DISClaimer Single Reviews (2/2/11)

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Country music’s major labels seem to be slumbering in winter doldrums, but Nashville’s pop/rock community is livelier than ever.

So much so that there are three Disc of the Day winners in this edition of DisClaimer.
The Black Keys are nominated for three Grammy Awards. Welcome to Music City, boys.
Rock ‘n’ Roll Hall of Famer Wanda Jackson has returned with hurricane strength on her comeback The Party Ain’t Over CD produced by the always hyper-active Jack White.
And then there’s the overnight stardom of The Civil Wars. The duo staged its national television debut on The Tonight Show with Jay Leno on Jan. 13. It’s “Poison & Wine” video has 500,000 views on YouTube, and “Barton Hollow” is getting raves in The New York Post, USA Today, L.A. Weekly and Paste. It is also rapidly picking up radio airplay. The Civil Wars are playing The Belcourt tonight and The Basement tomorrow. I’d urge you to go, except both gigs are sold out, as are five others on its just-announced tour.
Best of all, out of the blue, we have a DisCovery Award to report. Like The Black Keys and The Civil Wars, it’s a duo. Travis & Julie are homegrown Nashville charmers. Lend them your ears.
THE CIVIL WARS/Barton Hollow
Writer: none listed; Producer: Charlie Peacock; Publisher: none listed; Sensibility (track)
—This duo is comprised of John Paul White and East Nashvillian Joy Williams. “Poison & Wine,” which appears on its Barton Hollow CD, has been featured on TV’s Grey’s Anatomy. The title tune is currently iTune’s Single of the Week and propelled the album to No. 1 on the iTunes chart when it came out this week. With its dark undertow of a beat, wailed ghostly harmonized vocals and majestic, minor-key melody, “Barton Hollow” is pretty darn addictive and hypnotic. Taylor Swift calls the sound “exquisite.” I couldn’t agree more. A must listen.
MICHAEL FORD, JR. & THE APACHE RELAY/Magnolia Street Heartbreaker
Writer: Michael Ford, Jr.; Producer: Doug Williams, Michael Ford, Jr., The Apache Relay and Noah Denney; Publisher: 1988, ASCAP; MF (track)
—This foursome hails from the halls of Belmont University. On this track from their album titled 1988, they wistfully drawl a winsome, lovelorn, acoustic folk ballad. The wobbling fiddle lines and feathery falsetto vocals weave a delicate pop tapestry.
THE BLACK KEYS/Tighten Up
Writer: The Black Keys; Producer: Danger Mouse; Publisher: McMoore McLeest/Wixen, BMI; Nonesuch (track) (www.theblackkeys.com)
—These new Nashvillians (Patrick Carney and Dan Auerbach comprise the group) have two tracks from their Brothers CD up for Grammy Awards. “Black Mud” is nominated as Rock Instrumental. And the shuddering, spare, thumpy, soulful, strangled “Tighten Up” is competing for Best Rock Group Performance. The whole album is nominated as Alternative Album of the Year, and it is an alt delight.
TRAVIS & JULIE/Osmosis
Writer: Travis/Julie; Producer: none listed; Publisher: Rockstar/Nickel Man; TJ (track) (www.travisjulie.com)
—This Nashville duo has a CD called Moon Girl that is a pop-music amusement-park ride. On this track they lay down a deliciously danceable rhythm and positively twirl in melody. Where have these folks been all my life?
RED/Faceless
Writer: Anthony Armstrong/Rob Graves/Jasen Rauch/Mark Holman; Producer: Rob Graves; Publisher: none listed; Provident/Integrity/Sony (track) (www.redmusiconline.com)
—Goths for Jesus? I guess so. This Christian band makes a thrashing, metal-machine, in-your-face sound that’s as loud and proud as Korn, Staind, Linkin Park or any other mainstream hard rockers you can name. The new CD, which dropped yesterday, is called Until We Have Faces. The previous two were nominated for Grammys. This one might make your ears bleed, in an aggressive-yet-melodic way.
RACHEL LOY/Stay
Writer: Rachel Loy; Producer: Carl Thel; Publisher: none listed; RL (track) (www.rachelloymusic.com)
—This Nashvillian has a self-titled, five-song EP that is quite a singer-songwriter showcase. Here, she is a pleading romantic. Elsewhere, she gets the pop-rhythm treatment. Rachel makes her living playing bass in studios and on the road with stars such as Julianne Hough. But this collection of relationship-centric compositions sounds like she’s ready to move into the center-stage spotlight.
WANDA JACKSON/Shakin’ All Over
Writer: Johnny Kidd; Producer: Jack White III; Publisher: EMI Mills/Filmtrax, no performance rights listed; Nonesuch/Third Man (track)
—Unlike Loretta Lynn, whom Jack White previously produced, Wanda Jackson didn’t bring her own songs to the table. So Jack’s musical personality sometimes tends to overwhelm her. He did bring her some splendid songs, including this dandy 1960 Brit hit by Johnny Kidd & The Pirates. Other gems include her cover of Amy Winehouse’s “You Know I’m No Good,” Bob Dylan’s “Thunder on the Mountain” and Little Richard’s “Rip It Up.”
REVIVE/Blink
Writer: Dave Hanbury/Rich Thompson/Mike Tenkate/Jason Ingram; Producer: Jason Ingram & Rusty Varenkamp; Publisher: Up and Over/Revive/EMI CMG/Sony-ATV Timber/West Main/Windsor Hill, SESAC; Provident-Integrity/Essential/Sony (track) (www.reviveband.com)
—The title tune to this Christian foursome’s current CD has a slowly building majesty about it. It says, “The only thing that matters is how we have loved,” in this too-brief life. Inspiring, in the best kind of way.
BOBBY BARE JR. /A Storm, A Tree, My Mother’s Head
Writer: Bobby Bare Jr.; Producer: Bobby Bare Jr. & David Vandervelde; Publisher: Bella Beckham, BMI; Naked Albino/Thirty Tigers (track) (www.bobbybarejr.com)
—The title tune to this fellow’s current CD tells a true tale in a languid, dreamy way. His echoey voice is sparsely accompanied by brushed drumming, keening steel and electric-guitar sighing. And, yes, Mama Jeannie Bare is screaming in the background. Elsewhere on this sideways collection, you’ll find  “Liz Taylor’s Lipstick Gun,” “Rock and Roll Halloween,” “Your Goat Is on Fire” and “Jesus Sandals.” In other words, you absolutely need to own this.
UNCLE SKELETON/Renfro
Writer: none listed; Producer: none listed; Publisher: Upright T-Rex, BMI; Upright T-Rex (track)
—Outside of his pop band Kindercastle, Ross Wariner (Steve’s son) has a different sound with Uncle Skeleton. This ensemble has two CDs, Pancho Chumley and the more recent Warm Under the Covers. You’ll find this track on the former. Its synth-y, rapidly rhythmic tone typifies the spaceship, E.L.O. electronic vibe of Uncle Skeleton, which recently featured high on The Nashville Scene’s “Best of 2010” list.

