Town Mountain
Today’s stroll through the field of bluegrass includes many of this year’s contenders for awards from the International Bluegrass Music Association (IBMA).
For instance, three of the IBMA’s contenders for Emerging Artist of the Year are here. I’m voting for Town Mountain. The band is probably too wild and wooly to win, but in any case, I am giving it a DisCovery Award from this column.
The Disc of the Day award is a tie between current bluegrass kings The Earls of Leicester and the upstart O’Connor Band. Despite the presence of hardcore grass tracks such as Bill Monroe’s “Jerusalem Ridge” and The Osborne Brothers favorite “Ruby, Are You Mad at Your Man,” not to mention the traditional “Fishers Hornpipe,” the O’Connors do stray onto other turf on their excellent new CD. Maybe that’s why I like it so much.
The IBMA Awards will be presented on Sept. 29 in Raleigh, North Carolina.
DOYLE LAWSON & QUICKSILVER/Burden Bearer
Writers: Tammy James Robinette; Producer: Doyle Lawson; Publisher: MJ and 8, BMI; Mountain Home
-These fellows are (again) nominated as Vocal Group of the Year by the IBMA. Deservedly so: You will not find a more thrilling quartet of harmony singers this side of paradise. This is the title tune of the group’s current CD of bluegrass-gospel tunes. It will make want to shout, “Hallelujah!” The set mixes traditional songs with newly composed barn burners like this one.
THE INFAMOUS STRINGDUSTERS & LEE ANN WOMACK/I Believe
Writers: Infamous Stringdusters/Josh Shilling; Producer: Chris Goldsmith; Publishers: Peace Kings/Infamous Stringdusters/Josh Shilling, ASCAP/BMI; Compass (track)
– The idea behind the band’s Ladies & Gentlemen CD is to pair the band’s playing with female singers ranging from Mary Chapin Carpenter and Claire Lynch to Joan Osborne and Joss Stone. Music City’s Womack is lilting and soulful on this spiritual meditation with a rippling banjo/Dobro backing track.
THE LONELY HEARTSTRING BAND/The Tide
Writers: G. Clements/P.M. Gonigle; Producers: DAvid Travers-Smith & The Lonely Heartstrings Band; Publishers: none listed; Rounder (track)
– This new single/video from the band’s debut CD Deep Water is a wistful, folkie, mid-tempo, softly endearing outing. Imagine Simon & Garfunkel backed by bluegrass instrumentation and you’ll have the general idea. Highly recommended. This Boston band is nominated as Emerging Artist of the Year at the IBMAs.
THE BOXCARS/When Th Bluegrass Is Covered With Snow
Writer: Tip Sharp; Producer: The Boxcars; Publisher: Fayette, BMI; Mountain Home
-This track is riding high at No. 4 on the current Bluegrass Unlimited chart. It trips along in speedy grassy fashion with perfectly placed instrumental flourishes that make up for the group’s somewhat bland singing. The song appears on the group’s CD Familiar With the Ground, which also contains “Hogan’s Goat,” which is nominated as an IBMA Instrumental Performance of the Year.
THE EARLS OF LEICESTER/The Train That Carried My Girl From Town
Writers: none listed; Producer: Jerry Douglas; Publisher: none listed; Rounder (track)
– It ought to be illegal to have this much talent in one band. The Earls are the sensations of the bluegrass world with IBMA nominations as Entertainer, Vocal Group, Instrumental Group, Male Vocalist, Banjo Player, Dobro Player and Bass Player of the Year. This splendid track kicks off the group’s new Rattle & Roar CD. This is bluegrass music as it was meant to be played and sung.
TOWN MOUNTAIN/Comin’ Back To You
Writers: R. Greer/M. Bumgarner; Producers: Dirk Powell/Town Mountain; Publishers: Meat on the Bone/Two Chairs, BMI; LoHi (track)
– This wonderfully rollicking track is characteristic of this ragged-but-right North Carolina outfit. It’s bluegrass with a strong swig of honky-tonk attitude and more than a little boogie-woogie rambunctiousness. The album is called Southern Crescent, and it earned this joyously hard-driving foursome an Emerging Artist of the Year nod at this year’s IBMA Awards. Your ears will thank you for playing this.
