Heritage artists made up half of this listening session, and they provided many of its highlights.
Three Country Music Hall of Fame members are here — Bill Anderson, Garth Brooks and our Disc of the Day winner, Charlie Daniels. Also contributing to the tally are Joe Diffie and Gary Morris.
Gary and Garth are both crooning ballads with solo-guitar accompaniment. Add Toby Keith, Whispering Bill and Kacey Musgraves to the mix, and you’ll see that slow songs were the order of the day. Despite the peppy efforts of Kelsea Ballerini and Brad Paisley.
The DisCovery Award goes to Tim Williams. It turns out that when he’s not a TV spokesperson, he’s a marvelously traditional country singer.
KELSEA BALLERINI/Miss Me More
Writers: Brett McLaughlin/Kelsea Ballerini/David Hall Hodges; Producer: none listed; Publisher: Kobalt/Sony-ATV/Audiam, no performance rights listed; Black River
– This is a feisty pop-rocker with a groovy, empowerment lyric. The relentless rhythm drives home the message of female independence, and the little echoey-electro vocal “comments” are way cool. I’m in.
GARY MORRIS/Sense Of Pride
Writers: none listed; Producers: Gary Morris/Michael Bonagura; Publisher: none listed; Spirit (track)
– The title tune of Gary’s new CD is the tale of a WWII military veteran whose medal for valor lies in a seldom-opened drawer. The old soldier keeps his feelings locked inside himself. But a note he leaves behind speaks volumes. This is a solo-guitar ballad, but it’s just as potent as any full-bodied production.
BRAD PAISLEY/Bucked Off
Writers: none listed; Producer: none listed; Publishers: none listed; Arista;
– The grinding twang of the main guitar riff is worth the price of admission, alone. The rollicking spirit and personable vocal are first-rate. Toss in a few shout-outs to George Strait and his tunes, and you have a blue-ribbon winner.
JOE DIFFIE/Quit You
Writers: Danny Bell/Jeffrey East/Andy Autsier; Producer: Phil O’Donnell; Publishers: none listed; Silverado
– This ballad is backed by echoed hand claps, throbbing bass and rifled drumbeats. Diffie’s passionate delivery of the addictive-love lyric is electrifying. He’s still a mighty, country-music hoss.
TOBY KEITH/I’ll Still Call You Baby
Writers: none listed; Producer: none listed; Publishers: none listed; Show Dog
– In case you’ve forgotten, Toby is one of the finest country singers of modern times. This power ballad gives him plenty of expressive room. Sing on, brother.
TIM WILLIAMS/Magnolia City
Writers: none listed; Producer: none listed; Publishers: none listed; Wewax
– Tim is that handsome, silver-haired guy who’s the spokesman for Trivago on TV. His debut country CD kicks off with this solid, steel-soaked honky-tonker. He’s a teensy bit pitch-y in spots, but he definitely gets the job done. Play him.
BEAU WEEVILS/Bad Blood
Writers: Charlie Daniels/Chuck Jones; Producers: James Stroud/Casey Wood; Publishers: Miss Hazel/Songs of Universal/Music of Stage Three/Warner-Tamerlane/Mike Curb, BMI; Blue Hat (track)
– The band is a new foursome comprised of Charlie Daniels, drummer James Stroud, Allman slide guitarist Billy Crain and Charlie’s longtime bass player Charlie Hayward. This sidewinding, swampy blues rocker is just one standout on a CD that’s full of audio delights. A revelatory reinvention of a living legend. The collection is called Songs in the Key of E, and you need it in your life.
KACEY MUSGRAVES/Slow Burn
Writers: Daniel Tashian/Ian Fitchuk/Musgraves; Producers: Fitchuk/Tashian/Musgraves; Publishers: none listed; MCA (track)
– I still say that Golden Hour is a very pretty pop record. But now that it’s the 2018 CMA Album of the Year, celebrate the languid, ethereal beauty of its lead-off track. Kacey’s wafting vocal glows with Texas charm. I bought the turntable version, which is pressed on clear vinyl.
BILL ANDERSON & JAMEY JOHNSON/Everybody Wants To Be Twenty-One
Writers: Johnson/Anderson; Producers: Anderson/Thomm Jutz/Peter Cooper; Publishers: none listed; TWI (track)
– Anderson is this Country Music Hall of Famer’s 72nd album. At age 81, he can still cast a spell with his astonishing storytelling skills. Jamey trades verses and harmonizes with him on this contemplative ballad. It muses on the facts that youngsters wish to be older, and seniors wish to be younger. It’s easily the best written song of this listening session.
