As usual, Nashville artists have a Santa sack full of seasonal music for your consumption.
We begin our two-part roundup of holiday listening with a stack of platters that includes offerings from country, Americana and bluegrass artists, plus even a jug band. Headliners on hand today include Kenny Chesney, Jerrod Niemann, The Swon Brothers and Jamey Johnson.
The Disc of the Day award goes to The Claire Lynch Band. The group’s Holiday! collection is one that I would happily buy. You should, too.
It says here that the Christmas Jug Band has been at it for 38 years. Call me behind the times, but this is my first exposure to the ensemble. So there’s your DisCovery Award winner.
THE HENNINGSENS/White Christmas
Writer: Irving Berlin; Producer: Preston Dalton & Spencer Dalton; Publisher: none listed, ASCAP; Arista (CDX)
—It lopes along at a gentle tempo. The horse knows the way to carry the sleigh, so the sleepy vocals hardly even matter.
THE SWON BROTHERS/Run Rudolph Run
Writer: Johnny Marks/Marvin Brodie; Producer: Mark Bright; Publisher: none listed, ASCAP; Arista (CDX)
—This rocks with a solid backbeat, stinging electric guitar, rampaging organ and fierce vocals. Just the thing to heat up your holiday party.
DAN + SHAY /Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas
Writer: Hal Blaine/Hugh Martin; Producer: Scott Hendricks; Publisher: EMI Feist Catalog, ASCAP; Warner Bros. (CDX)
—Soulful, with a searing tenor lead vocal in a lustrous instrumental bed.
JERROD NIEMANN/Holly Jolly Christmas
Writer: Johnny Marks; Producer: Jimmie Lee Sloas & Jerrod Niemann; Publisher: St. Nicholas, ASCAP; Arista (CDX)
—This is probably my least favorite holiday tune. Niemann gives it a jazzy reading and the pickers provide swinging accompaniment, both of which mitigate its usually irritating, sing-songy melody.
CHRISTMAS JUG BAND/Santa Lost a Ho
Writer: P. Rogers; Producer: Tim Eschliman; Publisher: Dum Ditty, BMI; Globe (track) (www.christmasjugband.com/jugology)
—Apparently, this ensemble has been a holiday institution in the San Francisco Bay Area for 38 years. Who knew? Anyhow, their new Jugology CD compiles years worth of “favorites” including this goofy hokum ditty, complete with kazoo, slide whistle, washboard, clarinet and, of course, jug. A smile a minute.
LENNON & MAISY/Christmas Coming Home
Writer: MaryLynne Stella/Brad Stella; Producer: none listed; Publisher: none listed; Back 40 Entertainment (www.lennonandmaisy.com)
—The “Rayna Jaymes” kids on the Nashville TV show have a Christmas single that bops and bubbles along merrily. Their twin-like harmony voices are backed by a track that features bells chiming, snappy drumming and ringing electric guitars. Very listenable indeed.
OVER THE RHINE/Another Christmas
Writer: Linford Detweiler; Producer: Linford Detweiler & Karin Bergquist; Publisher: Scampering Songs, ASCAP; Great Speckled Dog (track) (www.overtherhine.com)
—This highly acclaimed Americana duo has a seasonal CD titled Blood Oranges in the Snow that it describes as reality Christmas music. Which means there is a wide range of emotions on it, including sadness as well as joy. This song, for instance, yearns for Christmas blessings in a world of sin, violence and pain. The aching delivery has you hanging on every line. Most of the collection is self-penned, although Merle Haggard’s downbeat “If We Make it Through December” is covered.
KENNY CHESNEY/Christmas in Blue Chair Bay
Writer: Kenny Chesney/Brett James/David Lee Murphy; Producer: Buddy Cannon & Kenny Chesney; Publisher: Sony-ATV/Basuare/WB/Songs of Brett/External Combustion/Old Desperados/N2D, BMI/ASCAP; Blue Chair/Columbia
—Simple and lilting, this relaxing ode to celebrating the season in the Caribbean goes down easily. The balmy ode is recorded acoustically.
THE CLAIRE LYNCH BAND/Heaven’s Light
Writer: Steven Sheehan/Claire Lynch; Producer: The Claire Lynch Band; Publisher: Reynsong/Scared Stiff/Universal Songs of PolyGram/Sound Cell, BMI; Thrill Hill (track)
—Let me just say up front that this bluegrass songbird is one of my favorite country vocalists. She and her band have released a simply stellar collection titled Holiday! It shimmers like new fallen snow, whether on standards like “Home for the Holidays,” “It Came Upon a Midnight Clear” and “Jingle Bells” or on newly composed songs like this star-at-midnight gem.
