DISClaimer: Christmas Offerings

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brandon heath111This is the season that validates what Christian music stars espouse all year long. Fittingly, our CCM performers take the spotlight in this Christmas column. Our Disc of the Day goes to Brandon Heath. The DisCovery Award belongs to Andrew Greer.
BRANDON HEATH/Just A Girl
Writers: Brandon Heath/Lee Thomas Miller; Producer: Ben Shive; Publishers: Haidaway/Writers of Sea Gayle/Itchy Baby; BMI; Provident (track)
-This CCM star’s holiday CD is titled Christmas Is Here. It mixes half traditional songs with half originals. Of the latter, this gentle, folk-pop jewel shimmers with sincerity. Underscored by piano, acoustic guitar and strings, he sings the saga of Mary seeking shelter to give birth from the point of view of the innkeeper.
JULIE INGRAM/Joy To The World
Writers: none listed; Producer: none listed; Publisher: none listed; LongShot (track)
-Some songs lend themselves to country rearrangements. And some don’t.
JOHNNY MATHIS, VINCE GILL AND AMY GRANT/I’ll Be Home For Christmas/White Christmas
Writers: Irving Berlin; Producer: Fred Mollin; Publisher: none listed; Columbia (track)
-This legendary crooner recorded his last pop CD in Nashville, and he returned to Music City to craft Sending You a Little Christmas. It’s loaded with collaborations with the likes of Susan Boyle, Billy Joel, Natalie Cole, Gloria Estefan and Jim Brickman. On these two Irving Berlin classics, his lustrous vocal partners are Vince and Amy. Johnny’s iconic tenor leads the way on the first title while Amy sings lead weaving “White Christmas” into the lovely arrangement. Kristin Wilkinson’s string section is fabulous.
THE HAGEES/God With Us
Writers: James Philip Bryson/Nathan F. Cochran/Barry E. Graul/Bart Marshall Millard/Michael J. Scheuchzere/Robin Troy Shaffer; Producer: Michael Sykes; Publishers: Simpleville/Wet as a Fish, ASCAP; Difference/Capitol
-This family quartet has a gloriously melodic collection titled, simply, Christmas. They sing their faces off on this throbbing, inspiring, opening number. The pleasures continue as they trade lead vocals and harmony parts throughout the rest of the album. Eight of the 13 selections are familiar chestnuts.
THE ROBERTSON FAMILY/Duck The Halls
Writers: none listed; Producer: Buddy Cannon; Publishers: BMG Gold/Run Slow/Sony-ATV Tree/Team Jase/Korie R/Missyrob, BMI; EMI (track)
-Yes, the Duck Dynasty cast has a Christmas album. And, yes, it is titled Duck the Halls. And the title tune does, indeed, feature duck calls. Fortunately, it is brief. Celebrity guests elsewhere on the collection include Josh Turner, Alison Krauss, Luke Bryan and George Strait. But the real surprise is that some of the Robertsons sing quite well, themselves.
LEGACY CHRISTMAS/God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen
Writer: traditional; Producer: Melissa DuPuy; Publisher: public domain; Living Waters For
-Treasured Carols of the Kirk is a mostly instrumental collection featuring Deanie Richardson (fiddle, mandolin), Sam Levine (flute, whistle), Russell Davis (keyboards) and producer DuPuy (guitar, mandolin, bouzouki, banjo, bodhran) with three vocals by Alyth McCormack. As the title implies, the repertoire is drawn from some of our oldest Christmas songs. The lovely arrangements generally have an Irish lilt, and the listening is easy. Proceeds benefit Living Waters for the World.
andrew greer11ANDREW GREER/Do You Hear What I Hear
Writers: Noel Regney/Gloria Shayne Baker; Producer: Chris Kimmerer; Publishers: Regent/Jewel, ASCAP; M’AM (track)
-Middle Tennesssean Greer sings in a simple folkie tenor with a slight vibrato and is surrounded by sympathetic acoustic instrumentation. He doesn’t overwhelm you, but gradually wins you over on The Christmas Sessions. Guests include Sandy Patti, The McCrary Sisters, Phil Medeira and Cindy Morgan.
SAWYER BROWN/Just One Night
Writer: Mac McAnally; Producer: Mark Miller; Publisher: Beginner, ASCAP; Curb (CDX)
-This pretty ballad is one of the best of the new Christmas songs I’ve heard this year.
TEEA GOANS/Christmas Time Is Here
Writers: Vince Guaraldi/Lee Mendelson; Producer: Terry Choate; Publisher: Lee Mendelson Film Productions, BMI; Crosswind (CDX)
-This lady continues to impress. Previously noted for true-blue country stylings, she proves she can easily handle jazz chord changes on this sterling outing. Lend her your ears. Highly recommended.
PAUL LOVELACE/Christmas Every Day With You
Writers: Doug Wayne/Kyle Wyley; Producer: Doug Wayne: Publishers: Handover Fist/Kylo/Side Car, BMI; Star Base (CDX)
-Mr. CDX, himself, offers a lilting ditty for the holiday season. Sweetly romantic.

