Happy Thanksgiving. Today, I’m giving thanks for the discovery of a new duo, Brennen Leigh & Noel McKay. Also for a group, Parmalee. And also for an all-star collection called Divided & United: Songs of the Civil War. All of these things brightened my day. The Disc of the Day comes from that dependable super talent, Brad Paisley. The DisCovery Award goes to Big Machine’s latest launch, The Cadillac Three.
JOSEY MILNER/Cowgirls
Writers: H. Lindsey/A. Petraglia/R. Rygmyr; Producers: Micah Burdick and Matthew Russo; Publishers: Soy-ATV/Universal PolyGram/Green Wagon/Fat Cactus/Animal Fair, ASCAP; MTS
-Busy and noisy. All rocked up with no place to go.
PARMALEE/Carolina
Writers: Matt Thomas/Scott Thomas/Josh McSwain/Barry Knox/Rick Beato; Producer: NV; Publishers: 27861 Music/Revelry/Gallo & Landers/EMI Blackwood/Lonely Runner, BMI; Stoney Creek
-Tuneful and accomplished. Extremely radio friendly.
JASON DANIELS/You’re An Angel
Writers: Jason Daniels; Producer: none listed; Publisher: Jason Mark Daniels; BMI; JD (track)
-He is the nephew of the late country songwriters/producers George Richey and Paul Richey. His own style seems to be more beach-y than hardcore hillbilly, featuring as it does both horns and organ. Listenable if unexceptional.
BRAD PAISLEY/The Mona Lisa
Writers: Brad Paisley/Chris DuBois; Producer: Brad Paisley; Publishers: House of Sea Gayle/Words & Music; ASCAP; Arista (track)
-Celebratory, to say the least. He’s so in love he feels like the frame that gets to hold the Mona Lisa. The bopper includes whoa-oh sung-shouted mass singing, pulsing percussion and, natch, stinging guitar work. Also, I love how he produces the records so that no matter how much is going on, you can understand every word he sings.
BRENNEN LEIGH & NOEL MCKAY/Before The World Was Made
Writers: Brennen Leigh/Noel McKay; Producer: Gurf Morlix; Publishers: Footprints in the Snow/Noel McKay; BMI/ASCAP; Erdphysik (track)
-The title tune to this Texas twosome’s CD is a slow, languid waltz. The lyric is super romantic, and every note of their twin-harmonized vocal is absolutely perfect. An utterly enchanting sound.
Cadillac Three
-These three guys drawl their way through this bluesy Dixie anthem with great verve. It has a little rawk attitude, but not enough to ruin its pluperfect country credentials. Dierks Bentley, Florida Georgia Line and Mike Eli add their voices to the finale chorus. I say Big Machine has another hit on its hands.
AUDREY AULD/Lonely Town
Writers: Audrey Auld; Producers: Kenny Vaughn and George Bradfute; Publishers: APRA; ASCAP; Reckless (track)
-This Australian calls Nashville home now. Her current
Tonk album includes this aching ballad that salutes greats like Tammy, George, Loretta and Hank. She is unapologetically Country.
Marty Stuart’s Fabulous Superlatives back her with sublimely tasteful instrumental support, abetted by the likes of
Chris Scruggs and
Andy Leftwich. For more samples of Auld’s songwriting talent, check out tracks such as “Sweet Alcohol,” “Siren Song” and “Drinking Problem.”
LORETTA LYNN/Take Your Gun and Go, John
Writers: Hiram T. Merrill; Producer: Randall Foster; Publisher: public domain; ATO (track)
–
Divided & United is an extraordinary, ambitious, 32-song, concept double-CD that tells the story of the Civil War via authentic compositions from the period. Loretta Lynn begins the yarn by mournfully vocalizing the tale of a farm wife who bids her husband adieu as he goes off to fight. She performs with only banjo and fiddle accompaniment, and that’s all this masterful vocalist needs. Others who make this collection so special include
Old Crow Medicine Show, Vince Gill, Lee Ann Womack, Ricky Skaggs, Del McCoury, Chris Stapleton, The Carolina Chocolate Drops, Jamey Johnson, Ashley Monroe, Taj Mahal and the late
Jack Clement.
JIMMY EUGENE/Eyes Can and Do Lie
Writers: Jimmy Eugene; Producers: Steve Tveit and Pat McGrath; Publisher: JPollardMusic; BMI; Whiss (CDX)
-It has a ‘70s rock vibe, like Ace or The Average White Band or Boz Scaggs or Player. Bluesy betrayal set to a seductive back beat.
