Audio Masters Golf Tournament Starts Tomorrow

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The 15th annual Audio Masters Golf Tournament is taking place Thursday and Friday (5/17-18) at the Harpeth Hills Golf Course in Nashville.

The event the primary fundraiser for the Nashville Engineer Relief Fund to aid live music engineers in the community experiencing medical or other life crisis situations. The event is a cooperative effort of the Audio Engineering Society Nashville Section and NERF, Inc.

Thursday, May 17 is the Live Sound Day, which features engineering friends in the Live Sound industry and is open to all. Friday, May 18 is the Studio Day, which focuses on the Recording Studio community. Both days will include a four person best ball tournament, breakfast and open driving range, and awards receptions following the golf, as well as an abundance of treats and beverages along the way.

For more information, click here.

Industry Photos (5/15/12)

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L–R: Parnassus Books’ Niki Castle and Karen Hayes, BMI’s Jody Williams, Gregg Allman, Harper Collins Books’ Sharon Glassmeyer, BMI’s Clay Bradley, and Parnassus Books’ Mary Grey James. Photo by Eric England

BMI and Parnassus Books hosted a book signing on May 10 for Southern rock legend and longtime BMI songwriter Gregg Allman, whose acclaimed new memoir My Cross to Bear was published on May 1. BMI’s spacious Nashville lobby was packed with fans, friends, musicians, and well-wishers, who all walked away with signed copies of the fascinating autobiography. Co-written by Alan Light, My Cross to Bear recounts Allman’s storied career and the legacy of the Allman Brothers Band.

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L–R: Brian White, HoriPro’s Amy Hendon Scott, SESAC’s Tim Fink, Karyn Williams, Catt Gravitt & Phillip Coleman Photo: Sheel

SESAC featured some of the industry’s best talent at the “16th Annual Key West Songwriters’ Festival.” The organization hosted a breakfast at Kelly’s, and offered the standing-room-only crowd an exciting showcase with performances from Brian White, Karyn Williams, Lance Miller, Nathan Barlowe, Rob Hatch, Liz Sharpe and many others.

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L-R: Joe Walsh, Timothy B. Schmit, Berklee President Roger H. Brown, Don Henley, and Glenn Frey. Front Row from L-R: Mulatu Astatke and Alison Krauss.

Close to 900 graduates from 58 countries received degrees today at Berklee’s 2012 commencement. Berklee president Roger H. Brown presented honorary doctor of music degrees to the Eagles, Alison Krauss, and Mulatu Astatke. Astatke delivered the commencement address to the graduating class and an estimated crowd of more than 4,000 guests at the Agganis Arena. Backed by the Berklee Gospel Ensemble, Krauss performed the traditional Appalachian song “Down by the River to Pray.” Astatke played vibraphone with students on his composition “Yakermew Sew.” Other concert highlights included Eagles hits “Hotel California,” “Take It Easy,” and “Desperado,” and an Alison Krauss duets medley.

DISClaimer Single Reviews (5/16/12)

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All stars, no waiting.

Music Row brings out the big guns this week with new entries by George Strait, Rascal Flatts, Little Big Town, Randy Travis, Keith Urban and The Mavericks. And here’s the kicker: Everybody sounds good.

So much so, that we’re dividing up the DisClaimer awards this week. Little Big Town wins the Disc of the Day for group performance. The female Disc of the Day belongs to rising star Gwen Sebastian. And in an extremely tight race, Randy Travis edges out Strait and Urban to take home the Disc of the Day in the male division. But absolutely program all three.

The DisCovery Award goes the newcomers Florida Georgia Line. They’re saying, “Here comes summer” in a big way.

RASCAL FLATTS/Come Wake Me Up
Writer: Sean McConnell/Johan Fransson/Tim Larsson/Tobias Lundgren; Producer: Dann Huff & Rascal Flatts; Publisher: none listed; Big Machine (track)
—This lustrous ballad has it all — a gorgeous melody, terrific audio dynamics, emotional lyrics, towering vocals, pop-crossover potential. In short, the second single from the group’s new Changed CD is a home run.

