Martina McBride Extends Her Comfort Zone on 'Everlasting'

martina mcbride photo1

Pictured (L-R): Martina McBride and Robert Oermann


On Wednesday, Jan. 15, Martina McBride gave media an early look at Everlasting, a collection of classic soul and R&B numbers, and McBride’s first release on her own Vinyl Records label through Kobalt Label Services. The intimate and slightly vintage clothing store/music venue Two Old Hippies was an apropos setting for showcasing a project filled with songs first made popular by artists Fred Neil, The Teddy Bears, Aretha Franklin and others.
Veteran music journalist Robert Oermann hosted a Q&A session with McBride about the project and the new label, interspersed with an early listen to cuts from Everlasting. The petite powerhouse covers a plethora of eclectic material, from Franklin’s “Do Right Woman, Do Right Man” to Van Morrison’s “Wild Night” to The Supremes’ “Come See About Me.”
“Dan Penn, one of the song’s writers, was there when we recorded,” Martina says of “Do Right Woman, Do Right Man.” “He was in the session when Aretha sang on it, and he mentioned there was a lyric that had been changed during that original recording session, so I changed the lyric back to the original. He also said he wished they had kept the guitar fill he recorded on the original song (it was replaced by a piano lick), so we added that.”
McBride, known for her soaring, powerful Country voice, was quick to assure media (and fans) that though the material is left of center, listeners will still recognize the project as pure Martina. “If Elton [John] made a Country record, we wouldn’t want him to change who he is. I don’t have to be something different,” she said. The project was produced by Don Was at Blackbird Studios, the Nashville recording facility owned by McBride’s husband, John McBride.
martina mcbride photo 2

McBride listens to a track from Everlasting.


She covers Elvis Presley’s “Suspicious Minds,” as well as Harold Melvin and the Blue Notes’ “If You Don’t Know Me By Now.” “I love the song and gorgeous melody,” McBride said of the latter track. “I looked through all of the versions and I could not find a version of a woman singing this song. We recorded it and I later realized all the [male] versions I listened to seemed to be angry and kind of finger pointing. The way I interpreted it was sad rather than angry, so it’s a different take on it.”
Otis Redding’s “I’ve Been Loving You Too Long” gets a luscious, stripped down treatment that lends added intimacy to McBride’s vocal. “We first cut the song, and there was this horn buildup that is so signature to the original, so we recorded it first with horns, then we cut it really stripped down,” she said. “They both worked, but this is so intimate. It’s like two people are sitting down on the bed and coming to terms with their relationship at this point. It’s very vulnerable.”
Two standout duets are featured on the project, including a rendition of Sam Cooke’s “Bring It On Home To Me,” which finds McBride trading lines with soulful vocalist Gavin DeGraw. McBride welcomes Kelly Clarkson on “In The Basement,” a festive, shindig-ready track originally recorded by Etta James and Sugar Pie DeSanto. “What kind of song would you expect from us?” McBride asked Oermann before playing the song. “A power ballad, of course. I wanted to do something unexpected, and this has a party going on in the background and it’s just fun.”
“You really remember how great the lyrics are in these songs,” she said of the recording process for Everlasting. Though McBride’s well-known voice could easily overpower these songs, the refined singer holds back when appropriate, allowing the song’s lyrics to take center stage.
Though McBride says there are no plans to release a single from the album, she hopes to support it with a full tour. “I imagine a show that is old-school, with a five-piece horn section and guys in suits,” said McBride. She will incorporate some of the material into her upcoming shows on George Strait’s The Cowboy Rides Away Tour. During her own headlining concerts, she hopes to rearrange some of her hit material to fit the vibe of the new album. “We might do a gospel-y version of ‘Anyway,’ or rearrange ‘God Fearin’ Women’ or ‘Broken Wing.'” McBride says. “It will be something different for fans who have come to my shows for years.”
Everlasting will release April 8.

