Bobby Karl Works The Room

/by

Lisa Marie Presley made her Grand Ole Opry debut with a rousing welcome from the audience. Backstage she added, “I grew up not far away and am a huge fan of so many who have been here. I know how important this is.”

Chapter 405

A few observations about Lisa Marie Presley – First of all, she is strikingly petite. I’d be surprised if she’s 5’3” in heels. Also: She may be a millionaire, but she’s no diva.

There was no Grand Entrance at the BMI luncheon (8/20) celebrating the release of her CD Storm & Grace. In fact, she was already there when we arrived. She was extremely humble, posing for pictures with anyone who asked, even people with cell-phone cameras. Although she is internationally famous as the daughter of Elvis and Priscilla, she seemed almost intimidated about being in Music City.

“It’s an honor for me to be here,” she said. “I’m really proud of this record.” She should be. It’s a cool-sounding Americana production by T Bone Burnett that transforms her from her prior rock persona.

“BMI has hosted a lot of events,” said Clay Bradley. “But this is the coolest event BMI has ever had….We’re here to celebrate Storm & Grace.It’s the songs by Lisa Marie and her soulful voice that make it so special.” She co-wrote all of the songs on the Universal Republic/XIX Recordings project.

Her video of the groovy thumper “You Ain’t Seen Nothing Yet” was screened. Then she showed us a video she made from home-movie footage of her as a child with her dad. Through the magic of modern technology, the audio was a duet by Elvis and her singing “I Love You Because.”

On Tuesday (8/21), she staged her Grand Ole Opry debut. She sang “Over Me,” “Storm of Nails” and “Weary” from her album and wowed the sold-out audience. See the video below.

Her similarly wowed BMI party people included Elvis associates Tony Brown and Joe Moscheo, plus Billy Burnette, Clay Myers, Carla Wallace, Tamara Saviano, Steve Buchanan, Debbie Linn, Hank Adam Locklin, Ray Sells, Sherod Robertson and Whitney Daane.

I asked Hunter Kelly if he talked to Lisa Marie about her love life with Michael Jackson and/or Nicholas Cage when he interviewed her. He did not. We all begged Shawn Camp to do his famous Elvis impersonation for the guest of honor. He did not.

Lunch, by the way, was fantastic – chicken fingers, marinated asparagus spears, orzo salad, fresh tomato slices, breads and finger-food desserts.

This was our second sighting of Shawn Camp of the week. We also caught his sensational set at “Woofstock,” the pet-adoption event at Fontanel (8/18), hosted by Emmylou Harris. His band included Mike Bub and Sam Bush. Also excellent was Ella Mae Bowen, who commanded the stage with just her voice and guitar. It’s hard to believe she’s only 16.

Gathered around were Hugh Bennett, Steve West, Jon Randall Stewart & Jessi Alexander (with kids), Sharon White, Tracy Gershon and Phil Kaufman. Also on the bill were Buddy Miller, The Whites, 12 South and Mike Farris, plus Emmy. It was a beautiful day. This was the “first annual” such fest. If you weren’t there, go next year.

Last night (8/22) the Country Music Hall of Fame® and Museum hosted a reception for its new exhibition Patsy Cline: Crazy for Loving You. The exhibit opens to the public on Friday, Aug. 24 and runs through June 10, 2013. Pictured (L-R): Curatorial Director Mick Buck, Museum Director Kyle Young, VP of Museum Services Carolyn Tate, Julie Fudge, Charlie Dick and Randy Dick. Photo: Donn Jones

The Exhibition Opening Reception for “Patsy Cline: Crazy for Loving You” at the Country Music Hall of Fame (8/22) was extremely well attended. The stellar guests included Brenda Lee, Gordon Stoker, Jim Foglesong, George Hamilton IV, Jan Howard, Victoria Shaw and Hege V.

The museum’s Kyle Young called Cline, “one of popular music’s greatest and most influential singers” and said her records are “among the most powerful singles in music history.” Widower Charlie Dick and daughter Julie Fudge, who also spoke, gave the new exhibit an especially personal and intimate tone.

