It has been seven years since we have heard anything new from this iconic bluegrass group. You can see the video on AKUS's website. I had heard from another article about the CD that the mood of the project would be depressing. The video is in black and white, shows the members in a rural setting with an old barn and farmhouse. The sound is familiar with Douglas's Dobro and Tyminski on mandolin. Krauss's vocal's have the same angelic, emotive quality as before. The group is sitting in an open tent playing with Alison singing in front of tent and she has a separate tent beside theirs. The production seems to be aimed at getting accurate sounds of their music, rather than something polished and modern like maybe their last album "Lonely Runs Both Ways" was aiming at.
The guys look real serious in their playing as they backup Alison on this song, and there are no back up vocals. A sparser setting than usual.I love this line "but every silver lining seems to have a cloud---". Go check it out.
http://www.alisonkrauss.com/
Wednesday, March 30, 2011
Wednesday, March 23, 2011
"Soul Of The South" - Doug Gray - A Review
This is an eight song EP, that Doug Gray recorded with the other remaining members of the MTB, except for Tommy Caldwell, who had died in a vehicle accident. This was a project of R & B songs that he was working on for a major label. The songs were picked from a large number of catalog demos. There recorded by country great recording engineer of Nashville, Billy Sherrill in Spartansburg. The band was in between labels and Doug was using this time for the project, intentions were for it to be a full album, but the MTB was signed by Warner Brothers and He felt his responsibility to move on with the band. Pianist Ronnie Godfrey, and local guitarist Rusty Milner were also involved in the project, Milner later took Toy's place as lead guitarist for the MTB.
Gray says that he picked seven songs from three hundred demos. He said He did "More Today Than Yesterday", because Sherrill bet he could not hit the high notes. Gray then takes the tape to Nashville and changes it, adding, almost a totally different band. Riddle is still very evident as the only drummer. There is a song that I like alot called "Sandman", a bouncy sounding ,jazzy piece that sounds like Toy on lead guitar, some very nice lead guitar, I might add. I can't say that I hear Toy anywhere else on the CD.
"Let Me Be The Fool" is another jazzy sounding number. It has some great sax on it , which I am thinking is Jerry Eubanks. Bassist Bob Wray was added in Nashville and sounds good playing with Riddle. "Who" has a lot of Synth in the mix and He has some backup singers called The Cherry Sisters, who add a Motown touch to the mix.
"Guilty" is a funk, disco type song with funky disco groove going on. Doug Gray sounds good on this type of material.
"Don't Blame it on The Rain" has lots of orchestration from the synthes. The funky bass is excellent, good guitar here, definitely not sounding like Toy or George.
"Still Thinking Of You" (Michael Bolton) sounds good, excellent song by the star to be. It is a slower number, fit's Doug's voice well.
"More Today Than Yesterday" is one of the best sounding songs on the EP. Doug's vocals really do justice to the popular cover song. The rhythm guitar could be McCorkle, sounds like his style. This CD along with the New MTB greatest hits CD are both available on Amazon and MTB website. This CD is a good recording in the end, I would have loved to hear the version before it left Spartanburg.
http://www.marshalltuckerband.com/
Gray says that he picked seven songs from three hundred demos. He said He did "More Today Than Yesterday", because Sherrill bet he could not hit the high notes. Gray then takes the tape to Nashville and changes it, adding, almost a totally different band. Riddle is still very evident as the only drummer. There is a song that I like alot called "Sandman", a bouncy sounding ,jazzy piece that sounds like Toy on lead guitar, some very nice lead guitar, I might add. I can't say that I hear Toy anywhere else on the CD.
"Let Me Be The Fool" is another jazzy sounding number. It has some great sax on it , which I am thinking is Jerry Eubanks. Bassist Bob Wray was added in Nashville and sounds good playing with Riddle. "Who" has a lot of Synth in the mix and He has some backup singers called The Cherry Sisters, who add a Motown touch to the mix.
"Guilty" is a funk, disco type song with funky disco groove going on. Doug Gray sounds good on this type of material.
"Don't Blame it on The Rain" has lots of orchestration from the synthes. The funky bass is excellent, good guitar here, definitely not sounding like Toy or George.
"Still Thinking Of You" (Michael Bolton) sounds good, excellent song by the star to be. It is a slower number, fit's Doug's voice well.
"More Today Than Yesterday" is one of the best sounding songs on the EP. Doug's vocals really do justice to the popular cover song. The rhythm guitar could be McCorkle, sounds like his style. This CD along with the New MTB greatest hits CD are both available on Amazon and MTB website. This CD is a good recording in the end, I would have loved to hear the version before it left Spartanburg.
http://www.marshalltuckerband.com/
Foster & Lloyd Release First album of new material since 1990
Foster & Lloyd release first album of new material since 1990
It’s Already Tomorrow debuts on ‘Effin ‘El Records May 17
Digital Release date April 26 at Fosterandlloyd.com and other online music stores
Spring and summer tour planned
For immediate release
March 23, 2011, Nashville, TN - Looking back at the history of music, one can pinpoint those times when change takes place...something new replaces the old. Music that once sounded “like this” suddenly sounds “like that.” In the 1930’s, country music was considered to be the sound of hillbilly string bands. When the music was electrified, a honky-tonk shuffle played with a drummer became the new sound. It was still country.
In the mid-to late 1980s, there was another sea change—a short period of undeniable diversity coming out of Nashville that broke through on country radio. Steve Earle famously referred to it as “the great credibility scare,” a time of creative freedom that’s rarely been seen since. In the thick of that wide-open feeling, the duo of Foster & Lloyd came together and—along with Earle, Dwight Yoakam, Lyle Lovett, Rodney Crowell and others—was a part of the movement that changed the sound of country music and pioneered the Americana movement.
