Mickey Guyton
Today, we have a gathering of old friends and promising newcomers.
In the former category we have comeback discs from Mark Chesnutt, Confederate Railroad and Ashton Shepherd. As for the newbies, check out the tunes by Cody Jinks, the Drake Hayes Band and Truck Stop Gamblers.
Alas, there isn’t a whole lot to turn hand springs over. Mostly, this column is full of competent, if unexceptional, work.
The Disc of the Day goes to a sprightly effort by Mickey Guyton. The aforementioned Drake Hayes Band lands a DisCovery Award. This otherwise would have easily gone to Cody Jinks, but he already won it, way back in 2014. Why does does this gifted fellow make me wait so long between releases?
CODY JINKS/I’m Not The Devil
Writers: Cody Jinks; Producer: Joshua Thompson; Publisher: Lake August Publishing (BMI); Cody Jinks Music/Thirty Tigers
– Stately sounding and utterly magnificent. He is a flawed man, but asks for redemption while an echoey track shudders around him. This is the second time I have encountered this mysterious fellow in this column. He is a remarkable talent. Send more, please.
MARK CHESNUTT/I’ve Got A Quarter In My Pocket
Writers: John Ludowitz/Billy Yates; Producer: Jimmy Ritchey; Publishers: Universal/So Bizzy, BMI; Row Entertainment (track)
– He is still as country as grits. The lead track from his new CD is a barroom toe tapper loaded with whining steel and bounced fiddle bow. Go, man, go.
CONFEDERATE RAILROAD/Lucky To Be Alive
Writers: Danny Shirley/Blue Miller/Sonny LeMaire; Producers: The Blueman & Danny Shirley; Publishers: THSONELLNVRCLR/Blue on Blue/Valentine Sky, BMI; D&B Masterworks (track)
– The title tune of the first new Confederate Railroad CD in nine years is a cool story song about a guy who grew up rough and self-destructive. It’s an intense “outlaw” ballad with plenty of atmosphere. I have always liked this act, so its return is welcome, indeed.
ASHTON SHEPHERD/With Us Tellin’ The Truth
Writers: Ashton Shepherd; Producer: none listed; Publishers: none listed; AS (track)
– Ashton’s new album is titled Out of My Pocket. Its lead-off track is a blue-collar lament about farmers and minimum-wage folks struggling to keep their heads above water while the rich relax. Country music for the working class, like it oughta be.
AARON VANCE/Shifting Gears
Writers: A. Vance/R. Newman; Producers: Hal & Rachel Newman; Publisher: Windy Holler, ASCAP; Windy Holler (track)
– He is trying a little too hard, vocally. But beneath that is a genuine baritone resonance. The wordy, meandering ballad about an aimless wanderer lacks hooks and commercial potential.
CAMILLE RAE/Shadows Dance Tonight
Writers: Camille Rae/Shea Taylor; Producers: Camille Rae & Amber Smith; Publisher: none listed; CRM (track)
– Tuneless. Which is probably just as well, since her vocal ability is minimal.
DRAKE HAYES BAND/I Think I Love Her
Writer: Drake Hayes; Producers: Adam Odor & Drake Hayes Band; Publisher: none listed, ASCAP; DHB
– Chugging rhythms and a jaunty attitude are the hallmarks here. His youthful, innocent-sounding vocal fronts a band with loads of licks. Recommended.
JANA KRAMER/Circles
Writers: Brandon Hood/Alyssa Bonagura/Jeffrey Steele; Producer: Scott Hendricks; Publishers: Scribblin’ Dixie/This Is Gold/Jeffrey Steele, ASCAP/BMI; Elektra/Warner
-Sultry and sensuous. She’s dizzy in love, a sentiment underscored by a swirling production.
TRUCK STOP GAMBLERS/Side By Side
Writers: Logan Gray; Producer: Bart Rose; Publishers: none listed; TSG
– It’s a rolling “road” song with forward momentum, guitar grooving and a strong, drawling Texas lead vocal.