Little Big Town To Present Panel at CRS 2014

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Little Big Town


2013 CMA Vocal Group of the Year Little Big Town will present a panel about perseverance in the Country music industry at CRS 2014. Bob Kingsley will interview the band throughout the session, which will take place Feb.19 in the Nashville Convention Center.
Throughout their career, Little Big Town members Karen Fairchild, Kimberly Schlapman, Jimi Westbrook and Phillip Sweet have persevered through several challenging label changes. They received their first record deal with Mercury Nashville Records before moving to Sony’s Monument Records, where they released their debut album. From there, the band went from the small independent label, Equity Music Group, to their current label, Capitol Records, which was later taken over by major label, Universal Music Group.
“It’s an honor to be asked to be a part of CRS this year, and especially the chance to share some of our story as a band through the last 14 years,” said Little Big Town. “It’s definitely been about perseverance for us.”
“Throughout every challenge the band has had, they’ve continued to establish and develop so many relationships and give back in so many ways,” said Kingsley. “Their ability to adapt to situations and stay ahead is a hard feat, and one that we can all learn from.”
CRS 2014 will include more than 20 educational panels and speakers, including “Cracking the Code: Using Data to Discover the Hits,” “Spotify, Pandora, YouTube, Beats: It’s Their Country, Too,” “Marketing On A Shoestring Budget,” “Would You Like Sales Prospects to Call You?” and more.
CRS 2014 will be held Feb. 19-21, 2014 at the Nashville Convention Center. The $499 regular registration rate can be purchased at countryradioseminar.com.

The Crownover Firm Adds Caldwell

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Cam Caldwell


Litigator and entertainment attorney Cam Caldwell has joined Nashville’s Crownover Firm. Caldwell joins the firm as Special Counsel focusing on litigation and dispute resolution cases. His clients range from music industry executives to consumer product manufacturers.
“Coming from a class-action, federal court background, Cam will provide more back-up and insight with the federal copyright, trademark and intellectual property cases that we have open, as well as pro-actively counsel our transactional and business clients on litigation avoidance strategies,” says attorney Derek Crownover. “He’s a great fit personality-wise for our office as well.”
Caldwell earned his undergraduate degree at Georgia Southern University, before obtaining his J.D. from Florida Coastal School of Law of Jacksonville, Fla. He previously worked at Yezbak Law Offices in Nashville, where he primarily worked in complex collective action cases.
Caldwell is licensed to practice law throughout Tennessee’s state courts, with a specific knowledge of the Federal Middle District Court of Tennessee.
For more information, visit dcablaw.com.

