My favorite Lyle Lovett song and one of my favorite songs of all time...
Saturday, February 27, 2010
Friday, February 26, 2010
Joey + Rory Look To New Song To Inspire ACM Votes
Joey + Rory are up for the Academy of Country Music's Top New Vocal Duo award! Vote now through March 12 at http://voteacm.com The 45th Annual ACM Award Show airs Sunday April 18th 8PM ET/PT on CBS. Voters determine the winners this year. And to help get the word out, the husband and wife have... ahem... recorded and released a new song.
The Top Tens- The All-Time Best Music Acts Deserving To Be NEXT Inductees In The Country Music Hall-Of-Fame
Earlier this week it was announced that Jimmy Dean, Ferlin Husky, Don Williams, and Billy Sherrill were announced as the newest members to be inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame. All are extremely deserving and very worthy candidates. But there are others that should be in as well- and not posthumously.While I have absolutely no say, I would like to present this week’s top ten list- The All-Time Best Music Acts Deserving To Be In The Country Music Hall-Of-Fame.
10. John Denver- Might as well start with the most controversial first. In 1975, previous Country Music Association Entertainer of the Year Charlie Rich set fire to Denver’s winning envelope rather than announce the win. Some considered it a statement against country pop and the Music Row-controlled Nashville Sound. But looking closer, he was one of the top album sellers in the 70’s, won several country music awards, 2 Grammys, and his hits Take Me Home, Rocky Mountain High and Thank God I’m A Country Boy are sing-along standards.
9. Jerry Reed- The CMHOF has a history of inviting comedians and actors (Minnie Pearl) and Jerry Reed belongs in. Jerry Reed, was an country music singer, country guitarist, session musician, songwriter and actor who appeared in over a dozen filmsAs a singer, he may be best known for Amos Moses, and When You're Hot, You're Hot, for which he received a Grammy in 1972 and East Bound and Down, the theme song to the film Smokey and the Bandit in which he portrayed the "Snowman", Cledus Snow.
8. Charlie Daniels- The man who made southern country/rock a new genre, he should be in for his fiddling ability alone. The Devil Went Down To Georgia is quite possibly the most recognizable country song ever recorded- he’s been a music hero for close to 40 years.
7. Ronnie Milsap- One of the top recording artists of the 1970’s and 1980’s, Ronnie Milsap is credited with forty number-one songs on the country charts, third only to George Strait and Conway Twitty. 40. Amazing career.
6. Hank Williams Jr.- He is another long overdue selection. He had two careers, each of them probably worthy of induction. His early standards Eleven Roses are just as HOF-worthy as his later standards like Family Tradition. Put him in with a plaque right next to his father.
5. Oak Ridge Boys- While their history dates back much further, they had a run of twelve years from 1977 to 1989 where they were THE band until they gave way to Alabama. Can anyone NOT sing all the words to their biggest hit Elvira?
4. Reba McEntire- Her box set that came out this last year proves it beyond a shadow of the date- 50 hit singles that are some of this generation’s top songs.
3. Kenny Rogers- I’ve already made my case here. They’ve waited too long already for The Gambler.
2. Jean Shepard- She has been a strong candidate for the past several years, but just can't seem to get the votes to get her in. She had 44 charted hits between 1953 and 1978 and has been a member of the Grand Ole Opry for more than 50 years. Her first hit, "A Dear John Letter", a 1953 duet with Ferlin Husky, was the first post-World War II record by a woman country artist to sell more than a million copies.
1. Garth Brooks- He’s the youngest of the bunch but has done more single-handedly to raise the popularity of country music more than any other artist since Johnny Cash. And that’s pretty good company. With more albums sold than any other artist EVER, he’s a no-brainer.
Consideration should also given to Jim Ed Brown and The Browns and the Wilburn Brothers. Hopefully, all will eventually be elected.
