Last week, we explored the raft of new Nashville holiday albums, so this week we’re listening to some of the shorter gifts.
So thank you, again, to Chris Young, Amy Grant, Jennifer Nettles and Kacey Musgraves for the finest Christmas collections of 2016. Only two of today’s discs are full albums, the ones by Neil Diamond and Jenny & Tyler. The second one was a completely unexpected delight and wins this week’s DisCovery Award.
As for the singles, I am giving the Disc of the Day prize to John Oates & The Time Jumpers. They are swingin’ the season.
NEWSONG/The Christmas Shoes
Writer: Leonard Ahlstrom/Eddie Carswell; Producer: Leondard Ahlstrom; Publisher: WB/Jerry’s Haven/Sony-ATV, BMI; HHM (CDX) (newsongonline.com)
—This CCM group will melt your heart with this outing. A little boy is trying to buy his dying mom a pair of shoes so she can meet Jesus in them when she passes away on Christmas eve. Written in teardrops and sung with soul.
ROBBIE ROBINSON/Carolina Christmas
Writer: Robbie Robertson; Producer: Mark Prentice, Doug Wayne Holmquist & Robbie Robinson; Publisher: Greater Influence, BMI; GIM (CDX)
—The song is okay, but this guy sounds as vocally weak as a newborn reindeer.
OLIVIA LANE/Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree
Writer: Johnny Marks; Producer: Ilya Toshinsky; Publisher: St. Nicholas, no performance rights listed; Big Spark (CDX) (olivialane.com)
—This doesn’t rock with as much verve and personality as Brenda Lee’s original, but Lane is a strong vocalist with plenty of confidence, and Toshinsky’s production is flawless. Recommended.
NEIL DIAMOND/Christmas Prayers
Writer: Neil Diamond; Producer: Don Was & Jacknife Lee; Publisher: Diamondsongs/Universal Tunes, SESAC; Capitol (track)
—Diamond’s yuletide offering is titled Acoustic Christmas. Among the musicians are such longtime Nashville favorites as Richard Bennett and Matt Rollings. Seven of the tunes are public-domain standards given new arrangements by the star. Four are lesser-known holiday tunes written by others (including Leadbelly and The Weavers). And then there are his own two newly-penned numbers, “#1 Record for Christmas” and this ballad for loved ones who have passed away, but left cherished memories behind. Tender and sentimental.
The DisCovery Award goes to Jenny & Tyler.
JENNY & TYLER/Christmastime
Writer: Tyler Somers/Trent Monk/Jenny Somers; Producer: Ben Shive; Publisher: Residence/One Eyed Cat/Trent Monk Wholelotaracket, BMI/ASCAP; Residence (track) (jennyandtyler.com)
—This Nashville Americana duo’s CD is titled Christmas Stories. It leads off with this gently swaying ditty that’s infused with nostalgic holiday images. His slightly raspy voice has fireside warmth, and her wafting soprano is as soft as a snowflake. This collection is definitely the discovery of the season. Whether taking on standards like “Winter Wonderland” and “I’ll Be Home for Christmas” or offering originals like this and the piano instrumental “Gloria Immanuel” they are a sonic delight. And you have probably never heard more inventive arrangements of “O Holy Night” and “Handel’s Messiah” in your life.
JOHN OATES & THE TIME JUMPERS/Santa Be Good to Me
Writer: John Oates/Josh Charles/Steven Davis/Alissa Moreno; Producer: John Oates & David Kalmusky; Publisher: Oates Shul/Painted Desert/Nolanyc/Streams of Gold/First Second, BMI/ASCAP; Elektra
—This gets major bonus points for coming to us via a green-vinyl 45 r.p.m. single. With The Time Jumpers on board, you know it has to have the most delightful swing groove. The jazziest yule tune of the year.
RAY STEVENS/Mary and Joseph and the Baby and Me
Writer: Jeff Bates/John Ritter; Producer: Ray Stevens; Publisher: Melrose Nashville/Landa/Lutz, BMI; CabaRay (CDX) (raystevens.com)
—With a light Bo Diddley beat, groovy retro backup singers and synth strings backing him, Ray offers a very cute new Christmas tune, sung from the point of view of the donkey. Stay tuned for the mid-song braying and bop right along. Super enjoyable.