MICKEY GUYTON/Heartbreak Song
Writers: Mickey Guyton/Mark Trussell/April Geesbrecht; Producer: Mark Trussell; Publishers: Mickey’s Island/WB/Future Heartbeat/Ole Purple Cape, ASCAP/BMI; Capitol (CDX)
– Surprisingly feisty. Judging from the title, you might expect a weeper. Instead, it’s a saucy, sassy kiss-off. Her forceful vocal performance is abetted by a stuttering, chattering track that’s packed with energy. A winner.
DISClaimer: Mickey Guyton, Drake Hayes Band Bring Energy, Attitude
/by Robert K OermannMickey Guyton
Today, we have a gathering of old friends and promising newcomers.
In the former category we have comeback discs from Mark Chesnutt, Confederate Railroad and Ashton Shepherd. As for the newbies, check out the tunes by Cody Jinks, the Drake Hayes Band and Truck Stop Gamblers.
Alas, there isn’t a whole lot to turn hand springs over. Mostly, this column is full of competent, if unexceptional, work.
The Disc of the Day goes to a sprightly effort by Mickey Guyton. The aforementioned Drake Hayes Band lands a DisCovery Award. This otherwise would have easily gone to Cody Jinks, but he already won it, way back in 2014. Why does does this gifted fellow make me wait so long between releases?
CODY JINKS/I’m Not The Devil
Writers: Cody Jinks; Producer: Joshua Thompson; Publisher: Lake August Publishing (BMI); Cody Jinks Music/Thirty Tigers
– Stately sounding and utterly magnificent. He is a flawed man, but asks for redemption while an echoey track shudders around him. This is the second time I have encountered this mysterious fellow in this column. He is a remarkable talent. Send more, please.
MARK CHESNUTT/I’ve Got A Quarter In My Pocket
Writers: John Ludowitz/Billy Yates; Producer: Jimmy Ritchey; Publishers: Universal/So Bizzy, BMI; Row Entertainment (track)
– He is still as country as grits. The lead track from his new CD is a barroom toe tapper loaded with whining steel and bounced fiddle bow. Go, man, go.
CONFEDERATE RAILROAD/Lucky To Be Alive
Writers: Danny Shirley/Blue Miller/Sonny LeMaire; Producers: The Blueman & Danny Shirley; Publishers: THSONELLNVRCLR/Blue on Blue/Valentine Sky, BMI; D&B Masterworks (track)
– The title tune of the first new Confederate Railroad CD in nine years is a cool story song about a guy who grew up rough and self-destructive. It’s an intense “outlaw” ballad with plenty of atmosphere. I have always liked this act, so its return is welcome, indeed.
ASHTON SHEPHERD/With Us Tellin’ The Truth
Writers: Ashton Shepherd; Producer: none listed; Publishers: none listed; AS (track)
– Ashton’s new album is titled Out of My Pocket. Its lead-off track is a blue-collar lament about farmers and minimum-wage folks struggling to keep their heads above water while the rich relax. Country music for the working class, like it oughta be.
AARON VANCE/Shifting Gears
Writers: A. Vance/R. Newman; Producers: Hal & Rachel Newman; Publisher: Windy Holler, ASCAP; Windy Holler (track)
– He is trying a little too hard, vocally. But beneath that is a genuine baritone resonance. The wordy, meandering ballad about an aimless wanderer lacks hooks and commercial potential.
CAMILLE RAE/Shadows Dance Tonight
Writers: Camille Rae/Shea Taylor; Producers: Camille Rae & Amber Smith; Publisher: none listed; CRM (track)
– Tuneless. Which is probably just as well, since her vocal ability is minimal.
DRAKE HAYES BAND/I Think I Love Her
Writer: Drake Hayes; Producers: Adam Odor & Drake Hayes Band; Publisher: none listed, ASCAP; DHB
– Chugging rhythms and a jaunty attitude are the hallmarks here. His youthful, innocent-sounding vocal fronts a band with loads of licks. Recommended.
