Keb’ Mo’ & Taj Mahal. Photo: David McClister
Country music gets folkie this week in DISClaimer.
Crowe Boys, Rhiannon Giddens & Justin Robinson, Dylan Gossett and Hailey Whitters lead an acoustic-music parade that also includes our Disc of the Day winners Keb’ Mo’ & Taj Mahal (with an assist from Ruby Amanfu).
For those of you wishing for mainstream country sounds, look no further than the new releases by Midland, Dierks Bentley and Sacha.
Kaitlin Butts stages her debut in the column via her duet with Tyler Braden. She shares a DISCovery Award with fellow newcomer Alexandra Kay.
HAILEY WHITTERS & CHARLES WESLEY GODWIN / “I Don’t Want You”
Writers: Gordie Sampson/Hailey Whitters/Jon Nite; Producer: Jake Gear; Label: Pigasus Records/Big Loud Records
– They are both fine country singers, but neither one sings harmony. As usual, she is a heart-piercing stylist, and this is her show all the way. The dobro-dominated track is simply lovely. Whitters will celebrate the release of her new Corn Queen album at Grimey’s on June 6.
DIERKS BENTLEY / “Standing in the Sun”
Writer: Kyle Sturrock; Producers: Jon Randall, Mary Hilliard Harrington, Ross Copperman; Label: Capitol Records Nashville
– Stirring, radiant and deeply involving. The well-written song draws on vivid weather imagery to portray love and devotion, and Bentley sings it with a full heart.
TAMI NELSON, ASHLEY McBRYDE & SHELLY FAIRCHILD / “Borrow My Boots”
Writers: Ashley McBryde/Shelly Fairchild/Tami Neilson; Producer: Steven Schram; Label: Outside Music
– This rousing, female-empowerment number is a trio-harmony blast. Guitar prodigy Grace Bowers contributes a blistering solo that amps up the already ample energy.
CLAY WALKER / “Cowboys in Heaven”
Writers: Clay Walker/Jaron Boyer/John Stephens/Matt Gorman; Producers: Jaron Boyer, Tony Brown; Label: Maven Records
– A simple sentiment, simply performed.
TYLER BRADEN & KAITLIN BUTTS / “Might Be Dangerous”
Writers: Heath Warren/Kyle Sturrock/Micah Carpenter/Zach Kale; Producer: Sam Martinez; Label: Warner Music Nashville
– There aren’t many singers who can stand toe to toe with the superb Braden. Butts is up to the challenge, with open-throated harmonizing and expressive solo turns. This duet performance is loaded with fire and passion. By all means, play this.
KEB’ MO’ & TAJ MAHAL & RUBY AMANFU / “Room on the Porch”
Writers: Ahmen Mahal/Henry St Claire Fredericks, Jr./Kevin R. Moore/Ruby Amanfu; Producers: Keb’ Mo’, Taj Mahal; Label: Concord Records
– This is the title tune of the second TajMo collaborative album. The gifted Nashville diva Ruby Amanfu is their guest vocalist on the rolling, swaying, relaxing, welcoming, sweet-sounding, acoustic outing that celebrates friendship and community. This is absolutely essential listening. The Grammy winning blues masters are booked to appear on the Opry tomorrow (May 23), which is also their album-release day. I bet they’ll bring the house down.
GRAHAM BARHAM / “WTH Just Happened?”
Writers: Beau Bailey/Cole Miracle/Gabe Foust/Graham Barham/Sam Bergeson; Producers: Gabe Foust, Sam Bergeson; Label: Sony Music Nashville
– The broken-hearted ballad verses abruptly contrast with the loud, rollicking, goofball choruses. Weird but charming.
RHIANNON GIDDENS & JUSTIN ROBINSON / “Going to Raleigh”
Writers: none listed; Producers: Joseph “joebass” DeJarnette, Rhiannon Giddens; Label: Nonesuch
– Giddens returns to her string-band roots with the new collection, What Did the Blackbird Say to the Crow, a reunion with Robinson, her former Carolina Chocolate Drops partner. The album features him fiddling and her banjo frailing on a number of old-time tunes, including this mesmerizing 1939 instrumental oldie. Rootsy and righteous.
