being a single, working mom.
On the surface, “The Judds” is about a much anticipated reunion tour starring two legendary performers. But just below the surface, the series is a moving exploration of the universal mother-daughter bond. For Naomi and Wynonna, their relationship is firmly grounded in love, but plagued by misunderstanding. In the end, by sharing their experiences, Naomi and Wynonna hope that others will be inspired to strengthen their own personal connections.
“The Judds” is produced for OWN by Gay Rosenthal Productions, Inc. The executive producers are Gay Rosenthal, Bruce Toms, Kerry Hansen, Naomi Judd and Wynonna Judd.
About OWN: OPRAH WINFREY NETWORK
A joint venture between Harpo, Inc. and Discovery Communications, OWN: OPRAH WINFREY NETWORK is a multi-platform media company designed to entertain, inform, and inspire people to live their best lives. OWN debuted on January 1, 2011, in approximately 80 million homes on what was the Discovery Health Channel. The venture also includes the award-winning digital platform, Oprah.com. For more information, please visit www.oprah.com/own and www.press.discovery.com/us/own .
Media Contact:
Domenic Morea
Director, Publicity
Domenic_Morea@own.tv
(323) 602-5516
The Judds:
OWN: OPRAH WINFREY NETWORK, SUNDAY, APRIL 10
New Docu-Series Follows Legendary
Mother-Daughter Duo On Their Reunion Concert Tour
Los Angeles, CA --- For the first time on television, Judds fans and OWN viewers enter the private and public lives of country music icons, Naomi and Wynonna Judd, on the new docu-series, “The Judds.” The six-episode series follows the award winning mother/daughter duo as they hit the road for their first and final concert tour in ten years. Cameras capture their emotional journey as they work to heal their relationship, reconnect with their fans and share the spotlight once again. “The Judds” premieres April 10 at 9:00 p.m. ET/PT on OWN: Oprah Winfrey Network.
After decades of struggle and recovery, Naomi and Wynonna are ready to share their celebrated and often complicated lives. The series begins as both mother and daughter prepare for their final reunion tour. Stress is high as both Judds realize that performing together again is a “make or break” deal when it comes to their relationship. They love each other and want more than anything to heal their connection, but the tour, combined with unresolved issues and painful memories from the past, threaten to derail their efforts.
Viewers are fully immersed in Naomi and Wynonna’s hectic and exciting world. They travel city-to-city performing and meeting with their loyal fans (“Juddheads”), head home to their 1000-acre farm, and go behind closed doors for emotional sessions with their longtime life coach, Dr. Ted Klontz. Through it all — the good and challenging times — Naomi and Wynonna share their personal story openly and honestly. Naomi confesses never-before-told painful secrets from her childhood and together they discuss their fears about the tour. In addition, Wynonna speaks candidly about finding new love and the challenges of being a single, working mom.
On the surface, “The Judds” is about a much anticipated reunion tour starring two legendary performers. But just below the surface, the series is a moving exploration of the universal mother-daughter bond. For Naomi and Wynonna, their relationship is firmly grounded in love, but plagued by misunderstanding. In the end, by sharing their experiences, Naomi and Wynonna hope that others will be inspired to strengthen their own personal connections.
“The Judds” is produced for OWN by Gay Rosenthal Productions, Inc. The executive producers are Gay Rosenthal, Bruce Toms, Kerry Hansen, Naomi Judd and Wynonna Judd.
About OWN: OPRAH WINFREY NETWORK
A joint venture between Harpo, Inc. and Discovery Communications, OWN: OPRAH WINFREY NETWORK is a multi-platform media company designed to entertain, inform, and inspire people to live their best lives. OWN debuted on January 1, 2011, in approximately 80 million homes on what was the Discovery Health Channel. The venture also includes the award-winning digital platform, Oprah.com. For more information, please visit www.oprah.com/own and www.press.discovery.com/us/own .
Media Contact:
Domenic Morea
Director, Publicity
Domenic_Morea@own.tv
(323) 602-5516
The Judds:
Wednesday, February 16, 2011
Charlie Daniels,Wynonna,Montgomery Gentry, and The Grascals set to perform at Lipscomb University's 'Operation Yellow Ribbon' Event March 29,2011
CHARLIE DANIELS, WYNONNA, MONTGOMERY GENTRY AND THE GRASCALS SET TO PERFORM AT LIPSCOMB UNIVERSITY'S 'OPERATION YELLOW RIBBON' EVENT MARCH 29, 2011
Gen. Tommy Franks announced as keynote speaker
NASHVILLE (Feb. 16, 2011) – Charlie Daniels, Wynonna, Montgomery Gentry and The Grascals are set to perform for 'Operation Yellow Ribbon' at Lipscomb University March 29, 2011. General Tommy Franks (Ret.) has been confirmed as the keynote speaker, and the Center for Deployment Psychology will be featured at the Symposium for university administrators.
Operation Yellow Ribbon features a daylong symposium sponsored by Lipscomb University and featuring experts from the Center for Deployment Psychology (CPD), Challenge America, Not Alone and the Department of Veterans Affairs. The day will be filled with clinical as well as non-clinical approaches to working with veterans and developing a better understanding of this unique population. Another focus of the symposium is to bring together university administrators, certifying officials and others who work with student-veterans to discuss best approaches in creating veteran-friendly campuses as thousands of veterans across the country are enrolling in universities through the Post 9/11 GI Bill.
Capping off the day’s events, Franks will address attendees at Lipscomb’s Allen Arena. Musical appearances by Charlie Daniels, Wynonna, Montgomery Gentry and The Grascals are scheduled for the evening event at 7 p.m. in Lipscomb’s Allen Arena.
“Our goal is to provide an informative day for those who work with veterans at universities across the country to help equip them with knowledge and expertise to make their campuses more accessible and friendly for veterans. By partnering with the Center for Deployment Psychology we want to help educate university counseling teams so they can offer programs that adequately serve our veterans as they reintegrate home and adjust to university life,” said David K. Hughes, Lipscomb University assistant dean of students and director of the Yellow Ribbon Program.
Admission to the symposium is open to any university representative or administrator who works with student-veterans or coordinates Yellow Ribbon programs on their campuses. Registration is $75 per person, which covers all activities, materials, meals and VIP tickets for the concert. For more information or to register visit http://www.yellowribbon.lipscomb.edu/ or call 615.966.5176.
Tickets for the evening event only will go on sale for $10 on Feb. 18 at the Lipscomb University box office. Call 615.966.7075. Members of the military and their families will be invited as guests of the events corporate sponsors. Proceeds from the event benefit Lipscomb University’s Yellow Ribbon Program.
Lipscomb’s Yellow Ribbon Program offers eligible Post 9/11 GI Bill veterans and their family members an undergraduate degree tuition-free or a graduate degree tuition-free or at a greatly reduced tuition rate.
The Center for Deployment Psychology (CPD) is a non-profit, tri-service center funded through a grant awarded by the Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences to train military and civilian behavioral health providers.
'Operation Yellow Ribbon' Event produced by David Corlew & Associates in conjunction with Lipscomb University.
Gen. Tommy Franks announced as keynote speaker
NASHVILLE (Feb. 16, 2011) – Charlie Daniels, Wynonna, Montgomery Gentry and The Grascals are set to perform for 'Operation Yellow Ribbon' at Lipscomb University March 29, 2011. General Tommy Franks (Ret.) has been confirmed as the keynote speaker, and the Center for Deployment Psychology will be featured at the Symposium for university administrators.
