Unlike county music, the Americana field is brimming with female headliners.
This edition of DISClaimer spotlights seven of them–Joy Oladokun, Larkin Poe, Sierra Ferrell, Michelle Branch, Karen Waldrup, Nicolle Galyon and Kelsey Waldon. Waldrup is probably the best singer of the bunch, and Branch has the best production. Galyon has the songwriting chops, and Larkin Poe rocks hardest.
Mind you, there are male contenders, too, notably Nathaniel Rateliff, Devon Gilfillian, Sam Bush, The Milk Carton Kids and the Lone Bellow.
The easiest choice to make is the DISCovery Award. That’s a tossup, shared by Devon Gilfillian and Sierra Ferrell, two Nashville artists who demonstrate how diverse Music City’s sounds are.
Our songwriting community has produced few talents as bright as Nicolle Galyon. In a highly competitive stack of sounds, she wins the Disc of the Day.
THE LONE BELLOW / “Unicorn”
Writers: Zach Williams/Trent Dabbs/Brian Elmquist; Producers: Brian Elmquist/Jacob Sooter; Label: Dualtone
–Enchanting. Lead singer Zach Williams croons an echoey love lyric that swoons with cloud-like beauty. You’ll find this gorgeous gem on the band’s new Love Songs for Losers Collection. And you should. At once.
JORDY & JOY OLADOKUN / “I Get High”
Writers: none listed; Producer: Drew Polovick; Label: 300 Entertainment
–Rising pop artist Jordy teams with Americana star Oladokun as his collaborator on this new version of his elegant, escapist stoner anthem. Multiple sonic layers pile sound on sound as they swirl in tune. Joy Oladokun performed at the White House on Tuesday to celebrate President Biden signing the Respect for Marriage Act (as did Cyndi Lauper and Sam Smith). Oladokun also dropped a new single this week. It’s a dramatic anthem called “Power” from the soundtrack of an Al Sharpton documentary.
SIERRA FERRELL / “Hey Me, Hey Mama”
Writers: Ray Charles/Jack Lamontagne; Producer: none listed; Label: Rounder
–I’m still waiting for her sophomore album to drop. In the meantime, this jaunty, bluesy, acoustic performance will have to do. Sierra has haunted me all year long. She’s playing a hometown show at Brooklyn Bowl on New Year’s Eve. If you’ve never seen her live, I urge you to do so. She’s a superb showoman, just as dynamic on stage as she is on records. Also, Ferrell is on the bill of “Hello From the Hills,” an all-star Kentucky benefit concert at City Winery on Jan. 7.
DEVON GILFILLIAN / “Let the Water Flow”
Writers: Devon Gilfillian/Ran Jackson/Henry Brill; Producer: Jeremy Lutitio; Label: Fantasy
–This Nashvillian first attracted my attention with his audacious re-recording of Marvin Gaye’s masterpiece What’s Going On. He has also emerged as a champion of social justice. “Let the Water Flow” was issued to coincide with our recent mid-term elections. It’s a soulful plea for voting rights and true democracy. The slow, deliberate ballad depicts Georgia folks standing and suffering for hours, just to cast a vote. A gospel organ and choir gradually come into the mix, lending the track extra power.
SAM BUSH / “Radio John”
Writers: Sam Bush/John Pennell; Producer: none listed; Label: Smithsonian Folkways
–This is the title tune of a tribute CD to the late John Hartford. Bush and band kick up serious instrumental dust while the singer-songwriter wails the lyric reflecting Hartford’s biography and music. Joyous, dazzling and pulse-quickening.
KELSEY WALDON / ”Sweet Little Girl”
Writer: Kelsey Waldon; Producer: Shooter Jennings; Label: Oh Boy
–The Washington Post has declared that Kelsey Waldon’s current No Regular Dog collection is “this year’s best country album.” Her single from it is a thumping, moody, fiddle-embellished country rocker with loads of echoey atmosphere and a lyric about a lost soul on the Hillbilly Highway. The talented Waldon is booked to play The Station Inn tomorrow night (Dec. 16).
