Lori McKenna. Photo: Thomas Heney
It’s that time of year again.
As usual, Nashville musicians have an abundance of holiday offerings, so welcome to the first of the DISClaimer Christmas review columns. Today, we have super worthy efforts by Exile, the Pistol Annies, Dan + Shay and Amanda Shires.
The Disc of the Day belongs to Lori McKenna, for co-writing the strongest new holiday song in this stack and singing it with her customary yearning loveliness. For sheer inventiveness, Katie Pruitt wins the DISCovery Award.
TIGIRLILY / “Where Are You Christmas”
Writers: James Horner/Mariah Carey/Wilbur Jennings; Producer: Louis Newman; Label: Monument
–The sister duo updates Faith Hill’s wistful holiday ballad with tinkling piano and lilting fiddle to start with. A full string section gradually builds the arrangement into an oomphy anthem.
DAN + SHAY / “Officially Christmas”
Writers: Dan Smyers/Dave Barnes/Jordan Reynolds/Nicolle Galyon; Producer: Dan Smyers/Scott Hendricks; Label: Warner
–Over the past couple of years, these guys have become country music’s go-to Christmas heralds. Their holiday songs are top downloads. This year’s entry is a joyous-sounding fiesta, complete with horns, violins and sleighbells. As usual, they sing their faces off. There’s a promotional video, too.
KATIE PRUITT / “Merry Christmas Mary Jane”
Writers: Katie Pruitt; Producer: Katie Pruitt & Mike Robinson; Label: Rounder
–At last! A holiday stoner song! This Nashville singer-songwriter lays down a bluesy groove on this slow jam: “My Christmas spirit’s running low, so I might as well get high.” She knows those decorative holiday lights are going to look super good that way. Check out this talented gal’s cool guitar solo, too. Pruitt will be peddling her special holiday gummies at her Dec. 16 show at the Basement East.
EXILE / “Joyful Noise”
Writers: J.P. Pennington/Sonny LeMaire/Sharon Vaughn; Producer: Exile; Label: Clearwater
–In a word, gorgeous. These guys still have the goods in every department. The vocals are flawless, the songwriting is splendid, the playing is perfect and the mood is toasty warm on this sparkling ballad. Miss this one at your peril.
THE PRIMITIVE QUARTET / “Carolina Mountain Christmas”
Writers: Reagan Riddle; Producer: Greg Bentley; Label: Mountain Home
–This North Carolina gospel quartet wraps its harmonies around four classics and four newly written songs on its Christmas collection. Among the latter is this toe-tapping hearty wish for good holiday times to one and all.
PISTOL ANNIES / “Hell of a Holiday”
Writers: Angaleena Presley/Ashley Monroe/Miranda Lambert; Producer: Frank Liddell/Eric Masse; Label: RCA
–What a gift. The rumbling backbeat grabs ya from the get-go. Their feisty vocal charms soon take over in this uptempo audio delight. It’s the title tune from the trio’s Christmas CD/LP, embellished with sax, electric guitar and percussion. Essential accompaniment for dancing around the tree while you hang ornaments and drink eggnog.
AMANDA SHIRES & THE McCRARY SISTERS / “Gone for Christmas”
Writers: Amanda Shires; Producer: Lawrence Rothman; Label: Silver Knife/Thirty Tigers
–This Americana favorite slam dunks an R&B groover with this merry track from her debut holiday album. For her Christmas-present wish list, she cites a bunch of clever stuff (her own radio station, a massage on a beach), but mostly she wants him gone from her life. While the beat stomps relentlessly, the McCrarys echo her sentiments with soul-sister harmonies. Rockin.’
MITCHELL TENPENNY / “Don’t Hang the Mistletoe”
Writers: Jordan M. Schmidt/Kyle Clark/Mitchell Tenpenny; Producer: Mitchell Tenpenny/Jordan M. Schmidt; Label: Riser House/Columbia
–His furry, burnished voice is perfect for this. It’s a slow jam with distinct R&B flavors and romance on the brain. Tenpenny’s holiday album is titled Naughty List.
