DISClaimer: Underdogs Have Their Day in the Sun

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Stoney LaRue

Stoney LaRue

The superstars are playing at the top of their game, but even underdogs have their day in the sun.

In this week’s stack of sounds, you’ll find first-rate efforts by Brad Paisley, Lee Ann Womack and Kenny Chesney. As is so often the case with my hopeless, country-loving self, I was drawn to the most retro styled discs. They belonged to stars who don’t twinkle quite as brightly as that much-awarded trio.

Thus, the Disc of the Day goes to Billy Yates. And the DisCovery Award belongs to Stoney Larue.

RACHELE LYNAE/Whole Lotta Nothin’
Writers: Rachele Lynae/Hannah Bethel/David Myhre; Producers: Jamie O’Neal/Rachele Lynae/Publishers: Rachele Lynae/Hanwyn/David Myhre, ASCAP/BMI; Momentum
-The sound of a beach vacation.

KENNY CHESNEY & GRACE POTTER/Wild Child
Writers: Kenny Chesney/Shane McAnally/Josh Osborne; Producers: Buddy Cannon/Kenny Chesney; Publishers: none listed, BMI/ASCAP; Columbia/Blue Chair (track)
– Languid. Lilting. Lulling. He’s dreamy in love with a rebel who has a wandering heart.

JONATHAN BYRD/Mama’s Got Wheels
Writers: Jonathan Byrd; Producer: Jonathan Byrd; Publishers: Jonathan Byrd, SESAC; Waterbug (track)
-Bluesy, earthy, rootsy and real, with just enough dirt under is fingernails to be completely compelling. I am all ears for this guy. Americana programmers will find him equally gripping. The CD is called You Can’t Outrun the Radio and is highly recommended.

MARK McKINNEY/Diggin’ My Grave
Writers: Mark McKinney; Producers: Mark and Erin McKinney; Publishers: none listed; MM
-Thumping and driving, with loads of slide-guitar moaning. Fantastically listenable. Be forewarned: The recurring line in it is, “Recipe for Disaster,” rather than the title, which is buried elsewhere in the lyric. It is still a way, way, cool little record.

BRAD PAISLEY/Crushin’ It
Writers: Brad Paisley/Kelley Lovelace/Lee Thomas Miller; Producers: Luke Wooten/Brad Paisley; Publishers: House of Sea Gayle/Words & Music/Making the Turn/Do Write/Warner-Tamerlane/The Country and Western, ASCAP/BMI; Arista (track)
-Ready for the weekend? Here’s the tune for you, complete with chilled beverages and a sizzling guitar groove.

THE CHEATERS/She Got A Way
Writers: none listed; Producer: Tommy Harden; Publishers: none listed; Cheaters (track)
-In praise of a babe, this innocuous little ditty has a laid-back tempo, close harmonies, a catchy chorus repetition and a summertime vibe. Engaging, if not exactly life changing.

LEO J. EIFFERT JR./Icon Super Star
Writer: Leo J. Eiffert Jr.; Producer: Leo J. Eiffert Jr.; Publishers: Young Country, BMI; Young Country
– Utterly amateurish, but at least he has a sense of humor about it.

LEE ANN WOMACK/Send It On Down
Writers: Chris Knight/David Leone; Producers: Frank Liddell/Chuck Ainlay/Glenn Worf; Publishers: WB/Wrensong/Judy Harris/Meester Smooshie, ASCAP; Sugar Hill (track)
– The second single from Womack’s Grammy-nominated CD is an aching plea for redemption from someone being driven mad by drink, loneliness and the ennui of small-town existence. It made me hold my breath in awe.

Billy Yates

Billy Yates

BILLY YATES/Zeros
Writers: Billy Yates/Lee Thomas Miller/Monty Criswell; Producer: Billy Yates; Publishers: So Bizzy/Music of Stage Three, BMI; M.O.D. (track)
-Yates is the songwriter behind such pure-country, George Jones classics as “Choices” and “I Don’t Need Your Rockin’ Chair.” The debut single from his new These Old Walls CD is a hillbilly hoot. He’s a loser, but he’s okay with that because, “If zeros always come full circle, it’s high time I go back around.” The whole album brims with ready-for-radio country gems like this.

STONEY LARUE/Golden Shackles
Writers: none listed; Producers: Frank Liddell/Michael McCarthy; Publishers: none listed; eOne (track)
-This fellow is a headliner in the Lone Star State. His recruits top Nashville producers and session aces in a bid for mainstream country acceptance and hits a bullseye with a CD titled Aviator. This romping single’s sprightly rhythms contrast nicely with a downbeat lyric of losing a gamble with love. Audio charisma.

DISClaimer: Starting The Year Off Bright

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Tim McGraw

Tim McGraw

The winter skies may be unendingly gray, but this week’s country music sounds bright.

Superstar Tim McGraw starts his year off right by slam dunking a Disc of the Day prize. No one else even comes close.

To me, it’s always a sign of good health for the format when there are plenty of talented newcomers vying for attention. Today, they include Mickey Guyton, Nate Green and the winner of the DisCovery Award of the week, Mo Pitney.

NATE GREEN/Back Road
Writer: Nate Green; Producer: Cosme Liccardo/Enrico Carducci; Publisher: none listed; Conway/GMV
-He has an intriguingly husky vocal style, and the production is ear-catching, crunchy and innovative. It sure ain’t your father’s country music, but it has its merits. Recommended listening.

TIM McGRAW & CATHERINE DUNN/Diamond Rings and Old Bar Stools
Writers: Luke Laird/Barry Dean/Jonathan Singleton; Producers: Byron Gallimore/Tim McGraw; Publishers: Songs of Universal/Creative Nation/Twangin and Slangin/Country Paper/Pulse Nation/BMG Gold/Glassbean/We Jam Writers Group, BMI/ASCAP; Big Machine (track)
-Dunn is McGraw’s first cousin (their moms are sisters). Her family harmony with him is perfection on this ballad of regret. Diamonds are for queens, and barstools are for fools, you see. So the two lovers in this song were never meant to blend together. Extremely well done in every department.

PARMALEE/Already Callin’ You Mine
Writers: Matt Thomas/Scott Thomas/Barry Knox/Phil O’Donnell/Wade Kirby; Producer: NV; Publishers: 27861 Music/Revelry/Gallo & Landers/Sixteen Stars/HoriPro/Dirty County/Big Loud Bucks, BMI; Stoney Creek
-These four hard-working dudes continue to impress. This upbeat bopper summons a lady to romance with sunny optimism.

