Dierks Bentley
Despite the plethora of big names in today’s column, there isn’t a great deal of undeniable music. Almost everything is well done, but nothing really shook me down to my boots. Some of my favorite moments came from collaborations, such as John Fogerty & Miranda Lambert and Hank Williams Jr. & Merle Haggard. The best new message lyrics of the week are being sung by Ty Herndon and Ash Bowers.
The
Disc of the Day prize goes to the always reliable
Dierks Bentley. The
DisCovery Award belongs to the Maryland-reared
Brothers Osborne. Although I’m not all that enthused by their debut single, I sense that they are harboring much more compelling sounds. Plus, the reaction they are getting at their live shows is super encouraging.
ASH BOWERS/Shake It Off
Writers: Ash Bowers/Adam Craig/Shane Minor; Producer: none listed; Publisher: none listed; Wide Open/New
-Be strong and carry on when the weight of the world is bearing down on you. This song’s lyric has a message for us all, delivered by an encouraging tenor with roll-on, steady-groove instrumental support. Play this every Friday after work, and you’re bound to feel better.
RECKLESS KELLY/The Last Goodbye
Writers: none listed; Producer: none listed; Publisher: none listed; No Big Deal
-As usual, these guys are models of professionalism. The understated vocal harmonies, easy-going instrumental work and deft song craftsmanship simply sparkle on this mid-tempo outing. Stay tuned for the dream-like, extended instrumental coda. All country bands should sound this cool.
TY HERNDON/Lies I Told Myself
Writers: Neal Coty/Neal Carpenter; Producer: Paul Compton; Publisher: Bug/BMG Chrysalis, BMI; Funl/Flying Lizard
-This superbly well written ballad lists familiar phrases to hold you back that we all might have heard. The singer has heard them, and is “glad I didn’t believe.” Ty’s heart-in-throat vocal conviction conveys the message movingly. The restrained production is also just right.
HANK WILLIAMS JR. & MERLE HAGGARD/I Think I’ll Just Stay Here and Drink
Writer: Merle Haggard; Producer: Chris Farren; Publisher: Sony-ATV, no performance rights listed; Blaster/Bocephus
-Merle’s boozy 1980 hit gets an update with a drawled duet assist from Bocephus. Brotherly love.
SARA EVANS/Slow Me Down
Writers: Marv Green/Heather Morgan/Jimmy Robbins; Producer: Mark Bright; Publishers: Warner Tamerlane/The Good The Bad The Ugly/Made For This/Sony ATV; RCA (CDX)
-The plucked violin strings are nifty and catchy, as are the range-y vocal melody and the stacked chorus harmonies. In the lyric, she’s thinking of leaving, but wants to be stopped.
BROTHERS OSBORNE/Let’s Go There
Writers: Jon Mabe/John Osborne/T.J. Osborne; Producers: Brothers Osborne/Brad Hill; Publishers: Music of Stage Three/Mabe It Big/BMG Chrysalis/WB/All The Kings Pens; BMI/ASCAP; EMI (CDX)
-Bopping and jaunty, if not particularly memorable. A production that emphasized acoustic textures rather than electric guitars might have helped it sound more distinctive.
DIERKS BENTLEY/I Hold On
Writers: Brett James/Dierks Bentley; Producer: Ross Copperman; Publishers: WB/Songs of Brett/External Combustion/Big White Tracks; ASCAP; Capitol Nashville
-The deep bass rumble grabs you first. As usual, Dierks delivers with conviction as the rocker unleashes its message of cherishing the tried and true, the good, the old and the winning things. The production is like a crashing, foaming surf wave.
TOMMY ROE/Memphis Me
Writer: Tommy Roe; Producer: Tommy Roe; Publisher: Sony-ATV, BMI
-Pop vet Tommy Roe (”Sheila,” “Dizzy,” “Sweet Pea,” “Jam Up Jelly Tight,” etc.) has a mellow comeback ditty with a rolling groove that goes down easy. His vocal is a little thin sounding, but nevertheless glides smoothly over the simple, downhome melody.
