New Music Video From Jimmy Buffet - "Bubbles Up"

Remembering Jimmy Buffett: The Island Soul of Country Music

It's with heavy hearts and margaritas raised to the sky that we bid adieu to the legendary Jimmy Buffett. On September 1, 2023, surrounded by family, friends, and the gentle hum of the ocean he loved so much, Buffett left this world for the ultimate paradise. His legacy, however, remains etched in the notes of country music, the sandy beaches, and in the hearts of Parrotheads around the world.

Born on Christmas Day, 1946, in Pascagoula, Mississippi, Buffett's destiny seemed to have been written in the stars. From his humble beginnings, he would go on to change the landscape of country music, infusing it with the spirit of the islands, bringing a splash of the tropics to a genre steeped in American tradition.

Jimmy's hits like "Margaritaville", "Come Monday", and "Cheeseburger in Paradise" weren't just songs; they were an invitation. An invitation to escape the daily grind, to find solace by the beach, to understand that it's always five o'clock somewhere. His music was an ethos, an island-lifestyle brand that transcended genres and age groups.

Though undoubtedly country at its core, Jimmy's music resonated with listeners of rock, pop, and folk alike. This is because Buffett was not just selling songs, he was selling a dream—a dream of sandy shores, relaxed afternoons, and simple pleasures. It was a dream so many wanted to be part of, and Jimmy's influence led to a surge of "trop rock" or "gulf & western" music, merging country narratives with coastal vibes.

Jimmy's influence on country wasn't limited to the music alone. He represented a lifestyle many aspired to. His business ventures, from the Margaritaville restaurants to his line of merchandise, further cemented his brand in popular culture. These establishments and products allowed fans to step into Jimmy's world, even if just for a few hours.

This movement, with its unique blend of country's storytelling and coastal relaxation, resonated deeply within the industry, particularly with today's country music juggernauts. The echoes of Buffett's style and ethos are palpable in the careers of stars like Kenny Chesney, Alan Jackson, and Zac Brown.

Kenny Chesney, with his beach-infused ballads and island escapism, is undeniably a spiritual successor to Buffett. Songs like "No Shoes, No Shirt, No Problems" and "When the Sun Goes Down" might as well have been crafted with Buffett's spirit whispering in the background. The beach-bum lifestyle, the yearning for tropical escapes, and the relaxed vibe all trace back to the Parrothead king.

Alan Jackson, another country giant, joined forces with Buffett for the hit "It's Five O'Clock Somewhere", a song that epitomized the very essence of both artists. The collaboration showcased how effortlessly Buffett's island philosophy blended with mainstream country, and the song's success is a testament to his lasting influence.

Then there's Zac Brown, whose laid-back vibes and emphasis on the simpler things in life echo Buffett's teachings. Tracks like "Toes" and "Knee Deep" feel like pages borrowed from Jimmy's songbook, replete with sun, sand, and soul.

But beyond the music and the brand was the man—a man with an uncanny ability to connect with people. His concerts were more than just performances; they were gatherings of the Parrothead community, a term affectionately coined for his die-hard fans. Adorned in Hawaiian shirts, with parrot hats and coconut bras, they turned every Jimmy Buffett concert into a beach party.

His passing leaves a void that is impossible to fill. Yet, his impact on country music remains indelible. By blending island themes with country storytelling, he showed that country isn't just about the heartland; it's about heart, wherever you find it—even if that's on a beach, sipping margaritas.

As we remember Jimmy Buffett, let's not mourn the silence but celebrate the music, the laughter, the dreams, and the countless memories he's left behind. Somewhere, in a paradise beyond the horizon, you can bet Jimmy's strumming his six-string, his feet in the sand, forever reminding us that life is for living and every moment is a chance for a new adventure.

Farewell, Jimmy. Your journey might have ended, but the party you started will never stop. Rest in the eternal sands of Margaritaville. 🌴🍹🎸

That Nashville Sound Sunday Newsbytes: Tons Of New Album Projects On The Horizon

As the editor of this site, I wanted to pass along to my readers my thanks for your continued support of the site if you're here reading this. Since March, we've had more regular video content and less editorial/written content not out of preference, but out of necessity as the Covid-19 outbreak has given me less time to dedicate to the site than I would normally have liked. The non-music world has pulled me away and demanded my attention. That being said, things on the day-to-day front seem to be (slowly) returning a bit back more to normal and it's my hope that we'll continue to invest in news, reviews and updates that you find of value- and most important, deliver what I hope to be new musical discoveries that you'll carry with you in your life. Thanks for the support.

