Even without her bold Texas hair Leslie Satcher is unmistakable.
The ever-delivering entertainer will release her latest full-length effort, Two Days In Muscle Shoals, on Friday, March 9, marking three firsts for a woman whose music is normally known for tearing out your heart or tearing the roof off a honkytonk with her songwriting and records.
“The one thing I wanted is for this to be a joyful, fun album,” says Satcher. “There are times when you want to put on a Sheryl Crow album and have fun. I’m a huge fan of Sheryl’s and I want people to put my record on when they want something for a Saturday afternoon.”
Her first release with a band, Leslie Satcher & The Electric Honey Badgers, led her to find that balance. Fine art classes led her to paint her first album cover during a trip to Gatlinburg, Tennessee, after the project was complete. Another first is for the 10-track project to be released as the singer-songwriter’s publishing company, Notting Hill Music, begins delivering country records from its Los Angeles and London outposts.
“I’m gambling on them just like they’re gambling on me,” says Satcher, who was signed to Warner Bros. Records nearly two decades ago. “Andy McQueen, the head of our [Notting Hill] label has always been a music innovator. They do a lot of worldwide digital releases and sync, encompassing rock, pop, hip-hop. Myself and Brown & Gray are their first forays into what might or might not be considered country—I’m probably gonna be Americana country or blues country, I’m not sure. We did get on the first round Grammy ballot under Best Country Duo or Band. It’s sort of confusing because at the end of the record there’s a gospel song which I think could get nominated for a Dove Award.”
Two Days In Muscle Shoals’ concept came when Notting Hill co-writer and producer Brad Crisler sat down to write the blues in the winter of 2017. Out of that session came “Deep Water Woman.”
“We only had half the album, and decided we wanted to record the songs, perhaps as demos,” says Satcher of the first session at the NuttHouse. “Brad said, ‘Let’s get out of our headspace and go to Muscle Shoals,’ cuz these [songs] are the blues—Texas blues. After we cut four sides we loved, we made a call back to Nashville for a specific configuration [of musicians]. It wound up being two days of recording.
“I didn’t re-sing anything. We brought in the Shoals Sisters (Marie Tomlinson Lewey & Cindy Walker) who have done backgrounds on all those great records. And I started calling friends Vince Gill and Sheryl Crow, who sang on the single, ‘This Won’t Take Long,’ Trisha Yearwood came in and sang on two songs, and my sister sang on one with me.”
The Honeybadger band brings star power too. In addition to being Bob Seger’s bandleader, Jim Moose Brown contributed writing credits on two sides and plays keys. Tommy Harden, who is out with Reba McEntire, contributes drums for Satcher. Americana artist James LeBlanc, who has a new album out of his own, plays lead guitar. Ex-Warner Bros./Curb artist Heidi Newfield plays harmonica, and not just harmonica but cross harp, self-taught from old blues records like Muddy Waters.
“Heidi got me listening to [those] older African American acts,” says Satcher of her inspiration. “I have a huge influence from Texas blues. These songs are sort of like if Bonnie Raitt and Stevie Ray Vaughan had a baby. One of my huge influences is Bekka Bramlett. At an estate sale I found a Bonnie & Delaney album, her parents, looking all hippie cool and bad to the bone in a foldout. I pinned it up in the studio for the second session and told the band, ‘We wanna do THAT!’”
In this new music, Satcher hopes fans will gain some healing, kick back and let it ride.
“There is a spiritual thread to this album,” says Satcher. “When people listen—let the songs get in their bones—they’ll find some healing. That’s my prayer.”
With Notting Hill, Satcher hopes her music will have the best chance to reach a global audience. She’s already booked in March for the Country2Country (C2C) CMA Songwriter’s Series in London and multiple shows surrounding that date.
“I think if we only write for ourselves in this little corner of the world, how can we relate to what’s happening in the world? And how can they relate to us if we don’t reach out with our music or go over there and meet/understand them in their world? That’s what I am most excited about with Notting Hill, to have the best shot at having my music exposed.
“We’ll start doing more shows with different configurations of the band from the album,” continues Satcher, who is in the process of signing with her first agent in years. “Some of the [bandmates] are out with other people. I really would like to play a lot more theaters.”