NATHANIEL RATELIFF & THE NIGHT SWEATS / “Face Down in the Moment”
Writer: Nathaniel Rateliff; Producers: Brad Cook/RMB/Elijah Thomson; Label: Stax
–I remain a big fan. As always, this act pours soul and passion into its stately performance. A steady, marching tempo is the backdrop for Rateliff’s emoting. The track becomes ever more dense, soaring and audio loaded as it moves toward its finale. This has deservedly become a big Americana hit.
NICOLLE GALYON / “Self Care”
Writers: Nicolle Galyon/Sasha Sloan/Caroline Baker; Producers: King Henry/Jimmy Robbins; Label: Songs & Daughters
–This Nashville tunesmith’s album is a garden of delights. I’m particularly fond of this emphasis track. It is simultaneously tuneful and conversational, poetic and catchy. The lyric is about eschewing botox, hair dye, self-improvement, spiritual expansion and the like in favor of loving who you are, just as you are. “I think I like me,” indeed. An essential for your playlist.
KAREN WALDRUP / “All American Mistake”
Writers: Marcus Hummon/Stephanie Chapman; Producers: Biff Watson/Paul Worley; Label: KW
–Waldrup’s second album, Kendall County Road, is just as potent as her first was. Its emphasis track is the tale of a hopeful survivor. She stumbles in marriage but emerges with a baby she loves. As before, her country vocal is a beacon of truth and believability.
THE MILK CARTON KIDS / “Running on Sweet Smile”
Writers: Joey Ryan/Kenneth Pattengale; Producer: Kenneth Pattengale; Label: Far Cry/Thirty Tigers
–This lilting ditty is a sneak peak at the acoustic duo’s 2023 album. It maintains the team’s sweet, folkie charm, but the sound has moved from that of an old-timey country duo and more toward Simon & Garfunkel territory. Highly recommended.
LARKIN POE / “Southern Comfort”
Writer: Rebecca Lovell; Producers: Larkin Poe/Tyler Bryant; Label: Tricki-Woo
–Blood Harmony is the new, sixth album by this Nashville rock duo of sisters. This is its single, an electrified stomper about missing your roots. Compelling listening, as is always the case with these strong attitude women.
MICHELLE BRANCH / “Not My Lover”
Writer: Michelle Branch; Producers: Patrick Carney/Michelle Branch; Label: Audio Eagle/Nonesuch/Warner
–Sensual and kinda dreamy, this pop-rock outing features her breathy soprano vocals contrasted with a danceable, irresistibly rhythmic track. The production and perfect audio mix are stellar. Well worth your spins.
Jay Orr To Retire From The Country Music Hall Of Fame & Museum
/by Liza AndersonJay Orr. Photo: Courtesy of the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum
After more than 26 years with the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum, Jay Orr will retire from the organization at the end of the month with his last day being Dec. 30.
Orr has held many leadership positions at the museum, most recently serving as Executive Senior Director for Research, Editorial, and Content. Throughout his tenure, Orr’s thoughtful approach to elevating the art of country music has been evident in every aspect of the museum, as he’s led the editorial team and overseen the development of exhibits, publications, and more.
He first joined the museum in 1984 as Head of Technical Services, where he oversaw cataloging and acquisitions for its library and collection. Excelling as a writer for the organization as well as other publications, Orr left in 1989 to write about music for the Nashville Banner. When the publication was absorbed by the Tennessean in 1998, he was among the small group of retained journalists who joined the staff.
Orr received the CMA’s Media Achievement Award in 1997 and was voted best music writer in Nashville by Nashville Scene readers in 1998 and 1999. He also served as a consultant to the Smithsonian’s 1986 Festival of American Folklife held in Washington, D.C., featuring the state of Tennessee.
He then became Managing Editor for CMT.com in 2000, and continued to report in-depth on music news before returning to the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum in 2002.
Once back at the museum, Orr took over its CMF Press and published award-winning books while leading the editorial team in developing, writing, and editing exhibits in addition to all museum publications, including books, exhibit catalogs, educational materials, liner notes, and more.
