Museum founder Shannon Miller, Nashville Mayor Megan Barry, Museum founder Bill Miller, Julie Fudge
BOBBY KARL WORKS THE ROOM
Chapter 559
Several years ago, I visited Memphis and was mortified to find it had more music attractions than Music City.
At the time, they had Graceland, Sun Records, Stax Records, the Museum of Rock & Soul and an Isaac Hayes restaurant (they’ve now added a blues museum and a Memphis Music Hall of Fame). Back in the day, we had the Country Music Hall of Fame and Opryland, period.
Then came our George Jones Museum (2015), Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame (2013), Ryman history exhibits (2015), Music City Walk of Fame (2006), Fontanel mansion (2010), Opry House dressing rooms (2010) and Musicians Hall of Fame (2005).
The coup de grace came from Shannon & Bill Miller. In the heart of downtown Music City, they opened the hugely popular Johnny Cash Museum (2013) and Nudie’s Honky Tonk, with its collection of vintage costumes (2016). On Thursday (April 6), they presided over the ribbon cutting of their latest triumph, the Patsy Cline Museum.
“I’m so grateful to Bill and Shannon, who stepped up to do this,” said Mayor Megan Barry. “Today, Bill and Shannon have once again created a great space. We continue to add to our ability to attract people to come to Nashville.”
The Mayor, the Millers and Patsy’s daughter Julie Fudge took hold of giant scissors to cut the red ribbon to officially open the new museum. The capacity crowd applauded enthusiastically. Champagne flutes began circulating to one and all.
“Welcome, everybody; I’m Bill Miller, the founder of the Patsy Cline Museum — That’s the first time I’ve been able to say that,” quipped our host. “It’s truly an honor to represent this very special life. This lady has remained one of the biggest icons of all time.
“Patsy had a short career — With Patsy, the first thing I’ve discovered is that there’s not a single interview, print or broadcast. But Patsy was a prolific pen pal, thank God. She was corresponding with about 20 ladies on a very regular basis.”
Mayor Megan Barry. Photo: PLA Media
Many of those letters are on display, as are a remarkable number of original artifacts from her home. The museum contains some of the star’s jewelry collection, as well as furniture from her home’s dining room, lounge, kitchen and porch. As a teen back in Winchester, VA, she was a soda jerk at Gaunt’s Drug Store. One of its original booths is on exhibit, as is its old advertising sign.
A vintage jukebox, Patsy’s record collection, a number of items relating to the tragic plane crash that took her life, many industry awards and her collection of salt & pepper shakers are also in the museum. So are the stage costumes she designed that were hand sewn by her mom, Hilda Hensley.
“It’s been a real honor, exposing this life,” added Miller. “She was a very strong lady, kind of like our mayor.”
“This museum allows people to get a real feel for who she was,” commented Mayor Barry. “This is such an amazing space and such an amazing story. She was a mom, a star, a story and a voice. Every time she comes on the radio, you know it’s Patsy. This is really impactful to be here today.”
Julie took the Mayor through the exhibits, and they chatted at length. I was struck by the number of photos of Patsy I had never seen before that were in the displays. Videos of her performances air continuously on wall screens, and listening stations are scattered throughout. An illustrated timeline traces her life and career. One wall contains copies of every single she released.
Circulating and smiling their approval were Sarah Brosmer, Chuck Dauphin, Bob Paxman, Jim Zumwalt, Mark Logsdon, Steve Betts, Barry Mazor and Greg & Barb Hall.
Barb eagerly took me to the museum’s theater to watch the biographical short film she created using Baverly D’Angelo as its host and narrator.
In the gift shop, the merch is first rate. Tea towels, ashtrays, glasses, t-shirts, posters, kitchenware and records are just a few of the items for sale. Also in the shop is the wax figure of Patsy Cline that was created for the first all-music Madame Tussaud’s Wax Museum. It will soon become Nashville’s newest attraction.
Expect to see lifelike representations of Reba McEntire, Luke Bryan, Jimi Hendrix, Taylor Swift, Stevie Wonder, Bob Dylan, Minnie Pearl, Blake Shelton, Katy Perry, Elvis Presley, Ella Fitzgerald, Darius Rucker, Jason Aldean, Patsy and more. It opens in Opry Mills on April 14.