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~ Platinum-selling, singer-songwriter Jamie O'Neal announced that she will release her first new album since 2014 with the October 2 release of Sometimes via Orchard Records. The announcement coincides with the release of new single "Wreck Me," a "sultry country song showing the physical side of love that you can listen to HERE.  The ACM Award winner shares, "‘Wreck Me’ really comes from that primal place of being in the moment one on one with someone you’re so attracted to that you’re willing to throw all caution to the wind. It’s like a fire that takes over and makes you let down your walls giving into love no matter the cost. That’s an incredibly powerful and passionate emotion to me.”

~ Singer/songwriter Joel Crouse has released a timely new track, “Survivin,’” that you can listen to HERE. Released independently by Crouse’s Hum Records, the song offers fans an early look at what to expect from his forthcoming EP, wasteLAnd, available Friday, August 7. Written and produced by Crouse along with Todd Clark almost two years ago to the day, the song carries even more weight with challenges facing society today as the brooding vocals implore: “We’re just survivin’, we’re just survivin’ / All we’re gonna do is take it day by day / Survivin’.” “When Todd and I wrote this song back in 2018, I had no idea we’d be releasing it during a global pandemic and a global civil rights movement,” shares Crouse. “The world feels especially heavy right now, but I hope these songs help people feel less alone. Every morning I remind myself, ‘all we gotta do is take it day by day.’”

~ Warner Music Nashville recording artist Tucker Beathard is set to release the second installment of his debut double album, King, on August 21.  Beathard’s new LP, driven by personal growth and unthinkable tragedy, rounds out the 20-plus song opus Beathard began with Nobody's Everything and signals that the bold breakout talent has found his voice. A tribute to the middle name of Beathard’s late brother, Clay, sees Beathard steering his own creative ship with co-producer, co-writer and lead guitar and drum credits throughout the 13-song set. “For me music has always been a way to escape,” explains Beathard. “There’s a lot of things people are dealing with internally that they don’t have voices for right now, and I’ve learned that if I write from the heart, if I sing from experience, I can be that voice. Some people can’t pinpoint what they’re feeling, but they can hear a song and be like ‘Damn, that’s it,’ and I hope I can help them get there with this record. These songs mean a lot to me and I feel really ready to share them with the world.” 

~ That Nashville Sound-favorite Erin Enderlin debuted a brand new music video for her Nitty Gritty Dirt Band cover of "Fishin' in the Dark."  “It’s always brought a smile to my face, always been one of my go to feel-good songs. I think we could all use a little more of that right now,” says Enderlin, an Arkansas native who now lives in Nashville. “It’s even more special to me because Jeff Hanna of the Nitty Gritty Dirt Band played guitar on the track.”

~ Grammy-nominated songstress Cam has officially announced the release of her highly anticipated sophomore album The Otherside, out October 30 via Triple Tigers/RCA Records. The album was written over the last three years in LA, Nashville, and NYC with collaborators Tyler Johnson (Harry Styles, Sam Smith) and Grammy winner Jeff Bhasker (Kanye West, Bruno Mars), who she calls her fellow “tinkerers.” The album announcement also ties into the news that she is releasing a new single titled “Classic,” which you can listen to HERE. The new single was co-written and produced with Jack Antonoff (Taylor Swift, Lana Del Rey, St Vincent, The Chicks). “Jack and I caught something in the air that day and ran with it,” Cam says. “The track is so much fun. Jangling guitars, claps, it feels like when a group of familiar people get back together over the holidays, clanking around after dinner with too much wine, and amidst the chatter and laughter and closeness they are really telling each other, deep down, just how much they love each other.”

~ Artists/songwriters Michael Logen and Jennifer Hanson have collaborated on and just released a new EP titled Here’s To Hoping.  You can here their collaboration on the song "Travel On" HERE. “This EP was really a passion project for me and a labor of love,” Hanson said. “Everything from the writing to the production, I’m really proud of this body of work." Both Logen and Hanson are successful solo artists and songwriters and credit their songwriting as the inspiration to team up and record together. The first song they wrote together, “You’re Breaking Your Own Heart,” found its way quickly to Kelly Clarkson, who included it on her Grammy-winning album, Stronger. According to Hanson, she and Logen have always had an effortless writing chemistry and because they were also artists, they fell into a natural rhythm when writing, with Logen singing lead and Hanson creating the harmonies.“That sound and feel became a signature part of the songs we would write,” Hanson said. “Over time we had created a handful of songs that we all loved, and decided to release them as an EP. All the songs are written by either myself and Michael, or Michael, Nick Brophy and I, with Nick and I co-producing the project.”

