CMA Hires Matthew Seaton

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The Country Music Association has announced the hiring of Matthew Seaton as Community Outreach Manager.

In this role, Seaton will work closely with The CMA Foundation to create, develop, and implement CMA’s community outreach initiatives, including the Keep the Music Playing music education program and CMA EDU, the organization’s college/university outreach program. Seaton will oversee PSA campaigns and related promotional programming, as well as managing the grant process for the CMA Foundation. He will report to Amy Smartt, Senior Vice President of Finance and Administration.

“Matthew’s skills and experience make him an excellent choice for CMA’s first-ever Community Outreach Manager,” said Smartt. “CMA and The CMA Foundation both look forward to working with him as we continue to develop our community outreach initiatives and expand CMA EDU even further.”

Seaton was most recently the Partnership Program Director for the PENCIL Foundation, where he spent nearly two years recruiting and managing partnerships between Metro Nashville Public Schools and more than 200 local businesses and organizations and composed successful grant requests. Prior to that, he served as the Assistant Director of Operations for Mission Encounter, Inc. Previously, he served two years as Clinical Supervisor, Intercept and CHOICES Program for Youth Villages. He has a Bachelor of Arts in Religion with a Minor in Psychology from Trevecca Nazarene University.

DISClaimer Single Reviews (5/23/12)

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Here’s a brand-new reason why Kenny Chesney is a superstar.

It is called “Come Over,” and it is guaranteed to make every female who listens to it wishes that she could. It coasts to an easy victory as the Disc of the Day as Kenny Chesney rules anew.

I was polishing the DisCovery Award for Tommy Steele. Then I checked and found out that I reviewed two tunes from him in 2010. I liked him then, and I like him now.

So then I thought maybe Daniel Warren could be a contender. But it turns out that he, too, has been in this column previously.

That leaves us with a choice between one of our three genuine newcomers: Erica Nicole pops and bops her way into the winner’s circle.

DANIEL WARREN/Lullaby
Writer: Daniel Warren; Producer: none listed; Publisher: Chaprielle, BMI; Quarterback (www.danielwarrenband.com)
—Formerly a jazz artist, Warren makes the transition to country with this lilting, ultra-smooth outing lifted into the fluffy clouds with easy-on-the-ears vocal harmonies and some absolutely lovely instrumental work. Extremely accomplished.

CRAIG MORGAN/Corn Star
Writer: Shane Minor/Jeffrey Steele; Producer: none listed; Publisher: Sony-ATV/Code Six Charles/Jeffrey Steele, BMI; Black River ()
—This bobbing bopper will make you smile. She’s a total hottie, but strictly from the sticks, y’all.

TOMMY STEELE/My Side of the Street
Writer: Jack Williams/Travis Meadows; Producer: Dave Gibson; Publisher: Savannah/Universal, ASCAP/BMI; Triple Creek (www.tommysteeleband.com)
—Rugged and loaded with blue-collar attitude, this has plenty of chesty power. He sings with extraordinary conviction and finesse, the track throbs with suppressed energy and the song is an instant, everyman classic.

KENNY CHESNEY/Come Over
Writer: Sam Hunt/Shane McAnally/Josh Osborne; Producer: Buddy Cannon & Kenny Chesney; Publisher: Twang Tractor/BPJ/Crazy Water/Little Blue Egg/Kobalt/Want a Fresh One/Black River, ASCAP; BNA ()
—A slowly simmering fever of desire. Guitars flicker and ripple while the melody draws you into its dream trance. Kenny’s vocal is full of caressing intimacy and gentle persuasion. Echoey background vocalizing completes the enchanting spell. A swoon of a single.

ALEXANDRA DEMETREE/Just Alone
Writer: Dean Scallan/Billy Atherholt/Jennifer Morrison; Producer: Dean Scallon; Publisher: Shootin’ Straight/Atherholt/Lillaly, BMI/ASCAP; SSM (615-254-2053)
—The production on this country rocker rumbles right along. The vocalist does an adequate job of keeping up, but never really takes command of the track.

MATT GARY/City Lights
Writer: Jared Crump/Trevor Rosen/Josh Osborne; Producer: none listed; Publisher: Brave Music/Resonate/Unfair Entertainment/Want a Fresh One, SESAC/ASCAP; 17/Quarterback (www.mattgary.com)
—I have liked this guy in the past, and his vocal performance here is able and assured. But the song meanders around too much and lacks a big hook.

