Photos: Aquapalooza, Rascal Flatts, Jimmy Wayne on Crook & Chase

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aquapalooza

Pictured (back row, l-r): CMT Sr VP Production, Development and Talent John Hamlin; Arista Nashville Promo VP Skip Bishop; Sony Music Nashville Exec VP A&R Renee Bell; Arista Nashville National Promo Director Lesly Tyson; and Sony Music Nashville Exec VP Butch Waugh. (front row, l-r): Cracker Barrel Marketing VP Peter Keisner; Caitlin Lynn; Sony Music Nashville Marketing VP Tom Baldrica; Will Snyder; Sony Music Nashville Chairman Joe Galante; Jypsi's Scarlett, Lillie Mae, Amber-Dawn, and Frank; and Grand Ole Opry VP/GM Pete Fisher.

Alan Jackson headlined AquaPalooza 2009 on Lake Martin, Alabama on Sat., July 25. Numerous Nashville music biz execs made the trip to the boating and music festival which also featured performances by Columbia Nashville duo Caitlin & Will and Arista Nashville group Jypsi. More than 4,000 boats and 35,000 people attended, setting a new record for any single event on a lake. Boats were packed bow to stern for over a mile, and many fans donned their inner tubes and water noodles to paddle close to the water-pit at the bottom of the stage. During the show, which was taped for CMT’s Labor Day special, Jackson spoke about childhood visits to Lake Martin with his family.

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Photo credit: Will Byington

Photo credit: Will Byington

Elsewhere on Saturday (7/25), Rascal Flatts became the first country act to perform a concert in historic Wrigley Field in Chicago. The group entertained a sold-out crowd of 37,000 fans, at one of only four concerts ever played in the Chicago Cubs’ home stadium. Vince Gill and Darius Rucker opened. The Rascal Flatts American Living Unstoppable Tour visits its second stadium show of the summer Aug. 9 in Columbus, Ohio.

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jw1

Jimmy Wayne will appear on RFD’s Crook & Chase this week, performing his new single “I’ll Be That” and his No. 1 smash “Do You Believe Me Now.” He is pictured above with Lorianne Crook and Charlie Chase on location at the Nashville Palace. The episode premieres Thursday 7/30.

DISClaimer (7/24/09)

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AJackson-goodtime150I am happy to report that our two big winners today are also the most “country” sounding discs.

Oh, there are some super-fine vocalists in this stack of platters, including Daniel Smith, Bekka Bramlett and Craig Reynolds. And songwriters don’t come any better than Vince Melamed.

But at the end of the day, the best piece of work belonged to the enduringly great Alan Jackson. His single is far and away the Disc of the Day.

AShires-westcrosstimbers150The DisCovery Award also goes to somebody whose country credentials are unassailable. That would be Amanda Shires, who sure can tickle your ears.

VINCE HATFIELD/I’m Gonna Let You Down
Writer: Galen Griffin/Byron Hill; Producer: Vince Hatfield & Eric Paul; Publisher: Circle C/Almo/Great Escape, ASCAP; Blue Moon (www.vincehatfield.com)
—I have to give this guy points for persistence. He’s in there trying, month after month, year after year. I just wish he was a better singer. Having said that, this simple melody and gently rolling production are just right for his barely-there vocal.

MICHELLE BRANCH/Sooner Or Later
Writer: Michelle Branch/Hillary Lindsey/John Shanks; Producer: John Shanks; Publisher: I’m Still With the Band/Warner-Tamerlane/Raylene/Sony ATV Tunes/Tone Ranger, BMI/ASCAP; Reprise
—I was never a fan of this artist when she was a pop act. The Wreckers were okay. When this pop-country outing started out, I was with her. But by the time she had repeated the title and melodic hook for the hundredth time, I was ready to toss it across the room.

DANIEL SMITH/Life, Liberty And The Pursuit Of Happy Hour
Writer: D. Smith/C. Moore; Producer: Larry Sheridan & Daniel Smith; Publisher: Daniel Smith/Tunes from the Farm, ASCAP/SESAC; DLS* (www.danielsmithmusic.net)
—The spoken-word intro is irritating, but once he started singing and the electric guitars began twanging, I got into it. A barroom bopper. I praised his singing chops on his previous two singles, and I still think he’s got a cool voice.