TAMMY ROGERS & THOMM JUTZ / “Dancing in the Snow”
Writers: Tammy Rogers/Thomm Jutz; Producer: none listed; Label: Mountain Fever
–Bluegrass rhythms and harmonies abound in this sprightly wintery romp. The team plans an entire album of their cowrites next month, to be titled Surely We’ll Be Singing.
LORI McKENNA / “Still Christmas in Nashville”
Writers: Lori McKenna/Jordyn Shelhart/Dustin Christensen; Producer: Lori McKenna/Luke Laird/Barry Dean; Label: CN Records
–Lori introduced her Christmas Is Right Here EP with a sterling showcase at the Hutton’s Analog venue on Tuesday. It is a heart-tugging outing with some of her original sad holiday tunes (my favorite kind), plus a version of Paul McCartney’s “Wonderful Christmastime” and this stately waltz. It’s an ode to “the city that dreamers built.” You’ll smile when you hear her name checking “meat-and-threes” and “John Prine” in this terrific tune. Have I mentioned that I adore her?
DON AMERO / “Sometimes a Whisper”
Writers: Adam Crossley/Bill Diluigi/Dave Tough; Producer: none listed; Label: MDM
–This Canadian is an indigenous country artist who is much applauded north of the border. His seasonal CD is titled Amero Little Christmas and contains this softly sung inspirational ballad that could easily live well beyond Yuletide.
ROD & ROSE / “Mary Had a Little Lamb”
Writers: Rodney Atkins/Rose Falcon/Brandon Hood/Skip Ewing; Producer: Brandon Hood; Label: Curb
–Rodney Atkins and Rose Falcon offer this beautifully sung, heartfelt ballad that sums up The Reason for the Season. Rod sings lead while Rose shadows him in perfect vocal harmony. Hang on for when they are joined by the angels-we-have-heard-on-high echoey chorus. Definitely your religious musical choice.
Bob Kingsley’s ‘Book Of Records’ Coffee Table Book, Audio Book Available Now
/by Lorie HollabaughBob Kingsley
Legendary broadcaster Bob Kingsley’s expansive new coffee table book, Book Of Records, offering 60 years of country music through the lens of a legend, is out now in both print and audio formats.
The commemorative collection is a career-spanning first-hand account of country’s most engaging artists, songwriters, producers, and executives, documented by Kingsley himself throughout his lifetime, and edited by longtime producer Ken Halford.
Never-before-heard stories will be paired with fresh interpretations from Nan Kingsley, his wife and business partner, along with creators and industry friends. The Nautilus Publishing book also features a collection of rare photographs as well, and the audio book published by Orange Sky Audio, is narrated by Kingsley and longtime friend/fellow National Radio Hall of Fame member Blair Garner.
Proceeds from the project will be donated to the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum.
Chart Action: Luke Combs’ Surprise Single Continues Its Rise At Radio
/by Alex ParryLuke Combs. Photo: Zack Massey
Luke Combs‘ latest single, “Doin’ This,” debuted at No. 53 on the MusicRow CountryBreakout Radio Chart and earned 9 station adds. The CMA Entertainer of the Year surprise-released his new song and debuted it live during The 55th Annual CMA Awards broadcast in November.
A personal reflection on his own life and career, “Doin’ This” continues to receive widespread acclaim with MusicRow‘s Robert Oermann stating, “His heart is so huge, and there are few in the format who are as completely relatable… A masterpiece.” Combs wrote the song with Drew Parker and Robert Williford.
For more chart data, view the latest edition of The MusicRow Weekly.
Casting Crowns Unveils Plans For New Album, Tour In 2022
/by Lydia FarthingCasting Crowns
Grammy award-winning Christian group Casting Crowns will release their new album, Healer, on Jan. 14. The upcoming project’s title track is available everywhere now as a sneak peek.
When the world shut down due to the pandemic, Casting Crowns frontman and songwriter Mark Hall knew he needed to write for the moment, sharing his straightforward words and writing from the heart. Aptly named, the project intends to show that healing comes in many different colors and sizes.
“I was walking through the world being shut down, just like everybody else,” shares Hall. “I’ve been a youth pastor for over twenty years and here I was counseling teenagers who’d just lost their senior year, lost their friend groups, felt hopeless for the future. As I started working on this record, I realized all the songs I was writing dealt with healing in some way, something we all need. And more than that, we need a Healer. This whole album is about healing, about how God meets us where we are and what His healing looks like.”