SARA WATKINS & FIONA APPLE/You’re the One I Love
Writer: Boudleaux Bryant/Felice Bryant; Producer: Blake Mills; Publisher: House of Bryant, BMI; Nonesuch (track) (www.sarawatkins.com)
—Former Nickel Creek member Watkins teams up with pop diva Apple on this eccentric, quasi-rockabilly update of an obscure Everly Brothers tune. Full of nervous energy and echoey atmosphere, it is most definitely ear grabbing. The new CD is titled Sun Midnight Sun, and it is miles beyond its maker’s bluegrass roots.

DOUG BRINEY/More Than Just a Farm
Writer: Pat Kelley/Ed Leavitt; Producer: none listed; Publisher: none listed; DB (track) (www.dougbriney.com)
—His singing voice is a little unsteady, and the track sounds like a demo. But his heart is the right place.

NATASHA BORZILOVA/Out of My Hands
Writer: Natasha Borzilova/Ilya Toshinsky/Sasha Ostrovsky/Lydia Salnikova/Alexander Arzamastsev/Sergei Olkhovskiy; Producer: Natasha Borzilova; Publisher: Uncle Hadley, ASCAP; Hadley Music Group (track) (www.natashaborzilova.com)
—This is the title tune of the second solo album from this former Bering Strait vocalist. She wrote or co-wrote all of its songs and as this mid-tempo meditation illustrates, she has evolved into a communicator of subtle strength and confessional intimacy. Her production skills are nothing to sneeze at, either. Highly recommended.

ERICA NICOLE/What You Think About Us
Writer: Biran Davis/Ashley Gearing/Ben Gloover; Producer: Michael Lloyd; Publisher: Curb/Melrose/W.B., BMI/ASCAP; Heaven (www.ericanicolemusic.com)
—It’s lively and bright, kinda like a teen-pop record from the 1980s. It think it’s a combination of that wooshing/zippy guitar sound and her Go-Go’s phrasing. Or maybe it’s that it is just so ridiculously catchy. Impossible to resist.

Memorial Day, Country Style

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In Music City, meteorologists are predicting record breaking heat for Memorial Day weekend; on Saturday the high is expected to soar to 95 degrees. Temperatures Friday through Monday will be in the low-to-mid 90s. Here’s where country stars will be turning up the heat across the nation…

• Many top artists will be playing Bayou Country Superfest this weekend at LSU Tiger Stadium in Baton Rouge, LA. On the line-up are Keith Urban, Jason Aldean, Carrie Underwood, Rascal Flatts, Eric Church, Dierks Bentley, Little Big Town, Sara Evans, Jerrod Niemann and Joe Nichols.

• PBS’s National Memorial Day Concert will feature Trace Adkins, Daughtry, Natalie Cole and others. The program is co-hosted by actors Joe Mantegna and Gary Sinise. There will also be an appearance by Gen. Colin Powell. The show airs live from the Nation’s Capital on May 27. Adkins will also kick off the 25th Anniversary of Fleet Week New York, which welcomes nearly 6,000 military personnel. Tonight (5/23) he will perform a free concert for the sailors at Hard Rock Cafe New York in Times Square.

• Montgomery Gentry will kick-off FOX & Friends’ “All American Concert Series” Fri., May 25, during the 8:00 a.m. EDT hour. The free live performance is the first of the 14-week outdoor concert series outside the FOX News studios in Midtown Manhattan. MG will perform “So Called Life,” the second single from their seventh studio album, Rebels On The Run.

• Show Dog-Universal Music artist Jessie James‘ new single is hitting airwaves in time for Memorial Day and Father’s Day. “Military Man” was written in honor of her stepfather who is a Colonel and fighter pilot in the Air Force. “Not only is he a hero because he is in our military,” she explains, “but he’s a hero to our family. I feel like he rescued me and my siblings and loved us as if we were his own and made my mama so happy.”

• Martina McBride hosts the radio program “Summer Kick Off with Martina McBride” with special guests Jason Aldean and Kenny Chesney. It is available to all U.S. radio stations by contacting Donny Walker at donny.walker@cumulus.com.

• Lee Greenwood will perform his signature song “God Bless the U.S.A.,” and discuss his new book, Does God Still Bless the U.S.A.: A Plea For a Better America on Fox & Friends on Memorial Day at 6:00 a.m./EDT. He is also set for upcoming appearances on Daystar’s Joni, GAC’s Great American Salute, and Lifetime TV’s The Balancing Act.

Artist Photos (5/22/12)

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Rodeowave’s Phil Vassar recently visited with WSMV-TV Nashville’s “More at Midday” program to discuss his upcoming performance and appearances during the CMA Music Festival. Vassar also talked about the story behind his single “Don’t Miss Your Life,” currently climbing charts everywhere. The segment aired earlier today (5/22).