ALAN JACKSON/I Still Like Bologna
Writer: Alan Jackson; Producer: Keith Stegall; Publisher: EMI-April/Tri-Angels, ASCAP; Arista (track)
—The Drifting Cowboys steel guitar is beyond cool. Alan’s straightforward country delivery remains a shining jewel of this format. Lyrically, this is a charmer, contrasting a world of cell phones, HD-TV, computers, iPhones and such with the simple pleasures of gravel roads, bird songs, sunsets, lovin’ and bologna on white bread.

AMANDA SHIRES/Angels And Acrobats
Writer: Rod Picott; Producer: Amanda Shires, David Henry & Rod Picott; Publisher: Welding Rod, BMI; Amanda Shires (track)
—Amanda is a singer and fiddler with western-swing roots who has moved from Texas to Music City. Her sweet country vibrato and the steel-and-fiddle production have earned this track airplay on WSM. It comes from a lovely little CD titled West Cross Timbers. Recommended.

VINCE MELAMED/What Mattered Most
Writer: Vince Melamed/Gary Burr; Producer: Jim Tract; Publisher: EMI Longitude/Alberta’s Paw/Songs of Universal, BMI/ASCAP; Adroit (track) (www.vincemelamed.com)
—Hit songwriter Vince has a new CD featuring his own versions of “Walkaway Joe,” “She’d Give Anything,” “I’ll Take That as a Yes” and other tunes that have made him so respected on Music Row. It kicks off with this nicely produced version of the Ty Herndon hit of 1995. I have made no secret of my fondness for songwriters’ records, and if you feel the same way, this is definitely a must-have for your collection. He is also booking dates, and you won’t find a more winning and engaging writer-artist to entertain you.

TYLER DEAN/Taylor Swift
Writer: D. Johnson/L. & M. Stout; Producer: D. Johnson & M. Stout; Publisher: Curb/Sweet Radical, BMI; Curb
—Taylor started her career three years ago by singing a song called “Tim McGraw.” Now teenaged Tyler has a hooky single called “Taylor Swift” that would seem creepy/obsessive if he didn’t sing it in such an innocent way. Tyler is the son of Ronnie McDowell, who began HIS career by singing “The King Is Gone” about Elvis Presley. Round and round we go, and where we stop, nobody knows.

BEKKA BRAMLETT/What’s On My Mind
Writer: Dennis Matkosky/Michael Caruso/Tamara Champlin; Producer: Joe Stampley; Publisher: Karles/Kobalt/Chrysalis/Heaven’s River/Tabby Chabby, ASCAP/BMI; Shongaloo (track) (www.bekka-bramlett.com)
—Supreme soul sister Bekka has a country CD produced by Joe Stampley called I Got News for You. In general, she’s better than the tunes are. That’s especially true on this first single. Better choices would have been the collection’s snappy title tune or the smoldering ballads “You’ll Never Lose My Love” or “What Do They Know.” In any case, it is impossible for this woman to turn in a poor performance. This is a singer’s singer, and she deserves our support and devotion. Buy this.

CRAIG REYNOLDS/Rollin’ In The “Hey”
Writer: Craig Reynolds/James Cain; Producer: Craig Reynolds & Greg Cole; Publisher: none listed; Lamon (track) (www.airplayspecialists.com)
—This has a big, fat, beefy track with pounding percussion and grinding guitars. The working-man lyric fits it perfectly, and Craig sings it convincingly.

JOHNNY COOPER/Don’t Feel Like That Anymore
Writer: none listed; Producer: Glenn Rosenstein & Dexter Green; Publisher: none listed; Tenacity (track) (www.johnnycooper.com)
—This young Texan kicks off his new Follow CD with a bluesy stomper. It’s kinda like a blander, countrified John Mayer.

DISClaimer (7/10/09)

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fastryde-thang150Good luck picking your playlist out of this stack of excellence.

All 10 of these records deserve to be heard. On top of that, four of them are from bona fide format superstars—Keith Urban, Sugarland, Brad Paisley and Tim McGraw—while two more are by consistent airplay favorites—Jason Michael Carroll and the Zac Brown Band. Toss in a couple of legends—Larry Gatlin and Ray Stevens—and endearing up-and-comer Blaine Larsen, and you’ve got a mighty full sonic platter.

bpaisley-amsatnight150Let’s see, that makes nine contenders. The 10th comes from our town’s newest imprint, Republic Nashville. A pat on the back and a DisCovery Award go to Fast Ryde.

And about that Disc of the Day prize? In an extremely competitive field, the inspirational Brad Paisley charges onto the turf and rides away with it.