~ 'Whisperin' Bill Anderson, the sole songwriter in history to write and chart country songs in seven consecutive decades, whose storied career includes membership into country music's most prestigious institutions, will release his 73rd album, The Hits Re-Imagined, July 24. The album includes 10 of the Country Music Hall of Famer's most iconic songs he's written and recorded himself, as well as songs of his made famous by George Strait, Brad Paisley, Kenny Chesney and more. For The Hits Re-Imagined, Anderson explains he wanted "to go to both ends of the spectrum," including on the project some of his earliest hits like "City Lights" and "Po' Folks" as well as his more contemporary cuts such as "Whiskey Lullaby." The project was co-produced by Anderson with Thomm Jutz.  You can here his take on his song that Strait took to "Song of the Year" with "Give it Away" HERE. 

~ Grammy-nominated singer, songwriter and musician Brent Cobb will release his new album, Keep ‘Em On They Toes, October 2 on his own label, Ol’ Buddy Records, via Thirty Tigers. Produced by Brad Cook (Waxahatchie, Bon Iver, Hiss Golden Messenger), the album features ten new songs including the title track. The song’s official music video, which was directed by Christian Hansen, is available to view/share HERE. Keep ‘Em On They Toes was created after Cobb moved back to his home state of Georgia after several years between Nashville and Los Angeles—a decision that greatly influenced his songwriting. These ten songs find Cobb with a new reflective mindset, focusing on how he views the world and expressing his own opinions, thoughts and feelings. “To me, listening to this album feels like I’m sitting there with somebody, having a conversation,” Cobb comments. “I would hope that it feels like sitting with an old friend you haven’t seen in a while. There’s nothing like being alone and listening to an album that is quiet and conversational—like those old records by Jerry Lee Lewis, Roger Miller, or Willie Nelson. I hope my music is that way to somebody now.”

~ Parrotheads far and wide will be excited to know Jimmy Buffett has just released the new music video for "Down At The Lah De Dah" from his latest album release: Life On The Flip Side. Recorded in January at Buffett's Shrimp Boat Studio in Key West, Florida, the album was produced by long-time Coral Reefers Michael Utley and Mac McAnally. Buffett assembled his Coral Reefer Band with frequent collaborator Will Kimbrough, Irish singer Paul Brady, along with guest performers Lukas Nelson and Enrique Muricano. The album contains a 64-page insert, which reads like a journal with the looks of a photo album and contains a message from Buffett about releasing an album during a pandemic, “Hopefully, the songs we wrote and recorded will also help folks deal with the fallout… There will be a time and a place when we emerge from these troubled waters and things will change for the better.” The new music video for "Down At The Lah De Dah" features Buffett and the rest of the Coral Reefer Band performing their parts to the song at their homes while in quarantine along with shots of Buffett surfing and spending time at his beach home in Key West and you can watch it HERE. 

~ Capitol Nashville’s Caylee Hammack is offering fans a look into her recently-announced upcoming debut record If It Wasn't For You (August 14 release), releasing her scorching new song “Redhead” that is featuring superstar Reba McEntire available to listen HERE. Co-written by Hammack with Natalie Hemby and Trent Dabbs, the song details the clothes line, tightrope and dare devil high hopes childhood of the brazen “Redhead” with an assist from fellow flame-haired vocalist Reba McEntire. “This song was inspired by an older cousin of mine with fiery red hair,” shared Hammack. “You don’t hear about redheads very much in songs, so I simply wanted to write one for her and all the redheads in my family. Then, Reba came in the studio and transformed this song. She helped me create an anthem for all redheads. Whether you get it naturally or find it in a bottle, this is for the firecrackers!”