(L-R): Phil Vassar, WSMV's Kacy Hagerty

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Way Out West Records’ Shawna Russell was interviewed by Golf Channel host Lauren Thompson at Billy Bob’s Texas recently for a future episode of the network’s series Golf Now. The two chatted about Russell’s career in music and traveling the country for live performances. Russell’s “Waitin’ On Sunrise” is currently climbing MusicRow’s CountryBreakout Chart at No. 29.

(L-R): Thompson, Russell. Photo: Giovanni Galluci

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Billy Gilman recently visited Cotton Valley Records’ headquarters on Music Row. Gilman is one of 18 country artists who loaned his talents to sing “The Choice,” benefiting Soles4Souls and released by CVR.

(L-R) Top Row: CVR's Devin Pickerill, CVR recording artist Mark Cooke, Billy Gilman, Dan Murph, CVR's Cassandra Tormes; Bottom Row: CVR's J.Gary Smith, CVR's John Smith, CVR's Josiah Toews

Stars Join City of Hope Celebrity Softball Challenge

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The stars will come out to help battle cancer during the 2012 CMA Music Festival week at the 22nd Annual City of Hope Celebrity Challenge Presented by Staples.

Celebs Carrie Underwood, Scotty McCreery, Brantley Gilbert, Lauren Alaina, David Nail, James Otto, Robin Meade, and Scott Hamilton are among those participating in the charity game between rivals After MidNight with Blair Garner and the Grand Ole Opry. GAC “Headline Country” host Storme Warren will emcee the event, which takes place 9 am Saturday, June 9 at Greer Stadium in Nashville.

“We’re proud to support City of Hope in its fight against cancer,” said Pete Fisher, Vice President and General Manager, Grand Ole Opry. “City of Hope’s groundbreaking and innovative research benefits people everywhere.”

This will mark the 22nd year that Nashville’s celebrities have played to benefit City of Hope, a leading research, treatment and education center for cancer, diabetes and other life-threatening diseases. The Celebrity Softball Challenge has raised more than $2 million for the organization. More info here.

Hank Williams Jr. Reveals New Album Details

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Blaster Records, in association with Warner Music Nashville, recently announced the details of Old School, New Rules, the upcoming Hank Williams, Jr. album set for release on July 10.

Included in the collection is a duet with Brad Paisley on “I’m Gonna Get Drunk And Play Hank Williams” as well as a new duet with the legendary Merle Haggard on “I Think I’ll Just Sit Here and Drink.” Williams’ first single in several years, “That Ain’t Good,” has just been shipped to radio.

“I’m excited about this new album,” said Hank. “I’m definitely ‘Old School’ and I am making music with ‘New Rules.’ People know I’m gonna say exactly what I think and this album is exactly that.”

Old School, New Rules is the first album on Hank Williams, Jr.’s new label imprint, Bocephus Records, licensed by Blaster Records under a Warner Music Nashville distribution deal

The album is available for pre-sale now at www.hankjr.com.

Track Listing:
1.     Takin’ Back The Country
2.     I’m Gonna Get Drunk And Play Hank Williams (with Brad Paisley)
3.     Three Day Trip
4.     Old School
5.     We Don’t Apologize for America
6.     You Win Again
7.     Cow Turd Blues
8.     Who’s Takin’ Care of Number One
9.     That Ain’t Good
10.  Keep The Change
11.  Stock Market Blues
12.  I Think I’ll Just Stay Here And Drink (with Merle Haggard)

SOURCE Awards Honorees Announced

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The 10th annual SOURCE Awards will honor Shelia Shipley Biddy, Connie Bradley, Karen Conrad, Judy Harris, Pat Rolfe, Kay Smith and Judy Wray. The awards celebrate women who have been crucial to the success of the Nashville entertainment industry. Honors will be presented at the new home of the Musicians Hall of Fame and Museum at the Municipal Auditorium.

This year’s honorees are all founding members of SOURCE. The nonprofit organization started in 1991 to support women who work in the local music business.

Biddy’s career includes time at Flying Island Entertainment, Decca, Hallmark Direction and Stringtown Records. Bradley served as the longtime head of ASCAP’s Nashville office. Conrad’s resume includes BMG Songs, AMR/New Haven Music, Blendingwell Music and Coral Reefer Music. Harris has worked with Judy Harris Music, ASCAP and April Blackwood Music/CBS Songs. Rolfe has served at ASCAP, Chappell Music, and Hill & Range Songs. Smith’s career includes the Musicians Hall of Fame & Museum, Capitol Records, CBS Records, and Sony Music Nashville. Wray has worked at CBS Records, Capitol-EMI America Records, and EMI Music Publishing.