JANA KRAMER/Circles
Writers: Brandon Hood/Alyssa Bonagura/Jeffrey Steele; Producer: Scott Hendricks; Publishers: Scribblin’ Dixie/This Is Gold/Jeffrey Steele, ASCAP/BMI; Elektra/Warner
-Sultry and sensuous. She’s dizzy in love, a sentiment underscored by a swirling production.
TRUCK STOP GAMBLERS/Side By Side
Writers: Logan Gray; Producer: Bart Rose; Publishers: none listed; TSG
– It’s a rolling “road” song with forward momentum, guitar grooving and a strong, drawling Texas lead vocal.
MICKEY GUYTON/Heartbreak Song
Writers: Mickey Guyton/Mark Trussell/April Geesbrecht; Producer: Mark Trussell; Publishers: Mickey’s Island/WB/Future Heartbeat/Ole Purple Cape, ASCAP/BMI; Capitol (CDX)
– Surprisingly feisty. Judging from the title, you might expect a weeper. Instead, it’s a saucy, sassy kiss-off. Her forceful vocal performance is abetted by a stuttering, chattering track that’s packed with energy. A winner.
Garth Brooks Will Launch SiriusXM Channel In September
/by Craig_ShelburneGarth Brooks
Garth Brooks will launch his own SiriusXM channel on Sept. 8. This is the first time his music will be presented 24/7 in one place, on radio or online.
The Garth Channel, the new exclusive channel, will be curated and presented by Brooks. The channel will feature music from Brooks spanning four decades, along with songs from the artists that influenced his iconic career.
SiriusXM’s The Garth Channel will also include regularly hosted shows and behind-the-scenes commentary from Brooks, guest DJ specials hosted by Brooks’ fans and friends, live concert recordings and other rarities from Brooks’ treasured archives.
“It’s rare to be handed an opportunity that can grow as big as you can dream. That is exactly what SiriusXM has just done,” said Garth Brooks. “I speak for myself and the entire team when I say we are very grateful for this opportunity and very excited about its potential.”
“In music, there are few groundbreaking artists, but there’s only one Garth Brooks. We are thrilled to have him running his own full time channel at SiriusXM,” said Scott Greenstein, President and Chief Content Officer, SiriusXM. “And we are so excited that our subscribers will now get Garth in their cars 24/7 and have a place to get Garth on their phones and online—something that has not been available in the past. Garth’s addition to SiriusXM makes our country music offering second to none.”
The Garth Channel will debut on Sept. 8 on satellite and will also be available online and through the SiriusXM app.
Next Skyville Live Will Feature ‘Nashville’ Cast Members
/by Jessica NicholsonCharles Esten, Chris Carmack, Clare Bowen, Lennon & Maisy Stella, Mark Collie, JD Souther, Colin Linden and Pam Tillis are all slated for the concert. All of the musicians have appeared as characters on Nashville, with Tillis playing herself on the show.
“I’ve lived in Nashville for many years now. I came here as a struggling songwriter and quickly learned to love this city and all that it has to offer,” says producer Wally Wilson. “It’s the richest place in the world for collaborative creation. The city is electric and we know that the sparks will be flying on July 13th!”
The installment will stream live exclusively via AOL.com and go90, a free mobile video platform available across all wireless carriers.
Dolly Parton, Sony Music Nashville Team For ‘Pure & Simple’ Album
/by Jessica NicholsonPictured (L-R): Doug Morris, CEO, Sony Music Entertainment; Dolly Parton; Danny Nozell, CEO, CTK Management.
Dolly Parton and Sony Music Nashville announced a joint venture for Parton’s new studio album, Pure & Simple. The album will release Aug. 19 on Dolly Records/RCA Nashville, and can be pre-ordered starting Friday (July 8).
“I may not be pure, but I’m as simple as they come! This new Pure & Simple project is really special to me because I’m taking my fans back to my roots. I feel like these songs have a pure, tender side and we didn’t go overboard with arrangements. I’m so glad we’ve teamed up with our friends at Sony to get this album out to the fans,” said Parton.