GARTH BROOKS/Stronger Than Me
Writers: Matt Rossi/Bobby Terry; Producer: none listed; Publisher: Bedroll Music/Tom and Terry Music; ASCAP; Pearl Records
– This tender ballad was a heart-tugger as a solo performance on the CMA telecast. Best lines: She lifts the weight of this whole world off my shoulder/With nothing but the touch of her hand. And the finale: I pray God takes me first/‘Cause you’re stronger than me.
Lauren Jenkins’ ‘No Saint’ Set To Debut In March
/by Lorie HollabaughLauren Jenkins will release her debut album, No Saint, on March 15 on Big Machine Records. The project includes her latest single, “Maker’s Mark & You,” which is available everywhere today.
“No Saint has been a long time in the making,” explains Jenkins. “Some of these songs are from my first chapter of coming to Nashville, and some are from the chapter I’m in right now. I’m so grateful I was able to have my hand in writing, producing and creating all the visuals in telling my story. Flaws and all, this record is part of who I am and who I’ve been.”
Jenkins co-penned “Maker’s Mark & You” with writers Jessie Jo Dillon and Aaron Eshuis, and also co-produced the track with Julian Raymond and executive producer Scott Borchetta. The song details the struggle to move on from bad habits, and a first look video for the song teases the full concept of a forthcoming short film, “Running Out Of Road,” that was created by and will star Jenkins.
1. “Give Up The Ghost” * (Lauren Jenkins, Emily Shackelton)
2. “You’ll Never Know” * (Lauren Jenkins, Ross Copperman, Heather Morgan)
3. “Maker’s Mark And You” * (Lauren Jenkins, Jessie Jo Dillon, Aaron Eshuis)
4. “Payday” * (Lauren Jenkins, Ingrid Andress, Joel Weldon Willis)
5. “No Saint” * (Lauren Jenkins, Ingrid Andress)
6. “Running Out Of Road” * (Lauren Jenkins, Ingrid Andress, Jessie Jo Dillon, Tina Parol)
7. “Cadillac” + (Lauren Jenkins, Trey Bruce)
8. “My Bar” ** (Lauren Jenkins, Matt Dragstrem, Liz Rose)
9. “All Good Things” ++ (Lauren Jenkins, Ross Copperman, Blair Daly, Shane McAnally)
10. “Blood” + (Lauren Jenkins, Trey Bruce)
Kenny Chesney Adds Songs For The Saints Tour Dates For 2019
/by Lorie HollabaughKenny Chesney has added some dates to his upcoming Songs For The Saints Tour, which kicks off in Louisville April 4 and will include a mix of arenas and stadiums. The first leg of the tour will hit Jacksonville, Florida; Oklahoma City; Albany, New York; Charleston and more through May 25.
“We have played the stadium in Louisville several times, but in really looking at this notion, I wanted to give them something more intimate,” Chesney explains. “This tour is going to really feel like a club show – and put the music front and center. It’s why we’re going to Oklahoma City, Albany, Lincoln and Jacksonville next year. Go to No Shoes Nation, and bring them the songs where they live. We know how to do stadiums, and we love the rush of those shows. But you never want to get to where you take it for granted, or you’re so used to it, it’s just what you do. There’s a real intimacy even in arenas that you don’t have in a stadium, and it’s something we’ve not had for a while. To me, it’s a whole other canvas for us – and I’m psyched about it.”
Weekly Chart Report (11/16/18)
/by Eric T. ParkerRiser House Entertainment Signs Jordan Rager
/by Jessica NicholsonPictured: John Cantu, Matt Swanson, Jennifer Johnson, Jordan Rager
Riser House Entertainment, a full-service record label, artist management and music publishing company, has signed Jordan Rager to a publishing and artist deal. Riser House’s roster of talent also includes artists Mitchell Tenpenny and Dillon Carmichael, as well as writers Michael Whitworth, Dallas Wilson, Claire Douglas, and Rob Crosby.
A Georgia native, 24-year-old Rager was discovered as a teenager by country artist Justin Moore after uploading videos of himself singing classic cover songs to YouTube. Soon after, he was opening an arena tour for Moore. Rager went on to sign with Broken Bow Records and record a song with Jason Aldean that climbed to the Top 40 of the Country Airplay chart. Rager recently released the singles “One Of The Good Ones” and “Georgia Boy.” In December, Rager will play a pair of end-of-year shows at Eddie’s Attic in Georgia.