THE RICK CAVENDER BAND/Christmas Time Again
Writer: none listed; Producer: none listed; Publisher: none listed; RCB
—Melodic and eminently listenable, with a confident, pop lead vocal, solid acoustic guitar work and a piano solo.
CYNDI LAUPER & ALISON KRAUSS/Hard Candy Christmas
Writer: Carol Hall; Producer: Tony Brown & Cyndi Lauper; Publisher: Daniel/Otay/Universal, ASCAP; Sire (track)
—I love the sad holiday songs, and this one’s one of the saddest. It has that smiling- through-tears quality that is so heart tugging. Krauss takes the second verse with a breathy whisper and shadows Lauper in perfect soprano harmony elsewhere. A lovely job on a lovely tune.
ROBBY JOHNSON/Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer
Writer: Johnny Marks; Producer: James Stroud; Publisher: none listed; Contrast Music (track) (robby-johnson.com)
—This is a lively, rocked-up version of this standard. Johnson has a solidly country delivery and the chorus folks shouting along sound like they’re really excited.
Kobalt Music Publishing To Administer Elvis’ Catalog
/by Jessica NicholsonElvis Presley. Photo: elvispresley.com
Kobalt Music Publishing has inked an administrative agreement with Authentic Brands Group (ABG) and Elvis Presley Enterprises, LLC. Effective January 1, 2017, Kobalt will administer and provide publishing services for a vast majority of the Elvis Presley catalog of more than 1,000 songs, including classics such as “All Shook Up,” “Jailhouse Rock,” “A Little Less Conversation,” “Return to Sender,” “Can’t Help Falling in Love,” and many others.
Music from the catalog was most recently featured in films Bad Santa 2, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Out of the Shadows and Joy. “Love Me Tender” is the soundtrack for Ralph Lauren’s current fragrance campaign.
“We are thrilled to partner with Kobalt to ensure that Elvis’ legacy as the King of Rock and Roll lives on forever,” said Jamie Salter, Chairman and CEO of ABG.
Willard Ahdritz, Founder and CEO of Kobalt, said of the agreement, “This is an absolutely momentous deal. We are happy to be working with Authentic Brands Group and are humbled by the great job they do. Elvis’ music will continue to influence future generations and we are honored to be a part of that.”
Laurent Hubert, President, Platform and Investments, at Kobalt stated, “We are thrilled to represent such an iconic artist and a catalog of such timeless songs. There is not a more groundbreaking artist that fits so well with Kobalt’s innovative approach to the music business.”
Spin Doctors Music Group Adds Two
/by Jessica NicholsonJessilynn Kidd
The Spin Doctors Music Group has hired Jessilynn Kidd as Director Of National Promotion, beginning Monday, Jan. 9. She is a graduate of MTSU’s Recording Industry Music Management program and has been working in radio syndication for the past 18 months. She can be reached at jessilynn@spindoctorsnashville.com.
Angela Marpoe
Also joining as Promotions Coordinator and Management assistant is Angela Marpoe, a 2016 Graduate of Millersville University in Lancaster, Pennsylvania. Marpoe has previously worked in radio, as well as public relations and booking. She will begin her new role on Monday, Jan. 9. Marpoe can be reached at angie@spindoctorsnashville.com.
SDMG Executive VP and COO Kristin Johnson says, “We are excited to have Jessilynn and Angie join us soon. 2017 will be a big year for our company and we are excited about what the future holds and the great skills they bring to us.
Library Of Congress Seeks Public Input On Register Of Copyright Role
/by Jessica NicholsonInput will be reviewed and will inform development of knowledge, skills and abilities requirements for the position.
Beginning today, Dec. 16, an online survey is open to the public. The survey will be posted through Jan. 31, 2017.
In October, Maria Pallante exited her role as Register of Copyrights; officially, she was later appointed as a senior adviser for the digital strategy for the Library of Congress.