Operation Yellow Ribbon features a daylong symposium sponsored by Lipscomb University and featuring experts from the Center for Deployment Psychology (CPD), Challenge America, Not Alone and the Department of Veterans Affairs. The day will be filled with clinical as well as non-clinical approaches to working with veterans and developing a better understanding of this unique population. Another focus of the symposium is to bring together university administrators, certifying officials and others who work with student-veterans to discuss best approaches in creating veteran-friendly campuses as thousands of veterans across the country are enrolling in universities through the Post 9/11 GI Bill.
Capping off the day’s events, Franks will address attendees at Lipscomb’s Allen Arena. Musical appearances by Charlie Daniels, Wynonna, Montgomery Gentry and The Grascals are scheduled for the evening event at 7 p.m. in Lipscomb’s Allen Arena.
“Our goal is to provide an informative day for those who work with veterans at universities across the country to help equip them with knowledge and expertise to make their campuses more accessible and friendly for veterans. By partnering with the Center for Deployment Psychology we want to help educate university counseling teams so they can offer programs that adequately serve our veterans as they reintegrate home and adjust to university life,” said David K. Hughes, Lipscomb University assistant dean of students and director of the Yellow Ribbon Program.
Admission to the symposium is open to any university representative or administrator who works with student-veterans or coordinates Yellow Ribbon programs on their campuses. Registration is $75 per person, which covers all activities, materials, meals and VIP tickets for the concert. For more information or to register visit http://www.yellowribbon.lipscomb.edu/ or call 615.966.5176.
Tickets for the evening event only will go on sale for $10 on Feb. 18 at the Lipscomb University box office. Call 615.966.7075. Members of the military and their families will be invited as guests of the events corporate sponsors. Proceeds from the event benefit Lipscomb University’s Yellow Ribbon Program.
Lipscomb’s Yellow Ribbon Program offers eligible Post 9/11 GI Bill veterans and their family members an undergraduate degree tuition-free or a graduate degree tuition-free or at a greatly reduced tuition rate.
The Center for Deployment Psychology (CPD) is a non-profit, tri-service center funded through a grant awarded by the Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences to train military and civilian behavioral health providers.
'Operation Yellow Ribbon' Event produced by David Corlew & Associates in conjunction with Lipscomb University.
Tuesday, February 15, 2011
Interview with Susan Gibson, singer-songwriter (wrote Wide Open Spaces for Dixie Chicks)
Search Amazon.com for Susan Gibson
Susan Gibson has a new CD out or will be out in a few days, it is called "Tightrope", I highly recommend it to anyone who likes acoustic music, This is the best sounding CD that I have heard this year, the sound quality is stunning, plus she has a set of ten very well written and performed songs. She is a great guitarist also and her vocals and lyrics have continued to grow since her hit with Chicks "Wide Open Spaces" .
1. Susan, "Tightrope" is a brilliant acoustic album that really has great sound quality, sparse , yet it is real warm and I love the guitar work. Tell me a little about the recording process and whether it is a digital or analog recording, it is so warm it sounds like it could be reel to reel.
(Susan's reponse)
It’s a digital recording using ProTools, and I would attribute the warmth of the album to the producer, Gabe Rhodes. But maybe it was the stained glass windows in the studio!
2. What kind of guitars were you and Gabe playing? The tone is so nice on the CD. Also, what kind of strings were you using?, I find that interesting, the tone is really unique. Do you have a collection of many guitars? Your guitar playing is excellent , and Gabe's bass and lead parts are also very good.
I play a Gibson Blues King Electro on the record and we mic-ed it. I use D’Addario medium gauge strings. Gabe does have a collection of instruments…he uses a 1919 Martin Parlor and a 1958 Gibson LG-1.
3. I am sorry to hear about your accident. i just read that the CD was finished before the accident. I am guessing that you are glad about that, it is such a fine set of songs. "The wood wouldn't burn" is a great song. Is that a true story?
Yes, the guitar in that story belongs to my friend Roger Marin, a singer-songwriter from Ontario, Canada. It was given to him by the wife of a fan who died in the house fire.
4. Really like the CD artwork, so effective and different, just black and white, Love how you open it up and the "Tightrope" turns into a guitar. Is that a town in the soundhole?
Yes, it’s a fictional town…It’s every town! The artwork was done by my friend Jess Rios from Dallas. http://www.jessrios.com/
5. This CD does not have a bad song on it, my favorites are "it's rainin' outside today, hooray!" , (Love Gabe's guitar licks), "Tightrope" , "oil and water", and all of the others. Do you have a favorite? You sort of remind me of a cross between Terri Hendrix and Carole King.
I love all the songs…but I love the chorus in Hope Diamond and I get chills every time I play The Wood Wouldn’t Burn.
6. OK, the obvious question, you wrote "Wide Open Spaces" for the Dixie Chicks which really took them off to super popularity, Both as the name of Album and as the song on the CD. How did this affect your career? When you wrote that song, did you have any idea how popular it was going to be, did you have a good feel about it? Did your friends like it? This was my favorite CD for like four years, I still like it alot.
When I wrote the song, I didn’t have any idea how popular it would be. I didn’t have any idea how the music business worked with people writing songs for other people. It’s my first original song I had written that was requested by someone I didn’t know at one of my gigs in Montana…and I remember that happening. It changed my career in the opportunities I have had since writing that song, whether it’s getting to go to a national award show or writing with other people that maybe wouldn’t have otherwise heard of me, or having an automatic handlebar for people to grab on to and remember about me. I have been Susan “The Girl Who Wrote Wide Open Spaces For the Dixie Chicks” Gibson for over a decade, and I love it!
http://www.susangibson.com/
Susan Gibson has a new CD out or will be out in a few days, it is called "Tightrope", I highly recommend it to anyone who likes acoustic music, This is the best sounding CD that I have heard this year, the sound quality is stunning, plus she has a set of ten very well written and performed songs. She is a great guitarist also and her vocals and lyrics have continued to grow since her hit with Chicks "Wide Open Spaces" .
1. Susan, "Tightrope" is a brilliant acoustic album that really has great sound quality, sparse , yet it is real warm and I love the guitar work. Tell me a little about the recording process and whether it is a digital or analog recording, it is so warm it sounds like it could be reel to reel.
(Susan's reponse)
It’s a digital recording using ProTools, and I would attribute the warmth of the album to the producer, Gabe Rhodes. But maybe it was the stained glass windows in the studio!
2. What kind of guitars were you and Gabe playing? The tone is so nice on the CD. Also, what kind of strings were you using?, I find that interesting, the tone is really unique. Do you have a collection of many guitars? Your guitar playing is excellent , and Gabe's bass and lead parts are also very good.
I play a Gibson Blues King Electro on the record and we mic-ed it. I use D’Addario medium gauge strings. Gabe does have a collection of instruments…he uses a 1919 Martin Parlor and a 1958 Gibson LG-1.
3. I am sorry to hear about your accident. i just read that the CD was finished before the accident. I am guessing that you are glad about that, it is such a fine set of songs. "The wood wouldn't burn" is a great song. Is that a true story?
Yes, the guitar in that story belongs to my friend Roger Marin, a singer-songwriter from Ontario, Canada. It was given to him by the wife of a fan who died in the house fire.
4. Really like the CD artwork, so effective and different, just black and white, Love how you open it up and the "Tightrope" turns into a guitar. Is that a town in the soundhole?