Doug Morris, CEO, Sony Music Entertainment, said, “Dolly Parton is a national treasure and an iconic singer/songwriter. We are thrilled to be expanding our successful relationship with her through this new global agreement. We are very proud to call her a member of the Sony Music family.”
“This is a special reunion for Dolly, RCA Nashville and for me personally,” commented Randy Goodman, Chairman and CEO, Sony Music Nashville. “Our entire Sony Music Nashville team is elated. We have a firm foundation of Dolly’s incredible catalog of hits on RCA Nashville as well as Columbia Nashville.”
Track Listing for Pure and Simple:
Sony/ATV Music Publishing Renews Deal With Jaren Johnston
/by Craig_ShelburnePictured (L-R): Josh Van Valkenburg, Sony/ATV Nashville; Evyn Mustoe, ASCAP; Jaren Johnston; Tom Luteran, Abbey Adams, Hannah Williams, Troy Tomlinson, and Terry Wakefield, all of Sony/ATV Nashville.
Sony/ATV Music Publishing has renewed its publishing agreement with songwriter Jaren Johnston, who is also lead singer of The Cadillac Three.
Johnston’s catalog includes “Beachin’,” “Days of Gold” and “American Country Love Song” recorded by Jake Owen; “Meanwhile Back At Mama’s” and “Southern Girl” recorded by Tim McGraw; “You Gonna Fly” and “Raise ‘Em Up” recorded by Keith Urban with the latter featuring Eric Church; “Don’t It” recorded by Billy Currington; and “Sunshine and Whiskey” recorded by Frankie Ballard.
Sony/ATV Music Publishing Nashville President/CEO Troy Tomlinson stated, “Our team is thrilled to extend our long relationship with Jaren. We always consider it a privilege to represent a hit songwriter, but it is extra special when that writer truly is a part of the family. Jaren exemplifies that with his hard work, his personality, his attitude and his spirit of gratitude.”
Imagem Music US Signs Nashville Songwriter Carey Ott
/by Jessica NicholsonCarey Ott
Imagem Music US has signed Nashville-based singer/songwriter Carey Ott. The signing marks the first Nashville agreement for the company.
Ott’s music has appeared in shows, films and commercials, including Grey’s Anatomy, Private Practice, Kyle XY, and campaigns for JCPenney, Coors Light and more. He also contributed a song to The Greencards‘ Grammy-nominated album Sweetheart of the Sun.
Ott’s self-published song “The Hard Way” has been recorded by Gary Allan. Ott has had cuts by Jack Tempchin, The Silver Seas, and Dualtone artist Rebecca Roubion.
Carey produces and engineers his own master recordings through his personal studio, Velvet Shoreline. Following three years with Dualtone/Cal IV (2005-2008), Ott is building his self-published catalog Long Story Short. He has worked with producers and artists such as Tempchin (The Eagles’ “Peaceful Easy Feeling” and “Already Gone”), Dylan Altman (Tim McGraw, Jason Aldean, Jake Owen), Iain Archer (Snow Patrol, Jake Bugg), Lincoln Parish (Cage The Elephant), Steve Albini (Pixies, Nirvana, Bush), Brian Deck (Iron & Wine, Counting Crows, Modest Mouse), Ray Kennedy (Lucinda Williams, Steve Earle, Ray Davies) and Chris Gelbuda (Meghan Trainor, Sabrina Carpenter, Billy Currington).
Kimberly Schlapman Extends Her Home Collection At Cracker Barrel
/by Craig_ShelburneLittle Big Town‘s Kimberly Schlapman will introduce her Oh Gussie! Summer collection on Thursday (July 7) at Cracker Barrel Old Country Stores across the country and online. The summer line follows the success of her fall/holiday line which debuted in October.
The Oh Gussie! Summer launch features 57 new kitchenware and home goods pieces with Schlapman’s signature feminine Southern style, and also some special new Paw Paw Pottery pieces that are replications of her father’s work behind the potters wheel. Staple pieces and fan favorites like the delicate dinner plates, vintage-inspired glassware, and gorgeous wood cutting boards will return this summer.