American Country Awards Winners

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The American Country Awards aired live from the Mandalay Bay in Las Vegas tonight (Dec. 10).
With six awards, Florida Georgia Line received the most awards during tonight’s telecast, while Blake Shelton followed with four awards. Fans voted online in support of their favorite country music artists, giving the Artist of the Year title to Luke Bryan.
Following is the complete list of categories and winners:
Artist of the Year
Jason Aldean
WINNER: Luke Bryan
Florida George Line
Blake Shelton
Taylor Swift
Artist of the Year: Male
Jason Aldean
WINNER: Luke Bryan
Kenny Chesney
Eric Church
Blake Shelton
Artist of the Year: Female
Kelly Clarkson
Sheryl Crow
WINNER: Miranda Lambert
Taylor Swift
Carrie Underwood
Artist of the Year: Duo or Group
WINNER: Lady Antebellum
Little Big Town
Rascal Flatts
The Band Perry
Zac Brown Band
Artist of the Year: Breakthrough Artist
Lee Brice
Hunter Hayes
Randy Houser
WINNER: Scotty McCreery
Justin Moore
Artist of the Year: New Artist
WINNER: Florida Georgia Line
Kip Moore
Kacey Musgraves
Cassadee Pope
Thomas Rhett
Album of the Year
Night Train, Jason Aldean
Here’s To The Good Times, Florida Georgia Line
Two Lanes of Freedom, Tim McGraw
WINNER: Based On A True Story…, Blake Shelton
Pioneer, The Band Perry
Single of the Year
WINNER: “Cruise,” Florida Georgia Line
“How Country Feels,” Randy Houser
“Beer Money,” Kip Moore
“Better Dig Two,” The Band Perry
“One of Those Nights,” Tim McGraw
Single of the Year: Male
“Every Storm (Runs Out of Rain),” Gary Allan
“One of Those Nights,” Tim McGraw
“The One That Got Away,” Jake Owen
“Wagon Wheel,” Darius Rucker
WINNER: “Sure Be Cool If You Did,” Blake Shelton
Single of the Year: Female
“Easy,” Sheryl Crow
“American Heart,” Faith Hill
WINNER: “Mama’s Broken Heart,” Miranda Lambert
“Begin Again,” Taylor Swift
“Two Black Cadillacs,” Carrie Underwood
Single of the Year: Duo or Group
WINNER: “Downtown,” Lady Antebellum
“Tornado,” Little Big Town
“Better Dig Two,” The Band Perry
“If I Didn’t Have You,” Thompson Square
“Goodbye in Her Eyes,” Zac Brown Band
Single of the Year: Breakthrough Artist
WINNER: “I Drive Your Truck,” Lee Brice
“All Over The Road,” Easton Corbin
“Somebody’s Heartbreak,” Hunter Hayes
“How Country Feels,” Randy Houser
“Til My Last Day,” Justin Moore
Single of the Year: New Artist
“Did It for the Girl,” Greg Bates
“Don’t Ya,” Brett Eldredge
“Redneck Crazy,” Tyler Farr
WINNER: “Cruise,” Florida Georgia Line
“Beer Money,” Kip Moore
Single of the Year: Vocal Collaboration
“The Only Way I Know,” Jason Aldean with Luke Bryan and Eric Church
“Don’t Rush,” Kelly Clarkson and Vince Gill
WINNER: “Highway Don’t Care,” Tim McGraw, Taylor Swift and Keith Urban
“Boys ‘Round Here,” Blake Shelton with Pistol Annies
Touring Artist of the Year
Jason Aldean
WINNER: Luke Bryan
Kenny Chesney
Miranda Lambert
Brad Paisley
Rascal Flatts
George Strait
Taylor Swift
Carrie Underwood
Zac Brown Band
Music Video of the Year
“Cruise,” Florida Georgia Line
“Tornado,” Little Big Town
WINNER: “Sure Be Cool If You Did,” Blake Shelton
“Begin Again,” Taylor Swift
“Better Dig Two,” The Band Perry
Music Video of the Year: Male
“Take A Little Ride,” Jason Aldean
“Every Storm (Runs Out of Rain),” Gary Allan
“One of Those Nights,” Tim McGraw
“Wagon Wheel,” Darius Rucker
WINNER: “Sure Be Cool If You Did,” Blake Shelton
Music Video of the Year: Female
“American Heart,” Faith Hill
“Mama’s Broken Heart,” Miranda Lambert
“Someone Somewhere Tonight,” Kellie Pickler
“Begin Again,” Taylor Swift
WINNER: “Blown Away,” Carrie Underwood
Music Video of the Year: New Artist
“Don’t Ya,” Brett Eldredge
WINNER: “Cruise,” Florida Georgia Line
“Crying On A Suitcase,” Casey James
“Beer Money,” Kip Moore
“Merry Go ‘Round,” Kacey Musgraves
Music Video of the Year: Group Collaboration
“Tornado,” Little Big Town
WINNER: “Highway Don’t Care,” Tim McGraw, Taylor Swift and Keith Urban
“Come Wake Me Up,” Rascal Flatts
“Better Dig Two,” The Band Perry
“If I Didn’t Have You,” Thompson Square
Song of the Year (award goes to the songwriter/s):
“Better Dig Two,” Brandy Clark, Shane McAnally, Trevor Rosen. Recorded by The Band Perry
“Cruise,” Tyler Hubbard, Brian Kelley, Joey Moi, Chase Rice and Jesse Rice. Recorded by Florida Georgia Line
“Hard To Love,” Ben Glover, Billy Montana and John Ozier. Recorded by Lee Brice
WINNER: “Highway Don’t Care,” Mark Irwin, Josh Kear, Brad Warren and Brett Warren. Recorded by Tim McGraw, Taylor Swift and Keith Urban
“I Drive Your Truck,” Jessi Alexander, Connie Harrington and Jimmy Yeary. Recorded by Lee Brice
“Like Jesus Does,” Casey Beathard and Monty Criswell. Recorded by Eric Church
“Mama’s Broken Heart,” Brandy Clark, Shane McAnally and Kacey Musgraves. Recorded by Miranda Lambert
“Merry Go’ Round,” Shane McAnally, Kacey Musgraves and Josh Osborne. Recorded by Kacey Musgraves
“Pontoon,” Barry Dean, Natalie Hemby and Luke Laird. Recorded by Little Big Town
“Wagon Wheel,” Bob Dylan and Ketch Secor. Recorded by Darius Rucker
Video Visionary Award
Brad Paisley
World Wide Artist Award
Taylor Swift