Thursday, February 25, 2010
New Mini Blake Shelton Concert Over On Soundcheck
Oklahoma boy Blake Shelton has stopped by Soundcheck to perform tunes from his latest disc, Hillbilly Bone. Plus, the country singer/songwriter sits down with us to discuss his new single, Miranda Lambert, those Twitter posts... and the definition of a true Hillbilly. Click the link below to see the entire concert. We've also got a teaser of the concert down below.
http://soundcheck.walmart.com/blake-shelton
http://soundcheck.walmart.com/blake-shelton
Big Kenny Launches New Song & Video For Friend Lost In Haiti
"Big Kenny" suffered a major personal loss when he first could not locate his dear friend and mentor, Walter Ratterman, and then later learned he had been killed in the Jan. 12, 2010, earthquake that devastated Haiti.The day before Ratterman's untimely passing, Big Kenny received an e-mail from him. But following the next day's tragedy, he couldn't confirm his mentor and friend's well-being. From that point on, the award-winning musician set out to find him, calling on media and anyone who'd listen to help him locate Ratterman, who had traveled to Haiti to work on several renewable energy projects.
Moreover, when Big Kenny was allowed into Haiti itself, he promptly went there in search of Walter but with no luck. Following his return to the United States, he was notified that Ratterman's remains had been located. Besieged with grief, Big Kenny has mourned the loss of his friend, whom he considered family, for it was a loss not only to the Nashville-based artist but to all those Walter sought to help in different parts of the world, as well as within his own backyard.
In memory and tribute to Ratterman, Big Kenny has done the only thing he knows how to do for his late comrade, and that is create a song to commemorate his friend and express his loss. That song, "Cry With You," is available for download for only $1, with all proceeds donated above the first $1 going to the Love Everybody Fund of The Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee, a charitable organization. You can download the song HERE. You can watch the video below... (email subscribers can click on the headline to see the powerful minifilm.)
Wednesday, February 24, 2010
CD Reviews- Sarah Buxton- Sarah Buxton
The Background:It’s been a long, wild ride for Sarah Buxton. While her 20’s saw a slew of self-penned tunes reach the mediocre levels of the charts, the now 29 year old Lawrence Kansas native is finally set to release her self-titled debut album. The eleven-track release, regardless of chart performance, represents a sense of success for Buxton, who has overcome a number of personal and professional demons to be in position she is today. As she has embarked on the road with country stars Martina McBride and Trace Adkins and an album in stores, Sarah Buxton is finally getting her opportunity to shine.
The Review:
Unlike many country music artists, Sarah Buxton’s debut album is a collection of years of tunes that have finally communally convinced her record label to formally introduce her to the casual country fans. As is expected from a debut, this album is certainly radio-friendly, which is, at times, a little over the top. Take the tune “That Kind Of Day,” for instance, in which the lyrics are nothing more than an elementary school poem, but the beat is undeniably catchy, and thus will more-than-likely be an underground fan favorite. Other tracks, including the lead single “Outside My Window,” as well as “Radio Love,” display her talent for combining witty lyrical content alongside smooth transitioning riffs and melodies.
The self-titled piece also features once-acclaimed tunes from the past, including “Stupid Boy,” made famous by Keith Urban’s award-winning rendition, as well as “Innocence,” a tune that enjoyed renowned success upon its release years ago. While these tracks are redundant for the adamant country music fan, they, in collaboration with newer-penned songs “American Daughters” and “For Real,” attempt to define who Sarah Buxton was years ago and who she is today. For future releases, a full collection of original tunes will be expected, but for this debut offering, which is long overdue, ‘Sarah Buxton’ more of a celebration of life and love, and less about proving to fans and critics her talent. Nevertheless, it’s a solid album, one with an adequate amount of personality and honesty, with a few tracks with real hit potential.
Sounds Like:
Julianne Hough singing alongside Carrie Underwood’s melodies, only with lyrical substance
Track Highlights (Suggested iPod Adds):
Outside My Window
Radio Love
Love Like Heaven
The Verdict:
Three & A Half Stars Out Of Five
Review by Chad Carlson. Chad is the Editor of SteelTownRock.com, Pittsburgh’s New Music Authority. To contact Chad, reach out to him at chad.carlson(at)steeltownrock.com
Tuesday, February 23, 2010
Jimmy Dean, Ferlin Husky, Don Williams & Billy Sherrill Named To CMHOF
Singers Jimmy Dean, Ferlin Husky and Don Williams and producer Billy Sherrill will become the newest members of the coveted Country Music Hall of Fame.
Due to a tie in the voting, both Dean and Husky will be inducted in the "Veterans Era Artist" category. Williams will be inducted in the "Modern Era Artist" category. Sherrill will be inducted in the "Non-Performer" category, which is awarded every third year in a rotation. Sherrill was best known as a producer, particularly for Tammy Wynette and George Jones.
"These four gentlemen broadened country music immensely with their talents, exposing millions of fans around the world to our format," said Steve Moore, Chairman of the CMA Board of Directors. "Their contributions to the genre and to popular culture are immeasurable, and we are proud to award them the highest honor in country music."
The four will be inducted at the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum later this year. Since 2007, the Museum's Medallion Ceremony, an annual reunion of the Hall of Fame membership, has served as the official rite of induction for new members.
"The 2010 honorees are Southern men who have used their voices, songwriting, instruments and life experience to create enduring country music that dominated popularity charts throughout the middle and closing decades of the 20th Century," said Museum Director Kyle Young. "Their songs, recordings, live performances, and presence on radio, television, and even in the movies, are part of the sonic architecture that now frames our music in the mainstream. We extend our heartiest congratulations to them all and look forward to the stories and fellowship to come."
"I thought I was already in there," said Dean joking. "Seriously, it brought a huge grin to my face. I am honored."
An emotional Husky said, "I'd like to thank my Lord Jesus Christ for dying for me, saving my soul, and bringing me into the world as a country boy. And also, for giving me the talent to sing, entertain, and help convert millions around the world to country music. I'm still a country boy and proud of it. In the words of my close friend, the late Stringbean, 'I sure am glad I'm me!'"
"Anything I have ever accomplished would have been totally impossible without the help and support of the greatest songwriters and musicians in the world, and, of course, what I stole from Owen Bradley," said Sherrill.
"I feel extremely honored and overwhelmed with this news," said Williams. "It is unbelievable that CMA thought about me in this manner."
Due to a tie in the voting, both Dean and Husky will be inducted in the "Veterans Era Artist" category. Williams will be inducted in the "Modern Era Artist" category. Sherrill will be inducted in the "Non-Performer" category, which is awarded every third year in a rotation. Sherrill was best known as a producer, particularly for Tammy Wynette and George Jones.
"These four gentlemen broadened country music immensely with their talents, exposing millions of fans around the world to our format," said Steve Moore, Chairman of the CMA Board of Directors. "Their contributions to the genre and to popular culture are immeasurable, and we are proud to award them the highest honor in country music."
The four will be inducted at the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum later this year. Since 2007, the Museum's Medallion Ceremony, an annual reunion of the Hall of Fame membership, has served as the official rite of induction for new members.
"The 2010 honorees are Southern men who have used their voices, songwriting, instruments and life experience to create enduring country music that dominated popularity charts throughout the middle and closing decades of the 20th Century," said Museum Director Kyle Young. "Their songs, recordings, live performances, and presence on radio, television, and even in the movies, are part of the sonic architecture that now frames our music in the mainstream. We extend our heartiest congratulations to them all and look forward to the stories and fellowship to come."
"I thought I was already in there," said Dean joking. "Seriously, it brought a huge grin to my face. I am honored."
An emotional Husky said, "I'd like to thank my Lord Jesus Christ for dying for me, saving my soul, and bringing me into the world as a country boy. And also, for giving me the talent to sing, entertain, and help convert millions around the world to country music. I'm still a country boy and proud of it. In the words of my close friend, the late Stringbean, 'I sure am glad I'm me!'"
"Anything I have ever accomplished would have been totally impossible without the help and support of the greatest songwriters and musicians in the world, and, of course, what I stole from Owen Bradley," said Sherrill.
"I feel extremely honored and overwhelmed with this news," said Williams. "It is unbelievable that CMA thought about me in this manner."
Johnny Cash Fans Lobbying Sony To Rerelease "Lost" Johnny Cash Album
On what would have been Johnny Cash’s 78th birthday, his fans are prepping for the release of American VI: Ain’t No Grave, an album of Cash’s final recordings with producer Rick Rubin (see our review posting later today.)What most fans don’t know is that there’s one album they haven’t likely heard by Cash. But if supporters including Cash’s son have their way, they soon will.
According to a Reuters report, a group of fans and supporters are lobbying Sony for an official re-release of Cash’s 1964 album, Bitter Tears, a protest album that lamented the nation’s institutional treatment of Native Americans.
