Pictured (L-R): Lee Ann Womack; Meghan Trainor; Alicia Warwick, executive director, Nashville Chapter of The Recording Academy.
Chapter 487
Even without kiddies squealing on the water-splash plaza, scaling the rock-climbing wall, strolling the wildflower paths or cavorting in the roly-poly playground, Cumberland Park was a little piece of heaven on Tuesday evening (May 12).
Situated on the east bank of the Cumberland River between the Siegenthaler Pedestrian Bridge and Korean Veterans Bridge, adjacent to Titans Stadium, the park also contains a lovely little amphitheater that proved to be the ideal location for the 17th annual Grammy Block Party.
Adding to the ambiance were balmy temperatures, comfortable accommodations and cooling riverfront breezes. Not to mention free food and drink.
Pictured (L-R): Jeff Balding, president, Nashville Chapter of The Recording Academy; Alicia Warwick, executive director, Nashville Chapter of The Recording Academy; Hunter Hayes; George J. Flanigen IV, chair emeritus, The Recording Academy.
The talent lineup didn’t hurt, either. All of the acts booked had a “wow” factor – Janice Gaines, John & Jacob, Blackberry Smoke, Lee Ann Womack, Hunter Hayes and Meghan Trainor.
“I see all kinds of friends: I love this!” exclaimed Womack from the stage. That’s because the crowd was comprised of the invitation-only, elite Nashville members of The Recording Academy. Who voted her a Grammy Award in 2002.
The who’s-who attendees included Pat McMakin, Patrick Clifford, John Styll, John Briggs, Jon Freeman, Scott Robinson, Scott McDaniel, Scott Hendricks, Nick Palladino, Nick DiFruscia of the national NARAS staff, Chris Farren, Chris Keaton, Eric Parker, Erika Wollam-Nichols & Roger Nichols, David Corlew & Carolyn Corlew, Bruce Bouton, Bruce Dees, Daniel Hill and Daniel Miller.
The crowd was notable for the singers and songwriters in attendance. David Nail, Mandy Barnett, Trent Summar, Gary Burr of Blue Sky Riders, Victoria Shaw, Brandon Heath, Shannon Sanders, Eddie Perez of The Mavericks and Chris Carmack of the Nashville TV show cast all turned up. Adding to the celeb vibe, mayoral candidate Howard Gentry was working the room.
And what a “room” it was. Flanking the stage were giant golden Grammys, and behind it was a spectacular view of the city skyline. The grassy floor of the amphitheater was backed with a low wall plus cocktail tables on the perimeter. On the knoll above that was a walkway dotted with draped tables and umbrellas. Hospitality tents held bars, wine servers, beer dispensers and food.
Nighttime shot of GRAMMY Block Party at Cumberland Park.
Catering was by Peg Leg Porker, who offered barbecue sandwiches and/or chicken-salad cups, plus bacon green beans, crispy pork rinds, baked beans and pasta shells with cheese.
Wine came courtesy of rock star Dave Matthews. I particularly liked his Dreaming Tree dry, light white.
Gliding through the crowd were such lovelies as Chandra LaPlume, Carla Wallace, Tree Paine, Lori Badgett, Hunter Davis, Leslie Fram, Tracy Gershon, Trey Fanjoy, Karen Clark, Sher Bach, Diane Pearson, Joanna Carter, Ronna Rubin, Laura Lamb Little and Lisa Harless.
Perhaps not so lovely, but equally delightful to greet were Ben Fowler, Frank Liddell, Julian King, Jeff Balding, Alan Valentine, George Flanigen, Andrew Kintz, Fletcher Foster, Woody Bomar, Doak Turner, Jim Catino, Shelby Kennedy, Earle Simmons, Bill VornDick, Chuck Ainlay, Walter Campbell, Wayne Halper, Greg McCarn, T.K. Kimbrell, Mike Sirls, Rod Essig, Terry Hemmings, Ed Salamon, Randy Perkins and Doug Howard.
The Nashville chapter of The Recording Academy now has 3,400 members, making it third in size behind L.A. and N.Y. We have more student members, 1,400, than any other chapter. Here’s something cool: Even non-voting Associate members can go a party as fabulous as this, with as classy a room to work as you’ll find.
