NASH2O Provides “Instrumental” Flood Relief

Dozens of guitars, mandolins and other instruments – straight from the hands of artists such as Peter Frampton, Brad Paisley, Kenny Chesney, Keith Urban, Vince Gill and a host of others – are headed for the online auction block through nonprofit organization NASH2O (Nash-two-Oh) to support flood relief efforts in Nashville.

Proceeds go to three beneficiaries: MusiCares Nashville Flood Relief Fund for music industry professionals, Nashville Musicians Association Flood Relief Fund for those musicians that were uninsured, and Middle Tennessee fire and rescue departments.

NASH2O was organized shortly after the devastating May floods by George Gruhn, widely-recognized as the leading authority on vintage stringed instruments; Joe Glaser, renowned luthier and fine instrument repairman; and steel guitarist/producer Bruce Bouton, a fixture on high-profile recordings and tours for decades. Their goal was to collect flood-damaged instruments from top artists, which could then be sold as presentation/collector pieces. The group secured underwriting support from Fireman’s Fund Insurance Company, a major insurer of many of the affected artists and the exclusive insurance sponsor of NASH2O.

NASH2O’s official launch is slated for Tuesday, October 12, with a VIP kickoff reception and press conference at the Hard Rock Café in downtown Nashville beginning at 4:00 PM, featuring appearances by some of the artists who have donated instruments, special guests, a silent auction, and some of the instruments which are headed for online auction on display.

The public will have a chance to bid via the online auction, which will open the same day at www.nash2o.org. The NASH2O auction is unique in several ways, as the instruments offered for sale are historic musical artifacts from the record flooding that tore through Nashville in early May, wreaking havoc on several instrument storage facilities as well as musicians’ homes and studios. But as Gruhn explains, the instruments themselves are unlike what is usually available to fans and followers:

“It’s fairly common to see instruments, signed by artists, for sale in charity efforts or given as contest prizes. But those are almost always pieces donated by a manufacturer for that purpose. They’re handed to the artist, he signs them, and that’s really the only connection he has with them. The NASH2O pieces are the artists’ personal instruments. Peter Frampton’s Les Paul is, well, Peter Frampton’s Les Paul. Brad Paisley’s Tele-style guitar is Brad’s guitar. You hear that guitar on the records. You saw it in his hands in concert. These are very personal, cherished tools of the trade, and buyers can own a piece of that history, that pedigree.”

The online auction and NASH2O communities use Moontoast’s Social Commerce Platform.  Moontoast provides highly customizable, branded Social Commerce solutions to brands and individuals who are looking to maximize their social media marketing and sales efforts.

Beside the artist-owned instruments for auction, sweepstakes items of new instruments and/or premiums have been donated by Taylor Guitars, THD Amplifiers, Paul Reed Smith Guitars, Gibson Guitars, Martin Guitars and Yamaha Instruments.

Check for further information and updates at www.nash2o.org. In the video below, Peter Frampton discusses the loss of his instruments and the importance of Nash20’s efforts.

 

Frampton Discusses His Flood-Damaged Guitars from Andrew Smith on Vimeo.

ole Wins CCMA Music Publisher of the Year

The Canadian Country Music Association (CCMA) has honored ole as Music Publisher of the Year for the 4th consecutive time. This marks the fourth win in the category in the six years since the company’s founding on September 28, 2004.

ole, one of the world’s largest independent music publishers, was also named CCMA Music Publisher of the Year in 2009 and 2008. Their win in 2007 was the first time in 15 years that an independent music publisher had won the category.

“We’re very thankful to receive this vote of confidence from the CCMA and our peers,” said ole CEO Robert Ott. “Our staff works tirelessly to produce success for our songwriters and partners and this acknowledges their effort. It’s our privilege to work with the best songwriters in the world on both sides of the border and their creativity has propelled us to unprecedented heights this year. It’s always gratifying to watch the growth of the CCMA and how it creates community around our great Canadian talent. We’re thankful to the CCMA and others in this community for their continued support.”

In Country, ole has nine active or pending U.S. singles including “Why Wait,” the lead single from Rascal Flatts’ upcoming Nothing Like This album; “I Will Stand By You,” The Judds’ new single; “Let Me Down Easy,” from Billy Currington’s upcoming fourth studio album; “Soldiers & Jesus” from the James Otto’s new album, Shake What God Gave Ya; “Our Kind of Love,” the current hit for Lady Antebellum; and Troy Olsen’s “Summer Thing.” Top 40 charting singles in Canada include Dean Brody’s “Roll That Barrel Out,” Doc Walker’s “From Here” and Jason Blaine’s “Run With Me.”

Over the past few months, ole has placed no less than 19 cuts including “Liar’s Lie,” performed by Lee Ann Womack and featured in Country Strong, the new Gwyneth Paltrow/Tim McGraw film; “Stay Up Late,” on the upcoming sophomore solo album by Heidi Newfield, and “Just Like Sunshine” and “Are Ya With Me?,” also on Otto’s upcoming album.

Current top country songs from ole’s songwriter roster and its Roots Three Music co-venture include “I’m Gonna Make You Love Me” (Doc Walker); “Now” (Steven Lee Olsen); “Free Like Love” (The Higgins); “Tumblin’ Tears” (One More Girl); “When You Can Fly” (Victoria Banks); “Watching You Walk Away” (Shane Yellowbird); “Fearless” (Taylor Swift); “Tailgate” (Jaydee Bixby); “A Father’s Love (The Only Way He Knew How)” (Bucky Covington); “Can’t Afford To Love You” (Blake Shelton); “A Lot To Learn About Living” (Easton Corbin); “Everybody Wants To Go To Heaven” (Kenny Chesney); and “I Will Stand By You” (High Valley).

Over the past few years, ole has become the country home of world-class songwriters including the recently-signed Monty Powell, Dean Brody, Charlie Worsham and Ryan Tyndell as well as Marty Dodson, Chris Wallin, Tebey, Gilles Godard, Roger Springer, Rick Giles, Bruce Wallace, Matt Nolen, Steven Lee Olsen and Doc Walker.

SESAC Spurs Blood Drive/Food Campaign

SESAC invites everyone to come and support its Blood Drive, Spare Change/Canned Food Drive on Mon. Sept. 20. from 10-2 p.m. Please come for a good cause…[lunch provided]

Houser’s “Cadillac” Ready To Roll

Show Dog-Universal Records artist Randy Houser will celebrate the release of his sophomore album, They Call Me Cadillac, in New York on September 21 with a performance on ABC’s Good Morning America. Directly following the visit, Houser will make a series of appearances on the nationally syndicated show Better TV as well as Fox News, CMT Insider, CMT Top 20 Countdown, GAC’s On The Streets, GAC’s Headline Country, and more before traveling to Los Angeles to perform on ABC’s Jimmy Kimmel Live! on Monday, September 27. In addition, Houser will unveil his new single, “A Man Like Me,” at radio on September 27. Click here for a sneak peek at the single.

For Houser, They Call Me Cadillac is a chance to show fans what he is really about. 

“There’s no denying that this album is a more definitive ‘Randy Houser’ record, and I know that’s cliché, but it’s the first time that I’ve had the most creative control to make the record I want to make,” says Houser.

Critics are already lining up to praise They Call Me Cadillac. “Much like a classic Cadillac, Randy’s new album has a sleek, traditional quality that doesn’t go out of style. But make no mistake, underneath the smooth crooning is some major musical horsepower,” says Country Weekly’s Jessica Phillips.  Country music journalist Neil Haislop agrees, “If anybody believed he wasn’t the real deal, bed rock traditional honky tonk singer…They Call Me Cadillac puts that to rest for good with the satisfying bonus of his own unique vocal style stamped on the brand.”

Friends like Trace Adkins and Jamey Johnson are also raving over Houser’s vocal prowess. Adkins recently called Houser “one of the best singers I’ve heard in a long time.”
They Call Me Cadillac was produced by Cliff Audretch III and Mark Wright and features a vocal appearance from Lee Ann Womack on “Addicted.”

They Call Me Cadillac Track Listing:
1. Lowdown and Lonesome (3:15)
2. They Call Me Cadillac (2:59)
3. Addicted (5:19)
4. A Man Like Me (3:19)
5. Will I Always Be This Way (4:08)
6. Out Here In The Country (3:56)
7. Here With Me (4:18)
8. Whistlin’ Dixie (3:07)
9. Somewhere South of Memphis (5:56)
10. If I Could Buy Some Time (4:35)
11. Lead Me Home (4:52)

In support of the release, fans can sign up for a wake-up call from Randy on the morning of September 21 by texting CADILLAC to 30103. In addition, fans will have an opportunity to hear tracks from the September 21 release on Thursday, September 16 when he kicks off the Get Off On The Pain tour with Gary Allan and Jerrod Niemann in Salt Lake City, Utah at The Maverik Center.

Cumulus Goes Commercial Free For Habitat

On Tuesday, October 12, Cumulus Nashville’s five radio stations (Classic Hits 97.1 RQQ, 95.5 The Wolf, i106 All the Hits, SuperTalk 99.7 WTN and 92Q), will go commercial free from 6:00 AM to 7:00 PM to raise money for the Nashville Area Habitat for Humanity (NAHFH).

NAHFH invests in people and property, converting renters to homeowners through mortgage education, financial planning, and zero-rate home loans, providing life-changing assistance and breaking the cycle of poverty “one home, one family, one community at a time.” Listeners will be encouraged to donate money and/or time to “Build a Better Nashville” by providing assistance to the charity during the radiothon. Donations can be made by calling 615-312-3535 or online at www.habitatnashville.org.

Ninety-three percent of NAHFH’s annual budget is derived from private donations. Monies raised will stay local and support the Nashville Area Habitat for Humanity organization. NAHFH is ranked in the top one percent of Habitat for Humanity International Affiliates in the world. Its communities have also received the 2010 Energy Star Award for Sustained Excellence, providing lower energy costs and a smaller carbon footprint.

“Cumulus Nashville is proud to support an organization that is not only charitable, but one that demonstrates this level of excellence,” states Mark Sullivan, Senior Vice President and General Manager of Cumulus Nashville.  “The Nashville Area Habitat for Humanity plays a vital role in bettering the community in which we live and work.”

Nashville Label Releases Curtis Mayfield Tribute

Jerry Michael

Songwriter/producer/publisher Jerry Michael will celebrate the launch of his new Nashville record label, Cool Pepper Disc, by releasing a new CD in late September honoring the late R&B/soul recording artist/songwriter Curtis Mayfield.

The label’s debut project, The Impressions’ 50th Anniversary Salute to Curtis Mayfield, will feature 17 Mayfield-penned hits, including “Keep on Pushin'”, “Amen”, “People Get Ready”, “It’s All Right”, “Woman’s Got Soul”, and “Talking About My Baby.” An unreleased, never-before-heard version of the 1960s smash “Gypsy Woman” will soon be available for digital download at www.jmichaelent.com.

“I worked with The Impressions as an artist and producer in the 1980s,” said Michael, who garnered success as a songwriter and publisher with the hit “Play the Game Tonight” (Kansas) and other cuts by acts such as Pure Prairie League, Aretha Franklin, The Oak Ridge Boys and Shirley Caesar. “These legends of soul were the first group to bring inspirational messages into the pop market. All of their hits were written by Mayfield.

Michael produced and recorded all of the selections on the Mayfield tribute CD. The recordings have been digitally re-mastered and are only available through Cool Pepper Disc. The unreleased version of “Gypsy Woman,” which has sat in a music vault since 1961, features an extended performance by The Impressions. It is available by digital download only.

“When ‘Gypsy Woman’ was originally recorded, it was too long for radio, so they cut the last verse for airplay,” Michael added. “The rest is history. It was a huge hit. Now fans will be able to hear the unreleased version for the very first time.”

For more information visit www.jmichaelent.com, send an e-mail message to michael.ent@comcast.net, or call (615) 366-9929.

Luke Bryan Partners With NRA

The National Rifle Association’s NRACountry has announced a partnership with ACM Top New Artist Luke Bryan’s 2010 Farm Tour. The tour across Georgia kicks off on September 28.

“I just love what the NRA family has been doing for the kids in my home state of Georgia,” said Bryan. “They have given hundreds of thousands of dollars to support farming and outdoor programs for many of the same organizations I was involved in as a kid like 4-H, youth hunting and gun safety programs. These are also the same organizations and programs that many of the people and their families who attend my Farm Tour have been associated with their entire lives. This is such a natural partnership for me because we are both celebrating and highlighting the qualities of the American farmer and their way of life.”

“We look forward to being a part of Luke Bryan’s Farm Tour and reaching out to NRACountry fans and country music lovers who share our core values of patriotism, freedom and pride in America,” said NRA Country’s Chris W. Cox. “Now more than ever, it is important to foster these core beliefs and NRA is proud to support a talented star like Luke Bryan who embodies those principles.”

Luke’s Farm Tour dates include
:
September 28 – Coffee Weed Plantation, Valdosta, Ga.
September 29 – Hurricane Branch Plantation, Statesboro, Ga.
September 30 – VFW Fairgrounds, Carrollton, Ga.
October 1 – Luther Williams Field, Macon, Ga.

The National Rifle Association has offered more than 350 grants, totaling more than $700,000 to support Georgia’s youth, farming and outdoor programs like 4-H, Boy Scouts of America, Future Farmers of America and numerous others.

“Our freedom is the cornerstone of our rich American heritage. This year’s Farm Tour brings together all the elements for a fantastic celebration of American values,” concluded Cox.