WAYNE MILLS BAND/Last Honky Tonk
Writers: none listed; Producer: none listed; Publisher: none listed; WMB
-Mills was
shot to death last Saturday. For a glimpse of how good the big Alabama guy was, check out this video on his
website. He sounds like the long lost cousin of both Bocephus and Waylon. Also available on the site is a download of his single, “She Knows the Words.” Rest in peace, bro, you did country-music proud.
DISClaimer: Giving Thanks For Good Music
/by Robert K OermannJOSEY MILNER/Cowgirls
Writers: H. Lindsey/A. Petraglia/R. Rygmyr; Producers: Micah Burdick and Matthew Russo; Publishers: Soy-ATV/Universal PolyGram/Green Wagon/Fat Cactus/Animal Fair, ASCAP; MTS
-Busy and noisy. All rocked up with no place to go.
PARMALEE/Carolina
Writers: Matt Thomas/Scott Thomas/Josh McSwain/Barry Knox/Rick Beato; Producer: NV; Publishers: 27861 Music/Revelry/Gallo & Landers/EMI Blackwood/Lonely Runner, BMI; Stoney Creek
-Tuneful and accomplished. Extremely radio friendly.
JASON DANIELS/You’re An Angel
Writers: Jason Daniels; Producer: none listed; Publisher: Jason Mark Daniels; BMI; JD (track)
-He is the nephew of the late country songwriters/producers George Richey and Paul Richey. His own style seems to be more beach-y than hardcore hillbilly, featuring as it does both horns and organ. Listenable if unexceptional.
BRAD PAISLEY/The Mona Lisa
Writers: Brad Paisley/Chris DuBois; Producer: Brad Paisley; Publishers: House of Sea Gayle/Words & Music; ASCAP; Arista (track)
-Celebratory, to say the least. He’s so in love he feels like the frame that gets to hold the Mona Lisa. The bopper includes whoa-oh sung-shouted mass singing, pulsing percussion and, natch, stinging guitar work. Also, I love how he produces the records so that no matter how much is going on, you can understand every word he sings.
BRENNEN LEIGH & NOEL MCKAY/Before The World Was Made
Writers: Brennen Leigh/Noel McKay; Producer: Gurf Morlix; Publishers: Footprints in the Snow/Noel McKay; BMI/ASCAP; Erdphysik (track)
-The title tune to this Texas twosome’s CD is a slow, languid waltz. The lyric is super romantic, and every note of their twin-harmonized vocal is absolutely perfect. An utterly enchanting sound.
Cadillac Three
THE CADILLAC THREE/The South
Writers: Jaren Johnston; Producers: Dann Huff and Justin Niebank; Publishers: Sony-ATV Harmony/Texa Rae/ASCAP; Big Machine
-These three guys drawl their way through this bluesy Dixie anthem with great verve. It has a little rawk attitude, but not enough to ruin its pluperfect country credentials. Dierks Bentley, Florida Georgia Line and Mike Eli add their voices to the finale chorus. I say Big Machine has another hit on its hands.
AUDREY AULD/Lonely Town
Writers: Audrey Auld; Producers: Kenny Vaughn and George Bradfute; Publishers: APRA; ASCAP; Reckless (track)
-This Australian calls Nashville home now. Her current Tonk album includes this aching ballad that salutes greats like Tammy, George, Loretta and Hank. She is unapologetically Country. Marty Stuart’s Fabulous Superlatives back her with sublimely tasteful instrumental support, abetted by the likes of Chris Scruggs and Andy Leftwich. For more samples of Auld’s songwriting talent, check out tracks such as “Sweet Alcohol,” “Siren Song” and “Drinking Problem.”
LORETTA LYNN/Take Your Gun and Go, John
Writers: Hiram T. Merrill; Producer: Randall Foster; Publisher: public domain; ATO (track)
–Divided & United is an extraordinary, ambitious, 32-song, concept double-CD that tells the story of the Civil War via authentic compositions from the period. Loretta Lynn begins the yarn by mournfully vocalizing the tale of a farm wife who bids her husband adieu as he goes off to fight. She performs with only banjo and fiddle accompaniment, and that’s all this masterful vocalist needs. Others who make this collection so special include Old Crow Medicine Show, Vince Gill, Lee Ann Womack, Ricky Skaggs, Del McCoury, Chris Stapleton, The Carolina Chocolate Drops, Jamey Johnson, Ashley Monroe, Taj Mahal and the late Jack Clement.