JAMEY JOHNSON/The Christmas Song
Writer: Robert Wells/Mel Torme; Producer: none listed; Publisher: none listed; Big Gasssed (track)
—Johnson has a five-song holiday EP with this as its title tune. He takes the standard at a languid pace, leaving plenty of space for the backing instrumentalists to shine. His baritone delivery is as smooth as silk. Highly recommended.
'MusicRow' Reveals 2015 'Next Big Thing' Stars
/by Jessica NicholsonBe sure to pick up your copy of the print magazine here, or receive your free copy with the purchase of a yearly subscription.
“We treat the creation of this list with the serious weight it deserves,” says MusicRow Publisher/Owner Sherod Robertson. “As Nashville’s music industry trade publication, we are uniquely positioned to see the incredible talent on the cusp of breaking new ground. Whether reaching new heights in an already successful career or poised to make their first significant entrance to the national stage in 2015, the Next Big Thing artists are destined for bigger spotlights.”
Each artist will be profiled in the 2015 Next Big Thing print issue, which features plenty of other exclusive editorial content. A spotlight shines on the unique practices of Lou Taylor’s Tri Star business management. Kevin Kadish, producer and co-writer of Meghan Trainor’s “All About That Bass,” provides insight about why the song is smash. Brad Turcotte, UMG Nashville marketing executive, talks about country music’s potential for brand partnerships and growth overseas. Other articles examine businesses committing to homes on Music Row, and how to maximize the potential of YouTube and SoundExchange.
MusicRow‘s ‘Next Big Thing’ Artists (list to be updated as artists are revealed throughout the day)
• Chase Bryant (BBR Music Group/Red Bow Records)
• Clare Dunn (UMG Nashville)
• Brett Eldredge (Warner Music Nashville/Atlantic Records)
• Tyler Farr (Sony Music Nashville/Columbia Nashville)
• Sam Hunt (UMG Nashville/MCA Nashville)
• Dustin Lynch (BBR Music Group/Broken Bow Records)
• Maddie & Tae (Big Machine Label Group/Dot Records)
• Native Run (Show Dog-Universal)
• RaeLynn (Big Machine Label Group/The Valory Music Co.)
• Chase Rice (Sony Music Nashville/Dack Janiels/Columbia Nashville)
• Cole Swindell (Warner Music Nashville/Warner Bros. Nashville)
DISClaimer: A Santa Sack Full of Seasonal Sounds
/by Robert K OermannWe begin our two-part roundup of holiday listening with a stack of platters that includes offerings from country, Americana and bluegrass artists, plus even a jug band. Headliners on hand today include Kenny Chesney, Jerrod Niemann, The Swon Brothers and Jamey Johnson.
The Disc of the Day award goes to The Claire Lynch Band. The group’s Holiday! collection is one that I would happily buy. You should, too.
It says here that the Christmas Jug Band has been at it for 38 years. Call me behind the times, but this is my first exposure to the ensemble. So there’s your DisCovery Award winner.
THE HENNINGSENS/White Christmas
Writer: Irving Berlin; Producer: Preston Dalton & Spencer Dalton; Publisher: none listed, ASCAP; Arista (CDX)
—It lopes along at a gentle tempo. The horse knows the way to carry the sleigh, so the sleepy vocals hardly even matter.
THE SWON BROTHERS/Run Rudolph Run
Writer: Johnny Marks/Marvin Brodie; Producer: Mark Bright; Publisher: none listed, ASCAP; Arista (CDX)
—This rocks with a solid backbeat, stinging electric guitar, rampaging organ and fierce vocals. Just the thing to heat up your holiday party.
DAN + SHAY /Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas
Writer: Hal Blaine/Hugh Martin; Producer: Scott Hendricks; Publisher: EMI Feist Catalog, ASCAP; Warner Bros. (CDX)
—Soulful, with a searing tenor lead vocal in a lustrous instrumental bed.
JERROD NIEMANN/Holly Jolly Christmas
Writer: Johnny Marks; Producer: Jimmie Lee Sloas & Jerrod Niemann; Publisher: St. Nicholas, ASCAP; Arista (CDX)
—This is probably my least favorite holiday tune. Niemann gives it a jazzy reading and the pickers provide swinging accompaniment, both of which mitigate its usually irritating, sing-songy melody.
Writer: P. Rogers; Producer: Tim Eschliman; Publisher: Dum Ditty, BMI; Globe (track) (www.christmasjugband.com/jugology)
—Apparently, this ensemble has been a holiday institution in the San Francisco Bay Area for 38 years. Who knew? Anyhow, their new Jugology CD compiles years worth of “favorites” including this goofy hokum ditty, complete with kazoo, slide whistle, washboard, clarinet and, of course, jug. A smile a minute.