Most of all, Satcher hopes to take her strong determination and drive to the next level by staying true to her Texas roots.
“You know I have a bluesy style,” sums Satcher. “I’ve always had that. Even labels push their artists who have a bluesy stile towards me to write. But these songs were written solely for myself. This kind of music has always been imbedded in my songs/albums. It’s just this time I didn’t say, ‘I’m gonna write this and pitch it to Trisha Yearwood.’ I wrote it and asked her to come sing on it.”
Two Days In Muscle Shoals Track Listing
Side One
1.) “Run It Down South” featuring Trisha Yearwood (written by Leslie Satcher/Brad Crisler)
2.) “Listenin’ To The Blues” (written by Leslie Satcher/Jim “Moose” Brown
3.) “All God’s Creatures” (written by Leslie Satcher/Brad Crisler)
4.) “This Won’t Take Long” featuring Vince Gill & Sheryl Crow (written by Leslie Satcher/Brad Crisler/James LeBlanc)
5.) “Who I Belong To” featuring Trisha Yearwood (written by Leslie Satcher/Jim “Moose” Brown)
Side Two
6.) “Chrome Halo” (written by Leslie Satcher)
7.) “Waitin’ On The Sun To Shine” (written by Leslie Satcher/Brad Crisler)
8.) “Deep Water Woman” (written by Leslie Satcher/Brad Crisler)
9.) “Nowhere To Be But Gone” (written by Leslie Satcher/Larry Shell/Larry Cordle)
10.) “Crown” featuring Jeannie Winn & Brad Crisler (written by Leslie Satcher)
The Electric Honeybadgers
James LeBlanc – guitars & vocals
Jim “Moose” Brown – Hammond B3 & Wurlitzer piano
David Hood – Bass guitar
Tommy Harden & Jon Davis – Drums
Heidi Newfield – Harmonica
Lainey Wilson Joins Sony/ATV Roster
/by Lorie HollabaughPictured (L-R): Mandelyn Monchick, Day-To-Day Manager Deep South Entertainment; Dave Rose, President & Founder/Manager Deep South Entertainment; Lainey Wilson, Hannah Williams, Creative Manager Sony/ATV Nashville; Terry Wakefield, SVP Creative Sony/ATV Nashville
Artist/songwriter Lainey Wilson has signed an exclusive publishing deal with Sony/ATV. The Louisiana native has also signed with Dave Rose at Deep South Entertainment for management, with Mandelyn Monchick handling day-to-day responsibilities. Austin Mullins will handle touring at WME.
“The moment we met with Lainey we knew she was something special,” said Sony ATV’s Terry Wakefield and Hannah Williams. “She is an artist through and through, with an incredible sense of melody and song structure. Those traits combined with her work ethic is a winning combination.”
“It’s hard for me to explain how excited I am to be a part of the Sony/ATV family,” said Wilson. “I’ve been dreaming about a publishing deal for a long time…and I’m so grateful to these hard-working, enthusiastic folks for making that dream a reality.”
Official: Nashville Mayor Megan Barry Resigns
/by Jessica NicholsonNashville Mayor Megan Barry
Nashville Mayor Megan Barry announced her resignation during a press conference Tuesday morning (March 6). The resignation announcement follows her admission on Jan. 31 of a nearly two-year affair with her bodyguard Sgt. Rob Forrest, who announced his retirement that same day.
“Today is primarily about the smooth transition from my administration to that of David Briley,” Barry said in announcing her resignation on Tuesday. “I would be remiss if I did not acknowledge and thank the thousands and thousands of people who reached out to me and encouraged me, comforted me, worried endlessly about me and supported me during these many difficult and trying months.
“I sincerely hope and believe that my own actions will not tarnish or otherwise distract from the work [her team does]. It has been the privilege of my entire professional life to have the blessing and opportunity to be your mayor. Thank you in advance for the support you will give Mayor David Briley in the weeks ahead. I love you Nashville.”
Earlier today, Barry pled guilty to theft of over $10,000 and will face three years probation. She will reimburse $11,000 to the city of Nashville. Forrest also pleaded guilty to theft of property over $10,000. He will serve three years supervised probation and will repay the city of Nashville $45,000.