In 1985, Radney Foster and Bill Lloyd were two young singer-songwriters signed to the same song publisher. They came from different backgrounds but had enough in common to create an almost immediate response to the songs they co- wrote and recorded. Their first success came as songwriters, but it was the distinctive sound of their publishing demos that gained them their record deal with RCA Records.
The duo mixed straight up Buckaroo country with jangly-Byrds sounds, looking and sounding a little louder than most of the other country acts of the era. Their first single, the rockabillyish-honky-tonkin’, “Crazy Over You,” shot to the top of the charts, making them the first duo in Country music history to score a No. 1 on their debut single.
Foster & Lloyd also became one of the first acts to be played simultaneously on Country and College radio, sharing common musical ground and press accolades with Rank and File, Lone Justice and the Blasters. The combination of their harmony vocals (recalling everyone from The Everly Brothers to Rockpile) with their self-produced guitar-centric sound and solid, clever song craft won over critics and fans alike.
In the end, they recorded three groundbreaking albums for RCA (containing hits “Sure Thing,” “What Do You Want From Me This Time,” “Texas in 1880” and “Fair Shake,” as well as “Crazy Over You”), toured internationally, garnered a Grammy nomination and were a constant presence at the CMA awards.
The duo split in 1990, with both members going on to successful solo careers. Though they remained friends and wrote together sporadically over the years, it took a request from the Americana Music Association to reunite for a fundraiser to get the duo together again onstage. News that Foster & Lloyd were performing for the first time in 20 years spread like wildfire, and the show sold out in 15 minutes. The band that night included Cheap Trick bassist Tom Petersson and drummer Keith Brogdon, with a guest appearance by bluegrass virtuoso and longtime friend, Sam Bush, on mandolin.
“It was so much fun getting back together onstage, and we realized that the new songs we had written together still had that magic,” says Foster. “We decided to start getting together once a month to write. Soon the songs were pouring out, and we knew we needed to get back in the studio.” Again, like it was in the beginning, they went in to the recording process to please themselves first–let the chips fall where they may.
The result is the new album: It’s Already Tomorrow. Fans of their older records will no doubt hear the familiar blend that only happens when Radney and Bill work together. One might think that after a twenty-year break, the vocal harmonies might creak a little but the duo sounds surprisingly strong from the opening notes. Foster’s voice is strong, deep and resonant throughout the album and you can hear the years of experience in his tone and timbre. Lloyd is still hitting all the high harmonies with style. Their blend is cohesive and is arguably tighter than it used to be.
As before, it’s the guitars that hold center spotlight when it comes to the instrumental aspect of the Foster & Lloyd sound. Lloyd delivers his usual guitar hooks sounding reckless enough to be exciting but melodic enough to be memorable. There are plenty of crunchy guitars to go with the twangy and succinct solos’ that you can hum later. Foster also adds both electric and rhythm acoustic parts to the mix.
From the ringing opening notes of “It’s Already Tomorrow,” the rockin’ twin telecasters of “That’s What She Said,” to the plaintive harmonies of the final acoustic track “When I Finally Let You Go,” the collection is vintage Foster & Lloyd. The duo co-wrote all twelve songs and co-produced the set, which was recorded and mixed by Justin Tocket (known for his work with Marc Broussard, the Randy Rogers band and others) with the same core band of Foster, Lloyd, Petersson and Brodgon. Petersson even joined the duo in co-writing “Lucky Number.”
The duo also put their own spin on an old song, “Picasso’s Mandolin,” which they had written years before with Guy Clark, who recorded it on his Boats To Build album.
Other guests on It’s Already Tomorrow include legendary pedal steel guitarist Lloyd Green, who is featured on “You Can’t Make Love Make Sense” and the Beatle-esque ballad “If It Hadn’t Been For You.” Noted producer and former Emmylou Harris steel guitarist Steve Fishell also played blistering lap steel on “Don’t Throw It Away,” and singer/songwriter Beth Nielsen Chapman came by to lend her beautiful voice to “Lucky Number.” After the core combo tracked the album, Radney and Bill recorded one last song, the acoustic-based "When I Finally Let You Go," in Radney's home studio. Bruce Springsteen's E. St. Band bassist, Garry Tallent, was in town visiting and added a nylon string bass part to the recording.
Through all the inventive lyrical twists and turns and crackerjack guitar licks, what comes through loudest is a sense of fun, adventure...and freedom. “Back then, we were concerned with trying to keep ourselves within a radio format,” says Lloyd. “We would try and be different enough to stand out but we didn’t want to color too far outsides the lines. We didn’t have any constraints this time. The sound of this new album is unfettered by formats...either real or imagined.”
Country. Rock n’ Roll. Power-pop. Folk. Americana. Whatever you want to call it, Radney and Bill combined make Foster & Lloyd music.
It’s Already Tomorrow
Hear it today!
It’s Already Tomorrow debuts on ‘Effin ‘El Records May 17
Digital Release date April 26 at Fosterandlloyd.com and other online music stores
Spring and summer tour planned
For immediate release
March 23, 2011, Nashville, TN - Looking back at the history of music, one can pinpoint those times when change takes place...something new replaces the old. Music that once sounded “like this” suddenly sounds “like that.” In the 1930’s, country music was considered to be the sound of hillbilly string bands. When the music was electrified, a honky-tonk shuffle played with a drummer became the new sound. It was still country.
In the mid-to late 1980s, there was another sea change—a short period of undeniable diversity coming out of Nashville that broke through on country radio. Steve Earle famously referred to it as “the great credibility scare,” a time of creative freedom that’s rarely been seen since. In the thick of that wide-open feeling, the duo of Foster & Lloyd came together and—along with Earle, Dwight Yoakam, Lyle Lovett, Rodney Crowell and others—was a part of the movement that changed the sound of country music and pioneered the Americana movement.