CROWE BOYS / “Brother Song”
Writer: Ocie Crowe; Producer: Andrew Campanelli; Label: MCA
– Brothers Ocie and Wes Crowe croon gently on this poetic, acoustic, vulnerable meditation. It’s an advance track from their album Made to Wander, which drops next month. Promising.
MIDLAND / “Glass Half Empty”
Writers: Cameron Duddy/Jeff Hyde/Jess Carson/Ryan Tyndell; Producer: Trent Willmon; Label: Big Machine Records
– This is a rhythm-happy, barroom honky tonker that’s Country with a capital “C.” Big fun in every groove.
SACHA / “Nice Girl”
Writers: Emma-Lee/Karen Kosowski/Sacha Visagie/Victoria Banks; Producer: Paul Sikes; Label: Sony Music Canada
– ‘If you wanna pave a road, gotta get down in the dirt/If you wanna make your mark, gotta hit ‘em where it hurts.’ Also: Kiss that “nice girl” image goodbye. This lively bopper scores points on all fronts — saucy vocal, cool production, dandy lyrics. Sacha is a solid country star in Canada, and I see no reason why she shouldn’t be one in the U.S. as well.
ALEXANDRA KAY / “The Last”
Writers: Alexandra Kay/Andrew DeRoberts/Jon Green; Producer: Andrew DeRoberts; Label: BBR Music Group/BMG Nashville
– Lovely, lovely work. Her soprano tickles the ears, and the songwriting is topnotch. He might not be her first lover, but she sure as heck wants him to be her last. The sweetly rolling production wafts the whole thing along. A delightful listening experience.
DYLAN GOSSETT / “American Trail”
Writers: Colton Forrest Hardy/Dylan Gossett; Producer: Dylan Gossett; Label: Big Loud Texas/Mercury Records
– Kinda artsy. Acoustic-based, troubadour music with a folkie tinge.
Riley Green Spends Fourth Week At No. 1 On The MusicRow Radio Chart
/by John Nix ArledgePictured: Riley Green; Photo: Jeremy Cowart
Riley Green maintains his spot atop the MusicRow CountryBreakout Radio Chart for the fourth consecutive week with his solo-penned track “Worst Way.”
The song appears on Green’s recent, third studio album Don’t Mind If I Do, and is already certified Platinum.
Green recently graced the cover of MusicRow‘s flagship directory, InCharge. This annual guide highlights some of the most influential industry executives in the Nashville music business. This year’s edition includes 370 profiles which are accompanied by contact information, career biographies and detailed board and organizational membership affiliations.
“Worst Way” currently sits at No. 5 on the Billboard Country Airplay chart and No. 5 on the Mediabase chart.
Click here to view the latest edition of the MusicRow Weekly containing the MusicRow CountryBreakout Radio Chart.
Slater Nalley Inks Management Deal With Play It Again Music
/by Lauryn SinkPictured (L-R): PIA’s Alyssa Ramsey, Slater Nalley, PIA’s Dallas Davidson and PIA’s Cade Price.
American Idol finalist Slater Nalley has inked an artist management deal with Play It Again Music.
The 18-year-old Georgia native secured a top five placement on American Idol after auditioning with his original song, a tribute to his high school English teacher’s late son, “Traces of You.” On the season finale, Nalley performed “I’m Gonna Love You” with Carrie Underwood and Cody Johnson.
“The past few months of American Idol have been nothing short of a blessing, and I feel more inspired than ever to create music that speaks to my fans,” Nalley says. “I’m thrilled to be working with Dallas Davidson, Alyssa Ramsey and Cade Price at Play It Again Music. Their belief in me from the start brought me a new confidence, and I cannot wait to see what we will accomplish together in the near future. Stay tuned, y’all.”
“Slater Nalley is special. This young man checks all my boxes when I’m looking at an artist,” says multi-platinum songwriter and Founder of Play It Again Music, Davidson. “Not only does his raw talent immediately draw you in, but he is a kind person. At an extremely young age, Slater carries himself like a seasoned music veteran both on and off the stage. His parents, Slater Sr. and Katie have done an incredible job with him. I can’t wait to start making music with Slater. He is going to have an immediate impact in music, not just in the country genre but globally. PIA is extremely proud to announce that we will be representing Slater on his exciting musical journey ahead.”