Following Barry’s resignation, Vice Mayor David Briley becomes acting mayor. According to The Tennessean, Briley won’t be officially sworn in as mayor, but will earn the office’s $180,000 salary. Under the Metro Charter, the election to replace Barry will take place during the Aug. 2 general election. A run-off election between the first and second finishers will occur in September if no candidate garners at least 50 percent of the vote.
In 2015, Barry, a democrat, became Nashville’s first female mayor. As a councilwoman, Barry sponsored Metro’s first non-discrimination ordinance for city employees who are gay, lesbian or transgender. In 2015, Barry officiated the first same-sex marriage in Nashville’s history.
2017 also came with personal tragedy for Barry, whose only son Max died from an overdose in Colorado.
Barry moved to Nashville in the 1990s and attended graduate school at Vanderbilt University. She worked in corporate ethics before becoming mayor, previously working for health care company Premier.
Following the live announcement, Barry sent the following statement to supporters:
Recording Academy Appoints Tina Tchen To Diversity Task Force
/by Lorie HollabaughThe Recording Academy has appointed Tina Tchen, chief of staff to former first lady Michelle Obama, as the chair of a new task force to examine issues of inclusion and diversity within the Academy and the broader music community. As part of its charter, the task force will identify the barriers and unconscious biases faced by underrepresented communities throughout the music industry and, specifically, across Recording Academy operations and policies. In an effort to determine pathways toward greater parity at every level of the organization, the task force will look specifically at Recording Academy governance, hiring and promotion practices, membership, awards, and telecast.
“In this moment, the Recording Academy can do more than reflect what currently exists; we can help lead the industry into becoming the inclusive music community we want it to be—a responsibility that the Board and I take seriously, ” said Neil Portnow, President/CEO of the Recording Academy. “Tina Tchen is an accomplished advocate for women and impact-oriented leader versed in convening disparate stakeholders for a common purpose. In addition, the fact that she lacks business ties to the music industry ensures her objectivity as Chair. We are honored to have her at the helm, guiding the Academy and our industry toward a greater good for everyone involved.”
Ms. Tchen currently heads the Chicago office of the Buckley Sandler LLP law firm, where she is a partner and leader in advising companies on gender inequity, sexual harassment, and lack of diversity. Most recently, she played an integral role in spearheading the formation of the Time’s Up Legal Defense Fund, which provides legal support to victims of sexual harassment, assault, and abuse in the workplace. During her tenure in the White House, Tchen was the executive director of the White House Council on Women and Girls, established by President Barack Obama to ensure that the needs of women and girls would be accounted for in the development of all government agency policies and programs.
“The music industry faces numerous challenges—from combatting long-held biases to making sure women are represented and respected within the community,” said Tchen. “This task force is an important initial step by the Recording Academy to demonstrate its commitment to tackling these challenges in a comprehensive way. I am honored to partner with them in this effort and look forward to working with members of the task force as we look to make the music industry a diverse and inclusive community for all.”
Tower Records Founder Russ Solomon Dies
/by Jessica NicholsonRuss Solomon, who developed Tower Records into one of the world’s largest music and video retail chains, has died at age 92 at his home in Sacramento, California on Sunday, March 4.
Solomon, born in 1922, developed Tower records from a section in his father’s drug store in Sacramento, California in 1941, and by 1960 had opened the first Tower Records. He developed Tower Records to an international chain store that at its peak had nearly 200 stores in 21 states nationwide. According to CBS News, the company held up to 180,000 music titles in its largest stores.
In 1995, Tower Records became one of the first retailers to move online, offering RealAudio samples on Tower.com, as well as 99 cent digital downloads in Liquid Audio format. The company would go on to file for Chapter 11 bankruptcy for a second time in 2006 as the music industry was affected by music piracy, and underwent the transition from physical product to downloads and later streaming.
Solomon’s story was documented in 2015 with All Things Must Pass, a look at the Tower Records story. Solomon has been inducted into the California Hall of Fame.