KEITH URBAN/Only You Can Love Me This Way
Writer: Steve McEwen/John Reid; Producer: Dann Huff & Keith Urban; Publisher: EMI Blackwood/Birds with Ears/Sony-ATV, BMI/PRS; Capitol Nashville (track)
—There’s something very “California” sounding about this dreamy outing. The repeated acoustic guitar figure is enchanting, and the vocal harmonies are absolutely lovely. This is a sound to get lost in.

FAST RYDE/That Thang
Writer: James Harrison/Jody Stevens; Producer: Jeff Stevens, Jody Stevens & James Harrison; Publisher: OMG Songs Nashville/Jody Stevens/Songs of One Music Group/Mailbox Dance, BMI/SESAC; Republic Nashville
—This offspring of “Badonkadonk” bops along solidly. This time the riff is, “da dang dang, dang da doing doing doing” while the percussion thumps and the guitar grinds.

BRAD PAISLEY/Welcome To The Future
Writer: Brad Paisley/Chris DuBois; Producer: Frank Rogers; Publisher: none listed, ASCAP; Arista (track)
—Utterly joyous sounding. The steel playing is celestial. Brad’s guitar gets a fleet-fingered, mid-song workout. His singing of the upbeat tune makes you want to crank it up to “10.” Amid the celebration of the times we’re living in, there’s even a shout-out to racial progress. I’m just loving this total audio delight, because it rocks in every way. Also check out the more quietly personal lyric in the “reprise” version. In fact, check out the whole American Saturday Night CD. It has “Album of the Year” potential in every groove.

RAY STEVENS/If Ten Per Cent IS Good Enough For Jesus
Writer: none listed; Producer: none listed; Publisher: none listed; Clyde (www.raystevens.com)
—The second part of the title is “it ought to be enough for Uncle Sam.” That’s right, it’s a tax-protest tune. What’s more, it’s catchy.

ZAC BROWN BAND/Toes
Writer: Zac Brown/Wyatt Durrette/John Hopkins/Shawn Mullins; Producer: Keith Stegall & Zac Brown; Publisher: Weimerhound/Lil’ dub/Angelika/Brighter Shade/Bug/Roadie Odie, BMI; Home Grown/Big Picture/Atlantic (track)
—These guys are the most refreshing thing to happen to country music in years. As usual, the tune is soaked with groove. This time, it’s a Buffett-beach vibe. Summer’s vacation soundtrack is right here.

JASON MICHAEL CARROLL/Hurry Home
Writer: Zane Williams; Producer: Don Gehman; Publisher: Year of the Dog/Big Yellow Dog, ASCAP; Arista (track)
—JMC eases into a ballad mode this time around. He couldn’t have chosen a better song to do it with, because this is extremely well written. It is one of those perfectly constructed story songs that no one but a country-music person could write or sing. This is what we do best.

BLAINE LARSEN/It Did
Writer: Marv Green/Jim Collins; Producer: Jimmy Ritchey; Publisher: Warner-Tamerlane/Sycamore Canyon/Hope N Cal/Sexy Tractor, BMI; Treehouse (615-478-9056)
—This trajectory of a romance that just gets better and better goes down easy with Blaine’s confident, mature vocal presence. For lovers everywhere.

TIM McGRAW/It’s A Business Doing Pleasure With You
Writer: Brett James/Joey Moi/Chad Kroeger; Producer: Byron Gallimore, Tim McGraw & Darran Smith; Publisher: Stege Three/Brett James Cornelius/Moi Music Productions/Warner-Tamerlane/Anaesthectic, ASCAP/SOCAN/BMI; Curb
—“You’ve got more purses than Versace/Got more rings than Liberace.” There’s more: “Gucci” rhymes with “sushi.” And so forth. Hilarious? You bet.

LARRY GATLIN & THE GATLIN BROTHERS/Johnny Cash Is Dead
Writer: Larry Gatlin/Johnny Cash; Producer: Terry Choate; Publisher: Mike Curb/Mutual Attraction/Magnet/Barton Creek/Song of Cash/Bug, BMI/ASCAP; Curb (CDX)
—It has Johnny’s boom-chicka-boom rhythm and a lyric saluting country greats who have passed on—Chet, Waylon, Patsy and Marty—and mourning the lack of fiddles and steel guitars in today’s sound. All in all, extremely listenable.

SUGARLAND/Joey
Writer: Jennifer Nettles/Kristian Bush/Bill Anderson; Producer: Byron Gallimore, Kristian Bush & Jennifer Nettles; Publisher: Jennifer Nettles/EMI Blackwood/Dirkpit/Sony-ATV, ASCAP/BMI; Mercury (CDX)
—Joey is gone, and she pleads powerfully for forgiveness. The driving tempo and echoey production conjure up an atmosphere of crying in the wilderness. Get a load of that writing credit. Bill Anderson penned his first hit more than 50 years ago, and he’s still at it, stronger than ever. The man is a musical miracle.

