DISClaimer Single Reviews (3/14/12)

It is undeniable that much of the most creative music being made today is in the Americana genre, and that furthermore much of it comes from Nashville.

In today’s stack of platters, we find such stellar Music City contributors as Darrell Scott, Jeff Black, Rodney Crowell and Paul Burch. We can now add a new name to that list. Lend Bryan Clark and his New Lyceum Players your ears. The man is stepping up to the plate with guitar chops that equal Keith Urban, Brad Paisley, Vince Gill, Steve Wariner and our city’s other guitar-slinger heroes. He is also today’s DisCovery Award winner.

The Disc of the Day is also packed with Nashvillians. In addition to Crowell and Scott, they include Gary Nicholson, John Prine, Radney Foster, Emmylou Harris, Shawn Camp, Suzy Bogguss, Verlon Thompson, Tim O’Brien and Vince Gill. All of them are saluting the eternal greatness of Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame member Guy Clark. A tip of the chapeau to This One’s for Him: A Tribute to Guy Clark, for it truly is a tribute worthy of the name.

SHELBY LYNNE/Heaven’s Only Days Down the Road
Writer: Shelby Lynne; Producer: Shelby Lynne; Publisher: none listed; Everso (track) (www.shelbylynne.com)
—Lynne’s Revelation Road collection is a true d.i.y. affair. She wrote all of its songs, played all the instruments and produced it. Its current emphasis track finds her emoting soulfully over a nervous beat and rapidly strummed acoustic guitar. The harrowing lyric seems to point back to her father, who murdered her mother and then killed himself while she and her sister watched. Gripping.

JEFF BLACK/Plow Through the Mystic
Writer: Jeff Black; Producer: Jeff Black; Publisher: Lotos Nile, BMI; Lotos Nile (track) (www.jeffblack.com)
—Speaking of doing it yourself, this superb Nashville song crafter produced his eighth CD on his own and played guitar, piano, banjo, bass and percussion on it as well. A few notables dropped by — Matraca Berg, Kim Richey and Gretchen Peters offer harmonies on a couple of tunes. Stellar instrumentalists Sam Bush and Jerry Douglas are here, too. Jerry is particularly prominent on this, the album’s shuffling title tune. Jeff, as always, sings with warm, throaty soul. Other standouts include the ballads “What I Would Not Do” and “New Love Song.” Jeff Black is booked to play at The Hard Rock on March 23 at 6 p.m. alongside Sam, Dierks Bentley and Jon Randall, all of whom have recorded his tunes, as has BlackHawk (”That’s Just About Right”).

DARRELL SCOTT/Hopkinsville
Writer: Darrell Scott; Producer: Darrell Scott; Publisher: none  listed; Full Light (track) (www.darrellscott.com)
—This awesome singer-songwriter’s new collection is titled Long Ride Home. Some of its tunes date back to his earliest years as a tunesmith while others are more recent collaborations with Marcus Hummon, Tia Sillers and others. This swinging bopper is a working man’s tune with snazzy steel by Lloyd Green, rolling piano by newly announced Country Hall of Famer Hargus “Pig” Robbins and a tenor harmony by Rodney Crowell. Elsewhere on this multi-faceted audio gem, other guests include John Cowan, Guy Clark, Patty Griffin, Mickey Raphael and Tim O’Brien. If you don’t love Darrell Scott, there’s something seriously wrong with you.

PAUL BURCH/Rave On
Writer: none listed; Producer: Paul Burch; Publisher: none listed; Ramseur (track)
—Burch’s latest is titled simply, Words of Love: Songs of Buddy Holly. His WPA Ballclub band lends the tunes a simplicity that is quite refreshing, considering how overblown most Holly tribute albums are. The arrangement of the set-opening “Rave On,” for instance, puts the spotlight on Burch’s jaunty, energetic vocal with nifty fiddle-and-squeezebox riffs, a simple rhythm section and little else. Ear opening.