JOE MULLINS & THE RADIO RAMBLERS/All Dressed Up
Writers: Jerry Salley/Diane Wilkerson; Producer: Joe Mullins; Publishers: Den What/Christian Taylor, SESAC/BMI; Rebel (track)
– The Ramblers latest is a bluegrass-gospel collection called Sacred Memories. This heartfelt number from it about a working man’s death earned the band an IBMA nomination as Gospel Performance of the Year. Heart-tugging stuff.
THE PRICE SISTERS/What Does The Deep Sea Say
Writer: traditional; Producer: Bill VornDick; Publisher: public domain; Rebel (track)
-These gals are twin college students who play mandolin and fiddle. This track on their self-titled debut is played with aplomb, but I thought their vocal harmonies were a tad on the sharp side.
O’CONNOR BAND/Coming Home
Writers: Forrest O’Connor; Producers: Gregg Field/Mark O’Connor/Forrest O’Connor; Publisher: Tall Tree Worldwide, BMI; Rounder (track)
– Mark O’Connor originally signed with Rounder as a 12-year-old fiddle prodigy. His subsequent journey as a stellar Nashville session musician, new acoustic music experimenter and classical composer has led him back to bluegrass, with a strong seasoning of Americana. His return to Rounder is with a family band featuring his troubadour mandolinist son Forrest and the fiddling/singing of both wife Maggie and Forrest’s partner Kate Lee (who has backed Martina, Lady A, Vince, Jennifer Nettles, Rascal Flatts and other Nashville luminaries). The title tune of the band’s album is an anthemic, toe-tapping road tune about heading back to a loved one. The whole collection is just as delicious.
STEVE GULLEY & NEW PINNACLE/Aim High
Writers: Jon Weisberger/Mark Simos; Producer: Steve Gulley; Publishers: Use Your Words/Devachan, BMI; Rural Rhythm (track)
– The title tune of this band’s current CD boasts lightning-quick picking, sky-high tenor singing and a positive-think message. It hit No. 1 on the Bluegrass Today chart in June, but even before it did, New Pinnacle’s forward momentum was propelling the band toward an IBMA nomination as Emerging Artist of the Year.
DISClaimer: IBMA Contenders Showcase Sterling Tracks
/by Robert K OermannTown Mountain
Today’s stroll through the field of bluegrass includes many of this year’s contenders for awards from the International Bluegrass Music Association (IBMA).
For instance, three of the IBMA’s contenders for Emerging Artist of the Year are here. I’m voting for Town Mountain. The band is probably too wild and wooly to win, but in any case, I am giving it a DisCovery Award from this column.
The Disc of the Day award is a tie between current bluegrass kings The Earls of Leicester and the upstart O’Connor Band. Despite the presence of hardcore grass tracks such as Bill Monroe’s “Jerusalem Ridge” and The Osborne Brothers favorite “Ruby, Are You Mad at Your Man,” not to mention the traditional “Fishers Hornpipe,” the O’Connors do stray onto other turf on their excellent new CD. Maybe that’s why I like it so much.
The IBMA Awards will be presented on Sept. 29 in Raleigh, North Carolina.
DOYLE LAWSON & QUICKSILVER/Burden Bearer
Writers: Tammy James Robinette; Producer: Doyle Lawson; Publisher: MJ and 8, BMI; Mountain Home
-These fellows are (again) nominated as Vocal Group of the Year by the IBMA. Deservedly so: You will not find a more thrilling quartet of harmony singers this side of paradise. This is the title tune of the group’s current CD of bluegrass-gospel tunes. It will make want to shout, “Hallelujah!” The set mixes traditional songs with newly composed barn burners like this one.