Yes, it’s a fictional town…It’s every town! The artwork was done by my friend Jess Rios from Dallas. http://www.jessrios.com/
5. This CD does not have a bad song on it, my favorites are "it's rainin' outside today, hooray!" , (Love Gabe's guitar licks), "Tightrope" , "oil and water", and all of the others. Do you have a favorite? You sort of remind me of a cross between Terri Hendrix and Carole King.
I love all the songs…but I love the chorus in Hope Diamond and I get chills every time I play The Wood Wouldn’t Burn.
6. OK, the obvious question, you wrote "Wide Open Spaces" for the Dixie Chicks which really took them off to super popularity, Both as the name of Album and as the song on the CD. How did this affect your career? When you wrote that song, did you have any idea how popular it was going to be, did you have a good feel about it? Did your friends like it? This was my favorite CD for like four years, I still like it alot.
When I wrote the song, I didn’t have any idea how popular it would be. I didn’t have any idea how the music business worked with people writing songs for other people. It’s my first original song I had written that was requested by someone I didn’t know at one of my gigs in Montana…and I remember that happening. It changed my career in the opportunities I have had since writing that song, whether it’s getting to go to a national award show or writing with other people that maybe wouldn’t have otherwise heard of me, or having an automatic handlebar for people to grab on to and remember about me. I have been Susan “The Girl Who Wrote Wide Open Spaces For the Dixie Chicks” Gibson for over a decade, and I love it!
http://www.susangibson.com/
Monday, February 14, 2011
Bandit Records Releases New George Jones Album
Search Amazon.com for george jones, hitsBANDIT RECORDS RELEASES NEW GEORGE JONES ALBUM...
GEORGE JONES:HITS
Nashville, TN – BANDIT RECORDS is proud to release the first new GEORGE JONES material in over 5 years. “I Ain’t Ever Slowin Down” written by Al Anderson and Stephen Bruton and “ I Should Have Called” , written by Eddie Raven are both featured in a new compilation called GEORGE JONES: HITS. Both new songs were produced by Jones’ long time producer, Keith Stegal, in 2006 and are included on BANDITS newest release. Also featured on the album are some of GEORGE’S biggest and most iconic hits such as , “The Window Up Above”, “Take Me”, “The Grand Tour” , “White Lightin” , his signature song “He Stopped Lovin’ Her Today” as well as gems like “ Hell Stays Open All Night Long” and “If Drinkin’ Don’t Kill Me (Her Memory Will)”.
Once again, even in his later years, Jones’ vocals continue to amaze and evoke an emotional response as strong as his classic hits have over the last 6 decades. Retailing for $11.99, sold exclusively at Wal*Mart, the 24 song compilation will be released on Feb. 15th.
Jones, a Country Music Hall of Fame member, has had a chart appearance in each of the last seven decades (50’s through ‘10s) and extends his lead for the most chart appearances of all time to 166 titles and his chart span to 55 years, three months and one week. Jones is added to a short prestigious list of acts to chart in seven decades, previously achieved by only Eddy Arnold and Elvis Presley.
Bandit Records Contact:
Evelyn Shriver/ Susan Nadler
615-242-1234
For George Jones Contact:
Kirt Webster
kirt@websterpr.com
615-777-6995 x230
BANDIT RECORDS RELEASES NEW GEORGE JONES ALBUM...GEORGE JONES:HITS
Nashville, TN – BANDIT RECORDS is proud to release the first new GEORGE JONES material in over 5 years. “I Ain’t Ever Slowin Down” written by Al Anderson and Stephen Bruton and “ I Should Have Called” , written by Eddie Raven are both featured in a new compilation called GEORGE JONES: HITS. Both new songs were produced by Jones’ long time producer, Keith Stegal, in 2006 and are included on BANDITS newest release. Also featured on the album are some of GEORGE’S biggest and most iconic hits such as , “The Window Up Above”, “Take Me”, “The Grand Tour” , “White Lightin” , his signature song “He Stopped Lovin’ Her Today” as well as gems like “ Hell Stays Open All Night Long” and “If Drinkin’ Don’t Kill Me (Her Memory Will)”.
Once again, even in his later years, Jones’ vocals continue to amaze and evoke an emotional response as strong as his classic hits have over the last 6 decades. Retailing for $11.99, sold exclusively at Wal*Mart, the 24 song compilation will be released on Feb. 15th.
Jones, a Country Music Hall of Fame member, has had a chart appearance in each of the last seven decades (50’s through ‘10s) and extends his lead for the most chart appearances of all time to 166 titles and his chart span to 55 years, three months and one week. Jones is added to a short prestigious list of acts to chart in seven decades, previously achieved by only Eddy Arnold and Elvis Presley.
Bandit Records Contact:
Evelyn Shriver/ Susan Nadler
615-242-1234
For George Jones Contact:
Kirt Webster
kirt@websterpr.com
615-777-6995 x230
Thursday, February 03, 2011
"Coal Minin' Man" - The Roys - New Single
Coal Minin' Man is the first single from The Roys’ upcoming March CD, LONESOME WHISTLE on Rural Rhythm Records.
It is a classic , traditional sounding up-tempo bluegrass track which tells a true-life story. The instrumentation is really full- with fiddle, guitar, mandolin and Dobro.
Lee and Elaine’s vocals harmonize perfectly as only a brother and sister can.
If the other songs on the CD are anything like this, we are in for a treat.
http://www.theroyscountry.com/
It is a classic , traditional sounding up-tempo bluegrass track which tells a true-life story. The instrumentation is really full- with fiddle, guitar, mandolin and Dobro.
Lee and Elaine’s vocals harmonize perfectly as only a brother and sister can.
If the other songs on the CD are anything like this, we are in for a treat.
http://www.theroyscountry.com/
Tuesday, February 01, 2011
"Blame it On The Bluegrass" - Valerie Smith and Liberty Pike - A Review
This bluegrass sixpack on Bell Buckle Records is a very good recording. It was the first recording ever at the International Bluegrass Music Museum in Owensburg, Kentucky. Valerie set up a studio in the "Cave", a room which houses the radio station at the museum. Sound quality is excellent , they brought in some very good digital recording equipment and set up in this room that did not look very sound recording friendly, but the producer did an excellent job and you can focus on six very fine bluegrass songs.
They actually recorded twelve songs , but plan to release the other six at the end of this year. Valerie has a fine ,feminine, bluegrass voice and really can sing in a natural way that compares with the best on the market today, plus she is a good guitar picker.
Blake Shelton started the six pack thing in country music very successfully releasing two sixpack CDs pretty close together.
Smith has six great songs here, "Blame It On The Bluegrass" is a very good upbeat number that is very original sounding. It would be a great song for a single.
Smith's voice is so natural and the recording is very warm sounding, not too cluttered , the arrangements are perfect for two or three part harmonies.
She goes from the upbeat to the very inspiring, "Lord, make this day Good", this is a very inspirational song.
Smith was a new name to me, but I love every thing about her, she has a great heart for good sounding bluegrass. Last year, she spent time in Kentucky schools, educating youngsters about bluegrass, that is an awesome thing to do.
http://www.valeriesmithonline.com/
They actually recorded twelve songs , but plan to release the other six at the end of this year. Valerie has a fine ,feminine, bluegrass voice and really can sing in a natural way that compares with the best on the market today, plus she is a good guitar picker.
Blake Shelton started the six pack thing in country music very successfully releasing two sixpack CDs pretty close together.
