The War and Treaty. Photo: Courtesy of the Country Music Hall of Fame
It’s high time we paid heed to the outstanding music that continues to be made by the Americana community.
There’s an embarrassment of riches here—Dianne Davidson, Ruthie Foster, Waylon Payne, Ray Wylie Hubbard, Suzzy Roche & Lucy Wainwright Roche and more.
Towering above them all is The War and Treaty, who has the unchallenged Disc of the Day.
The DisCovery Award goes to Cidny Bullens. Here’s to new beginnings.
DULCIE TAYLOR / “Easy for You”
Writers: Dulcie Taylor/George Nauful; Publisher: Raven in the Window, ASCAP; Producer: George Nauful; Label: Mesa Bluemoon (track); dulcietaylor.com
– This critically acclaimed California troubadour has culled favorites from her seven prior CDs to create Reimagined. The collection remixes, re-records and re-imagines the tunes, starting with this sweet/sad, lilting country rocker. As always, her delivery shimmers like a multi-faceted gemstone.
GREAT PEACOCK / “High Wind”
Writers: none listed; Publisher: none listed; Producer: Andrew Nelson & Blount FLoyd; Label: Baldwin County (track) / greatpeacock.com
– This Nashville three-piece has been burning up the road for several years, gradually moving from folk to roots-rock. Frontman/guitarist Andrew Nelson hangs just slightly behind the beat in his smooth croon while guitarist/harmony vocalist Blount Floyd and bass player Frank Keith IV kick up some rocking dust. This track from their third CD Forever Worse Better has a Petty-like jangle that’s instantly likable. “I ain’t afraid of dying,” he sings, “I’m afraid of never being alive.” Rock on, bro’s.
THE DILLARDS & DON HENLEY / “Old Road New Again”
Writers: C.J. Watson/Rodney Dillard; Publisher: Mountain Row/Rodney Dillard, ASCAP; Producer: Bil VornDick; Label: Pinecastle
– The anthemic title tune of Rodney Dillard’s latest Dillards outing fuses sprightly bluegrass with country-rock as he and Henley trade lines amid a swirl of banjo, fiddle and bass notes. In addition to Henley, the CD’s guest stars include Ricky Skaggs, Sam Bush, Herb Pedersen, Bernie Leadon and Sharon & Cheryl White.
DIANNE DAVIDSON / “True Believer”
Writers: Dianne Davidson; Publisher: Perigon/Jamb Kitchen, BMI/ASCAP; Producer: Dianne Davidson & Larry Chaney; Label: HWCD (track) / www.diannedavidson.com
– Native Tennessean Davidson was a prodigy who recorded her breakthrough albums while still a teen (Baby in 1971, Backwoods Woman in 1972 and Mountain Mama in 1973). She became a vocalist in Linda Ronstadt’s band and also backed such names as Leon Russell, B.B. King, Jimmy Buffett and Tammy Wynette. She left the music business to become a businesswoman and mom. Perigon: Full Circle is her first new album in more than three decades. Although she covers Bob Dylan (”To Make You Feel My Love”) and Gretchen Peters (”Over Africa”), the collection is dominated by her originals. They prove that her songwriting gift is undimmed. One of many highlights is this soulful, spellbinding outing with flecks of jazz, pop and blues in her delivery. Haunting stuff, as is the whole thang.
THE WAR AND TREATY / “Five More Minutes”
Writers: Michael Trotter Jr.; Publisher: Downtown DLG/Downtown DMP, ASCAP/BMI; Producer: Michael Trotter Jr.; Label: Rounder (track)
– Michael and Tanya Trotter, who perform and record as The War and Treaty, are among Nashville’s finest new gifts to the world. The new CD is titled Hearts Town, and I urge you to buy it. Trust me, you need these two people in your life. This super melodic, old-school soul/pop rouser will lift you out of your chair. If the blasting, brassy horn blasts don’t grab you, the power of their awesome voices will. “Five More Minutes” also has a charming music video. The whole record inspires my deepest heart and soul. Check out the soaring, throbbing “Yearning” or the stately, exquisitely harmonized “Take Me In” for further evidence.
