Jessi Alexander. Photo: Kristin Barlowe

Talented and lauded Nashville songstress Jessi Alexander released one of the most purely country albums of the year today (March 27), which is exactly what she set out to do when she fell into making a record two years ago.

With well-earned songwriting expertise and a rich country sound, Decatur County Red offers Alexander exploring all forms of herself: as a mother, a lover, a Southerner and a respected music-maker. The sound of the record reveals an artist influenced by Loretta Lynn and Tammy Wynette on “Mama Drank,” Charlie Daniels Band and Lynyrd Skynyrd on “Decatur County Red,” Hank Williams Jr. on “My Problem Is You,” and even Etta James and Otis Redding on “Lonely Out Of Me.”

It’s a landscape of sounds from Memphis, through Decatur County, to Nashville, Tennessee, inspired by a cabin she inherited from her late-grandmother as her muse.

“Those vinyl records are kind of like the template, the ground zero for all the songs,” Alexander tells MusicRow of her influences. “When I’m writing for other artists, I’m trying to craft a song that is well-crafted, it’s a hit, it could be commercial, it could fit a lot of places. Whereas for this, I got to dig deep into, really, my own influences and just no holds barred. Nothing was off limits and it was so liberating.”

With songs including Lee Brice’s “I Drive Your Truck,” Blake Shelton’s “Drink On It” and “Mine Would Be You,” and Miley Cyrus’ “The Climb” under her belt, the talented tunesmith has become one of Nashville’s most beloved singer-songwriters. Decatur County Red is Alexander’s first since 2014’s Down Home.

Alexander co-produced the album with her husband, Grammy-nominated musician/producer/songwriter Jon Randall Stewart and Leslie Richter (Sheryl Crow, Wynonna, John Hiatt, Jim Lauderdale).

“I really wanted the sound of it to be that timeless vintage throw back and [Leslie], her work with Ben Folds and her reputation of really knowing how to make things sound raw,” Alexander says. “I knew that she was my girl when she was trying to get the microphone set up in the tracking sessions so that I could get live vocals. That’s something people don’t do anymore. It’s ambitious and I know that the vocals aren’t perfect. There’s definitely tuning and phrasing issues and things, but I wanted it to sound like an old record. She was kind of of the same mindset and we just had so much fun. I had fun just having a woman in there with me. It was a blast.”

One of the most fun tracks on the record comes with a jaunty duet called “Country Music Made Me Do It” with Randy Houser.

“I thought I need to get somebody in here to just get rowdy with, and literally the first person that came to mind, one of the most honky-tonk, country blues singer I could think of was Randy Houser,” Alexander says.

In true Nashville fashion, Alexander texted Houser while she was putting the finishing touches on the record and asked if he would sing on the tune. His response: “When and where?”

Two of the eight tracks on Decatur County Red have had another life. Tim McGraw cut and made “Damn Country Music” the title track of his 14th studio album in 2015. Dierks Bentley closed his 2018 album The Mountain with Alexander’s “How I’m Going Out,” a song inspired by the carousel that Music City is, and how people get off.

“I feel like getting to the place that I’m in my career where, oh gosh, I’ve seen it all,” Alexander says. “I’ve seen the new kid in town turn to the hottest new thing, turned to a has been, turned to where he has reinvented himself. I’ve had to learn those lessons and watch those trends and it’s given me a lot to write about. I’ve watched some of my heroes become faded into our backdrop, people that when I moved to town were like the hottest songwriter. I’ve watched new songwriters come to town and not even know who they are. It’s kind of that carousel, that’s why we use that image of people just jumping on and jumping off.

“It really started to resonate for me when our dear friend Andrew Dorff passed away and it was like, gosh, you never know. You don’t know when your time is up, physically, or just when it’s time to put your guitar down and you’re done. Not to say you’re ever done—I think I’ll be writing songs forever—but when you’re done with the chase.”

Alexander is first to admit that releasing her first album in six years in the thick of a global pandemic was not how she had planned to celebrate the album, but that she hopes it resonates in a way that gives people an escape.

“I’ve written music for inspiration, have written music for hope,” Alexander says. “For this record, I just hope it transports you to either your roots, your ground zero, your home, or I hope it transports you to a place where you have no cares. Maybe your favorite dive bar, your favorite on honkytonk, or maybe your favorite back porch.”

The mother of three also knows that “Mama Drank,” a witty tune about Alexander finding out why her mother drank when it was her turn to have children, is really resonating now that children are home from school.