Smith has six great songs here, "Blame It On The Bluegrass" is a very good upbeat number that is very original sounding. It would be a great song for a single.
Smith's voice is so natural and the recording is very warm sounding, not too cluttered , the arrangements are perfect for two or three part harmonies.
She goes from the upbeat to the very inspiring, "Lord, make this day Good", this is a very inspirational song.
Smith was a new name to me, but I love every thing about her, she has a great heart for good sounding bluegrass. Last year, she spent time in Kentucky schools, educating youngsters about bluegrass, that is an awesome thing to do.
http://www.valeriesmithonline.com/
Jamey Johnson Receives TWO ACM Nominations
JAMEY JOHNSON RECEIVES TWO ACM NOMINATIONS,
INCLUDING ALBUM OF THE YEAR
GRAMMY-NOMINATED ALBUM CONTINUES TO RECEIVE ACCOLADES
Nashville, TN - Jamey Johnson has received two nominations from the Academy of Country Music Awards, including Album of the Year for The Guitar Song, the most-lauded country album of 2010.
"The triumph of a gold-selling double album is shared by my family, my friends/bandmates/producers, my staff, my label, my booking agents, my publishers, my management, my publicists, my handlers, my wranglers, my fans, my dog, Willie's braids and that beautiful brunette in Toledo,” Jamey says. “Thanks all for the hard work and dedication. You all deserve each accolade. And thanks to the Academy voters for the recognition."
Jamey also received an ACM nomination in the category of Vocal Event of the Year for his performance with Colt Ford of “Cold Beer.”
"If working with Colt in the studio was a ball, touring with him on the road with the Grascals and Hank Williams, Jr. was several balls,” Jamey says. “He's a unique artist in a day where uniquity is not usually rewarded. I'm proud to be nominated alongside my friend."
Jamey is a two-time winner in the ACM Song of the Year category, taking home trophies in 2009 for “In Color” and 2007 for “Give It Away,” which was recorded by George Strait.
The Guitar Song was produced by Arlis Albritton, Dave Cobb and The Kent Hardly Playboys, all of whom received nominations as well in the Album of the Year category. In addition, two members of The Kent Hardly Playboys received individual nominations. Jim “Moose” Brown is nominated for Top Piano/Keyboard Player of the Year, and “Cowboy” Eddie Long is nominated for Top Steel Guitar Player of the Year.
Jamey’s The Guitar Song, an ambitious 25-song double album, also recently received two Grammy nominations -- Country Album of the Year and Best Male Country Vocal performance for “Macon.” (He received a third Grammy nomination in Best Country Collaboration with Vocals for “Bad Angels” with Dierks Bentley and Miranda Lambert.)
In addition, The Guitar Song was recently certified gold by the Recording Industry Association of America.
Last week, the Nashville Scene’s 11th annual Country Music Critics’ Poll named The Guitar Song the best album of 2011 and named Jamey Artist of the Year, Best Male Vocalist and Best Songwriter.
The Guitar Song was ranked No. 5 on Rolling Stone’s Best Albums of 2010 and “Macon” was ranked No. 23 on Rolling Stone’s Best Singles of 2010.
“What does Jamey Johnson keep under all of that hair? Songs,” says Rolling Stone. “Nashville’s gruffest and grittiest star turns out to be its most reliable traditionalist, a Music Row pro who can write a song for every emotional season. Johnson pulled out a whole slew of them – 25, clocking in north of 105 minutes – four his double-disc fourth album: acoustic confessions and rugged boogie blues, big weepers and grim reapers, cover tunes and novelty ditties, not to mention “California Riots” and “Playing the Part,” a pair of fiercely funny, unrepentantly redneck swipes at the frou-frou blue states.”
The Washington Post, which ranked the album at No. 2 on its list of 2010’s greatest hits, says, “He sings in the baritone of God and carries a guitar covered in Sharpie squiggles – autographed from the likes of Haggard, Nelson and other country music royalty. Now Johnson’s sweeping double album raises the question: How long before he has to sign it himself?”
Spin also named The Guitar Song as No. 5 on its list of The 40 Best Albums of 2010. “Johnson’s double-album opus isn’t one of the past decade’s best country records because he’s a boundary-pushing subversive,” Spin says.
The New York Times included “Even the Skies Are Blue” on its list of Top Songs, while People included The Guitar Song in its Top 10 Music list, noting, “In an era when much of country music is designed for bite-size radio consumption, this old-school outlaw – and Matthew McConaughey BFF – served up a meaty, 25-track double album that sticks to your bones.”
He also made best-album lists of The Boston Globe, Los Angeles Times, Paste, The Philadelphia Inquirer, Detroit Free Press, The Arizona Republic and other publications.
INCLUDING ALBUM OF THE YEAR
GRAMMY-NOMINATED ALBUM CONTINUES TO RECEIVE ACCOLADES
Nashville, TN - Jamey Johnson has received two nominations from the Academy of Country Music Awards, including Album of the Year for The Guitar Song, the most-lauded country album of 2010.
"The triumph of a gold-selling double album is shared by my family, my friends/bandmates/producers, my staff, my label, my booking agents, my publishers, my management, my publicists, my handlers, my wranglers, my fans, my dog, Willie's braids and that beautiful brunette in Toledo,” Jamey says. “Thanks all for the hard work and dedication. You all deserve each accolade. And thanks to the Academy voters for the recognition."
Jamey also received an ACM nomination in the category of Vocal Event of the Year for his performance with Colt Ford of “Cold Beer.”
"If working with Colt in the studio was a ball, touring with him on the road with the Grascals and Hank Williams, Jr. was several balls,” Jamey says. “He's a unique artist in a day where uniquity is not usually rewarded. I'm proud to be nominated alongside my friend."
Jamey is a two-time winner in the ACM Song of the Year category, taking home trophies in 2009 for “In Color” and 2007 for “Give It Away,” which was recorded by George Strait.
The Guitar Song was produced by Arlis Albritton, Dave Cobb and The Kent Hardly Playboys, all of whom received nominations as well in the Album of the Year category. In addition, two members of The Kent Hardly Playboys received individual nominations. Jim “Moose” Brown is nominated for Top Piano/Keyboard Player of the Year, and “Cowboy” Eddie Long is nominated for Top Steel Guitar Player of the Year.
Jamey’s The Guitar Song, an ambitious 25-song double album, also recently received two Grammy nominations -- Country Album of the Year and Best Male Country Vocal performance for “Macon.” (He received a third Grammy nomination in Best Country Collaboration with Vocals for “Bad Angels” with Dierks Bentley and Miranda Lambert.)
In addition, The Guitar Song was recently certified gold by the Recording Industry Association of America.
Last week, the Nashville Scene’s 11th annual Country Music Critics’ Poll named The Guitar Song the best album of 2011 and named Jamey Artist of the Year, Best Male Vocalist and Best Songwriter.
The Guitar Song was ranked No. 5 on Rolling Stone’s Best Albums of 2010 and “Macon” was ranked No. 23 on Rolling Stone’s Best Singles of 2010.
“What does Jamey Johnson keep under all of that hair? Songs,” says Rolling Stone. “Nashville’s gruffest and grittiest star turns out to be its most reliable traditionalist, a Music Row pro who can write a song for every emotional season. Johnson pulled out a whole slew of them – 25, clocking in north of 105 minutes – four his double-disc fourth album: acoustic confessions and rugged boogie blues, big weepers and grim reapers, cover tunes and novelty ditties, not to mention “California Riots” and “Playing the Part,” a pair of fiercely funny, unrepentantly redneck swipes at the frou-frou blue states.”