THOMM JUTZ / “The Flood of 2010”
Writers: Thomm Jutz/Jon Weissberger/Charley Stefl; Publisher: Asheville Forest/Thomm Songs/Asheville Music/Use Your Words/Maddy Dog, SESAC/BMI; Producer: Thomm Jutz; Label: Mountain Home (track)
– Jutz picked up a bluegrass Grammy nomination this year. His current project is a two-volume opus titled To Live in Two Worlds. The second volume leads off with this vivid story song about the Nashville flood. If you lived through it, you’ll recognize all the little details in the lyric. If you didn’t, he’ll sing you a newsreel. Jutz is an able if unspectacular vocalist, but his guitar work is stunning, as is the rest of the star-studded backing band. Just as impressive is his mastery of folk and old-time country songwriting.
RAY WYLIE HUBBARD / “Fast Left Hand”
Writers: Ray Wylie Hubbard; Publisher: Snake Farm, SESAC; Producer: Ray Wylie Hubbard; Label: Big Machine (track) / raywylie.com
– I read somewhere that this was one of Spotify’s most listened to songs of 2020. It is drawn from Hubbard’s current CD, titled Co Starring. In this case, the co-stars are The Cadillac Three. They conjure a slow-burn, sultry, minor-key audio atmosphere with enough doom and mood to fuel a voodoo ceremony. The record’s other guests include Pam Tillis, Ringo Starr, Ashley McBryde, Peter Rowan, Ronnie Dunn, Larkin Poe, Joe Walsh and Elizabeth Cook. Ray Wylie rules.
CIDNY BULLENS / “The Gender Line”
Writers: Cidny Bullens; Publisher: Red Dragonfly, BMI; Producer: Ray Kennedy & Cidny Bullens; Label: Blue Lobster (track)
– In this pop/rock ballad, Bullens sings in a sandpapery, folkish fashion about his unique journey while Rodney Crowell offers soft vocal support. “Are you a boy or are you a girl?” he asks as the song draws to a close. You see, this is from Walkin’ Through This World, which is his ninth album, but his first as a transgender man. I was a fan of rocker Cindy Bullens, and this collection sounds like the work of an equally talented fellow. Other guests on the CD include Beth Nielson Chapman, Bill Lloyd and Mary Gauthier. “The Gender Line” is also the title of a movie about this artist by Nashville filmmaker T.J. Parsell which won Best Documentary Short at the Edmonton International Film Festival.
SUZZY ROCHE & LUCY WAINWRIGHT ROCHE / “I Can Still Hear You”
Writers: Lucy Wainwright Roche; Publisher: none listed; Producer: Jordan Hamlin; Label: StorySound (track)
– Suzzy Roche and her recording-artist daughter traveled from New York to Music City to craft their album I Can Still Hear You. The sessions were aborted when the pandemic hit, but everyone persevered from their homes. The record’s title tune begins in an intimate, wistful soprano tone, then builds gentle layers of acoustic strumming and the unusual, lovely harmonies that this quirky, gifted family has always been so good with. The original Roches trio ended with the death of Suzzy’s sister Maggie in 2017, but one of her songs is on the collection, as is the traditional Irish tune “Factory Girl.” In every family configuration, I love these folks.
SUZI RAGSDALE / “Wildflowers”
Writers: Suzi Ragsdale/Sam Frank; Publisher: Ray Stevens Music, BMI; Producer: Sam Frank & Ray Stevens; Label: CabaRay (track)
– This singer-songwriter is the daughter of Ray Stevens, who co-produced her new EP Ghost Town. Its single and music video is this tuneful, shoulder-shaking, soul-groove outing that showcases her resonant, gospel-infused alto. Everything is impressive here, from her warm delivery to the r&b backing voices, gently insistent rhythm, rippling banjo, sighing electric guitars and brilliantly clear mixing.