THE INFAMOUS STRINGDUSTERS & LEE ANN WOMACK/I Believe
Writers: Infamous Stringdusters/Josh Shilling; Producer: Chris Goldsmith; Publishers: Peace Kings/Infamous Stringdusters/Josh Shilling, ASCAP/BMI; Compass (track)
– The idea behind the band’s Ladies & Gentlemen CD is to pair the band’s playing with female singers ranging from Mary Chapin Carpenter and Claire Lynch to Joan Osborne and Joss Stone. Music City’s Womack is lilting and soulful on this spiritual meditation with a rippling banjo/Dobro backing track.
THE LONELY HEARTSTRING BAND/The Tide
Writers: G. Clements/P.M. Gonigle; Producers: DAvid Travers-Smith & The Lonely Heartstrings Band; Publishers: none listed; Rounder (track)
– This new single/video from the band’s debut CD Deep Water is a wistful, folkie, mid-tempo, softly endearing outing. Imagine Simon & Garfunkel backed by bluegrass instrumentation and you’ll have the general idea. Highly recommended. This Boston band is nominated as Emerging Artist of the Year at the IBMAs.
THE BOXCARS/When Th Bluegrass Is Covered With Snow
Writer: Tip Sharp; Producer: The Boxcars; Publisher: Fayette, BMI; Mountain Home
-This track is riding high at No. 4 on the current Bluegrass Unlimited chart. It trips along in speedy grassy fashion with perfectly placed instrumental flourishes that make up for the group’s somewhat bland singing. The song appears on the group’s CD Familiar With the Ground, which also contains “Hogan’s Goat,” which is nominated as an IBMA Instrumental Performance of the Year.
THE EARLS OF LEICESTER/The Train That Carried My Girl From Town
Writers: none listed; Producer: Jerry Douglas; Publisher: none listed; Rounder (track)
– It ought to be illegal to have this much talent in one band. The Earls are the sensations of the bluegrass world with IBMA nominations as Entertainer, Vocal Group, Instrumental Group, Male Vocalist, Banjo Player, Dobro Player and Bass Player of the Year. This splendid track kicks off the group’s new Rattle & Roar CD. This is bluegrass music as it was meant to be played and sung.
TOWN MOUNTAIN/Comin’ Back To You
Writers: R. Greer/M. Bumgarner; Producers: Dirk Powell/Town Mountain; Publishers: Meat on the Bone/Two Chairs, BMI; LoHi (track)
– This wonderfully rollicking track is characteristic of this ragged-but-right North Carolina outfit. It’s bluegrass with a strong swig of honky-tonk attitude and more than a little boogie-woogie rambunctiousness. The album is called Southern Crescent, and it earned this joyously hard-driving foursome an Emerging Artist of the Year nod at this year’s IBMA Awards. Your ears will thank you for playing this.
JOE MULLINS & THE RADIO RAMBLERS/All Dressed Up
Writers: Jerry Salley/Diane Wilkerson; Producer: Joe Mullins; Publishers: Den What/Christian Taylor, SESAC/BMI; Rebel (track)
– The Ramblers latest is a bluegrass-gospel collection called Sacred Memories. This heartfelt number from it about a working man’s death earned the band an IBMA nomination as Gospel Performance of the Year. Heart-tugging stuff.
THE PRICE SISTERS/What Does The Deep Sea Say
Writer: traditional; Producer: Bill VornDick; Publisher: public domain; Rebel (track)
-These gals are twin college students who play mandolin and fiddle. This track on their self-titled debut is played with aplomb, but I thought their vocal harmonies were a tad on the sharp side.
O’CONNOR BAND/Coming Home
Writers: Forrest O’Connor; Producers: Gregg Field/Mark O’Connor/Forrest O’Connor; Publisher: Tall Tree Worldwide, BMI; Rounder (track)
– Mark O’Connor originally signed with Rounder as a 12-year-old fiddle prodigy. His subsequent journey as a stellar Nashville session musician, new acoustic music experimenter and classical composer has led him back to bluegrass, with a strong seasoning of Americana. His return to Rounder is with a family band featuring his troubadour mandolinist son Forrest and the fiddling/singing of both wife Maggie and Forrest’s partner Kate Lee (who has backed Martina, Lady A, Vince, Jennifer Nettles, Rascal Flatts and other Nashville luminaries). The title tune of the band’s album is an anthemic, toe-tapping road tune about heading back to a loved one. The whole collection is just as delicious.
