DISClaimer Single Reviews (5/30/12)

Big & Rich's "That's Why I Pray" gets the Disc of the Day Honor

This is a week of reunions and revivals.

Cerrrito & Lynn Anderson, Jason Allen, Hayes Carll, Hank Williams Jr., Bill Wence and Big & Rich are all back with us after varying periods of silence. The most welcome of these comebacks is Big & Rich, who have the Disc of the Day.

I don’t give a Song of the Day award, but if I did, it would go to Hayes Carll’s “Hard Out Here,” which is at once both downbeat and hilarious.

SHAWNA RUSSELL/Sounds Like a Party
Writer: Shawna Russell/Keith Russell/Tim Russell; Producer: Julian King, Clif Doyal & Tim Russell; Publisher: Blue Buckaroo, BMI; Way Out West (615-319-1863)
—This has a delightfully funky groove with cool guitars and a snappy backbeat. As usual, she sings with vim.

HANK WILLIAMS JR./That Ain’t Good
Writer: Hank Williams Jr.; Producer: Chris Farren; Publisher: Bocephus, BMI; Bocephus/Blaster (www.hankjr.com)
—Bluesy and blue collar all the way. He’s singing better than ever, and the new, full-bodied production style showcases him superbly. Well worth your attention.

CHANCE CODY & SPUR 503/I Don’t Want to Be Wanted Tonight
Writer: Chance Cody; Producer: none listed; Publisher: none listed; Spur 503 (www.spur503.com)
—This sits along the boundary between barroom country and blue-collar rock. His drawling vocal is right on the money, emotionally. The band is stirring up a deep sonic stew behind him. But changing the tempo in mid song (twice) probably wasn’t the best idea.

CERRITO & LYNN ANDERSON/Mexican Angel
Writer: Liz Anderson/Lynn Anderson; Producer: Bartley Pursley, Felipe de La Rosa & Cerrito; Publisher: none listed; Checo
—Mariachi trumpets, Spanish guitars, castanets and an ultra-melodic waltz are all in this recipe. Lynn’s shadowing harmony vocal and Spanish-language interjections make the disc soar.

SIX MARKET BLVD./Say It
Writer: Clayton Landua/Josh Serato/Ben Hussey/Dallas Neal; Producer: Bart Rose & Six Market Blvd.; Publisher: AADI/Grange, no performance rights listed; SMB (track) (www.sixmarketblvd.com)
—Boring electric blues with an overly indulgent guitar player.

BIG & RICH/That’s Why I Pray
Writer: Blair Daly/Sarah Buxton/Danelle Leverett; Producer: Dann Huff; Publisher: Sony-ATV Cross Keys/Danelle Leverett/Southside Independent/Internal Combustion/Kickin Grids/We’re Going to Maui/Tom-Leis/Songs of Universal, ASCAP/BMI; Warner Bros.
—Evocative and ethereal. They harmonize perfectly together throughout the potent performance while guitars chime in and out of the mix. Essential listening.

JASON ALLEN/Goin’ Fishin’ Today
Writer: Jason Allen; Producer: Davin James & Jason Allen; Publisher: Star Marie, BMI; Smith Entertainment (track) (www.jasonallencountry.com)
—This noisy party rocker might work OK live in a honky tonk. But it doesn’t sound particularly radio worthy to me.

HAYES CARLL/Hard Out Here
Writer: none listed; Producer: none listed; Publisher: none listed; Lost Highway (www.hayescarll.com)
—This former Americana Music award winner is back with a track to remind us what a wry wit he can be. His drawling delivery of the unlucky lyric is a smile a second. The band tromps along with a sloppy shuffle and folks in the background seem to be staging their own party.