Musicians Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony Set For Jan. 28

MusiciansHallofFameTickets are on sale now for the 2014 Musicians Hall of Fame Awards Show and Induction Ceremony, slated for Tuesday, Jan. 28 at 7 p.m. at Nashville’s Historic Municipal Auditorium.
This will be the first award show held at the venue, the new home of the Musicians Hall of Fame and Museum. Tickets can be purchased through Ticketmaster.
Fifteen new inductees to the Musicians Hall of Fame were recently announced in Nashville. 2014 inductees include Randy Bachman, Jimmy Capps, Peter Frampton, Buddy Guy, Ben Keith (posthumously), Will Lee, Barbara Mandrell, Corki Casey O’Dell, Velma Smith, Stevie Ray Vaughan (posthumously) & Double Trouble.
Roy Orbison‘s (posthumously) “Pretty Woman,” will be the first recipient of the Iconic Riff Award. Mike Curb will receive the 2014 Industry Icon Award.

Slate Creek Records Names Fundis as President/Creative Director

garth fundis11

Garth Fundis


Slate Creek Records, home to singer-songwriter Brandy Clark, has named Garth Fundis as President/Creative Director. Fundis will work alongside CEO Jim Burnett in building the label’s brand and roster.
One of the most respected producers in Nashville, Fundis has worked with some of Country music’s most notable artists including Trisha Yearwood, Sugarland, Keith Whitley, Don Williams, New Grass Revival and Alabama.
“I’m humbled to have the chance to add someone with the experience and reputation as Garth Fundis,” said Burnett. “The goal of this label is to collaborate with uniquely talented recording artists who can shake things up and turn heads. We’re passionate about being recognized for quality over quantity.”
Fundis is excited about the label model being built at Slate Creek. “Jim Burnett’s vision and determination to build Slate Creek as a supportive environment for artists makes this an exciting commitment for me. My career’s successes are related to working with amazingly talented artists and I’ll never lose sight of that. Having Brandy Clark on the roster already says a lot about where we’re headed.”
While taking a major role at Slate Creek, Fundis will continue to be available for projects apart from the label.
Fundis can be reached at garth@slatecreekrecords.com.

Billy Currington to Headline Nashville's 4th of July Celebration

Billy-CurringtonMercury Records Nashville recording artist Billy Currington will headline this summer’s Music City July 4th: Let Freedom Sing! with help from Ashley Monroe, Striking Matches and the Nashville Symphony Orchestra.
Announced today (Jan. 16) by the Nashville Convention & Visitors Corp., the July 4th event will feature live music and family activities throughout the afternoon and evening. One of the nation’s best fireworks displays, choreographed to live music, will take place after the headlining concert.
This year’s event is presented by Dr. Pepper and is sponsored by Martin’s Bar-B-Que Joint and Delta Vacations.
Prior to Independence Day, Currington will headline cities through May on his We Are Tonight Tour with Brett Eldredge and Chase Rice.

The Swon Brothers Ink With Sony/ATV

swon brothers sony atv

Standing (L-R): Sony Music Nashville’s Gary Overton, Sony/ATV’s Troy Tomlinson and manager Greg Hill; Seated: The Swon Brothers

Arista Nashville recording duo The Swon Brothers have signed with Sony/ATV Music Publishing Nashville. They documented the event in the short clip below.

“We are so excited to join Sony/ATV, it seems like our dreams just continue to come true each day,” said Colton Swon.
“My brother Colton and I wrote our first songs when we were just kids. Joining Sony/ATV opens the door to opportunities to write songs with some of our heroes,” added Zach Swon.
The brothers say they look forward to joining the ranks of the many legendary tunesmiths who have been associated with their new publishing home.
“These guys have a passion for great songs. That’s music to a publisher’s ears,” said Troy Tomlinson, President and CEO, Sony/ATV Music Publishing Nashville. “We are thrilled to represent them as songwriters.”

