I have put this off way too long. It was a pleasure to open the jewel case of the colorful CD with the vintage Red Chevy. It was fun just to put it in the CD deck and sit back and enjoy.
Grasstowne has a very nice traditional sound. Steve Gulley (founder of Mountain Heart) runs this well oiled ship. These guys have a great, natural acoustic sound. These guys can do a driving bluegrass song or pull up the reins and do a nice ballad.
Every instrument is first rate, the mandolin player can rip off some sweet leads, Gulley plays rhythm guitar. An acapello song called "Our Father" is a masterpiece. It has such sweet harmony. Alan Bibey plays mandolin. Adam Haynes plays a sweet sounding fiddle.
"Grass Stain" is a sweet instrumental written by Adam Haynes, very nice melody and some great pickin' by all.
"Anchor In The Storm" is a comforting blue grass song. A well written song, and Steve has such a mellow lead vocal, with bluegrass harmonies and some more good fiddlin'.
"Vicksburg" is a haunting song about the civil war and the taking of Vicksburg. The fiddle does some very creative sounds. This song is worth price of admission by itself.
"Waves Of Sorrow" is a song about heartbreak, originally done long ago by 111rd Tyme Out.
Justin Jenkins is their very capable banjo picker and Kameron Keller plays bass, This was a joy to listen to, no filler. Bluegrass that is traditional, but creative too. Enjoy!!
http://www.grasstowne.com/
Saturday, May 28, 2011
Monday, May 16, 2011
"Randy Travis" - Cracker Barrel Collection
This is a classic collection of material from the great country artist Randy Travis, covers songs during late 80's and early 90's, Travis had a very unmistakable voice and was very country sounding, probably a bit too twangy for today, his voice was his strength, plus his music had a signature sound of twangy guitar and lots of old time pedal steel. This collection of twelve tracks has a few unreleased gems to share.
Every iconic artist like Travis has a few songs that are just always associated with him. The songs that I think of with Travis are "Forever and Ever, Amen" , "Better Class Of Losers" and the great Christian Country Song, "Three Wooden Crosses".
The story of "Three Wooden Crosses" is in my opinion one of the best Christian country songs written. Basic story of an accident involving an eighteen wheeler accident where three good upstanding people died and a hooker lives. Song ends with Preacher saying He's telling the story because the hooker was his mom and the blood stained Bible given her, had influenced her and she had read it to him. You have to hear it, just great story with great hooks and melody. A Travis Classic. This collection is good for a Randy Travis Fan, or someone who wants to hear him at his best.
www.crackerbarrel.com/
Every iconic artist like Travis has a few songs that are just always associated with him. The songs that I think of with Travis are "Forever and Ever, Amen" , "Better Class Of Losers" and the great Christian Country Song, "Three Wooden Crosses".
The story of "Three Wooden Crosses" is in my opinion one of the best Christian country songs written. Basic story of an accident involving an eighteen wheeler accident where three good upstanding people died and a hooker lives. Song ends with Preacher saying He's telling the story because the hooker was his mom and the blood stained Bible given her, had influenced her and she had read it to him. You have to hear it, just great story with great hooks and melody. A Travis Classic. This collection is good for a Randy Travis Fan, or someone who wants to hear him at his best.
www.crackerbarrel.com/
Tuesday, May 10, 2011
"Follow Me Down" - Sarah Jarosz - A Review
If you expect more of the rootsy, country-bluegrass , folk sound of "Song Up In Her Head", you won't find that here. Jarosz has pulled a quick Chris Thile type move into the experimental, very eclectic style of expanded string music. She wrote all of the songs except a couple, one by Bob Dylan and the other by "RadioHead". Also, she has so many guest musicians ,it is quite an extraordinary affair. Her vocals a bit like Norah Jones at times. Gary Paczosa (one of the best acoustic music producers in Nashville) works with her on this CD as he did on her first one.
She plays everything from toy piano to electric guitar, but sounds best on octave mandolin. She is studying contemporary improvisation at Boston's New England Conservatory.
A lot of songs sound like a jam band. Then there are songs that are like chamber music. Sometimes her music is frenetic with all sorts of percussion going on.
Some of her guests include The Punch Brothers, Vince Gill, John Leventhal, Vicktor Krauss, a total of about 24 well known musicians.
Jarosz definitely is a super talented young lady and I can see this CD being hugely popular.
One song that really touches me is her version of Bob Dylan's "Ring Them Bells" with Vince Gill singing backup vocals. Paczosa mixed this CD, that must have really been a task, with all that is going on. He does an excellent job however. I really like track seven, also, with her creative and in command jamming on octave mandolin.
If you like Mumford and Sons, Trampled By Turtles, you should love this. Very well done CD.
http://www.sarahjarosz.com/
She plays everything from toy piano to electric guitar, but sounds best on octave mandolin. She is studying contemporary improvisation at Boston's New England Conservatory.