In 1985, Radney Foster and Bill Lloyd were two young singer-songwriters signed to the same song publisher. They came from different backgrounds but had enough in common to create an almost immediate response to the songs they co- wrote and recorded. Their first success came as songwriters, but it was the distinctive sound of their publishing demos that gained them their record deal with RCA Records.
The duo mixed straight up Buckaroo country with jangly-Byrds sounds, looking and sounding a little louder than most of the other country acts of the era. Their first single, the rockabillyish-honky-tonkin’, “Crazy Over You,” shot to the top of the charts, making them the first duo in Country music history to score a No. 1 on their debut single.
Foster & Lloyd also became one of the first acts to be played simultaneously on Country and College radio, sharing common musical ground and press accolades with Rank and File, Lone Justice and the Blasters. The combination of their harmony vocals (recalling everyone from The Everly Brothers to Rockpile) with their self-produced guitar-centric sound and solid, clever song craft won over critics and fans alike.
In the end, they recorded three groundbreaking albums for RCA (containing hits “Sure Thing,” “What Do You Want From Me This Time,” “Texas in 1880” and “Fair Shake,” as well as “Crazy Over You”), toured internationally, garnered a Grammy nomination and were a constant presence at the CMA awards.
The duo split in 1990, with both members going on to successful solo careers. Though they remained friends and wrote together sporadically over the years, it took a request from the Americana Music Association to reunite for a fundraiser to get the duo together again onstage. News that Foster & Lloyd were performing for the first time in 20 years spread like wildfire, and the show sold out in 15 minutes. The band that night included Cheap Trick bassist Tom Petersson and drummer Keith Brogdon, with a guest appearance by bluegrass virtuoso and longtime friend, Sam Bush, on mandolin.
“It was so much fun getting back together onstage, and we realized that the new songs we had written together still had that magic,” says Foster. “We decided to start getting together once a month to write. Soon the songs were pouring out, and we knew we needed to get back in the studio.” Again, like it was in the beginning, they went in to the recording process to please themselves first–let the chips fall where they may.
The result is the new album: It’s Already Tomorrow. Fans of their older records will no doubt hear the familiar blend that only happens when Radney and Bill work together. One might think that after a twenty-year break, the vocal harmonies might creak a little but the duo sounds surprisingly strong from the opening notes. Foster’s voice is strong, deep and resonant throughout the album and you can hear the years of experience in his tone and timbre. Lloyd is still hitting all the high harmonies with style. Their blend is cohesive and is arguably tighter than it used to be.
As before, it’s the guitars that hold center spotlight when it comes to the instrumental aspect of the Foster & Lloyd sound. Lloyd delivers his usual guitar hooks sounding reckless enough to be exciting but melodic enough to be memorable. There are plenty of crunchy guitars to go with the twangy and succinct solos’ that you can hum later. Foster also adds both electric and rhythm acoustic parts to the mix.
From the ringing opening notes of “It’s Already Tomorrow,” the rockin’ twin telecasters of “That’s What She Said,” to the plaintive harmonies of the final acoustic track “When I Finally Let You Go,” the collection is vintage Foster & Lloyd. The duo co-wrote all twelve songs and co-produced the set, which was recorded and mixed by Justin Tocket (known for his work with Marc Broussard, the Randy Rogers band and others) with the same core band of Foster, Lloyd, Petersson and Brodgon. Petersson even joined the duo in co-writing “Lucky Number.”
The duo also put their own spin on an old song, “Picasso’s Mandolin,” which they had written years before with Guy Clark, who recorded it on his Boats To Build album.
Other guests on It’s Already Tomorrow include legendary pedal steel guitarist Lloyd Green, who is featured on “You Can’t Make Love Make Sense” and the Beatle-esque ballad “If It Hadn’t Been For You.” Noted producer and former Emmylou Harris steel guitarist Steve Fishell also played blistering lap steel on “Don’t Throw It Away,” and singer/songwriter Beth Nielsen Chapman came by to lend her beautiful voice to “Lucky Number.” After the core combo tracked the album, Radney and Bill recorded one last song, the acoustic-based "When I Finally Let You Go," in Radney's home studio. Bruce Springsteen's E. St. Band bassist, Garry Tallent, was in town visiting and added a nylon string bass part to the recording.
Through all the inventive lyrical twists and turns and crackerjack guitar licks, what comes through loudest is a sense of fun, adventure...and freedom. “Back then, we were concerned with trying to keep ourselves within a radio format,” says Lloyd. “We would try and be different enough to stand out but we didn’t want to color too far outsides the lines. We didn’t have any constraints this time. The sound of this new album is unfettered by formats...either real or imagined.”
Country. Rock n’ Roll. Power-pop. Folk. Americana. Whatever you want to call it, Radney and Bill combined make Foster & Lloyd music.
It’s Already Tomorrow
Hear it today!
Monday, March 21, 2011
"Lonesome Whistle" - The Roys - A Review
The Roys in a one word description are "refreshing". The brother and sister team have uncanny harmonies which only siblings can produce. Something special about family members singing together. They have written almost every song on this album. They just sing on this disc and leave the music to studio musicians Mark Fain, Bass/Dan Electro, Justin Moses, banjo, Randy Kohrs, Dobro, Cody Kilby, acoustic guitars, Steve Brewster, drums and Andy Leftwich, mandolin, fiddle and bouzouki.
Lee and Elaine must be excellent players also as they have some very good sponsors for guitars, mandolin, and strings.
"Coal Minin' Man", The first single from the CD, tells the story of a coal minin' man, a song about one of America's oldest and most dangerous professions. I really like this song as it is up beat and has a really good melody with those great bluegrass harmonies.