The industry veteran helped expand the scope of the museum’s public program offerings, including the launch of the interview series “Nashville Cats” and “Poets and Prophets” as well as the annual Artist-in-Residence performances. In 2009, the museum’s flagship educational program, Words & Music, in which students are shown the basics of music and songwriting, was spotlighted at the White House in a program moderated by Orr.
“Jay has been a force for intellectual rigor and absolute integrity throughout his service,” says Kyle Young, CEO of the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum. “He has brought deep understanding of music and American culture, exceptional editorial skills, and genuine passion for our mission of preserving and interpreting country music history. In many ways, he has helped shaped our core values and institutional culture, and we are all the better for it.”
“Working at the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum was my dream job, and I am grateful for the opportunity it gave me to increase the public’s understanding of and respect for country music and the roots of that music,” says Orr. “The music and the culture continue to evolve, and I have confidence that the museum’s superb professional staff, led by Kyle Young, will continue to embrace that change with the enthusiasm, the curiosity, and the dedication to objectivity that inform the museum’s work. I will miss the camaraderie of the staff, but I will continue to take pride in the ongoing excellence of their efforts.”
After Dec. 30, Orr can be reached at jayorr@comcast.net.
Habitat For Humanity’s Music Row Build Receives $100,000 Donation To Establish New Build Fund
/by LB CantrellPhoto: Courtesy of Habitat for Humanity
Music industry veteran Mark Brown has announced the establishment of the Build Fund for Habitat for Humanity of Greater Nashville’s Music Row Build. The fund was created after Owner/President of Wrensong/Reynsong Entertainment, Ree Guyer, gave a $100,000 donation.
“I have been blessed to thrive in the Music Business community for 37 years,” says Guyer. “I’m paying it forward so we will have a Music Row Habitat Build forever. If you feel as passionate as I do about the great work that Habitat does, I challenge my Music Row friends to pay it forward too.”
Habitat for Humanity’s Music Row Build was started by Renee Bell in 2003, who then joined forces with Guyer in 2005. Together they helped nine local families purchase affordable homes before it ended in 2012.
“My father was a contractor his entire life. He helped people on many levels, but one way was helping them get into their homes. He instilled the same passion in me,” says Bell. “Habitat gives people hope. When the Music Row Build was started, we wanted to bring the entire music community together to truly change people’s lives. We all know music can change lives, but giving others the opportunity to purchase affordable well-built homes changes lives on an entirely different level.”
Brown brought back the Music Row Build project in 2020.
“When I re-started the Music Row Build, I had two main goals. One was to build one house each year for a deserving family right here in Nashville. And the other was to try to make the Music Row Build sustainable forever. I set a goal of raising $500,000 as a nest egg in the Music Row Build Fund. When Ree made her generous donation, suddenly my goal seemed attainable. Along with Ree, several others have stepped forward and joined our effort. I’m glad to report that we are 25 percent of the way to our goal.”
To make a donation to the Music Row Build Fund, click here.
Willie Nelson & Family Docu-Film Set To Debut At Sundance
/by Lorie HollabaughPhoto: Timothy D. Easley
The world premiere of Willie Nelson and Family, the first authorized film exploring the life and career of the country icon, is set to debut at the 2023 Sundance Film Festival.
The festival will take place Jan. 19–29 in Park City, Salt Lake City and the Sundance Resort, along with a selection of films available online across the country Jan. 24–29, 2023. Blackbird Presents and Sight Unseen will present the new Nelson five-part documentary series during this year’s festival.
Award-winning filmmakers Thom Zimny and Oren Moverman construct an intimate memoir of the Red Headed Stranger in the documentary, traversing the highs, lows and in-betweens of Nelson’s personal life and professional career. Along with close friends and family who have accompanied him on his remarkable journey, Nelson tells his story in his own voice.
Developed by longtime Nelson manager Mark Rothbaum and Blackbird Presents Founder & Chief Creative Officer Keith Wortman, Nelson and his family and friends provided exclusive participation and access to his archives. Executive Producers are Wortman, Rothbaum, Annie Nelson, Julia Lebedev, Eddie Vaisman, Leonid Lebedev, Sean Stuart and Mark Ankner.