STEVE GULLEY & NEW PINNACLE/Aim High
Writers: Jon Weisberger/Mark Simos; Producer: Steve Gulley; Publishers: Use Your Words/Devachan, BMI; Rural Rhythm (track)
– The title tune of this band’s current CD boasts lightning-quick picking, sky-high tenor singing and a positive-think message. It hit No. 1 on the Bluegrass Today chart in June, but even before it did, New Pinnacle’s forward momentum was propelling the band toward an IBMA nomination as Emerging Artist of the Year.
The Recording Academy Offers Insightful Conversation With Nick Jonas
/by Sherod RobertsonPictured (L-R): The Recording Academy® Nashville Chapter Trustee, Brett James and recording artist Nick Jonas. Courtesy of The Recording Academy®/photo by Frederick Breedon/WireImage.com ©2016
The Recording Academy® Nashville Chapter members were offered a rare and unique opportunity during The Art Of The Craft With Nick Jonas. The invitation-only soiree was held Sept. 6 at The Tracking Room in Nashville, one of the most historic studios on Music Row.
The event gave The Recording Academy® members and guests a chance to learn how Jonas took his initial interest in music and forged a successful musical career as a member of The Jonas Brothers and now, as a solo artist as well as a successful television, film and theatrical actor.
The behind-the-scenes interview conducted by Nashville hit songwriter Brett James created a conversational journey into 23-year-old Jonas’ career, engaging the audience with his unique path and numerous accomplishments at such a young age.
Born in Texas and growing up in New Jersey, his family was in ministry which allowed Jonas to sing in church as a child. On a visit to a hair salon with his mom, someone overheard him singing and that encounter eventually led him to his first audition at age 7 and ultimately landed him a role in Les Misérables. He continued performing in other Broadway shows for several years.
While opportunities may have come his way, the invited guests quickly learned he had a very hands-on approach in capitalizing on those opportunities.
At age 12, he received his first record deal with Columbia which brought him to Nashville to work on a solo album.
Describing the start of his songwriting career, Jonas shared a story about a writing session he had in Music City on his first trip to Nashville at age 11. “I remember an experience where I was on my way to a session out in Franklin and I got sick because I got so nervous about writing, opening up and being creative. They were extremely cool about it and said, ‘Songwriting is all about being vulnerable and opening up and it’s OK that you’re sick. Go home. Get better. And tomorrow, we’ll do it again.’ That kinda shaped my view of what writing meant to me and how to approach it.”
Pictured (L-R): The Recording Academy® Nashville Chapter Trustee, Brett James; recording artist Nick Jonas; The Recording Academy® Nashville Chapter Executive Director, Alicia Warwick, and The Recording Academy® Nashville Chapter President, Shannon Sanders. Courtesy of The Recording Academy®/photo by Frederick Breedon/WireImage.com ©2016
His success wasn’t overnight as he had plenty of setbacks. Jonas was candid when describing the early struggles and how after getting a deal with his brothers on Columbia, they were soon dropped from the label. Before going to Disney and signing a new deal on Hollywood Records which ultimately launched The Jonas Brothers into superstardom, Jonas admitted, “We had these 10 songs that we wrote here and at the time, and as a family, we were probably $200,000 in debt and living in a two-bedroom home with seven of us. We were trying to figure out what we were doing. Our confidence took a big hit after being dropped.”
That lack of confidence was short lived as Jonas and his brothers, Joe and Kevin, went on to sell millions of albums and tour around the world as The Jonas Brothers. Regarding a lifestyle full of touring, living on buses and being in the public eye, Jonas candidly shared, “I choose to look at my life as a whole because I’ve now been doing this for longer than I haven’t. I think it’s my normal. I can’t really say that I know something else.”