My favorite song off of the CD is "I Wonder What God's Thinking?". This song is very inspirational and some nice smooth Dobro. Once again, their harmonies are emotional as they really put themselves into the songs they present.
Their first Rural Rhythm CD features eleven modern sounding, refreshing songs, built on a traditional blend of acoustic, bluegrass instrumentation.
http://www.theroysonline.com/
Lee and Elaine must be excellent players also as they have some very good sponsors for guitars, mandolin, and strings.
"Coal Minin' Man", The first single from the CD, tells the story of a coal minin' man, a song about one of America's oldest and most dangerous professions. I really like this song as it is up beat and has a really good melody with those great bluegrass harmonies.
My favorite song off of the CD is "I Wonder What God's Thinking?". This song is very inspirational and some nice smooth Dobro. Once again, their harmonies are emotional as they really put themselves into the songs they present.
Their first Rural Rhythm CD features eleven modern sounding, refreshing songs, built on a traditional blend of acoustic, bluegrass instrumentation.
http://www.theroysonline.com/
Wednesday, March 16, 2011
Cracker Barrel And Kenny Rogers Celebrate #8 Debut On Billboard!!!
CRACKER BARREL AND KENNY ROGERS CELEBRATE #8 DEBUT ON BILLBOARD TOP COUNTRY CHART WITH EXCLUSIVE CD
“The Love of God” is also at #2 on the Top Christian Albums chart
LEBANON, Tenn. (March 16, 2011) – Cracker Barrel Old Country Store® and American music icon Kenny Rogers are pleased to celebrate the #8 debut of the CD The Love of God on the Billboard Top Country Albums chart (issue date March 26). It is also at #2 on the Top Christian Albums chart and at #31 on the overall Billboard 200. This CD is available exclusively at all Cracker Barrel locations.
“It’s great to see such a positive response to an album that I’m so proud of,” said Rogers of the new CD, which is the culmination of an idea he has been thinking about for years but never had the opportunity to bring to life until now. “Cracker Barrel has almost 600 points of purchase. It’s an ingenious marketing concept they’ve developed. Everybody wins,” he added.
“Working with Kenny Rogers is a pleasure,” said Chris Ciavarra, Senior Vice President of Marketing for Cracker Barrel. “We are very pleased that this second project with him is proving to be so popular with our guests. Such a strong debut speaks well of his ability to speak to his fans and also speaks to the strength of the Cracker Barrel exclusive music program,” Ciavarra added.
“The Love of God” is an inspirational collection of classic songs that Rogers remembers from his childhood along with new recordings of contemporary songs. Two of the classics feature other artists: The Whites and Winfield’s Locket and the group Point of Grace is featured on one of the album’s contemporary recordings. Rogers is the first artist to release a second album through Cracker Barrel’s exclusive music program.
Kenny Rogers’ “The Love of God” is the latest in Cracker Barrel’s exclusive music program, which features numerous projects. In January of this year, Cracker Barrel released “The Grascals & Friends - Country Classics With A Bluegrass Spin” which debuted at #1 on Billboard magazine’s Bluegrass Albums chart and at #26 on Billboard’s Top Country Albums chart. In November of 2010, Cracker Barrel released Smokey Robinson’s “Now & Then” which debuted at #19 on Billboard magazine’s R&B chart and was nominated for an NAACP IMAGE AWARD. 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. One of the songs was nominated for a GRAMMY award. 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, Ricky Skaggs, Aaron Tippin, Alison Krauss & Union Station, Josh Turner, Amy Grant, Kenny Rogers, 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 598 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 http://www.crackerbarrel.com/
“The Love of God” is also at #2 on the Top Christian Albums chart
LEBANON, Tenn. (March 16, 2011) – Cracker Barrel Old Country Store® and American music icon Kenny Rogers are pleased to celebrate the #8 debut of the CD The Love of God on the Billboard Top Country Albums chart (issue date March 26). It is also at #2 on the Top Christian Albums chart and at #31 on the overall Billboard 200. This CD is available exclusively at all Cracker Barrel locations.
“It’s great to see such a positive response to an album that I’m so proud of,” said Rogers of the new CD, which is the culmination of an idea he has been thinking about for years but never had the opportunity to bring to life until now. “Cracker Barrel has almost 600 points of purchase. It’s an ingenious marketing concept they’ve developed. Everybody wins,” he added.
“Working with Kenny Rogers is a pleasure,” said Chris Ciavarra, Senior Vice President of Marketing for Cracker Barrel. “We are very pleased that this second project with him is proving to be so popular with our guests. Such a strong debut speaks well of his ability to speak to his fans and also speaks to the strength of the Cracker Barrel exclusive music program,” Ciavarra added.
“The Love of God” is an inspirational collection of classic songs that Rogers remembers from his childhood along with new recordings of contemporary songs. Two of the classics feature other artists: The Whites and Winfield’s Locket and the group Point of Grace is featured on one of the album’s contemporary recordings. Rogers is the first artist to release a second album through Cracker Barrel’s exclusive music program.
Kenny Rogers’ “The Love of God” is the latest in Cracker Barrel’s exclusive music program, which features numerous projects. In January of this year, Cracker Barrel released “The Grascals & Friends - Country Classics With A Bluegrass Spin” which debuted at #1 on Billboard magazine’s Bluegrass Albums chart and at #26 on Billboard’s Top Country Albums chart. In November of 2010, Cracker Barrel released Smokey Robinson’s “Now & Then” which debuted at #19 on Billboard magazine’s R&B chart and was nominated for an NAACP IMAGE AWARD. 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. One of the songs was nominated for a GRAMMY award. 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, Ricky Skaggs, Aaron Tippin, Alison Krauss & Union Station, Josh Turner, Amy Grant, Kenny Rogers, 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 598 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 http://www.crackerbarrel.com/
Thursday, March 10, 2011
"The Love Of God" - Kenny Rogers - A Review
It is hard to believe that Kenny Rogers has had a 50 year career, so far. Last night, He was given a salute "The First Fifty Years" on GAC TV.