The Cadillac Three Announces ‘The Bandana Tour’ For 2023
/by Liza AndersonPhoto: Courtesy of Big Machine Records
The Cadillac Three will kick off the new year with their latest journey, “The Bandana Tour,” starting in January. Koe Wetzel will serve as support on select dates.
Made up of frontman Jaren Johnston, drummer Neil Mason, and lap steel bassist Kelby Ray, the group will bring their genre-fusion tracks rooted in country storytelling, rock grooves, and Music City psychedelic jams to fans across the nation.
The Cadillac Three’s efforts have earned the trio a number of honors, including Grammy, ACM, and CMA International Achievement Award nominations.
The band’s spirit has also been present throughout Johnston’s songwriting credits for other artists including Tim McGraw, Thomas Rhett, Keith Urban, and Jon Pardi as well as Tyler Hubbard’s recent No. 1 single, “5 Foot 9.” He has also served as a producer for Tyler Rich, Kip Moore, Foo Fighters’ Chris Shiflett, and Steven Tyler, among others.
General ticket sales for the “The Bandana Tour” began today (Dec. 16) at 10 a.m. CT. Presale tickets went on sale at 10 a.m. CT yesterday (Dec. 15), allowing select fans to purchase early with an access code via the band’s website.
For more information, click here.
Ernest’s ‘Flower Shops (The Album)’ Reblooms With 13 New Tracks
/by Lorie HollabaughPhoto by Delaney Royer
Ernest is releasing the deluxe Flower Shops (The Album): Two Dozen Roses, on Feb. 10.
The project expands on his first full-length project Flower Shops (The Album), adding 13 more original songs to the bouquet. He offers a taste of the newest music today with “Unhang The Moon,” the tear-jerker “Songs We Used To Sing,” and the pleading “Miss That Girl” and its accompanying video.
“I can’t wait for everyone to hear the new music,” Ernest shared. “It’s even more of the real, honest storytelling that the album was built on, and continues the character’s love story right where it left off with ‘Some Other Bar.’ It’s very reflective, I think everyone will be able to relate to a part of the story in some way. I’m really proud of it!”
The hardworking singer-songwriter is coming off of a busy year that included earning his fifth, sixth, and seventh No. 1s as a songwriter, while his debut single “Flower Shops” feat. Morgan Wallen simultaneously reached Platinum status. The CMA Triple Play Award winner was also selected as a 2023 MusicRow Next Big Thing artist, and sold out his first-ever headline tour across college towns this past fall. He rounded out a stacked year of touring on the road with labelmate Wallen as part of his record-breaking “Dangerous Tour.”
Flower Shops (The Album): Two Dozen Roses Track List:
1. Sucker For Small Towns (Ernest Keith Smith, Jacob Durrett, Ashley Gorley)
2. Tennessee Queen (Ernest Keith Smith, Dan Isbell, Jordan Schmidt)
3. Classic (Ernest Keith Smith, Jacob Durrett)
4. Feet Wanna Run (Ernest Keith Smith, Chris LaCorte, Brad Warren, Brett Warren)
5. Comfortable When I’m Crazy (Ernest Keith Smith, Rodney Clawson)
6. Flower Shops (feat. Morgan Wallen) (Ernest Keith Smith, Ben Burgess, Mark Holman)
7. Did It With You (Ernest Keith Smith, Rodney Clawson, Nathan Spicer)
8. What It’s Come To (Ernest Keith Smith, Lily Rose, Ryan Vojtesak)
9. If You Were Whiskey (Ernest Keith Smith, Michael Carter, Ben Hayslip)
10. Some Other Bar (Ernest Keith Smith, Ashley Gorley, Ryan Vojtesak)
11. Flower Shops (feat. Morgan Wallen) [Acoustic] (Ernest Keith Smith, Ben Burgess, Mark Holman)
12. This Fire (Ernest Keith Smith, Rocky Block, Julian Bunetta, John Ryan)
13. Wild Wild West (Ernest Keith Smith, Jacob Durrett, Rafe Tenpenny)
14. Hill (Ernest Keith Smith, Jordan Schmidt, Brett Tyler)
15. Burn Out (Ernest Keith Smith, Andy Albert, Jordan Dozzi, Hunter Phelps)