Music Business Association (Music Biz) president James Donio said of Solomon’s passing, “Music Biz is extremely saddened to learn of the passing of a true music industry legend and icon, Russ Solomon. As the founder and CEO of Tower Records, Russ was one of the primary architects of NARM in its formative years. His and Tower’s presence and influence loomed large in our Association for many decades. You always felt the love when Tower was in the room. He served on our Board of Directors and held the office of Chairman from 1987-88. During his tenure, he presented his Chairman’s Award to Barbra Streisand, which he remembered as a highlight of his career. He himself was honored with our Presidential Award for Sustained Executive Achievement in 1999. I fondly recall walking with him through the ‘Gallery of Memories’ we created for our 50th Anniversary Convention in 2008 as he provided a running commentary of each and every photo and piece of memorabilia we displayed. Russ returned to our annual conference for the first time in many years as we honored his dear friend John Esposito of Warner Music Nashville with that same Award in 2016. Coincidentally, he sat with Mary Wilson of The Supremes at our Industry Jam that same year, and I recall this surreal moment looking out into the audience and seeing them chatting and laughing together. I am so lucky to have known and worked with Russ during my nearly 30 years here at the Association. Russ was quite outspoken and having a conversation with him about the music business was always a priceless education. He never ceased to amaze me with his unique wit and wisdom. I had actually just spoken with Russ a few days ago about a special tribute we’re planning for him at our 60th Anniversary Conference in May, and he planned to be there. Our heartfelt condolences go out to Russ’ beloved Patti, his family, friends, colleagues, and all of the music fans around the world who have a special memory of what Tower Records meant to them.”
In Pictures: BMI, CMA Foundation
/by Haley CrowBMI Kicks Off 2018 Eastside Sounds
Pictured: BMI’s Nina Carter poses backstage at the Basement East with The Minks and TWEN. Photo: Nathan Zucker
BMI and Alt 97.5 returned to the Basement East for the first of six Eastside Sounds shows this year. Bluesy, psychedelic rockers The Minks kicked off the night of alternative music discovery followed by dreamy acid pop band, TWEN. Silver Cord Cinema enhanced the atmosphere with a special liquid light show emanating a psychedelic vibe throughout the show.
Each night offers free admission, a “happy half-hour” open bar sponsored by Bulleit Bourbon before the show, and two up-and-coming acts from Nashville’s emerging alternative scene. The series is set to continue April 23 with additional dates on June 25, Aug. 20, Sep. 26, and Oct. 30.
BMI Welcomes Budding Songwriters in Next Big Wave Series
Pictured (L-R): Pinnacle Bank’s David Smith, BMI’s Leslie Roberts and Next Big Wave alum Mikey Reaves.
BMI welcomed Nashville’s newest hitmakers for an evening of networking last week in BMI’s Nashville office. The first of three sessions in the Next Big Wave series, attendees of this installation were some of Music Row’s newest songwriters looking to secure their first publishing deal. The evening provided a unique opportunity for the budding creatives to connect with other writers at similar points in their careers. Additionally, participants were able to hear from BMI’s Leslie Roberts and Next Big Wave alum Mikey Reaves on how to take their careers to the next level.
BMI’s Tristan Jackson Launches New Release
Tristan Jackson and team visit BMI to launch new release. Pictured (L-R): Kenneth Duncan, co-writer on “Wake Up Call”; Stephen Barker Liles, member of Love & Theft and co-writer on Kerry Degman’s “You’re My Person,” “When The Radios Gone,” & Meghan Linsey’s “Ride Or Die”; Tristan Jackson, singer/songwriter, producer, director, actor; Jody Williams, VP, Writer-Publisher Relations, BMI; Leslie Roberts, Executive Director, Creative,BMI; Karl Braun, entertainment attorney, Hall Booth Smith; Jarrod Cooper, VP, OneRPM.
BMI Nashville’s Tristan Jackson released his first single “Wake Up Call” from his album titled Build Your Own Empire on Saturday, March 3. No stranger to the stage, Jackson is an award-winning director, producer, actor, musician and singer/songwriter.
As a songwriter, Jackson has had major cuts with Meghan Linsey, Newsboys and CMT Music City‘s Kerry Degman. He has also written with hit songwriters such as Desmond Child, Love & Theft, Michael Tait/Newsboys, Big Smo, Rich Redman, The Henningsens, Kenneth Duncan, Taylor Phillips, Nick Alligood and Nolan Neal.
Jackson is managed by Cofield Mundi at Edge Entertainment.