Summarizing what being an artist means to him, he confessed, “For me, creativity and writing was always the most important thing. Part of the reason the group started to fall apart as a whole towards the end was because it became inauthentic. Priorities were elsewhere which happened naturally because life evolves and so do interests.”
However, Jonas doesn’t equate having achieved so much success early in his life to the end of learning and exploring his creative interests saying, “I still see there is so far to go and grow.”
After the 30-minute interview with James, Jonas performed several songs for the guests including his Top 10 hit “Jealous” from his 2014 album Nick Jonas, and “Bacon,” his second single from the current critically-acclaimed album, Last Year Was Complicated.
Jonas’ contributions as a songwriter led to him receiving the 2016 Hal David Starlight Award in the Songwriters Hall of Fame.
He is winding up his Future Now Tour alongside Demi Lovato, which landed in Nashville on Sept. 7.
The Recording Academy® Nashville Chapter Art Of The Craft with Nick Jonas. Courtesy of The Recording Academy®/photo by Frederick Breedon/WireImage.com ©2016
AIMP Selects Six For Second Annual Songwriters Series
/by Craig_ShelburneSix rising songwriters have been chosen for the second annual Songwriters Series presented by the Nashville Chapter of the AIMP (Association of Independent Music Publishers). Presented by the Academy of Country Music, the event will take place on Tuesday (Sept. 20) at The Country from 5–7 p.m.
New-and-noteworthy independent songwriters will be featured in writers’ rounds hosted by hit songwriters Bob DiPiero and Craig Wiseman. The six songwriters chosen for this year’s class are Brinley Addington, Ash Bowers, Dustin Christensen, Erik Dylan, Jeffrey East and Josh Jenkins, who each represent different independent Nashville-based publishers.
“I am so looking forward to co-hosting the 2016 AIMP new writer showcase along with my buddy Craig Wiseman,” said DiPiero. “AIMP will be showcasing some great new talent for our Music Row community and beyond. I am honored to help support AIMP on this special night. Getting to hang out with Craig is gonna be fun on a stick!”
The Songwriter Series, created by a committee of industry professionals and headed by SMACKSongs’ Michael Baum and Wrensong’s Ree Guyer, is an event that was launched last year to showcase some of Nashville’s best standout songwriters and bring the Nashville independent publishing community together for a night of celebration. The Class of 2016 was chosen from more than 50 submissions and voted on by a committee of industry professionals.
The evening is made possible by the Academy of Country Music, Anderson Benson and Fifth Third Bank.
NashPop Songwriter Camp Spurs 73 New Songs, Writer Friendships
/by Jessica NicholsonUpper left: Jesse McCartney. Upper middle: Cassadee Pope, Shane Stevens. Upper right: Alex Kline, Nash Overstreet, Jackie Lee, Steven McMorran. Lower left: Ivy Walker (Walker County), Eric Daigle (Holy Graffiti), Maggie Rose, Courtney Allen (Starstruck), Sophie Walker (Walker County), Shane Stevens. Lower center: James Morales (from The Elev3n). Lower right: Lamont “Logic” Coleman
Starstruck Writer’s Group and Holy Graffiti hosted the NashPop Songwriter Camp recently in Nashville, where a group of songwriters from Nashville, New York and Los Angeles penned 73 crossover songs in eight days.
Writers taking part included Jesse McCartney, Shane Stevens, Jackie Lee, Ivy Walker, Steven McMorran, Sophie Walker, James Morales, Lamont “Logic” Coleman, and more.
BMLG Records artist Cassadee Pope stated, “It was so inspiring getting to gather with some great songwriters beforehand, knowing that in a few minutes we would be in a room pouring our hearts into a song.”
“I met so many incredible writers and new lifelong friends,” said Starstruck Writers Group writer/producer Alex Kline. “It was, hands down, the most creative week I can ever remember having. I can’t wait to be a part of the next writers’ camp they put together.”