16. Nothin To Lose (Ernest Keith Smith, Mark Holman, Josh Osborne)
17. Songs We Used To Sing (Ernest Keith Smith, Justin Ebach, Charles Kelley)
18. Done At A Bar (Ernest Keith Smith, Josh Thompson)
19. Drunk With My Friends (Ernest Keith Smith, Jordan Schmidt, Josh Thompson)
20. Anything But Sober (Ernest Keith Smith, Alysa Vanderheym)
21. What Have I Got To Lose (Ernest Keith Smith, Brian Kelley, Dean Dillon)
22. Heartache In My 100 Proof (feat. Jake Worthington) (Ernest Keith Smith, Jordan Schmidt, Josh Thompson)
23. Unhang The Moon (Ernest Keith Smith, Grady Block, Brad Clawson, Jacob Durrett)
24. Miss That Girl (Ernest Keith Smith, Brad Clawson, Jacob Durrett)
Melissa Fuller Signs With Kobalt
/by Lorie HollabaughPictured (clockwise): Kobalt’s Stephanie Cox, Morgan Brasfield, Melissa Fuller, Kevin Lane
Melissa Fuller has signed with Kobalt.
Since moving from Wyoming to Nashville, Fuller has had songs recorded by Patrick Droney, Mat Kearney, Walker Hayes, Lindsay Ell, Mickey Guyton, Cam, Anderson East, Morgxn and more. Her backing vocals are featured on many of the songs she writes, and she’s performed on shows such as Saturday Night Live, Late Night with Seth Myers, Colbert and CMT Artists of the Year.
She’s had songs featured in campaigns for XBox, FIFA World Cup, Songland and America’s Got Talent, and placed in movies for the Hallmark channel and on shows like Station 19, The Bold Type and Siesta Key.
“I am so excited to welcome Melissa into the Kobalt family,” says Kobalt’s Kevin Lane. “No one puts more of their heart and soul in their creativity than Melissa. I know we will accomplish great things together.”
“I’m grateful to continue working with Kevin, Stephanie [Cox], Morgan [Brasfield] and everyone on the Kobalt team,” said Fuller. “They were excellent admin partners and starting this new publishing chapter together is a great blessing.”
Hardy, Lainey Wilson Notch Last MusicRow No. 1 Of 2022
/by Alex ParryHardy and Lainey Wilson close out the final MusicRow CountryBreakout Radio Chart of 2022 with “Wait In The Truck.” Hardy co-wrote the single with Renee Blair, Hunter Phelps, and Jordan Schmidt.
“Wait In The Truck” will appear on his second full-length release via Big Loud Records. The Mockingbird & The Crow will be a double album with the first half written in Hardy’s signature country style, while the latter will dive into his rock influences.
Hardy wraps his “Wall to Wall Tour” tonight (Dec. 16) in Columbia, South Carolina before returning to the road for “The Mockingbird & The Crow Tour,” in February. He will also headline Pepsi Gulf Coast Jam in June.
Click here to view the latest edition of The MusicRow Weekly containing the MusicRow CountryBreakout Radio Chart.
Cody Jinks Launches Late August Records In Partnership With The Orchard
/by Lorie HollabaughCody Jinks. Photo: Tyler Stubblefield
Cody Jinks has launched a new partnership between his label, Late August Records and The Orchard. The label’s first signing is singer, songwriter and guitarist Erin Viancourt. A Cleveland native, Viancourt is set to release her debut album in May 2023.
Late August Records will continue to be led by Jinks and his longtime manager, Arthur Penhallow, Jr., with the addition of Stephanie Hudacek leading the label’s new Nashville office. President of Soundly Music, Hudacek spent her career guiding and supporting artists across genres before joining Late August.
Erin Viancourt. Photo: Justin Cook
“I met Stephanie years ago and realized very quickly that she has no ceiling, and if the right opportunity came along to bring her in, I would,” said Penhallow, Jr. “The opportunity is this deal. It will require incredible talent to lead and Stephanie has that and then some.”