JOHN FOGERTY & MIRANDA LAMBERT/Wrote A Song For Everyone
Writer: John Fogerty; Producer: John Fogerty; Publisher: Jondora, BMI; Vanguard (track)
-Miranda lands the duet slot on the title tune of the acclaimed new John Fogerty CD. The two take turns singing leads and harmonies, sounding thrilling together throughout. Other country stars collaborating on the set include Brad Paisley (”Hot Rod Heart”), Alan Jackson (”Have You Ever Seen the Rain”), Zac Brown Band (”Bad Moon Rising”) and Keith Urban (”Almost Saturday Night”). The album includes many of the legend’s most famous songs as well as a handful of new compositions. Because of the cool arrangements, even the familiar tunes seem entirely fresh. Heartily recommended.
KRYSTAL KEITH/Get Your Redneck On
Writers: Krystal Keith/Nathan Chapman; Producer: Nathan Chapman; Publishers: Bumperdoo/Songs of Universal/Art in the Pain/BMI; Show Dog
-The lyric contains every cliche in the modern country playbook–beer, skinny dipping, listening to country songs, backwoods party–you know the drill. But there is absolutely nothing routine about her ringing vocal delivery, the lovely melody or the ear-opening production. A winner.
DISClaimer: A Song That Shakes You
/by Robert K OermannDierks Bentley
Despite the plethora of big names in today’s column, there isn’t a great deal of undeniable music. Almost everything is well done, but nothing really shook me down to my boots. Some of my favorite moments came from collaborations, such as John Fogerty & Miranda Lambert and Hank Williams Jr. & Merle Haggard. The best new message lyrics of the week are being sung by Ty Herndon and Ash Bowers.
The Disc of the Day prize goes to the always reliable Dierks Bentley. The DisCovery Award belongs to the Maryland-reared Brothers Osborne. Although I’m not all that enthused by their debut single, I sense that they are harboring much more compelling sounds. Plus, the reaction they are getting at their live shows is super encouraging.
ASH BOWERS/Shake It Off
Writers: Ash Bowers/Adam Craig/Shane Minor; Producer: none listed; Publisher: none listed; Wide Open/New
-Be strong and carry on when the weight of the world is bearing down on you. This song’s lyric has a message for us all, delivered by an encouraging tenor with roll-on, steady-groove instrumental support. Play this every Friday after work, and you’re bound to feel better.
RECKLESS KELLY/The Last Goodbye
Writers: none listed; Producer: none listed; Publisher: none listed; No Big Deal
-As usual, these guys are models of professionalism. The understated vocal harmonies, easy-going instrumental work and deft song craftsmanship simply sparkle on this mid-tempo outing. Stay tuned for the dream-like, extended instrumental coda. All country bands should sound this cool.
TY HERNDON/Lies I Told Myself
Writers: Neal Coty/Neal Carpenter; Producer: Paul Compton; Publisher: Bug/BMG Chrysalis, BMI; Funl/Flying Lizard
-This superbly well written ballad lists familiar phrases to hold you back that we all might have heard. The singer has heard them, and is “glad I didn’t believe.” Ty’s heart-in-throat vocal conviction conveys the message movingly. The restrained production is also just right.
HANK WILLIAMS JR. & MERLE HAGGARD/I Think I’ll Just Stay Here and Drink
Writer: Merle Haggard; Producer: Chris Farren; Publisher: Sony-ATV, no performance rights listed; Blaster/Bocephus
-Merle’s boozy 1980 hit gets an update with a drawled duet assist from Bocephus. Brotherly love.
SARA EVANS/Slow Me Down
Writers: Marv Green/Heather Morgan/Jimmy Robbins; Producer: Mark Bright; Publishers: Warner Tamerlane/The Good The Bad The Ugly/Made For This/Sony ATV; RCA (CDX)
-The plucked violin strings are nifty and catchy, as are the range-y vocal melody and the stacked chorus harmonies. In the lyric, she’s thinking of leaving, but wants to be stopped.