“Traces of You” is out now, and Nalley is expected to release more music soon.
Tim McGraw Celebrates 49th Chart-Topper At No. 1 Party
/by John Nix ArledgePictured (L-R): songwriter Marc Beeson, producer Byron Gallimore, Tim McGraw, songwriter Aaron Eshuis, songwriter Tony Lane. Back Row, Chairman & CEO, Big Machine Label Group Scott Borchetta and ASCAP Nashville Associate Vice President Evyn Mustoe; Photo: Larry McCormack
ASCAP brought Tim McGraw and his team together on Wednesday afternoon (May 22) to celebrate the artist’s whopping 49th No. 1 hit “One Bad Habit.”
Industry members, friends and family gathered on the second floor of Live Oak and received a warm welcome from ASCAP’s Evyn Mustoe. Gathered on stage were songwriters Aaron Eshuis, Marc Beeson and Tony Lane alongside producer Byron Gallimore and McGraw.
Mustoe began by congratulating Eshuis on his third No. 1 as a writer, Beeson’s fourth and touting Lane as “everybody’s favorite songwriter.”
SMACKSong’s Sam Sarno was the first to step to the mic, congratulating Beeson for his success and unwavering dedication to the craft. To speak on Eshuis, Concord’s Matt Turner remarked, “We are so proud to celebrate your first No. 1 as a Concord writer. Aaron is one of those guys that you don’t see in public that often because he is usually in a writing room somewhere making magic.”
Up next was Warner Chappell’s Jessi Vaughn Stevenson who took the mic to speak on behalf of Lane, followed by Big Machine Record’s Kris Lamb who congratulated McGraw. “Not only is this Tim’s 49th No. 1 record, but he has now spent more time atop the Mediabase chart than anyone else in history—77 weeks.”
Of the co-writers, Beeson was the first to speak, expressing his gratitude for the people around him, his love for songwriting and his excitement for his first McGraw cut.
Pictured: L to R: songwriter Marc Beeson, producer Byron Gallimore, Tim McGraw, songwriter Aaron Eshuis, songwriter Tony Lane; Photo: Larry McCormack
“It only took me 35 years to get a Tim McGraw cut,” laughed Beeson. “It is such a journey, but it’s part of the process as a songwriter. If you can’t endure what it takes to get it where it is, then you really can’t do this for a living. That holds a lot of meaning to me, but if it takes another 35 years, we probably won’t be around!”
Eshuis took the opportunity to thank his family and co-writers before offering his gratitude to McGraw. “There are a lot of songwriters in town that write for you, specifically. We love to talk about your music and talk about what you are up to. Since you cut a lot of outside songs, it is always so exciting for us.”
Lane was the last of the songwriters to speak saying, “Tim doesn’t know this, but back in the day, us writers would sit in a room and think, ‘Is this a Tim song, a Strait song, or a Kenny song?’ There were only three options. The last thing Tim doesn’t know is that all my passwords are ‘TimMcGraw33.’”
Before McGraw took the mic, Gallimore thanked everyone for their support over the last 30 years and praised McGraw for his amazing voice, commenting that he would be out of a job were it not for him.
Finally, McGraw closed the afternoon out, commending the songwriters, producer and his supporters.
“Look, I write for every album I do. But then I start getting songs from these amazing songwriters and eventually all of mine fall away! Songwriters are the lifeblood of this town and of music. That is where the music starts.”
“I am honored to be here, honored to still be able to do this and honored that all the people in this town still stand beside me.”
Dolly Parton Serves Up New Southern-Inspired Frozen Meal Line
/by Lorie HollabaughDolly Parton’s Biscuit Batter Peach Cobbler
Dolly Parton has expanded her retail food line with Conagra Brands to include new single-serve frozen meals that bring her Southern-inspired favorites to homes across the nation.
The new collection of Dolly Parton’s meals features four heat-and-eat dishes: Dolly Parton’s Beef Pot Roast, Chicken & Dumplings, Country Fried Steak and Shrimp & Grits.