The Washington Post, which ranked the album at No. 2 on its list of 2010’s greatest hits, says, “He sings in the baritone of God and carries a guitar covered in Sharpie squiggles – autographed from the likes of Haggard, Nelson and other country music royalty. Now Johnson’s sweeping double album raises the question: How long before he has to sign it himself?”
Spin also named The Guitar Song as No. 5 on its list of The 40 Best Albums of 2010. “Johnson’s double-album opus isn’t one of the past decade’s best country records because he’s a boundary-pushing subversive,” Spin says.
The New York Times included “Even the Skies Are Blue” on its list of Top Songs, while People included The Guitar Song in its Top 10 Music list, noting, “In an era when much of country music is designed for bite-size radio consumption, this old-school outlaw – and Matthew McConaughey BFF – served up a meaty, 25-track double album that sticks to your bones.”
He also made best-album lists of The Boston Globe, Los Angeles Times, Paste, The Philadelphia Inquirer, Detroit Free Press, The Arizona Republic and other publications.
Friday, January 28, 2011
12th Annual San Francisco Bluegrass and Old-Time festival Coming soon
12th ANNUAL SAN FRANCISCO BLUEGRASS AND OLD-TIME FESTIVAL CELEBRATES PAST, PRESENT AND FUTURE OF AMERICANA AND ROOTS MUSIC
The events of the 12th annual San Francisco Bluegrass and Old-Time Festival (SFBOT) will explore and celebrate the past, present and future of bluegrass and old-time music through performances, dances and workshops. The 10-day festival runs from Feb. 11-20 and comprises more than 30 shows at numerous small clubs around the Bay Area featuring some of the most talented musicians on the Americana and roots music scene today.
Highlights of this year’s festival includes Bay Area favorites such as Laurie Lewis & Tom Rozum, The Crooked Jades, the Stairwell Sisters and the Wronglers. Also featured are beloved from outside the Bay Area, such as Dry Branch Fire Squad and Foghorn Stringband. Giving a nod to past, there will be two different celebrations of the bluegrass icons Flatt and Scruggs — the first a performance @ Freight and Salvage featuring an array of musicians paying tribute and a banjo workshop with Cory Goldman titled “Sex, Drugs and Earl Scruggs.”.
And the festival will spotlight some of the best in up-and-coming performers such as 24-year-old Frank Fairfield, who was recently featured on National Public radio for his unique style and approach on fiddle and banjo old-time tunes, the Southern Appalachian Gospel and fiddle tunes of Alex Caton and Pete Winne and the Chicago-based Henhouse Prowlers, who took the top slot at the 2010 Rockygrass Band Competition. A last minute addition to the festival performing on opening night 2/11/11 @ St. Cyprian's Church are The Nashvillains, an acoustic supergroup featuring virtuosos James Nash of The Waybacks on guitar, Bill Evans on banjo, and Bryan Horne from Hot Buttered Rum on bass!
In addition to shows, the festival aims to provide rich experiences for Bay Area residents through workshops, jam sessions, kids shows, Bluegrass and Old-Time in the Schools and the Saturday night old-time square dance (always a sell-out with over 220 attendees)! Each year the Festival showcases the best in rising acts from the West Coast and beyond, with a special spotlight on the immense amount of local talent located right here in the Bay Area.
Thanks to a generous investment from the Chris and Warren Hellman Foundation, the festival committee continues its commitment to the Bluegrass and Old-Time in the Schools program. The program aims to expose elementary and high school students to the worlds of bluegrass and old-time music and continue the legacy of this important music. Schools interested in bringing performers to their a Bay Area location should contact sfbotf.volunteer.coordinator@gmail.com.
Confirmed 2011 Acts
Laurie Lewis & Tom Rozum, Dry Branch Fire Squad, The Crooked Jades, Stairwell Sisters, The Wronglers, The Earl Brothers, Flatt & Scruggs Celebration, Foghorn Stringband, Nell Robinson with John Reischman & the Jaybirds, The Nashvillains, Frank Fairfield, The Henriettas, Henhouse Prowlers, Heroes for Ghosts, Dark Hollow, The Trespassers, Bill Martin, West Nile Ramblers, Windy Hill, AxeL EepH, Lady A & Her Heel Draggers, Walking in Sunlight, Cahalen Morrison & Eli West, Whiskey Puppy, Good Luck Thrift Store Outfit, Summertown Road, Possum & Lester, The Wiyos, Misisipi Rider, Kemo Sabe, BrownChicken BrownCow StringBand, Hang Jones, Dr. Elmo & Wild Blue, Heidi Clare & AtaGallop, The Bee Eaters, Alex Caton & Pete Winne, Misner & Smith, JimBo Trout & the Fishpeople, Bay Island Ramblers, Erik Clampitt, Old Man Markley, Pine Box Boys, Jackstraw, Bucky Walters, The Whisky Richards, Water Tower Bucket Boys, Brothers Comatose, Gayle Lynn & the Hired Hands, Gayle Schmitt & the Toodala Ramblers, Black Crown Stringband, Creole Belles, Aux Cajunals, Emily Bonn & The Vivants, Savannah Blu, Knuckle Knockers, Family Lines, and many others.
Unlike any other festival in the country, the San Francisco Bluegrass & Old-Time Festival is a grass-roots, non-profit, volunteer-run festival dedicated to keeping the tradition of bluegrass and old-time alive. For more information on the festival, visit http://www.sfbluegrass.org/.
###
Please contact Elizabeth Smith @ j.elizabeth@gmail.com or Tanya Pinkerton @ 510.669.9832 for more information and interview/photography requests.
The Nashvillains Photo Credit:Dave Weiland
The Nashvillains.JPG
2067K View Download
The events of the 12th annual San Francisco Bluegrass and Old-Time Festival (SFBOT) will explore and celebrate the past, present and future of bluegrass and old-time music through performances, dances and workshops. The 10-day festival runs from Feb. 11-20 and comprises more than 30 shows at numerous small clubs around the Bay Area featuring some of the most talented musicians on the Americana and roots music scene today.
Highlights of this year’s festival includes Bay Area favorites such as Laurie Lewis & Tom Rozum, The Crooked Jades, the Stairwell Sisters and the Wronglers. Also featured are beloved from outside the Bay Area, such as Dry Branch Fire Squad and Foghorn Stringband. Giving a nod to past, there will be two different celebrations of the bluegrass icons Flatt and Scruggs — the first a performance @ Freight and Salvage featuring an array of musicians paying tribute and a banjo workshop with Cory Goldman titled “Sex, Drugs and Earl Scruggs.”.
And the festival will spotlight some of the best in up-and-coming performers such as 24-year-old Frank Fairfield, who was recently featured on National Public radio for his unique style and approach on fiddle and banjo old-time tunes, the Southern Appalachian Gospel and fiddle tunes of Alex Caton and Pete Winne and the Chicago-based Henhouse Prowlers, who took the top slot at the 2010 Rockygrass Band Competition. A last minute addition to the festival performing on opening night 2/11/11 @ St. Cyprian's Church are The Nashvillains, an acoustic supergroup featuring virtuosos James Nash of The Waybacks on guitar, Bill Evans on banjo, and Bryan Horne from Hot Buttered Rum on bass!
