DISClaimer: An Americana Review

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mary gauthier trouble and love1With master song craftspeople David Olney and Mary Gauthier celebrating new record releases in these past few days, the signs are right for an Americana review session.
We’re breaking the Disc of the Day into three parts. In our female division, we crown Mary Gauthier, of course. It is also a given that David Olney wins the male sweepstakes. The group award goes to Dualtone’s esteemed Shovels & Rope.
I have never before heard of David White. But what a talent. He takes home this week’s DisCovery Award.
REAGAN BOGGS/On A Bad Note
Writers: R. Boggs/Producers: Eric Fritsch/Reagan Boggs; Publishers: Reagan Boggs, BMI; Reckless Bess
-The Reagan Boggs CD Quicksand leads off with this slow-burning neo-soul groover. She delivers its earthy lyrics of failed romance with a sultry sigh. She is backed by The Coal Men and co-producer Eric Fritsch, who sound as good or better as any band in town. Recommended.
DAVID OLNEY/When The Deal Goes Down
Writers: David Olney; Producers: David Olney/Mark Robinson; Publishers: Red Lilly, ASCAP; Deadbeet (track)
-The title tune of Olney’s latest collection is one of his passionate, darkly intense creations that manages to rock your body as well as stimulate your brain. If this man’s works aren’t already in your record collection, your Nashville songwriting education is remedial. You will not find a finer story teller about the mysteries of love, life and death. On Tuesdays, visit his website for his weekly “You Never Know” streams of singing and musing.
when the deal goes down david olney1NORTH OF NASHVILLE/Eyes For Me
Writers: Jay Basiner; Producers: Jonathan Wyman & North of Nashville; Publishers: none listed; NON (track)
-Like, way-way north. “North” all the way to Portland, Maine, where this duo is headquartered. Their style has an “outlaw” country thump, yet is firmly rooted in acoustic fiddle music. Intriguing, if a little thin sounding.
MARY GAUTHIER/Another Train
Writers: Mary Gauthier/Ben Glover; Producers: Marty Gauthier/Patrick Granado; Publishers: none listed; ASCAP/PRS; In The Black (track)
-This is the tune Gauthier sang at her recent Grand Ole Opry debut (backed by Marty Stuart, Kathy Mattea and Radney Foster, no less). On her new Trouble & Love CD, the sad, languid ballad features Guthrie Trapp, Darrell Scott, Viktor Krauss and Beth Nielsen Chapman. Scott is also prominently featured on the brilliant, atmospheric, gospel-flavored “Oh Soul,” and Chapman co-wrote two of the collection’s songs. The McCrary Sisters and Ashley Cleveland (plus Scott) are singing on the stately heartbreaker “Walking Each Other Home.” Gauthier co-wrote that with newly anointed Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame member Gretchen Peters, as well as the stunning “When a Woman Grows Cold” and “How You Learn to Live Alone” (which was sung by Jonathan Jackson on Season 2 of Nashville). In addition to the Opry, Gauthier’s album has recently been in the spotlight on NPR’s “Fresh Air.” Buy this record.
DAVID WHITE/Midnight Shift at the Maplewood Methodist Church
Writers: David White/Ashley Gorley; Producers: David White; Publishers: Everytown/Music of Windswept/Bug/BMG Chrysalis, ASCAP; Footpath (track)
-White is a Brentwood-based pediatrician with a style of vocal delivery that echoes James Taylor and a grasp of story-telling song craftsmanship that is right up there with the best of Music City. He also has one heckuva address book, for his self-produced opus features a cast that includes Chris Thile, Stuart Duncan, Dan Tyminiski, Bryan Sutton, Paul Franklin and Jerry Douglas. This Long Roots CD is an awesome disc debut.
shovels and rope swimmin time1SHOVELS & ROPE/The Devil Is All Around
Writers: Shovels & Rope; Producer: Michael Trent; Publishers: Famous Nightclub/Noberta Jean, BMI; Dualtone (track)
-The duo’s new Swimmin’ Time album comes out on Aug. 26, but you can hear this preview of its opening track now on its website. They shout this journey of the soul in thrilling twin harmonies while backed by a punching rhythm section. Be among the first to get on board.
THE STATESBORO REVUE/Huck Finn
Writers: J. Mann/S. Mann; Producers: The Statesboro Revue; Publishers: none listed; Shalley/Vision
-The Mann brothers recorded their new CD in Nashville as well as back home in Texas. Its single is a loose-limbed, rambling outing that recalls a vintage track by The Band. Jaunty and highly listenable.
PETER COOPER/Opening Day
Writers: Peter Cooper; Producer: Peter Cooper; Publisher: Well Known, SESAC; Red Beet (track)
–Tennessean music writer Cooper also pursues a side career as a singer-songwriter. The title tune of his latest evokes the promise and hope that come with a new baseball season. The fact that we Pirates fans so often come to the fall in disappointment goes without saying. Sweetly sad and wonderfully evocative.
THE HANDSOME FAMILY/Spider
Writers: Brett Sparks/Rennie Sparks; Producer: none listed; Publishers: none listed; Carrot Top (track)
-Sloppy, simplistic string-band music for children.
david white long roots1BRIGITTE DeMEYER/Savannah Road
Writers: Brigitte DeMeyer/Will Kimbrough; Producer: Brigitte DeMeyer; Publisher: Brigitte DeMeyer; BDM (track)
-The title tune of DeMeyer’s disc is a bluesy Southern backwoods lament that raises goosebumps and lives in steamy nostalgia. Her supporting cast on this collection includes Jeff Coffin, Will Kimbrough, Guthrie Trapp, Michael Rhodes and The McCrary Sisters. Let a word to the wise be sufficient.