Label Heads Discuss Changing Roles On CMA Series

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cma-logoUnderstanding the various functions and changing role of the record label is the focus of the latest installment of CMA Industry InSite, an online educational series, which is posted on CMA’s member Web site, My.CMAworld.com.

The third episode on Record Labels is available now and features interviews with Mike Dungan, President/CEO Capitol Records Nashville; Fletcher Foster, Senior VP/GM Universal Records South; Joe Galante, Chairman Sony Music Nashville; and Randy Goodman, President Lyric Street and Carolwood Records.

The series is part of CMA’s ongoing strategic mission of being a resource for the Country Music industry. The Association launched the monthly online educational series in April with an episode on Publishing, followed in June by a segment on Artist Management. The series is an exclusive benefit for members of CMA.

Future episodes include topics from Social Networking and Entertainment Law to Country Radio and Touring. Episodes are posted on the third Monday of the month. With each new episode, CMA members are able to submit questions to the panel of experts. Each segment, which is roughly 10 minutes long, is archived for easy access at any time.

DISClaimer (7/17/09)

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JasonCrabb150Can I get a witness? Things were going along in a routine way during this listening session until I was stopped dead in my tracks and struck with profound awe. The record that did it was the churning, inspirational “Somebody Like Me” by Jason Crabb. Stop what you are doing right now to seek it out and listen. It just might change your life. Hands down, the Disc of the Day.

We also have a couple of major tear-jerkers with us today, and I’m always a sucker for those. “To Say Goodbye” by Joey & Rory, plus “Love Lives On” by Mallary Hope are both soaked with emotion. The latter earns a Georgia-born MCA newcomer a DisCovery Award.

Mallary Hope

Mallary Hope

JASON CRABB/Somebody Like Me
Writer: Neil Thrasher/Michael Boggs; Producer: Tommy Sims, Norro Wilson & Jason Crabb; Publisher: none listed; Spring Hill (track) (www.springhillmusic.com)
—He used to be the lead vocalist in The Crabb Family. Now he’s a solo. If you have ever heard him sing, you have never forgotten the experience, because this man is one of the greatest male voices of his generation. Searing, soulful and stunning, he can make the hairs on your arms tingle, raise goosebumps all over and compel you turn it up to “10.” The lyric will make you want to run out and do good works for everyone you meet. His performance of it will make you believe in the power of music all over again. Sing on, brother.

MALLARY HOPE/Love Lives On
Writer: Mallary Hope/Shane Stevens/Matthew West; Producer: Derek Bason; Publisher: My Good Girl Music/Major Bob Music; MCA Nashville
—It is a pretty gutsy move to kick of your country career with a ballad, but when it’s one this strong, it’s a risk worth taking. In the song, her husband has died, but she still has their daughter, and her love endures. It’s a remarkable performance that starts sweet, sad and small and builds to a fiery intensity. Strong stuff.

WILLIE STRADLIN/Chop Away
Writer: Izzy Stradlin/Rick Richards; Producer: none listed; Publisher: Willie Stradlin, BMI; Smith Music Group (www.williestradlinband.com)
—Co-writers Izzy and Rick are from Guns & Roses and The Georgia Satellites, respectively. But this is a surprisingly countryfied outing, highlighted by a rolling rhythm track, tasty harmonica work and a sincere tenor vocal.

JOEY & RORY/To Say Goodbye
Writer: Rory Feek/Joey Martin/Jamie Teachenor; Producer: Carl Jackson; Publisher: State One Songs America/A Sling and a Prayer/Rufus Guild/Sony ATV Tree/Songs for My Good Girl, ASCAP/BMI; Sugar Hill /Vanguard (track) (www.joeyandrory.com)
—Beautifully heartbreaking. If this doesn’t put a lump in your throat or a tear in your eye, you’re made of stone. Joey’s lead vocal is a shining gem. Carl Jackson’s production is poetry. Rory’s harmony work is flawless. The lyric of loss aches all over.

RACHEL WILLIAMS/You Let Me
Writer: R. Williams/S. Beck/K. Copeland; Producer: Kim Copeland & Rachel Williams; Publisher: none listed; Her (track) (www.rachelwilliamsonline.com)
—Righteously rocking, with a soaring, power-packed vocal performance. Eminently playable.