Hunter Hayes performs at the Grammy Block Party.
All photos courtesy of The Recording Academy®/Photo by WireImage.com ©2015
DISClaimer: Triumphant Returns
/by Robert K OermannToday’s listening session was dominated by the welcome returns of four folks who charted in prior decades. I am happy to report that all of them still sound as strong as ever. They are former Arista artist Michelle Wright, former Curb signee Philip Claypool, former Sony chart-topper Collin Raye and the ageless John Anderson, who has been on just about every label imprint in Music City.
A tip of my hat and a warm embrace to John Anderson, along with a Disc of the Day salute.
This week’s DisCovery Award goes to Ashley Clark. He is a former member of The Clark Family Experience and a fiddler in Carrie Underwood’s band. It doesn’t say so on the CDX, but his (excellent) producer is none other than Mutt Lange.
CHRISTIAN LOPEZ BAND/Leaving It Out
Writers: Christian Lopez; Producer: Dave Cobb; Publisher: Christian Lopez, SESAC; Blaster (track)
-He has a charmingly earnest tenor voice. The band is unimaginative but adequate. The song does nothing for me.
John Anderson
JOHN ANDERSON/I Work A Lot Better
Writers: John D. Anderson/Josh Turner; Producers: John Anderson & Joe Spivey; Publishers: none listed; Bayou Boys (track)
-The blander country music gets, the more I yearn for personality vocalists like this one. Anderson remains one of the greatest stylists we’ve ever had, and he’s at his best on good-humored songs like this honky-tonking romp. That’s a huge smile you see on my face as it crashes to a close. Love him. Love this.
2-BIT PALOMINO/Things I Dream About
Writers: Sheryn Cassiday/Andrea C. Renfree; Producer: Don Richmond; Publisher: none listed; Howlin’ Dog (track)
-The title tune of this trio’s CD throws a spotlight on its strengths — a poetic sensibility, an emphasis on melody and sterling harmonies. The main drawback is that all three voices are a bit too “pretty” and pop-perfect, which is underscored by the pristine-precious picking.
COLLIN RAYE/Rock and Roll Never Forgets
Writers: B. Seger; Producer: Cradle Concepts LLC; Publisher: Gear, no performance rights listed; Goldentone (track)
-Collin’s new CD is Greatest Hits Live. Its one non-hit is the rousing, rocking closing track wherein he exhorts the crowd to sing along with him on the familiar 1977 Bob Seger classic. You don’t hear them doing so, but his top-of-his-range tenor shriek comes through loud and clear. As does the extended ovation at the finale.
THE PAT WATTERS BAND/I’m Your Buddy
Writers: Pat Watters; Producers: The Pat Watters Band; Publishers: none listed; PWB (track)
-I gather from the credits that these guys hail from Wisconsin. They’re not exactly instrumental virtuosos, nor vocal volcanos. But the good-natured approach and the clever songwriting are both very winning. I bet they’re a barroom full of fun in a live show.
MICHELLE WRIGHT/Laugh A Little
Writers: Jason Sellers/David Lynn Hutton/Terri Jo Box; Producer: Jason Barry; Publishers: This Is Magic Mustang/Big Loud Bucks/Troy D/Sony-ATV Cross Keys, ASCAP; Savannah (CDX)
-This Canadian thrush made her mark in the early ‘90s with hits like “Take It Like a Man” and “He Would Be 16.” She still has the goods as a throaty, emotive vocalist. Another big plus is the solidly written song with its hooky, good-message choruses. Play this excellent comeback single.
ASHLEY CLARK/Greyhound
Writers: Ashley Clark/Austin Clark; Producer: none listed; Publisher: none listed, BMI/ASCAP; I.R.S. (CDX)
-He had me from his first notes. This guy is a for-real singer, with lung power to spare and an excellent sense of dynamics. The chorus rushes by its title so quickly that it hardly registers. But I got so caught up in his performance and the terrifically wooshy production that I didn’t care. I’m a believer.