Musical Chairs

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New gigs for Megan Knutson, Emilee Warner, and Wayne Leeloy

Megan Knutson


>>Republic Nashville President Jimmy Harnen has promoted Megan (Whalen) Knutson to Label Coordinator. In this position, she will work with each label department in Nashville as well as the Universal Republic team in New York. In addition to her new responsibilities, Knutson will also continue as Harnen’s assistant. “In just under a year, Megan has become an integral part of our team at Republic Nashville. Plain and simple…no matter how tall the task…she gets it done!” says Harnen. She can be reached at 615-324-7901 or megan.knutson@republicnashville.com.

Emilee Warner


>>Publicist Emilee Warner has joined Crash Avenue, launching the Louisville based company’s Nashville Division as Senior Publicist. The Nashville office will specialize in promoting Americana, folk, bluegrass, and roots rock independent artists.
Warner was most recently publicist at Compass Records, and has a resume that includes CMT Radio, WRLT-FM Nashville, Keith Case & Associates, and her own independent PR firm Big Shindig Media. Warner is a member of the IBMA’s Leadership Bluegrass Class of 2011. She can be reached at emilee@crash-avenue.com.
>>Wayne Leeloy has joined Topspin Media, heading up the digital company’s Nashville office as Sr. Director of Artist Services. He is responsible for building industry and artist relationships across all genres. Topspin allows its clients to connect directly with fans, and promote, distribute and sell music, concert tickets, and more.
Leeloy previously launched Ticketmaster’s Music Services team in Nashville. His career also includes 15 years in Memphis, heading up Business Development and Artist/Industry relations for the Memphis and Shelby County Music Commission, and running his own Foundation Music Group. He also spent time at Seattle marketing firm 206 Inc. handling sponsorship, brand management, event production and community development for clients like Walt Disney Records, Levi’s, Toyota and Urban Outfitters. He can be reached at wleeloy@topspinmedia.com and 615-787-7166.

