Reviews Archives - Page 62 of 84

DISClaimer: Finding Songs of Substance

June 5, 2013/by Robert K Oermann

All the stars are twinkling, but only a few are burning brightly. By and large, this is a stack of perfectly acceptable country singles. They’re all professionally crafted and designed for radio playlists. They are also mostly lightweight. The exceptions belong to Dierks Bentley and Kellie Pickler, both of whom are performing songs of substance. They battled for Disc of the Day, with Bentley’s relentless sonic production giving him the edge. The other exceptional platter belongs to our DisCovery Award winner, Elizabeth Lyons. Her self-titled EP came out last year and has reportedly sold well as an iTunes phenomenon. With zero press, publicity or promotion, Lyons has already sold more than 30,000 songs. Now the recent Vanderbilt University graduate is releasing her first single and video from the project. Get ready to have your country-pop ears pinned back.

Elizabeth Lyons

ELIZABETH LYONS/Everything Tonight
Writers: Elizabeth Lyons/Matt Nolen/Ryan Tyndell; Producer: Matt Nolen; Publishers: Elizabeth Lyons/Ole Purple Cape, BMI; Roar (Track)
-Deliriously rhythmic, this will make you feel like twirling around the room until you fall down dizzy. She sings with plenty of fizz and confidence. The lyric has loads of neat little turns of phrase that make it quite distinctive. “God is a DJ/Mixing us His way.” “Baby you’re my sky/And heaven is where you are.” “I am the rhythm/And you are the rhyme.” “I can hear your heart sing…This is the beginning of a brand new song.” I am totally into this.
SAMMY KERSHAW/The Route That I Took
Writer: Sammy Kershaw; Producers: Sammy Kershaw and Billy Lawson; Publisher: Kershaw, BMI, Big Hit (CDX)
-It is billed as his tribute to the late George Jones, to whom he bears more than a passing vocal resemblance. As usual, Kershaw sings superbly. But the production is non-existent. It’s just him and an acoustic guitar.
AARON WATSON/Summertime Girl
Writers: Aaron Watson/Jon Wolfe/Roger Springer/Tony Ramey; Producers: Sam Seifter & Wes Hightower; Publishers: Sonnet/Aaron Watson/Roger Springer/T&D/Fool Hearted, BMI/SESAC; HTK (CDX)
-I have liked just about everything he’s released so far, and he continues his winning ways with this uptempo, sunshine-y romp.
DAVID NAIL/Whatever She’s Got
Writers: Jimmy Robbins/Jon Nite; Producers: Chuck Ainlay, Frank Liddell & Glenn Worf; Publishers: Universal/Extraordinary Alien/EMI April/Jon Mark Nite, ASCAP; MCA Nashville
-Tuneful and easy on the ears. I like it when the production breaks down toward the end and he sings in a semi-vacuum. Unmistakably radio ready.
KEITH URBAN/Little Bit of Everything
Writers: Brad Warren/Brett Warren/Kevin Rudolf; Producers: Nathan Chapman & Keith Urban; Publishers: EMI Blackwood/Sagequinnjude/Farmlove/Lion Aire, BMI; Capitol Nashville
-A bopping, feel-good ditty for summertime listening. Approximately as deep as a rain puddle.
DIERKS BENTLEY/Bourbon In Kentucky
Writers: Ryan Tyndell/Hillary Lindsey/Gordie Sampson; Producer: Ross Copperman; Publishers: Purple Cape/Ole/BMG Gold/Bughouse/Dash8/Bug/BMG Chrysalis, BMI/ASCAP; Capitol Nashville
-Somebody call the fire department. Throbbing and fevered, this burns with a smoldering ember of lingering desire and aching memory. A superb sounding single.
KELLIE PICKLER/Someone Somewhere Tonight
Writers: Walt Wilkins/Davis Raines; Producer: Frank Liddell & Luke Wooten; Publishers: Curb Congregation/Dennis Morgan, SESAC/BMI; Black River
-This is the finest ballad performance of Pickler’s career to date, loaded with heart and meaning and truth and beauty. Play the fire outta this, and make her the radio star she deserves to be. Can you tell I’m completely in love with her?
KENNY CHESNEY/When I See This Bar
Writers: Kenny Chesney/Keith Gattis; Producer: Buddy Cannon & Kenny Chesney; Publishers: Sony-ATV Acuff Rose/Basuare/Sony-ATV Tree/Pioneer Town, BMI; Blue
-Laid-back nostalgia with a distinct island vibe. The production starts out simple, spare and stark, but gradually builds into a fuller sonic experience.
AARON LEWIS/Granddaddy’s Gun
Writers: Rhett Akins/Dallas Davidson/Bobby Pinson; Producers: James Stroud & Aaron Lewis; Publishers: Rhettneck/EMI Blackwood/Music of Stage Three/Bobby’s Songs and Salvage/BMG Chrysalis, BMI; Blaster
-Well written and produced with panache. I particularly liked the dobro work.
FLORIDA GEORGIA LINE/Round Here
Writers: Rodney Clawson/Chris Tompkins/Thomas Rhett; Producer: Joey Moi; Publishers: Big Loud Mountain/Big Red Toe/Amarillo Sky/Big Loud Bucks/Angel River, BMI/ASCAP; Republic Nashville
-It’s official: The entire country music format is now songs about dirt-road partying. Now that that’s settled, this is fantastically well-sung, irresistibly catchy, bodaciously rhythmic and dazzlingly produced.