Your move, Memphis.
Patsy Cline family with Cline’s Madame Tussauds wax figure. Photo: PLA Media
Ryan Hurd’s Self-Titled EP Out Today
/by Lorie HollabaughHurd kicked off the year joining Maren Morris on her sold-out HERO tour, and is currently wrapping a 15-show run on Thomas Rhett’s 2017 Home Team Tour with two dates at Nashville’s Ascend Amphitheatre on April 20 & 21.
RYAN HURD – EP Full Track Listing:
1.We Do Us – (Ryan Hurd/Mikey Reaves/Laura Veltz)
2. Love in a Bar – (Ryan Hurd/Joey Hyde)
3. City Girl – (Ryan Hurd/Gordie Sampson/Troy Verges)
4. Hold You Back – (Ryan Hurd/Nicolle Galyon/Will Weatherly)
NSAI Plans Anniversary Concert At Ryman Auditorium To Celebrate 50 Years Of Songs
/by Lorie HollabaughThe show will be a star-studded affair, with Kris Kristofferson, Garth Brooks, Trisha Yearwood, Trace Adkins, Billy Ray Cyrus, Billy Dean, Bobby Braddock, Dallas Frazier, David Frizzell, Marv Green, Richard Leigh, Chris Lindsey, Aimee Mayo, Lori McKenna, and Justin Peters already set to appear.
NSAI’s Song of the Year is determined by the song that receives the most votes during the “Ten Songs I Wish I’d Written” balloting.
Songs on the list include “I Will Always Love You” by Dolly Parton (recorded by Whitney Houston), “Jesus, Take The Wheel” by Brett James, Hillary Lindsey, Gordie Sampson (recorded by Carrie Underwood),”Live Like You Were Dying” by Tim Nichols, Craig Wiseman (recorded by Tim McGraw),”I Hope You Dance” by Mark D. Sanders, Tia Sillers (recorded by Lee Ann Womack),”I Swear” by Frank J. Myers, Gary Baker (recorded by John Michael Montgomery),”The Song Remembers When” by Hugh Prestwood (recorded by Trisha Yearwood),”If Tomorrow Never Comes” by Garth Brooks, Kent Blazy (recorded by Garth Brooks),”Always On My Mind” by Johnny Christopher, Wayne Carson, Mark James (recorded by Willie Nelson),”Sunday Morning Coming Down” by Kris Kristofferson (recorded by Kris Kristofferson),”Okie From Muskogee” by Merle Haggard (recorded by Merle Haggard), and many more country classics.
Tickets are on sale now at the Ryman Auditorium website.
‘Woman Walk The Line’ Due Out In September
/by Lorie HollabaughTaylor Swift writes about tiny powerhouse Brenda Lee, Aubrie Sellers looks at influence Alison Krauss, Rosanne Cash pens an essay on matriarch June Carter Cash, and Grace Potter writes about Linda Ronstadt in the new book. Other contributing writers include Alice Randall, Holly George-Warren, Wendy Pearl, and Cynthia Sanz.
Woman Walk The Line is available for pre-order now here.
ASCAP, SACEM, PRS For Music Launch New Copyright Information Sharing Technology
/by Lorie HollabaughThe goal of the project is to engineer a way for the industry to create and adopt a shared, decentralized database of music works metadata with real-time update and tracking capabilities. Under the initiative, data and technology teams from SACEM, ASCAP and PRS for Music are working with IBM, leveraging the open source blockchain technology from the Linux Foundation, Hyperledger Fabric, to match, aggregate and qualify existing links between ISRCs and ISWCs in order to confirm correct ownership information and conflicts.
Blockchain has become known for its use in payments systems for its ability to manage records without centralized governance – a characteristic that will be harnessed in this project to resolve conflicts between conflicting identifiers for the same work across multiple rights holders.
“ASCAP is always looking for opportunities to exploit new technology platforms to specifically address the needs of our members and the music industry, which has been calling for greater transparency and accuracy,” said Elizabeth Matthews, ASCAP’s Chief Executive Officer. “Blockchain has become well-known for its use in payments systems because of its ability to capture real-time data and transaction updates that can be shared with multiple parties, and in the process, dramatically improve operations by reducing costs. ASCAP is excited to partner with SACEM and PRS on this project on behalf of our members.”