A lot of songs sound like a jam band. Then there are songs that are like chamber music. Sometimes her music is frenetic with all sorts of percussion going on.
Some of her guests include The Punch Brothers, Vince Gill, John Leventhal, Vicktor Krauss, a total of about 24 well known musicians.
Jarosz definitely is a super talented young lady and I can see this CD being hugely popular.
One song that really touches me is her version of Bob Dylan's "Ring Them Bells" with Vince Gill singing backup vocals. Paczosa mixed this CD, that must have really been a task, with all that is going on. He does an excellent job however. I really like track seven, also, with her creative and in command jamming on octave mandolin.
If you like Mumford and Sons, Trampled By Turtles, you should love this. Very well done CD.
http://www.sarahjarosz.com/
Larry Gatlin And Brothers Roll Out Latest Single, "Americans, That's Who"
LARRY GATLIN & THE GATLIN BROTHERS ROLL OUT LATEST SINGLE, "AMERICANS, THAT'S WHO"
Osama bin Laden Death Prompts Legendary Gatlin Brothers to Release Patriotic "Americans, That's Who"
Nashville, Tenn (May 9, 2011) – Larry Gatlin and the Gatlin Brothers have been waiting-- waiting for the moment. The moment that the legendary Grammy Award-winning trio knew would eventually come. At last, on Sunday, May 1, loud and proud, that moment arrived.
Upon hearing the news of Osama bin Laden’s death, the Gatlin Brothers knew it was time to release their patriotic “Americans, That’s Who” (CURB Records) to radio.
“Plain and simple, we’ve been sitting on this thing for awhile,” notes front man Larry Gatlin. “We’ve known for some time that it would take a groundbreaking, monumental event for us to release this single to radio. The death of Osama bin Laden meets those qualifications. We would like to send a very special 'thank you' to the members of SEAL TEAM SIX and all of the brave American men and women in uniform who risk their lives to keep us free. Who are these good people? AMERICANS, THAT’S WHO!”
Click HERE for private audio link to "Americans, That's Who." Check Website.
For addition information on Larry Gatlin & the Gatlin Brothers, visit http://www.gatlinbrothers.com/
Osama bin Laden Death Prompts Legendary Gatlin Brothers to Release Patriotic "Americans, That's Who"
Nashville, Tenn (May 9, 2011) – Larry Gatlin and the Gatlin Brothers have been waiting-- waiting for the moment. The moment that the legendary Grammy Award-winning trio knew would eventually come. At last, on Sunday, May 1, loud and proud, that moment arrived.
Upon hearing the news of Osama bin Laden’s death, the Gatlin Brothers knew it was time to release their patriotic “Americans, That’s Who” (CURB Records) to radio.
“Plain and simple, we’ve been sitting on this thing for awhile,” notes front man Larry Gatlin. “We’ve known for some time that it would take a groundbreaking, monumental event for us to release this single to radio. The death of Osama bin Laden meets those qualifications. We would like to send a very special 'thank you' to the members of SEAL TEAM SIX and all of the brave American men and women in uniform who risk their lives to keep us free. Who are these good people? AMERICANS, THAT’S WHO!”
Click HERE for private audio link to "Americans, That's Who." Check Website.
For addition information on Larry Gatlin & the Gatlin Brothers, visit http://www.gatlinbrothers.com/
Wednesday, May 04, 2011
Monday, May 02, 2011
"Take The Highway" -Blind Boys Of Alabama - a Review
The Iconic Gospel Group, "The Blind Boys Of Alabama" with the help of some Nashville Cats, put out a CD that is a Real good Spirit filled listen, co-produced by Jamey Johnson, it has the famous recognizable sound of the Blind Boys with the addition of the Nashville Sound. Adding a little Nashville to a project is usually a good thing and it sure works here with the help of Jamey, Vince Gill, Lee Ann Womack , and some great Nashville Musicians. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nVbglUZGUqo&feature=player_embedded This Footage shows some joyful moments in Nashvilles' RCA Studio A.
"Take The High Road" is a great song with The help of The Oak Ridge Boys, The Blind Boys bringing some fun and good ole joy to the Studio. A great relaxed sounding production with a live vibe, Jamey Johnson shows brilliance in his help with production. He had just met the BBoys at a gig and they hit it off right away, I think that you will be glad they did. Jamey hows another side of himself that is confident and full of musical intelligence. His song with the Boys "Have Thine Own Way" is a very good version of an old familiar song. Willie Nelson does "Family Bible" with the group sounding like himself. Hank Williams Jr. does a song his Dad wrote a long way back, "I Saw The Light", great version. Lee Ann Womack's "I was a Burden" is stellar, Womack is a country super star that is unusual in the fact that she has stuck to the stuff like George Straight. Vince Gill sounds great on his song with them "Give Me A Drink".