~ Superstar vocal group Rascal Flatts will be releasing new music, with their forthcoming How They Remember You EP dropping July 31 via Big Machine Records. A seven-track project, Rascal Flatts’ EP will include six unreleased tracks as well as their recently-released heartfelt rendition of Kenny Rogers’ “Through The Years.” The trio co-produced the tracks throughout the collection. The EP also boasts a notable calibre of songwriters with tracks co-written by Thomas Rhett, Rhett Akins, Josh Osborne, Jesse Frasure, Ashley Gorley and more. “We are so excited about our new EP and single, ‘How They Remember You,’” shared Gary LeVox. “It’s a song about what kind of impact and legacy you want to leave in life. It’s a fantastic song to celebrate 20 years of making music together. It’s an incredible message with a melody to match and we hope the fans love it, and that whatever legacy we all leave behind, it’s beautifully impactful.”

~ Grammy-nominated singer-songwriter, Cassadee Pope, has released the first two tracks; "Let Me Go" and "Built This House," from her upcoming acoustic album, Rise and Shine. You can listen to "Let Me Go" HERE. "It’s a very emotional song for me because it reminds me of a time in my life where I felt like I wasn’t accepted for who I am. I have a few songs on the album that are more reflective of where I’ve been rather than where I am in my life today, and this is definitely one of them. ”Rise and Shine, releasing on August 7th, is considered to be one of Pope's most personal to date. The eight-song collection marks the first time she has had a hand in writing all of the songs and marks the first time she has served as co-producer, as well. Rise and Shine showcases her evolution both personally and as an artist. 

~ Acclaimed singer, songwriter, musician and Sirius/XM DJ Elizabeth Cook will release her anticipated new album, Aftermath, September 11 on Agent Love Records/Thirty Tigers. In advance of the release, the album’s lead single, “Perfect Girls of Pop,” is debuting today. Watch/share the official music video—directed by Curtis Wayne Milliard—HERE. Produced by Butch Walker (Green Day, Weezer, Taylor Swift), Aftermath is an album about survival and resilience. The twelve songs – all written by Cook – address life’s most fundamental and difficult subjects including heartbreak, addiction, death and resurrection. Created following a period of significant loss and pain, Aftermath chronicles Cook’s journey through a personal hell and how she made her way back. Of the album, Cook reflects, “This is the first time that I’ve been completely unchained, really. I wasn’t in an oppressive relationship, I wasn’t trying to meet some sort of label’s expectation, I wasn’t trying to meet some sort of market expectations. And that’s the way I wanna do it, or not at all.

~ Austin’s The Band of Heathens return with Stranger, their most inventive release to date, on September 25.  The follow up to 2017’s critically acclaimed Duende, the band recorded this new effort in Portland OR with producer Tucker Martine (The Decemberists, My Morning Jacket, Modest Mouse). New track “Today is Our Last Tomorrow” is a sardonic take on the divisive nature of media. “I heard it on the news, a version of the truth, was it fact packed or fiction and fable?” begins the song, and the creative video parodies the sentiment with caricatures of world leaders, politicians and media figures.  LISTEN/WATCH HERE. “This song is about our obsession, both as a culture, and within the media, with doom and gloom,” says co-founding member Ed Jurdi.  “If you're watching the network news channels, it seems like the world is literally going to end once or twice a week.  They're constantly fanning the flames of our divisions and shortcomings, with hardly a mention of the daily triumphs and victories.” The album title references the famed existential Albert Camus novel and Robert Heinlein’s sci-fi classic Stranger in a Strange Land, but it also touches on the “strangers” who make up the band’s loyal fan base and who continue to support the band during this period with all touring canceled.  In lieu of live shows, the band has been spending four nights a week live-streaming personal private concerts to fans, and one night a week publicly live-streaming with the whole band “Zooming” in from their respective homes in California, Texas, North Carolina and Tennessee.  Co-founder Gordy Quist notes, “At first it seemed very strange until these walls started coming down and we realized how connected we are by the fabric of music.”

New Music Video From Caroline Jones - "Gulf Coast Girl" - (ft. Jimmy Buffett, Kenny Chesney, Lukas Nelson & Mac McAnally)

Newly Uncovered 1988 Concert Recording Being Turned Into New Live Guy Clark Album

Artist: Guy Clark
Album: Great American Radio - Volume 1: Live From San Francisco, 1988
Label: Retroworld
Release date: March 8, 2019

Despite his passing a couple years ago, fans of Guy Clark have a new live project to look forward to in the form of a live album- a brilliant performance at the Great American Music Hall.  The album includes the entire concert broadcast and it has been digitally remastered for enhanced sound quality.  The project was recorded in October of 1988. 