Weekly Chart Report (4/7/17)
/by Troy_StephensonClick here or above to access MusicRow‘s weekly CountryBreakout Report.
Bobby Karl Works The Patsy Cline Museum Grand Opening In Nashville
/by Bobby KarlMuseum founder Shannon Miller, Nashville Mayor Megan Barry, Museum founder Bill Miller, Julie Fudge
BOBBY KARL WORKS THE ROOM
Chapter 559
Several years ago, I visited Memphis and was mortified to find it had more music attractions than Music City.
At the time, they had Graceland, Sun Records, Stax Records, the Museum of Rock & Soul and an Isaac Hayes restaurant (they’ve now added a blues museum and a Memphis Music Hall of Fame). Back in the day, we had the Country Music Hall of Fame and Opryland, period.
Then came our George Jones Museum (2015), Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame (2013), Ryman history exhibits (2015), Music City Walk of Fame (2006), Fontanel mansion (2010), Opry House dressing rooms (2010) and Musicians Hall of Fame (2005).
The coup de grace came from Shannon & Bill Miller. In the heart of downtown Music City, they opened the hugely popular Johnny Cash Museum (2013) and Nudie’s Honky Tonk, with its collection of vintage costumes (2016). On Thursday (April 6), they presided over the ribbon cutting of their latest triumph, the Patsy Cline Museum.
“I’m so grateful to Bill and Shannon, who stepped up to do this,” said Mayor Megan Barry. “Today, Bill and Shannon have once again created a great space. We continue to add to our ability to attract people to come to Nashville.”
The Mayor, the Millers and Patsy’s daughter Julie Fudge took hold of giant scissors to cut the red ribbon to officially open the new museum. The capacity crowd applauded enthusiastically. Champagne flutes began circulating to one and all.
“Welcome, everybody; I’m Bill Miller, the founder of the Patsy Cline Museum — That’s the first time I’ve been able to say that,” quipped our host. “It’s truly an honor to represent this very special life. This lady has remained one of the biggest icons of all time.
“Patsy had a short career — With Patsy, the first thing I’ve discovered is that there’s not a single interview, print or broadcast. But Patsy was a prolific pen pal, thank God. She was corresponding with about 20 ladies on a very regular basis.”
Mayor Megan Barry. Photo: PLA Media
Many of those letters are on display, as are a remarkable number of original artifacts from her home. The museum contains some of the star’s jewelry collection, as well as furniture from her home’s dining room, lounge, kitchen and porch. As a teen back in Winchester, VA, she was a soda jerk at Gaunt’s Drug Store. One of its original booths is on exhibit, as is its old advertising sign.
A vintage jukebox, Patsy’s record collection, a number of items relating to the tragic plane crash that took her life, many industry awards and her collection of salt & pepper shakers are also in the museum. So are the stage costumes she designed that were hand sewn by her mom, Hilda Hensley.
“It’s been a real honor, exposing this life,” added Miller. “She was a very strong lady, kind of like our mayor.”
“This museum allows people to get a real feel for who she was,” commented Mayor Barry. “This is such an amazing space and such an amazing story. She was a mom, a star, a story and a voice. Every time she comes on the radio, you know it’s Patsy. This is really impactful to be here today.”
Julie took the Mayor through the exhibits, and they chatted at length. I was struck by the number of photos of Patsy I had never seen before that were in the displays. Videos of her performances air continuously on wall screens, and listening stations are scattered throughout. An illustrated timeline traces her life and career. One wall contains copies of every single she released.
Circulating and smiling their approval were Sarah Brosmer, Chuck Dauphin, Bob Paxman, Jim Zumwalt, Mark Logsdon, Steve Betts, Barry Mazor and Greg & Barb Hall.
Barb eagerly took me to the museum’s theater to watch the biographical short film she created using Baverly D’Angelo as its host and narrator.
In the gift shop, the merch is first rate. Tea towels, ashtrays, glasses, t-shirts, posters, kitchenware and records are just a few of the items for sale. Also in the shop is the wax figure of Patsy Cline that was created for the first all-music Madame Tussaud’s Wax Museum. It will soon become Nashville’s newest attraction.