Rich Helps Bring Country Back to NYC

Country music’s coming to the city with the help of Reprise Records artist, John Rich. Ocean County, New Jersey’s country station, THUNDER 98.5 FM, recently announced the re-position of two of its radio formats beginning today (9/15). In their new expansion, the station will begin broadcasting into central New Jersey expanding to New York City and kicking off their big switch with Rich’s appropriately titled single, “Country Done Come to Town.”

“I’m so pumped to be part of history in the making,” says Rich of the station’s recent expansion. “THUNDER has been incredibly supportive of my music and it is an honor for me to help kick off country music in NYC with ‘Country Done Come to Town.’”

On Wednesday, Ocean County’s Country THUNDER 98.5FM will move up the dial to 106.5FM in Ocean County and also simulcast on 106.3FM in Monmouth County. HIT 106, which formerly broadcasted on 106.3FM/106.5FM will take its Top 40 format and re-position it on 98.5FM. THUNDER 98.5FM will become THUNDER 106 and expand its reach to bring country music to a new level in central New Jersey.

“Country Music is a format with an extremely loyal listener base”, says Rich Morena, General Manager and Partner of Press. “We saw the void in Monmouth County and the demand was overwhelming from our Monmouth County fan base and now we are expanding our reach to meet that demand.”

Due West’s Criminal Wordplay and Chris Filer Visits MR

Crime Or Publicity Stunt? While in Atlanta, promoting its new single, “Bible And The Belt,” Due West’s car was broken into  and its backpacks, wallets, keys and laptops were stolen. They reported the break-in to the police, saying the thief needed a Bible and a belt.

(L-R) DW’s Matt Lopez, Brad Hull, Officer J. Young and DW’s Tim Gates.

Chris Filer dropped by the MusicRow corporate headquarters to learn more about the publication’s CountryBreakout radio chart and meet the staff. Filer’s new single is “John Deere, John 3:16”

(L-R) MusicRow's David M. Ross, Jerry Duncan Promotion's Lisa Smoot, Filer, MusicRow's Jon Freeman and MarcoPromotion's Rick Kelly.

Country Hall Of Fame Salutes Chip Young

Chip Young

Renowned session guitarist and producer Chip Young will be saluted on Saturday, October 9, as part of the Country Music Hall of Fame® and Museum’s popular series Nashville Cats: A Celebration of Music City Musicians. The program, which will begin at 1:30 PM in the Museum’s Ford Theater, is included with Museum admission and free to Museum members. The program will also be streamed live at www.countrymusichalloffame.org.

Hosted by Bill Lloyd, the tribute to Young will include a brief performance and an in-depth, one-on-one interview illustrated with vintage recordings, photos and film clips from the Museum’s Frist Library and Archive. Immediately following the program, Young will sign autographs in the Museum Store.

For over four decades, Chip Young has lent his distinctive thumb-style picking to timeless country recordings, including Dolly Parton’s “Jolene,” Elvis Presley’s “Guitar Man,” and Charley Pride’s “Kiss an Angel Good Morning.” As a producer, he has helmed recordings by acts such as Delbert McClinton, Jerry Reed, Gary Stewart (“Your Place or Mine”), and Billy Swan (“I Can Help”). More recently, Young has played on recordings by My Morning Jacket, Todd Snider and Candi Staton.

Born Jerry Marvin Stembridge in 1938, the Atlanta native began his professional career playing with guitar legend Jerry Reed and singer-songwriter Joe South during the late 1950s. Young toured with South and eventually signed with Lowery Music, where he began writing songs, engineering recordings and publishing demos. He joined the Army in 1961, and after his discharge in 1963 Young moved to Nashville to become a touring guitarist behind Reed.

Young soon became an in-demand studio guitarist in Nashville, and went on to back Ann-Margret, Eddy Arnold, Skeeter Davis, Waylon Jennings, George Jones, Willie Nelson, Carl Perkins and Elvis Presley, among many others. Young was also a regular member of Presley’s studio band between 1965 and 1977.

In 1968, Young bought a farm in nearby Murfreesboro, Tennessee, and opened his own studio, Young ’Un Sound. He produced recordings by country artists Reed, Swan and Delbert McClinton, as well as artists on the popular charts including Jimmy Buffett and Johnny Mathis. Young opened a Nashville studio in 1978, where he recorded Joe Ely, Larry Gatlin, Tom T. Hall, Reba McEntire, Johnny Rodriguez and the Statler Brothers.

In 2000, Young released Having Thumb Fun with My Friends, an album of guitar duets with other studio legends, including Chet Atkins, Grady Martin and Scotty Moore. Young was inducted into the National Thumbpickers Hall of Fame in 2009. He remains active today as a session musician and a producer.

Museum programs are made possible, in part, by grants from the Metropolitan Nashville Arts Commission and by an agreement between the Tennessee Arts Commission and the National Endowment for the Arts.