“I’m so excited to share my summer collection from Cracker Barrel with you,” Schlapman said. “It’s full of new cozy goodies for your kitchen and home that have me giddy with excitement. Some of my favorite new items include pink Lodge cast iron cookware, adorable mother-daughter rain boots, a lamp that’s reminiscent of one my favorite vintage lamps, and a wooden side table that is both convenient and beautiful. I believe you’ll love this collection as much as I do, and I hope it will add special warmth to your home.”
Schlapman will be visiting the Cracker Barrel in Fishers, Indiana (9700 N by Northeast Blvd) on Saturday, July 9, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., to sign pieces from the new line, meet, and visit with fans. Little Big Town is performing in Indianapolis that night on Luke Bryan‘s Kill the Lights Tour.
TSA Precheck Enrollment For Music Industry Set For August
/by Jessica NicholsonThe event is intended for music industry/entertainment clients, and allows industry members and family members to register for U.S. Citizens Global Entry and TSA Precheck without traveling to the airport for the interview process or waiting in lines at participating airports. TSA sends dedicated agents just for the event.
Global Entry is a U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) program that allows expedited clearance for pre-approved, low-risk travelers upon arrival in the United States. There is no minimum number of trips necessary to qualify for the program, and participants may enter the United States by using automated kiosks located at select airports.
TSA Precheck allows low-risk travelers to experience faster, more efficient screening at participating U.S. airport checkpoints for domestic and international travel.
For more information on registering, visit appointmentgroup.com.
Songwriter Larry McCoy Signs with HoriPro Entertainment Group
/by Craig_ShelburnePictured (L-R) SESAC’s Shannan Hatch, HoriPro’s Courtney Crist and Lee Krabel, McCoy, HoriPro’s Butch Baker and Tim Stehli, SESAC’s Dennis Lord. Photo: Bev Moser/Moments By Moser
Larry McCoy, a co-writer of Thomas Rhett’s “Make Me Wanna,” has signed with HoriPro Entertainment Group for representation. McCoy is also affiliated with SESAC. He celebrated the signing with a visit to the PRO’s new offices, joined by the HoriPro team.
McCoy is an accomplished singer, songwriter and musician and has played guitar and provided background vocals for Brian White, Joe Diffie, Ray Stevens and Eddie Money. McCoy co-wrote “Make Me Wanna” with Bart Butler and Thomas Rhett.
Chely Wright To Release New Album, ‘I Am The Rain’
/by Jessica NicholsonChely Wright. Photo: Matthew Rodgers
Chely Wright is set to release her first album in five years, and eighth studio album overall, I Am The Rain, on MRI/Sony. The project will release to stores and online retailers on Sept. 9.
The Kickstarter-funded project includes her newest single “What About Your Heart,” and was recorded at Los Angeles’ Sunset Sound studio with producer/artist Joe Henry.
Emmylou Harris provides backing vocals on “Pain,” while Henry and longtime friend Rodney Crowell were co-writers on “At the Heart of Me.” Wright also offers a rendition of Bob Dylan’s classic “Tomorrow Is a Long Time,” featuring backing vocals from indie-folk duo The Milk Carton Kids.
In 1995, Wright was named the ACM’s Top New Female Vocalist, and followed with several hit singles, including “Shut Up and Drive,” “Single White Female,” “Jezebel,” and more. In 2010, she release her memoir Like Me, and became an advocate for the LGBT community.
The following year saw the release of the documentary Wish Me Away, which detailed Wright’s private struggle with her very public decision to come out as gay, as well as the aftermath of that decision. The feature-length film earned unanimous applause, was nominated for a GLAAD Media Award in Outstanding Documentary, and a dozen top festival awards including the Grand Jury Prize as Best Documentary at the 2011 Los Angeles Film Festival. In addition, Wish Me Away‘s 2012 Showtime broadcast received a News and Documentary Emmy Award nomination in the category of Outstanding Informational Programming – Long Form.
I Am The Rain Track Listing: