John Rich Offers Free Download Of Nashville Flood Song "Lend A Hand"

Download John Rich's new song "Lend A Hand" dedicated to Nashville- now available for FREE DOWNLOAD. This is a brand new, never heard before song written by John for the good people of Tennessee affected by the recent floods...

Just sign up for his email list and you'll receive the free mp3.

TNS Video History- The Steeldrivers- "Midnight Tears"

When country meets bluegrass- that's where you'll find the Steeldrivers. This is a great performance of "Midnight Tears" inside the Cumberland Caverns in McMinnville, TN.

Fresh Music Friday

New Music Video From Newcomer Dave Barnes- "God Gave Me You"

New Music Video From Carrie Underwood- "Undo It"

Nashville Singer/Songwriter Victoria Banks Records Touching "City Of Dreams"

Nashville resident and singer/songwriter Victoria Banks had a tremendous amount of damage to her home but found time to record a beautiful new song about the flood and recovery in Nashville called "City of Dreams."

CD Reviews- Mary Chapin Carpenter- The Age of Miracles

The Background:
The Age of Miracles is the 3rd Zoe/Rounder release from world renowned singer-songwriter Mary Chapin Carpenter. The album has been a work in progress since 2007and is a personal exploration of regret and resilience but also a larger, more universal expression of wonder at the times we are living in. Carpenter is backed by a band that includes Matt Rollings (piano, B-3 organ), Russ Kunkel (drums), Duke Levine (electric and acoustic guitar), Glenn Worf (bass), Dan Dugmore (steel and 12 string guitar) and Eric Darken (percussion). It also features guest vocals by Vince Gill and Alison Krauss.

The Review:
Even as Mary Chapin Carpenter was pumping out consecutive hits on the country music charts during the 1990’s, it was always evident that the singer/songwriter was doing it differently than the other mainstream artists. At that point in time, it was done with equal parts mainstream and intelligence. But after she gained the artistic freedom she desired after her early success, she leaned more mellow and folk while never abandoning that book-smart songwriting ability that put her on top in the beginning. On The Age of Miracles, has returned back a little to her roots of country music- musically and sonically, at least- while still being as literate as ever. Carpenter is like your favorite college professor, challenging you to keep up while making yourself grateful that your having the opportunity to sit in her class. There’s more percussion on The Age of Miracles and the mood is decidedly more upbeat than her last three albums. "I Put My Ring Back On" is an true story and moving testimony of the challenges of marriage and overcoming relationship strifes. "I Have a Need for Solitude" is a quiet introspective look in finding love within completely on one's own terms. The two best tracks, however, are historical storytelling at its best. "Mrs. Hemingway" is a beautiful story of the original Mrs. Hemingway and her story of travelling to Paris with her husband and surviving on nearly nothing but their love for one-another and the romance of the city. "4 June, 1989," told from the perspective of a young Chinese soldier ordered to clear the protesters from Tiananmen Square, is a powerful new perspective on a well-known tragedy. Not too many songs make you stop what you’re doing and go research the song topic and learn more- but Carpenter’s story on the Tiananmen Square massacre did just that. Mary Chapin Carpenter picked the perfect title for her album. The title track, “The Age of Miracles” waxes poetically about the mysteries of love, fate, imagination, life and the world- and that’s just not heard from today’s country songwriters very often. It’s a great album with five truly outstanding songs on it that easily could make any year-end list.

Track Highlights:
Mrs. Hemingway
I Put My Ring Back On
The Age of Miracles
4 June 1989
Zephyr

Sounds Like:
The closest thing she’s had to 1996’s Come On, Come On

The Verdict:
Four Stars Out Of Five

Sheryl Crow Readies New Soul-Flavored Album For July Release

Sheryl Crow will unveil her soul stylings on the new studio set 100 Miles From Memphis, out July 20 on A&M Records. The rootsy Crow will hit the road with a string of June dates followed by a headlining slot on the first five Lillith Fair dates. After the release of "100 Miles From Memphis," Crow will debut a new live band.

Growing up in Kennett, Mo., 100 miles from Memphis, Crow grew up listening to the soul sounds of Otis Redding, Wilson Pickett, Booker T, Aretha Franklin and early 70s; Al Green, Curtis Mayfield, Marvin Gaye, Sly Stone and Aretha Franklin.

'I feel artistically revitalized and the music feels fresh and at the same time very familiar to what I do," said Crow in a letter to her fans posted on her website this week. "Many of my past songs such as "Run Baby Run," "My Favorite Mistake," "Now That You're Gone" and others are already steeped in this style."

Zac Brown Band Releases New Pass The Jar DVD/CD Combination

Fans can now watch the Breaking Southern Ground Tour LIVE with the purchase of Zac Brown Band's latest release in a box set: Pass the Jar - Zac Brown Band and Friends Live from the Fabulous Fox Theatre in Atlanta.