In addition to shows, the festival aims to provide rich experiences for Bay Area residents through workshops, jam sessions, kids shows, Bluegrass and Old-Time in the Schools and the Saturday night old-time square dance (always a sell-out with over 220 attendees)! Each year the Festival showcases the best in rising acts from the West Coast and beyond, with a special spotlight on the immense amount of local talent located right here in the Bay Area.
Thanks to a generous investment from the Chris and Warren Hellman Foundation, the festival committee continues its commitment to the Bluegrass and Old-Time in the Schools program. The program aims to expose elementary and high school students to the worlds of bluegrass and old-time music and continue the legacy of this important music. Schools interested in bringing performers to their a Bay Area location should contact sfbotf.volunteer.coordinator@gmail.com.
Confirmed 2011 Acts
Laurie Lewis & Tom Rozum, Dry Branch Fire Squad, The Crooked Jades, Stairwell Sisters, The Wronglers, The Earl Brothers, Flatt & Scruggs Celebration, Foghorn Stringband, Nell Robinson with John Reischman & the Jaybirds, The Nashvillains, Frank Fairfield, The Henriettas, Henhouse Prowlers, Heroes for Ghosts, Dark Hollow, The Trespassers, Bill Martin, West Nile Ramblers, Windy Hill, AxeL EepH, Lady A & Her Heel Draggers, Walking in Sunlight, Cahalen Morrison & Eli West, Whiskey Puppy, Good Luck Thrift Store Outfit, Summertown Road, Possum & Lester, The Wiyos, Misisipi Rider, Kemo Sabe, BrownChicken BrownCow StringBand, Hang Jones, Dr. Elmo & Wild Blue, Heidi Clare & AtaGallop, The Bee Eaters, Alex Caton & Pete Winne, Misner & Smith, JimBo Trout & the Fishpeople, Bay Island Ramblers, Erik Clampitt, Old Man Markley, Pine Box Boys, Jackstraw, Bucky Walters, The Whisky Richards, Water Tower Bucket Boys, Brothers Comatose, Gayle Lynn & the Hired Hands, Gayle Schmitt & the Toodala Ramblers, Black Crown Stringband, Creole Belles, Aux Cajunals, Emily Bonn & The Vivants, Savannah Blu, Knuckle Knockers, Family Lines, and many others.
Unlike any other festival in the country, the San Francisco Bluegrass & Old-Time Festival is a grass-roots, non-profit, volunteer-run festival dedicated to keeping the tradition of bluegrass and old-time alive. For more information on the festival, visit http://www.sfbluegrass.org/.
###
Please contact Elizabeth Smith @ j.elizabeth@gmail.com or Tanya Pinkerton @ 510.669.9832 for more information and interview/photography requests.
The Nashvillains Photo Credit:Dave Weiland
The Nashvillains.JPG
2067K View Download
Sunday, January 23, 2011
The Social Network - A Review
Social network, one of the most popular films this year is one that I had to see, realizing that total accuracy might not be there, but it could give me an idea of what the start of facebook is all about ,do not read this if want to see it and have not yet, might ruin it for you. One thing that was a bit irritating was the lack of lighting in a lot of the scenes, it was bad, you just could not see what was going on, i could figure out the purpose of this, from the beginning scene, Zuckerberg is shown as a self centered creep, I can't say that is true, just what the movie projects. He loses his girlfriend in that scene, and gets mad, then goes to his dorm room @ Harvard to blog bad things about her and then got the idea for Facebook, He already had a couple of network type sites, one was Face mash. A couple of Harvard students approached him to make an online internet social network for Harvard, which Zuck agrees to, but uses this idea to make Facebook for the whole internet. His roommate ,friend was given title CEO, which was not too serious to Zuck, but his friend did contribute 2,000 bucks to Facebook.
The whole movie is going on at the same time The Zuck is in a trial where his roommate is suing him for his lack of credit in Facebook, he was kicked out at one point. Zuck meets napster founder Sean Parker, who actually finds out about him, and talks him into moving to California , where everything is happening, and The Zuck is really taken by Parker, and is in Awe of him, doing whatever he says, his CEO is much lesss impressed.
Parker ,once Zuck is in California kinda takes over, bringing more and more people into the startup. Finds a way to rid the company of the CEO and of course ,The Zuck goes along. Eventually, The CEO is kicked out. Parker and Zuck have built the most successful social network and info gathering network around. (Info gathering), like a lot of networks Facebook is a big gatherer of your personal info, from what I have been told, don't quote me on that. In the end, Zuckerberg does lose the trial, and the CEO is given his status of cofounder of Facebook back. The Harvard students are rewarded financially, but The Zuck is the winner with a social network worth eight million bucks. This is a must see for computer geeks. The seedy world of the internet is like a modern day mafia of sorts, where these companies like Google, Apple and Facebook war for top place. (Facts are not guaranteed here, as this was based on a movie presentation.
The whole movie is going on at the same time The Zuck is in a trial where his roommate is suing him for his lack of credit in Facebook, he was kicked out at one point. Zuck meets napster founder Sean Parker, who actually finds out about him, and talks him into moving to California , where everything is happening, and The Zuck is really taken by Parker, and is in Awe of him, doing whatever he says, his CEO is much lesss impressed.
Parker ,once Zuck is in California kinda takes over, bringing more and more people into the startup. Finds a way to rid the company of the CEO and of course ,The Zuck goes along. Eventually, The CEO is kicked out. Parker and Zuck have built the most successful social network and info gathering network around. (Info gathering), like a lot of networks Facebook is a big gatherer of your personal info, from what I have been told, don't quote me on that. In the end, Zuckerberg does lose the trial, and the CEO is given his status of cofounder of Facebook back. The Harvard students are rewarded financially, but The Zuck is the winner with a social network worth eight million bucks. This is a must see for computer geeks. The seedy world of the internet is like a modern day mafia of sorts, where these companies like Google, Apple and Facebook war for top place. (Facts are not guaranteed here, as this was based on a movie presentation.
Wednesday, January 19, 2011
Cracker Barrel and The Grascals Celebrate #1 Debut On Billboard Bluegrass Chart
Search Amazon.com for grascalsCRACKER BARREL AND THE GRASCALS CELEBRATE #1 DEBUT
ON BILLBOARD BLUEGRASS CHART
Exclusive CD “The Grascals & Friends - Country Classics with a Bluegrass Spin”
also lands on five other charts including Country,
Heatseekers, and Billboard Top 200
LEBANON, Tenn. (January 19, 2011) Cracker Barrel Old Country Store and The Grascals are pleased to celebrate the #1 debut of The Grascals & Friends - Country Classics with a Bluegrass Spin on the Billboard Top Bluegrass Albums chart (issue date January 29, 2011). The album also entered the Billboard Top Country Albums chart at #26, the Heatseekers chart at #2, the Independent chart at #15, the Billboard 200 at #113, and the Top Current Billboard 200 at #108.
The album has 13 country music songs. 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 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 in its 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. The CD is now available exclusively at Cracker Barrel Old Country Store® and online at crackerbarrel.com.
"This is just icing on the cake ... like Cracker Barrel gravy on the biscuit!” said bass player Terry Smith. He added, “The relationship has been so great thus far. Hopefully the sales and great partnership will continue in kind. Also, I wish Friday fish fry was seven days a week!"
"This is something we've looked forward to for so long,” said mandolin player Danny Roberts. He added, “It's doing so well, so quickly. The added bonus of it benefiting St. Jude makes it all the better.”