MAD BUFFALO/Red and Blue
Writer: Randy Riviere; Producer: Chad Cromwell & Randy Riviere; Publisher: none listed; Mad Buffalo (track) (www.madbufffalo.com)
—Bandleader/songwriter Riviere hails from Montana, but traded Big Sky Country for Music City to record his latest CD. Stellar sidemen Dave Roe, Reggie Young, Jack Hoder and producer Cromwell make these tunes live and breathe as surely as Riviere’s shy, dry vocals do. This ballad title tune builds and swells around the philosophical lyric.

BRUCE SPRINGSTEEN/We Take Care of Our Own
Writer: Bruce Springsteen; Producer: Ron Aniello & Bruce Springsteen; Publisher: Bruce Spingsteen, ASCAP; Columbia (track)
—Introduced as the opening number of last month’s Grammy telecast, this is also the opening salvo of Bruce’s just-released Wrecking Ball CD. Despite the driving, uplifting track, it is a portrait of American promise denied to the disenfranchised. The theme resonates throughout the album. This is political music at its most majestic and powerful. This is why he’s The Boss. By the way, his eulogy to Clarence Clemons in the liner notes will move you to tears.

BRYAN CLARK & THE NEW LYCEUM PLAYERS/Southern Amen
Writer: Bryan Clark; Producer: Bryan Clark; Publisher: none listed; Rainfeather (track) (www.bryanclarkmusic.com)
—Clark is a transplant to Music City from Texas and the Southern Intermission CD was recorded in Brentwood. But you’ll swear you are listening to a smoking studio session from Memphis or Muscle Shoals or, in the case of this tune, New Orleans. This roars with soul/rock conviction, and the man’s fiery, world-class, fleet-fingered electric guitar work will blow your mind. Guaranteed. Get on board, chillun.

RODNEY CROWELL/That Old Time Feeling
Writer: Guy Clark; Producer: Tamara Saviano & Shawn Camp; Publisher: Chappell, ASCAP; Icehouse (track) (www.icehousemusic.com)
—”Let’s give her a good go and make ol’ Guy proud of us,” says Crowell as he kicks off this opening track of This One’s for Him: A Tribute to Guy Clark. His subsequent delivery of the wistful waltz is smoky, dreamlike and achingly emotional. But, then, everyone on this outstanding double CD is at their absolute best — Lyle Lovett, Vince Gill, Steve Earle, Emmylou Harris & John Prine, Radney Foster, Kris Kristofferson, Rosanne Cash, Joe Ely, Jack Ingram, Robert Earl Keen, Jerry Jeff Walker, Kevin Welch, Willie Nelson, Suzy Bogguss and on and on. Buy this at once.

FIERY BLUE/Slow Down
Writer: Paul Marsteller; Producer: Gabe Rhodes; Publisher: Big Moment, BMI; Doubloon (track) (www.fieryblue.com)
—This Texas combo seems to consist of lightly lilting vocalist Simone Stevens, percussionist Hunt Sales and multi-instrumentalist Gabe Rhodes performing the works of songwriter Paul Marsteller (apart from a delightful cover of The Beatles’ “I’ve Just Seen a Face”). This lively country rocker has enough hooks and melodic charm to be a mainstream country hit. The album’s title is Our Secret. Well, the secret is out.

FRED EAGLESMITH/Cemetery Road
Writer: Fred Eaglesmith; Producer: Scott Merritt & Fred Eaglesmith; Publisher: Sweetwater/A Major Label/Bluewater, SOCAN/SESAC; A Major Label (track)
—This ruggedly individualistic and independent Canadian has nonetheless had cuts by Toby Keith, Alan Jackson and Miranda Lambert, plus Chris Knight, The Cowboy Junkies, Mary Gauthier, Todd Snider, Kasey Chambers and more. This opening track of his new 6 Volts CD is a thudding, minimalist slab of drawled, bluesy, raspy attitude. Spooky, but as compelling as ever.

Lady Antebellum Hits Touring Milestone, Launches Prom Contest

Lady Antebellum’s current headlining Own The Night 2012 World Tour stopped at the Target Center in Minneapolis, MN, on March 11, where the trio was honored with plaques to celebrate its 15th consecutive sold out concert date.