Although he was never a prolific recording artist, the legendary Guy Clark was one of the most esteemed singer-songwriters of his generation. He released more than twenty albums, and his songs have been recorded by many other artists including Jerry Jeff Walker, Jimmy Buffett, Lyle Lovett, Ricky Skaggs, Steve Wariner, Jack Ingram and Rodney Crowell. Originally broadcast on KSAN-FM, this superb live set includes material that spans the length of his career, including several songs from his recently released Old Friends album. It contains a selection of songs from the five studio albums recorded prior to that date, including "Indian Cowboy" written by Joe Ely.

TRACKLISTING

1. LA Freeway
2. Homegrown Tomatoes
3. Texas 1941
4. The Carpenter
5. Anyhow I Love You
6. New Cut Road
7. Old Friends
8. All Through Throwin' Good Love After Bad
9. Comes From The Heart
10. The Indian Cowboy
11. Desperados Waiting For The Train
12. Heavy Metal
13. Let Him Roll

That Nashville Sound Thursday Newsbytes: Lost Trailers, Mandy Barnett, Lindsay Ell, Kenny Chesney & More

I'm blaming the 100 degree weather yesterday in my neck of the woods on the hot news in today's news round-up on That Nashville Sound. Seems logical, right?  We've got some news on some new projects and a couple of new music videos.

- Sublime vocalist Mandy Barnett will have a new album out on September 28 called Strange Conversation.

- A decade after their smash single "Holler Back", The Lost Trailers are back and have a new EP called Old Friends coming out tomorrow, 6/15.

- The Song Suffragettes just celebrated their fourth anniversary as an all-female music collective and had a unique cover of TLC's "No Scrubs" this last Monday featuring Kelleigh Bannen, Alys Ffion, Kalie Shorr, Candi Carpenter and Tegan Marie.

- Lindsay Ell has a new music video for her song "Dreaming With A Broken Heart."

- Ziggy Marley, Mindy Smith and Jimmy Buffett are guest vocalists on Kenny Chesney's upcoming 7/27 release Songs for the Saints. 

- Rodney Crowell has a new music video for his recut of "Leaving Louisiana in the Broad Daylight." 

New Trove Of Previously Unreleased Jimmy Buffet Music Found And Made Into Upcoming Release

Artist: Jimmy Buffet
Album: Buried Treasure: Volume 1
Label: Mailboat Records
Release date: November 17, 2017

For a self-proclaimed pirate, it seems only fitting that Jimmy Buffet literally had some buried treasure. When legendary Nashville producer Buzz Cason sold his recording studio to John and Martina McBride, there was some cleaning up to do. That is when Jimmy learned that they had found a sizeable collection of ¼-inch tapes that were the demos of songs Jimmy had written and recorded for Buzz when he was writing for his publishing company. It turned out that there were over 125 songs in that pile of tape boxes. Also discovered were the original first recordings Buffet had recorded in Mobile, and that is where the whole story of Buried Treasure starts.

The Buried Treasure project includes at least 20 original songs and some cover material Buffett recorded in Nashville between 1969 and 1973 with original producer Travis Turk. “Two years ago they were going to sell the studio we were working at and owners said go through this and see if there’s anything you can use. He found 74 original songs I forgot I had written,” Buffett says. “It’s really, right back to the beginning stuff. … I’m going back and listening to myself during these times and it’s sparking stories. I don’t remember writing a lot of these songs but once I hear them stuff starts coming back. So I’m doing a narration through this material that we found. I’m going to do that as a project. They were tape recordings they were about to throw out. Some is cover stuff, but the original stuff there’s probably about 20 songs that I had forgotten I had written. … It’s something people might want to add to their collection.”

Dan Fogelberg Tribute Album Includes Garth Brooks, The Eagles, Zac Brown, Vince Gill & More

Album: A Tribute To Dan Fogelberg
Label: BMG
Release date: 11/1/18

Produced by Fogelberg’s wife, Jean, Norbert Putnam, his lifelong friend/manager, Irving Azoff, and Chuck Morris, the homage to Fogelberg will be released through BMG.

The album contains recreations of some of Dan's biggest hits, such as the Top 10 hits, including "Longer," "Hard to Say," "Leader of the Band," performed by Zac Brown and "Same Old Lang Syne," performed by Train. Songs from his multi-platinum albums are also featured, such as the eponymously titled hits "Phoenix," performed by Garth Brooks, and "Nether Lands," performed by Donna Summer. Additionally, a moving rendition of "Part of the Plan," from 1974's Souvenirs, performed by the Eagles, is included on the collection. A complete track listing can be found below.