“I’ve always believed in the power of a warm, hearty meal, and now with these offerings I’m bringing a little taste of my own Southern favorites to you,” says Parton. “Whether you’re busy or just craving some quick comfort, I hope these dishes warm your heart as much as your belly!”
The launch builds upon the collaboration between Parton and Conagra Brands, which began in 2022 with a line of baking mixes and frostings under the Duncan Hines brand. The partnership has since expanded to include a variety of items inspired by Parton’s Southern roots.
“Our partnership with Dolly Parton has been nothing short of extraordinary,” says Tim Nangle, VP & General Manager at Conagra Brands. “Her genuine love for home-cooked meals and deep connection with fans makes this expansion into frozen foods a natural next step. We’re proud to bring even more of Dolly’s warmth and flavor into homes across the country.”
Tucker Wetmore Makes Triumphant Ryman Debut
/by Madison HahnenTucker Wetmore. Photo: Chase Foster
Tucker Wetmore. Photo: Chase Foster
A sold-out Ryman Auditorium fell into a roar of cheers Wednesday night (May 21) as the lights dimmed, setting the stage for a career-defining night for country newcomer Tucker Wetmore. In his first-ever Nashville headline show, Wetmore delivered a heartfelt, high-energy performance.
As the opening sequence flashed a old film mock-up titled “The Ryman Presents: Tucker Wetmore,” fans knew they were in for a night that was uniquely his. Launching into “Break First” and “Already Had It,” Wetmore commanded the stage with confidence. “We’re at the freaking Ryman! This is absolutely insane,” he shouted between songs, visibly emotional as the crowd echoed his excitement.
“Silverado Blue” turned into a sea of swaying arms, while the live debut of “Give Her the World” offered a tender moment of vulnerability. When opener Jacob Hackworth joined Wetmore onstage for their co-written hit “Wine Into Whiskey,” the crowd took over the chorus, singing back every word.
Moments of spectacle, like climbing the stage platform for “Bad Habit,” balanced with intimate ones, such as sitting on the steps to deliver “Mister Miss Her.” He ended “Casino” with a powerful a cappella finish that left the room in reverent silence before bursting into applause.
Gavin DeGraw & Tucker Wetmore. Photo: Chase Foster
One of the most memorable stretches came during a stripped-down piano medley. “Piano was my first love,” Wetmore said, taking a seat at the keys. “So far, it’s been my only one. I wanted to play a part of my set where I just sit here and play the piano like I’m 10 years old again sitting in my living room playing for the fly on the wall.” The medley was a tour de force with a Beethoven score, a crowd-led intro to Queen’s “Bohemian Rhapsody,” a wild spin through Jerry Lee Lewis’ “Great Balls of Fire,” and a soulful take on Lionel Riche’s “Easy (Like Sunday Morning).” That transitioned into Wetmore’s “What Not To,” with the room glowing in cell phone lights.
Tucker Wetmore & his team during his plaque presentation. Photo: Chase Foster
“This is why I do music,” he told the crowd. “I know you guys come to shows to let all your worries out the door and just let loose.” That led into his rising radio single “3,2,1” and the introspective “What Would You Do?”
A surprise mini-cover set brought extra fire when a gritty version of “I Don’t Want to Be” saw Gavin DeGraw himself take the stage, followed by rowdy renditions of Georgia Satellites’ “Keep Your Hands to Yourself” and Hank Williams Jr.’s “All My Rowdy Friends Are Coming Over Tonight,” bringing the house to its feet.
As the night wound down, Wetmore took a moment to speak directly to the crowd. “Music set aside, just me and you right now, thank you for making my dreams come true every single day,” he said through tears, sharing how he moved to Nashville five years ago with a handful of songs and a dream, and a mom who never stopped believing in him. He held up plaques awarded earlier in the evening, honoring his 1 billion global career streams, as well as “Wind Up Missin’ You” achieving RIAA 2x Platinum certification.
He closed with a crowd-pleasing duo including his first No. 1 radio single “Wind Up Missin’ You” and the catchy, fan favorite “Brunette.”