Leading the campaign is Anthony D’Ambrosio, a self-described passionate Cash fan who came across the album by chance, and has since written a book about it, titled A Heartbeat and a Guitar: Johnny Cash and the Making of Bitter Tears.
“It would have been very easy for Johnny Cash to make a civil rights record at that time,” he says. “He didn’t. He chose to focus on the very real struggle of another group, and the album is relevant to this day.”
The album is obscure because Cash’s label distanced itself from the controversial project after its original release. Cash also had no support from radio programmers at the time. Cash’s son, John Carter Cash, says that this album was his favorite, despite its obscurity to fans.
“Nobody did concept albums back then, and this album solidifies my father’s role as a humanitarian and a spokesman for the underdog. It’s such an important historical record, and I’d love to see it get a proper re-release,” he says.
Monday, February 22, 2010
Brand New Moxy Records Signs Chelsea Field
Newly formed Moxy Records, a division of Moxy Music Group, has begun full-time label operations based out of its new offices in Nashville, Tenn.The label has recently signed Country artist Chelsea Field as its first act on the Moxy roster. Field, a native of Marion, Ohio, is a new singer and songwriter in Nashville with a high-energy live show and powerful voice. She is currently in the studio with award-winning producer Trey Bruce recording the final tracks for her debut album.
“Chelsea Field encompasses all of the qualities Moxy Records looks for in an artist and many of the principles the label is built upon: passion, integrity, commitment and, of course, talent,” says Moxy Director of Radio Marketing Edison Bahamon. “Country radio is about to hear big things from Chelsea Field.”
Field is scheduled to complete her album in the coming weeks, with a debut single to be released soon after. She makes her first appearance at Country Radio Seminar this week (Feb. 24-26) and performs on the Digital Rodeo Guilty Pleasures show to close out the three-day seminar on Friday night. Visit http://www.chelseafieldofficial.com/ for more information.
Jimmy Buffet Opens New Country Music Themed Margaritaville Next To Ryman
World-renowned singer-songwriter-author Jimmy Buffett, along with Corner Partner-ship, have unveiled plans to bring "Margaritaville to Music City" by opening the first Margaritaville Restaurant in Tennessee in downtown Nashville. Visitors and residents will both enjoy the atmosphere of adventure and escape, live music, island inspired menu and of course those famous "frozen concoctions". "It's much more than a restaurant; it's a state of mind" and an exceptionally good time for anyone from families to "Parrot Heads"."Jimmy Buffett's Margaritaville is one of the most iconic and beloved brand names in the world, and we are excited to partner with Margaritaville Enterprises in this venture," said Mark Bloom, a partner in Nashville-based Corner Partnership, along with Ronnie Scott and Larry Papel, who owns the building at 322 Broadway. "This is another important step in the ongoing private investment and development of downtown Nashville."
The new Margaritaville Nashville will be housed in a historic building on the corner of 4th and Broadway, just across from the famous Ryman Auditorium. On the first level will be the "License to Chill Bar", inspired by Jimmy's hit country album of the same name. "Chill's" window walls will slide back, opening up to the streets, allowing the passing crowds to catch a bit of music and the guests inside to enjoy the action on the Avenue. The heart of the ground level space will be "Conky Tonkin' Dining", expressing Jimmy's love of boating, flying and adventure. Jimmy's famous flying Albatross Sea Plane will glide over, a regatta of exotic vessels including sailboats, fishing boats, and a shrimp boat inspired by Jimmy's Shrimp Boat Studios in Key West. Banquette seating along with a collection of "floating tables" will provide great views to the ground level Performance Stage with its metal canopy, rustic wood deck and incredible sound system. Adjacent to "Conky Tonkin' Dining" will be the "Tiki Room". This area (which is also ideal for small private parties and functions) will provide guests with the ultimate exotic dining and drinking experience. Palm trees, thatch roofs, bamboo and escapism murals will transport guests to their private "getaway".
The second level will have the feel of a rockin' country concert hall with tall ceilings and ornate windows. The main room will have the potential to be divided for multiple events and parties. The Concert Stage itself will be large enough to host major bands and concert performances and will have a state of the art sound and lighting system. Traditional seating arrangements will be available for dining, but on those special nights when one of Nashville's emerging artists, a country music legend or Jimmy hits the Margaritaville stage the entire floor can be set up to increase capacity and provide a wonderful concert environment.