REBA McENTIRE/Going Out Like That
Writers: Ben Hayslip/Rhett Akins/Jason Sellers; Producer: Tony Brown; Publishers: WB/Tar-Cam-Knox/Thankful for This/Sony-ATV/EMI Blackwood/Becky’s Boy/Brooks County Boy, ASCAP; Nash/Valory
-This gal isn’t wallowing in her broken heart. She’s out rocking, throwing back shots, dancing up a storm, dressing in red and being the life of the party. Rock on.

JULIE C. MYERS/Can’t Get My Heart Around That
Writer: none listed; Producer: Dan Hodges; Publishers: none listed; Wild Heart (track)
-The opening line of her publicity bio brags that she is, “arguably the world’s most sought after Stevie Nicks tribute artist,” and that she has been touring for eight years with her “Nearly Nicks” act. Allrighty, then. The production of her debut single owes more to rock traditions than it does to country. Her vocal performance isn’t commanding enough for either genre.

JIM ED BROWN/When The Sun Says Hello to the Mountain
Writers: Harry Pease/Larry Vincent; Producer: Don Cusic; Publisher: Shapiro Bernstein, ASCAP; Plowboy (track)
-The lead-off track of the new CD by this Grand Ole Opry veteran harkens back to his ‘50s and ‘60s performances with his sisters in The Browns. The lovely harmonies match the lilting melody and the icing on the cake is the delicious steel-guitar embellishment by Chris Scruggs. At age 80, Jim Ed still has enormous vocal warmth and class. Get-well wishes are in order — He was recently diagnosed with lung cancer.

Mo Pitney photo Joseph LLanes

Mo Pitney. Photo: Joseph Llanes

MO PITNEY/Country
Writers: Mo Pitney/Bobby Tomberlin/Bill Anderson; Producer: Tony Brown; Publishers: Mike Curb/Sony-ATV Tree/Mr. Bubba, BMI; Curb
-His vocal is effortlessly countrified, with echoes of the great honky-tonk stylists of yore. The lyric is extraordinarily well crafted, full of the little details that make a great song sparkle. I can’t wait to hear more from this guy.

MICKEY GUYTON/Better Than You Left Me
Writers: Mickey Guyton/Jennifer Hanson/Jenn Schott/Nathan Chapman; Producers: Nathan Chapman/Dann Huff; Publishers: Mickey’s Island/Sony-ATV Acuff Rose/Chaylynn/Music of Parallel/Schott Heard Around the World/Downtown DMP/Songs of Universal/Art in the Pain, BMI; Capitol (CDX)
-It takes guts to start your career with a slow ballad. But this gal has the vocal chops to pull it off. The stately drum thump and softly sympathetic electric guitars aid her as she builds to a slow-burn, soulful emotional peak.

RACHEL HOLDER/I Think of You
Writers: Billy Aerts/Scott Lynch/Shea Fisher; Producer: none listed; Publishers: Stormey/BMG Platinum/Baby Gray/Dan Hodges/Shea Fisher, BMI; Curb (CDX)
-The fact this woman isn’t already a star continues to baffle me. Every single has been a vocal tour de force, and this one is no exception. She knocks this ballad out of the ballpark. Stop putting so much compression on her singing, crank up her volume and let her wail.

LOCASH/I Love This Life
Writers: Chris Janson/Preston Brust/Chris Lucas/Danny Myrick; Producers: Lindsay Rimes/Preston Brust/Chris Lucas; Publishers: Red Vinyl/Sony-ATV Tree/Root 49, BMI; Reviver (CDX)
-This made me want to dance around the room. They sing like hillbilly angels, the production is a frothing swirl and the dazzling rhythm track is relentless. I love this life, indeed.

DISClaimer: Female Voices Make A Strong Showing in 2015

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Happy New Year.

lee-ann-womack-the-way-i'm-livingfeaturedThis past one was terrible for women in country music, so I am pleased to report that in the first stack of platters of 2015, female voices rule. Today, reigning queen Miranda Lambert is joined by equally powerful sounds from Maddie & Tae, Karen Fairchild of Little Big Town and the sublime Lee Ann Womack, who has this week’s Disc of the Day.

Don’t count the guys out. Frankie Ballard and Collin Raye sound especially good. And the male group A Thousand Horses wins the first DisCovery Award of 2015.

PARKER McCOLLUM/Meet You In The Middle
Writer: Parker McCollum; Producer: Corby Schaub; Publisher: none listed; PYM
-Breezy sounding, but with an underlying sadness. The Texan sings with plaintive yearning while guitars ring along to the refrain.

LITTLE BIG TOWN/Girl Crush
Writers: Liz Rose/Lori McKenna/Hillary Lindsey; Producer: Jay Joyce; Publishers: Warner-Tamerlane/Songs of Crazy Girl/Songs of Universal/Hoodie/HillarodyRathbone/BMG, BMI/ASCAP; Capitol Nashville
It’s not as gay as the title implies. The reason she has the “girl crush” is because she wants to be like the woman he loves instead of herself. Whatever the case, the lovely, wistful ballad is absolutely dreamy sounding.

RAY PRICE/I Wish I Was 18 Again
Writers: Sonny Throckmorton; Producer: Fred Foster; Publisher: Sony-ATV, no performance rights listed; Amerimonte
This heart-tugging waltz was originally a hit for George Burns in 1980. The fact that Ray Price was dying when he recorded this version makes it ache all the more. It remains an awesome piece of songwriting that everyone should hear.

COLLIN RAYE/Same Old Lang Syne
Writers: D. Fogelberg; Producers: Kelly Schoenfeld/Johnny Swinell; Publishers: Hickory Grove/EMI April, no performance rights listed; Goldenlane (track)
Collin’s new Everlasting CD is a set of reinterpretations of pop classics, including “Against All Odds,” “How Deep Is Your Love,” “Sorry Seems to Be the Hardest Word,” “She’s Got a Way,” “We’re All Alone” and “How Am I Supposed to Live Without You.” Appropriately, he greets the New Year with this Dan Fogelberg chestnut that toasts an old flame and a new beginning.

MADDIE & TAE/Fly
Writers: Maddie Marlow/Taylor Dye/Tiffany Vartanyan; Producer: Dann Huff; Publishers: Super Big/Not Your Average Girl/Silva Tone, ASCAP; Dot (track)
-Country’s most refreshing new female voices are back with a song of hope, optimism and strength in the face of adversity. The melody is delicious, the harmonies are sparkling, the track is terrific and the mood is uplifting. I’m in. Totally.