Expect to see lifelike representations of Reba McEntire, Luke Bryan, Jimi Hendrix, Taylor Swift, Stevie Wonder, Bob Dylan, Minnie Pearl, Blake Shelton, Katy Perry, Elvis Presley, Ella Fitzgerald, Darius Rucker, Jason Aldean, Patsy and more. It opens in Opry Mills on April 14.
Your move, Memphis.
Patsy Cline family with Cline’s Madame Tussauds wax figure. Photo: PLA Media
Maren Morris Wraps Sold-Out Tour With Soul, Surprise Guests In Nashville
/by Eric T. ParkerMaren Morris. Photo: Blythe Thomas/Maren Morris/Facebook
Wednesday, April 5 was a bittersweet homecoming for Columbia Nashville recording artist Maren Morris.
On one hand the Cannery Ballroom date marked the final US stop of her Hero Tour 2017. On the other, the date marked the confirmation of a revival of sorts for the Arlington, Texas native who moved to Nashville four years ago feeling like her time on stage—mostly performing in the Texas circuit—had ended. But like it always does, undeniable talent rises to the surface.
With the influence of publisher Carla Wallace and manager Janet Weir, Morris released “I Wish I Was” on a Spotify EP and later, the full-length Hero with Sony Nashville. She has gone on to perform on Saturday Night Live and win awards with MusicRow, as well as Grammy, ACM and CMA honors.
Much like predecessors Adele and Katy Perry, who both offered Cannery Ballroom dates on early tours, Morris has launched a movement. Her bustier top and eloquent choker was a hip throwback to a ’90s Shania, Selena or Whitney.
That sex appeal, mixed with her own originality and soul, accompanied Morris through a 60-minute set, which included her trepidatiously vulnerable latest single “I Could Use A Love Song,” a sample of Beyonce’s “Halo” and the two singles that really helped launched her, “80s Mercedes” and “My Church.”
“The Hero Tour is my first ever headlining tour,” said Morris. “My road has been quick the last year, and I’m totally just holding on for dear life.
“I will always be from Texas, but I have lived in Nashville the last four years. Thank you guys for being my hometown forever more, and supporting me as a new artist. There are a lot of people in the room that have seen me play in the crappiest bars and coffee shops. If you don’t support new artists, it doesn’t give us any incentive to do this, so thank you for making my dreams come true.”
Set to spend time after the tour in the writing room for an upcoming record, Morris praised those writers influential in helping her craft her setlist. With nearly every title, Morris continued her homage to these poets (Brett Tyler, “Space;” Jimmy Robbins and Laura Veltz, “Sugar;” Ian Fitchuk and Heather Morgan,”Bumin’ Cigarettes;” and Ryan Hurd, “I Wish I Was”).
“I get asked a lot, ‘How did you make that happen?’,” said Morris. “I would say be humble, real, authentic, kind, work hard and be patient. There is room for everybody. As a songwriter, it’s the most wonderful town to be a sponge. You can learn from the most incredible people that write here.”
Not only an original songwriter, but soulful and dynamic powerhouse, Morris’ pipes were on full display for titles like “Once” and “Second Wind.”
Hurd, Morris’ label mate and significant other, was welcomed to the stage for the encore performance of the couple’s “Last Turn Home,” which Tim McGraw included on his album Sundown Heaven Town.
Brothers Osborne, Ryan Hurd and Maren Morris. Photo: Blythe Thomas/Maren Morris/Facebook
Surprise guest the Brothers Osborne joined Morris and Hurd for “Greener Pastures,” a track the four newcomers wrote together, which appears on the reigning ACM New/Vocal Duo of the Year winners’ debut album. Hurd has held the opening slot for many of Morris’ Hero Tour 2017 dates, trading off with Nashville opener, Warner/CAA/Sandbox artist Devin Dawson. Dawson was welcomed for a version of Morris’ “Company You Keep.”
The 20-something crowd sang along, full-force to “Drunk Girls Don’t Cry” and “Rich,” showing the Maren Morris craze among the demographic. Morris even appeared genuinely confused whether or not to move on to the next song or let the audience finish the chorus once the former title had ended, calling it the loudest “shit” she had heard.