CMA Foundation Awards Son Rhea Foundation With Music Education Grant
The CMA Foundation presents a check to the Son Rhea Foundation.
The Capital Arts Theater in Bowling Green, Kentucky and the CMA Foundation awarded a grant of $10,000 to the Son Rhea Foundation, a non-profit organization with the mission to ensure that the arts flourish in Bowling Green public schools and the surrounding communities. Tiffany Kerns, Director of the CMA Foundation, presented the check to Tony Lindsay, President of the Son Rhea Foundation, and other Son Rhea staff members.
Prior to the check ceremony, members from the CMA Foundation and Son Rhea Foundation visited a music education classroom at Bowling Green High School. The music department, taught by Patrick O’Rourke is a beneficiary of the Son Rhea Foundation and many of the instruments used in the classroom had been purchased or acquired through the Son Rhea Foundation. Kerns and the CMA Foundation staff were able to sit in on a student performance and witness the mission and purpose of Son Rhea Foundation first hand.
Members from the CMA Foundation and Son Rhea Foundation sit in on a student performance at Bowling Green High School.
Weekly Register: Kane Brown Continues Chart Reign
/by Jessica NicholsonLuke Bryan‘s What Makes You Country moves into the Top 5 this week, landing at No. 3 with 14K.
Thomas Rhett‘s Life Changes moves down one spot this week to No. 4 with 13K. Meanwhile, Stapleton’s From A Room: Vol. 1 moves from No. 4 to No. 5 this week, with 13K.
On the country song sales chart, Bebe Rexha (ft. FGL) continues to top the chart with 34K this week (682K total to date). Jason Aldean‘s “You Make It Easy” is at No. 2 with 28K. Cole Swindell’s latest, “Break Up in the End,” debuts at No. 3 country in sales, with 22K.
Brown’s “Heaven” is at No. 4 with 18K, followed by Thomas Rhett’s “Marry Me” at No. 5 with 16K.
Kelly Archer, Brothers Osborne, Mac Davis, Natalie Hemby Celebrate “The First And The Worst”
/by Jessica NicholsonPictured (L-R): K.S. Rhoads, Natalie Hemby and Brothers Osborne’s John and TJ
Brothers Osborne, Kelly Archer, Mac Davis and Natalie Hemby took the stage to a sold-out crowd at City Winery Nashville last week to perform the very first and worst songs they have ever written as they divulged the stories and the songs that led to their biggest hits, all to benefit Music Health Alliance. The fourth annual “The First And The Worst” event raised more than $127,000 for the non-profit, which provides access to invaluable healthcare support and services, at no cost to members of the music industry. Since 2013, Music Health Alliance has saved over $30 million dollars in lifesaving healthcare and insurance premiums and served over 8,000 people in the music community.
Songwriter Sandy Knox (“Does He Love You?,” “Why Haven’t I Heard From You?”) was the first to take the stage, sharing the inspiration behind “The First And the Worst” before humbly performing her not-so-memorable song “Mr. Flirt.”
Highlights from the evening of first and worst songs from Nashville’s most esteemed talents included Kelly Archer’s “Da-dang,” Brothers Osborne’s “Tampon Song,” Mac Davis’s ode to Putin and gluten, and the Crappy award-winning song of the night, Natalie Hemby’s “In-Breeding.” And the night wouldn’t be complete without a performance of the writer’s biggest hit songs.
Pictured (L-R): Peter Cooper, John Schneider, TJ Osborne (Brothers Osborne), Mac Davis, Tatum Hauck Allsep, John Osborne (Brothers Osborne), Shelia Shipley Biddy, Natalie Hemby, K.S. Rhoads and Kelly Archer
“Music Health Alliance can continue to provide life-saving services at no cost because so many people bought tickets, bid on auction items and made donations at our event last week,” shared Music Health Alliance Founder and CEO, Tatum Hauck Allsep. “There is nowhere else to see legendary songwriters fighting over who penned the absolute worst song. It’s hysterical and a great reminder that we all have to start somewhere.”