THE MAVERICKS/Born to Be Blue
Writer: Raul Malo/James House; Producer: Raul Malo & Niko Bolas; Publisher: Big Machine/Raul Malo/Super 98/Notorious Women/Songs of Kobalt, BMI; Valory Music
—It’s in Raul’s nouveau-Orbison mode, full of throb and drama. Irresistibly hooky, if somewhat muffled sounding.

GWEN SEBASTIAN/Met Him in a Motel Room
Writer: Rory Feek/Jamie Teachenor; Producer: none listed; Publisher: none listed; Flying Island (www.gwensebastian.com)
—Longtime MusicRow indie fave Sebastian gained a much higher profile this year as a contestant on TV’s The Voice and as Blake Shelton’s opening act on the road. To capitalize, she’s chosen a superb story song. Her spirited vocal is matched by a brightly bopping track and a lyric about finding God in the strangest places. Thank the Gideons for this one.

GEORGE STRAIT/Drinkin’ Man
Writer: George Strait/Bubba Strait/Dean Dillon; Producer: Tony Brown & George Strait; Publisher: Day Money/Hori Pro/Living for the Night/Sixteen Stars/Sony-ATV, ASCAP/BMI; MCA Nashville (track)
—There’s no happy ending here: He is trapped in the vice of alcohol and finds no way out. Steel licks swirl, fiddles sigh, guitars ripple and a piano adds grace notes as Strait’s weary, sad vocal leads us through a minor masterpiece. You young people take note: This is real country music.

MARTY RAYBON/Dirt Road Heartache
Writer: Melissa Ann Peirce/Jerry Dean Salley; Producer: Marty Raybon; Publisher: Chatawa/Songs of Peer, LTD; Rural Rhythm (track)
—Marty’s hillbilly tenor fits this uptempo bluegrass romp like the proverbial glove. The fleet-fingered instrumental support is dazzling.

JESSIE JAMES/Military Man
Writer: Clint Lagerberg/Cary Barlowe/Jessie James/Nicky Chinn; Producer: Mark Wright; Publisher: Big Loud Songs/Big Loud Bucks/Extreme Freedom/Castle Bound/Bummerman/In La La Land/Nicky Chinn/Ten Ten, ASCAP/SESAC; Show Dog Universal
—She’s the daughter of a man in uniform. She sings well, but the melody just lays there, and the lyric is way too wordy.

KEITH URBAN/For You
Writer: Monty Powell/Keith Urban; Producer: Dann Huff & Keith Urban; Publisher: Crane Song/Toreador/ole/Songs of Universal/Mary Rose, SESAC/BMI; Capitol (CDX)
—The intriguing, involving, minor-key melody draws you in. The lyric of a soldier willing to lay down his life speaks directly to thousands of contemporary Americans. Stirring.

RANDY TRAVIS /More Life
Writer: Mike Reid/Rory Bourke; Producer: Kyle Lehning; Publisher: Rivers and Roads/Rory Bourke, ASCAP/BMI; Warner Bros. (CDX)
—Two of the great voices of our time are together on this disc, with Don Henley adding high harmonies to Randy’s lead vocal. The icing on the cake is that the song is simply awesome and breathtaking. Facing the end, a man wishes only for “More Life,” to “love stronger, stay in the moment one moment longer.” This moved me to my core.

LITTLE BIG TOWN/Pontoon
Writer: Natalie Hemby/Luke Laird/Barry Dean; Producer: Jay Joyce; Publisher: EMI Blackwood/Wruckestrike/Universal-Careers/Barrytones, BMI; Capitol (CDX)
—The production magic of Jay Joyce gives the LBT voices renewed style. The crunchy groove and relaxed party atmosphere are right on the money for summertime. It goes without saying that the singing and harmonies are pluperfect bliss.