Rascal Flatts And Keith Urban To Headline ACM Festival

acm awardsRascal Flatts and Keith Urban will headline the Academy of Country Music’s 2nd Annual Party for a Cause Festival on Friday, April 4 and Saturday April 5, respectively, at The LINQ in Las Vegas. Other performers on the bill include Joe Nichols, Jerrod NiemannThomas Rhett, Chris YoungThe Cadillac Three, ACM’s New Artist of the Year nominees and more.
“The Academy is honored to have Rascal Flatts and Keith Urban headline two separate nights of incredible music during The Week Vegas Goes Country,” said ACM CEO Bob Romeo. “Fans nationwide plan their vacations around ACM events, and they will be blown away by The LINQ and all that Caesars has put into the property. We’re privileged to be the first event in this very special space.”
The festival will feature multiple stages for Country performances, a Country marketplace, games and more. Starting Jan. 24, fans can purchase tickets at ticketmaster.com. The 49th Academy of Country Music Awards will air on Sunday, April 6, 2014 at 7 p.m. CST. Fore more information, visit ACMcountry.com.

Grand Ole Opry Returns To CRS 2014 with Star-Studded Lineup

grand_ole_opry_logo_20051The Grand Ole Opry will return for the kick-off night of CRS 2014 on Feb. 19, 2014 at the Nashville Convention Center.
The star-studded lineup includes Opry members Carrie Underwood, Rascal Flatts and Old Crow Medicine Show, along with Thompson Square, Love & Theft, Brandy Clark, Will Hoge, and Eric Paslay. The event will begin at 7 p.m., immediately following the annual CRS Opening Night Welcome Reception. All CRS attendees can attend, with both seating and standing room available. The Grand Ole Opry at CRS is sponsored by My Well-Being Powered by Humana and the performances are Powered by Live Nation.
“We were thrilled to introduce the Opry to CRS last year,” said Opry Vice-President and General Manager Pete Fisher. “The show was a home run, and we’re looking forward to making history again at CRS 2014.”
The Opry, radio’s longest-running program, has rarely staged shows outside its regular program schedule and its permanent home (the Grand Ole Opry House) or its winter residence (Ryman Auditorium). Past Opry performances played outside the show’s home venues include performances staged at theaters such as New York City’s Carnegie Hall and the Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C.
CRS 2014 will be held February 19-21 at the Nashville Convention Center. To register for CRS visit countryradioseminar.com.

Music City Roots Mixes Quality Performers and Fun

Amos Lee at soundcheck yesterday.

Amos Lee at soundcheck on Jan. 15.


Skates On The Case:
Music City Roots is one of Nashville’s most welcoming concert experiences for artists and fans alike. The cozy Loveless Barn, where the smell of barbecue wafts through the air, is a perfect venue for the show reminiscent of an old-time radio broadcast. (Fans can listen from home via online streaming or on Hippie Radio 94.5.)
Last night’s (Jan. 15) sold out event offered a prime mix of top-tier talent: big-name headliner Amos Lee, songwriter extraordinaires Tim O’Brien and Darrell Scott, rising folk songstress Angel Snow, and keen new artists Sam Lewis, and Bradford Lee Folk & The Bluegrass Playboys. The action continues between sets as Craig Havighurst interviews performers, and Jim Lauderdale entertains as a fun, quirky host. Helping make sure everything runs smoothly is MCR’s Dir. of Artist Relations/Assoc. Producer Laurie Dashper Gregory.
From a business perspective, the series attracts sponsors with plenty of creative branding opportunities. There was a live performance of the Vietti Chili jingle, an onstage presentation of a gift from Kirkland’s, French’s boots were on display, and the concert offers the Blackstone Brewery line up.
Held every Wednesday, Music City Roots is equally family friendly and pocketbook friendly. General admission tickets are $10, with group, student and children discounts available. The popular show even has a Chattanooga off-shoot, Scenic City Roots.
MCR Co-Executive Producer Todd Mayo, MCR Senior Producer Craig Havighurst, MCR Associate Producer Laurie Gregory, MCR Co-Executive Producer John Walker and Nashville Public Television's Justin Harvey are all smiles at the Loveless Barn in celebration of NPT's broadcast. Photo: Butch Worrell

The Music City Roots crew celebrated a broadcast on Nashville Public Television. (L-R): Co-Executive Producer Todd Mayo, Sr. Producer Craig Havighurst, Assoc. Producer Laurie Gregory, Co-Executive Producer John Walker and NPT’s Justin Harvey. Photo: Butch Worrell

Artist Updates (1/16/14)

image006

Steven Curtis Chapman


Steven Curtis Chapman has announced the second leg of The Glorious Unfolding Tour. In addition to featuring special guests The Afters and Josh Wilson, the tour will continue to support the organization Show Hope, which provides care to orphans.
Chapman will perform at Nashville’s Ryman Auditorium on Feb. 22. Fans can purchase tickets at ticketmaster.com.