Writers: Jon Mabe/John Osborne/T.J. Osborne; Producers: Brothers Osborne/Brad Hill; Publishers: Music of Stage Three/Mabe It Big/BMG Chrysalis/WB/All The Kings Pens; BMI/ASCAP; EMI (CDX)
-Bopping and jaunty, if not particularly memorable. A production that emphasized acoustic textures rather than electric guitars might have helped it sound more distinctive.
DIERKS BENTLEY/I Hold On
Writers: Brett James/Dierks Bentley; Producer: Ross Copperman; Publishers: WB/Songs of Brett/External Combustion/Big White Tracks; ASCAP; Capitol Nashville
-The deep bass rumble grabs you first. As usual, Dierks delivers with conviction as the rocker unleashes its message of cherishing the tried and true, the good, the old and the winning things. The production is like a crashing, foaming surf wave.
TOMMY ROE/Memphis Me
Writer: Tommy Roe; Producer: Tommy Roe; Publisher: Sony-ATV, BMI
-Pop vet Tommy Roe (”Sheila,” “Dizzy,” “Sweet Pea,” “Jam Up Jelly Tight,” etc.) has a mellow comeback ditty with a rolling groove that goes down easy. His vocal is a little thin sounding, but nevertheless glides smoothly over the simple, downhome melody.
JOHN FOGERTY & MIRANDA LAMBERT/Wrote A Song For Everyone
Writer: John Fogerty; Producer: John Fogerty; Publisher: Jondora, BMI; Vanguard (track)
-Miranda lands the duet slot on the title tune of the acclaimed new John Fogerty CD. The two take turns singing leads and harmonies, sounding thrilling together throughout. Other country stars collaborating on the set include Brad Paisley (”Hot Rod Heart”), Alan Jackson (”Have You Ever Seen the Rain”), Zac Brown Band (”Bad Moon Rising”) and Keith Urban (”Almost Saturday Night”). The album includes many of the legend’s most famous songs as well as a handful of new compositions. Because of the cool arrangements, even the familiar tunes seem entirely fresh. Heartily recommended.
KRYSTAL KEITH/Get Your Redneck On
Writers: Krystal Keith/Nathan Chapman; Producer: Nathan Chapman; Publishers: Bumperdoo/Songs of Universal/Art in the Pain/BMI; Show Dog
-The lyric contains every cliche in the modern country playbook–beer, skinny dipping, listening to country songs, backwoods party–you know the drill. But there is absolutely nothing routine about her ringing vocal delivery, the lovely melody or the ear-opening production. A winner.
Laura Bell Bundy And Bobby Bones Host Marathon Dance For Haiti
/by Michael_SmithLaura Bell Bundy has partnered with nationally syndicated radio host Bobby Bones for a 24-hour dance marathon fundraiser for 30 Abes, which feeds orphans in Haiti. On Wednesday, September 18 at 7:00 a.m. Bundy, Bones and his crew, including Bones, Amy, Lunchbox, Eddie, Alayna and Ray, will gather at Nashville’s aVenue and attempt to dance for 24 consecutive hours while listening to Bundy’s single “Two Step” on repeat.
Dedicated fans can attend and participate in the event, titled “Two Step for 30 Abes,” or watch via live stream on BobbyBones.com. “I’m a terrible dancer, but I love raising money for good causes! I can’t wait to get my ‘Two Step’ on!” said Bones.
Bundy will join The Bobby Bones Show on Friday, September 13 to promote the fundraiser. “It’s wonderful to have an opportunity to give back with ‘Two Step!’… dancing for donations!” she said. “We are going to have a lot of fun in the process– and probably some lower back pain!”
Leading up to the dance marathon, Bones and his band The Raging Idiots will perform a concert fundraiser for 30 Abes in Wichita, Kan. with a special guest performance by Bundy on Friday, September 13.
For more information, please visit BobbyBones.com or 30Abes.com.
Toby Keith's Oklahoma Twister Relief Concert Raises $2 Million
/by Jessica NicholsonToby Keith
More than 60,000 fans took part in raising approximately $2 million during the United Way of Central Oklahoma’s May Tornadoes Relief Fund. Money raised from the concert will go toward local recover efforts to aid those affected by the devastating tornadoes that hit Oklahoma in May 2013.