“This has been a long time in the making, as we needed to find the perfect partner to help us continue to ‘change the game,’ not only for myself, but for the many artists the label will sign in the years to come,” said Jinks. “The core of it all is about protecting the artist, making sure they own their music, copyrights, trademarks, image and likeness, and merchandise, along with educating the artist, while treating them like family.
“Erin is a badass with every possible skill one needs to make it in this business,” Jinks continues. “Beyond that, her independence dedication, kindness, confidence, coolness, determination and ‘it’ factor are just a few of the extras she brings to the table. The perfect debut artist for Late August Records.”
Additionally, Brad Navin, CEO of The Orchard, shares, “The artist always comes first at The Orchard. As a home for independent creators, we share a deep understanding with Cody about the need for bespoke campaigns tailored to the artist’s needs. Our new partnership with Late August will provide artists with the tools and support to build, sustain and elevate their global reach.”
Throughout his ground-breaking career, Jinks has sold over 2 million equivalent units, garnered over 3 billion streams across platforms, has 2.4 million monthly Spotify listeners, and recently received Pandora Radio’s Billionaire Award after receiving 1 billion streams on the platform.
Bobby Karl Works The Room: Espo Feted By WMN At Hall Of Fame
/by Bobby KarlOutgoing Warner Music Nashville Chairman and CEO, John Esposito. Photo: Alan Poizner
Chapter 662
When John Esposito came to Warner Records 13 years ago, the label was fairly moribund, and now it is a powerhouse.
Pictured (L-R): Kenny Chensey, Espo. Photo: Alan Poizner
He and his team have a big roster of contemporary hit-makers, including Cody Johnson, Kenny Chesney, Dan + Shay, Ashley McBryde, Blake Shelton, Breland, Cole Swindell, Gabby Barrett, Brett Eldredge, the Zac Brown Band and Ingrid Andress.
The ebullient Espo, as he is known throughout Music Row, also built a very special community, the folks who work at Warner Music Nashville.
The occasion of his transition to Chairman Emeritus led the label’s Shane Tarleton to organize a party on Wednesday evening (Dec. 14) at the Country Music Hall of Fame. A throng of celebrants attended.
The party people snacked on a smorgasbord of multiple cheeses, chilled vegetables, mixed nuts, bacon crostini, crackers, dips, assorted berries and mini chocolate cakes. A small stage was decorated with more than 40 lit pillar candles and a buffet table holding large E-S-P-O letters blazing with marquee-style lightbulbs rising from a display of white poinsettia.
The area directly in front of the stage was embellished with living-room arrangements of couches, coffee tables and upholstered chairs. The tall cocktail tables scattered in the Conservatory held tea lights nestled in hollow metal llama statuettes. It turns out that Espo is fascinated by llamas, partly because his family called him “llama lips” as a kid. You read it here first.
Pictured (L-R): Dan Smyers, Espo, Shay Mooney. Photo: Alan Poizner
Schmoozing away were Kyle Lehning, Mary Ann McCready, Wes Vause, Clint Higham, Kenny Chesney, Lon Helton, Sarah Trahern, Kristen Williams, Rod Essig, Dan + Shay, Tony Conway, Chuck Aly, Holly Gleason, Ben Vaughn and Randy Travis.
Scott Hendricks took the stage to laud the outgoing label chief.
“Espo’s style of leadership is based out of love…and cheerleading,” Scott said. “He listened to everybody. He learned from everybody.” He recalled not knowing what to expect from Espo when the label boss was imported from New York. The first unreleased record that Scott played for the pop-music veteran was “Hillbilly Bone.” Espo didn’t balk. “He’s the biggest music lover I’ve ever met in my life,” Scott added. “It’s been my honor and my privilege to be on his team.”
One of Espo’s great gifts to Warner is that he trained his replacements. Incoming co-president Ben Kline told the honoree, “You have the longest shadow of anyone we know.” Ben added, “I’ve never met anyone who loves being around artists and creatives more than Espo does.”