This selection of Christian songs,hymns and gospel renderings has a real rootsy feel to it. It has an audiophile sound quality to it, a great production, all of the way around. It gives you Nashville's best in musicians and singers, but it does not sound like that is what you got. It is a warm,rootsy personal affair that is refreshing and peaceful to listen to. Doug Sax mastered it, He puts a stamp of true originality to it, plus, a warmth that you did not think a CD player could produce.The artwork on the Digipak is very somber in brownish tones with a couple of pictures of Kenny looking very serious, but serene. His vocals have never sounded better. He is very sincere in his singing and has picked a great set of songs , partially from public domain and partially from hymns and other artists.The CD starts out with "Will The Circle Be Unbroken" and moves thru a very varied set of gospel songs and Christian Ballads. The theme of the "Love Of God " comes out alot.
To hear Kenny sing "What a Friend We Have In Jesus" is so encouraging, he sings with so much meaning and sincerity. "Circle Of Friends", sung with Point Of Grace is more upbeat and like new territory for Kenny, He asked them if they would sing it with him.
This is a Cracker Barrel project, which is always a good thing, I do not think I have ever heard a bad one. They seem to give the artist freedom in every aspect of the project. It is refreshing to see this side of Kenny, God believing, and full of creativity. He is not ashamed to share his belief in God, through song and what he has written on the CD cover. The producers for the CD are Rodgers long time pianist Warren Hartman with Kyle Lehning(Randy Travis and others.)
"Peace" is a warm ballad by Michael Mcdonald that Kenny fell in love with. Great version of "I'll Fly Away" with the help of the Whites. My favorite song is "Rock Of Your Love" by Vince Gill. I love the vocals and country sound to it, some great country lead guitar and pedal steel. This is another great project by the Cracker Barrel gang, pick one up at their restaurant or on line.
http://www.kennyrogers.com/
This selection of Christian songs,hymns and gospel renderings has a real rootsy feel to it. It has an audiophile sound quality to it, a great production, all of the way around. It gives you Nashville's best in musicians and singers, but it does not sound like that is what you got. It is a warm,rootsy personal affair that is refreshing and peaceful to listen to. Doug Sax mastered it, He puts a stamp of true originality to it, plus, a warmth that you did not think a CD player could produce.The artwork on the Digipak is very somber in brownish tones with a couple of pictures of Kenny looking very serious, but serene. His vocals have never sounded better. He is very sincere in his singing and has picked a great set of songs , partially from public domain and partially from hymns and other artists.The CD starts out with "Will The Circle Be Unbroken" and moves thru a very varied set of gospel songs and Christian Ballads. The theme of the "Love Of God " comes out alot.
To hear Kenny sing "What a Friend We Have In Jesus" is so encouraging, he sings with so much meaning and sincerity. "Circle Of Friends", sung with Point Of Grace is more upbeat and like new territory for Kenny, He asked them if they would sing it with him.
This is a Cracker Barrel project, which is always a good thing, I do not think I have ever heard a bad one. They seem to give the artist freedom in every aspect of the project. It is refreshing to see this side of Kenny, God believing, and full of creativity. He is not ashamed to share his belief in God, through song and what he has written on the CD cover. The producers for the CD are Rodgers long time pianist Warren Hartman with Kyle Lehning(Randy Travis and others.)
"Peace" is a warm ballad by Michael Mcdonald that Kenny fell in love with. Great version of "I'll Fly Away" with the help of the Whites. My favorite song is "Rock Of Your Love" by Vince Gill. I love the vocals and country sound to it, some great country lead guitar and pedal steel. This is another great project by the Cracker Barrel gang, pick one up at their restaurant or on line.
http://www.kennyrogers.com/
Tuesday, March 08, 2011
Marshall Tucker Band's Doug Gray 'Sells Soul' This Spring
MARSHALL TUCKER BAND'S DOUG GRAY
'SELLS SOUL' THIS SPRING
Gray Unveils Never Before Released 30-year-old R&B Recordings,
Soul Of The South, On April 5
Nashville, Tenn (March 8, 2011) - Dedicated fans and friends of the Marshall Tucker Band have always heard a touch of the soul man in Doug Gray’s voice. From the band’s beginnings into the present day, his singing has tempered the group’s country leanings with a bluesy edge. Largely unknown even to MTB’s hard-core followers, Gray actually cut tracks for a solo album nearly 30 years ago that fully explored his affinity for R&B. These recordings finally see the light of day on April 5, 2011, with the release of Soul Of The South.
“In 1981 I was offered the opportunity to sign a solo record deal by top music executives to sing Pop and Soul songs which were very popular at the time. I loved singing these types of songs as I had been singing them for years going back to when I was a young boy in the early sixties. I was really into singers like Sam Cooke, Smokey Robinson and later, Al Green,” recalls Gray. “When [MTB lead guitarist] Toy Caldwell and I used to go out and listen to music, we’d always look for places that had rhythm and blues. That was the kind of stuff I did before we started The Marshall Tucker Band.”
“The Marshall Tucker Band was then signed to Warner Brothers and Tommy Caldwell had recently died in a car crash. The band was in between records so I had the time and I owned the studio so I recorded these soul songs and all the guys came in to help out as well as some other musician friends. I really felt good about the results but stopped short of completing a full album because it was time to do another MTB record and I felt a loyalty to the group so I put the tapes away, turned down the solo deal and continued with the band and never looked back until now. These songs are important because they are the only songs by the five living members of the band at that time that have never been released. They may not be your typical MTB songs written by Toy Caldwell but I think it shows how good the band was to come in and work on songs that were out of character and get the results we did,” Gray says with a smile.
As co-owner of Creative Arts Studio in his hometown of Spartanburg, South Carolina, Gray was in a good position to work on a solo project in his spare time. He enlisted the help of engineer Billy Sherrill and a host of Nashville publishers in rounding up the right material to record. Out of a stack of 300 demos, he ended up choosing seven tunes by songwriters both famous and lesser known. Rounding out the song list was a spirited cover of the Spiral Staircase’s 1969 hit “More Today Than Yesterday.” Gray notes, “I recorded that song because Billy Sherrill bet me I couldn’t hit the high notes.”
Gray’s band mates were happy to help lay down tracks at Creative Arts. Original Marshall Tucker members Toy Caldwell, George McCorkle, Paul Riddle and Jerry Eubanks all took part in the sessions, along with bassist Franklin Wilkie (who joined the band after the tragic death of Tommy Caldwell in 1980) and pianist Ronnie Godfrey. Also contributing to the Creative Arts sessions were such gifted Spartanburg-area players as keyboardist Michael Blithe and Rusty Milner who later replaced Toy Caldwell in the mid ’80s. After the basic tracks were completed, Gray and Sherrill finished up recording in Nashville, enlisting A-list players like bassist Bob Wray (known for his work with Ray Charles, B.B. King and other legends), keyboardist Mike Lawler (a veteran of sessions with everyone from the Allman Brothers to George Jones) and Terry McMillan on percussion.
Gray had reason to feel proud of the results. From aching ballads like “Still Thinking Of You” (co-written by star-to-be Michael Bolton) and “Don’t Blame It On The Rain” to funky upbeat tunes like “Never Enough” and “Who,” the tracks allow Gray to wail and testify with abandon. The after-hours elegance of “Sandman” contrasts nicely with the moody atmosphere of “Guilty” and the percolating groove of “Let Me Be The Fool.” Any number of these tunes might have scored high on the charts if they had been released as singles.
The release of Soul Of The South restores a missing chapter to the Marshall Tucker story. The band, by the time of these recordings, had several gold and platinum albums, hit singles and were one of the top concert draws of the seventies and early eighties. Playing and recording a wide variety of Rock, Country, Blues, Jazz and Pop songs in its own unique style, there was no one else like them. Beyond its historical value, this album is a prime slice of vintage Southern Soul, delivered straight from the heart.
In addition to Soul Of The South, in celebration of its 40th anniversary, the Marshall Tucker Band will release The Marshall Tucker Band: Greatest Hits on April 5, 2011. The 14-track album includes MTB fan favorites including “Can’t You See,” “Heard It In A Love Song,” “Take The Highway” and “24 Hours At A Time.”
For additional information on Doug Gray and the Marshall Tucker Band, visit http://www.marshalltuckerband.com/
# # #
Soul Of The South Track Listing:
1. Let Me Be The Fool
2. Who
3. Sandman
4. Guilty
5. Don't Blame It On The Rain
6. Never Enough
7. Still Thinking Of You
8. More Today Than Yesterday
The Marshall Tucker Band: Greatest Hits Track Listing:
1. Take The Highway
2. Blue Ridge Mountain Sky
3. In My Own Way
4. Fire On The Mountain
5. Heard It In A Love Song
6. Ramblin'
7. Searchin' For A Rainbow
8. I Should Have Never Started Lovin' You
9. 24 Hours At A Time
10. Long Hard Ride
11. Can't You See
12. Too Stubborn
13. This Ol' Cowboy
14. Desert Skies
'SELLS SOUL' THIS SPRING
Gray Unveils Never Before Released 30-year-old R&B Recordings,
Soul Of The South, On April 5
Nashville, Tenn (March 8, 2011) - Dedicated fans and friends of the Marshall Tucker Band have always heard a touch of the soul man in Doug Gray’s voice. From the band’s beginnings into the present day, his singing has tempered the group’s country leanings with a bluesy edge. Largely unknown even to MTB’s hard-core followers, Gray actually cut tracks for a solo album nearly 30 years ago that fully explored his affinity for R&B. These recordings finally see the light of day on April 5, 2011, with the release of Soul Of The South.
“In 1981 I was offered the opportunity to sign a solo record deal by top music executives to sing Pop and Soul songs which were very popular at the time. I loved singing these types of songs as I had been singing them for years going back to when I was a young boy in the early sixties. I was really into singers like Sam Cooke, Smokey Robinson and later, Al Green,” recalls Gray. “When [MTB lead guitarist] Toy Caldwell and I used to go out and listen to music, we’d always look for places that had rhythm and blues. That was the kind of stuff I did before we started The Marshall Tucker Band.”
“The Marshall Tucker Band was then signed to Warner Brothers and Tommy Caldwell had recently died in a car crash. The band was in between records so I had the time and I owned the studio so I recorded these soul songs and all the guys came in to help out as well as some other musician friends. I really felt good about the results but stopped short of completing a full album because it was time to do another MTB record and I felt a loyalty to the group so I put the tapes away, turned down the solo deal and continued with the band and never looked back until now. These songs are important because they are the only songs by the five living members of the band at that time that have never been released. They may not be your typical MTB songs written by Toy Caldwell but I think it shows how good the band was to come in and work on songs that were out of character and get the results we did,” Gray says with a smile.
As co-owner of Creative Arts Studio in his hometown of Spartanburg, South Carolina, Gray was in a good position to work on a solo project in his spare time. He enlisted the help of engineer Billy Sherrill and a host of Nashville publishers in rounding up the right material to record. Out of a stack of 300 demos, he ended up choosing seven tunes by songwriters both famous and lesser known. Rounding out the song list was a spirited cover of the Spiral Staircase’s 1969 hit “More Today Than Yesterday.” Gray notes, “I recorded that song because Billy Sherrill bet me I couldn’t hit the high notes.”
Gray’s band mates were happy to help lay down tracks at Creative Arts. Original Marshall Tucker members Toy Caldwell, George McCorkle, Paul Riddle and Jerry Eubanks all took part in the sessions, along with bassist Franklin Wilkie (who joined the band after the tragic death of Tommy Caldwell in 1980) and pianist Ronnie Godfrey. Also contributing to the Creative Arts sessions were such gifted Spartanburg-area players as keyboardist Michael Blithe and Rusty Milner who later replaced Toy Caldwell in the mid ’80s. After the basic tracks were completed, Gray and Sherrill finished up recording in Nashville, enlisting A-list players like bassist Bob Wray (known for his work with Ray Charles, B.B. King and other legends), keyboardist Mike Lawler (a veteran of sessions with everyone from the Allman Brothers to George Jones) and Terry McMillan on percussion.
Gray had reason to feel proud of the results. From aching ballads like “Still Thinking Of You” (co-written by star-to-be Michael Bolton) and “Don’t Blame It On The Rain” to funky upbeat tunes like “Never Enough” and “Who,” the tracks allow Gray to wail and testify with abandon. The after-hours elegance of “Sandman” contrasts nicely with the moody atmosphere of “Guilty” and the percolating groove of “Let Me Be The Fool.” Any number of these tunes might have scored high on the charts if they had been released as singles.
The release of Soul Of The South restores a missing chapter to the Marshall Tucker story. The band, by the time of these recordings, had several gold and platinum albums, hit singles and were one of the top concert draws of the seventies and early eighties. Playing and recording a wide variety of Rock, Country, Blues, Jazz and Pop songs in its own unique style, there was no one else like them. Beyond its historical value, this album is a prime slice of vintage Southern Soul, delivered straight from the heart.
In addition to Soul Of The South, in celebration of its 40th anniversary, the Marshall Tucker Band will release The Marshall Tucker Band: Greatest Hits on April 5, 2011. The 14-track album includes MTB fan favorites including “Can’t You See,” “Heard It In A Love Song,” “Take The Highway” and “24 Hours At A Time.”
For additional information on Doug Gray and the Marshall Tucker Band, visit http://www.marshalltuckerband.com/
# # #
Soul Of The South Track Listing:
1. Let Me Be The Fool
2. Who
3. Sandman
4. Guilty
5. Don't Blame It On The Rain
6. Never Enough
7. Still Thinking Of You
8. More Today Than Yesterday
The Marshall Tucker Band: Greatest Hits Track Listing:
1. Take The Highway
2. Blue Ridge Mountain Sky
3. In My Own Way
4. Fire On The Mountain
5. Heard It In A Love Song
6. Ramblin'
7. Searchin' For A Rainbow
8. I Should Have Never Started Lovin' You
9. 24 Hours At A Time
10. Long Hard Ride
11. Can't You See
12. Too Stubborn
13. This Ol' Cowboy
14. Desert Skies
Monday, March 07, 2011
Lee Brice - Debut Album - "Love Like Crazy"
About Lee Brice
Three-time ACM nominee Lee Brice released his debut album on Curb Records entitled Love Like Crazy in June of 2010. The title track off of the album, "Love Like Crazy," reached the top five on the charts and was named Billboard’s #1 country song of 2010. It currently holds the record for the longest charting song in the history of Billboard’s Hot Country Songs chart. Brice is also known for his songwriting, penning hits for many great artists including Garth Brooks and Tim McGraw. His current single, "Beautiful Every Time," was recently released to radio and is quickly making its way up the charts. For more information on Lee Brice, visit http://www.leebrice.com/
Media Contact:
Webster & Associates, LLC
Jenelle Scott
615-777-6995 ext. 222
jenelle@websterpr.com
Three-time ACM nominee Lee Brice released his debut album on Curb Records entitled Love Like Crazy in June of 2010. The title track off of the album, "Love Like Crazy," reached the top five on the charts and was named Billboard’s #1 country song of 2010. It currently holds the record for the longest charting song in the history of Billboard’s Hot Country Songs chart. Brice is also known for his songwriting, penning hits for many great artists including Garth Brooks and Tim McGraw. His current single, "Beautiful Every Time," was recently released to radio and is quickly making its way up the charts. For more information on Lee Brice, visit http://www.leebrice.com/
Media Contact:
Webster & Associates, LLC
Jenelle Scott
615-777-6995 ext. 222
jenelle@websterpr.com
Tuesday, March 01, 2011
70s Rock Influence on Today's Country Music
70s Rock Influence on Todays Country Music
By Jim Moulton, CSO Staff Journalist
Something missing today are the great jam bands of the seventies. I want to talk about a couple; The Marshall Tucker Band and The Grateful Dead. Both of these bands rocked yet had very country influences.
From Spartanburg, South Carolina came the very talented and together Marshall Tucker Band, started by Doug Gray and two brothers, Toy and Tommy Caldwell. Toy is probably the most underrated guitar player around, He could flat out pick (with his thumb, no pick). He also played pedal steel on some of their songs. His brother Tommy played a very improvisational bass, similar to Phil Lesh of the Grateful Dead. The band had a very unique sound with a horn player (Jerry Eubanks) who played Flute and sax. Long Lost was a tape of a 1976 European Tour that was to be released in the seventies by Capricorn, but never was. Their current label Shout Factory recently released Stompin' Room Only with some other live songs to fill out the Disc. The sound quality is similar to a Dicks Pick by the Grateful Dead, but the music is historical, the MTB at their very best. "Long Hard Ride" starts out the CD, and plain jams out, it is a country instrumental with a very good melody, Toy is just off the meter with his guitar pickin'.
Toy Caldwell wrote most of their material. "This Ol' Cowboy", the second track has Toy singing also and really playing at his best, a song that has a swing quality to it, one of my favorite MTB tunes. "Fire On The Mountain" (George McCorkle) has Toy on steel, is an outlaw country type song. The classic "Can't You See" was never done better. The last song on the disc "Hillbilly Band" is what the term Chickin' Pickin' is all about, once again, Toy Caldwell Shines. This disc is a must have to find out what this great band is all about.
Meanwhile, on the other side of the country, in California, The Grateful Dead were on the road constantly and they recorded every show. Their leader Jerry Garcia, started out as a bluegrass picker, banjo player and also a great pedal steel player. The Dead in my opinion were also at their peak in 1976-7, and I am going to talk a bit about one of their live Dick's Picks releases from 1976, Vol. 20, a four disc affair, with almost two full concerts on it. The sound quality is quite good for a Dicks Picks, since Rhino took over their releases and remastered it. The Dead had a much bigger following than did the MTB, though I saw the MTB open for them once. Garcia was an audiophile sound freak and loved to experiment with sound. He was playing a custom Travis Bean guitar at this time in his career. It was built on an aluminum frame, plus had a neat switch where he could knock out all of his effects loop. There was a new Mu-tron effect he was using at this time that was an envelope filter (auto-wah). For a lot more of this info, there is a great new book out called The Gear Of the Grateful Dead, excellent and thorough read.
The Dead were coming back from a tour in 1976 with probably the largest Sound System ever; the infamous "Wall Of Sound" , I saw it once in Philly at The Civic Center Hung from the center of the ceiling. One year of lugging this around and they had to give it up, sounded great though. They rented equipment and a sound guy for 1976, who used a system with lots of custom stuff that was like a mini "Wall Of Sound". Their sound board had parametric EQ before it was being used in studios.
Now to the music, I mean what can you say, two full shows, Songs that really stand out to me are "Ramble On Rose", Brown-Eyed Women" and "Peggy-O" from Disc one. "Mississippi Half-Step Uptown Toodleloo" and "Scarlet Begonias" on Disc two. "Cold Rain and Snow" and "Big River" on Disc three. "Playing In The Band" and "Comes a Time" on Disc four. You can't help but hear the country influences in these shows.
I encourage you to check out these historic recordings!!
By Jim Moulton, CSO Staff Journalist
Something missing today are the great jam bands of the seventies. I want to talk about a couple; The Marshall Tucker Band and The Grateful Dead. Both of these bands rocked yet had very country influences.
From Spartanburg, South Carolina came the very talented and together Marshall Tucker Band, started by Doug Gray and two brothers, Toy and Tommy Caldwell. Toy is probably the most underrated guitar player around, He could flat out pick (with his thumb, no pick). He also played pedal steel on some of their songs. His brother Tommy played a very improvisational bass, similar to Phil Lesh of the Grateful Dead. The band had a very unique sound with a horn player (Jerry Eubanks) who played Flute and sax. Long Lost was a tape of a 1976 European Tour that was to be released in the seventies by Capricorn, but never was. Their current label Shout Factory recently released Stompin' Room Only with some other live songs to fill out the Disc. The sound quality is similar to a Dicks Pick by the Grateful Dead, but the music is historical, the MTB at their very best. "Long Hard Ride" starts out the CD, and plain jams out, it is a country instrumental with a very good melody, Toy is just off the meter with his guitar pickin'.
Toy Caldwell wrote most of their material. "This Ol' Cowboy", the second track has Toy singing also and really playing at his best, a song that has a swing quality to it, one of my favorite MTB tunes. "Fire On The Mountain" (George McCorkle) has Toy on steel, is an outlaw country type song. The classic "Can't You See" was never done better. The last song on the disc "Hillbilly Band" is what the term Chickin' Pickin' is all about, once again, Toy Caldwell Shines. This disc is a must have to find out what this great band is all about.
Meanwhile, on the other side of the country, in California, The Grateful Dead were on the road constantly and they recorded every show. Their leader Jerry Garcia, started out as a bluegrass picker, banjo player and also a great pedal steel player. The Dead in my opinion were also at their peak in 1976-7, and I am going to talk a bit about one of their live Dick's Picks releases from 1976, Vol. 20, a four disc affair, with almost two full concerts on it. The sound quality is quite good for a Dicks Picks, since Rhino took over their releases and remastered it. The Dead had a much bigger following than did the MTB, though I saw the MTB open for them once. Garcia was an audiophile sound freak and loved to experiment with sound. He was playing a custom Travis Bean guitar at this time in his career. It was built on an aluminum frame, plus had a neat switch where he could knock out all of his effects loop. There was a new Mu-tron effect he was using at this time that was an envelope filter (auto-wah). For a lot more of this info, there is a great new book out called The Gear Of the Grateful Dead, excellent and thorough read.
The Dead were coming back from a tour in 1976 with probably the largest Sound System ever; the infamous "Wall Of Sound" , I saw it once in Philly at The Civic Center Hung from the center of the ceiling. One year of lugging this around and they had to give it up, sounded great though. They rented equipment and a sound guy for 1976, who used a system with lots of custom stuff that was like a mini "Wall Of Sound". Their sound board had parametric EQ before it was being used in studios.
Now to the music, I mean what can you say, two full shows, Songs that really stand out to me are "Ramble On Rose", Brown-Eyed Women" and "Peggy-O" from Disc one. "Mississippi Half-Step Uptown Toodleloo" and "Scarlet Begonias" on Disc two. "Cold Rain and Snow" and "Big River" on Disc three. "Playing In The Band" and "Comes a Time" on Disc four. You can't help but hear the country influences in these shows.
I encourage you to check out these historic recordings!!
Tuesday, February 22, 2011
Josh Slone and Coaltown
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/
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/
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.
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