Strait, Kristofferson Included On History Channel Soundtrack

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Texas-RisingThe soundtrack to The History Channel’s anticipated series event, Texas Rising, will release to digital retail by MCA Nashville on May 18, featuring compositions from George Strait and Kris Kristofferson.

Strait delivers original song, “Take Me To Texas,” written by Shane McAnally and Brandy Clark, while another Texas son, Kristofferson, remade the Tom Petty classic, “I Won’t Back Down.” International guitar virtuoso José Feliciano contributed the original piece “Igual Que Yo.”

The remaining 25 tracks are scored by Academy Award-nominated composer John Debney and 10-time Emmy Award-winning Bruce Broughton. The first time for both composers to work in Nashville, Debney and Broughton fully created the score at Ocean Way Studios on Music Row. The album’s producer is Leslie Greif, while executive producers are William Ewart and Greg Cahn.

From the same creative team behind Hatfields & McCoys, the forthcoming 10-hour, five-part series event will depict the Texas Revolution and the rise of the legendary Texas Rangers – set to air beginning Monday, May 25 at 8 p.m. CT on the History Channel. The all-star cast includes Kristofferson as Andrew Jackson, Bill Paxton as Sam Houston, Olivier Martinez as Santa Anna, Ray Liotta as Lorca and Jeffrey Dean Morgan as Deaf Smith.

For more information, visit History.com/shows/Texas-Rising.

Texas Rising Track Listing:
1. I Won’t Back Down – Kris Kristofferson
2. Igual Que Yo – José Feliciano
3. Texas Rising Suite
4. Emily Arrives in Camp / Town Evacuation
5. Anderson Wakes Rangers
6. Truett & Yancey Flirt with Sarah
7. The Alamo and Lorca
8. Sam Talks Strategy
9. Deaf’s Goodbye to Lupe
10. Lupe Watches Deaf Ride Off
11. Getting’ a Whippin’
12. Houston Addresses the Troops
13. Rangers Run into Mexican Army
14. Mexican Ambush
15. Santa Ana and Emily Sex in the Bath
16. Bigfoot and Hayes at the Waterfall
17. Lorca’s Hanging Bodies
18. Wykoff’s New Home
19. Deaf Tries talking to Lupe
20. The Battle of San Jacinto (Part 1)
21. The Battle of San Jacinto (Part 2)
22. Emily Rescue
23. Yellow Rose of Texas
24. Yellow Rose of Texas (Alternate Version)
25. Come to the Bower
26. Come to the Bower (New Orleans Version)
27. Texas Rising Main Title
28. Take Me to Texas – George Strait

MusicRowPics: Blackjack Billy Has Your Soundtrack For ‘Summertime’

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Blackjack Billy artist visit

Blackjack Billy artist visit

“We’re a road band,” says Blackjack Billy member Rob Blackledge, describing the Reviver Records group’s approach to music. The group has been playing music together for the past three years, logging numerous hours on the road and using each performance as a testing ground for new songs. “We record new songs as we write them. We’ll perform them for fans and see which ones really connect with the audience.”

The group recently showcased its high-octane stage presence and layered harmonies during a performance for MusicRow staffers. Blackjack Billy’s effervescent performance comes courtesy of members Blackledge, Noll Billings, Jeff Coplan, and Brad Cummings.

The group’s tightly-woven harmonies sounded effortless on the self-penned songs “I Got A Feeling,” “The Booze Cruise,” “Night Light” and current single “Why God Made Summertime.”

Coplan and Blackledge found early success as songwriters for duo Love and Theft. Blackledge co-wrote Love and Theft’s 2009 single “Runaway” with Canaan Smith and Stephen Barker Liles, while Coplan co-wrote the duo’s 2011 hit “Angel Eyes,” with Eric Paslay.

Blackjack Billy artist visit

Blackjack Billy artist visit

Blackjack Billy’s growing fanbase and songwriting skills caught label attention, leading to a deal with Bigger Picture Group. The group’s dedication to fans and touring never stalled, even after Bigger Picture shuttered in 2014, just months after the signing. “We had fans who had been with us from the beginning, and we felt like they were waiting on an album, so we went ahead and released an album as an indie band,” said Blackledge.

While with Bigger Picture, Blackjack Billy had signed separate deals with companies in Canada and Australia. “We had three different labels,” said Coplan. “When Bigger Picture shut down, we were still rolling in Canada and Australia. It took us this long to catch up in the US and be synchronized with the same single.”