A Thousand Horses1A THOUSAND HORSES/Smoke
Writers: Michael Hobby/Jon Nite/Ross Copperman; Producer: Dave Cobb; Publishers: Warner-Tamerlane/Carolina June/Greatshakin/EMI April/EMI Blackwood/Jon Mark Nite/Songs By Red Room/Sony-ATV, BMI; Republic Nashville
The woman is like smoke, “blowing rings around my heart.” He can’t put her down once he starts. She goes great with booze. She’s not good for his health. Her perfume lingers on his clothes. She’s a habit, and this haunting, swirling single makes her sound like a must-have. Very promising.

MIRANDA LAMBERT/Little Red Wagon
Writers: Audra Mae/Joe Ginsberg; Producers: Frank Liddell, Chuck Ainlay, Glen Worf; Publishers: WB/AMAEB/Double Flannel, ASCAP; RCA
-Miranda’s back in her feisty-female mode on this rumbling bopper. She’s a free spirit who has no use for the guy who’s pursuing her. The highly personalized last verse is a particular hoot.

T. GRAHAM BROWN/Forever Changed
Writers: H. Lindsey/D. Penn/C. Whitesett; Producers: Mark Carman/T. Graham Brown/Publishers: none listed; Mansion
-The title tune of this blue-eyed soulman’s latest collection is a sweet, tender ballad that he sings with depth and maturity. In addition to solo showcases like this, the gospel-themed album also includes collaborations with Leon Russell, Vince Gill, The Oak Ridge Boys, Jason Crabb, Jimmy Fortune, Sonya Isaacs and more. Recommended with an “amen.”

FRANKIE BALLARD/Young & Crazy
Writers: Ashley Gorley/Shane McAnally/Rhett Akins; Producers: Marshall Altman/Scott Hendricks; Publishers:External Combustion/Out of the Taperoom/Songs of Southside Independent/Universal/Smack Ink/EMI Blackwood/Rhettneck, ASCAP/BMI; Warner Bros.
-“How am I ever gonna get to be old and wise/If I ain’t ever young and crazy?” You said it, brother. Hit bound. Rock on.

Lee ANN WOMACK/The Way I’m Livin’
Writers: Adam Wright; Producers: Frank Liddell, Chuck Ainlay, and Glenn Worf; Publishers: Alrighty Den/Wrightone, BMI; Sugar Hill (track)
-This peerless country stylist is nominated for a Grammy Award this year. The title tune of the album in question is also her current single. There’s a devil on her shoulder who tells her that being bad feels good. So now she doesn’t know wrong from right, and the instruments that churn up that sound all around her make the chaos all the more inescapable. Contemporary country at its finest.

DISClaimer: Christmas Tidings

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Brett Eldredge

Brett Eldredge


Seasons greetings, faithful readers.
Here’s our “DisClaimer” column rounding up some of the rest of Nashville’s holiday musical offerings. Today, we hear from representatives from our bluegrass, Christian and Americana communities, as well as some mainstream country stars.
The Disc of the Day is a tie between Brett Eldredge, with a single, and the five-man a cappella group Home Free, with an album.
This week’s DisCovery Award goes to Sammy Hakim.
Brett Eldredge/Mary, Did You Know
Writers: Lee Rufus Greene/Mark Alan Lowry; producer: Ross Copperman; Publisher: Rufus/Word, ASCAP; Warner Bros.
-Eldredge has seldom been as impressive as a vocalist as he is on this stately ballad. This is easily one of the finest performances of the season. Copperman’s delicate, piano-focussed production is flawless.
SAMMY HAKIM/This Christmas Love Me
Writers: Samantha Hakam; Producer: Kevin Gutierrez; Publisher: none listed; BMI; EXT (CDX)
-Indie artist Hakim’s original holiday tune is a sprightly rocker that yearns for a ex lover’s return. Her delivery ranges from a breathy whisper to a sassy wail. Promising.
TEEA GOANS/All I Want For Christmas Is You
Writers: Troy Powers/Andy Stone; Producer: Terry Choate; Publishers: Songs of Peer LTD/Songs of Delta Boy/Good Ole Delta Boy peertunes LTD, ASCAP/SESAC; Crosswind (CDX)
-Still one of our finest young country vocalists, Goans gives this evergreen ballad plenty of bluesy soul. This gal can really sing, folks.
LARRY WEISS/Christmas Without You
Writers: Larry Weiss; Producer: Larry Weiss; Publisher: Rhinestone Cowboy, ASCAP; Cape (CDX)
-For some people, Christmas is a downbeat, sad time of year. The “Rhinestone Cowboy” songwriter offers an aching ballad for the blue and broken hearted.
DARIUS RUCKER/What God Wants For Christmas
Writers: Darius Rucker/Frank Rogers/Monty Criswell; Producer: Frank Rogers; Publishers: Universal/Cadaja/House of Sea Gayle/Sony-ATV Tree/Dixey Bar, ASCAP/BMI; Capitol (track)
-Opry star Rucker’s first Christmas album is Home for the Holidays. It is dominated by standards, including his duet with Sheryl Crow on “Baby It’s Cold Outside.” But there are some new tune contributions, too. This one is a dreamy meditation loaded with orchestral backing. CMT is currently airing its video.
THE ROYS/Bluegrass Kinda Christmas
Writers: Elaine Roy/Lee Roy/Steve Dean; Producer: none listed; Publishers: Wings of a Butterfly/Mandolin Man/Bethar, SESAC/BMI; Rural Rhythm
-The title tune of this bluegrass duo’s holiday CD is a toe tapper with rippling banjo, lively fiddle and Lee Roy’s deft mandolin picking. Innocent sounding.
NASHVILLE CAST/Celebrate Me Home
Writers: Kenny Loggins/Bob James; Producer: Jay DeMarcus; Publishers: none listed; Big Machine (track)
-All of your TV favorites from the Nashville series are gathered together on their Christmas With Nashville album. Sam Palladio, Connie Britton, Hayden Panettiere, Chip Esten (dueting with Vince Gill), Clare Bowen, Jonathan Jackson, the Stella sisters, Will Chase, Aubrey Peeples and Chaley Rose all have turns in the spotlight on holiday standards. The whole cast assembles for this album-closing anthem.
home freeGUY PENROD/A Cradle in Bethlehem
Writers: Alfred Bryan/Larry Stock; Producer: Michael Omartian; Publisher: Sony-ATV, ASCAP; Servant/Gaither
-This star CCM vocalist has one of the strongest 2014 Christmas albums. Its 15 tracks are dominated by standards, both secular and religious. This lesser-known song is taken at a slow, steady pace with an appropriately hushed, devout vocal performance. The orchestrated arrangements are impressive throughout the collection.
FARMER JASON/Christmas on the Farm
Writers: Jason Ringenberg; Producers: Thom Jutz/Peter Cooper; Publishers: Jason Ringenberg/Bug, BMI; Courageous
-This guy has the kiddie Christmas album of the year. He made his reputation leading the cowboy-punk Jason & The Scorchers. But before that he was a farmer, hence his alter-ego as a children’s entertainer. This is the zippy, fun, bluegrass-flavored title tune of his CD, which also includes the merry “Eat Your Fruitcake,” “Santa Drove a John Deere,” “The Animals Song” and “All I Want for Christmas (Is a Punk Rock Skunk),” as well as holiday standards aimed at the younger set.
HOME FREE/Grandma Got Run Over by a Reindeer
Writers: Randy Brooks; Producers: Home Free/Darren Rust; Publishers: none listed; Columbia (track)
-These guys won on The Sing Off as a country a cappella act. Their Full of Cheer collection kicks off with this hillbilly standard. If anything, it’s even funnier than the original, with each group member sounding more yokel than the last as they take lead-vocal turns. Absolutely essential listening. The rest of the CD is more serious, but as the title promises, there’s enormous good cheer glowing throughout the collection.