Maggie Rose shared, “This week mirrored the positive direction in which Nashville is going. More talent, creativity and variety will continue to pour out of Music City if we keep collaborating with writers from all genres. It was like having the best of Nashville, L.A and New York in one spot and the energy was insane. I can’t wait for the next one.”
“It was definitely one of the most fun, productive camps I’ve been a part of” said artist and producer Nash Overstreet. “The idea of handpicking a collection of artists and then pairing them up in combinations that didn’t make sense on paper actually produced some really exciting music! I’m really happy with the songs that I wrote and produced from the camp, as well as what I heard from others. So much talent in one building. Can’t wait for more!”
NashPop Songwriter Camp was sponsored by Acme Feed & Seed, ASCAP, Shop Aviate, BMI, Christie Cookie Co, City Nashville Bank, Defining Nashville, Element Music Row, Jammber, Pinnacle Financial Partners, SESAC and The Kind Cake.
Country Music Hall Of Fame And Museum Adds To Board
/by Jessica NicholsonThe Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum tapped cultural arts activist Steve Turner, founder of Butler’s Run LLC, for a ninth term as chairman and re-elected Country Music Hall of Fame member Vince Gill to a 15th consecutive term as president during the museum’s quarterly board meeting held last week.
Newly elected trustee David M. Ross, owner of BossRoss Media Consulting, joins re-elected trustees David Conrad, J. William Denny and Mark Bloom for three-year terms. Remaining trustees include Rod Essig, Keel Hunt, Ken Levitan, Mary Ann McCready, Turner, Ernie Williams (treasurer) and Jody Williams.
Bill Simmons, partner at the Fitzgerald Hartley Co., Chris Stewart, former CEO of Gelber Group LLC and Marcus Whitney, president of Jumpstart Foundry, were named new officers.
The new officers join re-elected board members Al Giombetti (executive vice president); and vice presidents Earl Bentz, Mike Dungan, Randy Goodman, John Grady, Lon Helton, Mike Helton, Donna Nicely, Gary Overton, Blake Rowling, Jim Seabury, Clarence Spalding, Troy Tomlinson and Tim Wipperman.
CMA CEO Sarah Trahern serves as an ex-officio member. Chris Horsnell and Mike Milom of Milom Horsnell Crow Rose Kelley PLC continue as the not-for-profit educational organization’s legal counsel.
Mark Collie’s Live Album From Prison Will Be Reissued
/by Craig_ShelburneEagle Rock Entertainment will reissue Mark Collie & His Reckless Companions: Alive At Brushy Mountain State Penitentiary on Oct. 14. The project will be released on CD, vinyl and digital formats.
Collie will support the release with a signing and appearance on the Grand Ole Opry that day. The album was originally issued by an independent label in 2012, after more than a decade of being in the vault at MCA Nashville.
Collie recorded the album in 2001 at the Tennessee prison with guests Clarence “Gatemouth” Brown, Shawn Camp and Kelly Willis. The Brushy Mountain Prison Choir appears on the final track, “Gospel Train.” The prison closed in 2009.
Collie’s band on the project includes guitarist Dave Grissom, keyboardist Mike Utley, guitarist-mandolinst Tommy Burroughs, accordionist Hassle Tekkle, bassist Willie Weeks, and drummer Chad Cromwell. Camp playes guitar and fiddle on the album in addition to taking lead vocals on two tracks.
“God gave me the opportunity to get in there and share something that might make a difference,” Collie said. “I believed the songs could matter. I wanted to make something that people could find hope in, or redemption, or restoration, or forgiveness.”
Collie has penned songs for Garth Brooks, Tim McGraw, Aaron Tippin, George Jones, and Alabama. In the early 1990s, he enjoyed Top 10 country hits on MCA Nashville with “Even the Man in the Moon Is Cryin’” and “Born to Love You.” He appears as bar owner Frankie Gray on the series Nashville.