FLORIDA GEORGIA LINE/Cruise
Writer: Kelley/Rice/Rice/Hubbard/Moi; Producer: Joey Moi; Publisher: none listed; Big Loud Mountain (www.floridageorgialine.com)
—After an a cappella intro, this takes off like a speedboat on a glassy lake. The track is rushing and wooshing, and the voices are sprightly. What more do you want? Get on board.

IBMA Moving World of Bluegrass To Raleigh

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The IBMA’s World of Bluegrass festival is moving to Raleigh, NC for three years, 2013-2015. World of Bluegrass encompasses the IBMA Awards, a business conference, and Fan Fest. Events will center at the Raleigh Convention Center, the Raleigh Amphitheater and Memorial Auditorium, with hotel blocks at the Raleigh Marriott City Center, the Sheraton Raleigh and six additional nearby hotels.

The following dates have been announced, with an option for a five or seven-day event each year:
September 23 – 29, 2013
September 29 – October 5, 2014
September 28 – October 4, 2015

Stan Zdonik, a bluegrass aficionado and professor of computer science at Boston’s Brown University, is Chairman of the Board. He explained, “Raleigh offers us a compact ‘campus’ that includes both indoor and outdoor stages, as well as a state-of-the-art convention center that incorporates a bright and open atmosphere. We’re getting substantial savings and value from Raleigh, both for individual World of Bluegrass attendees and for our organization as a whole.”

Nancy Cardwell, the organization’s interim executive director, assures that IBMA’s office will remain in Nashville. She is in Raleigh for today’s announcement and unavailable for comment but released the following statement: “IBMA hosted our World of Bluegrass events in Owensboro and Louisville, Kentucky before moving to Nashville in 2005. We have a good home in Nashville, and we intend to stay actively involved throughout the year in local efforts to keep a high profile for bluegrass music in Music City, including quarterly ‘Bluebird in the Bluegrass’ songwriter rounds at The Bluebird Café, a ‘September is Worldwide Bluegrass Music Month’ downtown concert organized by the Foundation for Bluegrass Music, teacher workshops in collaboration with the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum, and other events produced by local members.”

This year’s World of Bluegrass is scheduled for Sept. 24-30 at the Nashville Convention Center, and includes the IBMA Awards at the Ryman Auditorium on Sept. 27. According to Bluegrass Today, the IBMA’s contract with the convention center is expiring, and some attendees believe prices in downtown Nashville are too high.

The 2011 World of Bluegrass Week, held Sept. 26–Oct. 2, 2011 in Nashville, featured 260 artist performances and drew a cumulative total of 18,070 attendees (an increase of about 2%); including 6,282 at the IBMA Business Conference; 2,226 at the International Bluegrass Music Awards; and 9,562 at Bluegrass Fan Fest. Events were held at the Ryman, Bluebird Café, and Loveless Barn.

The organization has experienced leadership changes in recent months. Former Executive Director Dan Hays resigned in February after 21 years of service. Cardwell was named to the interim post in March.

This spring William Lewis, Executive Director of Raleigh-based PineCone (Piedmont Council of Traditional Music), joined the board as an At Large member. He filled the spot left by Nashvillian Don Light’s resignation. Light manages Dailey & Vincent and The Steep Canyon Rangers.