Their Canadian run of tour dates begin tonight (March 13) in Winnipeg, MB at the MTS Centre.

Lady Antebellum is presented with plaques at their Minneapolis concert date. (L-R): Fred Frank (Frank Productions), Charles Kelley, Hillary Scott, Dave Haywood and Andy Warg (Target Center)

• • • • •

The group is also asking for high school-age fans to submit videos for a chance to win a free Lady A concert at their prom this spring. One school will chosen by the band based on creativity, originality and hometown pride and named on March 20.

“‘Dancin’ Away With My Heart’ is one of those nostalgic songs that takes you back to a certain place or moment in time,” says Lady A’s Dave Haywood. “You can picture the disco ball and remember back the last slow dance! We wanted to make someone’s prom extra special this year…we may even dress up! You just never know…”

Entries are being accepted through March 16. More info here.

Turntable.fm Signs Licenses With Majors

Social music site Turntable.fm now has licensing agreements in place with all four major entertainment companies, according to Billboard. The news was revealed at SXSW by Turntable.fm founders Billy Chasen and Seth Goldstein.

Last week, CNET reported that the service had inked EMI and was close to signing Universal and Sony, in addition to being in talks with Warner Music Group. With all four on board, it gives Turntable.fm a competitive edge in the digital discovery race. Adweek notes that Chasen’s future plans for Turntable.fm include bringing artists to the site and letting them serve as digital DJs, which could attract new users.

Turntable.fm debuted in June 2011, allowing friends to act as virtual DJs and play songs for one another. In July 2011, it finalized agreements with ASCAP and BMI. Its user base is reportedly small (176k unique visitors in February) compared to the million-plus users of Spotify and/or Pandora, but the site’s inherently social nature could mean numerous promotional opportunities for artists and labels.

ACM ZinePak Spotlights Nominees

The 47th Annual ACM Awards Spotlight ‘ZinePak will hit Walmart shelves on March 20. The limited-edition package includes a 20-song CD and 120-page magazine with exclusive artist interviews, profiles, and an inside look at the Academy.

With a $7 retail price, the package is available for pre-sale now at Walmart.com. Production is limited to fewer than 45,000 copies.

The 2011 inaugural ACM Awards ‘ZinePak release debuted at No. 19 on the Billboard Top Country Albums chart and sold more than 30,000 copies.

‘ZinePak track listing:

1. Taylor Swift “Mean”
2. Jason Aldean “My Kinda Party”
3. Kenny Chesney “Somewhere With You”
4. Brad Paisley “This Is Country Music”
5. Blake Shelton “Drink On It”
6. Reba “All The Women I Am”
7. Brantley Gilbert “Country Must Be Country Wide”
8. Hunter Hayes “Wanted”
9. Scotty Mccreery “You Make That Look Good”
10. JT Hodges “Goodbyes Made You Mine”
11. Justin Moore “Bait A Hook”
12. David Nail “Let It Rain”
13. Jerrod Niemann “What Do You Want”
14. Thompson Square “Who Loves Who More”
15. Katie Armiger “Cry Cry Cry”
16. Craig Campbell “When I Get It”
17. The Farm “Home Sweet Home”
18. Dustin Lynch “Hurricane”
19. Kip Moore “Faith When I Fall”
20. D. Vincent Williams “Down By The River”

In more news surrounding the April 1 Academy of Country Music Awards, several artist have been added to the ACM Experience. The free, open-to-the public country music lifestyle event runs March 30-April 1 as part of The Week Vegas Goes Country. Joining the ACM Experience are Thomas Rhett, Greg Bates, Edens Edge, Ira Dean, Andy Gibson, Kip Moore, Maggie Rose, Sonia Leigh, Darren Warren, Mallary Hope, Steel Magnolia, The Dirt Drifters, Gloriana, Canaan Smith, Morgan Frazier, Blackberry Smoke, Chris Janson, Levi Lowrey, David St. Romain, and LoCash Cowboys.

Brad Paisley Adds Virtual Reality Dates

After recently wrapping the first leg of his Virtual Reality World Tour, MusicRow‘s Artist of the Year Brad Paisley has announced 43 additional appearances in 2012.