DISClaimer: Summer Gets A New Soundtrack

May 29, 2013/by Robert K Oermann

Lady Antebellum

The soundtrack for the summer is unfolding, starting this week. Joe Nichols, the Cody Bryan Band, Grant Langston and Andy Gibson all have new singles that have sunshine in every groove. In fact, “If I’m Going Nowhere” is strong enough to reel in a DisCovery Award for the Cody Bryan Band. But country-music people love to weep as much as they love to rejoice. So I also direct your attention to the downbeat lyrics of the new singles by Love and Theft, Sawyer Brown and, most especially, Lady Antebellum, who wins the Disc of the Day with “Goodbye Town.” Heartache has never sounded lovelier.
THE ROYS/Gypsy Runaway Train
Writers: Lee Roy/Morry Trent; Producers: The Roys and Andy Leftwich; Publishers: Mandolin Man/Cinderella Man, SESAC; Rural Rhythm
-These two continue to release singles like a country act. But their sound becomes more and more mainstream bluegrass with every release. The picking on this is dazzling.
GRANT LANGSTON/Trouble Knows
Writer: Grant Langston; Producer: Paul Q. Kolderie; Publisher: Grant Langston, BMI; MSG (track)
-Sprightly and infectious, this hillbilly bopper introduces a singer-songwriter of rare originality. A ditty with a built-in smile.
CODY BRYAN BAND/If I’m Going Nowhere
Writers: RAby/Chandler/Noveskey/Bryan/Delahoussaye; Producers: Matt Noveskey and Kevin Butler; Publisher: none listed; CBB (track)
-This driving country-rocker has a forward momentum that’s pretty hard to resist. The band definitely gets its licks in as the tale unfolds of an aimless drifter. “If I’m going nowhere/I’ll get there on time” is his motto.
GWEN SEBASTIAN/Suitcase
Writers: Gwen Sebastian/Nicole Witt; Producer: Louis Newman; Publishers: Music of Open Road/Words and Music/Brentwood Benson/Quick Witt, ASCAP/BMI; Flying Island
-She’s kicking the cheater out and has packed up her heartache with his belongings. As usual, Gwen sings with loads of moxie, fire and personality. As both a performer and a writer, she’s a talent to be reckoned with.
CASSADEE POPE/Wasting All These Tears
Writers: Rollie Gaalswyk/Caitlyn Smith; Producers: Dann Huff and Nathan Chapman; Publishers: Jill the Dog/Music of Stage Three/Songs of Cornman/BMG Chrysalis, BMI; Republic Nashville
-The lyric is way too word-y. The melody is awkward and ungainly. Somebody call a song editor. Also: There’s nothing particularly “country” about it.
SAWYER BROWN/Shadows of the Heartland
Writers: Bobby Pinson/Chris Bergsnes; Producer: Mark Miller; Publisher: Stage Three, no performance rights listed; Beach Street (CDX)
-This brilliantly written, multi-textured portrait of life, love, loss and death in rural America rings with truth and authenticity.
JOE NICHOLS/Sunny and 75
Writers: Michael Dulaney/Jason Sellers/Paul Jenkins; Producers: Derek George and Mickey Jack Cones; Publishers: Warner-Tamerlane/Desert Treasure/Sony-ATV Cross Keys/Becky’s Boy/Sony-ATV Tree, BMI/ASCAP; Red Bow
-And you thought he had a voice that was born to cry. Joe proves he can soar in joy with this marvelous tempo tune, tailor-made for summertime good times. Go ahead: Get up and twirl around the room.
LOVE AND THEFT/If You Ever Get Lonely
Writers: Kyle Cook/Lisa Drew/Michael Dulaney/Steven Dale Jones/John Waite; Producer: Josh Leo; Publishers: EMI April/Ella Bella/Grand Line/Universal Z Tunes/Jersey Girl/Sony-ATV Harmony/Lights of Denver/JB Daniel/Water Bound/John Waite, ASCAP; RCA
-He can’t stop missing the one who left him for L.A. and begs for just the tiniest bit of contact from her. Fabulously melodic and radio-ready in the extreme.
ANDY GIBSON/Best Thing
Writers: Steve Moakler/Luke Laird; Producer: James Stroud; Publishers: Nam Jam/Songs of Kobalt/Universal-Careers, BMI; Curb
-Innocent, romantic, sweet and as lightweight as the froth on a soda-fountain drink.
LADY ANTEBELLUM/Goodbye Town
Writers: Dave Haywood/Charles Kelley/Hillary Scott/Josh Kear; Producers: Paul Worley and Lady Antebellum; Publishers: Beards and Bullets/30A Getaway/Kobalt/Hobbs Hill/Global Dog/Lunalight, ASCAP/SESAC; Capitol Nashville
-Led by the heartbroken, soul-shattering voice of Charles Kelley, the trio keeps you completely in its thrall throughout this pulsing, yearning, lump-in-throat performance. Supremely well written and brilliantly produced, this is the reason these folks are the stars they are.

DISClaimer: The Other Sides of Music City

May 22, 2013/by Robert K Oermann

Paramore

Not one song mentions pickup trucks or beer this week. That’s because I took a break from country music and concentrated on the other side of Music City. Or should I say “sides?” In this stack of platters we find the rock of Paramore and The Features, the r&b of Lo Carter and Jonathan Winstead and the pop of Amy Grant and Courtney Jaye, among other styles.
The aforementioned Jonathan Winstead walks off with this week’s DisCovery Award. Who knew there was a quiet-storm crooner this soulful in our midst?
Because of the musical diversity, it’s apples and oranges I’m trying to compare. So there are two Disc of the Day winners. From the pop-rock column, it’s Paramore. From the gospel tradition come The McCrary Sisters, who also won with their previous disc.
MARY GAUTHIER/You Don’t Know Me
Writers: Eddy Arnold/Cindy Walker; Producer: Cheetah Chrome; Publisher: Sony-ATV/Mijac, BMI; Plowboy (track)
-Alt-folkie Gauthier has the title tune of the new Eddy Arnold tribute CD. Her drawled, behind-the-beat phrasing is accompanied by slow, shuffled drumming and a jazz clarinet solo. It has a vaguely New Orleans funeral vibe. Other participants on the eclectic collection include such non-country Nashvillians as The Bluefields, Jason Ringenberg, Melinda Doolittle, Lambchop, Bobby Bare Jr. and co-producer Cheetah Chrome, in addition to the solidly country Chuck Mead, Mandy Barnett and Chris Scruggs. Imported to Music City for the project are such rockers as Sylvain Sylvain, Drivin’ n’ Cryin’ and Frank Black. Whether you like the resulting re-imaginings that this motley crew bring to Arnold’s classics or not, I promise you’ll listen, fascinated.

