May 2015 - Page 12 of 22

Alan Wenkus To Write George Jones Biopic, ‘No Show Jones’

May 14, 2015/by Troy_Stephenson

George Jones

28 Entertainment and George Jones’ estate announced that Alan Wenkus will develop the George Jones biopic, No Show Jones. Wenkus has been working closely with Jones’ widow, Nancy, who will serve as executive producer. 28 Entertainment’s Brian A. Hoffman and Dennis Baxter will produce the project.

Wenkus also worked on the 2015 biopic Straight Outta Compton, which centers on group NWA’s emergence from Compton, Calif., in the mid-1980s.

“George Jones literally saved country music when rock and roll almost swallowed it up. He had such an entertaining life. It’s got it all. Love, loss, redemption and a lot of whiskey…basically everything George was singing about,” said Wenkus.

No Show Jones will tell the story of Jones’ career in country music and his marriages to Tammy Wynette and Nancy Jones. The producers spent many hours with Jones in his later years. Jones died in 2013 at the age of 81.

“We are very excited about moving into the next phase of bringing George’s remarkable life to the big screen. We are thrilled that so many talented people have shown a great deal of interest in this project,” said Hoffman.

Simpson, Williams, Shakey Graves Lead 14th Annual Americana Awards Nominees

May 14, 2015/by Jessica Nicholson

Pictured (L-R): Abi Tapia of the Country Music Hall of Fame & Museum, Joey Ryan & Kenneth Pattengale of the Milk Carton Kids, Nikki Lane, Jed Hilly of the Americana Music Association, Abigail Washburn, Bela Fleck, and John Hiatt. Photo: Terry Wyatt / Getty Images

Sturgill Simpson, Lucinda Williams, and Shakey Graves lead the nominees for the 14th annual Americana Honors & Awards, which were announced Thursday (May 14) at the Country Music Hall of Fame’s Ford Theater in Nashville.

Simpson earned nods in the Artist of the Year, Song of the Year (for “Turtles All The Way Down”), Album of the Year (for Metamodern Sounds in Country Music) categories.

Williams also earned nods for Artist of the Year, Album of the Year (for Down Where The Spirit Meets The Bone), and Song of the Year (for “East Side of Town”).

Newcomer Shakey Graves was named as an Emerging Artist of the Year nominee. He also garnered a Song of the Year nomination for “Dearly Departed,” and Album of the Year nod for And The War Came.

Other notables in the Artist of the Year category include Lee Ann Womack, Jason Isbell, and Rhiannon Giddens. Womack earned an additional nomination in the Album of the Year category for her Frank Liddell-produced project The Way I’m Livin‘.

Among the performers during the nominations ceremony were hosts/performers The Milk Carton Kids, along with Song of the Year nominee John Haitt, Emerging Artist of the Year nominee Nikki Lane, and Duo/Group of the Year nominees Bela Fleck and Abigail Washburn.

The 14th annual Americana Honors & Awards will be held at Nashville’s Ryman Auditorium on Sept. 16 as part of 16th annual Americana Music Festival and Conference.

Album of the Year
And The War Came – Shakey Graves; Produced by Alejandro Rose-Garcia and Chris Boosahda
Down Where The Spirit Meets The Bone – Lucinda Williams; Produced by Lucinda Williams, Tom Overby and Greg Leisz
Metamodern Sounds In Country Music – Sturgill Simpson; Produced by Dave Cobb
The Way I’m Livin’ -Lee Ann Womack; Produced by Frank Liddell
Tomorrow Is My Turn – Rhiannon Giddens; Produced by T-Bone Burnett

Artist of the Year
Rhiannon Giddens
Jason Isbell
Sturgill Simpson
Lucinda Williams
Lee Ann Womack

Duo/Group of the Year
Bela Fleck & Abigail Washburn
The Lone Bellow
The Mavericks
Punch Brothers
Shovels & Rope