LENNON & MAISY/Christmas Coming Home
Writer: MaryLynne Stella/Brad Stella; Producer: none listed; Publisher: none listed; Back 40 Entertainment (www.lennonandmaisy.com)
—The “Rayna Jaymes” kids on the Nashville TV show have a Christmas single that bops and bubbles along merrily. Their twin-like harmony voices are backed by a track that features bells chiming, snappy drumming and ringing electric guitars. Very listenable indeed.
OVER THE RHINE/Another Christmas
Writer: Linford Detweiler; Producer: Linford Detweiler & Karin Bergquist; Publisher: Scampering Songs, ASCAP; Great Speckled Dog (track) (www.overtherhine.com)
—This highly acclaimed Americana duo has a seasonal CD titled Blood Oranges in the Snow that it describes as reality Christmas music. Which means there is a wide range of emotions on it, including sadness as well as joy. This song, for instance, yearns for Christmas blessings in a world of sin, violence and pain. The aching delivery has you hanging on every line. Most of the collection is self-penned, although Merle Haggard’s downbeat “If We Make it Through December” is covered.
KENNY CHESNEY/Christmas in Blue Chair Bay
Writer: Kenny Chesney/Brett James/David Lee Murphy; Producer: Buddy Cannon & Kenny Chesney; Publisher: Sony-ATV/Basuare/WB/Songs of Brett/External Combustion/Old Desperados/N2D, BMI/ASCAP; Blue Chair/Columbia
—Simple and lilting, this relaxing ode to celebrating the season in the Caribbean goes down easily. The balmy ode is recorded acoustically.
THE CLAIRE LYNCH BAND/Heaven’s Light
Writer: Steven Sheehan/Claire Lynch; Producer: The Claire Lynch Band; Publisher: Reynsong/Scared Stiff/Universal Songs of PolyGram/Sound Cell, BMI; Thrill Hill (track)
—Let me just say up front that this bluegrass songbird is one of my favorite country vocalists. She and her band have released a simply stellar collection titled Holiday! It shimmers like new fallen snow, whether on standards like “Home for the Holidays,” “It Came Upon a Midnight Clear” and “Jingle Bells” or on newly composed songs like this star-at-midnight gem.
JAMEY JOHNSON/The Christmas Song
Writer: Robert Wells/Mel Torme; Producer: none listed; Publisher: none listed; Big Gasssed (track)
—Johnson has a five-song holiday EP with this as its title tune. He takes the standard at a languid pace, leaving plenty of space for the backing instrumentalists to shine. His baritone delivery is as smooth as silk. Highly recommended.
Industry Ink: Copyright Society of the South, Team WEA, CMA
/by Jessica NicholsonThe Copyright Society of the South recently hosted its 18th annual Copyright Year in Review luncheon featuring the Associate Professor of Music & Entertainment Industry Studies University at Colorado, Stan Soocher, J.D.
Soocher spoke to a standing room-only membership about cases including: Lady Gaga winning summary judgment in defending against the song, ‘Juda’; a case where there was no substantial similarity between a plaintiff’s rap song and Usher’s R&B song in Edwards v. Raymond, 13 Civ. 7985; and discussing the distinct acts of infringement at issue in a copyright suit over card game rights.
Pictured (L-R, front row): Denise Stevens, Treasurer of CSOS; Stan Soocher, Karl Braun, CSOS board member (back row) – John Barker, Chairman of CSOS, Jill Napier, Vice Chairman of CSOS, Kele Currier, Secretary of CSOS. Photo: Kathryn Graham
• • •
Blake Nixon
Team WEA has welcomed Blake Nixon as the team’s new Promotion coordinator. The Brentwood, Tenn., native is a Belmont University graduate, and previously served as an account representative for three years with Word Entertainment.
His prior experience also includes event promotion for WSM radio and interning for UMG’s radio promotion team. He replaces Stephanie Holzer, was was recently promoted to the role of Southwest Regional Manager.
• • •
Zach and Colton Swon of The Swon Brothers recently visited the Country Music Association to entertain the staff.
Pictured (L-R): Brandi Simms (Senior Director of Membership and Balloting), Sarah Trahern (Chief Executive Officer), Zach Swon, Colton Swon (The Swon Brothers) and Greg Hill (CEO of Hill Entertainment Group), Brenden Oliver, Membership and Balloting Coordinator and Carrie Tekautz, Membership and Balloting Assistant.