“I have been following Jordan Rager‘s career for almost four years now and have enjoyed watching him develop not only as an artist, but as an exceptional young man. He is certainly ‘One of the Good Ones!’” said Jennifer Johnson, President, Riser House Entertainment. “We are thrilled to welcome such a highly-talented songwriter and performer to our roster and can’t wait to see what’s in store for him.”
“Riser House is young, hungry, and has something to prove. Just like me. I think that’s why I felt so at home with them. They allow me to create the music I’ve always dreamed of. We make a great team and I’m excited to see what the future holds for both of us,” said Rager.
Rager is currently preparing to go into the studio to record his 2019 release.
Pictured: John Cantu, Brandon Perdue, Samantha Cantu, Jason VanAuken, Matt Swanson, Jennifer Johnson, Megan Schultz, Lexi Sutherland, Jordan Rager
Services Set For CCM Star Kenny Marks
/by Robert K OermannA Celebration of Life service for singer-songwriter Kenny Marks is scheduled for Saturday (Nov. 17); the CCM star passed away on Oct. 31 of a heart attack at age 67.
He was a Christian rocker, somewhat in the blue-collar mode of his fellow Michigan native Bob Seger. Kenny Marks was billed as “contemporary Christian music’s leading American roots-rock artist.”
A pioneer of the CCM genre, his best-known songs include “Right Where You Are,” “Soul Reviver,” “Make It Right,” “Friends,” ‘Nobody Else But Jesus” and “The Party’s Over.”
He was notable as his genre’s overseas ambassador. Kenny Marks took CCM sounds to seven continents. He had followers in Norway, Germany, England, Holland, New Zealand, Denmark, West Africa, Australia, Belgium, East Asia and Ireland.
Kenny Marks was the son of Yugoslav immigrants. Raised in Detroit, he initially came to attention in the Billy Graham organization during the 1970s. He subsequently recorded for the Word/Myrrh/Dayspring label group in Nashville.
His debut LP, Follow Him, appeared in 1982. His breakthrough occurred via 1984’s Right Where You Are. It yielded seven top-10 CCM hits, including its chart-topping title tune. In 1985, his album Attitude contained three more top-10 successes, including the No. 1 smash “Soul Reviver.”
The title tune of his LP Make It Right was the No. 1 Christian radio hit of 1987. The video for the album’s “The Party’s Over” was nominated for a Dove Award by the Gospel Music Association.
“The Party’s Over” lyric was addressed to young people and urged sexual abstinence prior to marriage. Other teen-oriented Marks messages occurred in such songs as “Growing Up Too Fast,” “Next Time You See Johnny,” “Say a Prayer for Me Tonight,” “Graduation Day” and “White Dress.”
His biggest CCM rock hit was “Nobody Else But Jesus.” It appeared on his 1990 album Another Friday Night. That collection also contained the No. 1 hit “I’ll Be a Friend to You,” whose video was another Dove nominee.
In 1992, he issued Fire of Forgiveness. Its “Turn My World Around” became the first Christian-music video to be filmed in the Soviet Union. His Kim Hill duet on the collection, “Like a Father Should Be,” was marketed as a Father’s Day ode.
The Kenny Marks hits-compilation CD Absolutely Positively was issued in 1994. The title tune of 1995’s World Gone Mad was another youth-oriented composition. The album featured contributions from members of Survivor and John Cougar Mellencamp’s band.
Later in the 1990s, Kenny Marks was a host on cable TV’s Shop-At-Home channel.
Marks is survived by children Allegra Crowder, Sebastian Marks and Shelby Nundahl; by sisters Karen Mrakovich and Kathleen German and by several nieces and nephews.
His Celebration of Life service will begin at 1 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 17, at The Village Chapel. The chapel is located at 2021 21st Avenue South. All are welcome. To send condolences or to sign the guest book, go to crawfordservices.com.
The service will be streamed online. To view the live stream, visit livestream.com. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to the Gospel Music Trust Fund or to the American Heart Association.
Demolition Music Signs Worldwide Admin Deal With Angry Mob Music
/by Lorie HollabaughNashville-based Demolition Music has entered into a worldwide administration deal with Los Angeles publisher Angry Mob Music. Under the deal, Angry Mob will provide creative, administration and synch services for Demolition songwriters and its catalog.
“Demolition Music achieved one of its most important goals this year when it aligned its pool of passion and talented songwriting team with the ‘get it done’ DNA of a truly remarkable L.A. company like Angry Mob.” says Demolition President Jon D’Agostino. “It’s a bi-coastal relationship that is bridged with common threads of passion, hard work, and determination to build a winning brand of songs together. ”
“We are thrilled to begin working with the great team and songwriters of Demolition Music,” says Marc Caruso, CEO Angry Mob Music. “Our companies share an ethos to work hard, to be forward thinking, and to respect and value the American songwriter. Our teams truly complement each other and we look forward to achieving great success together.”