“The First And The Worst” – an evening of really bad songs by really good writers – showcased songwriters Archer, Brothers Osborne, Davis, Hemby, and Archer as they divulged the stories and the songs that led to their biggest hits. Hosted by music historian and musician Peter Cooper, this unique event allowed the audience to peek inside the minds of hit songwriters long before they had ever written a chart-topper or had songs recorded by superstar artists, all for a worthy cause. Proceeds from “The First And The Worst” benefit Music Health Alliance, the music industry’s non-profit healthcare advocate. Funds raised help Music Health Alliance Protect, Direct & Connect music industry professionals with medical and financial solutions.
Brothers Osborne perform.
Kelly Archer performs.
Mac Davis performs.
Concord Music Signs Blair Daly
/by Jessica NicholsonBlair Daly. Photo: Spidey Smith
Concord Music has signed songwriter and producer Blair Daly. Daly’s hits include “Smile” (recorded by Uncle Kracker), “People Like Us” (Kelly Clarkson), and “Stand” (Rascal Flatts). Daly has also had songs recorded by Carrie Underwood, Tim McGraw, and more.
Publishing company Razor & Tie was fully acquired by Concord Music, and has rebranded. Concord Music VP of Creative, Brad Kennard, said of signing Daly, “Blair is the consummate pro in any room, writing for any genre. He has the fiercest passion for writing hits across the musical spectrum and a focus that is unparalleled. On top of that, he’s one of the most genuine, kind people I’ve known. We couldn’t be more proud to get to work with him.”
“I try to find a unique idea and pull something out of the artist that really means something to them, versus just writing a song that sounds like a hit,” said Daly. “The most important thing to me is that they want to come back and they have a good time doing it.”
Native Scene Records To Launch In Mid-March
/by Lorie HollabaughA new Nashville-based record label, Native Scene Records, aims to bring live performances to the forefront of the industry. The label, which launches March 17, schedules shows and festivals in unique spaces that complement the artist’s personality, then records and releases the show as a live album. Native Scene Records’ first show and album release is planned for the summer of 2018. At this event ticketed fans will be a part of the recording experience and will leave with a digital download of the album.
“We want to help artists who have been overlooked” says managing partner Anna Clark. “Many artists are struggling to figure out where they fit in today’s music industry. We’re taking that pressure off of them by creating a world in which they can all belong. At Native Scene Records, artists, songs, venues, wardrobes, and all elements of performance come together to make an album a complete experience.”
Each album will be released digitally through Native Scene Record’s website by embedding a download code into a physical product. These products may include jewelry, clothing, artwork, or other items related to the artist and performance.
Leslie Satcher Delivers Perfect Saturday Afternoon Album On Friday With ‘Two Days In Muscle Shoals’
/by Eric T. ParkerEven without her bold Texas hair Leslie Satcher is unmistakable.
The ever-delivering entertainer will release her latest full-length effort, Two Days In Muscle Shoals, on Friday, March 9, marking three firsts for a woman whose music is normally known for tearing out your heart or tearing the roof off a honkytonk with her songwriting and records.
“The one thing I wanted is for this to be a joyful, fun album,” says Satcher. “There are times when you want to put on a Sheryl Crow album and have fun. I’m a huge fan of Sheryl’s and I want people to put my record on when they want something for a Saturday afternoon.”
Her first release with a band, Leslie Satcher & The Electric Honey Badgers, led her to find that balance. Fine art classes led her to paint her first album cover during a trip to Gatlinburg, Tennessee, after the project was complete. Another first is for the 10-track project to be released as the singer-songwriter’s publishing company, Notting Hill Music, begins delivering country records from its Los Angeles and London outposts.
“I’m gambling on them just like they’re gambling on me,” says Satcher, who was signed to Warner Bros. Records nearly two decades ago. “Andy McQueen, the head of our [Notting Hill] label has always been a music innovator. They do a lot of worldwide digital releases and sync, encompassing rock, pop, hip-hop. Myself and Brown & Gray are their first forays into what might or might not be considered country—I’m probably gonna be Americana country or blues country, I’m not sure. We did get on the first round Grammy ballot under Best Country Duo or Band. It’s sort of confusing because at the end of the record there’s a gospel song which I think could get nominated for a Dove Award.”
Two Days In Muscle Shoals’ concept came when Notting Hill co-writer and producer Brad Crisler sat down to write the blues in the winter of 2017. Out of that session came “Deep Water Woman.”