The upper level will also be home to the "Cowboy in The Jungle Bar". Here guest will be treated to the perfect blend of country and the tropics. Unique saddle seating, tropical vegetation, murals, and dimensional artifacts will offer a wonderful place for a private party and great views of the Concert Stage.
"I've been thinking about opening in Nashville for a long time, it's where my music career began. It's a very diverse place, and it's a natural thing to put a stage in. You never know who's going to show up," said Buffett, who formerly lived in Nashville and is committed to offering a venue for up-and-coming musicians to showcase their musical talents through Margaritaville's nightly entertainment showcases. Jimmy Buffett's restaurant will provide more of what visitors and residents want – a great place for music and entertainment.
"Margaritaville coming to Nashville will be great for our city, not only in terms of tourism, but also in creating jobs and boosting the local economy," said Mayor Karl Dean. "This restaurant will fit in perfectly with our fantastic music scene, and I'm happy to add Margaritaville to the growing list of things downtown Nashville has on the horizon."
Up & Coming New Nashville- Jill Andrews (With Exclusive Interview)
Jill Andrews has been a musician all her life: from her first original tune in kindergarten – a ditty about the letter P – to the stage at Fillmore East. And this year, the heart-stopping voice and June-apple face of the everybodyfield’s embarks on an exciting new solo project-a brand new self-titled EP.Jill picked up a guitar for the first time when she was 19 and a camp counsellor in East Tennessee. Armed with only three chords, she had all she needed to create deep and soulful songs with lonesome melodies and haunting lyrics.
It was also at that summer camp where Jill met future band mate Sam Quinn. It was an undeniable musical union. When they joined with dobro player Dave Richey, the everybodyfields were born. The band was unstoppable. And the face of Tennessee’s roots music would never be the same.
As the fan base grew, Jill was fuelled by the fact the people really believed in the everybodyfields. She says of this time in her life, “We weren’t trying to be famous, but people kept encouraging us, so we kept playing.”
the everybodyfields toured extensively, playing at festivals like Bonnaroo and Floydfest, as well as honkytonks, bars, and theatres from coast to coast. They quickly outgrew the trio format, attracting the best of Tennessee’s finest cache of musicians and finally topping out at a band of five. Their first album, “Halfway There: Electricity and the South,” was released in 2004, followed by “Plague of Dreams” in 2005, and “Nothing is Okay” in 2007. Paste Magazine listed them in their “Best of What’s Next” issue in September 2008, saying that they “straddle old and new, bitter and sweet, desperation and transcendence with an arresting command.”
That same magic is what fans can expect from Jill’s latest project. She’s got a slew of new songs, but the themes will be familiar and fans who’ve fallen head over heels for Jill’s material can expect her signature alt-country, roots rock sound to deliver and grow.
Jill’s songs are born from true-to-life experiences and have universal themes; they reflect Jill’s deep empathy and reveal her own vulnerabilities. Jill wrote “City Noise” after moving from Johnson City to Knoxville, where she learned how fast a city can be. The song is about finding true love in the midst of betrayal. “A Way Out” was written for a childhood friend who veered off course; the song was a way for Jill to inspire and encourage her.
The songs don’t always come easy for Jill – she needs a quiet space with no distractions and a piping hot cup of tea beside her. “I usually come up with the melody in my head first,” she said. “Then I’ll figure out how to translate it to the guitar.”
TNS- What brought you to music in the first place?
We didn't really listen to much music at home but I started singing in church choir when I was in elementary school. I had a very supportive choir director that really pushed me to sing in front of the church by myself. It was very scary for a 10 year old, but she was very encouraging. Thanks Judith.
TNS- Describe your music- what's the mission behind the music?
The mission of my music is to create something honest for the listener. I want the audience to think that I am speaking to them directly.
TNS- What might people be surprised to find out about you?
I hate the internet.
TNS- What kind of music are you listening to? What's in your iPod?
Regina Spektor. I just discovered her recently. She is amazing. My iPod is behind the couch.
TNS- If you had a crystal ball and looked forward five years, what do you see for yourself?
If all goes well, I see myself as a mother of a five year old, a wife, and a musician with a long career ahead of her.
Sunday, February 21, 2010
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