Positions Eliminated at Show Dog Nashville
/by Sarah SkatesUMGN will provide A&R, creative, finance, marketing and sales services to the independent label. Show Dog will maintain a full radio promotion team and Toby Keith will remain Principal of the company. Show Dog Pres. Mark Wright is exiting the company.
As a result of this new relationship, a number of employees will not be transitioning to the new entity. Show Dog would like to acknowledge and thank the staff who have been an important part of building the company over the years.
The following positions have been eliminated due to the restructuring and these employees are seeking their next opportunities.
Cliff Audretch
Senior Director, A&R
cliffaudretch11@gmail.com
615.406.0920
Bill Kennedy
VP Sales, Marketing and Digital
billk8@gmail.com
615.473.1959
Sloane Cavitt Logue
Director, Digital
sloanecavitt@gmail.com
615.717.5671
Carie Long
Senior Director, A&R Operations
carielong.music@gmail.com
615.419.1061
Natalie Moore
Director, Artist Development and Creative Services
natalie.mooremusic@gmail.com
615.828.7991
Macy Morganthaler
Regional Director, Promotion and Marketing
Macy.morgenthaler@gmail.com
P.J. Olsen
Director, Research & Information Systems
peejolsen@comcast.net
615.243.0130
Jordon Petty
A&R Coordinator
Jordonpetty90@gmail.com
615.891.9863
Live Nation Introduces New Texas Performance Venue
/by Jessica NicholsonRendering of The Pavilion at The Music Factory
Live Nation has signed on to exclusively own, operate, book and promote The Pavilion at The Music Factory, a new entertainment venue in Irving, Texas. Slated to open in 2016, The Music Factory will be an all-in-one dining and entertainment destination. The Pavilion will feature the flexibility to convert from a 4,000-seat indoor theater to an 8,000 capacity open-air pavilion. The live entertainment space is slated to hold approximately 250+ events annually.
The Music Factory will include 50,0o0 square feet of plaza space. In its first phase, the project will offer 250,000 square feet of entertainment, retail, and restaurant space, including a movie theater, bowling alley, comedy club, and 20+ restaurant options. THe site is servicd by DART Orange Line, which has five stations, and transports more than 2,000 daily riders. The Las Colinas Area Personal Transit System (APT) will have a station on-site, allowing easy access to and from the business center of Las Colinas.
The site is 20 minutes from downtown Dallas, and seven minutes from DFW airport.
Rendering of The Pavilion at The Music Factory
Rendering of The Music Factory
Benefit News: Ways To Spread Holiday Cheer
/by Sarah SkatesTonight, Dec. 9, 6 p.m.— Legislative fundraiser for NSAI featuring hit songwriters Luke Laird, Natalie Hemby, Barry Dean and Steve & Maggie. $15.
Dec. 9, 9 p.m.—Show hosted by duo Striking Matches to benefit Best Buddies, which creates opportunities for people with special needs. $20.
Dec. 17, 9 p.m.—The Bluebird Café’s annual Holiday Bash will feature Jay Patten, Toni Sehulster, Ric Lonnow and a host of others. It will benefit Crossroads Campus, which connects people in need with animals in need. $20.
Details and reservations at www.bluebirdcafe.com.
• • •
Cumulus Nashville is hosting a toy drive for the Salvation Army today, Dec. 9, 6 a.m. – 7 p.m. The 7th annual Toy Field will be at the east side of LP Field, between Gates 1 and 2. This holiday season, the Salvation Army Forgotten Angel Program will reach over 9,000 children and elderly.
• • •
Nashville’s The Little Pantry That Could is in the running for Walmart’s Food Pantry Holiday Makeover, which will award 75 food pantries each a $20,000 prize. The organization, which is supported by music industry leaders including CMT’s Leslie Fram and husband Lanny West of Tipping Point Entertainment, needs online votes to secure the money. Votes can be cast daily through Dec. 12 at walmart.com/holidaymakeover.
• • •
The Band of Merrymakers has released debut single “Must Be Christmas” with a portion of proceeds to benefit MusiCares Foundation. The Band of Merrymakers is the brainchild of hit songwriters Sam Hollander and Kevin Griffin, and is comprised of a rotating cast of members of Lady Antebellum, Neon Trees, Fitz and The Tantrums, 311, Better Than Ezra, 3OH!3, Smallpools, The Mowglis, Sinclair, and The Honeymoons.
Ralph Stanley Pairs with Cracker Barrel for Duets Album
/by Eric T. ParkerProduced by duet partners Buddy Miller and Jim Lauderdale, the album features additional duets with Dierks Bentley, Elvis Costello, Del McCoury, Old Crow Medicine Show, Robert Plant, Ricky Skaggs, Nathan Stanley, Josh Turner, Gillian Welch & David Rawlings, and Lee Ann Womack. Stanley also performs two solo songs (full listing below).