WAYLON PAYNE / “All the Trouble”
Writers: Waylon Payne/Adam Wright/Lee Ann Womack; Publisher: none listed; Producer: Frank Liddell & Eric Masse; Label: Carnival (track)
– The full album title is Blue Eyes, the Harlot, the Queer, the Pusher & Me. It chronicles Payne’s harrowing journey through drug addiction and recovery, while touching on his status as a gay country-music man. It’s definitely an album to explore. Lee Ann Womack’s recording of this song earned a 2019 Grammy nomination as Best American Roots Song. Payne’s version is lighter and more intimate, with his earnest vocal and deft guitar work up in the mix. He’s not only a superb songwriter, he’s a potent, expressive singer, too.
RUTHIE FOSTER / “Ring of Fire”
Writers: J. Carter Cash; Publisher: none listed; Producer: Denby Auble; Label: Blue Corn Music (track)
– Foster has been a presence in folk, gospel and blues circles for 25 years. Her current collection is in a new mode: The Ruthie Foster Big Band. Recorded live, this ensemble has brought her a 2020 Grammy nomination. Believe me, you’ve never heard “Ring of Fire” in quite this way. The Johnny Cash classic becomes a Memphis soul ballad with horns and guitars adding slow, steamy textures beneath her languid, jazzy delivery. The album’s songwriting credit should have included the name of the song’s co-writer, Merle Kilgore.
MercyMe Honors Longtime Touring Crew Member With New Single
/by Lorie HollabaughMercyMe. Photo: Jeremy Cowart
MercyMe has debuted their powerful new single, “Say I Won’t,” following being named Billboard‘s Top Christian Artist of the 2010s. The song, which hails from MercyMe’s latest album due out next Spring, was inspired by the story of Gary Miracle, who worked with the band for many years on the road and lost both arms and legs in January of 2020 after falling into septic shock.
Miracle’s story is one of strength and profound faith, told in part by himself and through imagery in a new video for the track, which was directed by Brody Harper, Ryan Slaughter and produced by TwoSevenTwo. The clip captures vulnerable and victorious moments including watching Miracle put on his prosthetic arms for the first time, re-learning to write, and declaring that he will walk again.
Florida Georgia Line To Release Fifth Studio Album ‘Life Rolls On’ In February
/by Lorie HollabaughFlorida Georgia Line have set the release date for their fifth studio album, Life Rolls On (BMLG Records), slated for Feb. 12. Fans can preorder the project beginning today (Dec. 4).
The album features each song on their previously-released 6-Pack EP and some unheard tracks, 13 of which were written by the duo with top-shelf collaborators like David Garcia, Jaren Johnston (The Cadillac Three), Dallas Davidson, Ben Hayslip, and Tree Vibez Music songwriters Corey Crowder, Jordan Schmidt, Canaan Smith, and Blake Redferrin. It marks their first full-length set as co-producers with Corey Crowder, and its 16 diverse tracks reflect FGL’s growth as entertainers, husbands, and friends as well.
“I think this personally is just a big, celebratory chapter,” FGL’s Tyler Hubbard explains. “We’ve come a long way since 2012 when we dropped our first album, it’s wild to think about the journey we’ve been on – the things we’ve got to do, the places music has taken us. We’re celebrating life and the good times, the ups and the downs, and the journey it took us to get where we’re at.”
“It’s just evident within the music how good of a time we’re having,” FGL’s Brian Kelley adds, “and how good of a place in life we are for sure.”
Fans who pre-order the new album will instantly receive seven of the tracks (“Long Live,” “Countryside,” “I Love My Country,” “Ain’t Worried Bout It (Album Version),” “Beer:30,” “Second Guessing (From Songland),” and “U.S. Stronger”), and a fresh batch of FGL swag is also now available, including signed CDs, signed test pressings, t-shirts, joggers, and koozies.