DISClaimer: A Santa Sack Full of Seasonal Sounds

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claireLynchBandHoliday2014As usual, Nashville artists have a Santa sack full of seasonal music for your consumption.
We begin our two-part roundup of holiday listening with a stack of platters that includes offerings from country, Americana and bluegrass artists, plus even a jug band. Headliners on hand today include Kenny Chesney, Jerrod Niemann, The Swon Brothers and Jamey Johnson.
The Disc of the Day award goes to The Claire Lynch Band. The group’s Holiday! collection is one that I would happily buy. You should, too.
It says here that the Christmas Jug Band has been at it for 38 years. Call me behind the times, but this is my first exposure to the ensemble. So there’s your DisCovery Award winner.
THE HENNINGSENS/White Christmas
Writer: Irving Berlin; Producer: Preston Dalton & Spencer Dalton; Publisher: none listed, ASCAP; Arista (CDX)
—It lopes along at a gentle tempo. The horse knows the way to carry the sleigh, so the sleepy vocals hardly even matter.
THE SWON BROTHERS/Run Rudolph Run
Writer: Johnny Marks/Marvin Brodie; Producer: Mark Bright; Publisher: none listed, ASCAP; Arista (CDX)
—This rocks with a solid backbeat, stinging electric guitar, rampaging organ and fierce vocals. Just the thing to heat up your holiday party.
DAN + SHAY /Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas
Writer: Hal Blaine/Hugh Martin; Producer: Scott Hendricks; Publisher: EMI Feist Catalog, ASCAP; Warner Bros. (CDX) 
—Soulful, with a searing tenor lead vocal in a lustrous instrumental bed.
JERROD NIEMANN/Holly Jolly Christmas
Writer: Johnny Marks; Producer: Jimmie Lee Sloas & Jerrod Niemann; Publisher: St. Nicholas, ASCAP; Arista (CDX) 
—This is probably my least favorite holiday tune. Niemann gives it a jazzy reading and the pickers provide swinging accompaniment, both of which mitigate its usually irritating, sing-songy melody.
ChristmasJugBandCHRISTMAS JUG BAND/Santa Lost a Ho
Writer: P. Rogers; Producer: Tim Eschliman; Publisher: Dum Ditty, BMI; Globe (track) (www.christmasjugband.com/jugology)
—Apparently, this ensemble has been a holiday institution in the San Francisco Bay Area for 38 years. Who knew? Anyhow, their new Jugology CD compiles years worth of “favorites” including this goofy hokum ditty, complete with kazoo, slide whistle, washboard, clarinet and, of course, jug. A smile a minute.
LENNON & MAISY/Christmas Coming Home
Writer: MaryLynne Stella/Brad Stella; Producer: none listed; Publisher: none listed; Back 40 Entertainment (www.lennonandmaisy.com)
—The “Rayna Jaymes” kids on the Nashville TV show have a Christmas single that bops and bubbles along merrily. Their twin-like harmony voices are backed by a track that features bells chiming, snappy drumming and ringing electric guitars. Very listenable indeed.
OVER THE RHINE/Another Christmas
Writer: Linford Detweiler; Producer: Linford Detweiler & Karin Bergquist; Publisher: Scampering Songs, ASCAP; Great Speckled Dog (track) (www.overtherhine.com)
—This highly acclaimed Americana duo has a seasonal CD titled Blood Oranges in the Snow that it describes as reality Christmas music. Which means there is a wide range of emotions on it, including sadness as well as joy. This song, for instance, yearns for Christmas blessings in a world of sin, violence and pain. The aching delivery has you hanging on every line. Most of the collection is self-penned, although Merle Haggard’s downbeat “If We Make it Through December” is covered.
KENNY CHESNEY/Christmas in Blue Chair Bay
Writer: Kenny Chesney/Brett James/David Lee Murphy; Producer: Buddy Cannon & Kenny Chesney; Publisher: Sony-ATV/Basuare/WB/Songs of Brett/External Combustion/Old Desperados/N2D, BMI/ASCAP; Blue Chair/Columbia 
—Simple and lilting, this relaxing ode to celebrating the season in the Caribbean goes down easily. The balmy ode is recorded acoustically.
THE CLAIRE LYNCH BAND/Heaven’s Light
Writer: Steven Sheehan/Claire Lynch; Producer: The Claire Lynch Band; Publisher: Reynsong/Scared Stiff/Universal Songs of PolyGram/Sound Cell, BMI; Thrill Hill (track) 
—Let me just say up front that this bluegrass songbird is one of my favorite country vocalists. She and her band have released a simply stellar collection titled Holiday! It shimmers like new fallen snow, whether on standards like “Home for the Holidays,” “It Came Upon a Midnight Clear” and “Jingle Bells” or on newly composed songs like this star-at-midnight gem.
JAMEY JOHNSON/The Christmas Song
Writer: Robert Wells/Mel Torme; Producer: none listed; Publisher: none listed; Big Gasssed (track) 
—Johnson has a five-song holiday EP with this as its title tune. He takes the standard at a languid pace, leaving plenty of space for the backing instrumentalists to shine. His baritone delivery is as smooth as silk. Highly recommended.