Song of the Year
“Dearly Departed” – Shakey Graves; Written by Alejandro Rose-Garcia and Esme’ Patterson
“East Side Of Town” – Lucinda Williams; Written by Lucinda Williams
“Terms Of My Surrender” – John Hiatt; Written by John Hiatt
“Turtles All The Way Down” – Sturgill Simpson; Written by Sturgill Simpson
“You’re The Best Lover That I Ever Had” – Steve Earle & the Dukes; Written by Steve Earle

Emerging Artist of the Year
First Aid Kit
Houndmouth
Nikki Lane
Doug Seegers
Shakey Graves

Instrumentalist of the Year
Hubby Jenkins
Laur Joamets
Greg Leisz
John Leventhal
Stuart Mathis

Walk of Fame Park Reopening With Loretta Lynn, Jack White

May 14, 2015/by Sarah Skates

Mayor Karl Dean, joined by Metro Parks and the Nashville Convention and Visitors Corp., today (May 14) announced a ribbon-cutting ceremony for the newly-renovated Walk of Fame Park. During the event, Loretta Lynn and Jack White will be inducted into the Music City Walk of Fame. The ceremony, presented by Gibson Guitar, will be at 1 p.m. on Thursday, June 4 and is free and open to the public.

“I can’t think of a better way to celebrate the reopening of Walk of Fame Park than with the induction of Loretta Lynn and Jack White—two very diverse artists,” Mayor Dean said. “They represent what is best about Nashville with music that spans multiple genres and generations. They are great ambassadors for the creative community in our city, and I congratulate them on this wonderful honor.”

Both the induction ceremony and ribbon-cutting celebration will take place at Walk of Fame Park on Demonbreun Street, between Third and Fourth Avenues. In addition to the inductions of Lynn and White, the new plaque design for all of the renovated stars will be unveiled.

“Individually, Loretta Lynn and Jack White have each made an enormous impact on Nashville’s music scene,” said Ken Levitan, NCVC Board Chair and President of Vector Management. “Collectively, the impact of their collaborations has been felt exponentially and worldwide. The Walk of Fame showcases our diverse history and illustrates to fans from all over the world why we are Music City.”

Nominations for the Music City Walk of Fame are open to the public and are accepted in the categories of Artist, Musician, Songwriter, and Producer/Music Industry Executive. Application forms are reviewed by the Music City Walk of Fame anonymous selection committee.

Jack White receives the Music City Ambassador award from Mayor Dean in 2011.

Warner To Kick Off ‘Pickin’ On The Patio’ With Cole Swindell

May 14, 2015/by Eric T. Parker

Cole Swindell American Country Countdown Awards 2014 Moments By Moser 61

Cole Swindell. Photo: Bev Moser.

Warner Music Nashville will host the 2015 season’s first Pickin’ On The Patio (PotP) party next week (Tuesday, May 19) featuring ACM New Artist of The Year winner Cole Swindell.

This will mark Swindell’s second time to open the series, which will include five shows through September, held on the fourth Wednesday of each month. During each performance, the Warner Music Nashville patio fills to capacity with Music Row friends and country music tastemakers to watch performances from artists signed to WMN and WORD labels.

Doors open at 5:30 p.m. and shows starts at 6 p.m. The next installment of Pickin’ On The Patio will be held on June 24. Sponsors include Aramark and Anheuser Busch.

“I’m extremely proud to continue the WMN Pickin’ On The Patio tradition for our sixth year in a row. The series marks the beginning of the busy summer touring schedule and is a great way to get some hang-time with our artists doing what they do best – playing music,” said Peter Strickland, EVP/GM at Warner Music Nashville. “Cole has made great strides in just one year, earning three No. 1 singles from his debut album and winning the coveted award for ACM’s New Artist of The Year last month.”