"A good thing never dies and that 'good thing' is Dan's music. As for me, my life has been a poor attempt to imitate the man. That man is Dan Fogelberg, and he will live forever in those of us who have let his gift bring so much light to our paths." - Garth Brooks

"I first heard some of Dan's music from Irving Azoff, while visiting him in the early 70's. he played me some demos of songs by a young kid from Peoria, Illinois; a part of the country were both from. I was immediately transported to a musical place that I would look forward to returning to time and again over the years with each new release of a Dan Fogelberg album. So proud to be part of this project." - Michael McDonald.

"I always loved Dan's music and getting the opportunity to sing on the High Country Snows record, over 30 years ago, is still a great memory for me." - Vince Gill

A Tribute to Dan Fogelberg track listing:

 

1.Phoenix performed by Garth Brooks

2.Nether Lands performed by Donna Summer

3.Better Change performed by Michael McDonald

4.Longer performed by Amy Grant/Vince Gill

5.Same Old Lang Syne performed by Train

6.Don’t Lose Heart performed by Dobie Gray

7.Old Tennessee performed by Fool’s Gold/Denny Henson and Tom Kelly

8.As the Raven Flies performed by Casey James

9.Sutters Mill performed by Randy Owen

10.Run for the Roses performed by The Nitty Gritty Dirt Band with Richie Furay

11.Hard to Say performed by Boz Scaggs

12.Part of the Plan performed by Eagles

13.There’s a Place in the World for a Gambler performed by Jimmy Buffett

14.Leader of the Band performed by Zac Brown

Amy Grant's Tennessee Christmas Features Collaborations With Vince Gill & Mac McAnally

Artist: Amy Grant
Album: Tennessee Christmas
Label: Amy Grant Music
Release date: Oct. 21, 2016

Amy Grant will unveil her first all-new Christmas album in nearly 20 years on Oct. 21, just in time for the holiday season. A collection of 13 new recordings offers a blend of originals and Grant's own spin on popular yuletide classics.

Tennessee Christmas features an updated recording of the Amy Grant Christmas standard, "Tennessee Christmas," 6 new songs and traditional Christmas favorites "Baby, It's Cold Outside"(featuring Vince Gill), "O Come All Ye Faithful" & "Joy To The World."

Recorded in her home studio in Nashville, Grant collaborated with producers Mac McAnally (Jimmy Buffett, Martina McBride), Marshall Altman (Marc Broussard, Frankie Ballard) and Ed Cash (Chris Tomlin, David Crowder Band) to bring this project to life.

"I've loved traveling the world with my guitar, but my favorite musical memories have happened right here at home around Christmastime with family and friends," she said. "I hope we've captured some of that magic to share with all of you this holiday season!" 

With over 6 million Christmas records sold, all of Grant's holiday projects have been honored with RIAA platinum or gold certification. This holiday season, she will tour extensively across the country sharing music from "Tennessee Christmas," as well as her most popular Christmas hits.

Grant's career spans more than 30 years and stretches from her roots in gospel into becoming an iconic pop star, songwriter, television personality and philanthropist. With three multiplatinum albums, six platinum albums and four gold albums, her total career album sales have exceeded 30 million. Grant's chart success has been consistent throughout her career, with six No. 1 hits, 10 Top 40 pop singles, 17 Top 40 adult contemporary tracks and multiple contemporary Christian chart-toppers.

Tennessee Christmas Track Listing:

1. Tennessee Christmas
2. To Be Together
3. Christmas For You And Me
4. Melancholy Christmas
5. December
6. White Christmas
7. Joy To The World
8. I've Got My Love To Keep Me Warm
9. Baby, It's Cold Outside
10. Christmas Don't Be Late
11. Still Can t Sleep
12. Another Merry Christmas
13. O Come, All Ye Faithful

Four New Albums Get Release Dates- Rascal Flatts, Jennifer Nettles, Jimmy Buffet & Kacey Musgraves

Four new projects got release dates, three of them being holiday-oriented projects by evidence of their names...

10.21.16 - Rascal Flatts - The Greatest Gift Of All - Big Machine

10.28.16 - Jennifer Nettles - To Celebrate Christmas - Big Machine

10.28.16 - Jimmy Buffett - Tis The Season - Mailboat

10.28.16 - Kacey Musgraves - A Very Kacey Christmas - Mercury Nashville 

Mac McAnally Readies New Album For September Release

Nashville Songwriters Hall Of Fame member Mac McAnally will release his self-produced, performed and sung A.K.A. Nobody album on September 18 on Mailboat Records.

