A legend leads the way today. Timeless treasure Dolly Parton comes out swinging with the first single from her Blue Smoke CD. She will be blitzing the media during the next couple of weeks, so get ready. And give the lady a Disc of the Day kudo.
It is true that Small Town Pistols aren’t “new” in the strictest sense. But when we last heard from these two, they were kids. Now they sound like fully matured adults, and nothing like they used to. So I’m giving them a DisCovery Award.
MIKE JONES & TWENTY PACES/Fast and Free
Writer: Mark Jones; Producer: Jeffrey Armstreet; Publisher: none listed, BMI
-An atmospheric depiction of small-town romance that’s loaded with vivid lyric images. Very promising. Send more.
SMALL TOWN PISTOLS/Colour Blind
Writers: Amanda Wilkinson/Tyler Wilkinson/Joey Moi/Jeff Johnson; Producer: Joey Moi; Chunk It/Plain Hooky/Big Loud Shirt/Bay Way Entertainment, ASCAP; 604 Canada
-You know this Canadian brother-sister act better as two-thirds of The Wilkinsons (1998’s “26 Cents,” 2000’s “Jimmy’s Got a Girlfriend,” etc.). Both Amanda and Tyler have attempted solo careers north of the border. Now they’re back together as the duo Small Town Pistols with a debut CD that leads off with this splendidly upbeat single. They harmonize as only siblings can. Tyler takes the lead on the verses with her harmonizing, and Amanda sings lead on the choruses with him harmonizing. In either mode, they are sensational. Essential listening. Give them a new U.S. deal, pronto.
KACEY JONES/Amen For Old Friends
Writers: Mickey Newbury; Producers: Kacey Jones/Duane Sciacqua; Publisher: JD Sandefer III, BMI; IGO (track)
-In 2006, Jones released an album saluting Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame member Mickey Newbury. She returns to his catalog for the title tune of her new CD. It’s a tender ballad filled with warm sentiment. Her dulcet, fireside vocal is cushioned by voices, piano and strings. There is also an extraordinary, fluid, beautifully executed guitar solo by Mark Dreyer. The collection includes tunes that remind us of her history as a comic (remember Ethel & The Shameless Hussies?). But this track and several others show that she’s just as good when she’s playing it straight.
MISTY MILLER/Wrong
Writers: Curt Ryle/Trey Matthews/Kerry Nicole Singletary; Producer: Curt Ryle; Publishers: Big Matador/Music of Cal IV, BMI; Margdon (track)
-Amateur night at the bar and grill.
RANDY ROGERS BAND/Satellite
Writers: McConnell/Rogers; Producer: Jay Joyce; Publisher: none listed; Thirty Tigers
-This popular group’s Homemade Tamales project is a two-CD live album plus a DVD. Two of the tracks on the second audio CD are studio productions by the esteemed Jay Joyce. This one is the driving, impassioned plea of a guy spinning out of control about a gal he yearns for.
CODY RILEY/Something I Wrote
Writers: Cody Riley/Mando Saenz; Producers: Wade Bowen/Ross Smith; Pubishers: Thirty Ought Sound/Scrambler, ASCAP; CR
-He has an ear-catching, wounded-boy vocal delivery. There are moments when he’s a little pitch-y, but the record’s real downfall is its dull-as-mud production and listless instrumental support.
Small Town Pistols
–
Boys Night Out is the new live CD by the Oaks. Their set kicks off with a thumping version of this 1978 mega-hit, complete with a rousing finale. It’s still a great song. When are they going to induct these guys into the Country Music Hall of Fame?
JASON ALLEN/I Did
Writers: none listed; Producer: none listed; Publisher: none listed; Smith
-This fellow is an old favorite of mine. He’s singing his hillbilly heart out here, with ultra-cool steel guitar lines echoing his every phrase. Solidly country. Supremely listenable.
DOLLY PARTON/Home
Writers: Dolly Parton/Kent Wells; Producer: Kent Wells; Publisher: none listed; Dolly (track)
-Dolly’s
Blue Smoke CD drops on May 13, but she’s already begun her campaign to publicize it. This will be the collection’s first video/single, and it is a chopping, bopping dandy. She is a living legend, but this track sounds as contemporary and “today” as anything by artists half her age. The album contains duets with Kenny Rogers and Willie Nelson, but this performance amply demonstrates that she needs no help whatsoever to kick up some dust. For a truly thrilling audio sensation, also check out her mountaineer arrangement of “Banks of the Ohio.”