Jonathan Winstead

COURTNEY JAYE/One Way Conversation
Writers: none listed; Producer: Mike Wrucke; Publisher: none listed; CJ (track)
-This new Nashville pop princess has been showcasing the tunes from her debut CD in clubs around town during the past few weeks. Titled Love and Forgiveness, the album’s emphasis track is this stylish lament featuring her soaring, double-tracked soprano riding atop a groovy, tempo-shifting track. Tuneful and catchy.
THE FEATURES/This Disorder
Writers: Matthew Pelham; Producer: The Features; Publisher: Bug/Bughouse/Silent But Violent/This Is Daiglenetics/Ghost Riding, BMI/ASCAP; Serpents and Snakes
-This durable Nashville institution spotlights this steadily driving pop rocker on its self-titled new album. Characterized by bleating tenor singing, stomping rhythm and bright guitar bursts, it commands you to get out on the floor and shake your money maker. Hard to believe that these always-entertaining psych-rockers first appeared on our radar screens 16 years ago.
AMY GRANT/Don’t Try So Hard
Writers: Ben Glover/Amy Grant; Producer: Marshall Altman; Publisher:none listed; Capitol/Sparrow
–How Mercy Looks From Here, Grant’s first studio album in 10 years, contains a number of collaborations. Stellar guests include Carole King, Sheryl Crow, Eric Paslay, Will Hoge and Vince Gill. On this gentle, breathy, graceful pop performance, she is joined by James Taylor on a soft harmony vocal. Airy, whispered magic.
PARAMORE/Still Into You
Writers: Hayley Williams/Taylor York; Producer: Justin Meldal-Johnsen; Publisher: WB/But Father I Just Want to Sing/FBR/Hunterboro, ASCAP; Atlantic/Fueled By Ramen (track)
-The reconfigured, new edition of Paramore rocks as righteously as the old one did. Lead vocalist Hayley Williams adopts an ‘80s punk-rocking, new-wave attitude on this frothing rocker, the collection’s second single. Also check out the first one, the wildly slamming “Now.” The band remains one of Music City’s finest pop/rock ambassadors.
MARSHALL CHAPMAN/Blaze of Glory
Writers: Marshall Chapman; Producer: Michael Utley and Marshall Chapman; Publisher: none listed; TallGirl (track)
-Chapman concludes her new album with its title tune. “I never intended to make it this far….I always thought I’d go in a blaze of glory….playing rock ‘n’ roll music with my hair on fire,” she meditates over the simmering track. Don’t let her kid you with this slow-burn number, she’s still a rockin’ blueswoman at heart. In addition to her own fine tunes, the CD includes covers of “Blues Stay Away from Me” and “The Nearness of You.”
KEB MO & B.J. THOMAS/Most of All
Writers: Buddy Bule/James B. Cobb, Jr.; Producer: Kyle Lehning; Publisher: Sony-ATV, BMI; Wrinkled (track)
-Nashville’s most prominent bluesman doesn’t have a CD of his own this year. But you can hear him loud and clear on B.J. Thomas’s new collection of duets, The Living Room Sessions. The two men are soul brothers harmonizing on this lightly bopping classic. Keb Mo is especially riveting when he ad libs asides during B.J.’s vocal lines.

The McCrary Sisters

THE McCRARY SISTERS/Train
Writers: Ann McCrary/Tommy Sims/Calvin Smith; Producer: Tommy Sims; Publisher: none listed; BMI/ASCAP; MS (track)
-Since their last album together in 2011, the McCrarys have weathered health issues and personal woes. Their new All the Way collection contains spiritually uplifting songs like this chugging rocker that triumphs over all adversity. It practically begs you to clap hands and shout, “Hallelujah.” So do the Gary Nicholson/Tom Hambridage tune “Skin Deep,” the Bonnie Bishop/Jimmy Wallace rocker “Right Where You Are” and the sisters’ own “Hum and Moan,” “Let It Go” and “Victory.” Once again, Regina, Alfreda, Ann and Deborah prove they are Music City’s glorified, bona fide, riding-high soul sisters supreme. They’ve been hired to back everyone from Bob Dylan and Buddy Miller to Stevie Wonder and Solomon Burke. You’ll hear why on every track of this extraordinary set.
JONATHAN WINSTEAD/SexyLadyLove
Writers: none listed; Producer: Jonathan Winstead; Publisher: Winstead, SESAC; One Staj (track)
-Winstead was a winner at the last Nashville Independent Music Awards as our top male r&b vocalist. He has also developed a fan base in the U.K. His Lovestry CD includes this sensuous slow jam featuring his supple tenor riding atop a track with wah-wah guitar, throbbing bass, heartbeat drumming and “answering,” harmonizing background vocalists. Hang with him to the finale where he scat sings up into his high register. Cool in the extreme.
LO CARTER/Let Go
Writers: L. Carter/D.L. Anderson/J. Richey; Producer: Joey Richey; Publisher: Loc Over Time/Darnell Levine/Daddy’s Boy, ASCAP/BMI; Loc Over Time
-This Nashville chanteuse is a retro-soul stylist with a delectable CD titled Seasons. This lilting, jazz-inflected track has become a music video. She weaves through its melody with a feathery wafting soprano supported by a spare rhythm section and some synth work. Carter co-wrote all 10 of the collection’s tracks, including the rhythmic fan favorite, “Bill Collector.” Call her Music City’s answer to Sade.

DISClaimer: Trace Adkins Towers Above Them All

May 15, 2013/by Robert K Oermann

Disc of the Day winner Trace Adkins.

There is no shortage of “name” attractions in this stack of platters. Worthy of your attention are such familiar folks as Tracy Lawrence, Natalie Maines, B.J. Thomas & Vince Gill, Opry star Jim Ed Brown and Nashville TV diva Hayden Panettiere.
But towering above them all is tall Trace Adkins. Paired with pop princess Colbie Caillat, he delivers the unchallenged Disc of the Day. Play and believe.
It turns out that there is yet another Cyrus making records. Billy Ray and Miley have company. Hailing from Kentucky is Bobby Cyrus, who earns a DisCovery Award for his debut effort.
TRACE ADKINS & COLBIE CAILLAT/Watch the World End
Writer: none listed; Producer: none listed; Publisher: none listed; Show Dog Universal (ERG)
—Arguably the finest vocal performance of Trace’s career. He brings so much warmth, depth of expression, soul, passion and believability to this extraordinary lyric that it feels like he’s sitting in the same room with you. Grammy-winning, million-selling pop star Colbie Caillat shadows him in harmony and breathes soft ad libs throughout the beautifully orchestrated ballad.

DisCovery Award winner Bobby Cyrus.