“This is a great achievement and we congratulate The Grascals,” said Chris Ciavarra, Senior Vice President of Marketing for Cracker Barrel. “We are very pleased to see the strength of this CD’s debut and think that it speaks to quality of the music, the authenticity of the musicians, and it shows what a good fit this is with our guests.”
The Grascals, fresh off of a year packed with over 150 shows, are in the running for 10 of the 37th Annual SPBGMA Awards including Instrumental Group of the Year, Vocal Group of the Year, Bluegrass Band of the Year, and Entertaining Group of the Year. In addition, the Grascals’ new video, “I Am Strong” featuring Dolly Parton, premiered in mid-December on AOL.
The Grascals & Friends - Country Classics With A Bluegrass Spin is 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 and has been nominated for Outstanding Album in the 2011 NAACP IMAGE AWARDS. September saw the release of the self-titled Rodney Atkins, which includes four #1 hits, and also the release of 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.
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.
Media contacts
For Cracker Barrel
Julie Davis / (615) 443-9266
jdavis@crackerbarrel.com
Webster & Associates, LLC
Kirt Webster / (615) 777-6995 x230
kirt@websterpr.com
For The Grascals
so much MOORE media
Martha Moore (615) 746-3994
somuchmoore@charter.net
CRACKER BARREL AND THE GRASCALS CELEBRATE #1 DEBUT ON BILLBOARD BLUEGRASS CHART
Exclusive CD “The Grascals & Friends - Country Classics with a Bluegrass Spin”
also lands on five other charts including Country,
Heatseekers, and Billboard Top 200
LEBANON, Tenn. (January 19, 2011) Cracker Barrel Old Country Store and The Grascals are pleased to celebrate the #1 debut of The Grascals & Friends - Country Classics with a Bluegrass Spin on the Billboard Top Bluegrass Albums chart (issue date January 29, 2011). The album also entered the Billboard Top Country Albums chart at #26, the Heatseekers chart at #2, the Independent chart at #15, the Billboard 200 at #113, and the Top Current Billboard 200 at #108.
The album has 13 country music songs. 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 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 in its 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. The CD is now available exclusively at Cracker Barrel Old Country Store® and online at crackerbarrel.com.
"This is just icing on the cake ... like Cracker Barrel gravy on the biscuit!” said bass player Terry Smith. He added, “The relationship has been so great thus far. Hopefully the sales and great partnership will continue in kind. Also, I wish Friday fish fry was seven days a week!"
"This is something we've looked forward to for so long,” said mandolin player Danny Roberts. He added, “It's doing so well, so quickly. The added bonus of it benefiting St. Jude makes it all the better.”
“This is a great achievement and we congratulate The Grascals,” said Chris Ciavarra, Senior Vice President of Marketing for Cracker Barrel. “We are very pleased to see the strength of this CD’s debut and think that it speaks to quality of the music, the authenticity of the musicians, and it shows what a good fit this is with our guests.”
The Grascals, fresh off of a year packed with over 150 shows, are in the running for 10 of the 37th Annual SPBGMA Awards including Instrumental Group of the Year, Vocal Group of the Year, Bluegrass Band of the Year, and Entertaining Group of the Year. In addition, the Grascals’ new video, “I Am Strong” featuring Dolly Parton, premiered in mid-December on AOL.
The Grascals & Friends - Country Classics With A Bluegrass Spin is 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 and has been nominated for Outstanding Album in the 2011 NAACP IMAGE AWARDS. September saw the release of the self-titled Rodney Atkins, which includes four #1 hits, and also the release of 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.
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.
Media contacts
For Cracker Barrel
Julie Davis / (615) 443-9266
jdavis@crackerbarrel.com
Webster & Associates, LLC
Kirt Webster / (615) 777-6995 x230
kirt@websterpr.com
For The Grascals
so much MOORE media
Martha Moore (615) 746-3994
somuchmoore@charter.net
Tuesday, January 18, 2011
George Jones,Randy Houser,Josh Turner,Oak Ridge Boys,Phil Vassar,Gretchen Wilson,Chuck Wicks,Craig Morgan,Charlie Daniels and many more join the Boot Campaign
GEORGE JONES, RANDY HOUSER, JOSH TURNER, OAK RIDGE BOYS,
PHIL VASSAR, GRETCHEN WILSON, JUSTIN MOORE,
CHUCK WICKS, CRAIG MORGAN, CHARLIE DANIELS
AND MANY MORE JOIN THE BOOT CAMPAIGN
Nashville, TN (January 17, 2011) - One-by-one country music stars are taking off their cowboy boots and replacing them with army boots! The Boot Campaign was inspired by retired US Navy SEAL and author of the book Lone Survivor, Marcus Luttrell. The campaign is a way for Americans to give back and say thank you to our armed forces.
Country music stars involved include: legends like George Jones, Oak Ridge Boys, Jan Howard, Mel Tillis, Lee Greenwood and Charlie Daniels, along with hit-makers Josh Turner, Phil Vassar, Joe Nichols, Randy Houser, Gretchen Wilson, Little Texas, Joe Diffie, Jamie O’Neal, Heidi Newfield, Justin Moore, Chuck Wicks, Colt Ford, Randy Rogers Band, Eli Young Band, Derek Sholl, Joey + Rory and Jack Ingram.
Charlie Daniels, who even chose the Boot Campaign to be a part of his annual charity event at the Nashville Palm said, “I’ve never seen anything quite as unique as the Boot Campaign, and I’ve seen a lot!”
Also on board are bluegrass artists The Grascals and The Roys, along with Texas sensations Cross Canadian Ragweed, Robert Earl Keen, Jason Boland, Aaron Watson, Mick and the Motorcars, Reckless Kelly, Wade Bowen, Kevin Fowler, Stoney LaRue, No Justice, Bleu Edmondson, and Granger Smith.
These celebrities along with the Boot Girls are helping to spread the organizations motto: “When They Come Back, We Give Back!” The campaign encourages Americans to purchase a pair of army combat boots to wear in support of our nation’s troops. Proceeds from the boot sales are donated to partner charities, including Luttrell’s Lone Survivor Foundation.
About The Boot Campaign
Known as “the Boot Girls,” Ginger, Leigh Ann, Sherri, Heather and Mariae banned together one fateful night in Tyler, Texas to launch The Boot Campaign giving gratitude and appreciation for the American military. The initiative is quickly gaining awareness with the repertoire of boot images expanding every day. The Boot Girls ask Americans to put their boots on during the routine of daily life to symbolically walk in the shoes of our military men and women, remembering their service and sacrifice. The Campaign’s signature boots are available for purchase online with proceeds benefiting organizations like The Lone Survivor Foundation.
For more information about The Boot Campaign, please visit: www.bootcampaign.com
Media Contact:
Webster & Associates, LLC
Lindsey Cate / 615-777-6995 x221
lindsey@websterpr.com
PHIL VASSAR, GRETCHEN WILSON, JUSTIN MOORE,
CHUCK WICKS, CRAIG MORGAN, CHARLIE DANIELS
AND MANY MORE JOIN THE BOOT CAMPAIGN
Nashville, TN (January 17, 2011) - One-by-one country music stars are taking off their cowboy boots and replacing them with army boots! The Boot Campaign was inspired by retired US Navy SEAL and author of the book Lone Survivor, Marcus Luttrell. The campaign is a way for Americans to give back and say thank you to our armed forces.