Nettwerk One Music Signs Matchbox 20’s Kyle Cook

May 14, 2015/by Troy_Stephenson

Pictured (L-R): Kyle Cook, Nettwerk’s AJ Burton

Artist and songwriter Kyle Cook has signed with Nettwerk One Music. The Matchbox 20 guitarist joins a roster of songwriters that include Jessie Jo Dillon, Neil Mason (The Cadillac Three), Mike Fiorentino, Austin Jenckes, Tammi Kidd Hutton and others.

In addition to Matchbox 20, Cook is also the lead guitarist and vocalist for The New Left and has credits as a writer, performer and producer on John Waite’s 2011 Rough & Tumble album. He also opened his own record label last year and is preparing to release his debut solo album, Wolves, in late 2015.

Nettwerk’s AJ Burton says, “Kyle and I have been friends for the past 10 years and have always wanted to partner on something. Now felt like the right time for us with Kyle launching a solo album, creating his duo Rivers and Rust and with Matchbox Twenty’s upcoming 20th Anniversary in 2016. Exciting times lie ahead!”

Trisha Yearwood Exhibit Coming To Country Music Hall of Fame

May 14, 2015/by Jessica Nicholson

Trisha Yearwood

Trisha Yearwood is the latest artist to be honored with an upcoming exhibit in the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum. The singer, entertainer, best-selling author and cooking show host will be the focus of the new exhibition, Trisha Yearwood: The Song Remembers When.

The exhibition will open July 3 and run through December 2015. Visitors can view stage clothes, awards, photos, cooking items, and other memorabilia from Yearwood’s personal collection.

Trisha Yearwood: The Song Remembers When will chronicle Yearwood’s life, career, beginning in her hometown of Monticello, Ga. After moving to Music City and graduating from Nashville’s Belmont University, Yearwood began her career in music, spending time first as a tour guide at the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum and a receptionist at a record company.

“With a powerful voice and inspiring music, Trisha is an extremely talented, award-winning singer and long-time friend of the museum, dating back to her days as a tour guide here at the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum. We’re proud to host her exhibit,” said museum CEO Kyle Young. “She was the first female country singer to have a debut album sell one million copies in its first year, driven by her first No. 1 single ‘She’s in Love with the Boy.’ And that was only her first milestone. This exhibit shares her story—from small-town roots to platinum albums.”

Her array of hit singles includes “Believe Me Baby (I Lied),” “Walkaway Joe,” Wrong Side of Memphis,” “XXX’s and OOO’s (An American Girl),” “Perfect Love,” and numerous others.

The Grand Ole Opry member has established a multi-faceted career, including authoring three New York Times best-selling cookbooks, and a gig as host of the Emmy-Award winning Food Network show, Trisha’s Southern Kitchen, which is currently in its sixth season. This spring, Yearwood released a new line of cookware, Trisha’s Precious Metals, and unveiled her own line of furniture, The Trisha Yearwood Home Collection, in partnership with Klaussner Home furnishings.

DISClaimer: Triumphant Returns

May 14, 2015/by Robert K Oermann

Once a fan, always a fan.

Today’s listening session was dominated by the welcome returns of four folks who charted in prior decades. I am happy to report that all of them still sound as strong as ever. They are former Arista artist Michelle Wright, former Curb signee Philip Claypool, former Sony chart-topper Collin Raye and the ageless John Anderson, who has been on just about every label imprint in Music City.

A tip of my hat and a warm embrace to John Anderson, along with a Disc of the Day salute.

This week’s DisCovery Award goes to Ashley Clark. He is a former member of The Clark Family Experience and a fiddler in Carrie Underwood’s band. It doesn’t say so on the CDX, but his (excellent) producer is none other than Mutt Lange.

CHRISTIAN LOPEZ BAND/Leaving It Out
Writers: Christian Lopez; Producer: Dave Cobb; Publisher: Christian Lopez, SESAC; Blaster (track)
-He has a charmingly earnest tenor voice. The band is unimaginative but adequate. The song does nothing for me.