Florida Georgia Line’s LIFE ROLLS ON Track Listing:
1. “Long Live” – Tyler Hubbard, Brian Kelley, Corey Crowder, David Garcia, Josh Miller
2. “Life Looks Good” – Tyler Hubbard, Brian Kelley, Corey Crowder, Jaren Johnston
3. “Countryside – Blake Redferrin, Jake Rose, Michael Whitworth
4. “Always Gonna Love You” – Tyler Hubbard, Brian Kelley, Ross Copperman, Corey Crowder, Michael Hardy
5. “I Love My Country” – Kane Brown, Corey Crowder, Chase McGill, Ernest Keith Smith, Ryan Vojtesak, Will Weatherly
6. “Hard To Get To Heaven” – Tyler Hubbard, Brian Kelley, Corey Crowder, Josh Thompson
7. “Long Time Comin’” – Tyler Hubbard, Brian Kelley, Jordan Schmidt, Canaan Smith
8. “Interlude” – Tyler Hubbard, Brian Kelley, Corey Crowder
9. “Ain’t Worried Bout It (Album Version)” – Tyler Hubbard, Brian Kelley, Corey Crowder, Dallas Davidson, Ben Hayslip
10. “Beer:30” – Tyler Hubbard, Brian Kelley, Corey Crowder, Canaan Smith, Ernest Keith Smith
11. “New Truck”* – Tyler Hubbard, Brian Kelley, Corey Crowder, Jeff Gitelman, Raysean Hairston, Blake Redferrin, Priscilla Renea
12. “Eyes Closed” – Tyler Hubbard, Brian Kelley, Ross Copperman, Corey Crowder, Michael Hardy
13. “Second Guessing (From Songland)”** – Tyler Hubbard, Brian Kelley, Corey Crowder, Ester Dean, Andrew DeRoberts, Shane McAnally, Griffen Palmer, Ben Simonetti, Ryan Tedder, Geoff Warburton
14. “Good To Me” – Tyler Hubbard, Brian Kelley, Corey Crowder, Canaan Smith
15. “U.S. Stronger” – Tyler Hubbard, Brian Kelley
16. “Life Rolls On” – Ben Burgess, Alysa Vanderheym, Emily Weisband
Cody Weaver Makes Some ‘Southern Noise’ On New EP
/by Lorie HollabaughCody Weaver
Cody Weaver is releasing his debut EP, Southern Noise, today.
“It’s the first compilation of songs that I’ve put together, which is really cool to see come to life,” says Weaver. “Listening to all of these songs in order takes you on a journey through all kinds of emotions. These songs stand out to me because they have a familiar traditional country sound but all of me and the band’s influences are clearly evident, such as rock, metal, blues and funk.”
The hard-hitting, arena-ready seco
Zach Williams’ “Chain Breaker” Is Most-Added On ‘MusicRow’ CountryBreakout Radio Chart
/by Jessica NicholsonZach Williams
Zach Williams‘ “Chain Breaker” is the most-added song this week on MusicRow‘s CountryBreakout Radio chart, with 11 station adds and 88 total spins this week. The song ranks at No. 104. The song was previously a multi-week No. 1 on Billboard‘s Hot Christian Songs chart and has been certified Platinum by the RIAA.
Thomas Rhett‘s “What’s Your Country Song” has the greatest spin increase, with 9 station adds and a spin gain of 365. The song earned a total of 1,296 spins this week and is at No. 12.
Click here to view the CountryBreakout Radio Chart.
Willie Jones’ 12-Track Debut ‘Right Now’ Drops Jan. 22
/by Lorie HollabaughWillie Jones has announced his debut, 12-track album Right Now, is set for release on Jan. 22 via The Penthouse/EMPIRE. Produced by MyGuyMars, Mark Batson and Justin Ebach, the songs are all written or co-written by Jones. A new track from the album, “American Dream,” an ode to patriotism that addresses racial equality, will be released on Monday, Jan. 18, Martin Luther King Day.
The project features previously released singles “Windows Down,” “Bachelorettes on Broadway” (11 million+ on Spotify), “Back Porch” (2 million+ on Spotify), and his latest, “Down For It” featuring T.I. — an updated rendition of the original, which has accumulated more than 7 million streams on Spotify. The new track was featured on Pandora’s Country Rap, Apple’s New Music Daily, Country Risers and others, and it was the cover of TIDAL’s Rap & Country playlist.
