Once a fan, always a fan.
Today’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.
Sea Gayle Music Adds Steve Schnur To Writer Roster
/by Jessica Nicholson(Pictured, Front Row): Marc Driskill, Sea Gayle EVP/GM; Steve Schnur; Chris DuBois, Sea Gayle partner. (Pictured, Back Row): Mike Owens, Sea Gayle VP Creative; Brandon Gregg, Sea Gayle Office Manager; Jake Gear, Sea Gayle Creative Director.
Sea Gayle Music has signed Steve Schnur to an exclusive worldwide songwriter agreement.
“Steve is such a uniquely talented songwriter. His passion for music and his creative instincts are at the heart of his songwriting. We are excited to work with him and enjoy many years of success together,” said Marc Driskill, EVP/GM of Sea Gayle Music.
Schnur began his career as a teenage musician in bands. He has since served in many segments of the music industry, including working on the original programming team at MTV, working in record label promotion, A&R and marketing, as well as music supervisory roles for movies.
“Before anything else in my career, I was a songwriter. And while it had always been my hope to circle back to it, it’s always been my dream to return to songwriting in a community as creatively productive and welcoming as Nashville. Sea Gayle is a true independent, founded and run by songwriters, and I look forward to writing hits for them for years to come,” said Schnur.
Artist Pics: Chris Young, Alan Jackson, Steve Wariner
/by Jessica NicholsonChris Young Brings New Music To Cumulus
Chris Young visited the Cumulus office recently to play new music for the executive staff. Young recently shipped his new song, “I’m Comin’ Over,” to country radio. The tune was co-written by Chris, with Corey Crowder and Josh Hoge. It marks the first single from Young’s upcoming fifth album for RCA Nashville, which is being produced by Young and Corey Crowder.
Pictured (L-R): SVP Programming Mike McVay, VP of Label Relations John Kilgo, Chris Young, EVP of Content & Programming John W. Dickey.
Alan Jackson Visits Special Fan at the Country Music Hall of Fame
Alan Jackson recently spent time with five-year-old Joshua John (aka J Dub), a young fan of Jackson’s music. Joshua is fighting two forms of stage IV cancer. Jackson had Joshua and his family flown to Nashville to tour Jackson’s exhibit at the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum, and the family stayed at the Omni Hotel. Jackson surprised Joshua at the Hall of Fame exhibit, visiting with him and performing a rendition of “I’ll Fly Away” together.
Joshua John visits with Alan Jackson, and sits on Jackson’s motorcycle at the Country Music Hall of Fame. Photo: Nathan Baugh.
Steve Wariner Welcomes Radio Buds During Billy Bob’s Performance
Over the weekend, NASH Icon format host Scott Gaines and Westwood One’s Classic Country host Linda Flores spent some quality chill time with country legend Steve Wariner at Billy Bob’s Texas.
Pictured (L-R): Scott Gaines, Steve Wariner, and Linda Flores.
Jana Kramer, Kelsea Ballerini on CMT Next Women of Country Tour in Nashville
/by Sarah Skates(L-R): CMT’s Leslie Fram, Cam, Kelleigh Bannen, Ruthie Collins, Kelsea Ballerini, Lindsay Ell, Brooke Eden and Clare Dunn
CMT’s inaugural Next Women of Country Tour, headlined by Jana Kramer and Kelsea Ballerini, visited Nashville Tuesday night (May 12) for a packed-house performance at 3rd and Lindsley.
The tour is hitting 10 cities across the country this spring. CMT surprised the audience with a special announcement, welcoming four new members to the “Next Women of Country” franchise. Kramer joined Leslie Fram, SVP of Music Strategy, CMT, on stage to welcome Brooke Eden, Cam, Clare Dunn and Ruthie Collins to the fold.
CMT introduced its “Next Women” campaign in 2013 as a way to give more attention and airplay to emerging female country artists across all screens. Among the Next Women alumnae are Kacey Musgraves, Brandy Clark, Cassadee Pope and Ashley Monroe.
Photos: Joseph Llanes
The newest additions to the Next Women of Country franchise (L-R): Brooke Eden, Cam, Clare Dunn and Ruthie Collins.
Alan Wenkus To Write George Jones Biopic, ‘No Show Jones’
/by Troy_StephensonGeorge Jones
28 Entertainment and George Jones’ estate announced that Alan Wenkus will develop the George Jones biopic, No Show Jones. Wenkus has been working closely with Jones’ widow, Nancy, who will serve as executive producer. 28 Entertainment’s Brian A. Hoffman and Dennis Baxter will produce the project.
Wenkus also worked on the 2015 biopic Straight Outta Compton, which centers on group NWA’s emergence from Compton, Calif., in the mid-1980s.