John Anderson

JOHN ANDERSON/I Work A Lot Better
Writers: John D. Anderson/Josh Turner; Producers: John Anderson & Joe Spivey; Publishers: none listed; Bayou Boys (track)
-The blander country music gets, the more I yearn for personality vocalists like this one. Anderson remains one of the greatest stylists we’ve ever had, and he’s at his best on good-humored songs like this honky-tonking romp. That’s a huge smile you see on my face as it crashes to a close. Love him. Love this.

2-BIT PALOMINO/Things I Dream About
Writers: Sheryn Cassiday/Andrea C. Renfree; Producer: Don Richmond; Publisher: none listed; Howlin’ Dog (track)
-The title tune of this trio’s CD throws a spotlight on its strengths — a poetic sensibility, an emphasis on melody and sterling harmonies. The main drawback is that all three voices are a bit too “pretty” and pop-perfect, which is underscored by the pristine-precious picking.

COLLIN RAYE/Rock and Roll Never Forgets
Writers: B. Seger; Producer: Cradle Concepts LLC; Publisher: Gear, no performance rights listed; Goldentone (track)
-Collin’s new CD is Greatest Hits Live. Its one non-hit is the rousing, rocking closing track wherein he exhorts the crowd to sing along with him on the familiar 1977 Bob Seger classic. You don’t hear them doing so, but his top-of-his-range tenor shriek comes through loud and clear. As does the extended ovation at the finale.

THE PAT WATTERS BAND/I’m Your Buddy
Writers: Pat Watters; Producers: The Pat Watters Band; Publishers: none listed; PWB (track)
-I gather from the credits that these guys hail from Wisconsin. They’re not exactly instrumental virtuosos, nor vocal volcanos. But the good-natured approach and the clever songwriting are both very winning. I bet they’re a barroom full of fun in a live show.

MICHELLE WRIGHT/Laugh A Little
Writers: Jason Sellers/David Lynn Hutton/Terri Jo Box; Producer: Jason Barry; Publishers: This Is Magic Mustang/Big Loud Bucks/Troy D/Sony-ATV Cross Keys, ASCAP; Savannah (CDX)
-This Canadian thrush made her mark in the early ‘90s with hits like “Take It Like a Man” and “He Would Be 16.” She still has the goods as a throaty, emotive vocalist. Another big plus is the solidly written song with its hooky, good-message choruses. Play this excellent comeback single.

ASHLEY CLARK/Greyhound
Writers: Ashley Clark/Austin Clark; Producer: none listed; Publisher: none listed, BMI/ASCAP; I.R.S. (CDX)
-He had me from his first notes. This guy is a for-real singer, with lung power to spare and an excellent sense of dynamics. The chorus rushes by its title so quickly that it hardly registers. But I got so caught up in his performance and the terrifically wooshy production that I didn’t care. I’m a believer.

SMITH N WESTERN/Call Me
Writers: Travis C. Smith; Producer: Jason Plummer; Publisher: 80 Proof Poetry and Truth, BMI; 80 Proof (CDX)
-This new duo pushes its way onto the country scene with a song that has more hooks than a tuna boat. The vocals are a little “dry,” and there’s not much production finesse, but there’s no denying the potency of the material. Well worth your attention.

PHILIP CLAYPOOL/Three More Beers
Writers: Philip Claypool/Jeff Silbar; Producer: Michael Lloyd; Publishers: none listed, ASCAP/BMI; PC (CDX)
-The hillbilly in the bar is getting so plastered that he’s mistaking the gal making eyes at him for Britney Spears, Christina Aguilera, J-Lo, Ga-Ga, Angaleena Jolie and Pamela Sue Anderson. All of whom he manages to not only name-check but rhyme in the lyric. A must-listen rockabilly fiesta.