IBMA Board of Directors

Stan Zdonik, Chairperson/President, Boston Bluegrass Union
Jon Weisberger, Vice-Chairperson
Alison Brown, Recording/Distribution/Marketing, Compass Records
Dan Keen, At Large – Secretary, Belmont University
Cindy Baucom, Broadcast Media, Knee Deep In Bluegrass
Mike Bub, Artists/Composers/Publishers
Donica Christensen, At-Large, Sugar Hill Records
Ron Cox, At Large – Treasurer, Avenue Bank
Janet Davis, Merchandisers/Luthiers, Janet Davis Music Company
Craig Ferguson, Event Production, Planet Bluegrass
Jeremy Garrett, Artists/Composers/Publishers, The Infamous Stringdusters
Craig Havighurst, Print Media/Education, String Theory Media
Carl Jackson, Artists/Composers/Publishers
Rienk Janssen, International – European Bluegrass Music Association
William Lewis, At Large
, PineCone
Todd Mayo, At Large, Music City Roots/Bluegrass Underground
Jim Roe, Agents/Managers/Publicists, Roe Entertainment
Neil Rosenberg, At Large
Dwight Worden, Associations, San Diego Bluegrass Society

TV Shows Singing A Country Tune

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Blake Shelton’s coaching gig on The Voice gave his career a boost and, in turn, his wisecracks from the big red chair helped the show rack up ratings. The singing competition, which wrapped its second season on May 8 with a win by Jermaine Paul from team Blake, is so popular that NBC is bringing it back this fall for two nights per week. Ratings for the season finale were up 16 percent over last year, averaging about 11.6 million viewers.

NBC believes so strongly in its hit series that this fall the network will use the singing competition as a lead-in for three new shows. The Monday night installment of The Voice will precede The Revolution, a sci-fi series from Lost co-creator J.J. Abrams, and the Tuesday night episode will lead to new comedies Go On, starring Matthew Perry, and The New Normal.

“We believe in [The Voice],” NBC Entertainment Chairman Bob Greenblatt told Ad Age, dismissing the notion that there are too many singing/entertainment competition shows on television. “There is a lot of room for all of us to succeed. People were saying, ‘Oh, American Idol is over this year.’ It’s certainly not over. There is a big appetite for all of these shows.”

If that’s the case, viewers will likely eat up ABC’s new offering Duets, featuring Sugarland star Jennifer Nettles and set for a two-hour series premiere Thurs., May 24. Nettles joins fellow stars Kelly Clarkson, John Legend and Robin Thicke who individually scoured the country for duet partners. The stars and their protégés will take the stage together each week in front of a live studio audience. Quddus, best known from his days on MTV’s Total Request Live, will host. The winner will receive a contract with Hollywood Records.

With prior appearances on NBC’s Nashville Star, CMT’s Gone Country and a win on NBC’s The Celebrity Apprentice, John Rich will return to television this summer on The CW Network. He will join Gloria Estefan and other yet-to-be named mentors on The Star Next Door, a nationwide music competition series from Queen Latifah. The mentors will travel to the hometowns of new talent to prepare them for the chance to represent their home cities live onstage. No premiere date has been set.

Adding to the country music mix on TV, yesterday MusicRow reported that ABC has picked up the new series Nashville and Malibu Country, starring Reba.

In related news, Britney Spears and teen star Demi Lovato will join Simon Cowell and L.A. Reid on Fox’s The X Factor this fall.

Country Throwdown Tour Adds Corey Smith, Plans New Dates

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The third annual Country Throwdown Tour Fired Up By Kingsford will get underway Friday, May 18 in Gulfport, MS, and a new performer and dates have been added for the popular outdoor summer trek.

Corey Smith will play select dates (May 19, 20, 26, 27, and July 8) of the tour, joining previously announced performers Gary Allan, Josh Thompson, Rodney Atkins, Justin Moore, Eric Paslay, Sunny Sweeney, Florida Georgia Line and Maggie Rose. Atkins is set to play June 1-30 and July 1, while Moore will be on board May 18-27.  In addition to the performances on the tour’s two main stages, the Bluebird Cafe stage will spotlight emerging songwriters Channing Wilson, Rose Falcon, and Carly Pearce for intimate sets throughout the day.

The tour will hit 20 cities nationwide and has recently added stops in Lampe, MO (5/19); Bonner Springs, KS (5/20); Milwaukee, WI (6/28); and Nashville (7/8). Special guests Jonathan Singleton and the Grove, Drake White, and Mama’s Blue Dress will play at the Nashville tour stop.