ACM Noms Highlight New Country Class

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Jason Aldean is a first-time ACM Entertainer of the Year nominee.


Today’s ACM nominations were filled with new names and rising superstars, leaving less room for some of the genre’s most successful artists.
Jason Aldean and Miranda Lambert landed Entertainer of the Year nominations for the first time. Meanwhile, reigning Entertainer Carrie Underwood, and superstar Kenny Chesney—who still scored five other nods—were absent from the category.
The final ACM slate was selected by the industry, but the Academy gives consumers the last word in the Entertainer category. Through online voting, fans will get to pick which star takes home the night’s top prize.
Continuing an awesome year, Blake Shelton got his first Top Male nod, and is co-hosting the awards show with Reba.

Zac Brown Band


All three of stalwart Alan Jackson’s nominations were thanks to “As She’s Walking Away,” his hit with younger act Zac Brown Band.
Zac Brown scored nine nods, a combined total of his individual nominations and nominations with his band, including Top Vocal Group.
There are several new faces in the separate Top Vocal Group and Top Vocal Duo categories, where final nominees The Band Perry, the JaneDear girls and Steel Magnolia are also competing for Top New Vocal Duo or Group. Meanwhile, Rascal Flatts was missing from the Vocal Group category.
Other first-time ACM nominees include new faces Easton Corbin, Colt Ford and Lee Brice.
Looking back to the November CMA Awards gives further evidence of the shift in starpower, where big winners included Miranda Lambert and Lady Antebellum. Also that night, Blake Shelton and Brad Paisley made significant career strides, taking home awards for Male Vocalist, and Entertainer of the Year, respectively.

Artists On Tour: Paisley, Shelton, Campbell

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Photo: Ben Enos; Jan. 29, 2011; Bell Centre, Montreal


Brad Paisley recently played to sellout crowds in Eastern Canadian cities London, Hamilton, Montreal and Ottawa as part of his H2O Frozen Over Tour. Over 40,000 tickets were sold for the four shows. The H2O Tour will be featured on an episode of Modern Marvels – American Trucking that airs on the History Channel Friday, Feb. 4 at 8 PM central. This episode follows Paisley and his crew on the road between Little Rock, AR and Tulsa, OK and shows behind the scenes of what it takes to move a huge production from one city to another in a few short hours. H2O Frozen Over will take a break this week and then hits the road again Feb. 10 in Atlanta, GA.
•••
Blake Shelton recently kicked off his 2011 All About Tonight Tour with a sold-out show at the LaCrosse Center Arena in LaCrosse, WI. Also on hand were opening performers Easton Corbin and Steel Magnolia. Shelton will co-host the ACM Awards with Reba on Sunday, April 3, 2011.

Pictured: (L to R): Brad Garrett (Police Productions), Narvel Blackstock (Starstruck Management Group), Blake Shelton, John Esposito (Warner Music Nashville), Rob Beckham (William Morris Endeavor) and Brandon Blackstock (Starstruck Management Group)


•••

Craig Campbell


Bigger Picture Group artist Craig Campbell will join Willie Nelson on the 2011 Country Throwdown Tour. The release date for Campbell’s self-titled debut album has been moved to April 5 to more closely coincide with the start of the tour. Nineteen dates have so far been announced for the Country Throwdown Tour, including Denver, CO, Philadelphia, PA, Nashville, TN and Del Mar, CA. Campbell worked in the studio with producer Keith Stegall on the album, which will include current single “Family Man.”

Signings: Alan Jackson, Emerson Drive, Mountain Heart

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Alan Jackson inks publicity deal • Emerson Drive partners for radio promo •Mountain Heart finds PR home
>>Schmidt Relations has signed Alan Jackson for publicity representation. He joins other Schmidt clients Brad Paisley, Carrie Underwood, the Grand Ole Opry, Luke Bryan and Rascal Flatts. Schmidt Relations Senior Publicist Darlene Bieber will be the contact for Jackson and can be reached at Darlene@schmidtpr.com or 615-851-4917. In other Jackson news, the singer is nominated for three Academy of Country Music Awards for Song of the Year, Single Record of the Year and Vocal Event of the Year for “As She’s Walking Away,” with the Zac Brown Band.