RICK MONROE/Great Minds Drink Alike
Writers: Rick Monroe/Dan Adams; Producer: Sean Giovanni; Publishers: Jindo Dog/Broken Yellow Line, ASCAP/BMI; MRG (CDX)
-This oomphy rocker is produced and sung with great gusto. And who can argue with a title this witty? Shut up and dance.

Weekly Register: Stapleton Debuts Strong

May 13, 2015/by Sarah Skates

Zac Brown Band sits tight at No. 1 on the country albums chart, selling 56K TW and 270K RTD, and landing at No. 5 on the Top 200.

Chris Stapleton’s Traveller debuts at No. 2 with album sales of 27K (30K activity). It is the best-selling first week by a debut country artist this year and one of the Top 10 best first week country debuts in the last five years. Traveller was recorded at Nashville’s historic RCA Studio A (with additional production at The Castle and Blackbird Studio) and was produced by Dave Cobb (Sturgill Simpson, Jason Isbell) and Stapleton, and recorded by Vance Powell (Jack White). In support of Traveller, Stapleton will be performing on a series of shows on Eric Church’s tour. Earlier today Stapleton received a CMT Music Award nomination for Performance of the Year with Lady Antebellum.

Also on the country album chart, Granger Smith debuts at No. 6 with 8.7K. He co-produced his debut EP, 4×4, with hitmaker Frank Rogers, a three-time MusicRow Producer of the Year.

On the Top 200, the new Mumford & Sons album debuted at No. 1 with activity of 249K and 231K album only. Wiz Khalifa’s “See You Again” is locked in at the top of the tracks chart TW, selling 251K for a RTD total of 1.949 million.

granger smith Top 5 Country Albums TW
Zac Brown Band, 56K
Chris Stapleton, 27K
Reba, 17K
Sam Hunt, 15K (passed 500K RTD)
Tyler Farr, 11K

Top 5 Country Tracks TW
Little Big Town “Girl Crush” 76K
Blake Shelton “Sangria” 48K
Sam Hunt “Take Your Time” 44K
Florida Georgia Line “Sippin’ on Fire” 29K
Eric Church “Like a Wrecking Ball” 29K

according to Nielsen SoundScan

Photos: Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame; Art Crawl

May 13, 2015/by Sarah Skates

Photos: Bev Moser, Moments By Moser

Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame Benefit

Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame members Mac Davis, Tom Douglas and Allen Shamblin performed at the organization’s inaugural “Hits From The Hall” show on Tuesday, April 14, at City Winery Nashville, with proceeds benefitting the Hall of Fame.

Pictured (L-R): Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame Executive Director Mark Ford, Hall of Fame members Mac Davis, Allen Shamblin, Tom Douglas and Pat Alger, who is also the organization’s Board Chair.

Songwriters At The Art Crawl

The Songwriters Singing For Coffee series participated in this month’s First Saturday Art Crawl Downtown. On Saturday, May 2, Live at Fifth Third Center—The Downtown Art Crawl featured Ella Mae Bowen, Marcus Hummon, Chris Roberts, and Autumn McEntire, along with Scott Reeves, Jeff Cohen, Pete Sallis and Greg Friia.

The free Art Crawl is held the first Saturday of every month, when galleries host receptions and openings to present work from local and world-renowned artists.

L-R Hummon, McEntire, Bowen, Eddie Bush and Chris Roberts

Pictured (L-R): Marcus Hummon, Autumn McEntire, Ella Mae Bowen, Eddie Bush and Chris Roberts

Bobby Karl Works The Grammy Block Party

May 13, 2015/by Bobby Karl

Pictured (L-R): Lee Ann Womack; Meghan Trainor; Alicia Warwick, executive director, Nashville Chapter of The Recording Academy.

Chapter 487

Even without kiddies squealing on the water-splash plaza, scaling the rock-climbing wall, strolling the wildflower paths or cavorting in the roly-poly playground, Cumberland Park was a little piece of heaven on Tuesday evening (May 12).