The CD is called "Take The High Road" and is coming out on Saguaro Records this month. Check out the great youtube coverage and I think that you will agree this is another winner for both Jamey Johnson and The Blind Boys. I must admit, I was wrong on my first take of Jamey, He is the real deal.
www.blindboys.com/
"Take The High Road" is a great song with The help of The Oak Ridge Boys, The Blind Boys bringing some fun and good ole joy to the Studio. A great relaxed sounding production with a live vibe, Jamey Johnson shows brilliance in his help with production. He had just met the BBoys at a gig and they hit it off right away, I think that you will be glad they did. Jamey hows another side of himself that is confident and full of musical intelligence. His song with the Boys "Have Thine Own Way" is a very good version of an old familiar song. Willie Nelson does "Family Bible" with the group sounding like himself. Hank Williams Jr. does a song his Dad wrote a long way back, "I Saw The Light", great version. Lee Ann Womack's "I was a Burden" is stellar, Womack is a country super star that is unusual in the fact that she has stuck to the stuff like George Straight. Vince Gill sounds great on his song with them "Give Me A Drink".
The CD is called "Take The High Road" and is coming out on Saguaro Records this month. Check out the great youtube coverage and I think that you will agree this is another winner for both Jamey Johnson and The Blind Boys. I must admit, I was wrong on my first take of Jamey, He is the real deal.
www.blindboys.com/
Wednesday, April 27, 2011
"Dance Til Your Stockings Are Hot And Ravelin' " - The Grascals - Tribute to Andy Griffith Show 50th Anniversary
The Grascals are doing this special Tribute CD to the Andy Griffith Show, because it's the 50th Anniversary for this iconic show. The Grascals are all fans of the show as I am myself, They like to quote show dialogue back and forth on the bus. They even have trivia contests with their audiences on the road.
After their first CD this year which was bluegrass and country numbers done with other artists. It was "Grascals and Friends", a compilation of country and bluegrass songs on a Cracker Barrel Special.
This is a 7 song EP which is back to straight Bluegrass, and it is kickin' good. It is songs associated with the Andy Griffith Show, plus one they did themselves. I find it very entertaining and something they really worked on to get that old time sound. Most of the songs should be familiar to you. "Dooley","Boil Them Cabbage Down", "Stay All Night(Stay a Longer)", "Ol' Joe Clark" -(Thumbs up for this one), "Leaning On The Everlasting Arms"(Excellent version), "Mayberry's Finest Theme". Bonus- "Boy, Giraffe's Are Selfish" -(this has to do with a line from a show.)
These guys never stop amazing me, I find it hard to keep a freshness to Bluegrass, because it is a very stiff genre' or can be, but the Grascals continue to to be a fan friendly musically talented bunch that I love, and I think any lover of bluegrass would have to give then Kudos!! Look for this in a few weeks.
http://www.grascals.com/
After their first CD this year which was bluegrass and country numbers done with other artists. It was "Grascals and Friends", a compilation of country and bluegrass songs on a Cracker Barrel Special.
This is a 7 song EP which is back to straight Bluegrass, and it is kickin' good. It is songs associated with the Andy Griffith Show, plus one they did themselves. I find it very entertaining and something they really worked on to get that old time sound. Most of the songs should be familiar to you. "Dooley","Boil Them Cabbage Down", "Stay All Night(Stay a Longer)", "Ol' Joe Clark" -(Thumbs up for this one), "Leaning On The Everlasting Arms"(Excellent version), "Mayberry's Finest Theme". Bonus- "Boy, Giraffe's Are Selfish" -(this has to do with a line from a show.)
These guys never stop amazing me, I find it hard to keep a freshness to Bluegrass, because it is a very stiff genre' or can be, but the Grascals continue to to be a fan friendly musically talented bunch that I love, and I think any lover of bluegrass would have to give then Kudos!! Look for this in a few weeks.
http://www.grascals.com/
Monday, April 25, 2011
Friday, April 22, 2011
The Roys Unveil New Website Design, Offer Fans Chance to Win Ipod Nano
The Roys Unveil New Website Design, Offer Fans Chance To Win An iPod Nano®
Prize Comes Pre-Loaded With Duo's New CD, LONESOME WHISTLE
George Jones: "Lee and Elaine's rootsy, pure sound is just what music fans need to hear. Their harmonies are as pure as anyone I have ever heard."
Ricky Skaggs: "I've known The Roys for a long time and have heard them just keep getting better and better. This new project is their best yet. I was real proud to be on it."
