There are 10 records here, but only one really matters. Eric Heatherly has more talent than any man ought to be allowed. He writes incredibly addictive songs. He sings like an angel and plays guitar like the devil. His rhythmic sense is impeccable. On top of everything else, he’s a superb showman. He also has […]
As usual, there is plenty going on in Nashville’s pop-rock community. The gals, in particular, are rocking the joint. Veteran Jonell Mosser leads a grooving group that also includes Disc of the Day winner Erin McCarley and excellent newcomer Susan Hartman. The DisCovery Award, however, goes to the guys of Kindercastle. Both Kindercastle and Jonell […]
It’s a left-field kinda day. Despite the presence of a number of marquee names in this week’s reviewing stack, the award winners are the lesser knowns. Up-and-comer Holly Williams lands her first Disc of the Day honor. By the way, her excellent last single (”Keep the Change”) was not co-written by her sister, but rather […]
Gospel Music Hall of Fame member Eva Mae LeFevre, known as “The First Lady of Gospel Music,” died Monday (5/18), at age 91. She played piano, sang alto and was the emcee in the long-running gospel group The LeFevre Trio (later billed as The LeFevre Family and The LeFevres). She was born Eva Mae Whittington […]
Forget the forget-me-nots, it’s bluegrass that’s bloomin’ this spring. In the coming weeks, we’re due for a bouquet of top-notch releases in this genre. Among them are Doyle Lawson (this week), Alecia Nugent (5/12), The Red Stick Ramblers (5/19), Dailey & Vincent (3/31), Bobby Osborne (3/31) and Rhonda Vincent (6/16). In the meantime, here’s a […]
Move over, boys. Despite terrific new singles by guys like James Otto and Zona Jones, this week belongs to the fairer sex. Tanya Tucker is back with hillbilly oomph. Megan Mullins sparkles in her upbeat I’m-outta-here toe tapper. Wynonna heats up the joint with one of her most soul-drenched performances yet. Martina McBride’s ultra powerful […]
The soul sisters rule in today’s Christian-music column. The presence of legends such as The Lewis Family and The Easter Brothers, plus the ultra-popular Chris Tomlin, cannot dim the shining stars of Mary Mary and Music City’s own Mandisa. To the last-named we offer a Disc of the Day award. We hope your Gospel Music […]
It’s Gospel Music Week. What better time to survey what’s newsy and happening in this Nashville-based genre? As you might expect, many of CCM’s hottest acts have current products in the marketplace. You can’t escape the sheer sonic charisma of the new album by Israel Houghton. It is easily the Disc of the Day. I […]
There are several ear-opening performances in this week’s new releases. Hank Williams Jr. is singing his face off on a striking song about our troubled economy. The Oak Ridge Boys have left their classic sound completely behind on an almost anguished-sounding reading of The White Stripes rock song “Seven Nation Army.” As a producer, Tony […]
I love a good cry. There’s something so purifying and soul-cleansing about it. And it has long been my contention that people love to weep as much as they love to laugh when consuming popular culture. Think of every sad movie you’ve ever cherished. At any rate, Mac McAnally opened my tear ducts this week. […]