BILL WENCE/Borderline Crazy
Writer: Jeremy Stowe/Kris Bergsness/Greg Barnhill; Producer: Bill Wence & Joe Funderburk; Publisher: Warner-Tamerlane/WB/Platinum Plow/Green City/Calhoun Enterprises/Green Wilderness, BMI/ASCAP/SESAC; Six One Five (track) (www.billwencepromotions.com)
—As if being a radio promoter, Wanda Jackson sideman, producer, songwriter and Johnny Rivers booster wasn’t enough, Bill Wence also makes records. His latest, Analog Man in a Digital World, kicks off with this loosey-goosey bopper about getting loaded south of the border.

DANIEL WARREN/Lullaby
Writer: Daniel Warren; Producer: none listed; Publisher: Chaprielle, BMI; Quarterback (www.danielwarrenband.com)
—Despite the title, this is an uptempo outing. As was the case on his last single, he sings with wafting harmonies around him in a soft, easy-going groove.

CMT Plans Special “Crossroads” Episode With Joe Walsh

CMT will present a first of its kind event, CMT Crossroads: Joe Walsh & Friends, featuring the legendary Eagles guitarist and solo artist onstage with friends from country music including Kenny Chesney, Brad Paisley, Sara Evans, Luke Bryan and Hunter Hayes as well as Billy Gibbons of ZZ Top.

For one unforgettable episode of the popular performance series, the stars will align to pay homage to Walsh, performing his hits and Eagles’ classics, including “Life’s Been Good to Me,” “Life in the Fast Lane” and more. CMT Crossroads: Joe Walsh & Friends premieres on Saturday, June 23 at 11 pm ET/PT.

“It’s an honor and a privilege to be onboard for a CMT Crossroads episode,” said Walsh. “I’ve hand-picked some old friends and some new friends and we’re going to make sure it’s a special evening. Nothing beats country music with a little rock & roll sprinkled on top. We’re going to mix up a batch and see what happens. I got a real good feeling about it. Nashville, here we come!”

CMT Crossroads is produced by Tom ForrestJohn Hamlin, Margaret Comeaux and Bill Flanagan serve as executive producers.

Chevy Revs Up CMA Music Fest

Chevrolet is earning its title as the Official Ride of Country Music by sponsoring numerous events at the 2012 CMA Music Festival, running June 7-10.

A private Industry Test Drive will occur this Friday, June 1, 11 AM- 2 PM near the CMA offices. For each test drive taken, Chevrolet will donate $25 to the CMA Foundation, which benefits music education.

On Mon., June 4 at 6 PM at The Stage, Chevrolet will present the CMA Global Artist Party featuring Australians Bob CorbettMorgan EvansAdam Harvey, Craig Morrison and Joe Robinson; Canadians Emerson Drive, High Valley and Jess Moskaluke; Vickie Evans (New Zealand); Lisa McHugh (Ireland) with Gene Watson; and Gary Quinn (UK). Australian husband and wife duo O’Shea return as hosts.

“The Eighth Annual CMA Music Festival Kick-Off Parade” will begin at 11 AM on Wed., June 6. The parade will start at 10th Avenue and end at Chevrolet Riverfront Park for the Chevrolet Block Party at 12:30 PM, which is free and open to the public.

The Festival officially begins on Thurs., June 7 when Montgomery Gentry kicks off the free concerts at the Chevrolet Riverfront Stage at 10 AM. Acts that are slated to perform include Wade Bowen, Lee Brice, Laura Bell Bundy, Craig Campbell, Edens Edge, Brett Eldredge, The Farm, Colt Ford, Larry Gatlin and the Gatlin Brothers, Gloriana, JT Hodges, Steve Holy, Casey James, Jana Kramer, Tracy Lawrence, LoCash Cowboys, Lonestar, Love and Theft, Dustin Lynch, Neal McCoy, Jo Dee Messina, Kip Moore, Craig Morgan, Lorrie Morgan, David Nail, Heidi Newfield, Jerrod Niemann, Oak Ridge Boys, James Otto, Randy Rogers Band, Thomas Rhett, Sawyer Brown, Corey Smith, Sunny Sweeney, Josh Thompson, Mel Tillis, Uncle Kracker, Phil Vassar, James Wesley, and Darryl Worley. Chevrolet vehicles will be on display.