Included are the late star’s earrings and salt-and-pepper shaker collection, letters, sheet music, Julie’s baby book, Patsy’s career scrapbook, Charlie’s bracelet with her photo in it, Billboard awards, costumes, the “Dixie” cigarette lighter and airplane clock recovered from the fatal crash, a replica of her Hollywood Walk of Fame star, show programs and other memorabilia. There is also rare video footage and striking audio of Patsy singing, stripped of backing music.

In Patsy’s memory, Mandy Barnett performed “Bill Bailey Won’t You Please Come Home” and “Crazy,” the No. 1 jukebox record of all time. She was accompanied by Hall of Fame guitarist Harold Bradley, plus bass player Brad Albin and lead guitarist Andy Reiss. “What an honor it is to be here tonight,” said Mandy. By the way, she was the last artist to be produced by the legendary Owen Bradley, who also produced Patsy.

The capacity Ford Theatre crowd included John Lytle, David Conrad, Greg & Barb Hall, Jay Frank, Lon Helton, Melanie Howard, Mary Ann McCready & Roy Wunsch, Barry Mazor, Tim Wipperman, David & Susana Ross, Suzanne Kessler, Bonnie Garner, Jerry & Ernie Williams, Steve Turner, Steve Betts and Seab Tuck.

From there, it was a quick walk to the Schermerhorn Symphony Center for an album-launch performance by Little Big Town (8/22). The main hall was standing room only.

I had been wanting to sample the fare at the new The Southern restaurant around the corner at the Pinnacle building. Steve Moore is a partner in this venture with the fabulous Tom Morales. As I had heard, the food is delicious, whether you choose the steaks or the seafood. Miss Mary and I had the grilled grouper salad. Also try the Apalachicola oysters, the shrimp appetizer, the broccoli soup and the bread-pudding dessert. And don’t miss the huge wall of celebrity photographs. Down at the end are two featuring a much younger Bobby Karl with Earl Scruggs in one and with Dottie West in the other.

Little Big Town Unleashes “Tornado” in Nashville

/by

Pictured (L-R): Capitol Records Nashville SVP Promotion Steve Hodges, COO Tom Becci, LBT’s Phillip Sweet, Kimberly Schlapman, Karen Fairchild, Jimi Westbrook, Capitol Records Nashville SVP Marketing Cindy Mabe, President and CEO, EMI Christian Music Group Bill Hearn.

Little Big Town’s full-length album, Tornado, is predicted to hit the nation on Sept. 11 in the wake of major hit single “Pontoon.” Last night (8/23) Capitol Records reined in a slew of Nashville who’s who for a soiree to where the ever-impressive foursome performed the album in its entirety.

With Capitol staff dispersed amongst the audience, the Schermerhorn Symphony Center floor was lively and liquored by the time the band hit the stage around 7. Backed by their band and special guests, including producer Jay Joyce (playing celeste, synthesizer, keyboard, electric guitar) and guitarist Jedd Hughes, the show’s effects were undeniable—in production and delivery.

Lights shined from the stage risers at times, ticking out words like “Little Big Town,” and (spoiler alert) “Boondocks.” The band’s sound was impeccable and the performance matched. Each member had time in the spotlight while the others happily sang backup from the risers. But the effects are most compelling when the four team up, side-by-side, front stage.

A full track listing and songwriters appears below, but performance highlights included the title track “Tornado,” when jets of c02 blasted up from various stage locations. The band stripped down the set for “Night Owl,” performing with an upright bass to slow the mood, and left only song for an encore: its ’05 signature hit “Boondocks.”

Fellow artists out to support the group included Jay DeMarcus of Rascal Flatts, members of Edens Edge, and Eric Paslay.

Altogether, it’s taken ten years and four record deals for Tornado to strike. Last night’s Nashville touchdown allowed a crowd of believers to continue rooting for the group it has long supported, and help them reach for the super stars.