KIX BROOKS/Complete 360
Writer: Kix Brooks/Rafe Van Hoy; Producer: Kix Brooks; Publisher: Sony ATV Tree/Buffalo Prairie/Se-Lo-Tek/Zambala/Kobalt, BMI/SESAC; Arista (track)
—Loud and rocking. Despite the clever lyric, it is sonically irritating.
HAYDEN PANETTIERE/Hypnotizing
Writer: Cary Barlowe/Steve Robson/Caitlyn Smith; Producer: Ross Copperman & Buddy Miller; Publisher: Castle Bound/We Be Partying/Imagem CV/Music of Stage Three/Songs of Cornman/BMG Chrysalis, SESAC/ASCAP/BMI; Big Machine (track)
—Sprightly, bopping and pop-y. I dig her voice.
TRACY LAWRENCE/Stop, Drop & Roll
Writer: none listed; Producer: none listed; Publisher: none listed; Lawrence Music Group/Tenacity (ERG)
—He’s on fire because she’s so hot, hence the the title’s advice. The percolating production, cute lyric and forceful vocal performance all work.
JIM ED BROWN/In Style Again
Writer: Lance Miller/Austin Cunningham; Producer: Bobby Bare; Publisher: Sony ATV Rhythm/In Style Again/Drivers Ed/Worleyworld, SESAC/ASCAP; Century II
—The veteran Grand Ole Opry star has always possessed one of country music’s most resonant baritones. The lyric of this fine song is about being passed over, pushed aside, made irrelevant, tossed away, replaced and forgotten in favor of someone younger and better looking. And what entertainment vet hasn’t experienced that? Very touching and poignant.
NATALIE MAINES/Take It On Faith
Writer: Natalie Maines/Ben Harper/Jason Mozersky/Jesse Ingalls; Producer: Ben Harper & Natalie Maines; Publisher: EMI Virgin/Three Chord Symphony/Iggy Brain, ASCAP; Columbia (track)
—I’m not sure whether Natalie’s solo CD has a single or not. The title tune “Mother” is drawn from Pink Floyd’s 1979 opus The Wall. Other tracks come from Pearl Jam’s Eddie Vedder, Patty Griffin, Jeff Buckley and her fellow Dixie Chicks. This soulful power ballad is the song she performed on Letterman and it is a totally gripping performance and production. No matter what genre you call this collection, she’s still singing her fanny off.
B.J. THOMAS & VINCE GILL/I Just Can’t Help Believing
Writer: Barry Mann/Cynthia Weil; Producer: Kyle Lehning; Publisher: EMI Blackwood/Screen Gems EMI, BMI; Wrinkled (track)
—I have always loved this song. Producer Lehning strips it down to a gently strummed acoustic arrangement, and stellar tenor Gill turns it into a duet while Thomas provides his trademark fluttering, embellished and ornamented vocal style. A superb listening experience.
BOBBY CYRUS/Send Me Wings
Writer: Bobby Cyrus; Producer: Don Rigsby; Publisher: Somewhere in Tennessee, BMI; BGC (track)
—Billy Ray’s cousin has a debut CD titled Homeplace. Its single is a splendid story song about a neglected youth growing up angry and hurt. He asks to be taken to Heaven, because no one on earth will miss him when he’s gone. At the finale, his wish is granted. This guy writes as well as he sings.
LIZZIE SIDER/I Love You That Much
Writer: Joe Vulpis; Producer: Joe Vupis; Publisher: none listed; LSM
—Ordinary in every way, from the dull lyric to the formulaic melody, from the routine production to the bland vocal.
J.J. LAWHORN/Stomping Grounds
Writer: none listed; Producer: Jeremy Stover; Publisher: none listed; Average Joes (track)
—It’s one of those this-is-my-country-home thangs, complete with dirt roads, beer, deer hunting, partying in the fields, small-town blah-blah-blah and I’ll die here. Fine. But take some singing lessons.

DISClaimer: Don't Complain That Authentic Country Singers Can't Be Found

May 8, 2013/by Robert K Oermann

DISCovery Winners: Lennon and Maisy

The music on the TV soap Nashville is consistently better than most of what the “real” country-music industry produces in its namesake town. For one thing, the show spotlights the songwriting of the likes of David Olney, Lucinda Williams, Patty Griffin, Sarah Buxton, John Paul White, Kacey Musgraves and Georgia Middleman, rather than the parade of hacks who provide the bulk of the material you hear on country radio. For another thing, most of the tracks are produced by T Bone Burnett, who knows more about roots music than most Music Row producers even suspect.
That said, it gives me great pleasure to present a DISCovery Award to Lennon Stella & Maisy Stella for their delightful performance of The Lumineers’ “Ho Hey” from the show’s second soundtrack CD.
For those of you who complain that authentic country singers can no longer be found, I direct your attention to Chris Young. He is country, and he is great. He is also this week’s winner of the Disc of the Day prize.

Chris Young receives Disc of the Day for “Aw Naw.”

CHRIS YOUNG/Aw Naw
Writer: Chris Young/Chris DeStefano/Ashley Gorley; Producer: James Stroud; Publisher: EMI Blackwood/Maple Kind/EMI April/Sugar Glider/External Combustion/Out of the Taperoom/Songs of Southside Independent, BMI/ASCAP; RCA
—This man is one helluva hoss of a country singer. In this righteous stomper, he’s a barroom boy trying to do the right thing and go home. But while electric guitars twang and percussion thumps, he gives in to temptation.
MORGAN FRAZIER/Yellow Brick Road
Writer: Morgan Frazier/Jim Brown/Steve Clark; Producer: Buddy Cannon; Publisher: Curb/Sweet Manic/House of Sea Gayle/Antlered One/Mom’s Place, ASCAP; Sidewalk
—Frazier, who records for the Curb imprint Sidewalk Records, has just been announced as the Grand Prize Winner of this year’s John Lennon Songwriter’s Competition. Her co-written single for Sidewalk is a cleverly penned bopper wherein she feels lost in a romance Land of Oz “where nothin’s real.” The icing on the cake is that she sings with fiery zeal.
LENNON STELLA & MAISEY STELLA/Ho Hey
Writer: Jeremy Fraites/Wesley Schultz; Producer: T Bone Burnett & Gabriel Wichter; Publisher: The Lumineers/Songs of Kobalt, BMI; Big Machine (track)
—These sisters play the daughters of “Rayna Jaymes” on the TV soap Nashville. On it, they introduced their charming take on The Lumineers’ breakthrough song a couple of weeks ago. Now it’s a single, and it sounds as lilting and lovely as it did on the small screen. Their harmonies are heavenly, and the crunchy backing track strums along splendidly.
CHANTAL KUEGLE/Now That I Get to Drive
Writer: Chantal Kuegle/Tami Hinesh; Producer: Kent Wells; Publisher: none listed, SOCAN/BMI; Go Time (track)
—She has a solid alto delivery that completely takes charge of the song. The track rocks, but is tastefully mixed so that it never overwhelms her.
JANA KRAMER/I Hope it Rains
Writer: Rachel Proctor/Kelley Lovelace/Jerry Flowers; Producer: Scott Hendricks; Publisher: EMI Apirl/Shadowcash/Didn’t Have to Be/EMI Blackwood/JFLO, ASCAP/BMI; Elektra
—I like this artist, but I’m still waiting for her to perform an undeniable song. In this case, the poppy, harmony-soaked choruses are ultra catchy, but the verses kinda just lay there.
BOBBY ARMSTRONG/Rodeo
Writer: Bobby Armstrong/Darrell Brown; Producer: Darrell Brown; Publisher: Bobby Armstrong/Grey Ink/Kobalt, ASCAP; BA
—The speedy, neo-rockabilly track cooks with gas. The song is loaded with hooks. There’s nothing particularly “country” about his vocal style. The single comes packaged with a dance-mix version.
SCOTTY McCREERY/See You Tonight
Writer: Scotty McCreery/Ashley Gorley/Zach Crowell; Producer: Frank Rogers; Publisher: Scotty McCreery/External Combustion/Out of the Taperoom/Songs of Southside Independent/Who Wants to Buy My Pub, BMI/ASCAP; Mercury/19 (CDX)
—Breezy and easy-going, this wafts along carried by its innocence, charm and earnestness. For the romantic young and the romantic young at heart.
CHRIS CAGLE/Dance Baby Dance
Writer: none listed; Producer: none listed; Publisher: none listed; Bigger Picture (ERG)
—Daddy watches his little girl grow up. Complete mush, but impossible to resist and beautifully melodic.
RANDY HOUSER/Runnin’ Outta Moonlight
Writer: none listed; Producer: none listed; Publisher: none listed; Stony Creek (ERG)
—Houser’s comeback does my heart good. He was born to sing, and this bouncy song is perfectly concocted for summertime listening. Eminently playable.
THE WESTERN SWING AUTHORITY/I’ve Got a Feeling
Writer: Shane Guse/Larry Wayne Clark; Producer: Jason Berry & The Western Swing Authority; Publisher: Brainchild, SOCAN; WSA (track)
—These folks are sort of the Canadian version of The Time Jumpers. Their new single is a bluesy, hold-her-tight, slow dance, buoyed by swaying fiddles, dreamy steel notes and deftly plucked guitar licks. Lead singer Stacey Lee Guse sounds like she just stepped out of a 1940s cabaret. Lush and fabulous. The album is called All Dolled Up. Seek it out.

DISClaimer: A Stack Of Worthy Work

May 1, 2013/by Robert K Oermann

We have no superstar product this week, but that doesn’t mean there isn’t plenty of fine listening. Doing worthy work in this stack of platters are Thomas Rhett, Royal Wade Kimes, Dakota Bradley, Sleepy LaBeef and Chance Cody & Spur 503. In various ways, all of them perked up my ears. Our Disc of the Day award goes to incoming Country Music Hall of Famer Bobby Bare. His entire Darker Than Light album is essential listening. We turn our gaze toward the Lone Star State to find the identically talented Rankin Twins. They more than earned a DisCovery Award. Their record is the first of what will surely be many albums to come.
HEM/Seven Angels
Writers: Dan Messe/Steve Curtis; Producer: Gary Maurer/Dan Messe; Publisher: Peep/Steve Curtis/ASCAP; Waveland
-Hem is an eight-person, mainly acoustic band featuring winsome, breathy lead vocals by Sally Ellson. The enchanting, folk-Americana sound with gentle keyboards and strummy guitars is augmented by atmospheric violin on this featured track and by pedal steel, glockenspiel, choirs and/or full orchestra on others. Hem’s entire Departure & Farewell album is lovely listening.

The Rankin Twins

THE RANKIN TWINS AND DREW WOMACK/Holdin’ Pattern
Writers: Django Walker/Amy Rankin/April Rankin/Drew Womack; Producer: Ken Tondre; Publisher: none listed; RT
-The sisters look retro-stylish and beautiful on cover of their Moonshine & Maybes CD. Its single demonstrates that they sing as good as they look. And the sizzling vocal presence of former Sons of the Desert frontman Womack doesn’t hurt one bit. The mid-tempo tune is made even more punchy and addictive by the chopping mandolin and keening steel work. Lend this your ears.
BOBBY BARE/Lookout Mountain
Writers: Dennis Linde; Producer: Don Cusic/Bobby Bare; Publisher: EMI Blackwood, BMI; Plowboy
-Now that Bobby Bare is going into the Country Music Hall of Fame, don’t you think it’s time that you paid attention to his excellent current album Darker Than Light? One highlight of the neo-folk collection is this rhythmic, driving depiction of the Battle of Lookout Mountain. He sings it with dramatic conviction, and the production underscores his every note with drumming and electric guitars simulating cannon blasts.
AMY ROSE/Party Like A Redneck
Writers: Fraser/Coulson/Beecroft; Producer: After Tuesday Productions (Marty Beecroft/Glenn Coulson); Publishers: none listed; SOCAN; Wild Rose
-I have praised her singing in the past. But this song sucks.
ROYAL WADE KIMES/Dixie Burns
Writers: R.W. Kimes; Producer: George Bradfute/Mike Noble/Royal Wade Kimes; Publisher: Blue Whistler, ASCAP, Wonderent
-This is the title tune to a Civil War era movie written and directed by singer-songwriter Kimes. It is an emotional ballad about the burning of Atlanta, told from the point of view a surviving Georgia man. His tremulous, throaty singing has never sounded more authentic or believable. Well done. The album containing it, A Proud Land, is consistently compelling.
DAKOTA BRADLEY/Somethin’ Like Somethin’
Writers: Mark Irwin/Josh Kear/Shane McAnally; Producer: Byron Gallimore/Tim McGraw; Publisher: none listed; Streamsound
-Streamsound is Byron Gallimore’s Sony-distributed imprint. Dakota Bradley’s jaunty tenor on this sunny, summertime bopper is a worthy addition to a catalog that includes the fine Streamsound tunes already issued by Jaida Dreyer. Catchy and lively.
SLEEPY LaBEEF/Honey Hush
Writers: Joe Turner; Producer: Dave Pomeroy; Publisher: Unichappell, BMI; Earwave
-Veteran road warrior LaBeef blew through town a couple of weeks ago to perform one of his typical barn-burner club sets, celebrate the movie about him at the Nashville Film Festival and sit in with The Time Jumpers. His new live CD kicks off with his roaring rockabilly treatment of this jump-blues standard. Recorded at Douglas Corner in January 2012, this record captures his abundant, multi-genre charm perfectly. Hop on board while he romps through a repertoire that spans Hank Williams, Willie Dixon, The Delmore Brothers, Hank Ballard, Merle Kilgore, Fats Domino and more. Producer Pomeroy is on bass and the esteemed Kenny Vaughan provides the hot electric-guitar licks.
JASON CHARLES MILLER/The Way You Still Want Me
Writers: J.C. Miller/Steve Freeman/Jon Nite; Producer: Dan Hodges/Jason Charles Miller; Publisher: Count Mecha/Bike/Songs of Colton Entertainment/Propps House/EMI April/Jon Mark Nite, BMI/ASCAP; Render
-The guitars scream, the drums pound, everyone makes noise and the song has loads of hooks. But his singing voice takes some getting used to.
THOMAS RHETT/It Goes Like This
Writers: Rhett Akins/Ben Hayslip/Jimmy Robins; Producer: Michael Knox; Publisher: EMI Blackwood/Rhettneck/WB/Tar-Cam-Knox/Get A Load Of This/Universal/Extraordinary Allen, BMI/ASCAP; Valory
-Thomas didn’t have to look far to find his new single, since his daddy Rhett Akins co-wrote it. It’s a rumbling thumper about finding new romance that features a super melodic chorus. Rollicking and righteous.
CHANCE CODY & SPUR 503/The Legend Grows
Writers: Chance Cody/Jared Mitchell; Producer: Greg White; Publisher: none listed; Spur 503
-The sound is “outlaw” all the way with echoey atmosphere, doom-laden guitars, slow and deliberate drumming, searing fiddle and the like. And that’s perfect, since the quasi-spoken lyric is about a renegade gunslinger. Cody’s baritone voice conveys the threatening messages as well as he speaks. Aged perfectly. Featured on the CD The Legend Grows.

DISClaimer: Summer's Comin'

April 24, 2013/by Robert K Oermann

This week, country artists must be feeling those summer breezes in the air, because an awful lot of them are putting out sunny tempo tunes.
Eric Paslay, Frank Ortega, Lee Brice and the star trio of Joe Diffie, Sammy Kershaw and Aaron Tippin all have new singles that scream summer airplay. Another country rocker comes from our DisCovery Award winners The Sins Country. They not only sing it splendidly, they co-wrote it, to boot.
Nevertheless, it is a hypnotizing, mid-tempo effort that truly won my heart. The loveliness of “You Got Me” earns the divine Ashley Monroe her second consecutive Disc of the Day award.
JOE DIFFIE, SAMMY KERSHAW & AARON TIPPIN/All In The Same Boat
Writers: Jamey Johnson, Wynn Varble, Don Poythress; Producer: Sammy Kershaw; Publisher: Warner-Tamerlane/Precious Flour/Universal/MGB/Don Poythress, BMI/ASCAP, Big Hit
-All three of them are such superb country vocal stylists. So I would have preferred a mix where the backing track wasn’t quite so amped up. That said, this bopper has plenty of infectious fun in it.

The Sins Country

DAVID SHELBY/Kick A Little Dirt Around
Writers: F.J. Turner/D. Shelby/C. Virzi Producers: F.J. Turner, D. Shelby & C. Virzi, Publisher: Zavitson, BMI, Highway South
-It’s an invitation to dance. Thanks, but I’ll sit this one out.
RANDY ROGERS BAND/Fuzzy
Writers:Shane McAnally/Trevor Rosen/Josh Osborne; Producer: Jay Joyce, Publisher: Crazy Water/Little Blue Egg/Kobalt/Want a Fresh One/Black River, ASCAP, MCA Nashville
-Producer Joyce adds innovative audio touches to the track, which is his hallmark. The performance is enthusiastic, but the song is nothing to write home about.
FRANK ORTEGA/Two Places at Once
Writers: Ira Dean/David Lee Murphy/Kim Tribble, Producer: none listed, Publishers: Hillbilly Rich/Sony-ATV Tree/Old Desperado/N2D/Carol Vincent/Beechtree/Do Write, BMI/ASCAP, Villa One
-It has been a few years since we’ve heard from this fine indie artist. As before, he has excellent choice in songs and superb production values. On this rocking country outing, he fronts a deep-thump rhythm track and carries a catchy melody with aplomb. Stay tuned for the extended instrumental ride at the fade. A winner. Again.
LUKE BRYAN/Crash My Party
Writers: Rodney Clawson/Ashley Gorley, Producer: Jeff Stevens; Publisher: Big Red Toe/Amarillo Sky/Big Loud Bucks/External Combustion/Out of the Taperoom/Songs of Southside Independent, BMI/ASCAP, Capitol
-Don’t let the title fool you: This is a love song with a steady groove and a sensuous melody. Stevens’ production layers strings, an electric guitar solo, percussion and echo effects to good effect.
ERIC PASLAY/Friday Night
Writers: Eric Paslay/Rose Falcon/Rob Crosby, Producer: Marshall Altman; Publisher: Cal IV/Wadmalaw, ASCAP/BMI, EMI
-In this bright, sunshiny bopper, he wants to be her ride to good times. Thumpers like this are the perfect summertime soundtrack. Put the top down and turn it up.
LEE BRICE/Parking Lot Party
Writers: Lee Brice/Thomas Rhett Atkins/Rhett Akins/Luke Laird; Producer: Jon Stone and Lee Brice; Publishers: Mike Curb/EMI Blackwood/Rhettneck/Universal-Careers/High Powered Machine, BMI, Curb
-I am fed up to here with country-music party songs. But this guy is just so darn likeable and believable that I found myself bopping along with his tailgate tune in spite of myself.
HANNAH BETHEL/No Where Left To Roam
Writers: H. Bethel; Producer: Andy Sheridan and Hannah Bethel; Publisher: Hannywyn, BMI, HB
-She has a very cool Appalachian vocal style. The upbeat tune is produced perfectly with plenty of open spaces between the fiddle, dobro and steel lines and restless, relentless brushed drumming. The accomplished singing is as impressive as the fact that she wrote or co-wrote all five of the EP’s fine songs.
ASHLEY MONROE/You Got Me
Writers: Ashley Monroe/Karen Fairchild, Producers: Vince Gill and Justin Niebank, Publishers: Reynsong/Ayden/Warner-Tamerlane, BMI
-Drawn from one of the best country albums of the year to date, this is a moody, swooning, shuffling, softly sexy and atmospheric gem of a disc. She is inescapably drawn into a love that’s not good for her. But, dang, it feels so good.
THE SINS COUNTRY/Romeo and Juliet Sparks
Writers: Joe Sins/Kristen Sins; Producer: none listed; Publisher: none listed; GTR Nashville
-They’re both really strong country singers, whether swapping lines or harmonizing together. The song is a well-written, uptempo saga of love persevering despite parental disapproval. Very worthy of your spins. Send more.

DISClaimer: A Changing Of The Guard

April 17, 2013/by Robert K Oermann

I think we’re in the midst of a changing of the guard. On the recent ACM telecast, only Strait and Reba remained from the good old days. And folks like Garth, Chesney, Tim, Faith and Shania now seemed like parental types. Of the upstart, new-breed stars, few shine as brightly as the rapidly rising Hunter Hayes. His “I Want Crazy” single is confirmation that he has arrived. It earns this week’s Disc of the Day prize. I believe that Adam Fears is a Texas-to-Tennessee transplant. All I can say is one loud and hearty, “Welcome!” He wins a DisCovery Award for being so good on so many levels.
MIKE AIKEN/Summertime Song
Writers: Mike Aiken/Tim Buppert; Producer: Dan Baird, Ben Strano and Mike Aiken; Publisher: Big Boat/Saddle Blanket/Buffrin Boy, SESAC; Northwind
-The subterranean bass lines sound like they were recorded at least two counties away from his barely-there vocal.
LOCASH COWBOYS/Chase A Little Love
Writers: Preston Brust and Jaron Boyer; Producer: Noah Gordon and Shannon Houchins; Publisher: none listed; Average Joes
-He invites her to jump in his truck and go for a romance ride. It’s not the most original song in the world, but the warm performance is immensely and endearingly sincere. The glistening production scores bonus points.
WILLIAM CLARK GREEN/It’s About Time
Writers: none listed; Producer: Rachel Loy; Publisher: none listed; WCG
-The CD packaging is gorgeous. The music is junky sounding, and his singing voice is weak.
BLAKE SHELTON/Boy’s ‘Round Here
Writers: Rhett Akins/Dallas Davidson/Craig Wiseman; Producer: Scott Hendricks; Publisher: EMI Blackwood, Big Loud Shirt, BMI/ASCAP; Warner Bros.
-The verses are rapped. The choruses are sung and contain the timeless line, “Chew tobacco, chew tobacco, chew tobacco, spit.” The Pistol Annies pop up occasionally with chirped interjections. Shallow, but undeniably ear catching.
ROY SOLIS/Broken Hearts Are So Cliche
Writers: none listed; Producer: none listed; Publisher: none listed; Avenue 1
-I like the atmospheric, moody, faintly Latin production style. He’s no powerhouse as a singer, but the soft way he caresses the melody is just right.
JOANNA SMITH/Girls Are Crazy
Writers: Joanna Smith, Ben Daniel and Brandon Kinney; Producer: Joanna Smith and Brandon Kinney; Publisher: Sony-ATV Tree, S&S Farms, Red Vinyl, Words & Music, Tom Tom Leis, Songs of Red Bandana, BMI; RCA
-How ironic that such a demeaning song about women should be co-written by one.
SUSAN ASHTON/Love Is Alive
Writer: Gary Wright; Producer: Wayne Kirkpatrick; Publisher: Universal/ASCAP; Be
-Ashton has tried her luck in both the CCM and country genres. Reworking Gary Wright’s 1976 pop smash (it was the follow-up to “Dream Weaver”) probably looked like a good idea. After all, it does have that irresistible chorus melody. Her execution of it, however, is lacking. The arrangement is fine, but there’s no vocal passion here.
HUNTER HAYES/I Want Crazy
Writers: Hunter Hayes, Lori McKenna, Troy Verges; Publisher: Songs of Universal, Happy Little Man, Hoodie, Songs From The Engine Room, BMI; Atlantic
-I wasn’t that impressed by this when he introduced it on the ACM telecast. But the single version has a lot more audio dynamics going for it. His vocal, for instance, goes from hushed to shouted. Also, the tongue-tripping lyric, scat-sung passages, lickety-split guitar work and zippy tempo make ya dizzy with delight.
HAYDEN PANETTIERE/Hypnotizing
Writers: Cary Barlowe, Steve Robson, Caitlyn Smith; Publisher: Castle Bound, We Be Partying, Imagem, Music of Stage Three, Songs of Cornman, BMG Chrysalis, BMI/ASCAP/SESAC, Big Machine
-If the music coming out of the real Nashville sounded as good as the music coming out of the TV Nashville, maybe people would stop making fun of our parade of redneck party songs that stink up the format. Hayden, in particular, seems to make everything she sings sound splendid. Portraying “Juliette Barnes,” she chooses her material to reflect the character’s youthful, pop-country attitude. Her current single is as catchy a ditty as you’ll find.
ADAM FEARS/There’s A Girl Out There
Writers: Adam Fears, Jamie Paulin, Jeremy Stover; Producer: Jeremy Stover; Publisher: none listed; LandStar
-This has it all — a pulse-quickening rhythm track, a sing-along melody, a singer with charisma and a dynamic production. I don’t know who on earth this guy is, but he is sprinkled with stardust. Play and believe.

Aldean Lights Up UGA Stadium With Historic Show

April 15, 2013/by Eric T. Parker

Jason Aldean and Ludacris at UGA’s Sanford Stadium, Saturday, April 13. Photo: Chris & Todd Owyoung

Jason Aldean almost, quite literally brought the house down with a one-time-only concert Saturday (April 13) at the University of Georgia’s Sanford Stadium thanks to numerous high-power flamethrowers shooting skyward during opening and closing numbers, “Crazy Town” and “Hicktown,” respectively.
As part of the Georgia native’s Night Train tour, in support of his latest album by the same title, Aldean stepped up his arena tour with a few stadium dates. This weekend’s show will go down in history as the only music concert to play on the lawn of the Georgia Bulldog’s home turf in its 84-year history.
What an event it was! Tickets were capped at 66,000 and sold out in a reported 45 minutes. By comparison, LP Field holds a little over 69,000 at its maximum.
“Thanks to Dr. Adams and coach Mark Richt for letting us tear up your field for a night—It’ll grow back,” joked Aldean during his headlining set.
Fans accustomed to tailgating before football games at the Athens stadium partied throughout the day in anticipation of the ACM Male Vocalist of the Year’s alcohol-free evening, due to campus/SEC standards. Also on the bill were special guests Thomas Rhett, Jake Owen and Luke Bryan.
Deviating from his trademark plaid shirt, Aldean sported a red Georgia Bulldogs t-shirt on the stage, which featured six, impressive, moving LED displays overhead (10 screens in all), LED illuminated risers, and hundreds of intelligent lighting elements.
Backing up the star were five of his New Voice band members. Before Aldean performed his current single “1994” each musician was highlighted with throwback photographs from that year. Additional highlights included a hologram appearance by Kelly Clarkson during “Don’t You Wanna Stay,” and guest appearances by Bryan on “Only Way I Know” and Atlanta-resident Ludacris on “Dirt Road Anthem.”
“Minor-league baseball stadiums, CMA Fest at LP Field and festivals like Bayou Fest all have prepared me for this show,” said Aldean before the concert. “The first time I stepped foot in this stadium I was just glad to just see a game, let alone think I would play it. When it’s all said and done, this will be one of the defining shows of my career.”
His agrarian based mega-hits couldn’t have sounded better echoing the walls of the Georgia field. Aldean proved well-equipped as a stadium torch bearer. Fans certainly haven’t objected. Thus far, Aldean has sold out every show this year, including two upcoming stadium concerts at Boston’s Fenway Park (July 12-13) and Chicago’s Wrigley Field (July 20).
Catch him play Nashville on Tuesday, April 16 when the star appears as part of the Country Music Hall of Fame benefit, We’re All For The Hall, at the Bridgestone Arena.
UGA Night Train Set List
Crazy Town
Take A Little Ride
Tattoos On This Town
When She Says Baby
The Truth
Fly Over States
Nothin Town
Johnny Cash
Amarillo Sky
Night Train
1994
Don’t You Wanna Stay
Big Green Tractor
Only Way I Know
Dirt Road Anthem
She’s Country
My Kinda Party
Hicktown