TOBY KEITH/American Ride
Writer: Joe West/Dave Pahanish; Producer: none listed; Publisher: Sony ATV Tree/Songs for My Good Girl/Totally Wrighteous/Big Loud Bucks, BMI; Show Dog Nashville
—Toby sings it with passion and fire, but the lyric makes no point whatsoever.

RICHIE ALLBRIGHT/11 Months And 29 Days
Writer: Johnny Paycheck/Billy Sherrill; Producer: Bill Green; Publisher: EMI Algee, BMI; Cactus (888-455-5504)
—Not to be confused with Waylon’s ex-drummer Richie Albright (with one “L”), this fellow is a Texas traditionalist. Alas, when you compare his version of this tune with Johnny Paycheck’s 1976 original, he comes up wa-a-a-a-y short.

DIERKS BENTLEY/I Wanna Make You Close Your Eyes
Writer: Brett Beavers/Dierks Bentley; Producer: Brett Beavers & Dierks Bentley; Publisher: Home with the Armadillo/Big White Tracks, BMI/ASCAP; Capitol Nashville (track)
—Dierks gets all warm and romantic on us. After a hard day at work, he wants to fall into her arms and see where things lead. Very sexy sounding.

JIMMY BOWEN & SANTA FE/Baby’s Single Down In San Antone
Writer: Wells/Kerr; Producer: Jimmy Bowen; Publisher: Bug, BMI; Santa Fe (www.jimmybowen.com)
—I know it’s not the producer with this same name, but is this the bluegrass guy with this same name? If so, he has gone country and lost his sense of pitch.

ANTHONY SMITH/Bringin’ Back The Sunshine
Writer: Anthony Smith/Jess Leary; Producer: Anthony Smith & James Stroud; Publisher: Krankit/Leary’s Irish Stew, BMI/ASCAP; Stroudavarious
—Formerly on Mercury, Anthony has always had a rock edge in his voice. He applies it effectively in this summer-sounding pop-country bopper.

DISClaimer (6/26/09)

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montgent-backwhen150The stars are blindingly bright this week.

If you’re looking for a gorgeous ballad, George Strait is your man. In the mood for a joyous rocker? Give a listen to Sara Evans. For a jolt of vocal passion, check out Jamie O’Neal. Do you wish to bask in heavenly harmonies? I hereby direct your attention to the Eli Young Band. And if you seek a good ol’ meat-and-potatoes outlaw country tune, Montgomery Gentry has just the thing.

bradlong-150Any and all of those records could be a Disc of the Day. In one of the toughest decisions I’ve made in ages, I’m going with the common people, Montgomery Gentry.

As you all know, Teddy Gentry was a soulful sideman for years in Alabama. In Phase II of his career, he is emerging as a potent producer on Music Row. He has found a guy named Brad Long who sings like a bird and wins this week’s DisCovery Award.

CHRIS HANNERS/It’s My Life
Writer: Mark Schlemmer; Producer: Randy Jack Wiggins; Publisher: Nashville Sound, SOCAN/BMI; Little House (615-885-8100)
-The song is cute. The track sparkles. His vocal is strictly ordinary.

SARA EVANS/Feels Just Like A Love Song
Writer: Sara Evans/Nathan Chapman/Chris Lindsey/Aimee Mayo; Producer: Nathan Chapman & Sara Evans; Publisher: Universal-Careers/Gingerdog/Sony ATV Tree/Pain in the Art/Moonscar/Little Blue Typewriter/BPJ, BMI; RCA
-It’s ridiculously sunny, positive and upbeat. It’s also irresistible.

HOYT HUGHES/Ain’t My Day To Save The World
Writer: Steve Williams/Thom Sheperd/Liz Hengber; Producer: Eric Paul; Publisher: Black in the Saddle/Mets Fan/Green Hills/Travelers Ridge/Pier Two/Twang Thang, ASCAP; Whirlwind/Lofton Creek  (www.hoythughes.com)
-The song is solid, and his performance is fine. I found the too-prominent female backup vocals somewhat off-putting, however.

JAMIE O’NEAL/Soldier Comin’ Home
Writer: Jamie O’Neal/Roxie Dean/Patricia Ann Murphy; Producer: Rodney Good; Publisher: Jere Song/Sugar Dumplin/Front to Black/Songs of Seven/Pakimo, ASCAP/SESAC; 1720 Entertainment
-It’s a power waltz that she pours vocal passion into like molten gold. “When was the last time you looked at me like you were a soldier coming home?” she asks of a lover who’s gone stale. It’s quite a performance. Lend her your ears.