The 13-track collection will be available for $11.99 on Jan. 19 at the Old Country Store, online at crackerbarrel.com and select digital retailers.
Track Listing for Ralph Stanley & Friends: Man of Constant Sorrow:
1) “We Shall Rise” with Josh Turner
2) “I Only Exist” with Dierks Bentley
3) “Sweethearts in Heaven” with Ricky Skaggs
4) “Rank Stranger” with Nathan Stanley
5) “I Am the Man, Thomas” with Buddy Miller & Jim Lauderdale
6) “White Dove” with Lee Ann Womack
7) “Red Wicked Wine” with Elvis Costello
8) “Pig in a Pen” with Gillian Welch & David Rawlings
9) “Two Coats” with Robert Plant
10) “Brand New Tennessee Waltz” with Del McCoury
11) “Short Life of Trouble” with Old Crow Medicine Show
12) “Hills of Home”
13) “Man of Constant Sorrow”
Briggs Joins U.S. Bank's Private Client Reserve in Nashville
/by Jessica NicholsonJohn Briggs
U.S. Bank has added John Briggs as a wealth management consultant and entertainment industry specialist for The Private Client Reserve in Nashville. Briggs is responsible for developing relationships with clients in the entertainment industry, and for assembling a team of wealth management professionals to deliver customized wealth management solutions.
Briggs previously spent 25 years at ASCAP, where he worked his way into a vice president role. John has spent his career assisting clients by evaluating entertainment industry-related businesses opportunities and creating high-net-worth networking alliances. He is a founding and current board member of the Integrity Foundation, and a new board member of Help the Good Guys. He serves on the Advisory Board of Pantheon Park and the Nashville Legal Aid Society.
“We are thrilled that John has chosen to join our team in the Entertainment & Pro-Sports Group. While John brings with him a vast network of industry professionals, he also brings an extensive 25-year history of managing domestic and international royalty collections across all genres of music, television and film. That deep industry knowledge will be very valuable to both our team, as well as our new and existing clients,” said J. Steven Cook, regional market leader for The Private Client Reserve.
SRO Award Winners Presented By CMA
/by Eric T. ParkerPhoto: John Russell
The CMA presented its touring industry honors, SRO Awards, at Marathon Music Works in Nashville last night (Dec. 8). Kix Brooks hosted the affair, which featured 15 categories voted by CMA members.
2014 SRO Award Winners of the Year
Business Manager of the Year: Duane Clark (Flood, Bumstead, McCready & McCarthy)
Coach/Truck Driver: Ron Easley (Jason Aldean)
Front of House Engineer: Jeff Parsons (Blake Shelton)
Lighting Director: Steve Richards (Taylor Swift)
Manager: Kerri Edwards (Red Light Management)
Tour Manager: Kevin Canady (Blake Shelton)
Monitor Engineer: Brad Baisley (Blake Shelton)
Production Manager: Todd Ortmeier (Miranda Lambert)
Publicist: Mary Hilliard Harrington (The GreenRoom)
Talent Agent: Rob Beckham (WME)
Talent Buyer/Promoter: Brian O’Connell (Live Nation)
Tour Caterer: Dega Catering
Touring Musician: John Thomasson [bass] (Little Big Town)
Venue: Ryman Auditorium (Nashville, Tenn.)
Tour Video Director: Scott Scovill (Moo TV)
Allison Moorer To Release eOne Nashville Album
/by Troy_StephensonThis will be Moorer’s eighth studio album since her debut in 1998 with Alabama Song. The recording for Down To Believing began in January 2012, the same month her son was diagnosed with autism. The song “Mama Let The Wolf In” is her response to the diagnosis.
Moorer is an Academy and Grammy Award nominee and has had her songs appear on records by Miranda Lambert, Steve Earle and more.
In support of the album, Moorer will be performing new songs during the 30A Songwriters Festival in South Walton, Fla., next month. She will also be at the Celtic Connections Festival in Scotland, as well as performing upcoming tour dates with Mary Gauthier.
Tour Dates with Mary Gauthier:
March 19- Vienna, Va., Jammin Java
March 20- Princeton, N.J., Folk Society
March 21- Wilmington, Del., World Café Live
March 22- Cambridge, Mass., Passims
March 24- Portland, Me., One Longfellow Square
March 25- Fairfield, Conn., FTC Stage One
March 26- Buffalo, N.Y., 189 Public House
March 27- Albany, N.Y., Sawyer Theatre