Mary Sarah. Photo: Jim McGuire
While still in her teens, Mary Sarah has achieved milestones many artists spend a lifetime dreaming about. Mary Sarah made her debut on the Grand Ole Opry on April 17. Her new project,
Bridges, released on the singer’s own 144 Entertainment, features the singer-songwriter collaborating with
Dolly Parton, Willie Nelson, Ray Price, Merle Haggard, Lynn Anderson, The Oak Ridge Boys, Tanya Tucker, Vince Gill, Ronnie Milsap, Neil Sedaka and more.
Bridges was nearly three years in the making. The Texas-raised Mary Sarah worked with executive producer
Freddy Powers, who had worked with Nelson, Tucker and Haggard. She also teamed with Parton’s manager and producer
Kent Wells, who brought Parton to the project. “I’ve always been a fan of both contemporary and traditional Country music,” says Mary Sarah, who gave
MusicRow a preview of tunes from the project during a recent visit, including Tucker’s 1978 hit “Texas When I Die,” and Haggard’s 1969 classic “Fightin’ Side of Me.”
She credits The Oak Ridge Boys, who appear on
Bridges performing their 1979 hit “Dream On,” with giving her a breakthrough of sorts in the industry. “Joe Bonsall found my music on Twitter. He invited me to watch one of the Oak Ridge Boys’ rehearsals, and to meet them,” recalls Mary Sarah. “We all went out to dinner, and he asked if I would sing at their show that evening, which was incredible.” Mary Sarah went on to open several shows for the group. The Oak Ridge Boys were also on the bill when Mary Sarah made her recent Grand Ole Opry debut. “They are like uncles to me in this business, they’ve offered me so much advice,” she says.
Mary Sarah’s voice is at once youthful, bold and laced with a twang wholly appropriate for her batch of traditional Country covers. She is already working and writing for her next project. “I moved to Nashville two years ago and have been writing ever since,” she says. “I’m looking for another good producer for the next project and I’m looking forward to exploring more of my own sound after the covers project. I fit somewhere between contemporary and traditional Country.” Her preview included two original tracks, “Thinking About Last Night” and “The Great Unknown,” co-written with considerable singer-songwriter
Rebecca Lynn Howard.
Ahead for Mary Sarah are a couple of additional “firsts”–her debut appearance at Nashville’s Bluebird Cafe on May 7, and the release of
Bridges on May 13. “I’m excited because I have so much respect for the Bluebird Cafe,” she says. “People are so quiet, they listen and they take the music seriously. I can’t wait for the album release, to share this music with everyone.”
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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.
Stars Shine at 15th Annual Best Cellars Dinner
/by Jessica NicholsonThe 15th Annual Nashville Best Cellars Dinner paired music and decadent wine and food Monday evening (April 28) in Nashville. Hosted by the T.J Martell Foundation, the event benefited the Frances William Preston Labs at the Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center.
The event included artists Martina McBride, Chris Young, Kacey Musgraves, Brett Eldredge, Clare Bowen, and John Oates. Guests also enjoyed a gourmet dinner created by Chef Michael Kornick, founder and owner of mk the restaurant in Chicago, as well as world-class wines from private collectors.
The inaugural dinner was created in 1999 by Nashville wine enthusiast and music executive Billy Ray Hearn.
Pictured (Back row, L-R): Martina McBride, Brett Eldredge, Laura Heatherly (CEO, T.J. Martell Foundation), Chris Young, Susannah Herring, Kacey Musgraves, Senator Bill Frist, John Oates, Train’s Jimmy Stafford, Nancy Hearn; (Front row, L-R): Clare Bowen, Co-chair Bill Hearn (President, EMI Christian Group), Co-chair John Esposito (President & CEO, Warner Music Nashville), Chef Michael Kornick, Co-chair Tom Black, Founder Billy Ray Hearn (Founder, EMI Christian Music Group). Photo: Rick Diamond / Getty Images for T.J. Martell Foundation
Artist Updates (4/29/14)
/by Jessica NicholsonPhoto Credit: James Minchin
Brantley Gilbert will perform a 45-minute pre-race set presented by Coca-Cola and the USO at the Charlotte Motor Speedway on Sunday, May 25.