Tornado track listing:
1. Pavement Ends (Jason Saenz/Brent Cobb)
2. Pontoon (Barry Dean/Natalie Hemby/Luke Laird)
3. Sober (Liz Rose/Hillary Lindsey/Lori McKenna)
4. Front Porch Thing (Chris Stapleton/Adam Hood)
5. On Your Side Of The Bed (Lori McKenna/K.Fairchild/J.Westbrook/K.Schlapman/P.Sweet)
6. Leavin’ In Your Eyes (Brett Warren/Brad Warren/Jay Joyce/J.Westbrook/K.Fairchild/K.Schlapman)
7. Tornado (Natalie Hemby/Delta Made)
8. On Fire Tonight (Luke Laird/P.Sweet/J.Westbrook/K.Fairchild/K.Schlapman)
9. Can’t Go Back (Natalie Hemby/Kate York/Rosi Golan)
10. Self Made (Natalie Hemby/Jedd Hughes/J.Westbrook/K.Fairchild)
11. Night Owl (Natalie Hemby/J.Westbrook/K.Fairchild/K.Schlapman/P.Sweet)

No. 1 Party: Brantley Gilbert’s “You Don’t Know Her Like I Do”

/by

Pictured (L-R): back row –George Briner, Scott Borchetta, Dann Huff, Rich Egan, Ron Cox, Steve Tusman, and Clay Bradley; front row – Steve Markland, Brantley Gilbert, Jim McCormick, and BJ Hill. Photo Rick Diamond

Big Machine Label Group was on the stands for a second time this week, this time to celebrate Brantley Gilbert and Jim McCormick’s No. 1 song “You Don’t Know Her Like I Do” during a rooftop reception at Nashville’s BMI offices yesterday (8/22).

The song is McCormick’s first No. 1 hit and Gilbert’s fourth No. 1 as a songwriter (and second as an artist). Both writers received silver cups from BMI from Clay Bradley, Warner-Tamerlane No. 1 plaques from representatives Steve Markland and BJ Hill, CMA medallions from Brandi Simms and CRB recognition from Michelle Tigard Kammerer. Paying it forward, Avenue Bank’s Ron Cox presented a contribution made in honor of the writers to the Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans Fund.

McCormick received a special black BMI Takamine guitar for his career milestone, to which Hill remarked, “Hopefully, you’ll be up here celebrating this a lot.”

“I’m more excited to celebrate Jim’s No. 1, than for myself,” said Gilbert, who also accepted special recognition from label representatives Annie Ortmeier and Brittney McKenna for reaching a social media milestone, 1 million ‘likes’ on Facebook. The star made an effort to thank management’s Rich Egan and Steve Tusman, and his bus driver, security, brother and mother in the audience. Valory VP of Promotion George Briner accepted recognition onstage alongside BMLG head Scott Borchetta.

“Look how beautiful this day is,” noted Borchetta before delivering remarks. “When we decided to add a few more tracks to Brantley’s album, I called his publisher at Warner Chappell. Let me say, not since Taylor Swift have I received a catalog this good.”

“I got a call from Scott,” recalled producer, Dann Huff. “I both hate and love them when he asks for favors. Brantley and I found a common thread through music. I’d like to point out this is Brantley’s band on the track…and give credit to Justin Niebank for engineering. And thank you Scott, for the call.”

“Today is a chance to say thank you for those who’ve encouraged me along the way,” said McCormick, who recognized his mom, dad, brother, sister, and wife among a list of industry salutes, saving his final thank you for Gilbert. “And thank you Brantley, for taking our song to the top.”

MusicRowPics: Flynnville Train Artist Visit

/by

Yesterday (8/22), Flynnville Train stopped by MusicRow headquarters. Band members include brothers Brian and Brent Flynn, Tommy Bales and Joseph Shreve. Usually equipped with amps and loud PA systems ready to rock out, the band gave an acoustic, stripped down performance of several songs, including their current single “The One You Love.”

“It’s sort of a different perspective on us,” Brian said of the sweet, mellow sounding tune, which they originally debuted while playing at a Montgomery Gentry concert. “Afterwards, a lot of people came up and said they wanted to use it as their wedding song, but we hadn’t even cut it yet.” But that’s since changed and the song went to radio Monday (8/20).

The group, all of whom grew up in central Indiana, also played “Tequila Sheila” and “Home.” After being together for thirteen years the band shared a little bit of their philosophy saying, “We just take the music where they want to hear it – we’re a live band.”

Their next record is slated for release early 2013.

[slide]

Artist Updates (8/23/12)

/by

Dwight Yoakam is offering a preview of his forthcoming CD, 3 Pears, by exclusively debuting “A Heart Like Mine” on RollingStone.com. The track, co-produced by Beck, is one of the 12 songs off of his 26th album, 3 Pears, which is set to be released September 18 on Warner Bros. Records. A few more select tracks will be debuted in coming weeks in advance of the album release. Yoakam also just launched his album pre-sale on his website. Fans can order a copy of his upcoming album 3 Pears, which includes both physical and digital copies, and an instant download of the track “Waterfall,” along with an autographed album lithograph. For more information visit www.dwightyoakam.com.