DISClaimer: Mining For Songwriter Gold

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Josh_Dorr_small(1)111

Josh Dorr


The excitement in discovering new sounds is what I live for in these columns.
And today I was especially rewarded. Josh Dorr, The Jacob Martin Band, Joshua Radin and Adam Searan all lifted my spirits.
The DisCovery Award goes to singer-songwriter Adam Searan for the fine work displayed on his debut, six-song EP. The Disc of the Day prize belongs to new RCA record maker Josh Dorr, who is coincidentally also a singer-songwriter. Come to think of it, all of these DisClaimer first-timers are. So hooray for that.
ADAM SEARAN/Last
Writers: Adam Searan/Jon D’Agostino; Producers: Jason Garner/Jon D’Agostino/Adam Searan; Publishers: Demolition, no performance rights listed; Demolition (track)
-This Nashvillian won the John Lennon International Songwriting Contest’s grand prize in the country division with this ringing, stirring, upbeat anthem about questing for answers in an uncertain world. I can certainly hear why. It is immensely melodic and effortlessly hooky. The bonuses are that he sings it like a bird, and the production is a mini masterpiece. Essential listening.
BOB MORRISON/Kill the Moon
Writers: Bob Morrison/Eric Emerson; Producers: Bob Morrison/Joe Funderburk; Publishers: none listed; BM (track)
-Morrison is a highly successful Music Row tunesmith (”Lookin’ for Love,” “You Decorated My Life,” “Love the World Away,” “Don’t Call Him a Cowboy,” “Tonight the Heartache’s on Me,” etc., etc.). He has a pair of new CDs that compile songs from his catalog that have been overlooked. The Bucket List Sessions Volume 1 contains country tunes. Volume 2 has pop selections. He’s correct in his feelings that these are all potential hits. This two-step, for instance, is as dandy as anything being written today. Session leader Chris Leuzinger backs him with excellent pickers. With CDs like these lying around, there’s absolutely no excuse for producers complaining about not being able to find quality material.
Adam Searan

Adam Searan


BERNADETTE/Life After Life
Writers: Bonnie Jewel Baker/Verlon Thompson; Producers: John Mock/Bernadette; Publishers: Stage Three/Songs of Otis Barker, no performance rights listed; Rachael (track)
-During the making of her new CD Not the Same Me, this Irish-born singer was devastated by the death of her fiancee, Brian Fitzgerald. The tragedy and her grief inform several of the selections, including this hopeful-heartache lyric. Songwriting contributors include Leslie Satcher, Vince Gill, Al Anderson, Dolly Parton and Jon Randall. As with her other Nashville projects, country sounds mingle with instrumentation echoing her Emerald Isle homeland.
JOSH DORR/Save Your Breath
Writers: Josh Dorr/Jason Mizelle; Producer: Jim Catino; Publishers: Old Red Cape/Joshua Dorr/Offer You Can’t Refuse/Black River, ASCAP/BMI; RCA (CDX)
-I like this guy. He has a boyish, romantic, sexy vibe on this steady bopper. The thumping bass-drum undertow contrasts effectively with his yearning tenor-vocal delivery. That sidewinder electric guitar is nice, too. Mighty fine.
VINCE HATFIELD/Pray For Me
Writers: Allen Shamblin/Rob Crosby; Producer: Eric Paul: Publishers: Built on Rock/Music of Ever Country, ASCAP/BMI; Blue Moon (CDX)
-Hatfield has been kicking around on the indie scene for years. He’s never been a barn burner of a singer, but this time around he has a super-strong piece of material. In the song, an encounter with a homeless fellow transforms the singer’s attitude toward life.
JACOB MARTIN BAND/Take It To The Moonlight
Writers: Jacob Martin/Mike Guy; Producer: Jody Stevens; Publisher: SB21, ASCAP/SESAC; Hype Train (CDX)
-The verses are okay, but the song truly takes flight on its rumbling, soaring choruses. I’d have put a little echo on his somewhat dry lead vocal.
CONNIE BRITTON & LAURA BENANTI/Gasoline and Matches
Writers: Buddy Miller/Julie Miller; Producer: Buddy Miller; Publisher: none listed; Big Machine (track)
-The first volume of the music from the Nashville TV show’s third season is out. Star Connie Britton duets with newcomer Laura Benanti on this super catchy rocker. If it sounds familiar it’s because it has previous recordings by LeAnn Rimes (2013) and by its composers (2009), both of which are better.
CHIP ESTEN/I Know How To Love You
Writers: Chip Esten/Deana Carter; Producer: Buddy Miller; Publishers: none listed; Big Machine (track)
-Britton may be the star and Hayden Panettiere might be the show’s most compelling vocalist, but of all the Nashville cast members, Chip Esten (”Deacon”) has made the strongest commitment to Music City. He has moved here permanently and is present for every benefit and do-good cause where he’s asked. Plus, he has co-written this lovely ballad with our hometown gal, Deana Carter. He sings it with wonderfully homespun sincerity. A winner.
JOSHUA RADIN & SHERYL CROW/Beautiful Day
Writers: none listed; Producers: none listed; Publishers: none listed; Glass Bead (track)
-Radin’s songs have been heard in more than 150 films, commercials and TV shows, including Grey’s Anatomy, Scrubs and House. He has performed on The Tonight Show and Conan. Ellen DeGeneres invited him to play at her wedding. He has toured with Nashville’s Sheryl Crow, and she’s evidently impressed enough with his talent to duet with him on his lilting, acoustic, folkie new single. The result is utterly charming.
DYLAN SCOTT/Lay It On Me
Writers: Dylan Scott/Josh Kerr; Producers: Matt Alderman/Jim Ed Norman; Publishers: Curb/Songs of Black River; ASCAP; Sidewalk (CDX)
-Oh goody. More bro-country.

DISClaimer: Salute the Music

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Rascal Flatts. Photo: Todd Owyoung