Pictured (L-R): Quarterback's Chris Allums, Emerson Drive's Brad Mates, Quarterback's John Ettinger


>>Emerson Drive has announced a partnership with Quarterback Records to promote the band’s new single “Let Your Love Speak,” which will be released to radio Feb. 28. The single was written by band member/lead guitarist Danick Dupelle along with songwriters Josh Bartholomew and Steven Lee Olsen. The band will embark on a 33 date tour starting Feb. 8, and has plans for a new release through Quarterback slated for summer.

>>Hot Schatz PR has signed the group Mountain Heart to its client roster. The award-winning bluegrass/roots group has just released its EP That Just Happened on its own label MH Music Group, with national distribution by Select-O-Hits. Group members include Jim VanCleve (Fiddle/Vocals/Producer), Barry Abernathy (Banjo/Vocals), Jason Moore (Bass/Vocals), Josh Shilling (Lead Vocals/Guitar/Keyboards), Aaron Ramsey (Mandonlin,Vocals) and Jake Stargel (Guitar).

Leah Seawright

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“On The Backroads”
Skytone Records
Leah invites friends in radio to join her for a special performance during CRS on Wednesday, March 2, at 10 pm in the Renaissance Hotel’s Fisk Room.
Leah Seawright’s “On The Backroads,” which she co-wrote with producer Frank Green, is the tale of young and rebellious love set to a driving beat. The song appears on her album Country Girl 101, on which she wrote or co-wrote all but one song.
“This comes from a very true place,” says Seawright. “I went through those wild teenage years of sneaking out and being in love. My life’s an open book in these songs.”
A native of Fort Payne, Alabama, Seawright grew up in a musical family and eventually gained the confidence to start singing for a local band. She worked numerous jobs during the week, and sang for a little extra money on the weekends.
In 2004 she won a local singing contest, which introduced her to producer and frequent co-writer Frank Green. She also added another notable Fort Payne native to her band–Alabama drummer Mark Herndon. After hearing her music in the studio, Herndon came out of retirement to drum for her, even adding his work to her album.
“It’s just been a roller coaster,” says Seawright. “But I wouldn’t have it any other way. I’ve always been a glass-half-full gal.”
http://www.leahseawright.com/
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Jacob Lyda

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“I’m Doin’ Alright”
Davis Music Group/Nine North
Davis Music Group’s singer/songwriter Jacob Lyda’s debut single, “I’m Doing Alright” has been released to country radio and is going for adds. Nine North Records has been tapped to oversee radio promotion initiatives.
Showcasing Lyda’s traditional honky-tonk vocal style, “I’m Doing Alright” was written by Lyda and Paul Overstreet (“Love Can Build A Bridge” “She Thinks My Tractor’s Sexy” “Forever and Ever Amen”). Lyda’s upcoming debut album is being co-produced by Brent Maher (The Judds, Shelby Lynne, Kathy Mattea).
Originally from a small town in the northeast corner of Alabama, Lyda learned to play guitar in his teens and had joined a band by the time he was 16. He arrived in Nashville in 2006 and secured regular performance spots at The Nashville Palace and Tootsie’s Orchid Lounge. Lyda’s friend, songwriter David Chamberlain introduced him to the people at Texas-based Davis Music Group.
Lyda’s path has been filled with many twists and turns, including a few years in an Alabama carpet mill. But some dreams refuse to die, and his passion for music has been a constant. Or, in his own words, “Music chose me. I didn’t choose it.”
http://www.jacoblyda.com/
[wpaudio url=”https://music-row-website-assets.s3.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/02/10195100/jl-ida-20311.mp3″ text=”Jacob Lyda – I’m Doin’ Alright” dl=”0″ autoplay=”1″]

Citigroup Acquires EMI

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EMI Group has been taken over by Citigroup, the bank who financed Terra Firma’s 2007 purchase of the music company for £4 billion. The bank seized 100% of the share capital and reduced EMI’s debt by 65% from £3.4 billion to £1.2 billion. Following this development, EMI has more than £300 million cash available.
Last week MusicRow reported the latest developments in this ongoing story about Terra Firma boss Guy Hands.
According to the press release:

“Immediately following the transfer in ownership, Citi effected a debt-for-equity swap to recapitalise EMI. The EMI Group continues under the same management.
EMI has achieved creative and commercial success over the last twelve months and will continue to pursue an ambitious growth strategy.
Roger Faxon, EMI’s chief executive, said: “The recapitalization of EMI by Citi is an extremely positive step for the company. It has given us one of the most robust balance sheets in the industry with a modest level of debt and substantial liquidity… We have a clear vision for the future, a strong and committed management team, and now the right capital and financial structure in place to deliver successful outcomes for artists and songwriters.”