SMITH N WESTERN/Call Me
Writers: Travis C. Smith; Producer: Jason Plummer; Publisher: 80 Proof Poetry and Truth, BMI; 80 Proof (CDX)
-This new duo pushes its way onto the country scene with a song that has more hooks than a tuna boat. The vocals are a little “dry,” and there’s not much production finesse, but there’s no denying the potency of the material. Well worth your attention.
PHILIP CLAYPOOL/Three More Beers
Writers: Philip Claypool/Jeff Silbar; Producer: Michael Lloyd; Publishers: none listed, ASCAP/BMI; PC (CDX)
-The hillbilly in the bar is getting so plastered that he’s mistaking the gal making eyes at him for Britney Spears, Christina Aguilera, J-Lo, Ga-Ga, Angaleena Jolie and Pamela Sue Anderson. All of whom he manages to not only name-check but rhyme in the lyric. A must-listen rockabilly fiesta.
RICK MONROE/Great Minds Drink Alike
Writers: Rick Monroe/Dan Adams; Producer: Sean Giovanni; Publishers: Jindo Dog/Broken Yellow Line, ASCAP/BMI; MRG (CDX)
-This oomphy rocker is produced and sung with great gusto. And who can argue with a title this witty? Shut up and dance.
Weekly Register: Stapleton Debuts Strong
/by Sarah SkatesChris Stapleton’s Traveller debuts at No. 2 with album sales of 27K (30K activity). It is the best-selling first week by a debut country artist this year and one of the Top 10 best first week country debuts in the last five years. Traveller was recorded at Nashville’s historic RCA Studio A (with additional production at The Castle and Blackbird Studio) and was produced by Dave Cobb (Sturgill Simpson, Jason Isbell) and Stapleton, and recorded by Vance Powell (Jack White). In support of Traveller, Stapleton will be performing on a series of shows on Eric Church’s tour. Earlier today Stapleton received a CMT Music Award nomination for Performance of the Year with Lady Antebellum.
Also on the country album chart, Granger Smith debuts at No. 6 with 8.7K. He co-produced his debut EP, 4×4, with hitmaker Frank Rogers, a three-time MusicRow Producer of the Year.
On the Top 200, the new Mumford & Sons album debuted at No. 1 with activity of 249K and 231K album only. Wiz Khalifa’s “See You Again” is locked in at the top of the tracks chart TW, selling 251K for a RTD total of 1.949 million.
Zac Brown Band, 56K
Chris Stapleton, 27K
Reba, 17K
Sam Hunt, 15K (passed 500K RTD)
Tyler Farr, 11K
Top 5 Country Tracks TW
Little Big Town “Girl Crush” 76K
Blake Shelton “Sangria” 48K
Sam Hunt “Take Your Time” 44K
Florida Georgia Line “Sippin’ on Fire” 29K
Eric Church “Like a Wrecking Ball” 29K
according to Nielsen SoundScan
Photos: Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame; Art Crawl
/by Sarah SkatesPhotos: Bev Moser, Moments By Moser
Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame Benefit
Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame members Mac Davis, Tom Douglas and Allen Shamblin performed at the organization’s inaugural “Hits From The Hall” show on Tuesday, April 14, at City Winery Nashville, with proceeds benefitting the Hall of Fame.
Pictured (L-R): Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame Executive Director Mark Ford, Hall of Fame members Mac Davis, Allen Shamblin, Tom Douglas and Pat Alger, who is also the organization’s Board Chair.
Songwriters At The Art Crawl
The Songwriters Singing For Coffee series participated in this month’s First Saturday Art Crawl Downtown. On Saturday, May 2, Live at Fifth Third Center—The Downtown Art Crawl featured Ella Mae Bowen, Marcus Hummon, Chris Roberts, and Autumn McEntire, along with Scott Reeves, Jeff Cohen, Pete Sallis and Greg Friia.
The free Art Crawl is held the first Saturday of every month, when galleries host receptions and openings to present work from local and world-renowned artists.
Pictured (L-R): Marcus Hummon, Autumn McEntire, Ella Mae Bowen, Eddie Bush and Chris Roberts
Bobby Karl Works The Grammy Block Party
/by Bobby KarlPictured (L-R): Lee Ann Womack; Meghan Trainor; Alicia Warwick, executive director, Nashville Chapter of The Recording Academy.