Leading up to the new release, Casting Crowns has already released a handful of tracks, including the powerful “The Power of the Cross” and “Scars In Heaven,” which broke the first-day streaming record for a Christian song debut on Amazon Music.
Supporting the new album, the band, in partnership with Compassion International, will embark on “The Healer Tour” with support from We Are Messengers and Jonathan Traylor in 2022. Tickets will go on sale Dec. 17. Currently, the group is on the KLOVE Christmas Tour along with Mac Powell, Cain, Dante Bowe, and Jordan St. Cyr.
Casting Crowns “The Healer Tour” Dates:
Feb. 17 – Baltimore, MD – Chesapeake Employers Insurance Arena
Feb. 18 – Wallingford, CT – Toyota Oakdale Theatre
Feb. 19 – Salisbury, MD – Wicomico Youth & Civic Center
Feb. 20 – North Charleston, SC – North Charleston PAC
Feb. 24 – Huntsville, AL – Von Braun Civic Center
Feb. 25 – Alexandria, LA – Rapides Parish Coliseum (*on sale Dec 20)
Feb. 26 – Meridian, MS – Temple Theater for the Performing Arts
March 3 – Pompano Beach, FL – Pompano Beach Amphitheatre
March 4 – Gainesville, FL – Exactech Arena
March 5 – Sarasota, FL – Robarts Arena
March 8 – Columbia, SC – Township Auditorium
March 10 – Salem, VA – Salem Civic Center
March 11 – Columbus, GA – Columbus Civic Center
March 12 – Johnson City, TN – Freedom Hall
March 17 – Pikeville, KY – Appalachian Wireless Arena
March 18 – Getzville, NY – The Chapel at CrossPoint
March 19 – Grand Rapids, MI – Van Andel Arena
March 24 – North Little Rock, AR – Simmons Bank Arena
March 25 – Tulsa, OK – Mabee Center
March 26 – Peoria, IL – Peoria Civic Center
March 27 – Nashville, TN – Grand Ole Opry House
March 31 – Cleveland, OH – Playhouse Square
April 1 – Milwaukee, WI – Wisconsin Lutheran College (*on sale now)
April 2 – Corbin, KY – The Corbin Arena
Tim McGraw Plots Amphitheater Tour For Spring
/by Lydia FarthingTim McGraw. Photo: Robby Klein
Three-time Grammy winner Tim McGraw has announced his “McGraw Tour 2022,” slated to kick off on April 29 at Walmart Amphitheater in Rogers, Arkansas.
Produced by Live Nation, the limited 17-city amphitheater tour will make stops across the U.S. in Charlotte, Atlanta, Bristow and more before wrapping up in Mansfield, Massachusetts at Xfinity Center on June 4. McGraw will be joined by multi-Platinum recording artist Russell Dickerson as direct support, as well as rising artists Alexandra Kay and Brandon Davis as opening acts.
Citi cardmembers will have access to presale tickets beginning Dec. 14 until Dec. 16. Tickets will go on sale to the general public beginning Friday, Dec. 17 at 10 a.m. local time.
McGraw can also be seen across the music festival circuit in 2022, with performances at Winstock Country Music Festival, NEBRASKAland DAYS, Country Jam, and Big Valley Jamboree, among others. He will be featured this winter in the Paramount Plus television series 1883, alongside Faith Hill and Sam Elliott. Written by Taylor Sheridan, 1883 is a prequel to the hit show Yellowstone.
Pepsi Gulf Coast Jam Announces New Thursday Night Kickoff Party For 2022
/by Lorie HollabaughThe Pepsi Gulf Coast Jam 2022 is adding an additional night of music to its lineup for 2022 in celebration of its 10-year anniversary.
The new Thursday Night Kick-Off Party, presented by Royal American and People’s First Insurance, will be headlined by Brett Young and include performances from Jameson Rodgers, Niko Moon and Casi Low.
The now four-day festival will run June 2-5 at Frank Brown Park in Panama City Beach and will feature previously announced headliners Florida Georgia Line, Old Dominion and Brooks & Dunn.