Pictured (L-R): Espo, Randy Travis. Photo: Alan Poizner
Incoming co-president Cris Lacy recalled that her psychic in Virginia told her, “You’re going to get a new boss. His name starts with an E. He’s gonna be really good for the company and really good for you.” Cris lauded Espo by echoing the previous speakers: “I don’t know anyone who more fully absorbs music.”
Espo can also out-party anybody on his staff. If you try to keep up with him, you’ll be sucked into “The Espo Vortex,” as the staffers dubbed it.
Executive assistant Paula Eden said, “He always tells people that I’m the best babysitter he’s ever had. Well, he’s the best ‘baby’ I’ve ever had. I’ve gained an extension to my family.” She concluded by addressing Espo: “You’ve built an amazing legacy at Warner Nashville.”
Espo’s wife, Chantel Esposito, testified: “He wears his heart on his sleeve. You never have to wonder where he stands on something.”
WMN former Chief Operating Officer and longtime friend Matt Signore is Espo’s “life coach and wingman.” He described the honoree by saying, “He leads with his heart and soul, and his mind and body follow.” He saluted Espo with, “I’m looking forward to having this job as your friend for the rest of my life.”
“Through the years, we’ve built one helluva team, the best team in Nashville,” said Espo. “Look how it all worked out for all of us. Thank all of you for teaching me country music.
“It’s been a helluva ride.”
DISClaimer Single Reviews: Nicolle Galyon Gives A Lesson In ‘Self Care’
/by Robert K OermannUnlike county music, the Americana field is brimming with female headliners.
This edition of DISClaimer spotlights seven of them–Joy Oladokun, Larkin Poe, Sierra Ferrell, Michelle Branch, Karen Waldrup, Nicolle Galyon and Kelsey Waldon. Waldrup is probably the best singer of the bunch, and Branch has the best production. Galyon has the songwriting chops, and Larkin Poe rocks hardest.
Mind you, there are male contenders, too, notably Nathaniel Rateliff, Devon Gilfillian, Sam Bush, The Milk Carton Kids and the Lone Bellow.
The easiest choice to make is the DISCovery Award. That’s a tossup, shared by Devon Gilfillian and Sierra Ferrell, two Nashville artists who demonstrate how diverse Music City’s sounds are.
Our songwriting community has produced few talents as bright as Nicolle Galyon. In a highly competitive stack of sounds, she wins the Disc of the Day.
THE LONE BELLOW / “Unicorn”
Writers: Zach Williams/Trent Dabbs/Brian Elmquist; Producers: Brian Elmquist/Jacob Sooter; Label: Dualtone
–Enchanting. Lead singer Zach Williams croons an echoey love lyric that swoons with cloud-like beauty. You’ll find this gorgeous gem on the band’s new Love Songs for Losers Collection. And you should. At once.
JORDY & JOY OLADOKUN / “I Get High”
Writers: none listed; Producer: Drew Polovick; Label: 300 Entertainment
–Rising pop artist Jordy teams with Americana star Oladokun as his collaborator on this new version of his elegant, escapist stoner anthem. Multiple sonic layers pile sound on sound as they swirl in tune. Joy Oladokun performed at the White House on Tuesday to celebrate President Biden signing the Respect for Marriage Act (as did Cyndi Lauper and Sam Smith). Oladokun also dropped a new single this week. It’s a dramatic anthem called “Power” from the soundtrack of an Al Sharpton documentary.
SIERRA FERRELL / “Hey Me, Hey Mama”
Writers: Ray Charles/Jack Lamontagne; Producer: none listed; Label: Rounder
–I’m still waiting for her sophomore album to drop. In the meantime, this jaunty, bluesy, acoustic performance will have to do. Sierra has haunted me all year long. She’s playing a hometown show at Brooklyn Bowl on New Year’s Eve. If you’ve never seen her live, I urge you to do so. She’s a superb showoman, just as dynamic on stage as she is on records. Also, Ferrell is on the bill of “Hello From the Hills,” an all-star Kentucky benefit concert at City Winery on Jan. 7.