Blackjack Billy has found new life, inking deals with Reviver Records and Red Light Management. The Agency Group has signed on to handle booking, while Wortman Works Media & Marketing oversees public relations.

Meanwhile, Coplan does double duty as the group’s producer. Blackledge says, “With Jeff’s abilities as a producer, we don’t have to pay anyone to record music. If we write a song and we like it, we can do it all. We don’t have to hire musicians. We haven’t even had a tour manager. Since we hooked up with Red Light, we’ve been really self-sufficient, which has allowed us to do things our way.”

The group has numerous tour dates lined up for the coming months, including a show June 11 during CMA Music Festival at the Belk Plaza Stage.

Blackjack Billy artist visit

Blackjack Billy artist visit

Chris Stapleton Marks Release of ‘Traveller’ In New York, Nashville

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Chris Stapleton and wife Morgane in New York for his performance on Letterman.

Chris Stapleton and wife Morgane in New York for his performance on “Letterman.” Photo: Becky Fluke

Chris Stapleton’s solo debut album Traveller was released this week via Mercury Records Nashville. He marked the occasion Tuesday (May 5) with a performance of album cut “Tennessee Whiskey” on ABC’s The View. (Listen to the track.) Stapleton also performed an album release show at New York’s Mercury Lounge and is set for shows at Nashville’s Cannery Ballroom on May 8 and 9.

The singer-songwriter is touring through the fall. In addition to his own headlining dates, Stapleton will appear at select concerts with Eric Church, Gary Allan and Jason Isbell.

Earlier this month, Stapleton made his network television solo debut on the Late Show With David Letterman performing the first single and title track, “Traveller.” (See video below.)

Recorded at Nashville’s historic RCA Studio A, with additional production at The Castle and Blackbird Studio, Traveller was produced by Dave Cobb (Sturgill Simpson, Jason Isbell) and recorded by Vance Powell (Jack White). In addition to renditions of Dean Dillon and Linda Hargrove’s “Tennessee Whiskey” and Don Sampson’s “Was It 26,” the album features twelve original songs, including fan-favorite “Sometimes I Cry.”

Stapleton says, “This record was made standing on the shoulders of friends, family, and heroes. I hope people enjoy listening to it as much as I’ve enjoyed making it.”

Stapleton has enjoyed five No. 1 singles and penned over 170 album cuts, including songs recorded by Adele, Tim McGraw, Brad Paisley and Dierks Bentley. As lead vocalist for critically acclaimed bluegrass band The SteelDrivers, Stapleton earned three Grammy nominations.

Traveller tracklist

1. Traveller (Chris Stapleton)
2. Fire Away (Chris Stapleton and Danny Green)
3. Tennessee Whiskey (Dean Dillon and Linda Hargrove)
4. Parachute (Chris Stapleton and Jim Beavers)
5. Whiskey And You (Chris Stapleton and Lee Thomas Miller)
6. Nobody To Blame (Chris Stapleton, Barry Bales and Ronnie Bowman)
7. More Of You (Chris Stapleton and Ronnie Bowman)
8. When The Stars Come Out (Chris Stapleton and Dan Wilson)
9. Daddy Doesn’t Pray Anymore (Chris Stapleton)
10. Might As Well Get Stoned (Chris Stapleton and Jimmy Stewart)
11. Was It 26 (Don Sampson)
12. The Devil Named Music (Chris Stapleton)
13. Outlaw State Of Mind (Chris Stapleton, Ronnie Bowman and Jerry Salley)
14. Sometimes I Cry (Chris Stapleton and Clint Ingersoll)

YouTube video

Lee Ann Womack, Patty Griffin Slated For Americana Music Festival

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americanaThe initial slate of performers has been revealed for the Americana Music Association’s 16th Annual Americana Music Festival & Conference, presented by Nissan. The event will be held Sept. 15-20, 2015.

More than 100 acts are still to be announced for the festival. A $50 Americanafest wristband allows admission to all showcase venues for four nights, plus a weekend. Wristband wearers are also invited to select cocktail parties and special events. Wristbands can be purchased exclusively at mercylounge.com. Rates will increase to $60 on Aug. 15.

The Americana Music Festival & Conference is open to the general public and music industry professionals. Festival and Conference Registrations are now available at the reduced rate of $415 for Americana Music Association members and $465 for non-members (rates will increase to $500). Registrants receive entrance to all sanctioned daytime conference music, panels and parties, plus priority access to all evening showcase performances and one ticket to the 14th annual Americana Honors & Awards on Wednesday, Sept. 16 at the Ryman Auditorium.

Confirmed showcase artists include:
Anderson East
Andrew Combs
Anthony D’Amato
Banditos
Barna Howard
Béla Fleck & Abigail Washburn
Billy Bragg & Joe Purdy
Birds of Chicago
Brian Wright
The Bros. Landreth
Caleb Caudle
Caleb Klauder Country Band
Carly Ritter
Carsie Blanton
ChessBoxer
Christopher Paul Stelling
The Contenders
Corb Lund
Crooks
Darlingside
Dead Winter Carpenters
Dom Flemons
The Dustbowl Revival
Emma Swift
Frank Solivan & Dirty Kitchen
The Freightshakers
The Grahams
Grant-Lee Phillips
Guthrie Brown & The Family Tree
Hackensaw Boys
Halfway
The Hello Strangers
Henry Wagons
honeyhoney
Horse Feathers
Horseshoes & Hand Grenades
Hugh Bob and the Hustle
Jackie Greene
James McMurtry
Joe Pug
John Moreland
John Paul Keith
Kingsley Flood
Kristin Diable
Kristin Andreassen
Laney Jones and the Spirits
Lee Ann Womack
Lera Lynn
Leyla McCalla
Lilly Hiatt
Liz Longley
Los Lobos
Lucette
Lydia Loveless
Martin Harley
Mary Gauthier
Nikki Lane
Nora Jane Struthers
Nudie
Oh Pep!
Packway Handle Band
Patty Griffin
Pokey LaFarge
Porter
Randy Rogers & Wade Bowen
Ray Wylie Hubbard
River Whyless
Sarah Borges
Sean McConnell
Shemekia Copeland
The Show Ponies
Session Americana
Steelism
The Steel Wheels
Stephen Kellogg
The Stray Birds
Tall Heights
The Vespers
Water Liars
The Whistles and The Bells
Whitey Morgan and the 78s
The Wild Reeds
William Elliott Whitmore
Whitehorse

CMA Music Fest’s Fan Fair X Gets Title Sponsor, Reveals Artist of The Day

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Fan Fair X ATTAT&T will return for the fourth time to the CMA Music Festival, this year as title sponsor of Fan Fair X. The technology company will also install special network equipment in and around the Music City Center, Lower Broadway, Bridgestone Arena, and LP Field for better connectivity to its network.

The AT&T U-Verse Fan Fair X will offer 353,000 square feet of artist booths, a marketplace, interactive experiences, lifestyle exhibits, activities for children, an auction, and three stages (outlined below) for activities Thursday through Sunday, June 11-14 (10:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m.). Venue doors open at 9:00 a.m. Friday through Sunday, June 12-14; 8:30 a.m. Thursday, June 11.

Each morning, a different Artist of the Day is planned to take to the CMA Close Up Stage (outlined below). They will autograph an item that will be immediately auctioned from the stage to benefit the CMA Foundation.

AT&T U-verse Fan Fair X is free to all CMA Music Festival LP Field ticket holders. Individual tickets are $10 per day. Cost is $25 for a four-day pass, or $35 for a four-day pass including one general admission into the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum for 2015 is available at CMAfest.com. The latter is available at countrymusichalloffame.org/cmafest2015.

Artist of the Day
Thursday (June 11) – Little Big Town, ribbon cutting at 9:15 a.m. and Q&A at 10:15 a.m.
Friday (June 12) – Hunter Hayes
Saturday (June 13)– Chris Young
Sunday (June 14) – Darius Rucker

CMA Close Up Stage (superstar panels and more; growing from 600 to more than 800 seats this year; Between programming, fans will be treated to the CMA Prize Wheel offering opportunities to win Ultimate Fan Experiences)

A complete list of panels and performances is available at CMAfest.com, but in addition to the Artist of the Day programs each morning some of the highlights include:

  • A panel with the 2015 Country Music Hall of Fame inductees Jim Ed Brown and The Oak Ridge Boys
  • CMA Songwriters Series featuring Sara Evans
  • Kristian Bush and Friends
  • American Country Countdown with Kix Brooks
  • Q&A with Kellie Pickler
  • Jim Halsey Starmaker Panel: starring Roy Clark and special guests
  • Singer and star of ABC’s Nashville, Charles Esten
  • SESAC Songwriters
  • A discussion with stars of the Grand Ole Opry
  • Celebrating female songwriters, the Song Suffragettes with special guest Jamie O’Neal

AT&T U-verse Showcase Stage (acoustic performances by rising talent and established stars)
Lauren Alaina, Katie Armiger, Craig Campbell, Amber Carrington, Kristy Lee Cook, Joel Crouse, Jessie James Decker, Travis Denning, Eric Dodd, Cale Dodds, Elizabeth Huett, Savannah Keyes, Ryan Kinder, Love and Theft, Rachele Lynae, Dustin Lynch, MamaDear, Kristen Merlin, Katie Ohh, Angaleena Presley, Rainey Qualley, Ray Scott, Sister C, The Railers, and Aaron Watson

Durango Music Spot (performances programmed by storied powerhouse radio station WSM-AM)
Darin & Brooke Aldridge, Rex Allen, Jr., Bill Anderson, Lynn Anderson, Baillie & The Boys, David Ball, Moe Bandy, Bobby Bare, Mandy Barnett, Bellamy Brothers, John Berry, Savannah Berry, Jim Ed Brown, T Graham Brown, Paulette Carlson, Helen Cornelius, Sarah Darling, Narvel Felts, Janie Fricke, David Frizzell, Steve & Rudy Gatlin, Mickey Gilley, Teea Goans, Marty Haggard, Wade Hayes, Ken Mellons, Kelly Lang, Ronnie McDowell, Moore & Moore, Lee Roy Parnell, Eddy Raven, Charlie Rich, Jr., Sammy Sadler, Sarah Dunn Band, Jeannie Seely, Ashton Shepherd, TG Sheppard, Daryle Singletary, Doug Stone, Sweethearts of the Rodeo, The Auctioneers, The Roys, Leroy Van Dyke, Leona Williams, Mark Wills, and Billy Yates

Industry Ink: Renee Bell, Dave Fowler, Ali Harnell

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Renee Bell Opens Dog Boutique in Green Hills

renee-crop-2

Renee Bell

Former Sony executive Renee Bell is following her passion for animals with her newly-opened dog boutique, Winston Dog. The dog boutique carries dog clothes, dog beds, collars, carriers, organic treats, and more. Winston Dog will also offer Nashville’s first “fluff out” bar for dogs.

The boutique is nestled in the Hill Center in Green Hills, located at 4017 Hillsboro Pike, Ste. 310 in Nashville.

For more information, visit winstondog.net.

Dave Fowler Joins Graham Artist Management

Musician and industry exec Dave Fowler has joined Graham Artist Management to handle day-to-day duties for duo Trick Pony.

Dave Fowler

Dave Fowler

Fowler has previously done extensive touring and studio work as a bassist for Dolly Parton, Toby Keith, Lorrie Morgan, and others.

Graham Artist Management also represents Sweetwater Rain, Heartland, Abby Graham, and Brian Milson.

Ali Harnell To Be Honored by T.J. Martell Foundation

The T.J. Martell Foundation will celebrate the career achievements of Ali Harnell, Sr. VP at AEG Live/The Messina Group with a “toast & roast” at its Ambassador of the Year event. The celebration will be held at Zanies on May 11 at 6 p.m.

Ali Harnell

Ali Harnell

The T.J. Martell Foundation’s “Ambassador of the Year” event recognizes an individual who has risen to the top of their field.

Harnell manages the southeast region for AEG from its Nashville headquarters, and oversees booking and operations as well as national touring activity for Hunter Hayes, Little Big Town, and others.

Tables and individual tickets are on sale at tjmartell.org. Sponsorships are available by contacting Tinti Moffatt at the T.J. Martell Foundation at 615-256-2002.

Songwriters Hall of Fame To Honor John LoFrumento

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John LoFrumento

John LoFrumento

John LoFrumento, ASCAP’s recently retired Chief Executive Officer, will be awarded the Visionary Leadership Award at the 46th Annual Songwriters Hall of Fame Induction and Awards Dinner in New York City. The event is slated for Thursday, June 18 at the Marriott Marquis Hotel.

The Visionary Leadership Award acknowledges a member of the Songwriters Hall of Fame Board of Directors who has made a significant contribution in furthering the ongoing mission of the organization and in elevating the Songwriters Hall of Fame to a level of prominence and distinction. The award has been presented twice before, to SHOF Chairman Emeritus, Hal David and to former BMI leader Del Bryant.

The Songwriters Hall of Fame’s 2015 class includes Nashville’s own Bobby Braddock, Toby Keith, Willie Dixon, Robert Hunter & Jerry Garcia, Cyndi Lauper and Linda Perry. Van Morrison will be honored with the Johnny Mercer Award, Lady Gaga will be presented with the first-ever Contemporary Icon Award and fun.’s Nate Ruess will receive the Hal David Starlight Award.

Tickets for the event begin at $1,250 each, and are available through Buckley Hall Events, 914-579-1000. Net proceeds will go toward the Songwriters Hall of Fame programs.

Combustion Music, Atlas Music Welcome Mickey Jack Cones To Roster

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MJC Combustion Atlas Signing

Pictured (L-R): Chris Farren, Mickey Jack Cones, Chris Van Belkom.

Producer, musician, and songwriter Mickey Jack Cones has produced songs including Joe Nichols‘ “Sunny and 75” and “Yeah,” and Dustin Lynch‘s “Where It’s At (Yep Yep).” He’s also worked with Trace Adkins, Jeff Bates, Thompson Square, and more.

The multi-talented Cones has now joined Combustion Music, along with partner Atlas Music Publishing, under a long-term publishing agreement.

Combustion Music’s President, Chris Farren, says, “I have been a big fan of Mickey’s for some time. He is a triple threat as a musician, songwriter and producer, and is one of the hottest producers in Nashville. What the rest of the town may not know is that he is an equally good songwriter, and we plan on helping him grow that facet of his career. We couldn’t be more fired up.”

Cones will work with Combustion’s creative team (Chris van Belkom and Kenley Flynn) to seek out new opportunities, manage his calendar and pitch his songs.

In addition to his work as a musician, songwriter and producer, Cones owns Westwood Studios, a retreat-like recording studio in Nashville’s Berry Hill area.

Cones says, “I am beyond thrilled to be joining such a force of a team with Combustion and Atlas. They are, irrefutably, among the heaviest of hitters in the music publishing industry. Their proven hit making track record speaks for itself. Not to mention, it doesn’t get any better than this caliber of people. Creatively and personally, I couldn’t ask for a better partnership.”

2015 K-LOVE Fan Awards Reveals First Round of Performers

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k love awards

The first round of performers has been announced for the 2015 K-LOVE Fan Awards, which will take place on May 31, 2015 at the Grand Ole Opry in Nashville.

Casting Crowns, Chris Tomlin, Colton Dixon, For KING & COUNTRY, Francesca Battistelli, Hawk Nelson, Lauren Daigle, Third Day and TobyMac are among those who will bring their talents to the K-Love Fan Awards stage this year.

The K-LOVE Fan Awards is part of the K-LOVE Ultimate Fan Experience Weekend, held at The Gaylord Opryland Resort in Nashville on May 29-31.

FOX & Friends’ Elisabeth Hasselbeck and actor Kirk Cameron will host the fan-generated awards show that honors artists, authors and athletes who impact popular culture in a positive and encouraging way.

For more information, visit www.KLOVEFanAwards.com.

DISClaimer: Janson’s “Boat” Is Sailing High

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ChrisJansonThere’s a new sheriff in town.

Actually, he’s been around awhile, performing often at the Grand Ole Opry, writing songs beaucoup, issuing records on an independent label and earning a reputation as a highly entertaining stage performer. Now Chris Janson not only has a major-label shot, but has the most delightful new song of the season. Give that man a Disc of the Day award.

Also lend your ears to the singles by The Cadillac Three, Jason Michael Carroll, Lee Brice and Steven Ybarra. Not to mention The Bigsbys. I know next-to-nothing about these guys, except that their raw oomph won them my DisCovery Award. Judging by their touring schedule, I’d say they are Texans.

CHRIS JANSON/Buy Me A Boat
Writers: Chris Janson/Chris DuBois; Producers: Chris DuBois/Brent Anderson/Chris Janson; Publishers: Red Vinyl/Buckkilla/House of Sea Gayle, BMI/ASCAP; Warner Bros.
-Where do I begin? The shuddering-twang guitar work; the hillbilly-accented delivery; the wildly inventive lyric; the hook-filled melody; the blue-collar message. It’s all here, and then some. In a word, brilliant. The rest of you gathered here today for my listening enjoyment might as well pack your bags.