Weekly Register: 'Dirt' Debuts At No. 1

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FGL performed "Dirt" on Live and showed hosts Michael Strahan and Kelly Ripa "how to make love to the camera." Photo: Rob Tannenbaum/Disney-ABC Domestic TV

FGL performed “Dirt” on “Live” and showed hosts Michael Strahan and Kelly Ripa “how to make love to the camera.” Photo: Rob Tannenbaum/Disney-ABC Domestic TV


The new track from Florida Georgia Line flew to the top of the Country download chart this week, debuting with sales of 182K. “Dirt,” the lead single from the duo’s upcoming sophomore album, landed at No. 2 on the overall chart.
The big news out of Nashville last week is the return of Garth Brooks. New music is coming from the legend before year’s end, and his back catalog is finally going digital, which is good news for Country sales.
With no major album debuts, Weekly Register decided to check in on this week’s top selling albums including Track Equivalent Album sales (see list below).
This week’s Top 5 Country tracks
FGL, “Dirt,” 182K TW, 182K RTD
Kenny Chesney, “American Kids,” 79K TW, 272K RTD
Dierks Bentley, “Drunk on A Plane” 66K TW, 555K RTD
Lady Antebellum, “Bartender,” 64K TW, 452K RTD
Miranda Lambert and Carrie Underwood, “Somethin’ Bad,” 51K TW, 411K RTD
Top 5 Country albums
Miranda Lambert, Platinum, 20K TW, 351K RTD
Brantley Gilbert, Just As I Am, 17K TW, 450 RTD
Luke Bryan, Crash My Party, 12K TW, 2 mil RTD
FGL, Here’s To The Good Times, 11K TW, 1.945 RTD
Colt Ford, Thanks For Listening, 10K TW, 33K RTD
Top 5 Country albums including Track Equivalent Albums
(10 tracks equals 1 album)
Luke Bryan, Crash My Party, 789K
Eric Church, The Outsiders, 775K
FGL, Here’s To The Good Times, 750K
Brantley Gilbert, Just As I Am, 620K
Miranda Lambert, Platinum, 453K

Music Makes Us Launches Online Hub To Connect Musicians, Schools

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music makes us logoMusic Makes Us has launched an online hub that allows music educators and the music community to partner in enhancing music education in Metro Schools. Partially funded by the Bonnaroo Works Fund, the online hub is a listing of music professionals who want to share their programs and expertise with Metro school students. A pool of funds will be provided by Music Makes Us to assist teachers with the cost of the programs.
“The online hub gives teachers and students greater access to the full richness of the Nashville music community, whether it be a performance with a classical ensemble, a workshop with barbershop harmonies or a career-inspiring visit with a world famous songwriter, audio engineer or record producer,” Music Makes Us director Laurie Schell said.
“It is a database built with teachers in mind,” said Jennifer Cole of the Metro Nashville Arts Commission. “Teachers or school leaders can search by music genre, grade level, cultural origin and program type. The hope is that music professionals will have a cleaner, easier way to connect directly with students in a way that is specific to classroom needs and teachers will have a clearer way of cataloging their opportunities.”
The online hub is now accepting applications from music professionals who want to share their expertise with students. Ideal applicants will provide quality musical learning opportunities, link music curriculum with real world experiences and collaborate with music educators.
The online hub will offer two tracks for musicians and organizations. Track A, the extended outreach track, is for organizations and musicians who can be available regularly to Metro Schools’ teachers for ongoing educational programming. Track B, the Done in a Day track, is for those who have limited time available and can share their expertise occasionally.
To request a link to the application, contact Valerie Harbin. The deadline for submission is Aug. 29 at 5 p.m. Those accepted to the online hub will be notified no later than Oct. 17.
For more information, visit musicmakesus.org.