Chapter 487
Even without kiddies squealing on the water-splash plaza, scaling the rock-climbing wall, strolling the wildflower paths or cavorting in the roly-poly playground, Cumberland Park was a little piece of heaven on Tuesday evening (May 12).
Situated on the east bank of the Cumberland River between the Siegenthaler Pedestrian Bridge and Korean Veterans Bridge, adjacent to Titans Stadium, the park also contains a lovely little amphitheater that proved to be the ideal location for the 17th annual Grammy Block Party.
Adding to the ambiance were balmy temperatures, comfortable accommodations and cooling riverfront breezes. Not to mention free food and drink.
Pictured (L-R): Jeff Balding, president, Nashville Chapter of The Recording Academy; Alicia Warwick, executive director, Nashville Chapter of The Recording Academy; Hunter Hayes; George J. Flanigen IV, chair emeritus, The Recording Academy.
The talent lineup didn’t hurt, either. All of the acts booked had a “wow” factor – Janice Gaines, John & Jacob, Blackberry Smoke, Lee Ann Womack, Hunter Hayes and Meghan Trainor.
“I see all kinds of friends: I love this!” exclaimed Womack from the stage. That’s because the crowd was comprised of the invitation-only, elite Nashville members of The Recording Academy. Who voted her a Grammy Award in 2002.
The who’s-who attendees included Pat McMakin, Patrick Clifford, John Styll, John Briggs, Jon Freeman, Scott Robinson, Scott McDaniel, Scott Hendricks, Nick Palladino, Nick DiFruscia of the national NARAS staff, Chris Farren, Chris Keaton, Eric Parker, Erika Wollam-Nichols & Roger Nichols, David Corlew & Carolyn Corlew, Bruce Bouton, Bruce Dees, Daniel Hill and Daniel Miller.
The crowd was notable for the singers and songwriters in attendance. David Nail, Mandy Barnett, Trent Summar, Gary Burr of Blue Sky Riders, Victoria Shaw, Brandon Heath, Shannon Sanders, Eddie Perez of The Mavericks and Chris Carmack of the Nashville TV show cast all turned up. Adding to the celeb vibe, mayoral candidate Howard Gentry was working the room.
And what a “room” it was. Flanking the stage were giant golden Grammys, and behind it was a spectacular view of the city skyline. The grassy floor of the amphitheater was backed with a low wall plus cocktail tables on the perimeter. On the knoll above that was a walkway dotted with draped tables and umbrellas. Hospitality tents held bars, wine servers, beer dispensers and food.
Nighttime shot of GRAMMY Block Party at Cumberland Park.
Catering was by Peg Leg Porker, who offered barbecue sandwiches and/or chicken-salad cups, plus bacon green beans, crispy pork rinds, baked beans and pasta shells with cheese.
Wine came courtesy of rock star Dave Matthews. I particularly liked his Dreaming Tree dry, light white.
Gliding through the crowd were such lovelies as Chandra LaPlume, Carla Wallace, Tree Paine, Lori Badgett, Hunter Davis, Leslie Fram, Tracy Gershon, Trey Fanjoy, Karen Clark, Sher Bach, Diane Pearson, Joanna Carter, Ronna Rubin, Laura Lamb Little and Lisa Harless.
Perhaps not so lovely, but equally delightful to greet were Ben Fowler, Frank Liddell, Julian King, Jeff Balding, Alan Valentine, George Flanigen, Andrew Kintz, Fletcher Foster, Woody Bomar, Doak Turner, Jim Catino, Shelby Kennedy, Earle Simmons, Bill VornDick, Chuck Ainlay, Walter Campbell, Wayne Halper, Greg McCarn, T.K. Kimbrell, Mike Sirls, Rod Essig, Terry Hemmings, Ed Salamon, Randy Perkins and Doug Howard.
The Nashville chapter of The Recording Academy now has 3,400 members, making it third in size behind L.A. and N.Y. We have more student members, 1,400, than any other chapter. Here’s something cool: Even non-voting Associate members can go a party as fabulous as this, with as classy a room to work as you’ll find.