Tucker Wetmore. Photo: Chase Foster
Tucker Wetmore. Photo: Chase Foster
Tucker Wetmore. Photo: Chase Foster
Industry Ink: Recording Academy, Grand Ole Opry, Locash, CMA Fest, More
/by Lauryn SinkRecording Academy Hosts Annual Nashville Chapter Block Party
Jon Pardi. Photo: Ed Rode
Recording Academy Nashville Chapter Voting and Professional members enjoyed food, drinks and performances by 2’Live Bre, Jon Pardi, MŌRIAH and Stephen Day at the 24th annual Recording Academy Nashville Chapter Block Party at 6th & Peabody.
Grand Ole Opry Honors U.S. Army With ‘Salute The Troops’ Show
Photo: Chris Hollo
The Grand Ole Opry, celebrating its 100th anniversary, honored the U.S. Army’s 250th anniversary with a red carpet parade and a special Salute the Troops Opry performance on May 20. Among the artists who performed were Opry member Craig Morgan, who serves as a Warrant Officer in the Army Reserve; John Conlee, Dailey & Vincent, Steven Curtis Chapman, Rhonda Vincent, Tony Jackson, Scotty Hasting, Sal Gonzalez, the 100th Army Band and more. The Opry welcomed the 101st Airborne Division Commanding General, Major General Brett Sylvia as its special guest.
Portions of the show will air as a special Opry Live on Memorial Day weekend (May 24) on the Opry Facebook and YouTube channels, on the Circle Now app and via Circle Country digital streaming partners at 8 p.m. CT.
Locash Performs ‘Hometown Home’ On ‘Live With Kelly And Mark’
(Pictured L-R): Kelly Ripa (Live With Kelly & Mark), Chris Lucas (Locash), Preston Brust (Locash), Mark Consuelos (Live With Kelly & Mark). Photo: Lorenzo Bevilaqua
Locash, comprised of Preston Brust and Chris Lucas, performed their multi-week No. 1, “Hometown Home,” on Live with Kelly & Mark on Monday (May 19). After the performance, Kelly Ripa of Live with Kelly & Mark presented Brust and Lucas with a Billboard plaque to celebrate their two-week run at No. 1 with “Hometown Home.”
The duo’s latest single, “Wrong Hearts,” is among the most added songs at country radio this week. Launching with 71 stations spinning the record nationwide, this marks the biggest add-date of their career.
‘Fitness At Fest’ Returns To CMA Fest
CMA Fest has announced the return of “Fitness At Fest,” an opportunity for fans to attend two high-energy fitness sessions at the Good Molecules Reverb Stage on Bridgestone Arena Plaza, happening June 6 and 7.
Fitness at Fest kicks off on Friday (June 6) with Peloton Instructor Callie Gullickson, joined by actor, singer and Big Time Rush member James Maslow and country singer Tayler Holder. On Saturday, celebrity trainer Erin Oprea returns for her fifth year, teaming up with Tennessee Titans tight end Delanie Walker and influencer Kaitlyn Bristowe to keep the energy going.
Fitness at Fest requires a $18 registration fee, with all ticket proceeds donated to the CMA Foundation. Registration is available here.
Alexander Pappas Inks With Integrity Music
Pictured (L-R Back Row): Jason Jones, Stone Meyer, Holly Wehner, (L-R Front Row): Cole Flynn, Alexander Pappas, Gilbert Nanlohy
Worship leader and songwriter Alexander Pappas has inked with Integrity Music. As a founding member of the Grammy-nominated band Hillsong Young & Free, Pappas has a rich background in writing songs for the congregational setting like “Alive,” “Wake,” “Real Love” and “Echo” (Elevation Worship).
“My partnership with Integrity Music is aligned in faith and vision,” shares Pappas. “I’ve prayed for a partner to do ministry with, and I have full confidence that with that unity, He will indeed command a blessing. I pray with each song that a deeper or more profound revelation will surface, and the Spirit of God will be on the songs so they might reveal who He truly is.”
His first release via Integrity will be a bilingual deluxe single, “A Great Awakening / Un Nuevo Despertar,” which will be released on June 27.