Industry Ink (12/10/13)

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Susan Myers


Susan Myers has exited the Nashville Songwriters Association International. She can be reached at susanmyers2013@gmail.com or 615-497-4801. “I have enjoyed by time at NSAI and look forward to exploring new opportunities,” she says.

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carrieunderwood sound of music111Following the tremendous viewership of NBC‘s Sound Of Music Live! last week, the network is eyeing another possible family-friendly production for next holiday season, according to the Hollywood Reporter. The network is hoping to air another Broadway classic with familiar songs that would be produced by Sound Of Music producers Neil Meron and Craig Zadan. Greenblatt said live TV musicals may become an annual thing for the network at holiday time, since he believes event television is crucial to the future of broadcast.

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Jim Selby

Jim Selby


Jim Selby, former CEO of Naxos, has joined ole Digital as the division’s inaugural Sr VP. Selby will help ensure that ole Digital is at the forefront of online rights management, collections, and content and business development by actively representing the company’s clients and owned assets across all online platforms.
The Ontario, Canada native spent 16 years at Naxos of America and has led the company as Chief Executive Officer since 2007. Selby’s career includes involvement in landmark deals such as the launch of the iTunes store, YouTube’s agreement with independent record labels, licenses for the first subscription services including Spotify and Rhapsody, innovative scan ‘n’ match deals with iTunes, Amazon and Google, as well as direct deals with SiriusXM and Clear Channel.

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Pictured (L-R): The band’s Brian Wolff, Tim Montana and Fred Boekhorst.
Back row (L-R): Tenacity’s Paula Kay Hornick, Mike Kraski and Patti Bernard

Tim Montana and the Shrednecks have signed with Tenacity Management. The band’s song, “This Beard Came Here To Party,” became the unofficial anthem for the Boston Red Sox and was played during the playoffs and the World Series. Montana’s idol, ZZ Top’s Billy F. Gibbons, helped Montana pen the song and added his signature guitar licks to the track’s recording.