Nashville, TN (April 22, 2011) -- The Roys celebrate the unveiling of their exciting new website design by giving fans a chance to win an iPod Nano® loaded with songs from their debut Rural Rhythm Records' CD, LONESOME WHISTLE. Fans can enter the contest at www.theroysonline.com/ipod.
"We're thrilled with the new site, and our fans seem to love the fact that we're constantly updating videos, photos and stories," says Elaine Roy, the sister side of this musical brother/sister team. "And we each have Nanos," she adds. "Couldn't live without them, you know it's all part of that techno thing," adds Lee. "I carry my FlipCam everywhere and Tweet all day long ... I'm addicted to Facebook."
The contest launches today and runs through Sunday, June 5; the winner will be announced on Monday, June 6. Entering the contest is easy - and this one-time entry qualifies that individual for a chance in all future promotional events sponsored by The Roys. "We're all about easy," laughs Lee. "And it doesn't get much easier than entering your name, phone number and email address - one time."
LONESOME WHISTLE launched late last month amidst a nine-day media blitz of major television, personal appearances and radio visits. The Roys swept through six states, appearing on several Fox Television Network shows, Better TV, ABC-TV's What's The Buzz, Daytime, GAC-TV, and Daily Buzz in support of the disc. "It's been a whirlwind," confirmed Elaine. "But a good one."
That whirlwind is creating a media "storm," with reviewers praising The Roys' vocals, song selection and production values. Roughstock.com says, "With eleven fantastic tracks of acoustic country and bluegrass goodness, The Roys' album gets better with each and every listen ... a supremely satisfying album." AOL/The Boot adds "LONESOME WHISTLE is more than a bluegrass album. The 11-track recording is something of a painting of American life and an appreciation of those who keep the faith in bleak times." TheBluegrassSpecial.com calls their harmonies "captivating," and adds, " the voices are evocative (his reedy and a bit bluesy, hers bright with an appealing backwoods plaintiveness), the songs impressive and arresting, the playing impeccable."
The video of the duo's current single, "Coal Minin' Man," remains on GAC-TV's Top 20 Country Countdown ballot, and fans can vote for Lee and Elaine at http://bit.ly/VOTE4THEROYS.com
Read all the reviews, listen to select tracks from LONESOME WHISTLE and learn more about The Roys at http://www.theroysonline.com/
# # #
MEDIA CONTACT
Martha Moore
so much MOORE media
615.746.3994
somuchmoore@charter.net
Prize Comes Pre-Loaded With Duo's New CD, LONESOME WHISTLE
George Jones: "Lee and Elaine's rootsy, pure sound is just what music fans need to hear. Their harmonies are as pure as anyone I have ever heard."
Ricky Skaggs: "I've known The Roys for a long time and have heard them just keep getting better and better. This new project is their best yet. I was real proud to be on it."
Nashville, TN (April 22, 2011) -- The Roys celebrate the unveiling of their exciting new website design by giving fans a chance to win an iPod Nano® loaded with songs from their debut Rural Rhythm Records' CD, LONESOME WHISTLE. Fans can enter the contest at www.theroysonline.com/ipod.
"We're thrilled with the new site, and our fans seem to love the fact that we're constantly updating videos, photos and stories," says Elaine Roy, the sister side of this musical brother/sister team. "And we each have Nanos," she adds. "Couldn't live without them, you know it's all part of that techno thing," adds Lee. "I carry my FlipCam everywhere and Tweet all day long ... I'm addicted to Facebook."
The contest launches today and runs through Sunday, June 5; the winner will be announced on Monday, June 6. Entering the contest is easy - and this one-time entry qualifies that individual for a chance in all future promotional events sponsored by The Roys. "We're all about easy," laughs Lee. "And it doesn't get much easier than entering your name, phone number and email address - one time."
LONESOME WHISTLE launched late last month amidst a nine-day media blitz of major television, personal appearances and radio visits. The Roys swept through six states, appearing on several Fox Television Network shows, Better TV, ABC-TV's What's The Buzz, Daytime, GAC-TV, and Daily Buzz in support of the disc. "It's been a whirlwind," confirmed Elaine. "But a good one."
That whirlwind is creating a media "storm," with reviewers praising The Roys' vocals, song selection and production values. Roughstock.com says, "With eleven fantastic tracks of acoustic country and bluegrass goodness, The Roys' album gets better with each and every listen ... a supremely satisfying album." AOL/The Boot adds "LONESOME WHISTLE is more than a bluegrass album. The 11-track recording is something of a painting of American life and an appreciation of those who keep the faith in bleak times." TheBluegrassSpecial.com calls their harmonies "captivating," and adds, " the voices are evocative (his reedy and a bit bluesy, hers bright with an appealing backwoods plaintiveness), the songs impressive and arresting, the playing impeccable."