“George Jones literally saved country music when rock and roll almost swallowed it up. He had such an entertaining life. It’s got it all. Love, loss, redemption and a lot of whiskey…basically everything George was singing about,” said Wenkus.
No Show Jones will tell the story of Jones’ career in country music and his marriages to Tammy Wynette and Nancy Jones. The producers spent many hours with Jones in his later years. Jones died in 2013 at the age of 81.
“We are very excited about moving into the next phase of bringing George’s remarkable life to the big screen. We are thrilled that so many talented people have shown a great deal of interest in this project,” said Hoffman.
Simpson, Williams, Shakey Graves Lead 14th Annual Americana Awards Nominees
/by Jessica NicholsonPictured (L-R): Abi Tapia of the Country Music Hall of Fame & Museum, Joey Ryan & Kenneth Pattengale of the Milk Carton Kids, Nikki Lane, Jed Hilly of the Americana Music Association, Abigail Washburn, Bela Fleck, and John Hiatt. Photo: Terry Wyatt / Getty Images
Sturgill Simpson, Lucinda Williams, and Shakey Graves lead the nominees for the 14th annual Americana Honors & Awards, which were announced Thursday (May 14) at the Country Music Hall of Fame’s Ford Theater in Nashville.
Simpson earned nods in the Artist of the Year, Song of the Year (for “Turtles All The Way Down”), Album of the Year (for Metamodern Sounds in Country Music) categories.
Williams also earned nods for Artist of the Year, Album of the Year (for Down Where The Spirit Meets The Bone), and Song of the Year (for “East Side of Town”).
Newcomer Shakey Graves was named as an Emerging Artist of the Year nominee. He also garnered a Song of the Year nomination for “Dearly Departed,” and Album of the Year nod for And The War Came.
Other notables in the Artist of the Year category include Lee Ann Womack, Jason Isbell, and Rhiannon Giddens. Womack earned an additional nomination in the Album of the Year category for her Frank Liddell-produced project The Way I’m Livin‘.
Among the performers during the nominations ceremony were hosts/performers The Milk Carton Kids, along with Song of the Year nominee John Haitt, Emerging Artist of the Year nominee Nikki Lane, and Duo/Group of the Year nominees Bela Fleck and Abigail Washburn.
The 14th annual Americana Honors & Awards will be held at Nashville’s Ryman Auditorium on Sept. 16 as part of 16th annual Americana Music Festival and Conference.
Album of the Year
And The War Came – Shakey Graves; Produced by Alejandro Rose-Garcia and Chris Boosahda
Down Where The Spirit Meets The Bone – Lucinda Williams; Produced by Lucinda Williams, Tom Overby and Greg Leisz
Metamodern Sounds In Country Music – Sturgill Simpson; Produced by Dave Cobb
The Way I’m Livin’ -Lee Ann Womack; Produced by Frank Liddell
Tomorrow Is My Turn – Rhiannon Giddens; Produced by T-Bone Burnett
Artist of the Year
Rhiannon Giddens
Jason Isbell
Sturgill Simpson
Lucinda Williams
Lee Ann Womack
Duo/Group of the Year
Bela Fleck & Abigail Washburn
The Lone Bellow
The Mavericks
Punch Brothers
Shovels & Rope
Song of the Year
“Dearly Departed” – Shakey Graves; Written by Alejandro Rose-Garcia and Esme’ Patterson
“East Side Of Town” – Lucinda Williams; Written by Lucinda Williams
“Terms Of My Surrender” – John Hiatt; Written by John Hiatt
“Turtles All The Way Down” – Sturgill Simpson; Written by Sturgill Simpson
“You’re The Best Lover That I Ever Had” – Steve Earle & the Dukes; Written by Steve Earle
Emerging Artist of the Year
First Aid Kit
Houndmouth
Nikki Lane
Doug Seegers
Shakey Graves
Instrumentalist of the Year
Hubby Jenkins
Laur Joamets
Greg Leisz
John Leventhal
Stuart Mathis
Walk of Fame Park Reopening With Loretta Lynn, Jack White
/by Sarah Skates“I can’t think of a better way to celebrate the reopening of Walk of Fame Park than with the induction of Loretta Lynn and Jack White—two very diverse artists,” Mayor Dean said. “They represent what is best about Nashville with music that spans multiple genres and generations. They are great ambassadors for the creative community in our city, and I congratulate them on this wonderful honor.”
Both the induction ceremony and ribbon-cutting celebration will take place at Walk of Fame Park on Demonbreun Street, between Third and Fourth Avenues. In addition to the inductions of Lynn and White, the new plaque design for all of the renovated stars will be unveiled.