Alive At Brushy Mountain State Penitentiary Track List
1. “I Could’ve Gone Right”
2. “Maybe Mexico”
3. “Heaven Bound” (featuring Kelly Willis)
4. “Got A Feelin’ For Ya” (featuring Kelly Willis)
5. “On The Day I Die”
6. “Dead Man Runs Before He Walks” (featuring Shawn Camp)
7. “Rose Covered Garden”
8. “Why Me Lord” (featuring Kelly Willis)
9. “Do As I Say”
10. “Someday My Luck Will Change” (featuring Clarence “Gatemouth” Brown)
11. “Folsom Prison Blues”
12. “Reckless Companions”
13. “Gospel Train” (featuring Brushy Mountain Prison Choir)
Sylvia Prepares First New Album In 14 Years
/by Craig_ShelburneCountry artist Sylvia will release the album It’s All in the Family on Oct. 7, marking her first new music in 14 years. She co-produced the album with longtime collaborator John Mock.
“I hope this music inspires and encourages people of all ages to continue to create in whatever genre brings them joy,” stated Sylvia. “I have found that there is no age limit on creativity. Your best work is ahead of you! I’ve felt like a kid again making this record, and I can hardly wait to share it with the world!”
Sylvia charted 11 Top 10 country singles in the 1980s. Her No. 1 hits include “Drifter” and “Nobody.” She was named 1982 ACM Female Vocalist of the Year.
It’s All in the Family Track List
1. “Every Time A Train Goes By”
2. “Somebody’s Daughter”
3. “Leave the Past in the Past”
4. “A Right Turn”
5. “All in the Family”
6. “Grandpa Kirby Runnin’ the Hounds”
7. “Immigrant Shoes”
8. “Cumberland Rose”
9. “Hope’s Too Hard”
10. “I Didn’t Know What I Was Missing”
11. “Here Lately”
12. “Do Not Cry For Me”
CMA Honors Gord Bamford, Paul McGuire With International Achievement Awards
/by Jessica NicholsonGord Bamford. Photo: Grant W. Martin Photography
The Country Music Association presented entertainer Gord Bamford and radio show host Paul McGuire with CMA International Achievement Awards on Saturday (Sept. 10) during the Canadian Country Music Association Gala Dinner and Awards in London, Ontario.
A 22-time CCMA Award winner, Bamford received the Jeff Walker Global Artist Award, which recognizes outstanding achievements by a country artist originally signed outside of the United States in both furthering the popularity of country music and bringing attention to the country music format in their foreign-based territory.
“I am truly honored and humbled to receive the CMA Jeff Walker Global Artist Award,” said Bamford. “To be recognized by CMA for a second time is a highlight in my career and something I am very proud of. Jeff Walker was a dear friend and one of the first people to warmly welcome me to Nashville, so to win this award in the first year it has been named in Jeff’s honor is extremely emotional and extra special. This award will be proudly displayed in our Nashville home. A heartfelt thank you to CMA.”
Paul McGuire. Photo: Grant W. Martin Photography
McGuire was presented with the International Country Broadcaster Award, recognizing outstanding achievement by radio broadcasters outside the U.S. who have made important contributions to the development of Country Music in their country.
“I felt immediately welcomed and embraced by the country music community the first time I traveled to Nashville 10 years ago,” remarked McGuire. “To be recognized by CMA, the gatekeepers of the genre that I love and respect so much, is a true and humbling honor that I will carry with me forever. And the fact that a kid born in Edinburgh, Scotland and raised in Toronto, Canada can win a CMA Award is proof that country music knows no borders.”
“The CCMA Gala Awards event was a wonderful forum to present two prestigious CMA Awards to our very deserving Canadian recipients. These awards from CMA are a vital and symbolic tribute to the hard work and dedication applied by these individuals as they go above and beyond in the interest of propagating the country music format around the globe,” said Ted Ellis, Harbour Media Partners President, CMA Board member, and CCMA Chairman.