Photo: Chris & Todd Owyoung

DISClaimer: The Americana Scene

April 10, 2013/by Robert K Oermann

Gurf Morlix

We’re going for gender equality this week. Here are five guys and five gals who help to make the current Americana scene so listenable. What do Emmylou Harris & Rodney Crowell, Bobby Bare, Bruce Robison & Kelly Willis, The Lumineers, Buddy Miller & Jim Lauderdale and Mumford & Sons have in common? Besides the fact that they sing some of my favorite current records, they’re all Americana acts.
Deserving to join them on my current playlist are Jeff Black, Martha Redbone, Caroline Herring, Kate Campbell, David Olney, our Disc of the Day performer Gurf Morlix and our DisCovery Award winner, Levi Lowrey.
R.J. JONES & THE NECTARTHUGS/Blink of an Eye
Writers: Robert John Jones; Producer: R.J. Jones & Jeff King; Publisher: Nectarthugs, BMI; Subverse
-Jones is a veteran country songsmith whose works have been recorded by Tammy Wynette, Barbara Mandrell, Reba McEntire, The Whites, The Kendalls (”Thank God for the Radio”), Jim & Jesse, George Jones, T.G. Sheppard, Loretta Lynn, Mel Tillis, Susan Raye (”It Didn’t Have to Be a Diamond”), Johnny Paycheck, Alan Jackson, David Frizzell, Buck Owens (”California Okie”), Freddy Hart, Jean Shepard, Vern Gosdin and more. Dreams That Rhyme is his debut album, and he sings his heart out on it. His light, folk-pop tenor voice is backed by stellar acoustic picking throughout. This touching ode about a life in music and the passing of time is just one of its many pleasures.
HARPETH RISING/Amends
Writers: Jordana Greenberg/Rebecca Reed-Lunn; Producer: Bil VornDick; Publisher: none listed; Grimm Rising
-If you fancy the sound of cello, violin and banjo twiddling away while three folk damsels warble, step right up.

Levi Lowrey

JEFF BLACK/Avalon
Writers: Jeff Black; Producer: Jeff Black; Publisher: Lotus Nile, BMI; Lotus Nile
-This Nashvillian’s song craftsmanship has been described as “perfect,” and his works are, indeed, polished gems where not a word is wasted. His B-Sides and Confessions Volume Two CD presents 12 such creations. His accompanists include Sam Bush and Jerry Douglas. On this stirring, slowly-building track, Matraca Berg and Gretchen Peters provide vocal harmonies. Sample this or “Impala,” or “An Evil Lesson Is Soon Learned” or “Molly Rose” and I think you’ll agree that this man is a special, special talent.
MARTHA REDBONE/The Garden of Love
Writers: William Blake/Martha Redbone/John McEuen/Aaron Whitby; Producer: John McEuen and David Hoffner; Publisher: Rez Kitty/Whitful/Next Decade Entertainment/Video Wizards/Hoffman House, SESAC/BMI; Blackfeet
-Redbone is a soulful vocalist of Native American and African American heritage who grew up in Appalachia. Hence, her thoroughly unique musical style. Her Roots Project CD is an ambitious collection that sets the poetry of William Blake to acoustic mountain melodies sung in a gospel-inflected wail punctuated by war-whoop yelps. Prepare to be startled and captivated.
DAVID OLNEY/Go Down Dupree
Writers: David Olney; Producer: Jack Irwin; David Olney/Bug/Three Minute Movie, BMI; Deadbeet
-Robbery & Murder is the third Olney mini-album in a trilogy that also includes 2011’s Film Noir and 2012’s The Stone (All three are also packaged together as Body of Evidence). It kicks off with this righteous r&b stomper which features our hero shouting and growling over a red-hot track featuring blues harmonica, piano triplets and relentless rhythm. Guaranteed to wake you up quicker than a shot of espresso. If you’ve been a fan of this man as long as I have been, you don’t need me to tell you how gripping the rest of the tracks are (”My Family Owns This Town,” for one). Catch Olney’s weekly video postings on his website every Tuesday, each of which features one of his vivid songs, the story behind it and his various musings.
KRISTEN COTHRON/Tart
Writers: Elvis Costello; Producer: Ben Strano; Publisher: none listed; KC
-This Nashville singer/songwriter is now marketing her third collection. Show Me Where the Edge Is dominated by her jazz-pop originals, but also includes three covers of Elvis Costello tunes. This one, for instance, demonstrates how effectively her behind-the-beat phrasing can be in making a song completely her own. Admirable.
GURF MORLIX/Present Tense
Writers: Gurf Morlix; Producer: Gurf Morlix; Publisher: Crankbait/Bug, SESAC; Rootball
-This Austin-based songwriter and stellar producer is noted for his darkly humorous attitude. And he does not disappoint on his latest collection, Gurf Morlix Finds the Present Tense. Bleak, stark and practically creepy in sections, it’s exactly why we love him so. Highly recommended.
KATE CAMPBELL/1,000 Pound Machine
Writers: Kate Campbell/Will Kimbrough; Producer: Will Kimbrough; Publisher: Large River/Will Kimbrough/Blue Water, BMI; Large River
-The “machine” in question is a grand piano. Although Campbell customarily accompanies herself on guitar, the piano was her first instrument, and she returns to it on her current album. This CD title tune is a lilting voice-keyboard outing, but with ace guitarist Kimbrough producing, you can rest assured that other tracks on the collection resound with his notes as well as hers, not to mention such esteemed instrumentalists as David Hood, Spooner Oldham (the subject of the song “Spoonerville”), Dave Jacques, John Deaderick and Paul Griffith. As always, her exquisite songs reverberate with gospel and Southern folk tones. Particularly ear-perking are “Montgomery to Mobile,” which imagines Rosa Parks and George Wallace on a bus ride together, the prison song “Alabama Department of Corrections” with Emmylou Harris harmonies and the civil-rights infused “Wait for Another Day” and “Walk With Me.”
LEVI LOWREY/Hold On Tight
Writers: Levi Lowrey; Producer:Zac Brown, Matt Magano, Clay Cook & John Driskell Hopkins; Publisher: Southern Ground, BMI; Southern Ground
-Lowrey opens concerts for the Zac Brown Band and records for its Southern Ground imprint. The singer/songwriter’s CD I Confess I Was a Fool features this tender-hearted story of youngsters getting pregnant and vowing to share a life together. He sings in a soft, earnest, almost hushed tenor while acoustic instruments swirl around him like mountain mist. Enchanting.
CAROLINE HERRING/Camilla
Writers: Caroline Herring; Producer: Erick Jaskowiak; Publisher: Zelleria, ASCAP; Signature Sounds
-Folk fixture Herring came to Nashville to enlist Steven Sheehan, Fats Kaplan, Bryan Owings, Bryn Davies and Claire Holley for her musical backers on her current collection. The title tune is a Southern-flavored, bluesy, dark meditation on motherhood, crime and punishment. Her haunting delivery is matched, lick for lick, by the interwoven notes plucked by her sterling accompanists.