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Tomalty

Jill Tomalty


Jill Tomalty will provide marketing and promotion services for World Vision’s Sports and Entertainment division working with talent like the Harlem Globetrotters and the Stars on Ice troupe.
Tomalty is a promotion and marketing veteran who most recently served as Promotion Director at Flying Island Entertainment and previously Director of Brand Management at Word Entertainment.
 

3 Ring Circus Music Hires Two, Promotes One

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casey LeVasseur

Casey LeVasseur


3 Ring Circus Music, the independent publishing company founded in 2004 by songwriter Jeffrey Steele, has expanded its staff.
Casey LeVasseur has been promoted to director of A&R. LeVasseur, who joined 3 Ring Circus in 2007 as song plugger for the Jeffrey Steele Music, Gottahaveable Music and Soulride Music catalogs, previously directed creative activities including licensing and administration issues and songwriter “boot camp” workshops.
In her new role, LeVasseur (Steele’s daughter) will continue to work with rising country trio The Shuggah Pies, develop new talent and expand the writer roster, as well as spearhead her family’s efforts on behalf the Alex LeVasseur Memorial Fund of The Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee. She holds a B.A in Cinema Arts from California State University at Northridge.
Whitney Taylor Parker

Whitney Taylor Parker


Whitney Taylor Parker has been hired as creative director. Parker most recently was creative coordinator at ole Music, where she assisted in song placement, writer management, sponsorship and events.
While earning a Bachelor of Music degree from Belmont University, she held internships at NSAI, CMA and Warner Bros. Records. In her new position, Parker will handle pitching songs and signing and developing new writers.
Darrell Franklin

Darrell Franklin


Darrell Franklin has been added as a consultant to 3 Ring Circus Music and management representative for Steele. Franklin began his career as a road manager before entering the publishing world at Almo Irving Music and later the A&R arena at Universal Music Group.
Since 1999, he has handled A&R duties for producer Dann Huff (finding the Steele-penned hits “What Hurts the Most,” “My Wish,” “These Days” for Rascal Flatts, “I’m Tryin’” for Trace Adkins, “When The Lights Go Down” for Faith Hill, among others). In 2006, Franklin and Huff formed Crosstown Songs. After Crosstown’s 2009 purchase by BMG Chrysalis Nashville, Franklin was executive vice president until March 2013, when he launched Franklin Publishing and Writer Management.
LeVasseur, Parker and Franklin can be reached via Casey@3RingCircusMusic.com, Whitney@3RingCircusMusic.com and darrell.franklin@me.com.

Tamara Saviano To Release Memoir

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most beautiful girl book saviano111Tamara Saviano will release the memoir The Most Beautiful Girl: A True Story of a Dad, a Daughter and the Healing Power of Music, on Feb. 10, 2014 on American Roots Press.
Saviano has carved an impressive music industry career over the past several years. She works with songwriters Kris Kristofferson and Guy Clark. She was honored for her production work on Beautiful Dreamer: The Songs of Stephen Foster, which earned a Grammy for Best Traditional Folk Album in 2005.
The Most Beautiful Girl delves into the Wisconsin native’s childhood, chronicling the strained relationship between father and daughter, and the lasting power of music. Kristofferson penned the book’s foreward.
The book begins at Johnny Cash’s funeral, where Saviano grieves the lost connection with her father. Saviano’s father, Robert Ruditys, died two years before Cash. Ruditys had not spoken to his only daughter for more than a decade before his death. She later finds comfort in her father’s favorite music.
“There was always music on the stereo in our house,” Saviano recalls. “It was part of the fabric of our day-to-day lives. As I was trying to figure out how to reconcile my Dad’s death, I listened to his music. He was into Cash and Sun Records and the Memphis Soul music that Stax issued in the 1960s. While I listened to Otis and Aretha and Cash, I went back and read my childhood diaries. My goal was to find peace and acceptance about my Dad, which I did, but it took writing this book to do it.”
Saviano, who moved to Nashville nearly two decades ago, also records her journey into the music industry. After working in radio, she decided to make the move to Nashville. “I was 34 and a single mom leaving the only home I ever knew. I was working in radio at a job I loved and had great friends,” Saviano says. “I cried while driving to Nashville asking myself ‘did I make a horrible mistake?’”
The chance paid off beautifully. Saviano launched a public relations company, signing Kris Kristofferson has a client. She later expanded into artist management, project management and consulting. Saviano also co-wrote the eBook From Art to Commerce: A Workbook for Independent Musicians.
Saviano is also a former music journalist (Country Music Magazine) and television producer (Great American Country). She is currently writing a biography of Guy Clark.