Country music stars involved include: legends like George Jones, Oak Ridge Boys, Jan Howard, Mel Tillis, Lee Greenwood and Charlie Daniels, along with hit-makers Josh Turner, Phil Vassar, Joe Nichols, Randy Houser, Gretchen Wilson, Little Texas, Joe Diffie, Jamie O’Neal, Heidi Newfield, Justin Moore, Chuck Wicks, Colt Ford, Randy Rogers Band, Eli Young Band, Derek Sholl, Joey + Rory and Jack Ingram.
Charlie Daniels, who even chose the Boot Campaign to be a part of his annual charity event at the Nashville Palm said, “I’ve never seen anything quite as unique as the Boot Campaign, and I’ve seen a lot!”
Also on board are bluegrass artists The Grascals and The Roys, along with Texas sensations Cross Canadian Ragweed, Robert Earl Keen, Jason Boland, Aaron Watson, Mick and the Motorcars, Reckless Kelly, Wade Bowen, Kevin Fowler, Stoney LaRue, No Justice, Bleu Edmondson, and Granger Smith.
These celebrities along with the Boot Girls are helping to spread the organizations motto: “When They Come Back, We Give Back!” The campaign encourages Americans to purchase a pair of army combat boots to wear in support of our nation’s troops. Proceeds from the boot sales are donated to partner charities, including Luttrell’s Lone Survivor Foundation.
About The Boot Campaign
Known as “the Boot Girls,” Ginger, Leigh Ann, Sherri, Heather and Mariae banned together one fateful night in Tyler, Texas to launch The Boot Campaign giving gratitude and appreciation for the American military. The initiative is quickly gaining awareness with the repertoire of boot images expanding every day. The Boot Girls ask Americans to put their boots on during the routine of daily life to symbolically walk in the shoes of our military men and women, remembering their service and sacrifice. The Campaign’s signature boots are available for purchase online with proceeds benefiting organizations like The Lone Survivor Foundation.
For more information about The Boot Campaign, please visit: www.bootcampaign.com
Media Contact:
Webster & Associates, LLC
Lindsey Cate / 615-777-6995 x221
lindsey@websterpr.com
Wednesday, January 05, 2011
The Grascals & Friends - Country Classics with a Bluegrass Spin
Search Amazon.com for grascals cdCracker Barrel Old Country Store(and restaurant) has been putting out special releases of good music for a few years. This one is a real special treat, with The Grascals as the House Band, they have recorded mostly older classic country covers, which is done very tastefully, with many special guests. Let's take a look at this album.
Jamie Johnson wrote a real special song while visiting St. Jude's Children’s Research Hospital in Memphis with the Grascals last winter. It is presented twice, once with Dolly Parton, and as a bonus track with mostly everyone here participating. A portion of proceeds of The Grascals & Friends goes to St. Jude’s. The song is "I Am Strong." The ending is priceless, as cancer patient Ansley McLaurin sings the last line.
Well, the CD starts out cookin' with Brad Paisley doing his version of "Tiger by The Tail"(Buck Owens). Sounds very good, He also puts in one of his signature guitar breaks, followed by Kristin of the Grascals taking off on banjo.
Well, I have to jump out of order here , Charlie Daniels just came on singing his very popular "Devil Went Down to Georgia." Charlie was so impressed with Grascals’ fiddler Jeremy Abshire playing, that he opted not to play on the track.
"Folsom Prison Blues", Featuring Dierks Bentley, Bentley does a great job covering Cash with The Grascals, some very nice harmonies too! Guitarist Kent Wells nails the guitar part.
"Pain of Lovin' You", Dolly Parton nails the song she wrote with Porter Wagoner, and the Grascals sound great playing with her. She then sings the
first version of "I Am Strong" with Jamie Johnson. The lyrics here are powerful. Dolly's voice is as good as ever. Very powerful song with some very nice harmonies.
"Louisiana Saturday Night" is just the Grascals performing this Bob McDill song. It is real upbeat, reminds me a bit of Brad Paisley’s "American Saturday Night". Just the concept, not necessarily the tune itself, really takes off well.
"The Year That Clayton Delaney Died" (Tom T Hall) sung by Tom T Hall with the Grascals. I really like this , Tom sings this very animated, a song that works very well.
"White Lightning" featuring Darryl Worley, this song rocks , in a bluegrass way, Kristin really rocks the banjo with lead guitarist Kent Wells playing some sweet electric country riffs.
This album is a lot of fun and has a ton of talent on it. You like some country and bluegrass, you will love this. I forgot one more important song, Joe Nichols singing "Mr Bojangles", another very well done piece with some great instrumentation by the Grascals. This is a great way to start out the new year. Check it out!!
-release date 1/10/11
-samples
http://cbmusic.crackerbarrel.com/artists/grascals
http://www.crackerbarrel.com/
http://www.grascals.com/
--
Cracker Barrel Old Country Store(and restaurant) has been putting out special releases of good music for a few years. This one is a real special treat, with The Grascals as the House Band, they have recorded mostly older classic country covers, which is done very tastefully, with many special guests. Let's take a look at this album.Jamie Johnson wrote a real special song while visiting St. Jude's Children’s Research Hospital in Memphis with the Grascals last winter. It is presented twice, once with Dolly Parton, and as a bonus track with mostly everyone here participating. A portion of proceeds of The Grascals & Friends goes to St. Jude’s. The song is "I Am Strong." The ending is priceless, as cancer patient Ansley McLaurin sings the last line.
Well, the CD starts out cookin' with Brad Paisley doing his version of "Tiger by The Tail"(Buck Owens). Sounds very good, He also puts in one of his signature guitar breaks, followed by Kristin of the Grascals taking off on banjo.
Well, I have to jump out of order here , Charlie Daniels just came on singing his very popular "Devil Went Down to Georgia." Charlie was so impressed with Grascals’ fiddler Jeremy Abshire playing, that he opted not to play on the track.
"Folsom Prison Blues", Featuring Dierks Bentley, Bentley does a great job covering Cash with The Grascals, some very nice harmonies too! Guitarist Kent Wells nails the guitar part.
"Pain of Lovin' You", Dolly Parton nails the song she wrote with Porter Wagoner, and the Grascals sound great playing with her. She then sings the
first version of "I Am Strong" with Jamie Johnson. The lyrics here are powerful. Dolly's voice is as good as ever. Very powerful song with some very nice harmonies.
"Louisiana Saturday Night" is just the Grascals performing this Bob McDill song. It is real upbeat, reminds me a bit of Brad Paisley’s "American Saturday Night". Just the concept, not necessarily the tune itself, really takes off well.
"The Year That Clayton Delaney Died" (Tom T Hall) sung by Tom T Hall with the Grascals. I really like this , Tom sings this very animated, a song that works very well.
"White Lightning" featuring Darryl Worley, this song rocks , in a bluegrass way, Kristin really rocks the banjo with lead guitarist Kent Wells playing some sweet electric country riffs.
This album is a lot of fun and has a ton of talent on it. You like some country and bluegrass, you will love this. I forgot one more important song, Joe Nichols singing "Mr Bojangles", another very well done piece with some great instrumentation by the Grascals. This is a great way to start out the new year. Check it out!!
-release date 1/10/11
-samples
http://cbmusic.crackerbarrel.com/artists/grascals
http://www.crackerbarrel.com/
http://www.grascals.com/
--
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/
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
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
THE GRASCALS & FRIENDS COMING TO CRACKER BARRELExclusive 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.
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.
Wednesday, December 01, 2010
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.
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.
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