“We already had the biggest lineup in our history, and we decided to break tradition and add a fourth day to make our 10th anniversary truly a huge celebration,” says Executive Producer Rendy Lovelady. “We’re excited to have Brett back at the beach, along with all of these other amazing artists.”
In addition to the new Thursday night artists just announced, the full lineup includes Gary Allan, Chris Janson, Scotty McCreery, Jordan Davis, Maddie & Tae, Mitchell Tenpenny, Randy Rogers Band, Frankie Ballard, Tracy Lawrence, Tyler Rich, Darryl Worley, Corey Smith, Ryan Griffin, Steve Moakler, Elvie Shane, Tigirlily, Nate Barnes, Confederate Railroad, Presley & Taylor, Chandler Flint, and the Pepsi Southern Original winner.
Fans who previously purchased a ticket will automatically get admission to the fourth night free as a 10th anniversary gift. Thursday-only tickets will be available starting at$29.
Those who purchased a pass for the 2021 festival–which was canceled due to COVID–who wish to transfer their pass to 2022 will automatically have a bonus $21 added to their registered wristband to spend at the 2022 festival.
Parker McCollum Reaches Top Of MusicRow Radio Chart
/by Alex ParryParker McCollum’s “To Be Loved By You” sits at the peak of the MusicRow CountryBreakout Radio Chart after earning 1,680 spins this week and 43,740 total since its release.
McCollum co-wrote “To Be Loved By You” with Rhett Akins and it appears on his latest album Gold Chain Cowboy.
This week, McCollum was named one of the CRS 2022 New Faces of Country Music alongside Gabby Barrett, Walker Hayes, Jameson Rodgers, and Lainey Wilson.
He also announced the launch of an NFT fan club with the help of MusicFX, a new entertainment NFT platform from full service blockchain platform provider CurrencyWorks Inc. Read more about the new venture here.
Click here to view the latest edition of The MusicRow Weekly containing the MusicRow CountryBreakout Radio Chart.
Ben Cantelon Joins Provident Entertainment As Sr. Director, A&R
/by Lorie HollabaughBen Cantelon
Worship leader, songwriter, and producer Ben Cantelon has joined Provident Entertainment as Senior Director of A&R.
Cantelon has co-written songs with Chris Tomlin, Phil Wickham, Matt Redman, Maverick City, Newsboys, Kari Jobe, Cody Carnes, Matt Maher, Michael W. Smith, Passion and many more. He has released five projects as a worship artist with Survivor Records and Kingsway Music, and has also held the role of worship leader and pastor at Soul Survivor, Holy Trinity Brompton, and Worship Central in the UK.
In 2017, Cantelon and his family relocated from the UK to Nashville, where he signed a publishing deal with Capitol CMG.
“We are thrilled to have Ben join us at Provident,” says Blaine Barcus, SVP, A&R at Provident Entertainment. “His diverse background as an artist, worship leader, songwriter, and producer will be a huge benefit to our A&R team and the creatives he will serve/support. Most of all, Ben is a person who loves artists and understands their hearts.”
Nashville Songwriters Association International Recognizes BMG’s Hartwig Masuch
/by Lydia FarthingPictured (L-R): NSAI Executive Director Bart Herbison and BMG Publishing’s CEO Hartwig Masuch
The Nashville Songwriters Association International’s (NSAI) 27-member songwriter Board of Directors has unanimously adopted a special resolution which recognizes BMG Publishing’s CEO Hartwig Masuch for his philosophy and actions to value songwriters.
This is the first time NSAI has recognized a publishing company CEO in this way. His philosophy, which states “BMG works for songwriters and artists. They don’t work for us,” is accompanied by a BMG mission statement that also speaks to transparency when it comes to paying their songwriter partners.
The Resolution reads as follows:
“The Nashville Songwriters Association International (NSAI) recognizes Hartwig Masuch, Chief Executive Officer of BMG, a Bertelsmann group division.
The all-songwriter NSAI Board of Directors (unanimously voted) recognizes Masuch for his many contributions, but specifically for his demonstrations of being a creator-friendly industry leader. Under his guidance the company’s stated vision is:
‘A world in which every songwriter and artist gets to achieve their potential and receives a fair reward for doing so. Music isn’t just another business. Music is created by individuals, each of them on their own creative journey taking huge risks. The fruits of that creativity need to be paid for, fairly and efficiently. BMG aligns itself with the interests of the creative community of music.’
NSAI points to Masuch eliminating the so-called Controlled Composition clause, a practice where songwriters are asked to take a reduce royalty rate to have a song placed on an album. BMG also undertook an unprecedented review of its historic recording contracts and accelerated royalty payouts, which NSAI applauds.
Other songwriters specific company philosophies under Hartwig’s watch include:
Ambition: To be the best company in music to do business with. BMG works for songwriters and artists. They don’t work for us.
Fairness: The music industry has not always been known for treating songwriters and artists fairly. For BMG it’s an article of faith running through every department in the company. Fairness means no hidden costs or deductions. Fairness means no backdoor deals designed to enrich the company at the expense of the client. Fairness is treating your clients like partners.
Be in therefore resolved that the NSAI Board of Directors recognizes, appreciates and salutes Hartwig Masuch for his leadership in valuing songwriters, artists and everyone involved in the creative process.”
DISClaimer Single Reviews: Lori McKenna, Katie Pruitt, Dan + Shay
/by Robert K OermannLori McKenna. Photo: Thomas Heney
It’s that time of year again.
As usual, Nashville musicians have an abundance of holiday offerings, so welcome to the first of the DISClaimer Christmas review columns. Today, we have super worthy efforts by Exile, the Pistol Annies, Dan + Shay and Amanda Shires.
The Disc of the Day belongs to Lori McKenna, for co-writing the strongest new holiday song in this stack and singing it with her customary yearning loveliness. For sheer inventiveness, Katie Pruitt wins the DISCovery Award.
TIGIRLILY / “Where Are You Christmas”
Writers: James Horner/Mariah Carey/Wilbur Jennings; Producer: Louis Newman; Label: Monument
–The sister duo updates Faith Hill’s wistful holiday ballad with tinkling piano and lilting fiddle to start with. A full string section gradually builds the arrangement into an oomphy anthem.
DAN + SHAY / “Officially Christmas”
Writers: Dan Smyers/Dave Barnes/Jordan Reynolds/Nicolle Galyon; Producer: Dan Smyers/Scott Hendricks; Label: Warner
–Over the past couple of years, these guys have become country music’s go-to Christmas heralds. Their holiday songs are top downloads. This year’s entry is a joyous-sounding fiesta, complete with horns, violins and sleighbells. As usual, they sing their faces off. There’s a promotional video, too.
KATIE PRUITT / “Merry Christmas Mary Jane”
Writers: Katie Pruitt; Producer: Katie Pruitt & Mike Robinson; Label: Rounder
–At last! A holiday stoner song! This Nashville singer-songwriter lays down a bluesy groove on this slow jam: “My Christmas spirit’s running low, so I might as well get high.” She knows those decorative holiday lights are going to look super good that way. Check out this talented gal’s cool guitar solo, too. Pruitt will be peddling her special holiday gummies at her Dec. 16 show at the Basement East.
EXILE / “Joyful Noise”
Writers: J.P. Pennington/Sonny LeMaire/Sharon Vaughn; Producer: Exile; Label: Clearwater
–In a word, gorgeous. These guys still have the goods in every department. The vocals are flawless, the songwriting is splendid, the playing is perfect and the mood is toasty warm on this sparkling ballad. Miss this one at your peril.
THE PRIMITIVE QUARTET / “Carolina Mountain Christmas”
Writers: Reagan Riddle; Producer: Greg Bentley; Label: Mountain Home
–This North Carolina gospel quartet wraps its harmonies around four classics and four newly written songs on its Christmas collection. Among the latter is this toe-tapping hearty wish for good holiday times to one and all.
PISTOL ANNIES / “Hell of a Holiday”
Writers: Angaleena Presley/Ashley Monroe/Miranda Lambert; Producer: Frank Liddell/Eric Masse; Label: RCA
–What a gift. The rumbling backbeat grabs ya from the get-go. Their feisty vocal charms soon take over in this uptempo audio delight. It’s the title tune from the trio’s Christmas CD/LP, embellished with sax, electric guitar and percussion. Essential accompaniment for dancing around the tree while you hang ornaments and drink eggnog.