“We only had half the album, and decided we wanted to record the songs, perhaps as demos,” says Satcher of the first session at the NuttHouse. “Brad said, ‘Let’s get out of our headspace and go to Muscle Shoals,’ cuz these [songs] are the blues—Texas blues. After we cut four sides we loved, we made a call back to Nashville for a specific configuration [of musicians]. It wound up being two days of recording.
“I didn’t re-sing anything. We brought in the Shoals Sisters (Marie Tomlinson Lewey & Cindy Walker) who have done backgrounds on all those great records. And I started calling friends Vince Gill and Sheryl Crow, who sang on the single, ‘This Won’t Take Long,’ Trisha Yearwood came in and sang on two songs, and my sister sang on one with me.”
The Honeybadger band brings star power too. In addition to being Bob Seger’s bandleader, Jim Moose Brown contributed writing credits on two sides and plays keys. Tommy Harden, who is out with Reba McEntire, contributes drums for Satcher. Americana artist James LeBlanc, who has a new album out of his own, plays lead guitar. Ex-Warner Bros./Curb artist Heidi Newfield plays harmonica, and not just harmonica but cross harp, self-taught from old blues records like Muddy Waters.
“Heidi got me listening to [those] older African American acts,” says Satcher of her inspiration. “I have a huge influence from Texas blues. These songs are sort of like if Bonnie Raitt and Stevie Ray Vaughan had a baby. One of my huge influences is Bekka Bramlett. At an estate sale I found a Bonnie & Delaney album, her parents, looking all hippie cool and bad to the bone in a foldout. I pinned it up in the studio for the second session and told the band, ‘We wanna do THAT!’”
“There is a spiritual thread to this album,” says Satcher. “When people listen—let the songs get in their bones—they’ll find some healing. That’s my prayer.”
With Notting Hill, Satcher hopes her music will have the best chance to reach a global audience. She’s already booked in March for the Country2Country (C2C) CMA Songwriter’s Series in London and multiple shows surrounding that date.
“I think if we only write for ourselves in this little corner of the world, how can we relate to what’s happening in the world? And how can they relate to us if we don’t reach out with our music or go over there and meet/understand them in their world? That’s what I am most excited about with Notting Hill, to have the best shot at having my music exposed.
“We’ll start doing more shows with different configurations of the band from the album,” continues Satcher, who is in the process of signing with her first agent in years. “Some of the [bandmates] are out with other people. I really would like to play a lot more theaters.”
Most of all, Satcher hopes to take her strong determination and drive to the next level by staying true to her Texas roots.
“You know I have a bluesy style,” sums Satcher. “I’ve always had that. Even labels push their artists who have a bluesy stile towards me to write. But these songs were written solely for myself. This kind of music has always been imbedded in my songs/albums. It’s just this time I didn’t say, ‘I’m gonna write this and pitch it to Trisha Yearwood.’ I wrote it and asked her to come sing on it.”
Two Days In Muscle Shoals Track Listing
Side One
1.) “Run It Down South” featuring Trisha Yearwood (written by Leslie Satcher/Brad Crisler)
2.) “Listenin’ To The Blues” (written by Leslie Satcher/Jim “Moose” Brown
3.) “All God’s Creatures” (written by Leslie Satcher/Brad Crisler)
4.) “This Won’t Take Long” featuring Vince Gill & Sheryl Crow (written by Leslie Satcher/Brad Crisler/James LeBlanc)
5.) “Who I Belong To” featuring Trisha Yearwood (written by Leslie Satcher/Jim “Moose” Brown)
Side Two
6.) “Chrome Halo” (written by Leslie Satcher)
7.) “Waitin’ On The Sun To Shine” (written by Leslie Satcher/Brad Crisler)
8.) “Deep Water Woman” (written by Leslie Satcher/Brad Crisler)
9.) “Nowhere To Be But Gone” (written by Leslie Satcher/Larry Shell/Larry Cordle)
10.) “Crown” featuring Jeannie Winn & Brad Crisler (written by Leslie Satcher)
The Electric Honeybadgers
James LeBlanc – guitars & vocals
Jim “Moose” Brown – Hammond B3 & Wurlitzer piano
David Hood – Bass guitar
Tommy Harden & Jon Davis – Drums
Heidi Newfield – Harmonica