Rascal Flatts. Photo: Todd Owyoung


It’s Veterans’ Day.
Actually the real holiday took place two weeks ago, but today’s DisClaimer column is nonetheless chock full of veteran record makers. Rascal Flatts, Garth Brooks, Larry Cordle & Alison Krauss and even The Doobie Brothers are here.
Even so, the youngsters twirled brightly in the spotlight. The two best songs of this listening session are “Bar Band,” co-written and performed by Adam Hood, and the even more creative “Time Has Wings,” co-written and performed by Chris Weaver. The latter is accompanied by a breath-taking production and earns the Chris Weaver Band a DisCovery Award. Give this record your undivided attention.
Speaking of productions, Rascal Flatts has seldom had a track as well done as “Riot” is. It earns the group a Disc of the Day.
CHRIS WEAVER BAND/Time Has Wings
Writers: Chris Weaver/Matt Rogers; Producer: Josh Leo; Publishers: Tygart/Canalco/Ole Red Cape, SESAC/ASCAP; American Roots
-Holy smokes! This is awesome, full of drama and meaning and soul. He grabs you by the neck from the first notes of his gritty voice. The lyric of a couple growing into middle age and staring into their past, present and future is simply brilliant. The driving track pounds with passion while Kim Carnes and Kim Keyes lend a thrilling, gospel-chorale backing. A loud, “Amen” from this corner.
LOGAN MIZE/Can’t Get Away From a Good Time
Writers: Logan Mize/Kelly Archer/Blake Chaffin; Producers: Jim Catino/Ryan Gore/Logan Mize; Publishers: Year of the Dog/Internal Combustion/Southside Independent/Year9/Atlas/Downtown DMP/Zoe and Her Friend Munkee/Songs of Parallel, ASCAP/BMI; Arista
-I loved this guy when he was an indie act. His graduation to the major leagues is a good-natured, smiling bopper with personality to spare.
AARON WATSON/That Look
Writers: none listed; Producers: Keith Stegall/Aaron Watson; Publishers: none listed; Big label (track)
-This is a consistently good artist, and his latest is his best yet. The lyric of this mid-tempo toe tapper contrasts his shortcomings with her qualities. “She’s like a Sunday morning/I’m a Saturday night/She’s like a stained-glass window/I’m a neon sign.” The conclusion/chorus is that she’s at her best wearing nothing but a smile and “that look” in her eyes. Well done.
GARTH BROOKS/Mom
Writers: Don Sampson/Wynn Varble; Producer: Mark Miller; Publishers: New Sea Gayle/Emma and Maddie/Warner-Tamerlane/Precious Flour, ASCAP/BMI; Pearl/RCA
-Very sentimental. The striking, idiosyncratic ballad is sung from the point of view of a baby waiting to be born, having a conversation with God.
Chris Weaver Band

Chris Weaver Band


LUCY ANGEL/Crazy Too
Writers: none listed; Producer: none listed; Publishers: none listed; G-Force
-Sprightly, brightly rocking. Their pert trio harmonies are flawless, and the lickety-split tempo tune of a guy who drives the gals nuts is ear catching, too.
RASCAL FLATTS/Riot
Writers: Jaron Boyer/Sara Haze; Producers: Jay DeMarcus/Rascal Flatts; Publishers: Peertunes/Jaron Boyer/Songs of Universal/Comp and Circumstance, SESAC; Big Machine
-The word-y lyric sometimes scans awkwardly, but the super-compelling vocals and enthralling production pull it together and bring it home. The sound of real pros at work.
ADAM HOOD/Bar Band
Writers: Adam Hood/Pat McLaughlin; Producer: Rachel Loy; Publishers: none listed; AH (track)
-This man’s records should come with a “satisfaction guaranteed” label. He has an enviable track record as someone who always performs with class and writes with finesse. This song of a journeyman honky-tonker deserves to become an anthem of country singers everywhere. If he doesn’t have a hit with it, someone sure should.
LARRY CORDLE & ALISON KRAUSS/Two Highways
Writers: L. Cordle; Producer: Larry Cordle; Publisher: Universal-Polygram, ASCAP; MightyCord (track)
-Cordle is a successful Music Row tunesmith who is also a regular bluegrass performer. His latest CD is All Star Duets, which finds him harmonizing with the celebrities who have made his songs famous. It is fascinating to hear Diamond Rio, Garth Brooks, Terri Clark, Trisha Yearwood, Kathy Mattea, Kenny Chesney, Travis Tritt and the like in this context. Needless to say, the sublime Krauss slips into his lilting bluegrass setting with ease. Heartily recommended, without reservation.
JENNA JENTRY/Wise Advice
Writers: Jenna Jentry; Producer: Gretchen Wilson; Publisher: Jenna Jentry, BMI; 4 Entertainment
-Jentry’s self-titled EP leads off with this busy-sounding track: Too much electric guitar and a vocal that’s not clear-sounding enough.
CHRIS YOUNG & THE DOOBIE BROTHERS/China Grove
Writers: Tom Johnston; Producers: David Lyndon Huff/Dann Huff; Publisher: Warner-Tamerlane; BMI; Arista (track)
-We got a taste of “Listen to the Music” on the CMA show with Blake and Hunter rocking with the Doobies. But the group’s Southbound CD of country collaborations has an even stronger rocker. Chris Young is performing this at his concerts and killin’ it just like he does on the album. Righteous.