• • • •

Rodney Atkins is the featured artist for the All American Concert Series finale airing live tomorrow, Friday, Aug. 24 on Fox News Channel’s Fox & Friends. Atkins will perform his No. 1 smash hit “Take A Back Road” and current single “Just Wanna Rock N Roll” from his  album Take A Back Road along with other hits during the show.

• • • •

RCA Records has announced the upcoming release of EP1, the debut EP from Smoke & Jackal. The six-track collection arrives in stores and at all digital retailers on October 16.  EP1 marks the first collaboration between Jared Followill (Kings of Leon) and Nick Brown (Mona). A companion video clip for their first single, “No Tell” is currently in post-production, with a premiere date to be announced soon. “No Tell,” will be available via iTunes and all digital providers on August 28. For more information, please see www.smokeandjackal.com.

 

 

Americana and Country Favorites to Salute Levon Helm

/by

Photo: Ahron R. Foster

Some of Americana and Country music’s best will join together to pay tribute to the music of the late, great Levon Helm at “Love For Levon,” which takes place October 3 at the Izod Center in East Rutherford, New Jersey.

All-star guests gathering to salute Helm include Eric Church, Dierks Bentley, John Mayer, My Morning Jacket, Ray LaMontagne, Gregg Allman, Marc Cohn, Patty Griffin, Warren Haynes, John Hiatt, Bruce Hornsby, Jorma Kaukonen, The Levon Helm Band, Robert Randolph, Mavis Staples, Joe Walsh, Lucinda Williams and more to be announced. Don Was and Larry Campbell will lead the band and serve as the evening’s musical directors. Keith Wortman is the show producer.

“We are deeply moved that so many musicians and friends of Levon’s are coming together to celebrate his life and his music, and to help us keep his musical spirit and vision alive in the Midnight Rambles,” said Sandy and Amy Helm, Levon’s wife and daughter. “We want to continue to honor his legacy by creating a musical landmark at the Barn, one that inspires and celebrates Americana music and its heritage.”

Tickets for the event go on sale Wednesday, August 29 online and at select Ticketmaster locations. Net proceeds will help support Helm’s legacy by helping his estate keep ownership of his home, barn and studio, and to continue The Midnight Ramble Sessions.

Franklin Theatre Host Writers Night Benefit

/by

Franklin Theatre will host a songwriters night benefit next Monday (8/27) at 7 p.m with proceeds benefiting Williamson County CASA. The organization works in the court system through trained community volunteers collaborating with key agencies, legal counsel and community resources serving as the child’s advocate and representation in juvenile court.

Hosted by Shannon McCombs, the evening will feature performances by Rivers Rutherford (“Ain’t Nothing ‘Bout You”–Brooks & Dunn, “Real Good Man”–Tim McGraw, “If You Ever Stop Loving Me”–Montgomery Gentry), Wil Nance (“She’s Everything”–Brad Paisley, “Round About Way”–George Strait), Bob Regan (“Your Everything”–Keith Urban, “Thinking About You”–Trisha Yearwood) and Billy Yates (“Choices”–George Jones).

Doors open at 6 p.m. Tickets are $40 for classic admission and $75 for cabaret admission. They can be purchased here.

Loggins, Middleman and Burr Plan National Tour

/by

Blue Sky Riders

Vocal trio Blue Sky Riders, comprised of Kenny Loggins, Georgia Middleman and Gary Burr, will headline its first national tour this fall to support the self-titled debut album expected Jan. 22, 2013.

The band, who spent the summer opening for Loggins, will kick-off a 14 city tour on September 13, including a five-night residency at New York’s Feinstein’s At Loews Regency.

Select singles from the album will be digitally available in the coming months. The band’s Live At The Rutledge EP is currently available for purchase on iTunes.