Sara Evans To Release 'Slow Me Down' in March

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Sara Evans


Sara Evans will release her seventh studio album, Slow Me Down, on March 4, 2014. The project is produced by Mark Bright (Reba McEntire, Carrie Underwood), who previously worked with Evans on 2005’s Real Fine Place.
Slow Me Down includes guest vocals from Vince Gill on “Better Off” and Gavin DeGraw on “Not Over You.” Evans shares a duet with Isaac Slade of The Fray on “Can’t Stop Loving You.”
“Making Slow Me Down has been a truly amazing experience,” said Evans. “I had the chance to co-write with some of my favorite writers, work with Mark (Bright) and some truly incredible musicians – and now hearing what we created gives me such an incredible sense of pride. Having Isaac (Slade), Gavin (DeGraw), and Vince (Gill) sing with me, was an amazing experience and they took those songs to another level. I honestly have never been more excited to have everyone hear one of my albums. I cannot wait to share it with everyone.”
Evans co-wrote three of the album’s 11 tracks, and welcomed some of Nashville’s top songwriters for the project, including Dave Berg, Shane McAnally, Karyn Rochelle, Sarah Buxton and Shane Stevens.

American Country Awards To Air Live Tonight

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acaThe fourth annual American Country Awards will air live from Mandalay Bay in Las Vegas, tonight, Dec. 10, beginning at 8 p.m. ET on FOX.
The two-hour event, hosted by Trace Adkins and Danica Patrick, will feature performances by Florida Georgia Line, LeAnn Rimes, Randy Houser, Justin Moore, Thomas Rhett, Sheryl Crow, Kellie Pickler, MusicRow’s latest cover boy Jake Owen and many more.
Taylor Swift will appear from Australia to accept the first ever ACA World Wide Artist Award, presented to artist who has achieved global success. Brad Paisley will accept this year’s Video Visionary Award
To view the complete list of categories and nominees, visit theacas.com.

Lost Johnny Cash Album To Be Released Next Spring

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JohnnyCash-Forever-single-BGv1A collection of never-before-heard music from Johnny Cash will be released next March by Cash’s estate, according to the Hollywood Reporter. Out Among The Stars, an album he recorded with producer Billy Sherrill in the early 80’s that never saw the light of day, has been found and retooled using some of the players from the original project. Fans will be thrilled to find a duet with Waylon Jennings among the 12 new tracks, along with several pairings with wife June Carter.
“They never threw anything away,” said their son, John Carter Cash. “They kept everything in their lives. They had an archive that had everything in it from the original audio tapes from The Johnny Cash Show to random things like a camel saddle, a gift from the prince of Saudi Arabia.”
The music from the new album reflects a difficult period in Cash’s tumultuous life, during which he was at an ebb in his popularity due to country’s move towards a more pop-based sound, and battling addiction issues.
“Dad was always uniquely himself,” Cash said. “And later on the world would come back around. He never modified himself. But Nashville at the time was in a completely different place. It was the Urban Cowboy phase. It was pop country, and dad was not that. I think him working with Billy was sort of an effort by the record company to put him more in the circle of Music Row and see what could happen at the heart of that machine.”
John Carter Cash and his co-producer Steve Berkowitz brought Marty Stuart back in to re-record the parts he’d played on the original recordings 30 years ago, and Buddy Miller and Jerry Douglas were also brought in to help round out the sound on the new collection, due out March 25.