DISClaimer: Nashville's Eclectic Musical Map

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taylor-swiftvideo

Taylor Swift


The non-country side of Nashville is all over the musical map today.
We have the Crescent City funk of Ya Ya, the jazz stylings of Anna Wilson, contemporary classical works by Paul Osterfield, awesome blues from Keb’ Mo’ and plenty of pop and rock.
It’s Music City pop that rules the roost. The Disc of the Day award goes to the terrifically listenable Taylor Swift, and our DisCovery Award goes to the sublimely melodic singer-songwriter Jessica Campbell.
CHEETAH CHROME/Rollin’ Voodoo
Writers: Cheetah Chrome; Producer: Ken Coomer; Publishers: Old Loud & Snotty, ASCAP; Plowboy (track)
-This punk-rock pioneer is a Nashvillian, a daddy and an ex junkie now. But the Dead Boys guitarist hasn’t lost his snarl and edge. His current Solo CD includes this doom-soaked rampage with strangled/shouted vocals and ringing electric guitar runs. Crazed and rocking.
MEGHAN TRAINOR/Lips Are Movin’
Writers: none listed; Producer: Kevin Kadish; Publishers: none listed; Epic (online)
-With her second single, the “All About That Bass” chart topper indicates that she’s no one-hit wonder. Her fusion of doo-wop, rap, pop and dance elements is a joyous melange, and the lyric about a no-good guy will resonate with gals throughout the land.
JEFF THE BROTHERHOOD/Totally Confused
Writers: Beck; Producer: Jeff The Brotherhood; Publishers: Cyanide Breathmint/BMI Songs, ASCAP; Warner Bros.
-The duo’s new six-song EP is titled Dig the Classics. I don’t know if tunes originated by The Pixies, My Bloody Valentine, Teenage Fanclub and the like qualify as “classics.” In fact, this dirge-tempo Beck cover falls more under the category of “instantly forgettable.” The recording is heralded as being on limited-edition “purple” vinyl. I would describe my copy as being more of a puce or mauve shade.
KEB’ MO’/The Old Me Better
Writers: Kevin Moore/John Lewis Parker; Producer: Keb’ Mo’; Publishers: Kebnote/Wixen/Parker’s Pen, BMI, Kind of Blue (track)
-“Operator, get me Toby Keith on the line….Hello, Toby? Oermann here. Listen, bro, I have found your next smash hit. It’s on the current Keb’ Mo’ LP called Bluesamericana…..You’re welcome.” The Nashville bluesman recently regaled a Grand Ole Opry audience with this wry bopper about a rehabilitated rounder. “You made me a brand new man, but I like the old me better,” he sings with Dixieland accompaniment. This superbly humorous ditty is the calling card, but the whole album is essential listening. I wouldn’t be at all surprised if it winds up with a Grammy nomination. It’s that good.
TAYLOR SWIFT/Blank Space
Writers: Taylor Swift/Max Martin/Shellback; Producers: Max Martin/Shellback; Publishers: Sony-ATV Tree/Taylor Swift/MXM/Kobalt, BMI/ASCAP; Big Machine (track)
-The year’s top-selling album is packed with audio delights. On its second single, Swift beckons us to accompany her on an adventure that might be dangerous, fun or both. “I’m a nightmare dressed like a daydream,” she warbles. The layered electro-production is simply stunning.
YA YA/Got to Go Down
Writers: Rev. Gary Davis; Producer: Ya Ya; Publishers: none listed; La La (track)
-Led by keyboardist/singer Randy Leago, the band Ya Ya is Nashville’s version of Mardi Gras. Its Party in My Mind CD kicks features this squeeze-box, sanctified-rock romp punctuated by the back-beat drumming of the group’s Billy Block, anchored by the bass of David Santos and spotlighted guitar by Thomm Jutz. Merriment personified.
ANNA WILSON/Little Jazzbird
Writers: George & Ira Gershwin; Producer: Monty Powell/Anna Wilson; Transfer (track)
-This Nashville jazz siren has a sweet/tart delivery with pinpoint phrasing and delicious behind-the-beat timing. Her Jazzbird/Songbird collection comprises a smattering of mostly obscure oldies like this, plus original songs. This Gershwin tune kicks off the CD and features fluttering flute work by Jeff Coffin. Highly recommended.
LOS STRAITJACKETS & DEKE DICKERSON/Apache
Writers: Jerry Lordan; Producer: Pete Curry; Publisher: Regent, ASCAP; Yep Roc (track)
-Music City’s favorite guitar-rock band in Mexican wrestling masks has a new album billed as “Sing the Great Instrumental Hits!!!!!!” Bear with me. Remember Bill Murray’s lounge-singer character on Saturday Night Live bellowing, “Star Wars, nothing but Star Wars?” This takes that concept to album length, with the band executing the famous electric-guitar riffs of “Walk Don’t Run,” “Pipeline,” “Honky Tonk,” “Sleepwalk” and the like while Dickerson hilariously deadpans lyrics that either never existed or have been long forgotten. Great stuff.
BLAKEMORE TRIO/Sound and Fury
Writers: Paul Osterfield; Producer: Blaton Alspaugh; Publishers: Paul Osterfield; BMI; Navona (track)
-Paul Osterfield is a Nashville native who teaches music composition and theory at MTSU. His new CD on the Naxos Records imprint Navona collects modern-art pieces he has written for various local ensembles. On the three-part title tune, the Blakemore Trio essays tricky, start-stop passages incorporating Amy Dorfman’s superb piano execution, Felix Wang’s stuttering cello and Carolyn Huebl’s high, keening violin. Another stand-out on the album is pianist Caleb Harris, for whom Osterfield composed six etudes and a series inspired by the abstract paintings of Wassily Kandinsky (who is currently the subject of a retrospective at the Frist Fine Arts Center, by the way).
jessica campbell III111JESSICA CAMPBELL/Losing Your Mind
Writers: Jessica Campbell/Tyler Flowers/Sarah Darling; Producer: Cason Cooley; Publishers: Watermamma/Tyler Flowers/Oh Darling, BMI/ASCAP; Little London
-She sweeps you off your feet with a lush, keyboard-embellished sound that lures you into a romance where, “following your heart means losing your mind.” The CD is titled III, because it is her third solo collection. Who knew? I must rush out and find the first two, because this pop singer-songwriter is really fabulous.

DISClaimer: Daring Newcomers and One Shimmering Duet

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blake shelton ashley monroe11Five fine current country male vocalists step up to the plate today.
Relative newcomers James Carothers, Sam Hunt and Dallas Smith hang tough with Blake Shelton and Brantley Gilbert. All of them get on base with ease. But only Blake Shelton knocks it out of the park. He does so by teaming up with an equally potent female stylist, Ashley Monroe. The result is our Disc of the Day.
This week’s DisCovery Award goes to Gator Park.
JAMES CAROTHERS/I Must Be Alive
Writers: none listed; BMI; Producer: none listed; Publisher: none listed, BMI; JC (track)
-I have already proclaimed myself a fan of this stone-country baritone. This moaning ode to a lost love has a super deep resonance and burning passion. As a song, it’s quite well crafted, with admirably dynamic melodic range as well as sturdy lyrics. The mystery is why a talent like this is languishing in indie land.
BLAKE SHELTON & ASHLEY MONROE/Lonely Tonight
Writers: Brent Anderson/Ryan Hurd; Producer: Scott Hendricks; Publishers: House of Sea Gayle/Universal, ASCAP; Warner Bros.
-Two of our finest contemporary country vocalists team up for one sizzling, sexy hook-up performance. They’re throwing “right” and “wrong” out the window in favor of a night of no-strings passion. An audio inferno.
HANNAH BETHEL/Frigerator
Writers: Hannah Bethel/Matt Vrba; Producers: Brennin Hunt/Hannah Bethel; Publishers: Hamywyn/Matt Vrba, BMI/ASCAP; Hamywyn (track)
-It is a languidly paced tune about a relationship gone cold. She sings it well, but let’s face it, nothing really rhymes with “frigerator.”
LONESTAR/Pretty Good Day
Writers: Richie McDonald/Marv Green/Tommy Lee James; Producer: Lonestar; Publishers: NuSlate/Warner-Tamerlane/The Good The Bad The Ugly/Pretty Woman/Super Phonic, BMI; 4Star (track)
-These guys continue to make top-notch music. In this case, they’re harmonizing on an upbeat ode to the simple joys of living and loving. Wonderfully tuneful and catchy.
SAM HUNT/Take Your Time
Writers: Hunt/Osborne/McAnally; Producers: Zach Crowell/Shane McAnally; Publishers: none listed; MCA Nashville
-Overnight sensation Hunt follows the Platinum “Leave the Night On” with a hushed, echoey, mid-tempo run through assorted pick-up lines. It alternates seductive, breathy, spoken-word passages with yearning tenor choruses. What gal could resist?
BRANTLEY GILBERT/One Hell of an Amen
Writers: Brantley Gilbert/Mike Dekle/Brian Davis; Producers: Dann Huff/Brantley Gilbert; Publishers:Warner-Tamerlane/Indiana Angel/Royal Doll/Mike Curb, BMI/ASCAP; Valory
-Sooner or later, we all must face death. This stirring song provides vignettes of how to go out with dignity intact. Gilbert proves again what an intensely moving vocalist he can be. Well done, son.