KENI THOMAS/Gunslinger
Writer: Keni Thomas; Producer: none listed; Publisher: West Moraine/Gunslinger, ASCAP; RBM/Tenacity (www.kenithomas.com)
-The screaming guitars threaten to overwhelm his vocal throughout the performance, and at one point they completely take over the song. All in all, this seriously rocks.

ELI YOUNG BAND/Radio Waves
Writer: Blu Sanders/Mike Eli; Producer: Mike Wrucke; Publisher: none listed; Universal South/Republic
-This snatched my heart and ran off with it. The harmony vocals have so much sincerity and honesty that it’s impossible not to get involved. And when they started weaving in and out of each other in layered tracks at the finale, I was a goner.

JASON JONES/Unlikely Angel
Writer: Corey Lee Barker/Constance Mottle Richard/Anita Cox; Producer: Brett Beavers/Kimo Forrest; Publisher: Corey Lee/Myohana/A C Songbird, BMI; Warner Bros.
-Pop country with a big wooshing guitar solo in the middle and falsetto vocals on the choruses. Pleasingly different.

BRAD LONG/Long Lost Smile
Writer: none listed; Producer: Teddy Gentry; Publisher: none listed; Blackwater (www.bradlong.net)
-She’s splitting and finding her bliss again. The moody track is a sonic depth charge. Even more impressive is the powerhouse singing. This South Carolina native nails every note and holds some of them with truly impressive breath control. Get on board: He’s going places.

GEORGE STRAIT/Living For The Night
Writer: George Strait/Bubba Strait/Dean Dillon; Producer: Tony Brown & George Strait; Publisher: George Strait/Bubba Strait/Sony ATV/Unwound, BMI; MCA Nashville (CDX)
-Strait with strings! This lustrous ballad is cushioned in an exquisite arrangement that draws out every sad, wistful, broken-hearted note. George’s perfectly shaded, blue-tinted vocal does the rest of the work. You’ll get lost in its beauty. I sure did.

MONTGOMERY GENTRY/Long Line Of Losers
Writer: Kevin Fowler/Kim Tribble; Producer: Blake Chancey; Publisher: none listed; Columbia (CDX)
-It’s been a big week for these boys. They were inducted into the Opry on Tuesday, and today they have one of the strongest singles of their career to date. Just be thankful your family isn’t as no-account as the one in this song is-daddy took a bullet for stealing cars, grandpa ran moonshine and went to jail, grandma got drunk and left the kids behind, mom got caught in a motel with the preacher. No wonder, “I was born with a shot glass in my hand…I’m always a suspect/My bloodline made me who I am.” Eddie’s wicked laugh at the end is simply perfect.

DISClaimer (6/19/09)

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steveholy-girlfriend150It’s good to know that country music hasn’t lost its sense of humor.

Both Rodney Carrington and Phil Vassar are tickling the funny bone with new singles this week. Rodney’s hilarious outing is produced by none other than Toby Keith, who also co-wrote two of the tunes on the comic’s El Nino Loco CD.

The other “must add” sides this week come from Gary Allan, Sarah Buxton and our Disc of the Day winner, Steve Holy.

LUKE ROBINSON/Tequila Sheila
Writer: Thom Shepherd/Ken Moulden; Producer: Luke Robinson & Max Archer; Publisher: Twang Thang, ASCAP; Bad Luck (888-455-5504)
-No, it’s not the 1980 Bobby Bare single of the same title. And this guy sounds too young and lightweight to be singing about tequila and “drink you pretty tonight.”

GARY ALLAN/Today
Writer: Tommy Lee James/Brice Long; Producer: Mark Wright & Gary Allan; Publisher: none listed; MCA Nashville
-He’s such a superb performer that he makes even this routine spin down Music Row sound like an epic. I remain a fan.

PHILLIP THOMAS/Livin’ Life At The Bottom
Writer: Troy Powers; Producer: Johnny Garcia; Publisher: Busy at Play, BMI; Busy At Play (www.phillipthomasmusic.com)
-The nice, punchy production and tight song craftsmanship both help this garden-variety vocalist immensely. Listenable.

JOHN RICH/The Good Lord And The Man
Writer: John Rich; Producer: John Rich; Publisher: J. Money/Do Write, ASCAP; Warner Bros.
-He thinks he’s Merle Haggard in 1969.