This DVD/2 CD set captures performances from ZBB and special guests including Kid Rock, Little Big Town, Joey + Rory, Shawn Mullins, Angie Aparo and Aslyn, and Southern Ground Artists Nic Cowan, Levi Lowrey and Sonia Leigh who joined ZBB onstage for songs from their platinum album The Foundation, their favorite covers, as well as new unreleased material.

The DVD/CD was recorded at the Fox Theatre in Atlanta, GA on October 30, 2009

DVD
1. Intro
2. Whatever It Is
3. It's Not OK
4. Jolene
5. Who Knows
6. The Night They Drove Old Dixie Down
7. Sic 'Em On A Chicken
8. Junkyard (feat. Angie Aparo)
9. The Devil Went Down To Georgia
10. Trying to Drive (feat. Aslyn)
11. Alabama Jubilee (feat. Barry Waldrep)
12. Can't You See (feat. Kid Rock)
13. Highway 20 Ride
14. Colder Weather (feat. Little Big Town)
15. Free / Into the Mystic (feat. Joey + Rory)
16. Toes
17. America The Beautiful
18. Chicken Fried
19. We're Gonna Make This Day

CD 1
1. Whatever It Is
2. Let It Go
3. It's Not OK
4. Jolene
5. Who Knows
6. The Night They Drove Old Dixie Down
7. Sic 'Em On A Chicken
8. Where The Boat Leaves From
9. Trying to Drive (feat. Aslyn)
10. Alabama Jubilee (feat. Barry Waldrep)
11. Blackbird (feat. Matt Mangano)
12. The Devil Went Down to Georgia

CD 2
1. Can't You See (feat. Kid Rock)
2. Highway 20 Ride
3. Whiskey's Gone
4. Colder Weather (feat. Little Big Town)
5. Free / Into the Mystic (feat. Joey + Rory)
6. America The Beautiful
7. Chicken Fried
8. I Shall Be Released
9. Bar (feat. Sonia Leigh and guests)
10. Toes (feat. Shawn Mullins)
11. We're Gonna Make This Day

Bonus
1. Cheater, Cheater
2. All American
3. My Name Is Money
4. Money Don’t Make You Happy
5. Say What?

Latest On Grand Ole Opry Flooding- CMHOF Takes Damage As Well

Sunday night, I was preparing questions for an interview that I had set with lovely singer/songwriter Julie Roberts when I received an email and then a call from her publicist that she and her family had been rescued from the second floor of their Nashville home. This was after they watched their car be washed away out of their driveway, never to be seen again. In times like these, it's clear that the music takes a backseat to the people that bring us the music.

I haven't asked for my readers to do this before, but today is different. Please take a minute out of your day today and donate to the Middle Tennessee chapter of the Red Cross. That Nashville Sound made a donation this morning. I'm asking my readers to pay it forward as well. Even if it's just a single dollar- support those that bring us the music. (After you're done, come back here and post a comment that challenges our other readers to do the same.)

More news is coming in that home of country music, The Grand Ole Opry House, was hit hard by floodwaters that washed over the city- there are grave concerns about how much damage was done to the landmark.

The stage is of particular concern. At the center is a circle made of floorboards cut from the old stage at the Opry's former home of Ryman Auditorium. It's considered by many to be the heart of country music.

"As a country singer, there is only one place you dream of playing in your lifetime, and that is the Grand Ole Opry House," singer Blake Shelton said in an e-mail. "Standing on center stage in the 6-foot circle of wood cut from the stage of the Ryman is something I never take for granted. The history and legacy of that circle is awe-inspiring."

Grand Ole Opry member Dierks Bentley canceled a couple of shows over the weekend for the first time in his career to take care of flooding at his house, which paled in comparison, he said.

"We've all been affected by it," Bentley said of the flooding. "There's devastation all over the city. But to see the Grand Ole Opry affected, that just really hit home for me, even more than having water in my house."

Bentley, whose hits include "Sideways" and "I Wanna Make You Close Your Eyes," said the destruction at the Grand Ole Opry House was topic No. 1 for country music players Monday. It's unclear how much water inundated the entertainment complex. Pictures put out with a news release show water at least 3 feet high and this week's scheduled shows have been moved to alternate venues.

Shelton, who's hits include "She Wouldn't Be Gone," and this year's "Hillbilly Bone," a duet with Trace Atkins, is scheduled to play there May 13.

"The Opry House is hallowed ground," Shelton said in an e-mail to The Associated Press. "We all need to help to make sure it lasts. I am devastated to hear that it is affected by this disaster."

"My first job in music was at Opryland USA," singer John Rich said in an e-mail. "To see it under water is a heartbreaking thing. I am sure the country music community will pull together and help overcome this disaster. I am ready to roll up my sleeves as soon as I get the call."