Decatur County Red is available now on all platforms, and Alexander is celebrating its release with a livestream acoustic performance at 5 p.m. CT on Airstream’s Facebook and Instagram, and another livestream on her on Instagram at 8 p.m. CT for “Stories, Wine and Damn Country Music.”

Country artist Joe Diffie, 61, has tested positive for COVID-19, the novel coronavirus, he said via a statement.

“I am under the care of medical professionals and currently receiving treatment. My family and I are asking for privacy at this time. We want to remind the public and all my fans to be vigilant, cautious and careful during this pandemic,” Diffie said.

Diffie has released 13 albums and earned over 20 Top 10 hits during his career, including radio favorites “If The Devil Danced (In Empty Pockets),” “John Deere Green,” and “Third Rock From The Sun.” He recently released his first vinyl LP, titled Joe, Joe, Joe Diffie! (the title pays homage to Jason Aldean’s tribute track “1994”) and celebrated 25 years as a member of the Grand Ole Opry.

The United States now leads the world in the number of confirmed cases of coronavirus, with more than 93,000 cases in the U.S. and more than 1,400 people in the U.S. have died from the virus.

The House has voted to pass the $2 trillion stimulus package, the CARES Act, which would offer assistance to those who have lost jobs, as well as aid to businesses and industries that have been affected by income losses in the midst of the ongoing COVID-19 novel coronavirus. The CARES Act (Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security Act) now heads to President Donald Trump’s desk for a final approval.

To date, COVID-19 has killed nearly 1,300 people in the United States. As many in the United States stay at home to help stem the spread of the virus, and as many states have banned large gatherings, restaurants and entertainment venues have been among the hardest-hit industries.
Yesterday, it was announced that more than 3 million people had filed for unemployment benefits in a single week, marking the largest number since the Department of Labor began tracking those numbers in 1967.

Many music industry organizations have already begun weighing in on the House vote.

“Now more than ever, it is our collective responsibility to protect our music creators. They have not only remained committed to their craft of making music during this unprecedented time but have also provided a sense of unity, connection and passion, which will only strengthen our nation in the days to come. To that end, today the U.S. House of Representatives passed the historic stimulus package and we’re grateful to all Members of Congress and their relentless efforts on getting this Bill passed. The “CARES Act (Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security Act),” is critical to recharge the economy while providing relief to so many American businesses and workers, and we’re thrilled that certain provisions will include relief for many music professionals who are independent contractors, small business owners or self-employed.” said SESAC’s John Josephson.

BMI’s Mike O’Neill said, “We are extremely pleased that the federal stimulus package will offer relief to America’s songwriters and composers, who are, in many cases, our nation’s ultimate small businesses. Thanks to the CARES Act, music creators who are independent contractors, sole proprietors or self-employed, will be eligible for small business loans, emergency grants, unemployment insurance, payroll tax deferrals and more, which will all help protect their livelihoods during this challenging time. We would like to thank Senator Blackburn, Representative Deutch, Representative Roby, Majority Leader Hoyer and the many music organizations involved in this effort,  for their steadfast dedication to ensuring the needs of America’s music creators were addressed in this critical Act. We applaud Congress for swift action on this important legislation and look forward to President Trump signing so that this assistance can begin flowing to all those in the music industry, and beyond, who desperately need it.”

Recording Academy Interim CEO Harvey Mason Jr. said, “The Recording Academy thanks the Congressional leaders who worked with the music community to craft a bill that allows the music to play on. In navigating this unprecedented crisis, all music industry professionals across the U.S., many of whom rely on multiple gigs for their livelihood, can be grateful that they are included in this extraordinary effort to help Americans. We will now turn our attention to helping music makers and others who make a living in our industry navigate the process of getting the financial assistance they need while anticipating the day when they can return to providing the soundtrack to our nation, which we’ll all need when this crisis is over.”

RIAA’s Mitch Glazier said, “We applaud Speaker Pelosi, Leader McCarthy, Senate leaders and the Administration for their hard work to pass this legislation, which includes direct financial aid to Americans in need, including musicians who face unique circumstances during this national emergency. We are grateful that this bill contains access to expanded unemployment insurance and small business loans, both of which will ensure that hundreds of thousands of musicians’ families across the country can continue to pay their bills, put food on the table, and care for their children during this public health and economic crisis. We applaud the federal government in taking this step to care for the millions of people in our country who are in such desperate need.”