The star will hit the UK/Ireland in November for the international leg of her Hero Tour 2017.
Brett Eldredge Celebrates No. 1 ‘Wanna Be That Song’
/by Eric T. ParkerPictured: (L-R): Carnival Music’s Frank Liddell, Warner Music’s John Esposito, ASCAP’s Beth Brinker, BMI’s Josh Tomlinson, ASCAP songwriter Scooter Carusoe, BMI singer-songwriter-producer Brett Eldredge, BMI songwriter-producer Ross Copperman, Sony ATV’s Josh Van Valkenburg and Rezonant’s Tim Wipperman. Photo: Erika Goldring [Click To Enlarge]
Tomlinson offered celebratory cups on behalf of his PRO after offering remarks to his two writers, Eldredge and Ross Copperman, who celebrated his sixth No. 1. BMI’s partner in No. 1 parties, Pinnacle Bank, welcomed Cooper Samuels to note a contribution to the Alzheimer’s Foundation of America.
With her signature likability, ASCAP’s Beth Brinker toasted their First Tennessee Bank sponsor Andrew Kintz, on behalf of the PRO’s writer Scooter Carusoe (Travis Hill) for his fourth No. 1.
Carusoe’s Carnival Music partner, and recent ACM Album of the Year producer, Frank Liddell took to the mic to express gratitude to everyone involved in the success.
“When you’re in this business, we’re all trying to get paid and make money, and it’s important,” said Liddell. “But when you work with someone for so long, things like this just feel better. That’s why people listen to music—it feels good—so let’s keep kicking ass, let’s keep this going.”
“This song was Brett’s idea,” said Carusoe. “He was very intentional about it. We were on the road writing and he was getting ready to walk on stage and looked right at me and said ‘I want to write a song called ‘Wanna Be That Song,’’ turned around and walked to the microphone and started singing. I love that.”
For Copperman, Rezonant Music Publishing’s Tim Wipperman and Sony/ATV’s Josh Van Valkenburg were present. Van Vaulkenburg also spoke on behalf of Eldredge.
“Ross Copperman is one of the best I’ve ever had to work with,” said Wipperman. “There’s an idea a minute coming out of him and I think for the next 200-300 years he’s gonna be on top of the charts.”
Wipperman dispersed his new tradition, handing out bottles of artisan Merlot to the producers and writers, which in this case Eldredge and Copperman were co-producers and writers, which he noted “got [him] off cheap.”
“Thank you Brett for being one of my best friends and being there from the beginning for me,” responded Copperman, who was suffering a broken rib from a wrestling match with his boy.
“To the core, Brett is a songwriter,” said Van Vaulkenburg. “He is someone that writes because he has to, and I can tell you that’s the type of writer/artist you want to work with because its something they have to do with every bit of their body.”
Esposito, who noted a reporter from a famous New York publication was following him around for the day, was dripping with charm.
“You want to have as many of these No. 1 parties in your life as possible,” said Esposito. “That’s all there is to it. They don’t celebrate this in New York or Los Angeles…This ride [with Brett] is just getting started.”
“This is my second No. 1 I’ve got to celebrate with Scooter and my fourth with Ross,” said Eldredge from the top of his head. “These guys are unbelievable. No one spends more time on a lyric than Scooter. I’m working on album number three with Ross right now.
“We developed something that didn’t happen overnight. It took someone that see what I could do and I think you guys for sticking with me and knew when it would work when it did work. Now we’re on our sixth No. 1.
“Writing these songs is not only a joy. I think we captured with this song, more than any other, why I love to write songs and why I like to write with these kind of guys. You create this music and years down the road these plaques are collecting dust, but all that matters is the people you celebrated with and memories you made. It’s about sitting in a writing room staring at each other until something in your heart jumps out and has to be written. This song is everything I want to say in music.”
Eldredge concluded with an a cappella version of those lyrics:
I wanna be that song that gets you high
Makes you dance, makes you fall
That melody rewinds years
Once disappear, makes time stall
Wanna be those words that fill you up
Roll your windows down and keeps you young
Makes you believe you’re right where you belong
I wanna be that song
Pictured (L-R): ASCAP songwriter Scooter Carusoe, BMI singer-songwriter-producer Brett Eldredge and BMI songwriter-producer Ross Copperman. Photo: Erika Goldring.