Firm Renamed Crownover, Blevins

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Derek Crownover (L) and Allen Blevins (R).


Attorney Derek Crownover has added partner Allen Blevins and renamed the firm Crownover, Blevins.
Crownover’s previous partner Joel Tisinger has relocated to his hometown Carrollton, Georgia and taken an in-house legal position at a healthcare technology company.
Blevins and Crownover have been friends since law school. Blevins is a Knoxville native, where he previously managed the firm Blevins, Kizer and Gammeltoft. He is a CPA, lawyer, and licensed real estate broker. Blevins is a frequent speaker on estate planning, tax, and corporate issues. He has written articles for professional publications, and served as an adjunct college professor.
Crownover says, “Allen and I shared clients over the years in Knoxville, Nashville and throughout the South. With his tax, estate planning and corporate merger background, he not only diversifies the firm, but increases our top-end considerably.”
Crownover, Blevins, P.C. is online at www.dcablaw.com.

ACM Off-Camera Noms

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The Academy of Country Music is announcing nominations for the Musician/Bandleader/Instrumentalist (MBI) and Industry Awards categories, which, due to time constraints, are not televised during the ACM Awards. Instead, these awards will be presented at the ACM Honors, held each fall in Nashville.
Musician / Bandleader / Instrumentalist (MBI) Awards
Producer Of The Year
Nathan Chapman
Frank Liddell
Frank Rogers
Paul Worley
Mike Wrucke
Audio Engineer Of The Year
Chuck Ainlay
Jeff Balding
Drew Bollman
Steve Marcantonio
Clarke Schleicher
Top Bass Player Of The Year
Mike Brignardello
Kevin “Swine” Grantt
Larry Paxton
Jimmy Lee Sloas
Glenn Worf
Top Percussionist/Drummmer Of The Year
Eddie Bayers
Chad Cromwell
Paul Leim
Chris Mchugh
Greg Morrow
Top Guitarist Of The Year
Tom Bukovac
Pat Buchannan
J.T. Corenflos
Kenny Greenberg
Dann Huff
Top Fiddle Player Of The Year
Glen Duncan
Larry Franklin
Rob Hajacos
Aubrey Haynie
Joe Spivey
Top Piano/Keyboard Player Of The Year
Jim “Moose” Brown
Tony Harrell
John Hobbs
Gordon Mote
Steve Nathan
Top Specialty Instrument(s) Player Of The Year
Eric Darken
Mickey Raphael
Bryan Sutton
Ilya Toshinsky
Biff Watson
Top Steel Guitar Player Of The Year
Bruce Bouton
Dan Dugmore
Mike Johnson
“Cowboy” Eddie Long
Russ Pahl
Industry Awards
Casino Of The Year
Agua Caliente Casino – Rancho Mirage, CA
Island Resort Casino – Harris, MI
Mohegan Sun Casino – Uncasville, CT
Peppermill Casino – Wendover, NV
Winstar World Casino – Thackerville, OK
Nightclub Of The Year
Buck Owens’ Crystal Palace – Bakersfield, CA
Coyote Joe’s – Charlotte, NC
Joe’s Bar – Chicago, IL
Toby Keith’s I Love This Bar & Grill – Mesa, AZ
Wild Bill’s – Duluth, GA
Venue Of The Year
Bok Center – Tulsa, OK
First Midwest Bank Amphitheatre – Chicago, IL
Meadowbrook U.S. Cellular Pavilion – Gilford, NH
Ryman Auditorium – Nashville, TN
Sprint Center – Kansas City, MO
Don Romeo Talent Buyer Of The Year
Steve “Bogie” Bogdanovich – Romeo Entertainment Group
Billy Brill – Billy Alan Productions
Jimmy Jay – Jayson Promotions, Inc.
Gary Osier – Gary Osier Presents
David Snowden – Triangle Talent, Inc.
Promoter Of The Year
Ben Ferrell – Varnell Enterprises, Inc.
Ali Harnell – AEG Live/The Messina Group
Louis Messina – The Messina Group
Ed Warm – Joe’s Bar
Sally Williams – Ryman Auditorium