Jones has more than one million followers across his socials and recently debuted his own Apple Music show called “The Cross Roads Radio.”
‘Right Now’ tracklist:
1. Country Soul (Willie Jones / Nick Autry / Essancy / Michael Todd)
2. Back Porch (Jones / Autry / Michael Lotten / Lamar Edwards)
3. Bachelorettes on Broadway (Jones / Essancy / Dave Audé / Edwards / Jason Robinson)
4. Down For It (Jones / Essancy / Nicole Croteau / David Mohr / Clifford Harris / James Scheffer / David Siegel / Edwards)
5. American Dream (Jones / Jason Afable / Josh Logan / Alex Goodwin)
6. Right Now (Jones / Christian Valenzuela / Michael Ferrucci / Edwards / Dillon Rupp)
7. Trainwreck (Jones / Mark Batson / Justin Ebach)
8. Drank Too Much (Jones / Eric Arjes / Brad Clawson / Edwards)
9. Whole Lotta Love (Jones / Essancy / Juliet Piper / Edwards)
10. Actions (Willie Jones)
11. Down For It (JD Walker Version) featuring T.I.
(Jones / Essancy / Nicole Croteau / David Mohr / Clifford Harris / James Scheffer / David Siegel / Joshua Walker)
12. Down For It (Lamar “MyGuyMars” Edwards Remix) featuring T.I.
(Jones / Essancy / Nicole Croteau / David Mohr / Clifford Harris / James Scheffer / David Siegel / Edwards)
Luke Combs Ranks No. 1 On ‘MusicRow’ CountryBreakout Radio Chart
/by Alex ParryLuke Combs earns his fourth MusicRow Challenge Coin of 2020 with “Better Together.” His previous single, “Lovin’ On You” stayed at No. 1 for two weeks in August, and “Does To Me” (feat. Eric Church) graced No. 1 in March. He also received songwriter credit for “I Hope You’re Happy Now” by Carly Pearce and Lee Brice, which rose to No. 1 in January and remained for a second week in February.
“Better Together” was written by Combs, Dan Isbell, and Randy Montana. Montana ranks No. 2 on the MusicRow Top Songwriter Chart while Combs and Isbell rank No. 9 and No. 30 respectively.
In October, Combs made history with his current album release, as the only country artist in Apple Music history to reach No. 1 on Apple Music’s US Albums chart twice. Over the past 12 months, Combs has earned the most streams on Apple Music of any country artist, and his total stream count over the past 12 months is 62% higher than the next biggest country artist.
Click here or above to access the MusicRow Weekly.
Old Dominion Goes ‘Behind The Curtain’ On Some Of Their Songwriting Hits
/by Lorie HollabaughIn addition, the band takes fans behind the curtain of their songwriting and recording process in an accompanying short film, also available today via Apple Music.
“With songwriting we made the decision to write what we thought was cool and what we were enjoying instead of chasing something,” said Old Dominion front man Matthew Ramsey.
“Once you find a great song, it’ll find its home,” added Trevor Rosen, songwriter and instrumentalist for the group. “But first and foremost, you just gotta try to write a great song.”
The release follows on the heels of the band’s first two Grammy nominations for their song “Some People Do,” from their self-titled third studio album, which is up for “Best Country Song” and “Best Country Duo/Group Performance.” The band also won Vocal Group of the Year at the 2020 CMA Awards, marking their third win in this category since they debuted in 2014.
Morgan Wallen Set For ‘Saturday Night Live’ Debut Performance This Weekend
/by Jessica NicholsonMorgan Wallen. Photo: John Shearer
Saturday Night Live is giving Morgan Wallen another shot, after the singer was previously disinvited from appearing on the show’s Oct. 10 schedule, with SNL’s producers citing COVID-19 safety concerns.
Wallen, who recently earned the Country Music Association’s New Artist of the Year honor and earned his fourth No. 1 country single, will serve as the musical guest for SNL on Saturday, Dec. 5, hosted by Jason Bateman. The performance marks Wallen’s debut on SNL. Jack White replaced Wallen on SNL back in October, after videos appeared on TikTok, depicting Wallen socializing in Alabama without wearing a mask.