Last week, the first in a series of expected reforms came as the House of Representatives Judiciary Committee proposed autonomy of the Copyright Office from the Library of Congress. The proposal retains the Copyright Office as part of the Legislative Branch and led by a Registrar, nominated by the president and confirmed by the Senate.
DisClaimer: John Oates & The Time Jumpers Are Swingin’ The Season
/by Robert K OermannLast week, we explored the raft of new Nashville holiday albums, so this week we’re listening to some of the shorter gifts.
So thank you, again, to Chris Young, Amy Grant, Jennifer Nettles and Kacey Musgraves for the finest Christmas collections of 2016. Only two of today’s discs are full albums, the ones by Neil Diamond and Jenny & Tyler. The second one was a completely unexpected delight and wins this week’s DisCovery Award.
As for the singles, I am giving the Disc of the Day prize to John Oates & The Time Jumpers. They are swingin’ the season.
NEWSONG/The Christmas Shoes
Writer: Leonard Ahlstrom/Eddie Carswell; Producer: Leondard Ahlstrom; Publisher: WB/Jerry’s Haven/Sony-ATV, BMI; HHM (CDX) (newsongonline.com)
—This CCM group will melt your heart with this outing. A little boy is trying to buy his dying mom a pair of shoes so she can meet Jesus in them when she passes away on Christmas eve. Written in teardrops and sung with soul.
ROBBIE ROBINSON/Carolina Christmas
Writer: Robbie Robertson; Producer: Mark Prentice, Doug Wayne Holmquist & Robbie Robinson; Publisher: Greater Influence, BMI; GIM (CDX)
—The song is okay, but this guy sounds as vocally weak as a newborn reindeer.
OLIVIA LANE/Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree
Writer: Johnny Marks; Producer: Ilya Toshinsky; Publisher: St. Nicholas, no performance rights listed; Big Spark (CDX) (olivialane.com)
—This doesn’t rock with as much verve and personality as Brenda Lee’s original, but Lane is a strong vocalist with plenty of confidence, and Toshinsky’s production is flawless. Recommended.
NEIL DIAMOND/Christmas Prayers
Writer: Neil Diamond; Producer: Don Was & Jacknife Lee; Publisher: Diamondsongs/Universal Tunes, SESAC; Capitol (track)
—Diamond’s yuletide offering is titled Acoustic Christmas. Among the musicians are such longtime Nashville favorites as Richard Bennett and Matt Rollings. Seven of the tunes are public-domain standards given new arrangements by the star. Four are lesser-known holiday tunes written by others (including Leadbelly and The Weavers). And then there are his own two newly-penned numbers, “#1 Record for Christmas” and this ballad for loved ones who have passed away, but left cherished memories behind. Tender and sentimental.
The DisCovery Award goes to Jenny & Tyler.
JENNY & TYLER/Christmastime
Writer: Tyler Somers/Trent Monk/Jenny Somers; Producer: Ben Shive; Publisher: Residence/One Eyed Cat/Trent Monk Wholelotaracket, BMI/ASCAP; Residence (track) (jennyandtyler.com)
—This Nashville Americana duo’s CD is titled Christmas Stories. It leads off with this gently swaying ditty that’s infused with nostalgic holiday images. His slightly raspy voice has fireside warmth, and her wafting soprano is as soft as a snowflake. This collection is definitely the discovery of the season. Whether taking on standards like “Winter Wonderland” and “I’ll Be Home for Christmas” or offering originals like this and the piano instrumental “Gloria Immanuel” they are a sonic delight. And you have probably never heard more inventive arrangements of “O Holy Night” and “Handel’s Messiah” in your life.
JOHN OATES & THE TIME JUMPERS/Santa Be Good to Me
Writer: John Oates/Josh Charles/Steven Davis/Alissa Moreno; Producer: John Oates & David Kalmusky; Publisher: Oates Shul/Painted Desert/Nolanyc/Streams of Gold/First Second, BMI/ASCAP; Elektra
—This gets major bonus points for coming to us via a green-vinyl 45 r.p.m. single. With The Time Jumpers on board, you know it has to have the most delightful swing groove. The jazziest yule tune of the year.