The concert, headlined by Toby Keith, took place on July 6 and featured Garth Brooks, Trisha Yearwood, Willie Nelson, Sammy Hagar, Ronnie Dunn, Mel Tillis, John Anderson, Krystal Keith, Kellie Coffey, Wade Hayes and Carrie Underwood (via Satellite from the Grand Ole Opry in Nashville). Television personality Storme Warren emceed the event, which was held at the University of Oklahoma’s Gaylord Family-Oklahoma Memorial Stadium.
Donations are still being accepted online via the United Way home page (unitedwayokc.org), or by calling 405-236-8441.
Industry Photos (10-10-13)
/by Jessica NicholsonSOLID recently visited the charity Notes For Notes, donating $4,000 to the cause.
(L-R): Front row: Nick Oldham, Kent Wolfenbarger, Sarah McGrady, Sabrina Abrishamchian, Heather Dicus, Phil Gilley and Jamal Dotson. Back row: Jeff Hoehne, Leona Edwards, Wes Perry and Eric Wright.
• • •
Brenda Lee was among the artists and dignitaries on hand to help celebrate the Owen Bradley Music Festival in Westmoreland, Tenn. this past weekend. Organizers estimate approximately 2,000 attendees took part in the combined Owen Bradley Music Festival and Talent Search.
Brenda Lee
• • •
Via Twitter.
Congratulations to songwriter-producer Luke Laird and his wife Beth Laird at Creative Nation. Their son Jake Robert Laird was born Monday, Sept. 9 at 7:19 a.m. “Jake Robert Laird came at 7:19am this morning : ) Luke and I feel so blessed!!! 8lbs 7oz and 19in long,” Beth Laird shared via Twitter.
2013 'MusicRow' Award Winners Cash In During CMA Noms
/by Eric T. ParkerKacey Musgraves accepts Breakthrough Artist of the Year. Photo: Isabel Ross
This past year may be officially remembered for the rise of female artist Kacey Musgraves, who swept the 25th Annual industry-voted MusicRow Awards earlier this summer.
When the Country Music Association revealed final nominees for it’s 47th Annual ballot this week (Sept. 9), the MusicRow’s Breakthrough Songwriter, Artist and Song of the Year winner stood again at the forefront––receiving a possibility to win eight association trophies. The Mercury Nashville newcomer not only swept this year’s MusicRow Awards but was also nominated more than any other artist on the CMA ballot.
In addition to Musgraves’ success, MusicRow’s Song of the Year (tie) winners, “I Drive Your Truck” (Jessi Alexander/Connie Harrington/Jimmy Yeary) and “Merry Go ‘Round” (Musgraves/Josh Osbourne/Shane McAnally) were each also nominated for Country Music Association trophies. McAnally, who graced the cover of MusicRow’s (June/July) Print magazine, is a recipient of four 2013 CMA nods himself.
Reigning MusicRow Producer of the Year Dann Huff similarly received CMA ballot nods including Album of the Year and Musician of the Year. Paul Franklin, MusicRow’s Top 10 Album All-Star Musician of the Year (Steel Guitar) also received a nomination for the Association’s Musician of the Year.
MusicRow extends a sincere congratulations to it’s reigning Awards winners at this year’s 47th Annual CMA Awards show, which airs live from Nashville’s Bridgestone Arena on Wednesday, Nov. 6 at 8 pm ET on ABC.
The third and final CMA ballot will be emailed to Association members Thursday, Oct. 10. Voting for the final ballot ends Monday, Oct. 28 (5 p.m. CT).
Restless Heart Decking Halls With New Music This Year
/by Lorie HollabaughThe band is currently celebrating its 30th anniversary with the release of the new 10-track project, which was produced by Restless Heart’s Greg Jennings. “Christmas is my favorite holiday,” said lead singer Larry Stewart of the upcoming release. “It’s hard to believe that we didn’t do this album earlier in our career. But it’s pretty cool that we can release our first Christmas album on our 30th anniversary!”