Sony/ATV Makes Global Music Catalog Available Online

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Sony ATV LogoSony/ATV Music Publishing‘s entire music catalog, including EMI Music Publishing, can be viewed and downloaded by music services and other interested parties on sonyatv.com, beginning Wednesday (July 16). Sony/ATV.com allows authorized users to search by song name, alternative titles, and composer, as well as other information including country of origin.
“As the world’s leading music publisher we want to ensure that existing users, prospective licensees and those with a need to access our extensive song list are provided with that capability,” said Martin Bandier, Chairman & CEO of the company. “We are thrilled to announce today that the company is taking the next step and offering a greater level of transparency by enabling our global catalog to be accessible upon request.”
Sony/ATV’s catalog includes artists such as The Beatles, Michael Jackson, Marvin Gaye, The Rolling Stones, Stevie Wonder, Ed Sheeran, Sam Smith, Taylor Swift, and Pharrell Williams. Songs in the Sony/ATV Music Publishing catalog include “Hey Jude,” “I Heard it Through The Grapevine,” “Jailhouse Rock,” “Over The Rainbow,” and others.

MusicRowPics: Daniel Lee

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Daniel Lee visit

Daniel Lee visit


Northeast Georgia native Daniel Lee recently visited the MusicRow office to offer an acoustic preview of songs from his upcoming album. Roots, produced by Shannon Houchins and Noah Gordon, will release on Average Joes on July 22.
The singer-songwriter performed a brief set that included “Backwoods Tobacco,” a song featured on MudDigger Vol. 3, as well as “For Sale Sign” and “Complain,” a self-defining song that Lee penned solo. He also offered “Georgia Asphalt Road,” co-penned by Chris Janson. “I didn’t write it, but it really fits the album,” said Lee.
Average Joes’ marketing strategy for Lee so far has focused on digital outlets, Sirius XM, and some local terrestrial radio outlets. Lee will celebrate the release of Roots closer to home at Wild Bill’s in Atlanta on Aug. 2. He is partnering with Adventure Bags to collect backpack items for displaced children in the Metro Atlanta. The evening’s lineup will also include Coal Mountain Band and Georgia Red Clay.
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ABC's 'Nashville' Season Three Premieres Sept. 24

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nashvilleThe third season of ABC’s Nashville will bring more drama to Music City when it premieres on Wednesday, Sept. 24 at 9 p.m. CT.
According to Radio Times, the season premiere will feature live musical performances from Connie Britton (Rayna Jaymes) and Hayden Pannettiere (Juliette Barnes), broadcast directly from the show’s set. The episode will also feature pre-recorded scenes, which will be shot July 17.
Nashville creator Callie Khouri explained that she took inspiration from Nashville: On The Record, a show that previously aired and featured performances from the Nashville cast as well as the songwriters behind tunes featured on the popular series. “That’s what gave us courage to attempt a live show,” said Khouri.

Artist Updates (7/15/14)

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leann rimes1LeAnn Rimes will release her 19th project on Aug. 5, a dance remix of her greatest hits, titled Dance Like You Don’t Give A…Greatest Hit Remixes. The project is available on iTunes today (Tuesday, July 15).
The project features remixes of Rimes’ hits including “How Do I Live,” “Can’t Fight The Moonlight,” “Gasoline and Matches,” and more, remixed by DJs including Dave Aude, Kaskade, Cahill, Fear of Tigers, and more.

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kellie pickler

Kellie Pickler


Kellie Pickler will lend her voice to an upcoming VeggieTales release, titled Beauty and the Beet. Pickler stars as Mirabelle, a sweet-potato lead singer of a family band that encounters trouble when an angry innkeeper makes them feel unwelcome. Mirabelle proves compassion and kindness can change people as she matches his mean actions with love. Beauty and the Beet features seven original songs performed by Pickler, which will be collected into a companion CD.
Beauty and the Beet premieres Oct. 14.

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ashley-monroe-featured1111111111

Ashley Monroe


Ashley Monroe has been discharged from a Nashville hospital after being admitted for a severe kidney infection on Friday, July 11. Monroe will resume performing on July 18 in Cincinnati, Ohio, followed by shows in Ashland, Ky. (July 19) and Brooklyn, Mich. (July 20).
“I’m finally feeling some relief after spending two nights in the hospital. I’m very grateful to everyone for their prayers and understanding during this time,” said Monroe in a statement.