“I can definitely relate to the high-adrenaline NASCAR crowds,” said Gilbert. “The fastest half-mile track in Georgia was literally five minutes from my house growing up and we were always there. I love the smell of gas, the motor and the tires.”
• • •
During each stop, the concert will be filmed with video production featuring the crowd’s participation. An interactive “fan-filmed” area will be on-site to capture footage collected by fans. The footage will be combined to create a signature music video specific to each show.
These videos will appear live on The Lost Trailers exclusive site on artists.cmt and on the CMT Artists app.
• • •
Alan Jackson has recorded “A Million Ways to Die,” the title track for the soundtrack to Universal Pictures and MRC’s upcoming comedy film A Million Ways to Die in the West. The track is available digitally on Back Lot Music, with the album’s release to follow on May 27. The film will debut in theaters May 30.
Pictured (L-R): Composer and conductor Joel McNeely and Alan Jackson in the studio.
MusicRowPics: Mary Sarah Builds 'Bridges' On New Project
/by Jessica NicholsonMary Sarah. Photo: Jim McGuire
While still in her teens, Mary Sarah has achieved milestones many artists spend a lifetime dreaming about. Mary Sarah made her debut on the Grand Ole Opry on April 17. Her new project, Bridges, released on the singer’s own 144 Entertainment, features the singer-songwriter collaborating with Dolly Parton, Willie Nelson, Ray Price, Merle Haggard, Lynn Anderson, The Oak Ridge Boys, Tanya Tucker, Vince Gill, Ronnie Milsap, Neil Sedaka and more.
Bridges was nearly three years in the making. The Texas-raised Mary Sarah worked with executive producer Freddy Powers, who had worked with Nelson, Tucker and Haggard. She also teamed with Parton’s manager and producer Kent Wells, who brought Parton to the project. “I’ve always been a fan of both contemporary and traditional Country music,” says Mary Sarah, who gave MusicRow a preview of tunes from the project during a recent visit, including Tucker’s 1978 hit “Texas When I Die,” and Haggard’s 1969 classic “Fightin’ Side of Me.”
She credits The Oak Ridge Boys, who appear on Bridges performing their 1979 hit “Dream On,” with giving her a breakthrough of sorts in the industry. “Joe Bonsall found my music on Twitter. He invited me to watch one of the Oak Ridge Boys’ rehearsals, and to meet them,” recalls Mary Sarah. “We all went out to dinner, and he asked if I would sing at their show that evening, which was incredible.” Mary Sarah went on to open several shows for the group. The Oak Ridge Boys were also on the bill when Mary Sarah made her recent Grand Ole Opry debut. “They are like uncles to me in this business, they’ve offered me so much advice,” she says.
Mary Sarah’s voice is at once youthful, bold and laced with a twang wholly appropriate for her batch of traditional Country covers. She is already working and writing for her next project. “I moved to Nashville two years ago and have been writing ever since,” she says. “I’m looking for another good producer for the next project and I’m looking forward to exploring more of my own sound after the covers project. I fit somewhere between contemporary and traditional Country.” Her preview included two original tracks, “Thinking About Last Night” and “The Great Unknown,” co-written with considerable singer-songwriter Rebecca Lynn Howard.
Ahead for Mary Sarah are a couple of additional “firsts”–her debut appearance at Nashville’s Bluebird Cafe on May 7, and the release of Bridges on May 13. “I’m excited because I have so much respect for the Bluebird Cafe,” she says. “People are so quiet, they listen and they take the music seriously. I can’t wait for the album release, to share this music with everyone.”
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