New this year is The Chevrolet Roadhouse, located in Fan Alley (off Broadway and 4th Ave.), which will feature performances by Weston Burt, Due West, Erin Enderlin, Flynnville Train, Adam Gregory, Amber Hayes, Imaj, Zack Lockwood, Lucy Angel, Rachele Lynae, Josh Mullins, Gary Quinn, Chase Rice, The Roys, Matt Stillwell, and Jason Thomas.

Fans will also have an opportunity to test drive a Chevrolet at the Ride and Drive on Fourth Avenue between Broadway and Demonbreun Street. The “Catch a Chevy” program will give free rides to fans.

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HGTV, GAC, DIY Network and Travel Channel are hosting The Lodge, a venue in Fan Alley. The Lodge’s GAC Living Country Stage line-up includes performances by Gary Allan, Dierks Bentley, Bucky Covington, Love & Theft, Kip Moore, Sarah Darling, Josh Thompson, Kix Brooks, Katie Armiger and Casey James; and autograph sessions with Kellie Pickler, Lauren Alaina, Rodney Atkins, Easton Corbin, Luke Bryan, Little Big Town, Thompson Square, Jake Owen, Scotty McCreery and rapper Vanilla Ice, host of DIY Network’s The Vanilla Ice Project. Additionally, HGTV stars set for appearances are Chris Lambton (Going Yard), Drew and Jonathan Scott (The Property Brothers), and Amie and Jolie Sykes (Junk Gypsies). Host Bert Kreischer will be on location to film an upcoming episode of the new Travel Channel series, Trip Flip. He will surprise a few lucky tourists, taking them behind-the-scenes at the Festival.

Siman Launches RPM Entertainment

RPM Management President Scott Siman and Sr. VP April Rider have announced the launch of new “integrated music company” RPM Entertainment, which will be promoting flagship artist Maggie Rose. The new company will provide record label, publishing and management services.

“It’s been my desire for a long time to combine label services with management and publishing,” said Siman. “Unlike most other companies trying to do deals where they participate in all areas but lack in depth expertise,  we have staff with huge track records in all these areas.”

Former Stoney Creek Records VP/GM Rider joined Siman earlier in February 2012 and serves as Sr. VP for the new company. Email her here. Joining the team for promotion efforts are Jack Christopher and Rocco Cosco, who both previously served with Bigger Picture. Christopher will take on the role of VP Promotion, and can be reached here. Cosco, who also spent time with Curb Records and Mercury Records will be RPM’s new Director of National Promotion. Reach him here. Former R&J Records staffers Jon Conlon and Kelsey Lantrip also join the promo staff, with Conlon handling West Coast promotion duties and Lantrip as Promotion Coordinator/Executive Assistant. Email Conlon here and Lantrip here.

RPM made the announcement through a video parodying DirecTV’s memorable “bad decisions” ad campaign.

Maggie Rose, who was formerly known as Margaret Durante is shipping her new single “I Ain’t Your Momma” to country radio on May 30. She is also on the road with the Country Throwdown Tour this summer.

CRS Accepting Nominations For 2013 Country Radio Hall of Fame

The nomination process is now open for Country Radio Seminar’s 2013 Country Radio Hall of Fame induction ceremony.

Nominations for On-Air Personality and Radio Hall of Fame can be made on the CRS website, and CRS officials will provide official applications to nominees. Application returns will be accepted to the CRS offices until Fri., Sept. 7. Applications received after the deadline will be held for consideration for the 2014 Hall of Fame class.

The 2013 Country Radio Hall of Fame Dinner and induction ceremony will be held Feb. 26, 2013, the night before the official beginning of CRS 2013, running Feb. 27 – March 1, at the Nashville Convention Center.

“Each year, Country Radio Broadcasters seek to recognize the true legends of Country radio by welcoming new members to the Country Radio Hall of Fame,” said CRS Hall of Fame Chairman, Charlie Morgan. “The caliber of past inductees ensures that this is the highest honor that can be bestowed on a Country radio professional, and we are excited to open the application process for this year’s class.”