On Oct. 7, Wallen posted a video on Instagram, announcing he would not be taking part in the show. In his video, Wallen clarified that he has not tested positive for COVID-19, but stated that his “actions from this past weekend were pretty short-sighted, and have obviously affected my long-term goals and my dreams.”
Wallen also said in the video, “I respect the show’s decision because I know I put them in jeopardy, and I take ownership for this. I’d like to apologize to SNL, to my fans, to my team for bringing me these opportunities, and I let them down. And on a more personal note, I think I have some growing up to do.”
For his Saturday Night Live appearance this weekend, Wallen will perform two songs from his upcoming album Dangerous: The Double Album, which will release Jan. 8, 2021.
The project broke an Apple Music record earlier this week, becoming the most-added country album in the platform’s history. Wallen is also the first artist to debut two songs inside the Top 10 on Billboard‘s Hot Country Songs chart (“Still Goin Down” and “Somebody’s Problem”).
DISClaimer Singles Reviews: The War and Treaty, Waylon Payne, Ray Wylie Hubbard, And More
/by Robert K OermannThe War and Treaty. Photo: Courtesy of the Country Music Hall of Fame
It’s high time we paid heed to the outstanding music that continues to be made by the Americana community.
There’s an embarrassment of riches here—Dianne Davidson, Ruthie Foster, Waylon Payne, Ray Wylie Hubbard, Suzzy Roche & Lucy Wainwright Roche and more.
Towering above them all is The War and Treaty, who has the unchallenged Disc of the Day.
The DisCovery Award goes to Cidny Bullens. Here’s to new beginnings.
DULCIE TAYLOR / “Easy for You”
Writers: Dulcie Taylor/George Nauful; Publisher: Raven in the Window, ASCAP; Producer: George Nauful; Label: Mesa Bluemoon (track); dulcietaylor.com
– This critically acclaimed California troubadour has culled favorites from her seven prior CDs to create Reimagined. The collection remixes, re-records and re-imagines the tunes, starting with this sweet/sad, lilting country rocker. As always, her delivery shimmers like a multi-faceted gemstone.
GREAT PEACOCK / “High Wind”
Writers: none listed; Publisher: none listed; Producer: Andrew Nelson & Blount FLoyd; Label: Baldwin County (track) / greatpeacock.com
– This Nashville three-piece has been burning up the road for several years, gradually moving from folk to roots-rock. Frontman/guitarist Andrew Nelson hangs just slightly behind the beat in his smooth croon while guitarist/harmony vocalist Blount Floyd and bass player Frank Keith IV kick up some rocking dust. This track from their third CD Forever Worse Better has a Petty-like jangle that’s instantly likable. “I ain’t afraid of dying,” he sings, “I’m afraid of never being alive.” Rock on, bro’s.
THE DILLARDS & DON HENLEY / “Old Road New Again”
Writers: C.J. Watson/Rodney Dillard; Publisher: Mountain Row/Rodney Dillard, ASCAP; Producer: Bil VornDick; Label: Pinecastle
– The anthemic title tune of Rodney Dillard’s latest Dillards outing fuses sprightly bluegrass with country-rock as he and Henley trade lines amid a swirl of banjo, fiddle and bass notes. In addition to Henley, the CD’s guest stars include Ricky Skaggs, Sam Bush, Herb Pedersen, Bernie Leadon and Sharon & Cheryl White.