“Individually, Loretta Lynn and Jack White have each made an enormous impact on Nashville’s music scene,” said Ken Levitan, NCVC Board Chair and President of Vector Management. “Collectively, the impact of their collaborations has been felt exponentially and worldwide. The Walk of Fame showcases our diverse history and illustrates to fans from all over the world why we are Music City.”
Nominations for the Music City Walk of Fame are open to the public and are accepted in the categories of Artist, Musician, Songwriter, and Producer/Music Industry Executive. Application forms are reviewed by the Music City Walk of Fame anonymous selection committee.
Jack White receives the Music City Ambassador award from Mayor Dean in 2011.
Warner To Kick Off ‘Pickin’ On The Patio’ With Cole Swindell
/by Eric T. ParkerCole Swindell. Photo: Bev Moser.
Warner Music Nashville will host the 2015 season’s first Pickin’ On The Patio (PotP) party next week (Tuesday, May 19) featuring ACM New Artist of The Year winner Cole Swindell.
This will mark Swindell’s second time to open the series, which will include five shows through September, held on the fourth Wednesday of each month. During each performance, the Warner Music Nashville patio fills to capacity with Music Row friends and country music tastemakers to watch performances from artists signed to WMN and WORD labels.
Doors open at 5:30 p.m. and shows starts at 6 p.m. The next installment of Pickin’ On The Patio will be held on June 24. Sponsors include Aramark and Anheuser Busch.
“I’m extremely proud to continue the WMN Pickin’ On The Patio tradition for our sixth year in a row. The series marks the beginning of the busy summer touring schedule and is a great way to get some hang-time with our artists doing what they do best – playing music,” said Peter Strickland, EVP/GM at Warner Music Nashville. “Cole has made great strides in just one year, earning three No. 1 singles from his debut album and winning the coveted award for ACM’s New Artist of The Year last month.”
Nettwerk One Music Signs Matchbox 20’s Kyle Cook
/by Troy_StephensonPictured (L-R): Kyle Cook, Nettwerk’s AJ Burton
Artist and songwriter Kyle Cook has signed with Nettwerk One Music. The Matchbox 20 guitarist joins a roster of songwriters that include Jessie Jo Dillon, Neil Mason (The Cadillac Three), Mike Fiorentino, Austin Jenckes, Tammi Kidd Hutton and others.
In addition to Matchbox 20, Cook is also the lead guitarist and vocalist for The New Left and has credits as a writer, performer and producer on John Waite’s 2011 Rough & Tumble album. He also opened his own record label last year and is preparing to release his debut solo album, Wolves, in late 2015.
Nettwerk’s AJ Burton says, “Kyle and I have been friends for the past 10 years and have always wanted to partner on something. Now felt like the right time for us with Kyle launching a solo album, creating his duo Rivers and Rust and with Matchbox Twenty’s upcoming 20th Anniversary in 2016. Exciting times lie ahead!”
Trisha Yearwood Exhibit Coming To Country Music Hall of Fame
/by Jessica NicholsonTrisha Yearwood
Trisha Yearwood is the latest artist to be honored with an upcoming exhibit in the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum. The singer, entertainer, best-selling author and cooking show host will be the focus of the new exhibition, Trisha Yearwood: The Song Remembers When.
The exhibition will open July 3 and run through December 2015. Visitors can view stage clothes, awards, photos, cooking items, and other memorabilia from Yearwood’s personal collection.
Trisha Yearwood: The Song Remembers When will chronicle Yearwood’s life, career, beginning in her hometown of Monticello, Ga. After moving to Music City and graduating from Nashville’s Belmont University, Yearwood began her career in music, spending time first as a tour guide at the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum and a receptionist at a record company.
“With a powerful voice and inspiring music, Trisha is an extremely talented, award-winning singer and long-time friend of the museum, dating back to her days as a tour guide here at the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum. We’re proud to host her exhibit,” said museum CEO Kyle Young. “She was the first female country singer to have a debut album sell one million copies in its first year, driven by her first No. 1 single ‘She’s in Love with the Boy.’ And that was only her first milestone. This exhibit shares her story—from small-town roots to platinum albums.”
Her array of hit singles includes “Believe Me Baby (I Lied),” “Walkaway Joe,” Wrong Side of Memphis,” “XXX’s and OOO’s (An American Girl),” “Perfect Love,” and numerous others.
The Grand Ole Opry member has established a multi-faceted career, including authoring three New York Times best-selling cookbooks, and a gig as host of the Emmy-Award winning Food Network show, Trisha’s Southern Kitchen, which is currently in its sixth season. This spring, Yearwood released a new line of cookware, Trisha’s Precious Metals, and unveiled her own line of furniture, The Trisha Yearwood Home Collection, in partnership with Klaussner Home furnishings.
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.