NATASHA BORZILOVA/Wilder Days
Writer: Natasha Borzilova; Producers: Natasha Borzilova/John Caldwell; Publisher: Uncle Hadley, ASCAP; Hadley Music
-The title tune of this former Bering Strait frontwoman’s fourth solo outing is kissed with mandolin twinkles and crunchy guitar chops. It takes a good while to get to the hook. But the getting-there sure is listenable.

THE CADILLAC THREE/White Lightning
Writer: Jaren Johnston; Producers: Dann Huff/Justin Niebank; Publishers: Sony-ATV/Texa Rae, ASCAP; Big Machine
-Not to be confused with the George Jones/Sawyer Brown chestnut, this is a love song where emotion hits him with the force of a thunderstorm. Well written, produced with panache and performed with intense believability. Groovy in the extreme. This trio has so far issued nothing but excellent records. It is high time you played them.

RANDY ROGERS & WADE BOWEN/In The Next Life
Writers: Wade Bowen/Randy Rogers; Producer: Lloyd Maines; Publishers: Theycallmepaul/Warner-Tamerlane/Trouble Songs, ASCAP/BMI; Lil’ Buddy Toons
-These two longtime buddies have teamed up on a CD titled Hold My Beer Vol. 1. It kicks off with this autobiographical thumpy jangler. Their brotherhood/friendship glows in every note. And, boy, is this country, country, country. My kinda music. In case you’re wondering: What happens “in the next life,” is “we’re gonna be ourselves again.”

ASLEEP AT THE WHEEL & THE TIME JUMPERS/Faded Love
Writers: Bob Wills/John Wills; Producers: Ray Benson/Sam Seifert; Publishers: none listed; Bismeaux (track)
-Asleep at the Wheel’s latest Bob Wills tribute CD is called Still the King. You’ll find Lyle Lovett, Brad Paisley, Merle Haggard, Old Crow Medicine Show, George Strait, Willie Nelson, Jamey Johnson and more on its 22 tracks. The most poignant one is this — the all-time western-swing classic performed by the two bands on earth that understand this music best, highlighted by a soul-piercing vocal by Dawn Sears. The Jumpers’ singer died last December, so this is her fitting epitaph.

The Bigsbys

The Bigsbys

THE BIGSBYS/Keep You Waiting
Writers: Alex Smith/Jonathan Tyler; Producer: Jonathan Tyler; Publisher: Swanson Hill, no performance rights listed; Shiner
-This four-piece combo lets fly with a robust, muscular, country-rocking sound. The single features a deep, deep bass rhythm track and three-part harmony choruses. There is a scrappy energy here that I find enormously endearing. Recommended.

LEE BRICE/That Don’t Sound Like You
Writers: Lee Brice/Rhett Akins/Ashley Gorley; Producers: none listed; Publishers: none listed; Curb (track)
– Admittedly, following “I Don’t Dance” and “Drinking Class” is daunting. For any other artist, this would be a perfectly good single. But by comparison with its predecessors, the song is ordinary.

SCOTT DEAN/In My Arms
Writers: none listed; Producers: none listed; Publishers: none listed; SDC (track)
-This guy works the Texas market. To go further, I’d recommend a more imaginative production approach.

JASON MICHAEL CARROLL/God Only Knows
Writers: J.M. Carroll/P. Good/A.J. Babcock; Producer: J.M. Carroll; Publishers: none listed; For the Loney/Malaco (track)
-Not to be confused with The Beach Boys classic with the same title, this is a country rocker about a no-good man who loses his gal because of his carousing. The track bristles with energy, and his singing has never sounded stronger. Well done.

STEVEN YBARRA/What I Really Want To Say
Writers: Steven Ybarra/Diane Waters; Producers: Steven Ybarra, Chris Rodriguez, Dran Michael & Chad Jeffers; Publishers: none listed; Pacific (track)
-The title tune of this fellow’s CD kicks off the collection with some ear-opening, thunderous, stark drum pounding. But by the time he swings into the chorus, it’s sunny fiddling, soaring guitars and tenor vocal gliding all the way. Polished, promising and highly professional.