DIANNE DAVIDSON / “True Believer”
Writers: Dianne Davidson; Publisher: Perigon/Jamb Kitchen, BMI/ASCAP; Producer: Dianne Davidson & Larry Chaney; Label: HWCD (track) / www.diannedavidson.com
– Native Tennessean Davidson was a prodigy who recorded her breakthrough albums while still a teen (Baby in 1971, Backwoods Woman in 1972 and Mountain Mama in 1973). She became a vocalist in Linda Ronstadt’s band and also backed such names as Leon Russell, B.B. King, Jimmy Buffett and Tammy Wynette. She left the music business to become a businesswoman and mom. Perigon: Full Circle is her first new album in more than three decades. Although she covers Bob Dylan (”To Make You Feel My Love”) and Gretchen Peters (”Over Africa”), the collection is dominated by her originals. They prove that her songwriting gift is undimmed. One of many highlights is this soulful, spellbinding outing with flecks of jazz, pop and blues in her delivery. Haunting stuff, as is the whole thang.
THE WAR AND TREATY / “Five More Minutes”
Writers: Michael Trotter Jr.; Publisher: Downtown DLG/Downtown DMP, ASCAP/BMI; Producer: Michael Trotter Jr.; Label: Rounder (track)
– Michael and Tanya Trotter, who perform and record as The War and Treaty, are among Nashville’s finest new gifts to the world. The new CD is titled Hearts Town, and I urge you to buy it. Trust me, you need these two people in your life. This super melodic, old-school soul/pop rouser will lift you out of your chair. If the blasting, brassy horn blasts don’t grab you, the power of their awesome voices will. “Five More Minutes” also has a charming music video. The whole record inspires my deepest heart and soul. Check out the soaring, throbbing “Yearning” or the stately, exquisitely harmonized “Take Me In” for further evidence.
THOMM JUTZ / “The Flood of 2010”
Writers: Thomm Jutz/Jon Weissberger/Charley Stefl; Publisher: Asheville Forest/Thomm Songs/Asheville Music/Use Your Words/Maddy Dog, SESAC/BMI; Producer: Thomm Jutz; Label: Mountain Home (track)
– Jutz picked up a bluegrass Grammy nomination this year. His current project is a two-volume opus titled To Live in Two Worlds. The second volume leads off with this vivid story song about the Nashville flood. If you lived through it, you’ll recognize all the little details in the lyric. If you didn’t, he’ll sing you a newsreel. Jutz is an able if unspectacular vocalist, but his guitar work is stunning, as is the rest of the star-studded backing band. Just as impressive is his mastery of folk and old-time country songwriting.
RAY WYLIE HUBBARD / “Fast Left Hand”
Writers: Ray Wylie Hubbard; Publisher: Snake Farm, SESAC; Producer: Ray Wylie Hubbard; Label: Big Machine (track) / raywylie.com
– I read somewhere that this was one of Spotify’s most listened to songs of 2020. It is drawn from Hubbard’s current CD, titled Co Starring. In this case, the co-stars are The Cadillac Three. They conjure a slow-burn, sultry, minor-key audio atmosphere with enough doom and mood to fuel a voodoo ceremony. The record’s other guests include Pam Tillis, Ringo Starr, Ashley McBryde, Peter Rowan, Ronnie Dunn, Larkin Poe, Joe Walsh and Elizabeth Cook. Ray Wylie rules.
CIDNY BULLENS / “The Gender Line”
Writers: Cidny Bullens; Publisher: Red Dragonfly, BMI; Producer: Ray Kennedy & Cidny Bullens; Label: Blue Lobster (track)
– In this pop/rock ballad, Bullens sings in a sandpapery, folkish fashion about his unique journey while Rodney Crowell offers soft vocal support. “Are you a boy or are you a girl?” he asks as the song draws to a close. You see, this is from Walkin’ Through This World, which is his ninth album, but his first as a transgender man. I was a fan of rocker Cindy Bullens, and this collection sounds like the work of an equally talented fellow. Other guests on the CD include Beth Nielson Chapman, Bill Lloyd and Mary Gauthier. “The Gender Line” is also the title of a movie about this artist by Nashville filmmaker T.J. Parsell which won Best Documentary Short at the Edmonton International Film Festival.