A.K.A Nobody is McAnally's latest solo album, sung, performed and produced by the much beloved session ace. All but one of its songs were written by McAnally, either on his own or with co-writers including Jimmy Buffett, Kenny Chesney, Zac Brown, Sonny Landreth, Chris Stapleton, Al Anderson, and others. His expressive range is on full display -- swampy blues on "Place Where You Belong," some exotic Parisian-style swing on "Zanzibar," a saucy Cajun swagger on "Loser Gumbo" with McAnally rocking the piano as Sonny Landreth wails on slide guitar, complex but catchy pop reminiscent of Steely Dan's best on "Someday," straight-ahead, steel-sweetened country with Southern rock seasoning on "Coast of Carolina."

Perhaps the album's biggest surprise, "With a Straight Face," a sensitive portrayal of two gay children raised by parents who can't understand their kids are "something God made." "I have a heart for the underdog and for the oppressed and persecuted," McAnally says, addressing "With a Straight Face." "And I have close friends who have suffered for no good reason I can see. This song is for all the above."

With a track record that includes writing No. 1 hits on his own for Kenny Chesney ("Down the Road") and Alabama ("Old Flame") as well as penning chart-toppers for Sawyer Brown ("All These Years") and Shenandoah ("Two Dozen Roses"), it's no wonder that he has been voted into the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame.

"This selection of music made me stay up late and get up early, filled up my fairly big heart and historically large head for the last several years in between also working on musical projects with other artists, which I also love to do," Mac says. "Because of the long process in recording this album I had the chance to give some long attention to the songs that demanded it, and the ones I thought would benefit from a spontaneous joyfest in the studio with a great band were saved for last. I'm very proud of both the work and that my fans continue to follow my little career. Small though it may be it's one of the biggest blessings ever. I'm grateful... and to borrow one of the song titles 'Proud To Be Alive.'"

A.K.A. Nobody track listing:

 1. A Little Bit Better (Chris Stapleton/Mac McAnally)
 2. Last But Not Least (Zac Brown/Wyatt Durrette/Jimmy De Martini/Coy Bowles/McAnally)
 3. Mississippi, You’re On My Mind (Jesse Winchester)
 4. With A Straight Face (McAnally)
 5. Don’t Remember Leaving (McAnally)
 6. Zanzibar (McAnally)
 7. Place Where You Belong (Al Anderson/McAnally)
 8. Proud To Be Alive (McAnally)
 9. Better Get Your Story Straight (McAnally)
 10. Everything (Ain’t Too High a Price) (McAnally)
 11. Loser Gumbo (Sonny Landreth/McAnally)
 12. Coast of Carolina (Jimmy Buffett/McAnally)
 13. Someday (McAnally)
 14. Island Rain (Kenny Chesney/McAnally)
 15. Working Prayer (McAnally)

Jesse Winchester Passes Away At The Age Of 69

“You can’t talk about the best songwriters and not include him.” – Bob Dylan
“The word that comes to mind is grace.” – Elvis Costello

Jesse Winchester, a singer’s singer and a songwriter’s songwriter, died of bladder cancer on April 11, 2014, at the age of 69. His voice, by turns ethereal, sly, earthy, and heartbreakingly direct, delivered some of the finest songs of our time over more than four decades of live performance, and twelve original albums, including the forthcoming A Reasonable Amount of Trouble. His songs have been covered by artists as different as Jimmy Buffett, Elvis Costello, Reba McEntire, Wilson Pickett, Waylon Jennings, Emmylou Harris, Bonnie Raitt and the Everly Brothers.

Jesse Winchester was born May 17, 1944 in Bossier City, Louisiana, to James Ridout Winchester and Frances (Manire) Winchester. He spent his early years in Mississippi, and moved to Memphis with his family at age 12, where his father went to work with the Winchester law firm. There, Jesse’s ears were opened to the sounds of rhythm and blues and rockabilly via radio stations such as WDIA, where B.B. King and Rufus Thomas hosted shows, and WHBQ, where the irrepressible Dewey Phillips mixed the music of black and white acts in a glorious jumble. Jesse got his first guitar shortly after arriving in Memphis, and began playing in bands around town while attending Christian Brothers High School.