“We are reminded in difficult times like these how music unites us, and we are thankful that all sides have joined in solidarity to help everyone affected by this crisis, particularly our community of songwriters and composers who bring so much joy to the world. ASCAP will continue to do everything in our power to ensure that American music creators can weather this storm and continue sharing their incredible talents with the world.” said ASCAP President/Chairman Paul Williams.

“We are grateful that support is coming for millions of American songwriters and music creators whose lives and livelihoods have been upended by this crisis. In particular, music creators who are self-employed and those who own or work for small businesses will now receive emergency assistance, thanks to the music community rallying together to draw attention to their needs. As the entire music industry faces an uncertain future, ASCAP stands ready to do our part to help music creators endure these difficult times.” said ASCAP CEO Elizabeth Matthews.

Photo by Nate Shuppert

Charlie Daniels‘ annual Volunteer Jam will return Sept. 15 at Nashville’s Bridgestone Arena, headlined by The Charlie Daniels Band.

This year’s lineup will include Trace Adkins, Justin Moore, The Marshall Tucker Band, Chris Janson, Charley Pride, Larry, Steve & Rudy: The Gatlin Brothers, Big & Rich, Gretchen Wilson, Cowboy Troy, Delbert McClinton, Keb’ Mo’, The Outlaws, Jenny Tolman, the Atlanta Rhythm Section, Devon Allman & Duane Betts, Travis Denning, Mickey Gilley, Johnny Lee, Scooter Brown Band, The SteelDrivers, Rhett Akins, Pure Prairie League and comedian Dusty Slay.

“With so many kinds of music and so many artists from different fields and different eras, this is shaping up to be the most unique Jam yet,” says Daniels. “We’ve been adding acts at a dizzying pace, and we ain’t even near bout done. Just the end of the Jam will feature enough top-line guitar pickers to shake the walls. Gonna make some special memories with this one.”

This year, in appreciation of the work being done by emergency relief workers in recent weeks as Nashville continues to recover from tornadoes that damaged parts of Middle Tennessee earlier this month, as well as workers helping in the fight against COVID-19 novel coronavirus, the Charlie Daniels Band and the event’s organizers are donating 500 concert tickets to volunteers who have helped in recent relief efforts across Middle Tennessee. The tickets will be available on a first-come, first-serve basis.

“My career with Charlie Daniels has spanned over 46 years, and I have been blessed to have been a part of every Volunteer Jam since its inception in 1974,” notes Daniels’ manager David Corlew. “This concert will offer musical diversity at its finest. As we continue to face the devastation of tornadoes, flooding, and COVID-19, we will honor our citizens of the great Volunteer State. We will be offering a limited amount of free tickets for those who have served during what is the worst series of tragic events in our state’s and nation’s history. The ‘Volunteer Spirit’ will truly shine on September 15.”

The 2020 Volunteer Jam is produced by Outback Presents in association with David Corlew and Associates and Conway Entertainment Group. Tickets are on sale now via Ticketmaster.com and the Bridgestone Arena box office. Emergency relief volunteers may contact taylor.freeman@outbackpresents.com for ticket requests.

Legendary band Eagles, (Don Henley, Joe Walsh and Timothy B. Schmit, with Deacon Frey and Vince Gill) have announced they are rescheduling their “Hotel California” concerts in Dallas, Denver, Los Angeles, Phoenix, San Francisco, and St. Paul due to COVID-19 concerns.

Tickets to the re-scheduled shows will be honored for the new dates. Each night’s concert will feature a “Hotel California” set, with an accompanying orchestra and choir, followed by an additional set of the band’s greatest hits. The shows are scheduled to begin at 8 p.m. each evening, with a brief intermission.

The new “Hotel California” 2020 Tour dates:
Fri, Sept. 18-Denver, CO-Pepsi Center
Sat, Sept. 19-Denver, CO-Pepsi Center
Fri, Sept. 25-Los Angeles, CA-Forum
Sat, Sept. 26-Los Angeles, CA-Forum
Tue, Sept. 29-Los Angeles, CA-Forum
Fri, Oct. 2-San Francisco, CA-Chase Center
Sat, Oct. 3-San Francisco, CA-Chase Center
Fri, Oct. 16-St. Paul, MN-Xcel Energy Center
Sat, Oct. 17-St. Paul, MN-Xcel Energy Center
Wed, Oct. 21-Dallas, TX-American Airlines Center
Sat, Oct. 24-Phoenix, AZ-Talking Stick Resort Arena
Sun, Oct. 25-Phoenix, AZ-Talking Stick Resort Arena