SUZZY ROCHE & LUCY WAINWRIGHT ROCHE / “I Can Still Hear You”
Writers: Lucy Wainwright Roche; Publisher: none listed; Producer: Jordan Hamlin; Label: StorySound (track)
– Suzzy Roche and her recording-artist daughter traveled from New York to Music City to craft their album I Can Still Hear You. The sessions were aborted when the pandemic hit, but everyone persevered from their homes. The record’s title tune begins in an intimate, wistful soprano tone, then builds gentle layers of acoustic strumming and the unusual, lovely harmonies that this quirky, gifted family has always been so good with. The original Roches trio ended with the death of Suzzy’s sister Maggie in 2017, but one of her songs is on the collection, as is the traditional Irish tune “Factory Girl.” In every family configuration, I love these folks.
SUZI RAGSDALE / “Wildflowers”
Writers: Suzi Ragsdale/Sam Frank; Publisher: Ray Stevens Music, BMI; Producer: Sam Frank & Ray Stevens; Label: CabaRay (track)
– This singer-songwriter is the daughter of Ray Stevens, who co-produced her new EP Ghost Town. Its single and music video is this tuneful, shoulder-shaking, soul-groove outing that showcases her resonant, gospel-infused alto. Everything is impressive here, from her warm delivery to the r&b backing voices, gently insistent rhythm, rippling banjo, sighing electric guitars and brilliantly clear mixing.
WAYLON PAYNE / “All the Trouble”
Writers: Waylon Payne/Adam Wright/Lee Ann Womack; Publisher: none listed; Producer: Frank Liddell & Eric Masse; Label: Carnival (track)
– The full album title is Blue Eyes, the Harlot, the Queer, the Pusher & Me. It chronicles Payne’s harrowing journey through drug addiction and recovery, while touching on his status as a gay country-music man. It’s definitely an album to explore. Lee Ann Womack’s recording of this song earned a 2019 Grammy nomination as Best American Roots Song. Payne’s version is lighter and more intimate, with his earnest vocal and deft guitar work up in the mix. He’s not only a superb songwriter, he’s a potent, expressive singer, too.
RUTHIE FOSTER / “Ring of Fire”
Writers: J. Carter Cash; Publisher: none listed; Producer: Denby Auble; Label: Blue Corn Music (track)
– Foster has been a presence in folk, gospel and blues circles for 25 years. Her current collection is in a new mode: The Ruthie Foster Big Band. Recorded live, this ensemble has brought her a 2020 Grammy nomination. Believe me, you’ve never heard “Ring of Fire” in quite this way. The Johnny Cash classic becomes a Memphis soul ballad with horns and guitars adding slow, steamy textures beneath her languid, jazzy delivery. The album’s songwriting credit should have included the name of the song’s co-writer, Merle Kilgore.
NMPA Gold & Platinum Program Announces Top Country Songs And Songwriters For 2019-2020
/by Jessica NicholsonThe NMPA Gold & Platinum Program, which honors the songwriters of RIAA-certified Gold, Platinum and Multi-Platinum singles, has announced the top country songs and songwriters for the past year. In lieu of the annual Gold & Platinum Gala in Nashville, the honorees were notified and received their awards remotely.
Based on a calculation of streams and sales, the “Platinum Anthem” or most listened to song released in the past year, which went 12x multi-Platinum, was “Old Town Road,” performed by Lil Nas X (Sony/ATV) and Billy Ray Cyrus (Kobalt). The song was written by Lil Nas X, Billy Ray Cyrus, Jocelyn Donald (Kobalt), Trent Reznor (Kobalt), Atticus Ross (UMPG) and Kiowa ‘YoungKio’ Roukema (UMPG).
The ”Top Song” or most listened-to song released prior to the past year went to “Tennessee Whiskey,” performed by Chris Stapleton and written by Linda Hargrove (Sony/ATV) and Dean Dillon (UMPG). The song went 6x multi-Platinum with 7 million certified units.
Finally, the “Top Songwriter” award went to perennial hit-maker Ashley Gorley whose hits earned 10 multi-Platinum, 15 Platinum and 13 Gold certifications for songs including “Life Changes,” “Dirt on My Boots,” “T-Shirt,” “Marry Me,” “That’s My Kind of Night,” “Born to Love You,” “Games” and “Living.”