STEPHANIE QUAYLE/Sugar High
Writers: Ashley Gorley/Kelley Lovelace/Steve McEwen; Producer: Ilya Toshinsky; Publishers: Music of Windswept/Taperoom/Bug/BMG Chrysalis/EMI April/EMI Blackwood/Birds With Ears, ASCAP/BMI; Rebel Engine
-Sweet sounding. Sunny. Summer-y.
The Swon Brothers Make Opry Debut
/by Sarah SkatesCelebrating backstage following the duo’s Opry debut (l-r): Hill Entertainment Group’s Josh Hunter; Sony Music Nashville’s Paul Barnabee, Allen Brown, Sarah Westbrook, and Nick Barnes; Colton Swon; Arista Nashville’s John Sigler; Zach Swon; Hill Entertainment Group’s Greg Hill; Arista’s Lauren Thomas and Ryan Dokke; Hill Entertainment Group’s Scott Whitley; and Arista’s Andy Elliott. Photo: Vanessa Davis
Arista Nashville’s The Swon Brothers were thrilled to make their Grand Ole Opry debut on a recent Saturday night. They performed hit debut single, “Later On,” which is already No. 15 and climbing on MusicRow’s CountryBreakout Chart. They also sang the George Jones classic “Who’s Gonna Fill Their Shoes,” and invited their parents onstage to thank them for their support.
“Playing the Opry for the first time is something one can’t describe. Dreaming all these years of singing on that stage did not even come close to the real life moment,” said Colton Swon.
“So much history and greatness surrounded us. It’s every country singer’s dream to stand on that stage. What a life changing experience that I’ll never forget,” added Zach Swon.
Pictured side stage at the Grand Ole Opry (l-r): Sony Music Nashville Marketing Sr VP Paul Barnabee; Opry Entertainment Group President Steve Buchanan; Zach and Colton Swon; Grand Ole Opry VP/GM Pete Fisher; and Hill Entertainment Group President Greg Hill. Photo: Chris Hollo
CMA Music Festival's Riverfront Stage Lineup Revealed
/by Jessica NicholsonPhoto: Courtesy Morris Artist Management
The 2014 CMA Music Festival will boast more than 50 artists during a series of free daily concerts at the Chevrolet Riverfront Stage. Big & Rich will launch the riverfront concerts on Thursday, June 5 at 10 a.m. CT.
Additional performers scheduled to hit the Chevrolet Riverfront Stage include Frankie Ballard, Danielle Bradbery, Kristian Bush, Craig Campbell, Jason Michael Carroll, Terri Clark, Billy Ray Cyrus, Dan + Shay, Tyler Farr, Colt Ford, Gloriana, LoCash Cowboys, Lonestar, Love and Theft, Dustin Lynch, Craig Morgan, Lorrie Morgan and Pam Tillis, David Nail, Jon Pardi, Parmalee, Eric Paslay, Kellie Pickler, Cassadee Pope, Collin Raye, Chase Rice, Maggie Rose, Corey Smith, Cole Swindell, The Cadillac Three, The Swon Brothers, Uncle Kracker, Clay Walker, Darryl Worley, Charlie Worsham, and Wynonna.
“Big & Rich will bring a great energy to the official start of the Festival, and I know our fans will not want to miss their performance,” said Sarah Trahern, CMA Chief Executive Officer.
U.S. Copyright Office to Change Registration Fees
/by Troy_StephensonMost of the fees will increase. The new rates will go into effect on May 1, 2014.
For a full list of these fees, visit copyright.gov.
DISClaimer: A Legend Leads The Way
/by Robert K OermannIt is true that Small Town Pistols aren’t “new” in the strictest sense. But when we last heard from these two, they were kids. Now they sound like fully matured adults, and nothing like they used to. So I’m giving them a DisCovery Award.