The flood hits as the Opry was poised for an 85th birthday celebration. Tuesday night's Opry show will be at War Memorial Auditorium and weekend shows will be moved to the Ryman Auditorium. Both are former homes to the Opry.

"While we ourselves are shaken by the impact of the flooding of the Opry House and throughout the area, it is important that Nashville's most treasured tradition continues with this week's shows," Grand Ole Opry vice president Pete Fisher said in a release.

It's unclear how long shows will have to be moved to other venues and it did not give details on how much water is in the Opry House. Pictures of the stage door show water above the door knob and a shot of the facade showed water several feet high as well.

The nearby hotel had 10 feet of water inside early Monday and flood waters had yet to reach their crest early Monday evening. City officials said earlier in the day the hotel would be closed for weeks up to several months. The hotel's website said reservations would not be accepted for several weeks.

Based on his own experience with the flood damage at his home, Bentley wasn't optimistic about the Opry's stage: "At my house, if water touches anything, it's ruined. That wood, hell, maybe it's got enough magic on it that it can survive the worst. I think everything in there is toast."

The Country Music Hall of Fame also suffered damage from the heavy rains that hit the Nashville area over the weekend, although no exhibits were in danger.

Water reportedly reached the third row of the Ford Theater in the museum's lower level. A decision will not be made until Tuesday about whether to open the museum that day. Earlier in the day, floodwaters were in a basement mechanical room.

The Grand Ole Opry House Flooded

Country music landmark The Grand Ole Opry House has been flooded with several feet of water, forcing managers to seek alternate space for upcoming shows.

The Opry House is part of the large Gaylord Opryland Hotel complex in Nashville. They took on water Monday from the Cumberland River, which flooded due to heavy rains that have inundated parts of Tennessee.

The Grand Ole Opry has been held in the same space in east Nashville since 1974. The Opry puts on 150 shows a year, and the building hosts other concerts.

It's unclear how much water is in the Opry House but there is 10 feet of water in the nearby hotel. Over 15 inches of rain have fallen since last Friday.

The historic Ryman Auditorium, which is the longtime former home of the Grand Ole Opry located in downtown Nashville, was in no immediate danger of flooding.

New Music Video From Clay Walker- "She Won't Be Lonely Long"

Up & Coming New Nashville- Lucky Holloway

Lucky Holloway is a Canadian country music singer/songwriter whose decidedly raw and honest style hearkens back to the rural roots of country and folk music. Taking inspiration from the likes of musical legends Hank Williams and Lefty Frizzell, he has been described as “as down-home country as ol’ Hank with lyrics drenched in sobbing guitars” by the Vancouver Province. Lucky is the real deal, moving on from a troubled, criminal past to an inspired life filled with heartfelt lyrics and music. His passionate live shows and “true grit” ethic have built him a strong following of devoted fans.

Lucky has been fronting successful bands in Calgary, Austin and Vancouver for the better part of 25 years, including Lucky Holloway’s Hillbilly Revue, The Walking Dead, The Deltans, Big Sky & Hopetown (with Robin Pollak). He has opened for the likes of the Beat Farmers, the Headstones and the Cowboy Junkies. Lucky Holloway’s Hillbilly Revue, based in Calgary, finds Lucky accompanied by some of the best musicians in Western Canada (Thom Moon/Drums, Randy Fournier/Bass, Brent Wright/Guitar, Charlie Hase/Steel).

Born in Lethbridge, Alberta and raised in Pincher Creek, Lucky’s roots in country run deep – there wasn’t anything else on the radio when he was growing up there. At a young age, Lucky found himself constantly at odds with the law. Being sent to reform school didn’t help, and Lucky ended up in jail until age 23, when he was released in Vancouver to a thriving music scene that embraced him. He instantly got involved with the local punk and country scenes, forming bands with members of DOA, Animal Slaves, Roots Roundup, Bughouse 5 and Surfdusters. After touring relentlessly, Lucky moved on, spending 5 years in Austin, Texas. Playing in Austin (as well as Tulsa and Baton Rouge) raised the bar for Lucky, and he came home with a deeper understanding of the range of country music, adding more swing, bluegrass, county-blues and gulf coast styles to his show.

Lucky’s new CD, Up the Highway, released by his own record label, Boot Cut Records, is really the fruition of 20 years’ hard work, and is already bringing in new fans for Lucky as well as for country music itself. Find out more about Lucky Holloway at http://www.luckyholloway.com/.

Lucky Holloway from Big Sky Sessions on Vimeo.

TNS Video History- Donna Ulisse- "Levi Stone"

A beautiful, sorrowful and haunting song- one of our favorites of 2009- played in the Cumberland Caverns in McMinnville, TN.