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JameyGroup021Jamey Johnson, Shooter Jennings, and Jessi Colter hosted a tribute to Waylon Jennings and Hank Cochran in front of a sold-out crowd at Nashville’s Marathon Music Works last week. The event raised more than $70,000 for the Nikki Mitchell Foundation, which supports pancreatic cancer research.
The Nikki Mitchell Foundation is named in honor of Jennings’ late manager of 22 years, Nikki Mitchell.

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sturgill simpson11Sturgill Simpson made his late night television debut on the Late Show with David Letterman Monday evening (July 14), performing “Life of Sin.” The performance celebrates Simpson’s sophomore project, Metamodern Sounds in Country Music, released on High Top Mountain Records.

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Bluegrass duo Dailey & Vincent visited the Academy of Country Music’s office near Los Angeles recently. The duo performed “Steel Drivin’ Man,” “Big River,” and “River of Time.”
The duo is currently touring as part of their “Musical Landmarks of America” tour, which includes stops at Carnegie Hall, the Library of Congress’ Coolidge Auditorium, and Nashville’s Ryman Auditorium, among other venues.

Pictured: Dailey & Vincent sign a guitar at the Academy of Country Music in Encino, Calif. Photo: Michel Bourquard/ACM

Pictured: Dailey & Vincent sign a guitar at the Academy of Country Music in Encino, Calif. Photo: Michel Bourquard/ACM

Dick Clark Productions Names COO/ CFO

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Amy Thurlow

Amy Thurlow


Amy Thurlow has been named Chief Operating Officer and Chief Financial Officer for dick clark productions, the company that produces the Academy of Country Music Awards.
She will be based at DCP’s Santa Monica headquarters and report directly to Pres. Mike Mahan.
Thurlow most recently served as Chief Financial Officer and Executive Vice President of Sales Strategy for TV Guide Network, a CBS/Lionsgate partnership, based in New York and Los Angeles. Prior to serving as CFO and EVP, she held several positions within the company, including Senior Vice President, Sales Strategy and Planning.
Earlier in Thurlow’s career, she joined NBC Universal as Manager of Corporate Staff Finance in 1998 and worked her way up to Finance Director of Film and TV Distribution. She began her career at the General Electric Corporation.
In more news from DCP, the company and The Hollywood Foreign Press Association have settled a legal battle over who controls rights to produce the Golden Globe Awards. More on that from The Hollywood Reporter.

The Primacy Firm Forms "Of Counsel" Association with Chris Skinner

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Chris Skinner, Esq.

Chris Skinner, Esq.


Nashville’s The Primacy Firm has formed an “Of Counsel” relationship with Chris Skinner, Esq. Skinner is a solo practitioner providing transactional legal services in Entertainment, Intellectual Property, Internet Law, and Estate Planning. A native of Memphis, Tenn., Skinner earned his J.D. from the University of Mississippi School of Law in 2011, and is licensed to practice in Tennessee.
“I have known Chris for several years, and have admired his work ethic and drive,” stated Denise Nichols, Esq., The Primacy Firm’s founder. “He has a reputation for a client-centered approach which fits perfectly with the mission of my firm. The experience and knowledge he brings will complement the services we already offer to our clients.”
The Primacy Firm is a boutique entertainment law firm, which caters to the needs of creative individuals and businesses. Prior to launching The Primacy Firm, Nichols worked in radio promotion with Arista Records and later at artist management firm Spalding Entertainment.
“Denise’s background provides a level of insight beyond that of most entertainment attorneys, and I am excited about my association with her firm,” states Skinner.

Rdio Premium Users Can Stream Full Tracks From Shazam App

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shazam_logo2Shazam just got a little easier to use for Rdio‘s premium users. Music identification service Shazam updated its iOS app Monday (July 14) to allow Rdio subscribers to play full song tracks inside the app. Previously, playing an entire song required users to launch the Rdio app.
After Shazam identifies a track, Rdio Unlimited subscribers can listen to the entire song without leaving Shazam’s app. Rdio Unlimited is available for $14.99/month in the U.S. Additionally, Shazam will now integrate into a Rdio subscriber’s playlists. The app automatically adds songs it identifies to a playlist titled “Your Shazamed Tracks.” Users can then choose to add these songs to other Rdio playlists.
“Shazaming a song is just the beginning of a listener’s journey,” Daniel Danker, Shazam’s chief product officer, said in a blog post. “Now, in partnership with Rdio, fans can listen to the music they discover without even leaving the app, making Shazam a terrific place to enjoy great music.”
The update also includes enhanced Facebook sharing.
This update is available iOS, with an update for Android launching in the next few days. Additional streaming services will be added and announced in the coming weeks.