MIKE JONES & TWENTY PACES/Fast and Free
Writer: Mark Jones; Producer: Jeffrey Armstreet; Publisher: none listed, BMI
-An atmospheric depiction of small-town romance that’s loaded with vivid lyric images. Very promising. Send more.
SMALL TOWN PISTOLS/Colour Blind
Writers: Amanda Wilkinson/Tyler Wilkinson/Joey Moi/Jeff Johnson; Producer: Joey Moi; Chunk It/Plain Hooky/Big Loud Shirt/Bay Way Entertainment, ASCAP; 604 Canada
-You know this Canadian brother-sister act better as two-thirds of The Wilkinsons (1998’s “26 Cents,” 2000’s “Jimmy’s Got a Girlfriend,” etc.). Both Amanda and Tyler have attempted solo careers north of the border. Now they’re back together as the duo Small Town Pistols with a debut CD that leads off with this splendidly upbeat single. They harmonize as only siblings can. Tyler takes the lead on the verses with her harmonizing, and Amanda sings lead on the choruses with him harmonizing. In either mode, they are sensational. Essential listening. Give them a new U.S. deal, pronto.
KACEY JONES/Amen For Old Friends
Writers: Mickey Newbury; Producers: Kacey Jones/Duane Sciacqua; Publisher: JD Sandefer III, BMI; IGO (track)
-In 2006, Jones released an album saluting Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame member Mickey Newbury. She returns to his catalog for the title tune of her new CD. It’s a tender ballad filled with warm sentiment. Her dulcet, fireside vocal is cushioned by voices, piano and strings. There is also an extraordinary, fluid, beautifully executed guitar solo by Mark Dreyer. The collection includes tunes that remind us of her history as a comic (remember Ethel & The Shameless Hussies?). But this track and several others show that she’s just as good when she’s playing it straight.
MISTY MILLER/Wrong
Writers: Curt Ryle/Trey Matthews/Kerry Nicole Singletary; Producer: Curt Ryle; Publishers: Big Matador/Music of Cal IV, BMI; Margdon (track)
-Amateur night at the bar and grill.
RANDY ROGERS BAND/Satellite
Writers: McConnell/Rogers; Producer: Jay Joyce; Publisher: none listed; Thirty Tigers
-This popular group’s Homemade Tamales project is a two-CD live album plus a DVD. Two of the tracks on the second audio CD are studio productions by the esteemed Jay Joyce. This one is the driving, impassioned plea of a guy spinning out of control about a gal he yearns for.
CODY RILEY/Something I Wrote
Writers: Cody Riley/Mando Saenz; Producers: Wade Bowen/Ross Smith; Pubishers: Thirty Ought Sound/Scrambler, ASCAP; CR
-He has an ear-catching, wounded-boy vocal delivery. There are moments when he’s a little pitch-y, but the record’s real downfall is its dull-as-mud production and listless instrumental support.
Small Town Pistols
THE OAK RIDGE BOYS/You’re The One
Writers: Bob Morrison; Producer: Duane Allen; Publisher: Arcane/Glenwood, ASCAP; Cleopatra (track)
–Boys Night Out is the new live CD by the Oaks. Their set kicks off with a thumping version of this 1978 mega-hit, complete with a rousing finale. It’s still a great song. When are they going to induct these guys into the Country Music Hall of Fame?
JASON ALLEN/I Did
Writers: none listed; Producer: none listed; Publisher: none listed; Smith
-This fellow is an old favorite of mine. He’s singing his hillbilly heart out here, with ultra-cool steel guitar lines echoing his every phrase. Solidly country. Supremely listenable.
DOLLY PARTON/Home
Writers: Dolly Parton/Kent Wells; Producer: Kent Wells; Publisher: none listed; Dolly (track)
-Dolly’s Blue Smoke CD drops on May 13, but she’s already begun her campaign to publicize it. This will be the collection’s first video/single, and it is a chopping, bopping dandy. She is a living legend, but this track sounds as contemporary and “today” as anything by artists half her age. The album contains duets with Kenny Rogers and Willie Nelson, but this performance amply demonstrates that she needs no help whatsoever to kick up some dust. For a truly thrilling audio sensation, also check out her mountaineer arrangement of “Banks of the Ohio.”