CMA Senior Vice President of Marketing and Strategic Partnerships Damon Whiteside (left) and Harbour Media Partners President, CMA Board member, and CCMA Chairman Ted Ellis. Photo: Grant W. Martin Photography
BBR Music Group Signs Walker McGuire To Wheelhouse Records
/by Jessica NicholsonPictured (back row, L-R): EVP of BBR Music Group Jon Loba; VP of Promotion Wheelhouse Records Teddi Bonadies; SVP of Promotion BBR Music Group Carson James; COR Entertainment’s Mickey Jack Cones. (Front row, L-R): Jordan Walker; CEO/ Founder BBR Music Group Benny Brown; Johnny McGuire
BBR Music Group has signed country duo Walker McGuire to its Wheelhouse Records imprint.
Walker McGuire includes BMI singer-songwriters Jordan Walker and Johnny McGuire. The duo met in 2012, when they performed at the same open mic night at Nashville venue The Commodore. The duo combined their vocal and songwriting talents. In the past year, they have performed more than 200 shows.
The duo is produced by Mickey Jack Cones, and managed by Cones’ COR Entertainment, and signed to Combustion/Atlas and Cor Music Publishing. The duo is booked by United Talent Agency.
“Walker McGuire’s songwriting skills, stage presence and unique vocal blend impressed me the first time I heard the duo live. Most importantly, Walker McGuire is relatable to country music fans and we’re proud to welcome Jordan and Johnny to Wheelhouse Records and the BBR Music Group family,” said BBR Music Group CEO/Founder Benny Brown.
“We’ve both been dreaming of doing this since we were kids and we are extremely grateful to Benny and the BBR Music Group team for believing in us and giving us this opportunity,” said Walker McGuire in a joint statement.
Walker McGuire. Photo: Chase Lauer
Artist Updates: Brantley Gilbert, Lorrie Morgan, Mo Pitney, Jared Wade
/by Jessica NicholsonBrantley Gilbert Gives Songwriters First Listen New Album
Front row (L-R): Dann Huff (producer), Mike Dekle, Brantley Gilbert, Ben Hayslip, Bobby Pinson, Cledus T. Judd. Back row (L-R): Brett James, Justin Weaver, Andrew DeRoberts, Derek George, Ashley Gorley, Brian Davis, Rhett Akins, Michael Dulaney, Blake Chaffin, Jeremy Bussey, Jayce Hein. Photo: Amy Allmand
Warner/Chappell Nashville, along with Warner/Chappell songwriter and The Valory Music Co. artist Brantley Gilbert, hosted a listening party for the songwriters who contributed to Gilbert’s upcoming studio album. The listening party was held at Southern Ground Studio, where the album was recorded.
Kneeling: Brantley Gilbert. Front row (L-R): Emily Falvey, Karen Harrison Hite, LuAnn Inman, Alicia Pruitt. Second row (L-R ): Matt Michiels, Justin Weaver, Bethany Mako, Ashley Gorley, Ben Hayslip, Cledus T Judd, Patricia Mainello. Back row, (L-R): Brett James, Derek George, Alison Junker, Brian Davis, BJ Hill, Rhett Akins, Michael Dulaney, Ben Vaughn, Neena Wright, Will Overton, Jessi Vaughn
Lorrie Morgan, Mo Pitney, Chris Tomlin Sign On For Music With A Mission
Lorrie Morgan, Mo Pitney
Lorrie Morgan, Mo Pitney, and CCM singer-songwriter Chris Tomlin will take part in this year’s Music with a Mission, slated for Oct. 2 at 7 p.m. at Schermerhorn Symphony Center in Nashville. Also on the bill are Jason Crabb and Ruby Amanfu.
Jim Gray will conduct the award-winning Nashville Symphony.
Proceeds from the event will benefit the Nashville Rescue Mission. The Mission serves over 2,000 meals a day, and provides over 800 men, women, and children experiencing homelessness with safe shelter each night. For more, visit nashvillesymphony.org.
Jared Wade Releases EP We’ve Got The Summer
Wade, an independent artist, recently signed with SESAC, and was scouted by SESAC’s Shannan Hatch. He performed on Luke Bryan’s Farm Tour, and has been featured on The Pursuit Channel’s Outdoor Edge.