DEVON GILFILLIAN / “Let the Water Flow”
Writers: Devon Gilfillian/Ran Jackson/Henry Brill; Producer: Jeremy Lutitio; Label: Fantasy
–This Nashvillian first attracted my attention with his audacious re-recording of Marvin Gaye’s masterpiece What’s Going On. He has also emerged as a champion of social justice. “Let the Water Flow” was issued to coincide with our recent mid-term elections. It’s a soulful plea for voting rights and true democracy. The slow, deliberate ballad depicts Georgia folks standing and suffering for hours, just to cast a vote. A gospel organ and choir gradually come into the mix, lending the track extra power.
SAM BUSH / “Radio John”
Writers: Sam Bush/John Pennell; Producer: none listed; Label: Smithsonian Folkways
–This is the title tune of a tribute CD to the late John Hartford. Bush and band kick up serious instrumental dust while the singer-songwriter wails the lyric reflecting Hartford’s biography and music. Joyous, dazzling and pulse-quickening.
KELSEY WALDON / ”Sweet Little Girl”
Writer: Kelsey Waldon; Producer: Shooter Jennings; Label: Oh Boy
–The Washington Post has declared that Kelsey Waldon’s current No Regular Dog collection is “this year’s best country album.” Her single from it is a thumping, moody, fiddle-embellished country rocker with loads of echoey atmosphere and a lyric about a lost soul on the Hillbilly Highway. The talented Waldon is booked to play The Station Inn tomorrow night (Dec. 16).
NATHANIEL RATELIFF & THE NIGHT SWEATS / “Face Down in the Moment”
Writer: Nathaniel Rateliff; Producers: Brad Cook/RMB/Elijah Thomson; Label: Stax
–I remain a big fan. As always, this act pours soul and passion into its stately performance. A steady, marching tempo is the backdrop for Rateliff’s emoting. The track becomes ever more dense, soaring and audio loaded as it moves toward its finale. This has deservedly become a big Americana hit.
NICOLLE GALYON / “Self Care”
Writers: Nicolle Galyon/Sasha Sloan/Caroline Baker; Producers: King Henry/Jimmy Robbins; Label: Songs & Daughters
–This Nashville tunesmith’s album is a garden of delights. I’m particularly fond of this emphasis track. It is simultaneously tuneful and conversational, poetic and catchy. The lyric is about eschewing botox, hair dye, self-improvement, spiritual expansion and the like in favor of loving who you are, just as you are. “I think I like me,” indeed. An essential for your playlist.
KAREN WALDRUP / “All American Mistake”
Writers: Marcus Hummon/Stephanie Chapman; Producers: Biff Watson/Paul Worley; Label: KW
–Waldrup’s second album, Kendall County Road, is just as potent as her first was. Its emphasis track is the tale of a hopeful survivor. She stumbles in marriage but emerges with a baby she loves. As before, her country vocal is a beacon of truth and believability.
THE MILK CARTON KIDS / “Running on Sweet Smile”
Writers: Joey Ryan/Kenneth Pattengale; Producer: Kenneth Pattengale; Label: Far Cry/Thirty Tigers
–This lilting ditty is a sneak peak at the acoustic duo’s 2023 album. It maintains the team’s sweet, folkie charm, but the sound has moved from that of an old-timey country duo and more toward Simon & Garfunkel territory. Highly recommended.
LARKIN POE / “Southern Comfort”
Writer: Rebecca Lovell; Producers: Larkin Poe/Tyler Bryant; Label: Tricki-Woo
–Blood Harmony is the new, sixth album by this Nashville rock duo of sisters. This is its single, an electrified stomper about missing your roots. Compelling listening, as is always the case with these strong attitude women.
MICHELLE BRANCH / “Not My Lover”
Writer: Michelle Branch; Producers: Patrick Carney/Michelle Branch; Label: Audio Eagle/Nonesuch/Warner
–Sensual and kinda dreamy, this pop-rock outing features her breathy soprano vocals contrasted with a danceable, irresistibly rhythmic track. The production and perfect audio mix are stellar. Well worth your spins.