Hunter Hayes performs at the Grammy Block Party.
All photos courtesy of The Recording Academy®/Photo by WireImage.com ©2015
Music City Food + Wine Festival Announces Riverfront Park Move
/by Eric T. ParkerPictured (L-R): Ken Levitan, Mayor Karl Dean, Kings of Leon’s Nathan Followill, Caleb Followill and Jared Followill, Butch Spyridon. Photo: Kelsey Grady.
The third annual Music City Food + Wine Festival will be held Sept. 19-20, 2015 with afternoon events moving from Public Square Park to The Green at Riverfront Park. Evening events will continue in the soon-to-be-remodeled Walk of Fame Park.
The musical lineup for Saturday, Sept. 19’s Harvest Night celebration is expected later this summer but will again be curated by the Kings of Leon. The weekend will bring together superstars of Nashville’s local culinary scene with acclaimed national and regional chefs, wine and spirits experts for cooking demonstrations and panel discussions. The Harvest Night signature event pairs dishes from world-renowned chefs and top musical talent.
The announcement was made this afternoon when rocker group Kings of Leon joined chef Jonathan Waxman, Vector Management’s Ken Levitan and Andy Mendelsohn, and C3 at Waxman’s new Baja Sexton in the Country Music Hall of Fame.
“This third year means the event is growing and–in our book–is here to stay!” said Butch Spyridon, president and CEO of the Nashville Convention & Visitors Corporation.
“The park will be ready ahead of time and should be a great location for it,” said Mayor Karl Dean. “One of the most interesting observations in my eight years as mayor of Nashville is watching the culinary scene of Nashville explode–something that has happened organically. The restaurants mean so much to our city. It reflects the increased diversity of our city. The diversity of the food is part of that attraction and one of the benefits.”
“We are honored to host some of the best and brightest chefs once again and to provide a delicious forum in our backyard for residents and visitors alike to experience the best that our city has to offer,” said Levitan.
“We’re hitting our stride as we enter into our third year!” said Mendelsohn.
“As our third Music City Food + Wine Festival approaches, it reinforces how proud I am to be a member of Nashville’s amazing and vibrant culinary community,” said Waxman.
Tickets went on sale this morning, May 13 at 10 a.m. CT. Weekend passes are available for $500/ea. Day/night passes are available starting at $150/ea. Information here. Must be 21 years of age or older.
The Grand Taste includes (additional announcements expected):
Kahlil Arnold (Arnold’s Country Kitchen)
Roderick Bailey (The Silly Goose)
Matt Bolus (404 Kitchen)
Carey Bringle (Peg Leg Porker)
Tyler Brown (Capitol Grille)
Maneet Chauhan (Chauhan Ale & Masala House)
Trey Cioccia (The Farm House)
Rene De Leon (Le Sel)
Lisa Donovan (Buttermilk Road & Husk Nashville)
Matt Farley (The Southern Steak & Oyster and The Acme)
Jay Flatley (Tavern)
Giovanni Pinato (Giovanni Ristorante)
Sarah Gavigan (Otaku South)
Robert Grace (Kayne Prime)
Josh Habiger (Strategic Hospitality)
Hal M. Holden-Bache (Lockeland Table)
John Lasater (Hattie B’s Hot Chicken)
Dale Levitski (Sinema Nashville)
Chris Lewallen (Silo); Andrew Little (Josephine)
Duane Loftus (Merchant’s Restaurant)
Todd Alan Martin (The Treehouse)
Jason McConnell (McConnell Hospitality Group)
Margot McCormack (Margot Café & Marche)
Trevor Moran (The Catbird Seat)
Deb Paquette (Etch & Truss Restaurant)
James Peisker and Chris Carter (Porter Road Butcher)
Nick Pellegrino (Mangia Nashville)
Jeffrey Rhodes (Pinewood Social)
Nick Seabergh (The Sutler Saloon)
Kaelin Ulrich Trilling (Bajo Sexto Taco)
Tandy Wilson (City House)
Karl Worley (Biscuit Love Brunch)