SABLE/Coming Home
Writer: Jeff Sable/Chris Sable/Jake Hanselman; Producer: Jeff Sable; Publisher: UbarEnt. no performance rights listed; American Eagle (www.sablecountry.com)
-I like the contrast between the intimate, hushed vocal quality in the verses and the throttle-wide-open tenor singing in the choruses. The song has hooks a-plenty, and the tempo production is just right.

SARAH BUXTON/Outside My Window
Writer: Sarah Buxton/Victoria Shaw/Mark Jeffrey Hudson/Gary Burr; Producer: Sarah Buxton; Publisher: We’re Going to Maui/Multisongs/AvaRu/EMI April/Salerno Songs/Mr. Coco/Kobalt/Songs of Universal, BMI/SESAC/ASCAP; Lyric Street
-Our only female contestant this week has some cool guitar work going on, a catchy tune and a vocal with plenty of penetration. Very enjoyable, indeed.

JASON ROGERS/Thinkin’
Writer: Jason Rogers; Producer: Martin Young; Publisher: BlueBuck, ASCAP; Blue Buck (track) (www.jasonrogerscountry.com)
-This native Canadian’s CD kicks off with this thin-sounding bopper. His vocal was recorded too dry, the track is quite spare and the song won’t blow you away.

STEVE HOLY/Baby Don’t Go
Writer: Steve Holy/Jimmy Yearly; Producer: Lee Miller; Publisher: Mike Curb/Steve Holy/Black to Black, BMI; Curb
-No it’s not the 1965 Sonny & Cher hit of the same title. This one’s a steady stomper laced with fiddle and sung with fiery heat. I think I hear a hit.

RODNEY CARRINGTON/If I’m The Only One
Writer: Rodney Carrington/Mark Gross; Producer: Toby Keith; Publisher: none listed; Capitol (track)
-“If I’m the only one/How come our baby looks like Tim?” “If I’m the only one/Whose underwear are these?” He sings the ballad perfectly straight, which makes it all the more hilarious. “If I’m the only one/How come your name’s on the bathroom wall?” A naked guy sprints across the lawn when he comes home. She spends the night on 50 Cents’ tour bus. And so forth. Absolutely give this a spin.

PHIL VASSAR/Bobbi With An I
Writer: none listed; Producer: none listed; Publisher: none listed; Universal South (ERG)
-Hand claps and grinding “party” guitar kick it off. And then the fun plot kicks in. In the daylight, this bruiser linebacker drives a tow truck and brawls. At night, he’s in drag in the bar in a pink party dress. You don’t dare give this “big boned girl” any grief about it, because he bench presses 335 pounds. Phil’s wise conclusion is to live and let live.

Whisperin’ Bill Still Making Noise

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Bill Anderson is having a good week with the release of two new co-writes.

Bill Anderson is having a good week with the release of two new co-writes.

Whisperin’ Bill Anderson was already having a wonderful vacation when he received a phone call from Terry Wakefield at Sony/ATV that made his trip that much better. Wakefield let him know the status of two of Anderson’s co-writes: Sugarland‘s “Joey” hit the national country charts at No. 50 yesterday (6/29), and today (6/30) Brad Paisley released a new album containing his cut “No.”

Coincidentally, Anderson says, “Some of my biggest hits in the past have been songs with only one-word titles, so if I’m lucky, maybe I can add a couple more to that list in the near future.”

Revolving Door: Stoney Creek, Sony, LifeNotes

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ash

Ash Bowers

Stoney Creek Records, the new label founded by Broken Bow owner Benny Brown, has signed Ash Bowers. and is planning the release of his first album. The Buddy Cannon produced project contains seven songs penned by Bowers, as well as the new single, “Stuck,” which was written by Billy Montana and Frank Myers and goes for adds Aug. 17. Bowers is managed by Shawn Pennington of Matchless Management.
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Sony Music Nashville announces that Jon Elliot, VP, Artist Development & Marketing, and Christian Svendsen, Director, Strategic Marketing, are departing the company to form a new venture. Exact exit dates are pending. Interested persons may submit resumes at www.sonymusic.com once the position is posted.
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The Lost Trailers’ Stokes Nielson and his wife Maria are proud parents of a healthy baby boy born Mon., June 22 in Nashville. Weighing in at 7.7 lbs, both the little one and his mom are doing well. He is also happily welcomed by a big sister.

Cindy Watts, entertainment writer at The Tennessean, and her husband Richard Kimzey welcomed their first child together on Thurs., June 25. Kansas May Halcyon Watts-Kimzey weighed 7 lbs 12 oz, and was 21 inches long. Baby and mother are happy and healthy. Kansas joins nine-year-old half-sister Madison.