RAY STEVENS/Mary and Joseph and the Baby and Me
Writer: Jeff Bates/John Ritter; Producer: Ray Stevens; Publisher: Melrose Nashville/Landa/Lutz, BMI; CabaRay (CDX) (raystevens.com)
—With a light Bo Diddley beat, groovy retro backup singers and synth strings backing him, Ray offers a very cute new Christmas tune, sung from the point of view of the donkey. Stay tuned for the mid-song braying and bop right along. Super enjoyable.
THE RICK CAVENDER BAND/Christmas Time Again
Writer: none listed; Producer: none listed; Publisher: none listed; RCB
—Melodic and eminently listenable, with a confident, pop lead vocal, solid acoustic guitar work and a piano solo.
CYNDI LAUPER & ALISON KRAUSS/Hard Candy Christmas
Writer: Carol Hall; Producer: Tony Brown & Cyndi Lauper; Publisher: Daniel/Otay/Universal, ASCAP; Sire (track)
—I love the sad holiday songs, and this one’s one of the saddest. It has that smiling- through-tears quality that is so heart tugging. Krauss takes the second verse with a breathy whisper and shadows Lauper in perfect soprano harmony elsewhere. A lovely job on a lovely tune.
ROBBY JOHNSON/Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer
Writer: Johnny Marks; Producer: James Stroud; Publisher: none listed; Contrast Music (track) (robby-johnson.com)
—This is a lively, rocked-up version of this standard. Johnson has a solidly country delivery and the chorus folks shouting along sound like they’re really excited.
Nashville Tourism Ends Record-Setting Streak
/by Sarah SkatesPhoto provided by Nashville Convention and Visitors Corp
Nashville experienced 70 straight months of tourism growth (based on room night bookings), the longest in U.S. history, reports The Tennessean. According to data the Nashville Convention and Visitors Corp. shared with the newspaper, the streak ended in October. There were 7.2 million room nights sold in fiscal year 2015-16, and $147.5 million in hotel tax collections in 2015.
Despite the leveling off, the CVC says the city remains one of the nation’s Top 10 most desirable destinations for business, convention and leisure tourists.
About 12,000 new hotel rooms will open in Nashville in the coming years, adding to the 27,000 already here. With the increased competition, room rates are expected to fall. In the article, CVC President and CEO Butch Spyridon cautioned that the city should not over-build, noting that Nashville doesn’t have a theme park, gaming option, or as many business travelers as bigger cities.
In news from the Nashville Business Journal, Bridgestone Arena reports total revenue of $12.6 million and total operating expenses of $18.2 million for 2016. The operating loss is subsidized by Metro government. And Nashville is in the running for a Major League Soccer franchise. Nine cities are competing for four franchises.
BMG Promotes Sara Knabe To VP Creative
/by Sarah SkatesSara Knabe
Sara Knabe has been promoted to VP of Creative, BMG Nashville.
Since joining the company in 2011, she has been on a steady ascent in the Nashville music community, working with an impressive list of songwriters and artists including Gordie Sampson, Tony Lane, Wynn Varble, Jay DeMarcus, Lucie Silvas, Ruston Kelly, James LeBlanc and many others.
Knabe and the team in Nashville have secured an abundance of placements for BMG writers, including Florida Georgia Line’s “H.O.L.Y.,” and cuts by Tim McGraw, Lady Antebellum and Rascal Flatts.
“BMG has been on an incredible run with Sara contributing to a great deal of the company’s success,” said Kos Weaver, head of BMG Nashville. “She is recognized as one of the best song people in Nashville and has proved it by securing huge hits for us.”
“The last five years with BMG have been an incredible learning experience,” said Knabe. “Everyone should have the opportunity to have a boss like Kos Weaver. His leadership allows all of us to be creative, explore our interests and get our hands dirty in so many facets of the industry. I feel 100 percent supported and that’s a great feeling. I’m excited about this new position and the opportunity to continue to work with our songwriters and a creative team that feels like family.”