Nashville Vans Hosts ‘No Strings Songwriter Showdown’
Nashville Vans has announced its No Strings Songwriter Showdown, a songwriting competition exclusively for unpublished and unsigned songwriters. The winner will take home a $1,000 grand prize.
Submissions are open now through June 14th and will be judged by a panel including Bryan Simpson, Matt Jenkins and Grady Smith.
Country Goes Global Returns June 7-8
/by Lorie HollabaughTaking place from 11 a.m.-3:30 p.m. each day at Category 10, the free event invites fans to experience a diverse lineup of country artists from around the world. Building on the success of its 2024 event at Chief’s on Broadway last June, Country Goes Global continues its mission to spotlight artists from around the world and promote the expansion of country music on an international scale. This year’s lineup will once again feature standout performers from Australia, Canada, the United Kingdom, the United States, and beyond.
In 2024, Country Goes Global welcomed a roster of artists including Casey Barnes, Hailey Benedict, Kristian Bush, Wesley Dean, Aaron Goodvin, Lane Pittman, Owen Riegling, Sacha, Sheppard, Alli Walker and more.
Organizers are currently finalizing the lineup and will announce full programming details soon. Artists can submit for consideration to perform here.
DISClaimer Single Reviews: Keb’ Mo’ & Taj Mahal Celebrate Friendship & Community
/by Robert K OermannKeb’ Mo’ & Taj Mahal. Photo: David McClister
Country music gets folkie this week in DISClaimer.
Crowe Boys, Rhiannon Giddens & Justin Robinson, Dylan Gossett and Hailey Whitters lead an acoustic-music parade that also includes our Disc of the Day winners Keb’ Mo’ & Taj Mahal (with an assist from Ruby Amanfu).
For those of you wishing for mainstream country sounds, look no further than the new releases by Midland, Dierks Bentley and Sacha.
Kaitlin Butts stages her debut in the column via her duet with Tyler Braden. She shares a DISCovery Award with fellow newcomer Alexandra Kay.
HAILEY WHITTERS & CHARLES WESLEY GODWIN / “I Don’t Want You”
Writers: Gordie Sampson/Hailey Whitters/Jon Nite; Producer: Jake Gear; Label: Pigasus Records/Big Loud Records
– They are both fine country singers, but neither one sings harmony. As usual, she is a heart-piercing stylist, and this is her show all the way. The dobro-dominated track is simply lovely. Whitters will celebrate the release of her new Corn Queen album at Grimey’s on June 6.
DIERKS BENTLEY / “Standing in the Sun”
Writer: Kyle Sturrock; Producers: Jon Randall, Mary Hilliard Harrington, Ross Copperman; Label: Capitol Records Nashville
– Stirring, radiant and deeply involving. The well-written song draws on vivid weather imagery to portray love and devotion, and Bentley sings it with a full heart.
TAMI NELSON, ASHLEY McBRYDE & SHELLY FAIRCHILD / “Borrow My Boots”
Writers: Ashley McBryde/Shelly Fairchild/Tami Neilson; Producer: Steven Schram; Label: Outside Music
– This rousing, female-empowerment number is a trio-harmony blast. Guitar prodigy Grace Bowers contributes a blistering solo that amps up the already ample energy.
CLAY WALKER / “Cowboys in Heaven”
Writers: Clay Walker/Jaron Boyer/John Stephens/Matt Gorman; Producers: Jaron Boyer, Tony Brown; Label: Maven Records
– A simple sentiment, simply performed.
TYLER BRADEN & KAITLIN BUTTS / “Might Be Dangerous”
Writers: Heath Warren/Kyle Sturrock/Micah Carpenter/Zach Kale; Producer: Sam Martinez; Label: Warner Music Nashville
– There aren’t many singers who can stand toe to toe with the superb Braden. Butts is up to the challenge, with open-throated harmonizing and expressive solo turns. This duet performance is loaded with fire and passion. By all means, play this.