Nominees may include air-checks, press clippings, awards listings and other materials for consideration.

Curb Records to Release “The Last Ride” Soundtrack

Curb Records will release the soundtrack to The Last Ride, an new, independent film inspired by the life and death of Hank Williams.

Starring Henry Thomas, Jesse James, Fred Thompson, and Kaley Cuoco, The Last Ride is a fictionalized account of a period of Williams’ life when he was sobering from alcohol and drugs and trying to get his career back on track. In late 1952, he scheduled several New Year’s shows in West Virginia and Ohio but passed away on New Year’s Day in 1953 in the back of his Cadillac.

The soundtrack contains some of Williams’ best known songs as well as new selections written for the project. Performers include Williams’ daughter Jett Williams, Johnny Cash, The Isaacs and more.

The Last Ride will be released in selected theaters in June. A few Nashville fans got to see a special screening of the movie on Saturday (5/26) at Ernest Tubb Texas Troubadour Theater.

Tracks on The Last Ride soundtrack:
The Last Ride Theme – Benjy Gaither
Hey Good Lookin’ – Jett Williams
Honky Tonk Man – Russ Taff
Keep on the Sunny Side – Rebecca Frasier
I Will Marry You – Wes Hampton
It Wasn’t God Who Made Honky Tonk Angels – Sarah Johns
Cold, Cold Heart – Doug Anderson
The Swing Low Sweet Chariot – Clyde Wright & The Incredible Golden Gates
I’m So Lonesome I Could Cry – Michael English
Longing – Jett Williams
Footprints – Benjy Gaither
I’m Winging My Way Back Home – The Blackwood Brothers
Can’t Help It If I’m Still In Love With You – Jett Williams
On I Down The Road – Val Storey
Chino – Nathan Young
Ilene – Nathan Young
What Ya Gonna Do – Nathan Young
Tennessee Waltz – Nathan Young
O Come Angel Band – The Isaacs
Hank Williams’ Blues – Jett Williams
The Night Hank Williams Came To Town – Johnny Cash & Waylon Jennings
The Last Ride – Tony Ramey

Lifenotes: Doc Watson Hospitalized; Mark Bright’s Father Passes

Bluegrass legend Doc Watson has been hospitalized in Winston-Salem, NC, and remains in critical condition at Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center.

“Doc’s condition has somewhat deteriorated this morning. He remains in critical condition,” says a post on folkloreproductions.com, which has been giving daily updates of Watson’s progress.

Watson was listed as critical on Thursday (5/24) after undergoing surgery for an impacted colon. He was originally airlifted to Wake Forest Baptist from Watauga Medical Center in Boone, NC, after he fell at home.

Watson has won seven Grammy Awards, a Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award and the National Endowment for the Artist National Heritage Fellowship.

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MusicRow offers its condolences to producer Mark Bright and family, following the passing of his father William Delbert Bright (of Longview, TX) over the weekend. He was 82. Visitation will be held at Rader Funeral Home in Longview on Wednesday (5/30) from 6 – 8 pm, and services will be held Thursday (5/31) beginning at 10 am.

Atkins To Host Second Annual “Music City Gives Back” Concert

On Tuesday, June 5, Rodney Atkins will once again host the Second Annual “Music City Gives Back” benefit concert in conjunction with the Nashville Convention & Visitors Bureau.

The free to the public event features an all-star lineup including Clint BlackThompson SquareLee BriceJosh ThompsonJana Kramer, The FarmMallary Hope, and The Willis Clan. Music is scheduled to begin at 5 pm on the outdoor stage on Broadway in downtown Nashville between Second and Fourth Avenues.

“Last year was such a great experience to close down Broadway and to raise money and awareness for the American Red Cross we decided to do it again,” says Atkins. “This is an organization that helps so many people in all of our communities and they need support not just when disaster strikes. Looking forward to getting out there and working with Wrangler Western Wear and Cricket’s Muve Music to raise awareness and party with everyone in Music City.”