AMANDA SHIRES & THE McCRARY SISTERS / “Gone for Christmas”
Writers: Amanda Shires; Producer: Lawrence Rothman; Label: Silver Knife/Thirty Tigers
–This Americana favorite slam dunks an R&B groover with this merry track from her debut holiday album. For her Christmas-present wish list, she cites a bunch of clever stuff (her own radio station, a massage on a beach), but mostly she wants him gone from her life. While the beat stomps relentlessly, the McCrarys echo her sentiments with soul-sister harmonies. Rockin.’
MITCHELL TENPENNY / “Don’t Hang the Mistletoe”
Writers: Jordan M. Schmidt/Kyle Clark/Mitchell Tenpenny; Producer: Mitchell Tenpenny/Jordan M. Schmidt; Label: Riser House/Columbia
–His furry, burnished voice is perfect for this. It’s a slow jam with distinct R&B flavors and romance on the brain. Tenpenny’s holiday album is titled Naughty List.
TAMMY ROGERS & THOMM JUTZ / “Dancing in the Snow”
Writers: Tammy Rogers/Thomm Jutz; Producer: none listed; Label: Mountain Fever
–Bluegrass rhythms and harmonies abound in this sprightly wintery romp. The team plans an entire album of their cowrites next month, to be titled Surely We’ll Be Singing.
LORI McKENNA / “Still Christmas in Nashville”
Writers: Lori McKenna/Jordyn Shelhart/Dustin Christensen; Producer: Lori McKenna/Luke Laird/Barry Dean; Label: CN Records
–Lori introduced her Christmas Is Right Here EP with a sterling showcase at the Hutton’s Analog venue on Tuesday. It is a heart-tugging outing with some of her original sad holiday tunes (my favorite kind), plus a version of Paul McCartney’s “Wonderful Christmastime” and this stately waltz. It’s an ode to “the city that dreamers built.” You’ll smile when you hear her name checking “meat-and-threes” and “John Prine” in this terrific tune. Have I mentioned that I adore her?
DON AMERO / “Sometimes a Whisper”
Writers: Adam Crossley/Bill Diluigi/Dave Tough; Producer: none listed; Label: MDM
–This Canadian is an indigenous country artist who is much applauded north of the border. His seasonal CD is titled Amero Little Christmas and contains this softly sung inspirational ballad that could easily live well beyond Yuletide.
ROD & ROSE / “Mary Had a Little Lamb”
Writers: Rodney Atkins/Rose Falcon/Brandon Hood/Skip Ewing; Producer: Brandon Hood; Label: Curb
–Rodney Atkins and Rose Falcon offer this beautifully sung, heartfelt ballad that sums up The Reason for the Season. Rod sings lead while Rose shadows him in perfect vocal harmony. Hang on for when they are joined by the angels-we-have-heard-on-high echoey chorus. Definitely your religious musical choice.
Reba’s Former Estate At Cherokee Dock To Become 5-Star Event Venue & Resort
/by Lorie HollabaughThe Estate At Cherokee Dock, the former home of country music star Reba McEntire, is under new management with plans of being transformed into a 5-star luxury event venue and resort by Nashville-based Infinity Hospitality.
Originally built in 1960, the nearly 13,000 sq. ft. Southern Colonial mansion in Lebanon, Tennessee opened as an event center in 2017. Secluded on approximately 15 acres of Old Hickory Lake waterfront property, the estate and venue accommodates up to 30 guests. The estate has hosted various celebrity events over the years with the most recent being ABC’s The Bachelor Ben Higgins’ recent wedding to Jessica Clarke.
“Infinity Hospitality is thrilled to provide an event and lodging experience second to none in Tennessee, with full-service event design and planning, an on-site culinary program, custom bar selections, and vendor management for all services needed to create a once-in-a-lifetime event,” says Nathaniel Beaver, CEO of Infinity Hospitality. “In addition, Cherokee Dock’s hospitality director will also coordinate additional on-site amenities such as spa treatments, boating, fishing, golf, horseback riding, corporate team building activities, and live music for any occasion.”