JIMMY EUGENE/Eyes Can and Do Lie
Writers: Jimmy Eugene; Producers: Steve Tveit and Pat McGrath; Publisher: JPollardMusic; BMI; Whiss (CDX)
-It has a ‘70s rock vibe, like Ace or The Average White Band or Boz Scaggs or Player. Bluesy betrayal set to a seductive back beat.
WAYNE MILLS BAND/Last Honky Tonk
Writers: none listed; Producer: none listed; Publisher: none listed; WMB
-Mills was shot to death last Saturday. For a glimpse of how good the big Alabama guy was, check out this video on his website. He sounds like the long lost cousin of both Bocephus and Waylon. Also available on the site is a download of his single, “She Knows the Words.” Rest in peace, bro, you did country-music proud.
Ryman Auditorium To Launch Webseries
/by Jessica Nicholson“Nissan is a proud partner of Ryman Auditorium and is pleased to present this Backstage web series,” said Jon Brancheau, Nissan’s VP of Marketing. “We’re excited to provide access to innovative and unique content. We’re certain that these videos will resonate with both existing fans of the artists and those who simply value diverse perspectives on this historic venue.”
The series will launch today (Nov. 26) with new Country Music Hall of Fame inductee Kenny Rogers. New episodes will be released via Ryman Auditorium’s YouTube Channel.
The upcoming series will include Old Crow Medicine Show, Ben Harper & Charlie Musselwhite, Jason Isbell, Gov’t Mule and Dawes, among others.
The Mavericks To Take Part in PBS Pledge Drive
/by Jessica NicholsonThe Mavericks. Photo: Mark Tucker
The Valory Music Co. group The Mavericks will bring their signature sounds to the PBS audience to help raise funds during the network’s December pledge drive programming. Beginning this Saturday (Nov. 30), and throughout December, stations nationwide will air The Mavericks: In Time. The special television event will feature hits like “All You Ever do is Bring Me Down” and “Here Comes the Rain” in addition to infectious new tunes such as “Come Unto Me” and “Back In Your Arms Again” from their latest album, In Time.
High Five Entertainment produced The Mavericks: In Time, a 90-minute DVD exclusively available to those who pledge support their local PBS stations. The Mavericks: In Time will air nationwide in several major markets, including Los Angeles, Houston, San Francisco, Seattle and Nashville.
Check local PBS listings for additional markets, airdates and times.
Bigger Picture Group Signs Bain
/by Jessica NicholsonChelsea Bain
Bigger Picture Group has added new artist Chelsea Bain to its roster with an exclusive worldwide recording agreement. Bain headlined the Coca-Cola Stage at over 40 NASCAR races this year.
“We are extremely happy to have Chelsea as part of the Bigger Picture family,” said Bigger Picture Group CEO David Robkin. “She is an incredible artist, performer and young woman. We look forward to rocking with Chelsea in 2014.”
“Work ethic, passion and drive mean a lot in this business, and Chelsea has all of them!” added Michael Powers, President of Bigger Picture Group. “We look forward to helping take her to a whole new level. We are proud to welcome Chelsea to our awesome family of artists at BPG.”
Bain released the independent single “James Dean” earlier this year, along with a music video which premiered on big screens and monitors around the Atlanta Motor Speedway in August.
Industry Ink (11/26/13)
/by Lorie HollabaughMusic Industry matriarch and Hall of Fame member Jo Walker-Meador was honored recently with the 2013 Cecil Scaife Visionary Award at an intimate reception held at the Country Music Association. The award is given annually to an individual whose life and work paved the way for future generations of music industry members. Past recipients of the honor include Mike Curb, Tony Brown, Wynonna Judd, David Briggs, Norbert Putnam and Amy Grant.
Pictured (L-R): Terry Clements, Harold Bradley, Mayor Karl Dean, Sarah Trahern, Congresswoman Marsha Blackburn, Jo Walker-Meador, Mike Curb, La Rawn Scaife Rhea, and Joe Scaife
• • •
Pictured (L-R): CMA Board President Ed Hardy, Walker, Generosity’s Bethni Hemphill, and The Bridge’s Candy Christmas. Photo: Karen Hicks/CMA
Tennessee Titan Delanie Walker stopped by the processing center where gifts are collected and sorted for CMA’s “A Gift for All” to sign footballs for children who are often overlooked.
“A Gift for All” works with Nashville-based partner charities Generosity and The Bridge, Inc. to collect and distribute gifts for children in need.