Information on how to purchase tickets to the awards will be released in coming weeks.

Craig Morgan to Host 6th Annual Charity Weekend

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Craig Morgan will host his 6th annual Charity Weekend August 11 and 12 in his hometown of Dickson, TN. Proceeds from the two-day event, which includes a Celebrity Motocross Ride, Concert and Sporting Clay Shoot, will benefit Billy’s Place, an organization benefiting foster children in Dickson County and throughout Middle Tennessee.

The family-friendly event will kick-off at 10 am Saturday, August 11 with a motocross exhibition followed by a group trail ride and lunch. Previous motocross celebrity participants have included Kevin Windham, Cowboy Kenny Bartram, Fred Andrews and Barry Hawk. That evening at 7 pm, Morgan and several of his country music friends give an intimate acoustic concert at Dickson Middle School. A live and silent auction will also take place where attendees can bid on everything from autographed memorabilia to the chance to give the singer a high-and-tight haircut onstage during the event. Last year’s new addition, the hugely popular Sporting Clay Shoot, will return again the morning of August 12 at Nashville Gun Club.

All three events are open to the public. Individual event and bundled tickets will go on sale in June. Celebrity participants for all three events will be announced soon.

In other Morgan news, the singer’s hit outdoor television show Craig Morgan: All Access Outdoors is making its return. The third season of the show will premiere July 1 on Outdoor Channel, and air at 10 pm/CT on Sundays.

Nashville Film Festival Names New Development Director

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The Nashville Film Festival (NaFF) has announced the hiring of Deb Pinger as Development Director. In her new role, Pinger will lead all marking communications, and donor-related efforts for the organization.

Pinger’s career includes time with the Tennessean, as well as the VIA Institute on Character. She also served as Executive Director of RISE Learning solutions, a non-profit distance learning organization.

“I am honored to join the Nashville Film Festival, particularly at this time in the organization’s history,” said Pinger. “The Festival has been a Nashville tradition for 43 years and is poised to make even more significant contributions to our community in coming years as it offers an even more meaningful, year-round series of events.”

Congratulate her at deb@nashvillefilmfestival.org.

Arrangements Set For Rusty Walker

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Veteran radio consultant Rusty Walker died today (5/21) at age 59. He suffered a heart attack over the weekend and was airlifted from his hometown Iuka, MS to a hospital in Tupelo. He passed in the hospital.

Walker, whose real name was Sammy Darwin, was a much loved member of the radio community, earning a 2012 induction into the Country Radio Hall of Fame.

Walker had over 40 years of broadcast experience, including time as a programmer, consultant and on-air personality. He launched his firm in 1983 and grew to be one of the most powerful consultants in country radio. During his career, he worked with more than 750 different country stations from market 1 (NYC) to market 543 and smaller. As a personality and Program Director, his stops included WQYK, WQIK, WZZK and KFKF.

Walker was named by R&R in a three way tie for “Country Radio’s Greatest Programmer” of the 20th Century in 2000. He was also named Billboard’s Country “Consultant Of The Year” seven consecutive years out of the eight years the award was given. He also served on the CMA Board of Directors.

Outside work, he enjoyed being a father, boating and high school sports. He was an active member of Mt. Evergreen United Methodist Church and an enthusiastic supporter of the Tishomingo County School System. He volunteered in many civic capacities, including serving as emcee of the Iuka Christmas Parade and on the Iuka Heritage Day Committee Board of Directors.

The last few months were extremely difficult for Walker and his family. His 17-year-old daughter Kinsley Darwin died unexpectedly in March. He was also preceded in death by son Jay, who died in a hunting accident, and his parents, Jimmy and Mollie Darwin.

He is survived by wife of 38 years Teresa Darwin; two daughters, Nikki Darwin Clark and husband Nathaniel, of Iuka, and Beth Darwin Huntley and husband, Ryan, of Jacksonville, FL; and two grandchildren.

Visitation is scheduled for 4:00 until 8:00 p.m., Friday, May 25, at Mt. Evergreen United Methodist Church. Funeral services are scheduled for 1:00 p.m., Saturday, May 26, at the Tishomingo County High School Gymnasium. The body will lie in state at the gymnasium from 11:00 a.m. until service time on Saturday. Interment will follow in Oak Grove Cemetery. Cutshall Funeral Home of Iuka, MS is entrusted with arrangements. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorials be made to the Sammy Darwin/Rusty Walker Memorial Fund, c/o BancorpSouth, P.O. Box 377, Iuka, MS 38852.

MusicRow offers sincere condolences to all his loved ones. More here.