With the help of sponsors Wrangler Western Wear, Cricket Wireless, Carl Black Chevrolet, Advanced Auto Parts, and GAC, fans will be able to enjoy a night of great music at no cost and have the opportunity to contribute to the American Red Cross. Donations may be made on-site.

Those unable to attend the festivities will still be able to enjoy the concerts by streaming the performances live on the Wrangler Facebook page.

Photo Roundup (5/29/12)

Big Machine Records was part of a second Indianapolis 500 championship on Sunday (5/27) thanks to its sponsorship of driver Dario Franchitti, who raced into Victory Lane for the third time in his career. The race aired nationally on ABC and is the second most watched sporting event in the United States. The win comes one year after Big Machine Records sponsored the late Dan Wheldon’s winning car at the 2011 Indianapolis 500. BMLG also provided fans with pre-race entertainment and distributed over 250,000 white Big Machine Records-branded sunglasses to honor Wheldon. Martina McBride kicked off the racing event by performing the national anthem.

Big Machine Label Group President/CEO Scott Borchetta, Country Superstar Martina McBride and 2012 Indy 500 Winner Dario Franchitti. Photo: Becky Fluke/Big Machine

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Warner Music Nashville kicked off its 3rd Pickin On The Patio season with new talent, Charlie Worsham. The event, held on the WMN Patio the fourth Thursday of each month, was the first in a six-show series now running through October. Worsham, who recently signed to WMN, is currently working on his debut album with Arthur Buenahora.

Photo (L-R): Arthur Buenahora (Publisher & Executive Producer Ole Music Publishing), Scott Hendricks (SR VP A&R Warner Music Nashville), John Esposito (President & CEO Warner Music Nashville), Charlie Worsham, Brad Henderson (Manager BigHowdy {CREATIVE BRANDS}), Cris Lacy (VP A&R Warner Music Nashville), Scott Kernahan (Manager Rogue Music), and Kelli Cashiola (VP Brand Management Warner Music Nashville)

Swift Exhibition To Open At Hall Of Fame In Time For CMA Fest

The exhibition will include artifacts from the tour's vignettes, such as this Valentino ball gown, dancers’ and aerialists’ costumes, and the “Juliet balcony” in which Swift soared above the crowd while performing “Love Story.” Swift recently pledged $4 million for an education center at the museum.

The Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum has tons of events lined up for music lovers coming to Nashville for next week’s CMA Music Festival, and one highlight is sure to be the June 6 opening of Taylor Swift: Speak Now—Treasures from the World Tour.

The exhibition running through Nov. 4, 2012, includes dozens of costumes, instruments, and props from the tour which entertained more than 1.5 million fans over 111 shows in 19 countries. The Speak Now exhibition will recreate 10 vignettes from the tour.

On display will be designer gowns by Roberto Cavalli, Marchesa and Jenny Packham; and instruments including a shimmering red Gibson Les Paul electric guitar, Deering six-string banjo with rolled steel drum, and Taylor brand koa wood ukulele with mother-of-pearl inlay.

During June 5-9, museum visitors will be able to attend autograph signings and/or performances with new and legendary artists. Live from the Museum Store, Presented by CMT will include autograph signings with Lee Brice, Lee Greenwood, the Oak Ridge Boys and Country Music Hall of Fame member Charley Pride, as well as performances and autograph signings with Casey James, Tracy Lawrence, Love and Theft, Joanna Smith and Josh Thompson.

The museum will also present a special Songwriter Session with Kellie Pickler, and a tribute to Country Music Hall of Fame member Chet Atkins by Steve Wariner.

On Tues., June 5 David Nail will kick off this summer’s Hot Nights at the Hall series. Also on the schedule are Jana Kramer (July 13) and Love and Theft (Aug. 31). The shows run 6-9 p.m. and are for Museum members only.

For details visit www.countrymusichalloffame.org.