• • •
Pictured (L-R): Pres & CEO, Warner Music Nashville, John Esposito; Mark Burnett; Francesca Battistelli; Pres & CEO, Word Entertainment, Rod Riley.
Mark Burnett (producer of The Voice, Survivor, The Bible mini-series, The Apprentice) was recently in Nashville for a screening of his upcoming 20th Century Fox feature film Son of God and to announce The Bible Tour in partnership with Word Entertainment.
• • •
Pictured (L-R): Kenny MacPherson, Damon Bunetta, Zach Katz, John Ryan, Laurent Hubert, and Casey Robison.
Songwriter John Ryan has signed an exclusive publishing agreement with Big Deal Music & BMG Chrysalis US. Ryan has co-written multiple One Direction hits including “Best Song Ever” and “Story of My Life.” Additionally, he has co-written cuts by Cody Simpson, JLS, Avicii and Olly Murs, among others.
Lady A, Jake Owen, Kellie Pickler To Perform on ACAs
/by Lorie HollabaughNo Shave November Beard Bash Tonight
/by Jessica NicholsonThe 3rd Annual Beard Bash will be held tonight (Nov. 26) at the Tin Roof in Nashville, beginning at 6 p.m. The event is the culmination of the 3rd Annual No Shave November benefiting St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. Awards will be given out in a variety of categories to participating teams. Overall fundraising awards will be announced Nov. 30.
The event will feature performances from Anthony Smith, Benton Blount, Austin Webb, Mallary Hope, Cowboy Troy, James Otto, Craig Campbell and headliner Steve Wariner.
Admission to the event is free. Tin Roof Nashville is located at 1516 Demonbreun Street.
Sirius XM Prime Country Celebrates 'Deana Day'
/by Jessica NicholsonThe singer-songwriter will head to New York to perform a two-night stand at the famous Joe’s Pub on Dec. 4-5 as part of the critically-acclaimed CMA Songwriter Series.
“I am so anxious to share this new music with everyone,” says Carter. “I know it has been a really long time since I have released anything and a lot of people are hitting me up on my socials wanting to know. Well, Cyber Monday it is. This has been a very cathartic process for me. I am so proud to be able to say that this is the debut on Little Nugget Records as well,” she continues.
Carter recently made her Grand Ole Opry debut, and launched Little Nugget Records, a tribute to her father’s Nugget Records.
For further information, visit deana.com.
Through The Lens (11/26/13)
/by Lorie HollabaughPictured (L-R): John Osborne, David Nail, T. J. Osborne
David Nail wrapped his North American tour with a sold out show at Nashville’s Cannery Ballroom with the Brothers Osborne this past Saturday evening (Nov. 23). Nail embarked on his 40-city tour in September, playing markets like L.A., Dallas, Houston, Chicago, New York, and Atlanta.
• • •
She’ll also appear in an hour-long special, The Making Of The Sound Of Music Live! on Nov. 27 on NBC.
• • •
Pictured (L-R): Danny Myrick, Kent Blazy, Kris Rochester, Kendell Marvel and Phil O’Donnell
Hit Makers & Rum Chasers, the seasonal songwriter series set in St. Thomas, US Virgin Islands, launched Saturday night (Nov. 23) at the Reichhold Center for the Arts. Hosted by Kris Rochester, of the syndicated Tony & Kris radio show, the evening featured performances by Danny Myrick, Kent Blazy, Kendell Marvel, and Phil O’Donnell, who revealed the stories behind the songs.
ACM and CBS Launch "ACM Sessions" with Moore and Eldredge
/by Jessica NicholsonJustin Moore
The Academy of Country Music and CBS have launched two new performances in the “ACM Sessions” online concert series. “ACM Sessions” with Justin Moore and Brett Eldredge are now available on-demand exclusively on CBS.com and CBS Audience Network partner sites.
ACM Sessions features performances from the artists, as well Q&A sessions with the artists, hosted by the ACM’s Lisa Lee. The performances were taped at The Stage on Broadway in Nashville.
“’ACM Sessions’ brings fans regular access to the country music superstars we feature annually during the ‘Academy of Country Music Awards,’” said Marc DeBevoise, EVP and GM, Entertainment, Sports and News, CBS Interactive. “The series is a great opportunity to expand our partnership with the Academy of Country Music and further support musicians throughout the year alongside our other long-running music programs like ‘Live On Letterman’ and ‘GRAMMY® Live.’”
Fans can watch “ACM Sessions” for Justin Moore and Brett Eldredge on-demand on CBS.com.