Industry Ink: WME Bash At The Beach, Sarah Clanton, Ellie Holcomb
/by Lorie HollabaughWME Raises $100,000 For Lifting Lives At Bash At The Beach
Pictured (L-R): ACM CEO Pete Fisher, musician Brian Kelley of Florida Georgia Line, WME Partner Rob Beckham, ACM EVP Managing Director Tiffany Moon, ACM Lifting Lives Chairman Ed Warm, WME Partner Gayle Holcomb, and musician Tyler Hubbard of Florida Georgia Line. Photo: Frazer Harrison/WME IMG/WME IMG via Getty Images
Fans flocked to The Beach at Mandalay Bay last weekend as some of country music’s biggest stars took the stage at the two-day Party for a Cause show presented by WME. Artists donated their time and talents playing for sold-out crowds each night to raise money for ACM Lifting Lives, including Jake Owen, Lee Brice, Brothers Osborne, Big and Rich, Maddie & Tae, Brett Young, William Michael Morgan, Florida Georgia Line, Cole Swindell, Dustin Lynch, Chris Lane, Tucker Beathard, and more. The first-year event raised an unprecedented $100,000 for ACM’s Liting Lives program, and on Saturday night Co-Head of WME’s Nashville Office Rob Beckham, and WME Partner Gayle Holcomb, surprised ACM with a check for the profits raised during the show.
Sarah Clanton Joins Torque, Writers Den Rosters
(L-R): Shannan Hatch (Vice President, Creative Services SESAC), ET Brown (Manager, Creative Services SESAC), Jimmy Metts (President, Torque Entertainment), Sarah Clanton, Bobby Rymer (Partner, Writer’s Den Music Group), Sarah Feldman (Creative Director, Writer’s Den Music Group), John Rolfe (Rolfe Entertainment Law)
Sarah Clanton has signed deals with Torque Entertainment for management and Writer’s Den Music Group for publishing. She is currently working on her debut album, due out in 2018.
“We’re thrilled to be working with Sarah, she brings a fresh energetic approach to songwriting. Looking forward to helping her achieve her dreams,” said Bobby Rymer, Partner/Writer’s Den Music Group.
Ellie Holcomb Checks Off Bucket List Opry Performance
Photo credit: © 2017 Grand Ole Opry Photo by Chris Hollo
Christian artist Ellie Holcomb made her debut on the stage that she’s dreamed of performing on her entire life, the Grand Ole Opry, last weekend. Holcomb performed two songs from her current release Red Sea Road during her performance, and was introduced to the stage by long-time Opry members The Whites.
DISClaimer: Nashville’s Sounds Of Classical, Jazz, Neo-Soul, Rock
/by Robert K OermannMuddy Magnolias
Today’s survey of Nashville’s non-country scene spans both generations and styles.
Classical works by Cristina Spinei and The Nashville Symphony sit alongside jazz by Bryan Cumming, electronic music by Lambchop and rock by The Cold Stares. Buzz Cason dates from the dawn of Music City rock in the 1950s. Olivia Newton-John won her Nashville music awards in the 1970s. Ed Fitzgerald endures from the city’s new-wave scene of the 1980s.
This week’s DisCovery Award goes to the neo soul duo Muddy Magnolias. The Disc of the Day is Liv On, by Beth Nielsen Chapman, Olivia Newton-John & Amy Sky.
ED FITZGERALD/In These Hills
Writers: J.E. Fitzgerald; Producers: Gary Laney/Ed Fitzgerald; Publishers: Muzzy Lake, ASCAP; Telephone (track)
– With his band Civic Duty, Fitzgerald was a mainstay of Nashville’s new-wave rock scene of the ‘80s. His new music has an evocative, spaghetti-western vibe. As always, his electric guitar work is exemplary and his lyrics haunt. On this lonesome-sounding CD title tune, Judi Fitzgerald takes the lead vocal. These tracks belong on cool movie soundtracks.