Winchester left Memphis to attend Williams College, from which he graduated (after a brief period studying, and playing with a band, in Munich, Germany) in 1966. Soon thereafter he received a piece of mail that would profoundly alter the course of his life – a draft notice summoning him to serve in Vietnam. Deeply disturbed by the war and the prospect of killing in what he considered a dubious cause, Winchester abruptly left the United States for Montreal, Canada, where he was to live for the next 36 years.

In Montreal he made his living first playing with various bands, including one called Les Astronauts, whose members were required to dress in spaceman costumes. Deciding that space travel was not his forte, he began to focus on solo performance and, more importantly, songwriting. The first song he wrote, “The Brand-New Tennessee Waltz,” set a very high standard, and remained a signature tune for him. It was eventually covered by Joan Baez, Ralph Stanley, the Everly Brothers, and, in 2000, Patti Page, who had recorded the original “Tennessee Waltz” fifty years earlier.

In 1970, his self-titled first album, Jesse Winchester, was released. Produced by Robbie Robertson and engineered by Todd Rundgren, the album contained several of Jesse’s most enduring and popular songs, including “The Brand New Tennessee Waltz,” “Payday,” “Biloxi,” “Yankee Lady,” and the haunting “Quiet About It.” The record firmly established his reputation as both songwriter and performer, and a succession of albums followed as he kept up a busy touring schedule through Canada, Australia, and Europe.

In 1977, President Jimmy Carter announced an amnesty for those who had left the country to avoid being sent to Vietnam, and Jesse was finally able to visit, and perform in, the United States. He did not, however, consider moving back. “I had a Canadian wife,” he said later, “Canadian children, and a Canadian mortgage.” Based in Montreal, he continued busily touring and recording through the 1980s.

On the eve of the 1990s, tired of touring, and with his songs being recorded regularly by top country artists such as Reba McEntire and Wynonna Judd, Winchester took nearly a full decade off from traveling and performing to stay home and concentrate on songwriting. At the end of that decade, Winchester recorded Gentleman of Leisure, an album containing his pick of the songs he’d written during that time. The record, produced by Jerry Douglas, remained one of Winchester’s favorites among his own recordings.

In 2002, he met his future wife, Cindy, and the next year moved back to the United States, settling in Charlottesville, Virginia, after a brief period in his old home town of Memphis. In 2007 he was awarded ASCAP’s prestigious Lifetime Achievement Award.  He maintained a comfortable touring schedule and continued to write new songs, the best of which made up his 2009 album Love Filling Station.

But a 2010 appearance on Elvis Costello’s Sundance series Spectacle introduced Jesse’s music to a new and larger audience. Alongside Costello, Neko Case, Sheryl Crow, and Ron Sexsmith, Jesse performed several songs, most notably the stunning “Sham-A-Ling-Dong-Ding,” from Love Filling Station, a tender and shockingly beautiful ode to the nonsense lyrics in the teenage love songs of the 1950s. The performance literally stopped the show, according to Costello. “I just bowed my head,” the host said, “and told the audience that they had to go home because I could not gather myself to make the next introduction, such was supernatural beauty of his voice.” That performance quickly became a word-of-mouth sensation via YouTube, and Winchester’s performing schedule went into a higher gear.

That wave of activity was brought to an abrupt halt in June 2011, when Jesse was diagnosed with cancer of the esophagus. He underwent surgery and a brief but difficult treatment, which he faced with extraordinary dignity and spirit. Amazingly, in August of that year he was pronounced cancer-free, and he resumed his performing schedule. During his illness, an all-star group of artists recorded an excellent tribute album of Jesse’s songs, entitled Quiet About It. Jimmy Buffett, one of Jesse’s biggest fans, was the driving force behind the tribute.

In February 2014, cancer was found again, and this time it was untreatable. Jesse Winchester finally succumbed to it on April 11, 2014, at home – not alone, but surrounded by the presence and love of his wife, Cindy, and his family.

He is survived by his wife, Cindy, a brother, Cassius Winchester, and a sister, Ellyn Weeks, as well as his children, James Winchester, Alice Winchester, and Marcus Lee Winchester, a stepdaughter, Jennifer Slangerup, and his grandchildren Oliver, Gus, and Luke Dungavell of Ontario, Canada, and Tave and Vann Slangerup of Charlottesville, Virginia.

– Tom Piazza, author and family friend
 

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