Harvest Night chefs include:
Chris Bianco (Pizzeria Bianco)
Sean Brock (Husk)
Graham Elliot (Graham Elliot Bistro)
Kelly English (Restaurant Iris)
Carla Hall (Carla Hall’s Southern Kitchen)
Linton Hopkins (Holeman & Finch Public House)
Mike Lata (FIG & The Ordinary)
Daniel Lindley (Alleia Restaurant)
Tim Love (Lonesome Dove Western Bistro, Woodshed Smokehouse, Queenie’s Steakhouse, Love Shack & White Elephant Saloon)
Matthew McClure (The Hive)
Marcus Samuelsson (Red Rooster Harlem, Ginny’s Supper Club, Streetbird Rotisserie)
Aarón Sánchez (Paloma & Johnny Sanchez)
Michael Schwartz (Michael’s Genuine)
Levon Wallace (Cochon Butcher)
Jonathan Waxman (Adele’s by Jonathan Waxman, Bajo Sexto Taco & Barbuto)
Andrew Zimmern (Chef & TV Personality)
Cooking Demonstrations:
Chris Bianco
Graham Elliot
Carla Hall
Linton Hopkins
Mike Lata
Tim Love
Marcus Samuelsson
Aarón Sánchez
Michael Schwartz
Levon Wallace
Jonathan Waxman
Andrew Zimmern
Read MusicRow‘s coverage of past events here.
Producer Nathan Chapman Switches Sides In The Studio
/by Jessica NicholsonBut the multi-talented musician recently stepped back into the studio as an artist to craft his new independent album, Revival. The project marks Chapman’s first album as an artist in nearly 20 years.
The 10-track project features co-producer Stephanie Chapman, with additional production by John McBride and Michael Rhodes. Co-writers on the project include Chapman, Leslie Satcher, Lori McKenna, Tyler Hilton, John and Jacob, Ashley Monroe, Hillary Lindsey, Chantal Kreviazuk, Andrew Dorff, and Mary Steenburgen.
Several of his industry colleagues gathered at Nashville venue The Basement recently to celebrate the album’s release. Attendees included Lady Antebellum’s Charles Kelley, Satcher, Annie Chapman, and more. Chapman had a stellar backing band during the performance, including Rhodes, Chad Cromwell, Justin Schipper, Mike Rojas and Kenny Greenberg. McBride handled sound for the evening.
The project is available for $12 on Chapman’s official website, nathanchapman.com.
Revival track listing
1. Revival
2. Freedom Has It’s Own Kind of Chains
3. Lady Loneliness
4. I Broke The World
5. Wild Love
6. The Devil’s House
7. Settle Me Down
8. Get Me To My Baby Tonight
9. Sticking With You
10. Shipwrecked
Songwriter Chris Wallin Inks Deal with Spirit Music Nashville
/by Jessica NicholsonPictured (L-R): Brian Bradford, Director Administration, Spirit Music Nashville; Carrie Gallo, Creative Director, Spirit Music Nashville; Chris Wallin; Billy Lynn, Vice President Creative, Spirit Music Nashville; and Daniel Hill, President, Spirit Music Nashville.
Spirit Music Nashville has signed hit country songwriter Chris Wallin to an exclusive global publishing agreement.
“We have been fans of Chris Wallin’s for many years now. He has such a great talent for intelligently communicating universal themes and emotion through his songs, and we are thrilled to finally get to work directly with Chris,” said Daniel Hill, President, Spirit Music Nashville.
“I’m really excited about signing with Spirit Music Nashville. They aren’t afraid of trying new things and together I feel we will be blazing new trails up and down Music Row,” said Wallin.
Wallin is known for penning the chart-toppers “Don’t Blink” by Kenny Chesney, “Love Me If You Can” by Toby Keith, and “Something To Be Proud Of” by Montgomery Gentry, the Top 10 hits “I’m Tryin’” by Trace Adkins, and “Speed” by Montgomery Gentry, as well as three songs on the latest Garth Brooks release, including the Top 20 hit “People Loving People.”
Country Fans Vote Nashville-Area Talent To ‘The Voice,’ ‘Idol’ Final Rounds
/by Eric T. ParkerPictured (L-R): Clark Beckham and Nick Fradiani of American Idol; Blake Shelton and Meghan Linsey of The Voice.