Concord Music Taps Rachel Reynolds To Lead New Creative Content Production Department
/by Eric T. ParkerRachel Reynolds
Concord Music has hired Rachel Reynolds to lead its new Creative Content Production department as Senior Director.
Reynolds spent the past 12 years at Los Angeles public radio outlet KCRW where she produced their flagship music show Morning Becomes Eclectic, created the popular podcast the Guest DJ Project, assisted with booking KCRW’s Summer Nights series and served as the Music Publicity Director. Additionally, she helped program and produce content from the station’s annual SXSW showcases and arranged pop-ups at the Sundance Film Festival.
In her Senior Director role, Reynolds will lead a team to serve the wide variety of content needs within the label group (Concord Records, Fantasy Recordings, Fearless Records, Loma Vista Recordings and Rounder Records). She will oversee the creation and execution of video content, podcasts, live events, and support other creative visions across the company.
Reynolds states, “I have long admired Concord Music from afar as a home to exceptional talent, a mind-blowing catalogue and a dedicated staff. Also, it is a thrill and an honor to work for someone like Tom Whalley, whose passionate and soulful approach is more akin to an artist than most executives.”
Concord Music Chief Label Officer Tom Whalley comments, “Rachel is a strategic thinker and an extremely talented producer. She and I share a vision of developing our artists’ careers in new and exciting ways. I have no doubt that her unique perspective and passion for telling stories through music will help guide the newly created Content Department to success.”
52nd Annual CMA Awards Wins Night But Ratings Drop 34 Percent From 2017
/by Jessica NicholsonThose numbers top the evening, but also mark a 34 percent drop in the 18-49 demo from 2017, and a 29.5 percent drop in total viewers from last year’s 14.29 million. It also represents more than a full point rating drop from last year’s 3.2 rating.
The awards show’s previous low came in 2016, when it brought in 12.5 million viewers and a 2.9 rating in the demo, though the show was airing opposite the World Series Game 7 that year.
Source: The Nielsen Company, posted on Zap2it.com.
CMA Awards Viewership (live and same day)
2017—14.29 million viewers
2016—12.5 million
2015—13.6 million
2014—16.1 million
2013—16.8 million
2012— 13.6 million
2011—16.3 million
2010—16.45 million
2009—17.2 million
2008 —15.9 million
First Company Management Adds Cochren & Co.’s Michael Cochren
/by Jessica NicholsonPictured (L-R): First Company artist managers Brandi Wagner and Derek Bruner; Cochren & Co.’s Michael Cochren; and First Company general manager Mike McCloskey.
Artist management firm First Company Management has signed Gotee Records artist Michael Cochren, of Cochren & Co.
Cochren will be repped by First Company managers Brandi Wagner and Derek Bruner.
Wes Campbell launched First Company Management in 1995; the firm’s roster includes Newsboys, Ryan Stevenson, 7eventh Time Down, Ashes Remain, Adam Agee and Austin French. The company also played a role in the development of the faith-based film franchise God’s Not Dead.
Cochren’s debut Gotee singles “Church (Take Me Back)” and “Grave” highlight a soulful, piano-pop sound. Cochren & Co. is featured on this fall’s “TobyMac & DiverseCity: The Theatre Tour”, which also includes fellow First Company client Stevenson.
“We are beyond excited to represent Cochren & Co.,” says Mike McCloskey, general manager, First Company Management. “From the beginning we knew they possessed something uniquely special, so it’s an honor to join the band on their journey forward.”
“Michael is a truly gifted lyricist and songwriter, and his experience in pastoral leadership adds a maturity to his message that is important in this cultural moment,” adds First Company Management’s Bruner. “It’s exciting to see so many new fans discover and embrace Cochren & Co.”
DISClaimer: Charlie Daniels, Beau Weevils Top New Tracks
/by Robert K OermannHeritage artists made up half of this listening session, and they provided many of its highlights.
Three Country Music Hall of Fame members are here — Bill Anderson, Garth Brooks and our Disc of the Day winner, Charlie Daniels. Also contributing to the tally are Joe Diffie and Gary Morris.
Gary and Garth are both crooning ballads with solo-guitar accompaniment. Add Toby Keith, Whispering Bill and Kacey Musgraves to the mix, and you’ll see that slow songs were the order of the day. Despite the peppy efforts of Kelsea Ballerini and Brad Paisley.