Blue Sky Riders tour dates:

9/13– Kent, OH
9/14– Cleveland, OH
9/18– Annapolis, MD
9/19– Glenside, PA
9/20– Londonderry, NH
9/21– Foxborough, MA
9/22– Norfolk, CT
9/23– Ridgefield, CT
9/25-29– New York City
10/1– State College, PA

Snapshots (8/23/12)

/by

Lisa Marie Presley visited BMI’s Music Row offices on Monday, August 20, with her latest album Storm & Grace (produced by T Bone Burnett) in tow. The visit included a viewing of the video for Presley’s single, “You Ain’t Seen Nothing Yet.” While in Nashville, Presley also made her Grand Ole Opry debut.

(L-R): BMI’s Clay Bradley, Lisa Marie Presley, and BMI’s Leslie Roberts and Mark Mason. Photo: Drew Maynard

• • • •

SESAC’s Nashville headquarters was the setting for the album release party for Jerry Salley’s Showing My Age project. A festive gathering of Salley’s friends, family and music industry personnel were on hand to celebrate the new release by the critically acclaimed songwriter, artist and musician.

(L-R): SESAC’s Tim Fink, Salley and musician/songwriters Jon Weisberger and Carl Jackson. Photo: Peyton Hoge

• • • •

Republic Nashville’s country rock duo Florida Georgia Line – comprised of Tyler Hubbard from Monroe, GA and Brian Kelley from Ormond Beach, FL – made its Grand Ole Opry debut last Friday night (8/17). FGL got the crowd going with a performance of their up-tempo song “Tip It Back” and closed out the debut with their top-selling single “Cruise.” Both tunes are from their current EP It’z Just What We Do, produced by Joey Moi.

(L-R): (Front row) Republic Nashville National Dir. of Promotion Matthew Hargis, Luke Harnen, Republic Nashville President/Big Machine Label Group EVP Jimmy Harnen (Back row) Jason Schmidt, Big Loud Mountain Partner/FGL Producer Joey Moi, Sweet Talk Publicity’s Jensen Arrowsmith, FGL’s Tyler Hubbard, Republic Nashville Southeast Promotion Stacey Blythe, Big Loud Mountain/FGL Mgr. Seth England, Republic Nashville Label Resource Mgr. Megan Knutson, Buddy Lee Attractions Pres. Kevin Neal, FGL’s Brian Kelley, Brian Bonds, Jaime Lyn Bowers, Tom Beaupre

No. 1 Party: Kenny Chesney’s “Come Over”

/by

(l-r): ASCAP's Ryan Beuschel, Josh Osborne, Shane McAnally and Sam Hunt. Photo: Ed Rode

Music City’s party-going set convened at CMA headquarters Tuesday (8/21) to toast the creative team behind Kenny Chesney’s recent No. 1 “Come Over”—his 22nd career chart topper. Writers Sam Hunt and Josh Osborne both earned their first No. 1 with this hit, and collaborator Shane McAnally earned his third in 18 months, extending a run that includes Jake Owen’s “Alone With You” and Chesney’s “Somewhere With You.”

“If you can’t find Shane McAnally these days, you probably haven’t spent much time at any No. 1 parties,” echoed ASCAP’s Ryan Beuschel, who hosted the proceedings.

Black River’s Celia Froehlig extolled the talents of Osborne. In addition to the Chesney hit, the Kentucky native also has a piece of the current Chris Young single “Neon” and the expected next Love and Theft single.

Chesney’s manager Clint Higham, who is also Sam Hunt’s manager and publisher, has a long history with McAnally dating back to his days as a Curb artist in the ‘90s. Other presentations were made by McAnally’s publisher Robin Palmer, CRS President Bill Mayne, and CMA’s Brandi Simms and additional awards were presented to producer Buddy Cannon and Sony Music’s Gary Overton and Norbert Nix.

Hunt, who is currently recording his debut album with Joey Moi, credited Tom T. Hall with inspiring him to write the songs he loves. He also thanked his parents, who were present. “I told y’all, ‘I got this!’” he joked. Hunt’s co-writers both predicted major success for him as a recording artist.

Osborne managed to be charming even as he was getting choked up over his accomplishment. “If you’re in the music business, please find the right person,” he advised, before thanking his wife and some of the others he found.

And despite his many recent successes, McAnally was still grateful that he gets to do this for a living. Gesturing to his friend Clint Higham, he said, “It certainly didn’t end up where we thought, but it’s better than I imagined.”

Chesney was unable to attend but sent congratulations via Higham.