The video of the duo's current single, "Coal Minin' Man," remains on GAC-TV's Top 20 Country Countdown ballot, and fans can vote for Lee and Elaine at http://bit.ly/VOTE4THEROYS.com
Read all the reviews, listen to select tracks from LONESOME WHISTLE and learn more about The Roys at http://www.theroysonline.com/
# # #
MEDIA CONTACT
Martha Moore
so much MOORE media
615.746.3994
somuchmoore@charter.net
Thursday, April 21, 2011
The Judds - I Will Stand By You - Essential Judds
Curb Records has released a new compilation of greatest hits for the Judds, which includes two new songs. The bulk of songs is from the Eighties when The Judds ruled country music, with a huge following, with their signature acoustic country sound, produced by Don Potter and Brent Maher really was unique. "I Will Stand By You" is a good example of classic Judds with a sparkle.
This new compilation is very similar to the first greatest hits CD which I have, plus some newer songs from later in their career, like "Love will Build A Bridge". The sound quality is excellent sounding alot like the first Greatest hits CD which was very good, this is a bit tonally better, a very good listen. The newer two songs fit right in.
Here are some of the great songs from the eighties on here. "Mama He's Crazy", "Why Not Me" , "Love Is Alive", "Have Mercy", "I Know Where I'm Going", "Grandpa,Tell Me About the Good Old Days".
"Back Home" is the other remarkable new song with Alison Krauss, very nice lyrics, and a new sounding melody. It is a very good acoustic arrangement. I really enjoyed listening to the remastered older songs and the new songs too, It would be a great addition to your music collection.
http://www.thejuddstour2011.com/
This new compilation is very similar to the first greatest hits CD which I have, plus some newer songs from later in their career, like "Love will Build A Bridge". The sound quality is excellent sounding alot like the first Greatest hits CD which was very good, this is a bit tonally better, a very good listen. The newer two songs fit right in.
Here are some of the great songs from the eighties on here. "Mama He's Crazy", "Why Not Me" , "Love Is Alive", "Have Mercy", "I Know Where I'm Going", "Grandpa,Tell Me About the Good Old Days".
"Back Home" is the other remarkable new song with Alison Krauss, very nice lyrics, and a new sounding melody. It is a very good acoustic arrangement. I really enjoyed listening to the remastered older songs and the new songs too, It would be a great addition to your music collection.
http://www.thejuddstour2011.com/
Monday, April 18, 2011
"Teddy Gentry's Best New Nashville" To Take The Stage At Cracker Barrel Old Country Store
Search Amazon.com for cracker barrel
“TEDDY GENTRY’S BEST NEW NASHVILLE” TO TAKE THE STAGE
AT CRACKER BARREL OLD COUNTRY STORE®
Exclusive CD Pairs 12 New Artists and 12 New Songs
LEBANON, Tenn. (April 18, 2011) Teddy Gentry has long been celebrated as a member of the country supergroup Alabama, and he is also the force and inspiration behind multiple other music successes in Nashville. Now, Gentry, and Porter-Gentry Productions, are lending a guiding hand to a very special CD that provides country music fans with an inspired assortment of new music, among which many a new favorite might be found. The CD, Teddy Gentry’s Best New Nashville, produced by Gentry, includes 12 new songs performed by 12 new artists and will be available exclusively at Cracker Barrel Old Country Store®, starting May 16.
Each pairing of song and artist on this CD was carefully considered and planned by Gentry, who collects songs the way some people collect stamps. Gentry regularly works with up-and-coming artists on stage and in the studio, and his advice in choosing a new song is to always make sure that there is an emotional connection. “I tell them that they really have to love a song because, if it’s a hit, they’ll be performing it for a very long time,” said Gentry, who knows a lot about hits, having written and performed quite a number of them as a member of the renowned group Alabama.
Gentry also knows about talent, and he regularly works with what he considers to be the best of the new artists to help them learn the ins and outs of the Nashville scene. He says this is his way of giving back because he knows from his own early experiences how hard it is to make it in this very tough business. And Gentry believes that making his new CD, Teddy Gentry’s Best New Nashville, available through Cracker Barrel, provides some fresh new sounds and some quality tunes for Cracker Barrel’s guests. He worked with some of Nashville’s top engineers, studios, and songwriters to ensure the quality of the CD.
“Cracker Barrel is pleased to work with Teddy Gentry on this special project to provide a showcase for some very talented artists from whom we might well be hearing more in the future,” said Chris Ciavarra, Senior Vice President of Marketing for Cracker Barrel. “These are artists who have worked hard and have honed their skills, and with this CD they are stepping up onto a larger stage,” he added.
Photos, bios, and other detailed information about the 12 new artists and this CD are available at bestnewnashville.com.