Industry Ink: Suit Music, Casting Crowns, William Michael Morgan Visits CMA
/by Jessica NicholsonSuit Music Relocates
Andrew Cohen and Jarrod Holley launched Suit Music management in 2015.
Casting Crowns Earns RIAA Platinum Certification
CCM band Casting Crowns has earned RIAA Platinum certification for the Christmas project Peace On Earth. The certification marks their fifth career Platinum certification, in addition to a 2x multi-Platinum album, two Platinum DVDs, seven Gold albums, one Platinum single, and five Gold digital singles.
“We are so thankful our songs are being heard and that we can be a small part of keeping Christ in Christmas around the world through our music,” said Casting Crowns frontman Mark Hall.
William Michael Morgan Stops By CMA
Pictured (L-R): Angela Roland, Awards & Industry Relations Assistant,CMA; Brandi Simms, Sr. Director of Awards & Industry Relations, CMA; William Michael Morgan; John Esposito, Chairman & CEO, WMN; Brenden Oliver, Manager of Awards & Industry Relations, CMA. Photo: Caitlin Harris/CMA
William Michael Morgan stopped by to perform for the staff at CMA earlier this week. His “Live @ CMA” acoustic set included his No. 1 hit “I Met A Girl,” the title track to his critically acclaimed debut album Vinyl, current single “Missing,” and holiday favorite “White Christmas.”
Cole Swindell Celebrates A Year Filled With Musical Milestones
/by Jessica NicholsonCole Swindell and Ashley Gorley celebrate the success of “You Should Be Here.” Photo: Steve Lowry
As Cole Swindell prepares to wrap his third annual sold-out headlining Down Home Tour this weekend, he also looks back on a year of accomplishments including his sixth consecutive No. 1 single (“Middle of a Memory”), being named the NSAI Songwriter/Artist of the Year and celebrating the biggest song of his career so far with the title track of his sophomore album released in May, “You Should Be Here.” The track was certified Platinum and has more than 70 million streams, 1.3 million tracks sold, and nearly 35 million YouTube views.
He toured with Florida Georgia Line’s Dig Your Roots tour, and will tour with Dierks Bentley’s What The Hell tour in 2017.
Pictured (L-R): WMN’s Justin Luffman, Peter Strickland, KP Entertainment’s Kerri Edwards, Swindell, WMN’s John Esposito, WMN’s Cris Lacy, producer Michael Carter. Photo: Steve Lowry
“I look back on this year and am just overwhelmed with emotion,” said Swindell. “I knew that music was powerful but I never ever could have imagined what impact my music could truly have on other people and more importantly in turn what it has done for me. I wrote a song as a way to help myself through the grief of losing my Dad. But it quickly became bigger than me as people began writing to me with the most incredible stories about how the song helped them through extraordinary life events. I knew then it wasn’t about me anymore. I hope my fans know they have helped ME with every story, every ticket they have bought this year, every call to radio, and just showing up at my shows. ‘You Should Be Here’ has truly changed my life. I am truly truly blessed with a great team around me, great friends, great songwriting buddies, encouraging support from my friends at radio and media and most importantly blessed with the greatest fans in the world. 2016 was pretty amazing and it’s going to be really hard to top … but I’m up for the challenge!”
CMT On Tour Presents the Cole Swindell Down Home Tour was a sold-out success in 2016.
BOTS Act Becomes Law
/by Sarah SkatesThe BOTS Act states:
This bill prohibits the circumvention of a security measure, access control system, or other technological measure on an Internet website or online service of a ticket issuer that is used to enforce posted event ticket purchasing limits or to maintain the integrity of posted online ticket purchasing order rules for a public event with an attendance capacity exceeding 200 persons.
The bill also prohibits the sale of or offers to sell an event ticket in interstate commerce obtained through such a circumvention violation if the seller participated in, had the ability to control, or should have known about the violation.
Billboard reports that the bill was introduced in February 2015 by U.S. Representatives Paul D. Tonko (D-N.Y.) and Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.).
Weekly Chart Report (12/16/16)
/by Troy_StephensonClick here or above to access MusicRow‘s weekly CountryBreakout Report.