DISClaimer (6/12/09)

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cunderwood-beginnings150The indies are in the driver’s seat this week.

The big news is that Kentucky native Clay Underwood graduates from his prior DisCovery Award win to having the Disc of the Day with the title tune to his new CD. Even more surprising is that his only real challenger is also on an independent label. That would be the estimable Darren Kozelsky.

There’s not much to report in the DisCovery Award category. Oh, there are newcomers here, but only Lower Broadway denizen Lewis Copeland rises to lcopeland-hntnkprincess150the occasion. I’m not much for pseudo Southern rock, but he does get points for writing, producing, marketing and singing the redneck-humorous “Honkytonk Princess” all by himself.

CLAY UNDERWOOD/New Beginnings And Old Honky Tonks
Writer: Terry Dennis/John Edwards; Producer: Jimmy Layne, Jennifer Layne & Clay Underwood; Publisher: What Is Written/Magic Mustang, BMI; PLC (track) (www.clayunderwoodmusic.com)
—He’s country. I like him. And any song that name checks “Conway and Haggard” is fine with me. Plus, it’s a waltz, which I’m a sucker for. This previous DisCovery Award winner has it all going on—great songs, excellent record production, vocal talent and a CD guest appearance by the sublime Marty Raybon.

CRAIG MORGAN/Bonfire
Writer: Tom Botkin/Kevin Denney/Craig Morgan/Mike Rogers; Producer: Phil O’Donnell & Craig Morgan; Publisher: none listed, BMI/ASCAP; BNA (CDX)
—It roars like its title.

JAKE OWEN/Eight Second Ride
Writer: Jake Owen/Eric Durrance; Producer: Jimmy Ritchey; Publisher: none listed, BMI/IMRO; RCA (CDX)
—The ACM New Male Vocalist winner has a head scratcher. Let me get this straight: A complete stranger wants him to take her home just because he has a truck with big tires, and he’s boasting that he’s going to take her on an 8-second ride?

DARREN KOZELSKY/Seven Vern Gosdins Ago
Writer: Liz Hengber/Arlos Smith; Producer: J.R. Rodriguez & Phil O’Donnell; Publisher: Hengber/Smith, ASCAP/SESAC; Spinville/9 North (CDX) (www.darrenkozelsky.com)
—He was doing fine until somebody fired up the jukebox and played three George Jones tunes, a Doug Stone weeper and seven Vern Gosdin songs. Now his heart is plumb busted. What a neat song. Darren is longtime favorite of this column, and his cool factor just went up again.

ROCKIT ROGER RICHARDSON/The First Cowboy In Space
Writer: Mike Lawler/Robert Steven Dintsch; Producer: Mike Lawler; Publisher: Coofermo/Popred, ASCAP; Star Base (CDX)
—When was the last time you heard the words “intergalactic” and “extra terrestrial” in a country song?

JOHN AMOS/We Were Hippies
Writer: Eric Cash/John Amos; Producer: Gene A. Cash Sr.; Publisher: Division, BMI; Music Row (CDX) (615-397-9100)
—Yes, it’s THAT John Amos, the actor from TV’s Good Times. He’s not much of a singer, but the novelty tune has a grin or two. The gist of it is that being a proud, pot-smoking hippie is a lifetime thing.

MICHELLE TURLEY/Hard Times
Writer: C.F. Turley; Producer: C.F. Turley; Publisher: Pop Dark, BMI; Victorio (615-269-0474)
—Our first female entry this week should have stayed home. Her soprano on this rocker veers into Minnie Mouse territory.

GRANT LANGSTON/Stand Up Man
Writer: Grant Langston; Producer: Rich McCulley & Grant Langston; Publisher: Grant Langston, ASCAP; MSG (track) (www.grantlangston.com)
—Raggedy garage country, performed with vim.

SHEA FISHER/Don’t Chase Me
Writer: Tammy Hyler/Shaye Smith; Producer: Richard Landis & Steve Forde; Publisher: Check Out That Skyline/Evergreen/ICG/EMI Blackwood/Addymak, ASCAP/BMI; Stroudavarious (CDX) (www.sheafisher.com)
—What is this? Cheerleader hip-hop with a steel guitar?

LEWIS COPELAND/Honkytonk Princess
Writer: Lewis Copeland; Producer: Lewis Copeland; Publisher: Lew Tunes, BMI; Wing2Fly (CDX) (www.lewiscopeland.com)
—“Which one of you boys got the biggest truck?” she asks, slopping her drink down the front of her dress. He falls in love while the rock track screams.