Situated on the east bank of the Cumberland River between the Siegenthaler Pedestrian Bridge and Korean Veterans Bridge, adjacent to Titans Stadium, the park also contains a lovely little amphitheater that proved to be the ideal location for the 17th annual Grammy Block Party.

Adding to the ambiance were balmy temperatures, comfortable accommodations and cooling riverfront breezes. Not to mention free food and drink.

Pictured (L-R): Jeff Balding, president, Nashville Chapter of The Recording Academy; Alicia Warwick, executive director, Nashville Chapter of The Recording Academy; Hunter Hayes; George J. Flanigen IV, chair emeritus, The Recording Academy.

The talent lineup didn’t hurt, either. All of the acts booked had a “wow” factor – Janice Gaines, John & Jacob, Blackberry Smoke, Lee Ann Womack, Hunter Hayes and Meghan Trainor.

“I see all kinds of friends: I love this!” exclaimed Womack from the stage. That’s because the crowd was comprised of the invitation-only, elite Nashville members of The Recording Academy. Who voted her a Grammy Award in 2002.

The who’s-who attendees included Pat McMakin, Patrick Clifford, John Styll, John Briggs, Jon Freeman, Scott Robinson, Scott McDaniel, Scott Hendricks, Nick Palladino, Nick DiFruscia of the national NARAS staff, Chris Farren, Chris Keaton, Eric Parker, Erika Wollam-Nichols & Roger Nichols, David Corlew & Carolyn Corlew, Bruce Bouton, Bruce Dees, Daniel Hill and Daniel Miller.

The crowd was notable for the singers and songwriters in attendance. David Nail, Mandy Barnett, Trent Summar, Gary Burr of Blue Sky Riders, Victoria Shaw, Brandon Heath, Shannon Sanders, Eddie Perez of The Mavericks and Chris Carmack of the Nashville TV show cast all turned up. Adding to the celeb vibe, mayoral candidate Howard Gentry was working the room.

And what a “room” it was. Flanking the stage were giant golden Grammys, and behind it was a spectacular view of the city skyline. The grassy floor of the amphitheater was backed with a low wall plus cocktail tables on the perimeter. On the knoll above that was a walkway dotted with draped tables and umbrellas. Hospitality tents held bars, wine servers, beer dispensers and food.

Nighttime shot of GRAMMY Block Party at Cumberland Park.

Catering was by Peg Leg Porker, who offered barbecue sandwiches and/or chicken-salad cups, plus bacon green beans, crispy pork rinds, baked beans and pasta shells with cheese.

Wine came courtesy of rock star Dave Matthews. I particularly liked his Dreaming Tree dry, light white.

Gliding through the crowd were such lovelies as Chandra LaPlume, Carla Wallace, Tree Paine, Lori Badgett, Hunter Davis, Leslie Fram, Tracy Gershon, Trey Fanjoy, Karen Clark, Sher Bach, Diane Pearson, Joanna Carter, Ronna Rubin, Laura Lamb Little and Lisa Harless.

Perhaps not so lovely, but equally delightful to greet were Ben Fowler, Frank Liddell, Julian King, Jeff Balding, Alan Valentine, George Flanigen, Andrew Kintz, Fletcher Foster, Woody Bomar, Doak Turner, Jim Catino, Shelby Kennedy, Earle Simmons, Bill VornDick, Chuck Ainlay, Walter Campbell, Wayne Halper, Greg McCarn, T.K. Kimbrell, Mike Sirls, Rod Essig, Terry Hemmings, Ed Salamon, Randy Perkins and Doug Howard.

The Nashville chapter of The Recording Academy now has 3,400 members, making it third in size behind L.A. and N.Y. We have more student members, 1,400, than any other chapter. Here’s something cool: Even non-voting Associate members can go a party as fabulous as this, with as classy a room to work as you’ll find.

Hunter Hayes performs at the Grammy Block Party.