Gator Park

Gator Park


GATOR PARK/Hayseed Highway
Writers: Kerry Justin Degman/Andy Hobbs/Bryan Hobbs/Max Collins; Producers: Max Collins/Jon Siebels; Publishers: none listed; First Base (track)
-This new trio kicks off its CD with this rolling toe tapper featuring a solid bass undertow. Its prescription is that when the going gets tough, head for a country road and remember your carefree boyhood. Promising.
K.T. OSLIN/Do You Think About Me
Writers: K.T. Oslin/Al Anderson; Producer: Jimmy Nichols/K.T. Oslin; Publishers: Mazdu/International Dog/Bucked Up, BMI; KTO (track)
-At her 25th-anniversary shows, Oslin is selling a CD called Simply that features remakes of some of her favorite prior album tracks and a couple of hits (”Hold Me” and “80s Ladies”). Its one new song is this dandy ditty of nostalgia with a steady, mid-section groove bracketed by sultry bluesy intro and outro. She always did love to lock into a righteous rhythm.
DALLAS SMITH/Wastin’ Gas
Writers: Adam Craig/Matt Dragstrem/Jon Nite; Producer: Joey Moi; Publishers: none listed; Big Loud Mountain
-The churning production is terrifically exciting. Luckily, he’s got the vocal chops to keep up with it, and the driving song has hooks aplenty.
KENNY CHESNEY/Flora-Bama
Writers: Kenny Chesney/Ross Copperman/David Lee Murphy; Producers: Buddy Cannon/Kenny Chesney; Publishers: none listed; BMI/ASCAP; Columbia/Blue
-Further proof that you can have a country career based on being on permanent spring break.

DISClaimer: All Eyes On Country

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Toby KeithAll eyes are on country music this week. You’d think the genre would be firing on all cylinders. But based on this stack of releases, the car is idling in the garage.
Only Toby Keith takes to the highway and puts pedal to the metal. He has the unchallenged Disc of the Day. The DisCovery Award goes to Laura McCormick, whose album is titled Box Full of Trouble. Here’s hoping it is.
STEPHEN CHADWICK/Hell of a Time To Go Crazy
Writers: Lance Miller/Darren Smith/Brad Warren/Brett Warren; Producer: Tommy Detamore; Publishers:EMI Blackwood/Sony-ATV Rhythm/Stylesonic, SESAC/BMI; Stag (track)
-Texas country, served up with plenty of steel-guitar licks, fiddle solos and rapid-shuffling drumming that doesn’t let up. Also, the lyric has some real cute moments of tongue-in-cheek humor.
TOBY KEITH/Drunk Americans
Writers: Brandy Clark/Bob DiPiero/Shane McAnally; Producers: Toby Keith & Bobby Pinson; Publishers: House of Sea Gayle/Highway 508/Sony-ATV/Love Monkey/Kobalt/Universal/Smack Ink, ASCAP/BMI; Show Dog (CDX)
-Equality and brotherhood, thanks to boozing it up together. This guy writes songs like no one else and remains one of country’s truly gifted vocal stylists. And I do mean country. By all means, play it, play it, play it.
JAMES OTTO/Somewhere Tonight
Writers: James Otto/Corey Crowder/Patrick Davis/James Slater/J.T. Hodges; Producers: Corey Crowder & James Otto; Publishers: You Otto Hear This/Liz Rose/Warner-Chappell/Patrick Davis/Delaney/Ain’t My Baby Grand/Buffalo Sound, SESAC/ASCAP/BMI; Ottopilot (CDX)
-Big James still has that bruiser of a voice. He turns it loose on this charismatic, rhythm-happy stomper that makes you want to get up and shake your money maker. I call that star power.
TATE STEVENS/Better at Night
Writers: Ramsey/Dorff; Producer: Blake Chancey; Publishers: Music of RPM/Sonic Geo/Endorffin/Songs of Universal, ASCAP/BMI; RPM (CDX)
-The verses just kinda lay there, but the choruses really take flight. The vocal performance is first-rate throughout. It also has a cool, repeated guitar groove.
RICKY GUNN/King of This Town
Writers: Dan Hannon/Emily Lynch; Producer: Dan Hannon; Publishers: Emilex/Emily Sheridan Lynch, BMI/ASCAP; NCE (CDX)
-It’s a story song about growing up and becoming wistful about once being a teen and having the world by the tail. It is somewhat word-y, and the singer seems rather generic.
JOHN SPICER/Pretty Good at Lovin’ You
Writers: John Spicer/Drew Baldridge; Producer: Tom Fletcher; Publishers: Legend, no performance rights listed; Legend (CDX)
-It is meant to be bluesy, but he is hopelessly white.
JEFF BATES & LORETTA LYNN/After The Fire Is Gone
Writers: L.E. White; Producer: Jeff Bates; Sony-ATV Tree, BMI; Red River (track)
-After years of being told he sounds like Conway Twitty, Jeff Bates has surrendered to the inevitable and recorded a tribute CD called Me and Conway. Loretta joins Jeff on her most famous duet with the late legend. Alas, he doesn’t sing harmony to her nearly as strongly as Conway did.
ALABAMA & JAMEY JOHNSON/My Home’s In Alabama
Writers: Teddy Gentry/Randy Owen; Producer: Alabama; Publishers: Sony-ATV, no performance rights listed; Eagle/Universal
–Alabama & Friends at the Ryman is a double-CD set that pairs the band with Jason Aldean, Trisha Yearwood, Luke Bryan, Florida Georgia Line and The Eli Young Band in between its own live renditions of its hits. Hard-core Alabaman Jamey Johnson joins the group for a downbeat treatment of this anthem to their shared state. His slow-burn lead vocal simmers with soul. The crowd screams its approval.
laura mccormick1LAURA McCORMICK/Feel The Fire
Writers: Laura McCormick/Frank Schofield; Producer: Frank Schofield & Laura McCormick; Publishers: Ruby Rouge, no performance rights listed; LM (track)
-She has a throaty, smoky delivery that’s full of tension, emotion and technique. The sexy track throbs around her relentlessly, whether she’s smoldering in her lower register, growling passages or soaring into soprano passion. Extremely promising.
THE CHUCK WAGON GANG/His Love Will Lead Us On
Writers: Marty Stuart; Producer: Mick Conley; Publishers: Marty Stuart/Do Write, BMI; New
-This durable country-gospel quartet salutes the songs of Marty Stuart on its new CD Meeting in Heaven. If you remember the sound of the original group, you’ll be disappointed in the new ensemble’s cautious, precise and ultimately bland style. If you don’t know the original, this will do, I suppose.