The DisCovery Award goes to Tim Williams. It turns out that when he’s not a TV spokesperson, he’s a marvelously traditional country singer.
KELSEA BALLERINI/Miss Me More
Writers: Brett McLaughlin/Kelsea Ballerini/David Hall Hodges; Producer: none listed; Publisher: Kobalt/Sony-ATV/Audiam, no performance rights listed; Black River
– This is a feisty pop-rocker with a groovy, empowerment lyric. The relentless rhythm drives home the message of female independence, and the little echoey-electro vocal “comments” are way cool. I’m in.
GARY MORRIS/Sense Of Pride
Writers: none listed; Producers: Gary Morris/Michael Bonagura; Publisher: none listed; Spirit (track)
– The title tune of Gary’s new CD is the tale of a WWII military veteran whose medal for valor lies in a seldom-opened drawer. The old soldier keeps his feelings locked inside himself. But a note he leaves behind speaks volumes. This is a solo-guitar ballad, but it’s just as potent as any full-bodied production.
BRAD PAISLEY/Bucked Off
Writers: none listed; Producer: none listed; Publishers: none listed; Arista;
– The grinding twang of the main guitar riff is worth the price of admission, alone. The rollicking spirit and personable vocal are first-rate. Toss in a few shout-outs to George Strait and his tunes, and you have a blue-ribbon winner.
JOE DIFFIE/Quit You
Writers: Danny Bell/Jeffrey East/Andy Autsier; Producer: Phil O’Donnell; Publishers: none listed; Silverado
– This ballad is backed by echoed hand claps, throbbing bass and rifled drumbeats. Diffie’s passionate delivery of the addictive-love lyric is electrifying. He’s still a mighty, country-music hoss.
TOBY KEITH/I’ll Still Call You Baby
Writers: none listed; Producer: none listed; Publishers: none listed; Show Dog
– In case you’ve forgotten, Toby is one of the finest country singers of modern times. This power ballad gives him plenty of expressive room. Sing on, brother.
TIM WILLIAMS/Magnolia City
Writers: none listed; Producer: none listed; Publishers: none listed; Wewax
– Tim is that handsome, silver-haired guy who’s the spokesman for Trivago on TV. His debut country CD kicks off with this solid, steel-soaked honky-tonker. He’s a teensy bit pitch-y in spots, but he definitely gets the job done. Play him.
BEAU WEEVILS/Bad Blood
Writers: Charlie Daniels/Chuck Jones; Producers: James Stroud/Casey Wood; Publishers: Miss Hazel/Songs of Universal/Music of Stage Three/Warner-Tamerlane/Mike Curb, BMI; Blue Hat (track)
– The band is a new foursome comprised of Charlie Daniels, drummer James Stroud, Allman slide guitarist Billy Crain and Charlie’s longtime bass player Charlie Hayward. This sidewinding, swampy blues rocker is just one standout on a CD that’s full of audio delights. A revelatory reinvention of a living legend. The collection is called Songs in the Key of E, and you need it in your life.
KACEY MUSGRAVES/Slow Burn
Writers: Daniel Tashian/Ian Fitchuk/Musgraves; Producers: Fitchuk/Tashian/Musgraves; Publishers: none listed; MCA (track)
– I still say that Golden Hour is a very pretty pop record. But now that it’s the 2018 CMA Album of the Year, celebrate the languid, ethereal beauty of its lead-off track. Kacey’s wafting vocal glows with Texas charm. I bought the turntable version, which is pressed on clear vinyl.
BILL ANDERSON & JAMEY JOHNSON/Everybody Wants To Be Twenty-One
Writers: Johnson/Anderson; Producers: Anderson/Thomm Jutz/Peter Cooper; Publishers: none listed; TWI (track)
– Anderson is this Country Music Hall of Famer’s 72nd album. At age 81, he can still cast a spell with his astonishing storytelling skills. Jamey trades verses and harmonizes with him on this contemplative ballad. It muses on the facts that youngsters wish to be older, and seniors wish to be younger. It’s easily the best written song of this listening session.
GARTH BROOKS/Stronger Than Me
Writers: Matt Rossi/Bobby Terry; Producer: none listed; Publisher: Bedroll Music/Tom and Terry Music; ASCAP; Pearl Records
– This tender ballad was a heart-tugger as a solo performance on the CMA telecast. Best lines: She lifts the weight of this whole world off my shoulder/With nothing but the touch of her hand. And the finale: I pray God takes me first/‘Cause you’re stronger than me.