AMY SKY, OLIVIA NEWTON-JOHN, AND BETH NIELSEN CHAPMAN/Sand and Water
Writer: Beth Nielsen Chapman; Producers: Olivia Newton-John, Beth Nielsen Chapman & Amy Sky; Publishers: BNC, ASCAP; OBA/UMG
– Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame member Beth Nielsen Chapman has written one of the best meditations on mortality of all time. On the CD Liv On, she performs it with Canadian star Amy Sky and international icon Olivia Newton-John. The three also collaborate on 10 other songs of healing and grieving on the collection. This record is essential.
THE COLD STARES/Fire In The Sand
Writers: Chris Tapp/The Cold Stares; Producers: Tres Sasser/The Cold Stares; Publishers: none listed; TCS (track)
– Like the enormously popular Black Keys and White Stripes, Nashville’s The Cold Stares are a guitar-drums rock duo. You won’t believe how much sound they can coax out of just two instruments. This pile-driving track from their CD A Cold Wet Night and a Howling Wind has almost frightening fire, grit and passion. This sucker grabs you by the throat and squeezes hard.
BRYAN CUMMING/Come Out Swinging
Writers: Bryan Cumming; Producer: Bryan Cumming; Publishers: none listed; BC (track)
– The title tune of Cumming’s CD does just what its title promises. It’s a finger-snapping, jazzy hipster tune with the whole combo delivering the goods. Kelli Cox tickles the ivories. Adam Mormolstein taps the skins. John Vogt thumps the bass. Cumming sings and plays just about anything he chooses. In addition to his original tunes, the CD has versions of ditties by Duke Ellington, Irving Berlin, Nat King Cole, Isham Jones and other classic-era swingers.
BRIGITTE DEMEYER & WILL KIMBROUGH/Mockingbird Soul
Writers: DeMeyer/Kimbrough;Producer: Sean Sullivan; Publishers: none listed; BDM (track)
– If there is one man in Music City’s pop pantheon who can do no wrong, it is Will Kimbrough. His latest venture is a spare duet CD with fellow Nashvillian Brigitte DeMeyer. Its title tune combines her soulful, sultry, sandpapery, bluesy lead vocals with his tasty guitar licks and hushed harmony singing. There is not one false note on this entire collection, because these two are audio perfection.
BUZZ CASON/Passion
Writers: Buzz Cason; Producer: Buzz Cason; Publisher: Buzz Cason, ASCAP; ArenA (track)
– Sixty years ago, Buzz Cason was a member of The Casuals, Nashville’s first rock ‘n’ roll band. In the decades since, he’s collaborated with Jimmy Buffett, sung hits as “Garry Miles,” been a background vocalist for dozens of stars, owned a hit-making studio and co-written “Everlasting Love,” “Love’s the Only House,” “Soldier of Love” and more. He’s still bopping right along, as this toe-tapping title tune to his latest CD attests.
THE NASHVILLE SYMPHONY/Metropolitan Symphony: V. Red Cape Tango
Writer: Daugherty; Producer: Blanton Alspaugh; Publisher: peermusic Classical, BMI; Naxos
– The organization just hauled in three Grammy Awards for its 2016 CD of Michael Daugherty’s “Tales of Hemingway” (It now has 11 Grammys in all). So how fitting to have a Best Of album that includes more Daugherty composing gems, plus a pair of selections by Stephen Paulus (with whom it has also been Grammy awarded) and pieces by Piazzolla, Sierra and Danielpour. Put it on, turn it up and fill your house with the sound of our very biggest band.
VOXARE STRING QUARTET/Meet Me Under The Clock
Writers: Cristina Spinel; Producer: Cristina Spinel; Publisher: none listed; Toccata Classics
-Cristina Spinei is a Nashville-based classical composer/producer whose works are characterized by minimal, yet highly rhythmic notes. Her Music For Dance CD includes this chiming, ear tickling delight that features vibes by Colleen Phelps and cello by Sari De Leon Reist, both of whom are also Music City residents. The Toccata Classics imprint is distributed by the Nashville based Naxos label.
MUDDY MAGNOLIAS/Brother, What Happened?
Writers: none listed; Producer: none listed; Publisher: none listed; Third Generation
– This female duo (Jessy Wilson & Kallie North) stirs a pot of simmering neo soul on its new Broken People CD. The single/video is an uplifting call for love and peace. Righteous sounding.