Country fans are sure watching TV talent shows. That may be one take-away into White House, Tenn.-native Clark Beckham‘s inclusion in the top two of American Idol on FOX, while ex-Steel Magnolia singer Meghan Linsey has made it to the final-four on The Voice on NBC.
Strangely enough American Idol is auditioning for its final 15th season contestants at the same time and location of its season 14 finale tonight, Wednesday May 13. That’s when the FOX-network winner will receive a recording contract with Scott Borchetta‘s Big Machine Label Group. There is a 50/50 chance the winner will be from mid-Tennessee. It’s down to Beckham and Nick Fradiani, a Connecticut native.
Lindsey, a member of Team Blake, will perform as the final four on The Voice next week.
ASCAP Writers Meet With Capitol Hill Policymakers During ‘Songwriter Advocacy Day’
/by Jessica NicholsonASCAP President and Chairman Paul Williams, Alan Bergman (“The Way We Were”), John Bettis (“Top of the World”), Crystal Nicole (“The Only Girl In The World”), Allen Shamblin (“The House That Built Me”) and Che “Rhymefest” Smith (“Glory”) are among those in attendance. They will be joined by songwriter/producer Kevin Kadish (“All About That Bass”), ASCAP CEO Beth Matthews and many of ASCAP’s Board members.
ASCAP Board members meeting with legislators include Marilyn Bergman (“The Windmills of Your Mind”), Desmond Child (“Livin’ On A Prayer”); film and TV composers Richard Bellis (“IT”) Bruce Broughton (“Silverado”), Dan Foliart (“Home Improvement,” “Roseanne”), and Doug Wood (“Saturday Night Live”); concert music composer Alex Shapiro; and publishers Barry Coburn (Ten Ten Music Group), Dean Kay (Lichelle Music and songwriter of “That’s Life”), Leeds Levy (Leeds Music) and Irwin Robinson (Cromwell Music).
“The rules that govern how songwriters and composers license our music no longer work in today’s marketplace, presenting a very real threat to the foundation of the music value chain,” said Williams. “Powerful corporations that now control the music delivery pipeline have lined up in opposition to reform, essentially asking the federal government to protect their profits at the expense of every songwriter, composer and music publisher in America. We’re here today because it’s up to each of us, as music creators, to stand up, speak out and defend the value of our music.”
Ashley Monroe Nails One-Take Live Recording at Nashville’s Blue Room
/by Eric T. ParkerAshley Monroe is not a stranger to Jack White‘s Third Man Records in Nashville. Nor is the Warner Nashville star unaccustomed to a flawless live performance. Monroe has performed with legends Wanda Jackson and then with Willie Nelson for his 80th Birthday CMT event at Third Man Records, but last night (May 12) was for her direct-to-acetate live recording.
Her artistic magic was on full display at the gathering in Jack White‘s famed Blue Room. Three musicians joined Monroe in front of an audience of around 300 VIP guests, many part of the Music Biz 2015 conference.
Ashley Monroe.
“It’s very crucial we get this right,” said Monroe as she took the stage with John Shaw (guitar), Jenee Fleenor (fiddle) and Johnny Duke (lead guitar).
Born to perform, Monroe kicked off with “Two Weeks Late,” a track off her Warner debut, before recording began with additional major label debut tracks “Like A Rose” and “Weed Instead of Roses.” Her 2006 title “Satisfied” was recorded during the B-side phase of the evening.
Performances of highly anticipated new material included the superb title track off the forthcoming release, The Blade, in addition to “Dixie,” “Bombshell,” “Has Anybody Ever Told You,” “I’m Good At Leavin'” and her current single “On To Something Good.” Monroe closed out the evening with a solo-acoustic performance of “Hickory Wind,” Gram Parsons‘ 1968 hit.
The studio records only a handful of performances a year for its Live at Third Man Records series. Performances are available to attendees with a black/blue 12″ LP, then to the general public as traditional black vinyl.
Monroe’s sophomore Warner Bros. album will be available July 24.
Photos: Music Biz