Pictured at the 2012 Country Throwdown Tour kick-off event on April, 24 at the famed Bluebird Cafe are (L-R): Eric Paslay, Carly Pearce, Gary Allan, Channing Wilson, Sunny Sweeney, Josh Thompson, 4Fini's Kevin Lyman and Sarah Baer and Florida Georgia Line's Brian Kelley and Tyler Hubbard. Photo: 4Fini

Tickets are on sale now for select cities at www.countrythrowdown.com.

Full dates:
5/18-Gulfport, MS @ Jones Park
5/19-Lampe, MO @ Black Oak Mountain Amphitheater
5/20-Bonner Springs, KS @ Cricket Wireless Amphitheater
5/26-Gilford, NH @ Meadowbrook U.S. Cellular Pavilion
5/27-Bangor, ME @ Waterfront Park
6/1-Clarkston, MI @ DTE Energy Music Theatre
6/2-Kettering, OH @ Fraze Pavilion
6/3-Anderson, IN @ Hoosier Park Casino
6/13-Glen Allen, VA @ Innsbrook Pavilion
6/14-N. Lawrence, OH @ Clay’s Park Amphitheater
6/15-Danville, VA @ Carrington Pavilion
6/16-Washington, PA @ CONSOL Energy Park
6/17-Syracuse, NY @ NYS Fairgrounds
6/22-Sioux Falls, SD @ W.H. Lyons Fairgrounds
6/23-Rockford, IL @ Davis Park / Metro Center
6/28-Milwaukee, WI @ Summerfest 2012
6/29-Marion, IL @ Rent One Park
6/30-Bridgeview, IL @ Toyota Park
7/1-Norfolk, NE @ Divots Conference Center
7/8-Nashville, TN @ The Woods at Fontanel

Universal Music Publishing Group Signs Mark Nesler

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Pictured L-R (back row): Michael Rexford, VP Business Affairs, UMPG; Whitney Williams, Creative Director, UMPG Nashville; Freeman Wizer, Creative Manager, UMPG Nashville; and Mike Milom, Esq., Milom Horsnell Crow Rose Kelley PLC. Pictured L-R (front row): Ron Stuve, VP A&R/Special Projects, UMPG Nashville; Mark Nesler; Kent Earls, EVP/General Manager, UMPG Nashville; and Cyndi Forman, Senior Creative Director, UMPG Nashville.

Universal Music Publishing Group today announced the signing of Nashville hitmaker Mark Nesler to an exclusive, worldwide publishing agreement. Under terms of the deal, UMPG will also acquire an interest in his Nez Music catalog and Little Lola Mae Music catalog.

Nesler’s list of hits is lengthy. He wrote Tim McGraw’s six week No. 1 “Just to See You Smile” on the multi-platinum album Everywhere. He also penned two charttoppers for George Strait: “Go On” and “Living and Living Well.” Nesler also co-wrote No. 1s for Keith Urban (“You Look Good in My Shirt”), Darryl Worley (“I Miss My Friend”) and most recently Billy Currington (“Let Me Down Easy”).

He penned Country Strong, the title track to the film which was recorded by Gwyneth Paltrow. Other hit singles by Nesler include: “For You I Will” (Aaron Tippin), “Heaven In My Women’s Eyes” and “Just Let Me Be In Love” (Tracy Byrd), “Why, Why, Why” (Billy Currington), and “A Different World” (Bucky Covington).

“With 15 + years of writing country hits, Mark continues to be one of the most consistent songwriters in Nashville today,” said Kent Earls, Executive Vice President/General Manager, UMPG Nashville. “We are very honored to acquire such an impressive body of work and look forward to many more successes with Mark.”

“When you walk through the door of UMPG it feels more like home rather than a business. That environment really promotes great songwriting. I’m proud to be a part of the UMPG family,” added Nesler.