Continuing on the tour will The Band Perry, Scotty McCreery and Easton Corbin with additional artists appearing on select dates to include Miranda Lambert, Chris Young and Jerrod Niemann.

Live Nation is the national tour promoter.

Virtual Reality World Tour 2012:
May 18 – Verizon Wireless Amphitheatre – St. Louis, MO
May 19 – Klipsch Music Center – Indianapolis, IN
May 20 – Riverbend Music Center – Cincinnati, OH
June 1 – Nikon Theatre – Jones Beach, NY*
June 2 – Comcast Theatre – Hartford, CT*
June 3 – Comcast Center – Boston, MA*
June 9 – Wrigley Field – Chicago, IL**
June 15 – Blossom Music Center – Cleveland, OH
June 16 – DTE Music Center – Detroit, MI
June 22 – Country USA Festival – Oshkosh, WI
June 23 – Chippewa Valley Country Festival – Cadott, WI
June 29 – Saratoga Performing Arts Center – Saratoga, NY
June 30 – Susquehanna Bank Center – Philadelphia, PA
July 14 – Calgary Stampede – Calgary, AB***
July 15 – Craven Country Jamboree – Craven, SK***
July 20 – Red Sky Music Festival – Omaha, NE***
July 21 – Cheyenne Frontier Days – Cheyenne, WY***
July 26 – Sleep Train Amphitheatre – Sacramento, CA*
July 27 – Shoreline Amphitheatre – Mountain View, CA*
July 28 – Harveys Lake Tahoe Outdoor Arena – Lake Tahoe, NV*
August 10 – Bethel Woods Pavilion – Bethel Woods, NY
August 11 – Darien Center – Darien Lakes, NY
August 12 – Walter Baker Park – Ottawa, ON****
August 16 – BOK Center – Tulsa, OK*
August 17 – TBD
August 18 – Gexa Energy Pavilion – Dallas, TX*
August 24 – Time Warner Cable Music Center – Raleigh, NC*
August 25 – Jiffy Lube Live – Washington, DC*
September 13 – Farm Bureau Live – Virginia Beach, VA
September 14 – Verizon Wireless Amphitheatre – Charlotte, NC
September 15 – Lakewood Amphitheatre – Atlanta, GA
September 27 – Jacksonville Arena – Jacksonville, FL
September 28 – 1-800-ASK GARY – Amphitheatre Tampa, FL
September 29 – Cruzan Amphitheater – West Palm Beach, FL
October 4 – Ford Center – Evansville, IN
October 5 – Nationwide Arena – Columbus, OH
October 6 – Giant Center – Hershey, PA
October 11 – Verizon Arena – Little Rock, AR
October 12 – CenturyTel Arena – Bossier City, LA
October 13 – New Orleans Arena – New Orleans, LA
October 17 – Ashley Furniture Home Store Pavilion – Phoenix, AZ
October 18 – Cricket Wireless Amphitheatre – San Diego, CA
October 20 – Hollywood Bowl – Los Angeles, CA

Support acts will be The Band Perry and Scotty McCreery – unless noted.
*The Band Perry and Easton Corbin
** Miranda Lambert, Chris Young, The Band Perry and Jerrod Niemann
*** The Band Perry only
****Brad only – festival date

Church Brings Blood, Sweat & Beers To The Masses

Photo: Jeff Mintline

Eric Church has long been a touring favorite, and his recent successes are helping take his live productions to exciting new places.

Tomorrow, his Blood Sweat & Beers Tour with Brantley Gilbert is playing a sold-out Hammerstein Ballroom in New York City, followed by stops in Binghamton, NY; Reading, PA, and Atlantic City, NJ. Just a few weeks away is Church’s May 19 show at the legendary Red Rocks Amphitheatre in Morrison, CO, which marked the artist’s 21st sold-out concert of this tour. Church will also preach to the hometown congregation May 5 when the tour hits Nashville’s Bridgestone Arena, and he’s been added to the lineup for BamaJam 2012 taking place June 14-16 in Enterprise, AL.

Blood, Sweat & Beers kicked off Jan. 19 in Fort Smith, AR and has been averaging 7,500 tickets sold per show. See full Church dates here.

In slightly more surreal lineups, Church is the only country artist scheduled to play the rock and metal friendly Orion Music + More festival June 23-24 at Bader Field in Atlantic City. The festival was created by Metallica, who will headline both nights and play their classic albums The Black Album and Ride The Lightning in their entirety. In addition to Church, other performers include Kentucky rockers Cage the Elephant, Memphis favorites Lucero, Suicidal Tendencies, Modest Mouse, The Gaslight Anthem, Titus Andronicus, The Sword, Liturgy, Black Tusk, Torche, Sepultura, and more. Info here.

Church will also return to late night television, when he performs on NBC’s Late Night With Jimmy Fallon Monday, March 19.

Laurel Kittleson Joins Big Machine

The Big Machine Label Group has announced Laurel Kittleson as A&R Coordinator, effective immediately.

Kittleson’s responsibilities including assisting with timelines, budgets, screening songs, and maintaining the master asset catalog for the label group’s roster, which includes Taylor Swift, Rascal Flatts, The Band Perry, Eli Young Band, Reba, and The Mavericks, among others. She will report directly to BMLG VP, A&R Allison Jones.

Previously, Kittleson served as Assistant for Show Dog-Universal Music President, Mark Wright. She was also previously personal assistant to Rivers Rutherford and spent time working with Elevation Music Publishing.

Kittelson replaces previous A&R Coordinator, Shea Fowler.

Congratulate her here.

HoriPro Inks Two Writers

HoriPro Entertainment Group has signed Michael Gresham and Jill Spencer to an exclusive co-publishing deal through Gresham and Spencer’s company Brand Music Group.

(L-R) standing: Butch Baker, Tim Stehli, Amy Hendon Scott, Lee Krabel, Dave Hall, Raeanna Mowl, Carrie Wilkins; seated: Jill Spencer, Michael Gresham

 

Hats Across The Row Parade to Benefit Minnie Pearl Foundation

Hats Across the Row, a benefit for The Minnie Pearl Cancer Foundation (MPCF), will be held Tues., April 17 at 3 p.m. on Music Row. The event includes a parade down 16th & 17th Aves. S. with Kerry Collins and his motorcycle gang, the Hillwood High School Marching Band, antique Mini Coopers, and an array of stilt walkers, hula-hoopers and Minnie Pearl look-a-likes. Festivities will conclude with a party at Major Bob Music (1111 17th Ave. S.).

The event launches a year of celebration for The Minnie Pearl Cancer Foundation, marking Minnie Pearl’s 100th birthday, and the organization’s 25 years of service.

Music Row businesses can support Hats Across the Row by placing signs in front of their offices. Signs are available for a $50 donation here.

The MPCF is also collecting “Minnie Moments.” The campaign features stories from the clients, survivors and caregivers who have used MPCF’s services, as well as memories from celebrities and fans of Minnie Pearl. Share a “Minnie Moment” here.

Artist Growth and BMI Partner to Aid Performing Artists

Music management app Artist Growth and BMI have announced a partnership to help musicians simplify the process of collecting performance royalties. BMI affiliates will now be able to register for royalties using any Artist Growth-equipped mobile device as soon as they finish playing a show.

BMI writers are being offered a free six-month trial of Artist Growth, which launched in Nashville in January 2012 with the goal of providing an entire toolkit for managing a music career. In coming months, BMI Live participants will be able to submit performances and set lists through Artist Growth as well.

“Artist Growth is an innovative new digital platform that presents exciting possibilities for BMI performing songwriters to manage and organize their schedules and tour support,” said Jody Williams, BMI VP Writer/Publisher Relations. “We look forward to offering access to Artist Growth to all BMI-affiliated writers, and working closely with their team to offer greater digital integration with BMI’s groundbreaking BMI Live program.”

During SXSW, Artist Growth also announced partnerships with CD Baby, Americana Music Association, PledgeMusic, Folk Alliance, NYU Steinhardt’s Music Business Program, Belmont University and more.