STEPHANIE QUAYLE/Sugar High
Writers: Ashley Gorley/Kelley Lovelace/Steve McEwen; Producer: Ilya Toshinsky; Publishers: Music of Windswept/Taperoom/Bug/BMG Chrysalis/EMI April/EMI Blackwood/Birds With Ears, ASCAP/BMI; Rebel Engine
-Sweet sounding. Sunny. Summer-y.
MusicRowLife: David Haley Remains In Critical Condition
/by Jessica NicholsonDavid Haley
Radio promotion veteran David Haley remains unconscious and on life support at Baptist Memorial Hospital in Oxford, Miss., after suffering a stroke earlier this week.
Complications have placed him in critical condition.
Haley retired from the music business last year and relocated to Jackson, Miss. His industry career includes time at MCA, Warner Bros., Tenacity, Equity, edgeHill Music/Media, and Instigator. During his time at MCA, the label’s roster included Reba, Trisha Yearwood, George Strait, Gary Allan and others. He has also worked with artists including Little Big Town and Blake Shelton. He has previously served on the board of the Country Radio Broadcasters and has taken part in Leadership Music.
MusicRow‘s staff sends thoughts and prayers to Haley and his family.
WMN Taps Regional Anna Cage
/by Sarah SkatesAnna Cage
Warner Music Nashville has announced the appointment of Anna Cage to Regional Promotion Manager – Midwest/Northeast for Team W.A.R.
She joins the staff from Emblem Music Group where she worked in artist management alongside Dean Serletic and Matt Serletic. Among the artists Cage worked with are Emblem/Warner Bros. vocal group Gloriana and rock act DUGAS.
“We are thrilled to have Anna join the W.A.R. team. She brings a special brand of passion and enthusiasm to our staff. We know she’ll fit right in,” said Chris Palmer, Vice President, Promotion for the W.A.R. team.
Cage also previously worked in marketing, including a stint at a Nashville-based subsidiary of Smith & Wesson, so Palmer warns that she is armed and dangerous.
Reach her at Anna.Cage@wmg.com or 615-214-1459.
Bobby Huff Inks Publishing Deal
/by Jessica NicholsonCombustion Music, along with co-partners Warner-Chappell and Disney Music Publishing, has added Bobby Huff to its songwriting roster.
The Indiana native has production and writing credits with 3 Doors Down, Papa Roach, Shinedown, Jason Castro, Electric Touch and others. Huff also produced a full-length project for Tim Finn, which included the song “Winter Light,” featured in The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, The Witch and the Wardrobe.
Pictured are (L-R): Seated – Combustion Music’s Chris Van Belkom, Bobby Huff, Disney Music Publishing’s Patrick Clifford. Standing – Attorney Jim Zumwalt, Disney’s Ciara Gardner, Warner Chappell Music Publishing’s Ben Vaughn, Combustion’s Chris Farren and Kenley Flynn.
Scott Hendricks Makes 'The Voice' Appearance
/by Jessica NicholsonMcLaughlin took on Reba’s classic “You Lie,” while Worthington tackled George Strait’s “Run.” In case you missed it, watch Shelton and Hendricks offer some valuable song advice during last night’s episode.
Bentley, Dan+Shay Grab Gold
/by Jessica NicholsonDierks Bentley
Dierks Bentley‘s “I Hold On” has been certified Gold by the RIAA in the United States for sales of more than 500,000 downloads; the song has also earned a Gold certification from the CRIA in Canada.
“I Hold On” is the first single from Bentley’s Capitol Records Nashville release Riser.
• • •
Kristian Bush Prepping Solo Album For Streamsound Records
/by Jessica NicholsonPhoto: Whitney Pastorek
Kristian Bush has reunited with longtime producer Byron Gallimore to offer up his debut solo album. The project will be released on Streamsound Records, which Gallimore co-owns. Gallimore produced the previous Sugarland projects Enjoy The Ride, Love On The Inside, The Incredible Machine, and Gold and Green. No release date has been set at this time.
“I’m so excited to be working with Byron Gallimore again,” shares Bush. “I’m constantly surprised at how creative I feel and how innovative he is every time we hit record.”
Bush is currently visiting various markets on his 2014 Put Your Soul In It Tour. The lead single from the album is projected to be sent to Country radio this summer.