                      • • •

unnamed-1

Rodney Crowell


Artist, songwriter and author Rodney Crowell will release his latest album Tarpaper Sky (New West Records) on April 15. Crowell’s most recent album Old Yellow Moon, a collaboration with Emmylou Harris, is nominated for a 2014 Grammy Award.

                 • • •

unnamedShania Twain will release her CD/DVD combo pack The Discovery Of Eilleen Twain on Feb. 11. The DVD will feature footage from Twin’s early career in the late ’80s, while the CD, titled Eilleen Twain: Beginnings 1989-1990, will include 10 of Twain’s re-mastered songs.
Fans can pre-order the combo pack here.

                            • • •

Ambush At Dark Canyon

Kix Brooks has debuted the music video for “High In The Saddle,” his collaboration with Randy Houser, on CMT. The song is featured in Brook’s western film Ambush At Dark Canyon. Brooks wrote, recorded and produced the film’s soundtrack.

Fans can watch the music video on cmt.com.

                         • • •

MercyMeMercyMe will release their eighth studio album Welcome To The New on April 8. The album will be produced by David Garcia and Ben Glover.

Kacey Musgraves Signs On For Katy Perry World Tour

Perry-Musgraves

Kacey Musgraves joined Katy Perry at the Hollywood Bowl in 2013.


Katy Perry has announced Kacey Musgraves as one of three opening acts for various stops on her four-month North American Prismatic World Tour.
Although the Perry tour hits Nashville on June 27 without the Mercury Nashville newcomer, Musgraves will join the Capitol Records star for 14 August dates extending to Canada and touching U.S. cities, including Grand Rapids, Mich.; St. Louis, and Louisville, Ky. (dates below). Capital Cities and Tegan and Sara will tag team the rest of the tour.
“I’m so excited that I got to hand-select some of my favorite artists to join me on this journey – I know you’ll love Capital Cities, Kacey Musgraves, and Tegan and Sara as much as I do,” Perry said.
Citi card members will have access to pre-sale tickets beginning Tuesday, Jan. 21 at 10 a.m. local time. Details are forthcoming for fans’ opportunity to purchase tickets via Facebook Jan. 23.
The Prismatic World Tour is Perry’s first tour since 2011’s sold-out California Dreams Tour, which was the subject of the 2012 feature film Katy Perry: Part Of Me, the fifth biggest music documentary of all time.
Catch Musgraves on the road with Lady Antebellum through April. In addition to performing, Musgraves is also nominated for four Grammy Awards at the end of the month.
Prismatic dates including Kacey Musgraves:
Aug. 10 – Grand Rapids, Mich. – Van Andel Arena
Aug. 11 – Auburn Hills, Mich. – The Palace of Auburn Hills
Aug. 13 – Columbus, Ohio – Nationwide Arena
Aug. 14 – Cleveland, Ohio – Quicken Loans Arena
Aug. 16 – Louisville, Ky. – KFC Yum! Center
Aug. 17 – St. Louis – Scottrade Center
Aug. 19 – Kansas City, Mo. – Sprint Center
Aug. 20 – Lincoln, Neb. – Pinnacle Bank Arena
Aug. 22 – Minneapolis – Target Center
Aug. 23 – Fargo, N.D. – FARGODOME
Aug. 26 – Winnipeg, MB – MTS Centre
Aug. 28 – Saskatoon, SK – Credit Union Centre
Aug. 29 – Calgary, AB – Scotiabank Saddledome
Aug. 31 – Edmonton, AB – Rexall Place