Mark Nesler joins the UMPG Nashville roster of hit makers which includes Josh Turner, Keith Urban, Luke Laird, Lori McKenna, Hunter Hayes, Troy Verges, Nathan Chapman, Darius Rucker, Sara Evans and many others.

Events: SOLID Crawfish Boil; Songwriters at Savor Nashvillle

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SOLID’s 15th Annual Crawfish Boil will be held tomorrow, Wed., May 16, at 5:30 p.m. in the SESAC parking lot (66 Music Sq. W.). The informal gathering is free and open to the entire Music Row community (21+ with I.D.). In true country style, crawfish—or “mudbugs” as they are sometimes called—will be served with shrimp, potatoes, corn and cold beer. 12th & Porter will cater the Creole fare and beverages are courtesy of the locally-owned Bluegrass Brewing Company, Yazoo, and Jackalope.

RSVP on the Facebook event page.

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Hit songwriters Marv Green and Tim Nichols will perform at Savor Nashville’s Celebrity Chef Dinner on Sat., May 19, 7 p.m., at Nashville’s Hutton Hotel. Dinner will be prepared by celebrity chefs James Boyce of Cotton Row in Huntsville, AL and Bruce Moffett of Barrington’s Restaurant in Charlotte, NC, with wine pairings from Cultivate Wines. Proceeds benefit Hands on Nashville.

Savor Nashville, the city’s annual culinary weekend, will continue on Sun., May 20 at 12 p.m., when Union Station Hotel will host Challenge to the Chefs. Nashville chefs will compete in a cook-off using their choice of three locally produced ingredients: Goo Goo Clusters, Benton’s Bacon and Jack Daniel’s Honey. Guests will sample their unique creations while enjoying a Bloody Mary bar and live entertainment.

Tickets for the Celebrity Chef Dinner are $150 per person and $1,250 for tables of 10. Individual tickets to the Challenge to the Chefs are $35. An all-access weekend pass is available for $175 person. Details at www.nashvillelifestyles.com.

The Mavericks Announce EP Release Date; Stream Single

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The Mavericks will release a new Valory Music Co. project, a five-song EP titled Suited Up and Ready, on May 29. The release is expected to be followed by a full-length project this fall.

The band began streaming the project’s first single “Born To Be Blue” earlier this month before its official May 29 country radio add date.

Beginning this weekend, the band will support its new music with a North American tour spanning from Texas to Canada. International dates have not yet been released.

“We poured our hearts and soul into the new music and we think it’s our best work yet,” said Mavericks lead singer, Raul Malo.

Suited Up and Ready tracklist:
1. Back In Your Arms Again
2. Born To Be Blue
3. Come Unto Me
4.  Amsterdam Moon
5. That’s Not My Name

Plowboy Records Launches In Honor of Eddy Arnold

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(L-R): Plowboy Records founders Shannon Pollard, Cheetah Chrome, Don Cusic. Photo: Anna O'Connor

On what would have been Eddy Arnold’s 94th birthday, Plowboy Records has launched in Nashville to celebrate the Tennessee Plowboy’s legacy and provide a home for new American music.

The founders of Plowboy include Arnold’s grandson and musician Shannon Pollard; author, educator, and historian Don Cusic; and punk legend Cheetah Chrome (Rocket From the Tombs, The Dead Boys) in the Creative Director role.

The first release on Plowboy Records will be a new album from Bobby Bare, which is being recorded at RCA Studio B in Nashville. Bare’s collaborators on the project include Buddy Miller, Randy Scruggs and other members of Robert Plant’s Band of Joy.

Also in the works is an Eddy Arnold tribute album produced by Chrome and featuring interpretations of Arnold’s songs by a mix of traditional country artists, as well as alt-country and indie rock bands. “The goal of the tribute album is to raise some eyebrows by matching up artists from multiple genres with signature Eddy Arnold songs,” notes Pollard.

Watch a video of Pollard, Cusic, and Chrome discussing Plowboy Records here.