KEB’ MO’ & TAJ MAHAL & RUBY AMANFU / “Room on the Porch”
Writers: Ahmen Mahal/Henry St Claire Fredericks, Jr./Kevin R. Moore/Ruby Amanfu; Producers: Keb’ Mo’, Taj Mahal; Label: Concord Records
– This is the title tune of the second TajMo collaborative album. The gifted Nashville diva Ruby Amanfu is their guest vocalist on the rolling, swaying, relaxing, welcoming, sweet-sounding, acoustic outing that celebrates friendship and community. This is absolutely essential listening. The Grammy winning blues masters are booked to appear on the Opry tomorrow (May 23), which is also their album-release day. I bet they’ll bring the house down.
GRAHAM BARHAM / “WTH Just Happened?”
Writers: Beau Bailey/Cole Miracle/Gabe Foust/Graham Barham/Sam Bergeson; Producers: Gabe Foust, Sam Bergeson; Label: Sony Music Nashville
– The broken-hearted ballad verses abruptly contrast with the loud, rollicking, goofball choruses. Weird but charming.
RHIANNON GIDDENS & JUSTIN ROBINSON / “Going to Raleigh”
Writers: none listed; Producers: Joseph “joebass” DeJarnette, Rhiannon Giddens; Label: Nonesuch
– Giddens returns to her string-band roots with the new collection, What Did the Blackbird Say to the Crow, a reunion with Robinson, her former Carolina Chocolate Drops partner. The album features him fiddling and her banjo frailing on a number of old-time tunes, including this mesmerizing 1939 instrumental oldie. Rootsy and righteous.
CROWE BOYS / “Brother Song”
Writer: Ocie Crowe; Producer: Andrew Campanelli; Label: MCA
– Brothers Ocie and Wes Crowe croon gently on this poetic, acoustic, vulnerable meditation. It’s an advance track from their album Made to Wander, which drops next month. Promising.
MIDLAND / “Glass Half Empty”
Writers: Cameron Duddy/Jeff Hyde/Jess Carson/Ryan Tyndell; Producer: Trent Willmon; Label: Big Machine Records
– This is a rhythm-happy, barroom honky tonker that’s Country with a capital “C.” Big fun in every groove.
SACHA / “Nice Girl”
Writers: Emma-Lee/Karen Kosowski/Sacha Visagie/Victoria Banks; Producer: Paul Sikes; Label: Sony Music Canada
– ‘If you wanna pave a road, gotta get down in the dirt/If you wanna make your mark, gotta hit ‘em where it hurts.’ Also: Kiss that “nice girl” image goodbye. This lively bopper scores points on all fronts — saucy vocal, cool production, dandy lyrics. Sacha is a solid country star in Canada, and I see no reason why she shouldn’t be one in the U.S. as well.
ALEXANDRA KAY / “The Last”
Writers: Alexandra Kay/Andrew DeRoberts/Jon Green; Producer: Andrew DeRoberts; Label: BBR Music Group/BMG Nashville
– Lovely, lovely work. Her soprano tickles the ears, and the songwriting is topnotch. He might not be her first lover, but she sure as heck wants him to be her last. The sweetly rolling production wafts the whole thing along. A delightful listening experience.
DYLAN GOSSETT / “American Trail”
Writers: Colton Forrest Hardy/Dylan Gossett; Producer: Dylan Gossett; Label: Big Loud Texas/Mercury Records
– Kinda artsy. Acoustic-based, troubadour music with a folkie tinge.
CAA To Takeover Whiskey Jam June 4
/by Lauryn SinkCAA is set to take over the Whiskey Jam stage on June 4 with performances from Warren Zeiders, 49 Winchester, Kolby Cooper, Carter Faith, Noah Rinker and Blake Whiten.
Doors will open at 6 p.m. at the Skydeck at Broadway, and is free for all 21+.
Grand Ole Opry To Celebrate Music City Rodeo With Special Opry Show
/by Lauryn SinkPhoto: Chris Hollo
The Grand Ole Opry is celebrating Music City Rodeo, Nashville’s first-ever PRCA Pro Rodeo, with a special Tuesday night rodeo-themed show on May 27. Vince Gill, Moe Bandy, Kaitlin Butts, Wyatt Flores, Marcus King, Lukas Nelson and Jenna Paulette are set to perform, with special appearances from PRCA rodeo athletes scheduled throughout the show.
More information and tickets are available here.