Teddy Gentry’s Best New Nashville will be the latest in Cracker Barrel’s exclusive music program. In March of this year, Cracker Barrel released Kenny Rogers’ The Love of God which debuted at #8 on the Billboard Top Country Albums chart and #2 on the Top Christian Albums chart. In January 2011, 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 holiday traditions. 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 its songs was nominated for a Grammy award®. Over the last few years, Cracker Barrel has released exclusive CDs with Alan Jackson, the Zac Brown Band, George Jones, Montgomery Gentry, Dolly Parton, Bill Gaither, Ricky Skaggs, Aaron Tippin, Alison Krauss & Union Station, Josh Turner, Amy Grant, Kenny Rogers, Sara Evans, and Charlie Daniels.
Tracks on Teddy Gentry’s Best New Nashville:
1. Every Mile I’m Missing You – Jimmy Stewart
2. I’m Gonna Cry – Chanel Campbell
3. That’s The Kind Of Love I Need – Garrett Steele
4. A Good Place To Turn Around – 3 Lanes Crossing
5. A Better Woman – Laura Fedor
6. In His Hands – Chip Davis
7. I’ll Find You – Samantha Landrum
8. Chip Away – Dillon Dixon
9. My So Called Life – Southwind
10. Long Lost Smile – Brad Long
11. Run Baby Run – Adrianna Freeman
12. Are You Ever Gonna Love Me – Amber Shalene
******************
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 made from scratch 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 601 company-owned locations in 42 states. Every Cracker Barrel unit is open seven days a week with hours Sunday through Thursday, 6 a.m. – 10 p.m., and Friday and Saturday, 6 a.m. - 11 p.m. For more information, visit crackerbarrel.com.
About Best New Nashville
An industry executive, Bernard Porter, and an industry legend, Teddy Gentry, had a vision that started with mentoring up and coming talent from all ages and genres. The two joined forces and created Best New Nashville, a division of Porter-Gentry Productions, LLC. (PG Productions, LLC).
“TEDDY GENTRY’S BEST NEW NASHVILLE” TO TAKE THE STAGEAT CRACKER BARREL OLD COUNTRY STORE®
Exclusive CD Pairs 12 New Artists and 12 New Songs
LEBANON, Tenn. (April 18, 2011) Teddy Gentry has long been celebrated as a member of the country supergroup Alabama, and he is also the force and inspiration behind multiple other music successes in Nashville. Now, Gentry, and Porter-Gentry Productions, are lending a guiding hand to a very special CD that provides country music fans with an inspired assortment of new music, among which many a new favorite might be found. The CD, Teddy Gentry’s Best New Nashville, produced by Gentry, includes 12 new songs performed by 12 new artists and will be available exclusively at Cracker Barrel Old Country Store®, starting May 16.
Each pairing of song and artist on this CD was carefully considered and planned by Gentry, who collects songs the way some people collect stamps. Gentry regularly works with up-and-coming artists on stage and in the studio, and his advice in choosing a new song is to always make sure that there is an emotional connection. “I tell them that they really have to love a song because, if it’s a hit, they’ll be performing it for a very long time,” said Gentry, who knows a lot about hits, having written and performed quite a number of them as a member of the renowned group Alabama.
Gentry also knows about talent, and he regularly works with what he considers to be the best of the new artists to help them learn the ins and outs of the Nashville scene. He says this is his way of giving back because he knows from his own early experiences how hard it is to make it in this very tough business. And Gentry believes that making his new CD, Teddy Gentry’s Best New Nashville, available through Cracker Barrel, provides some fresh new sounds and some quality tunes for Cracker Barrel’s guests. He worked with some of Nashville’s top engineers, studios, and songwriters to ensure the quality of the CD.
“Cracker Barrel is pleased to work with Teddy Gentry on this special project to provide a showcase for some very talented artists from whom we might well be hearing more in the future,” said Chris Ciavarra, Senior Vice President of Marketing for Cracker Barrel. “These are artists who have worked hard and have honed their skills, and with this CD they are stepping up onto a larger stage,” he added.
Photos, bios, and other detailed information about the 12 new artists and this CD are available at bestnewnashville.com.
Teddy Gentry’s Best New Nashville will be the latest in Cracker Barrel’s exclusive music program. In March of this year, Cracker Barrel released Kenny Rogers’ The Love of God which debuted at #8 on the Billboard Top Country Albums chart and #2 on the Top Christian Albums chart. In January 2011, 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 holiday traditions. 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 its songs was nominated for a Grammy award®. Over the last few years, Cracker Barrel has released exclusive CDs with Alan Jackson, the Zac Brown Band, George Jones, Montgomery Gentry, Dolly Parton, Bill Gaither, Ricky Skaggs, Aaron Tippin, Alison Krauss & Union Station, Josh Turner, Amy Grant, Kenny Rogers, Sara Evans, and Charlie Daniels.
Tracks on Teddy Gentry’s Best New Nashville:
1. Every Mile I’m Missing You – Jimmy Stewart
2. I’m Gonna Cry – Chanel Campbell
3. That’s The Kind Of Love I Need – Garrett Steele
4. A Good Place To Turn Around – 3 Lanes Crossing
5. A Better Woman – Laura Fedor
6. In His Hands – Chip Davis
7. I’ll Find You – Samantha Landrum
8. Chip Away – Dillon Dixon
9. My So Called Life – Southwind
10. Long Lost Smile – Brad Long
11. Run Baby Run – Adrianna Freeman
12. Are You Ever Gonna Love Me – Amber Shalene
******************
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 made from scratch 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 601 company-owned locations in 42 states. Every Cracker Barrel unit is open seven days a week with hours Sunday through Thursday, 6 a.m. – 10 p.m., and Friday and Saturday, 6 a.m. - 11 p.m. For more information, visit crackerbarrel.com.
About Best New Nashville
An industry executive, Bernard Porter, and an industry legend, Teddy Gentry, had a vision that started with mentoring up and coming talent from all ages and genres. The two joined forces and created Best New Nashville, a division of Porter-Gentry Productions, LLC. (PG Productions, LLC).
Monday, April 11, 2011
"Rare Bird Alert" - Steve Martin" - A Review
Steve Martin is an actor,comedian,musician and has been a very well known entertainer in the American scene for at least thirty five years. He has been on his own TV shows, and starred in several movies.
This is his second recent banjo playing CD, he did another one similar to this a couple of years ago. That CD, won the Grammy for best Bluegrass Album in 09. Last year, Martin established the Steve Martin Prize for Excellence in banjo and bluegrass, an annual award to bring recognition to an individual or group for outstanding accomplishment in the field of banjo or bluegrass music. The first award was presented to Noam Pikelny. Martin must have a ton of energy as he also has time write books. He wrote all of the material on this album.
This album conveys a combination of good traditional bluegrass music with the help of the Steep Canyon Rangers, and also Paul McCartney and The Dixie Chicks. It is refreshing to hear the Chicks together again singing a bluegrass song reminding me of their CD "Home", with the Martin written song "You". I like this song the best on the album. Paul McCartney sings the vocals on "Best Love". Bluegrass with a cello and a pop feel to it as McCartney sounds different here, I did not recognize his voice right way , had to look at Literature. Martin adds some of his humor to a few songs here, like on "Atheists Don't Have No Songs", a song that makes light of southern gospel singing,and he with his back up group even do some gospel type harmonies. I really don't care for this track, but he says that he likes to perform it live, a staple of their shows.
He was fortunate in discovering his back up group(Steep Canyon Rangers) that tours and records with him, his wife had known them and introduced them to him. Their banjo player Graham Sharp compliments Martin's clawhammer style with some Scruggs type pickin'. The album overall is done very well as it is recorded by Gary Paczosa and mastered by Doug Sax, two of the best at what they do in the music industry. It is well balanced and the sound is not overly bright, as some bluegrass can be. I must say that today's bluegrass music is a booming business and the recordings for the most part are top notch.
"Northern Island" is an up tempo bluegrass jam, the banjos are in the front of most of the recordings, especially instrumentals. He does a bluegrass rendering of his comic King Tut.
In closing, you will find Steve Martin here in both his serious love for bluegrass music, and also Steve Martin; The Comic.
http://www.stevemartin.com/
This is his second recent banjo playing CD, he did another one similar to this a couple of years ago. That CD, won the Grammy for best Bluegrass Album in 09. Last year, Martin established the Steve Martin Prize for Excellence in banjo and bluegrass, an annual award to bring recognition to an individual or group for outstanding accomplishment in the field of banjo or bluegrass music. The first award was presented to Noam Pikelny. Martin must have a ton of energy as he also has time write books. He wrote all of the material on this album.
This album conveys a combination of good traditional bluegrass music with the help of the Steep Canyon Rangers, and also Paul McCartney and The Dixie Chicks. It is refreshing to hear the Chicks together again singing a bluegrass song reminding me of their CD "Home", with the Martin written song "You". I like this song the best on the album. Paul McCartney sings the vocals on "Best Love". Bluegrass with a cello and a pop feel to it as McCartney sounds different here, I did not recognize his voice right way , had to look at Literature. Martin adds some of his humor to a few songs here, like on "Atheists Don't Have No Songs", a song that makes light of southern gospel singing,and he with his back up group even do some gospel type harmonies. I really don't care for this track, but he says that he likes to perform it live, a staple of their shows.
He was fortunate in discovering his back up group(Steep Canyon Rangers) that tours and records with him, his wife had known them and introduced them to him. Their banjo player Graham Sharp compliments Martin's clawhammer style with some Scruggs type pickin'. The album overall is done very well as it is recorded by Gary Paczosa and mastered by Doug Sax, two of the best at what they do in the music industry. It is well balanced and the sound is not overly bright, as some bluegrass can be. I must say that today's bluegrass music is a booming business and the recordings for the most part are top notch.
"Northern Island" is an up tempo bluegrass jam, the banjos are in the front of most of the recordings, especially instrumentals. He does a bluegrass rendering of his comic King Tut.
In closing, you will find Steve Martin here in both his serious love for bluegrass music, and also Steve Martin; The Comic.
http://www.stevemartin.com/
Judds Take Trip To Los Angeles On Talk Show Circuit
THE JUDDS TAKE TRIP TO LOS ANGELES TO APPEAR ON THE TALK AND THE LATE LATE SHOW WITH CRAIG FERGUSON AMONG OTHERS
The Duo is Featured on the Cover of Country Weekly
Nashville, TN (April 11, 2011) – The Judds continue their recent media blitz as they travel to the west coast in support of their new series on the Oprah Winfrey Network (OWN), which debuted last night. After wrapping up their NYC trip last week, the mother-daughter duo are now traveling to Los Angeles in support of their new show, simply titled The Judds, which follows the pair on their journey during their final tour together, The Last Encore.
Tune in to catch The Judds as they discuss their new series which continues next Sunday at 9pm EST on OWN. The duo will be making guest appearances on the KTLA morning show, The Talk, TV Guide Channel and The Late Late Show with Craig Ferguson on Tuesday, April 12.
The Judds also spoke with Country Weekly about their new documentary series, their relationship and their latest projects including their new album I Will Stand By You: The Essential Collection. Be sure to check out the April 11 issue.
The Duo is Featured on the Cover of Country Weekly
Nashville, TN (April 11, 2011) – The Judds continue their recent media blitz as they travel to the west coast in support of their new series on the Oprah Winfrey Network (OWN), which debuted last night. After wrapping up their NYC trip last week, the mother-daughter duo are now traveling to Los Angeles in support of their new show, simply titled The Judds, which follows the pair on their journey during their final tour together, The Last Encore.
Tune in to catch The Judds as they discuss their new series which continues next Sunday at 9pm EST on OWN. The duo will be making guest appearances on the KTLA morning show, The Talk, TV Guide Channel and The Late Late Show with Craig Ferguson on Tuesday, April 12.
The Judds also spoke with Country Weekly about their new documentary series, their relationship and their latest projects including their new album I Will Stand By You: The Essential Collection. Be sure to check out the April 11 issue.
Thursday, April 07, 2011
"Texas Girls" - Thom Shepherd - A Review
Many people will recognize Shepherd when they hear some of the songs on this CD that were done originally by other artists. Shepherd has been around awhile doing lots of songwriting ,having sixty cuts done by artists like Craig Morgan,David Ball,George Jones and Montgomery Gentry.
This ten song effort has a mix of old and new material. He is making a single on the CD -"App for That" to send to Texas/Red Dirt radio stations. It is a real cute upbeat song making some humor on the "App", you know, the things you download on your smart phone.
The production of this CD is simple seventies country, without the many layers of instruments, just some hot tele pickin', acoustic guitar and pedal steel with backup vocals. Nothing fancy, but done real tastefully, Shepherd has a very good singing voice, adding some new takes on alot of his older songs.
"Riding With Private Malone", originally a big hit by David Ball is a song that sends chills thru me. Just a great story song that Shepherd does a more acoustic take on.
This Album should do well with folk that like like Shepherd's style and very original songs. He has had two bouts with cancer, now five years being cancer free he does lots of benefits to help benefit cancer support organizations.
One song that I identify with is "A Father's Love", reminds me of my own relationship with my Dad. Check this out on.
http://www.thomshepherd.com/
This ten song effort has a mix of old and new material. He is making a single on the CD -"App for That" to send to Texas/Red Dirt radio stations. It is a real cute upbeat song making some humor on the "App", you know, the things you download on your smart phone.
The production of this CD is simple seventies country, without the many layers of instruments, just some hot tele pickin', acoustic guitar and pedal steel with backup vocals. Nothing fancy, but done real tastefully, Shepherd has a very good singing voice, adding some new takes on alot of his older songs.
"Riding With Private Malone", originally a big hit by David Ball is a song that sends chills thru me. Just a great story song that Shepherd does a more acoustic take on.
This Album should do well with folk that like like Shepherd's style and very original songs. He has had two bouts with cancer, now five years being cancer free he does lots of benefits to help benefit cancer support organizations.
One song that I identify with is "A Father's Love", reminds me of my own relationship with my Dad. Check this out on.
http://www.thomshepherd.com/
Wednesday, March 30, 2011
"paper airplane" - AKUS - a single review
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/
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 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/
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