A Restless Heart Christmas Track Listing:
1. Season of Harmony
2. Tennessee Christmas
3. O Holy Night
4. Old Toy Trains
5. Silent Night
6. Jingle Bell Rock
7. Angels We Have Heard On High
8. Little Drummer Boy
9. The Christmas Song
10. Santa’s Prayer
Big D & Bubba Morning Show Leaves Premiere
/by Caitlin Rantala“We’re stoked about the next chapter in our professional lives and so appreciative of our partnerships with our existing advertisers and radio stations,” said Bubba, co-host of the show.
“We’re ready for the next evolution of the show,” added co-host Big D. “We’ve formed our own company, Silverfish Media, to give us control of programming and production on all platforms–radio, digital, and TV. We are very excited to work with Compass as our partner.”
“Big D & Bubba are proven winners. We are elated to work with them,” said Peter Kosann, CEO & Founder of Compass Media Networks.
iTunes Radio Launches; iOS 7, iPhone5c and 5s Revealed
/by Jessica NicholsonApple also brought good news for iPhone users, revealing a Sept. 20 date for upgraded models. Next month, Apple plans to ship its 700 millionth iOS device. The iPhone 5S, an upgrade from iPhone 5, was also announced. With looks similar to the iPhone 5, the upgrade comes in new colors, including silver, gray and gold. It also holds an A7 chip, which, according to Apple, is the first 64-bit chip in a smartphone. Additionally there is an improved camera, and fingerprint-based security, which also are said to validate iTunes store purchases.
The company also announced the new iPhone 5C, which cost $99 each. The low-cost phones feature a plastic back, available in several colors including green, white, blue, red and yellow. Apple’s Phil Schiller says “you won’t see seams, or part lines or joins,” and the device is crafted from hard-coated polycarbonate.
Apple additionally revealed its iWork suite of apps, which include Pages, Numbers, iMovie, Keynote, and iPhoto. These apps were previously featured as premium software available for purchase. “We think that iWork is a really key advantage for our customers’ productivity, and iPhoto and iMovie are great for their creativity,” said Apple CEO Tim Cook. “Almost all of our customers want these apps.”
Darius, Brad, Dwight Appear on New Country Kids Project
/by Lorie HollabaughThe Warner Bros. project debuted at No. 3 on the iTunes Children’s Album Chart upon its release last week, and is Boynton’s first foray into country. The best-selling author of over 60 million books has also written and produced five albums and racked up nearly 3 million in sales. Her Philadelphia Chickens CD received a Grammy nomination and is nearing platinum status.
“It’s so exciting to finally send my first country album out into the wider world,” said Boynton about the new project. “I truly loved writing these songs. I loved working with every singer and every musician and every engineer on this album. Frog Trouble was everything collaboration should be, and I’m grateful and even a little stunned that it all came together in the way it did. I really can’t wait for people to hear it.”
Industry Ink (9-10-13)
/by Jessica Nicholson“We are excited about our new location and all that it represents,” stated Manuel. “The Nashville tourism, music and fashion communities have stood behind me for so many years. I am looking forward to sharing our new home with our friends and visitors who love Nashville as much as I do.”
The grand opening will feature light hors d’oeuvres, drinks and drawings for a special gift from Manuel. The evening will feature the music of Stephanie Urbina Jones, followed by Frank Ortega. The grand opening will be located at 800 Broadway in Nashville and will take place from 6p.m. until 8p.m. To RSVP for the grand opening, contact info@manuelcourture.com or 615-321-5444.
• • •
Big Yellow Dog Music has signed 22-year-old singer-songwriter Maren Morris. Morris hails from Arlington, Texas, where she has had three songs on the Texas Music Chart, including the No. 1 song “All That It Takes.” Morris has also appeared with artists including Pat Green, Gary Allan, Marty Stuart, Radney Foster, Bob Schneider, Monte Montgomery and Eli Young Band.
“We couldn’t be more excited to have Maren join the BYD family,” says Laura Wright, Big Yellow Dog Music’s Creative Director. “She’s a truly unique singer-songwriter who creates great music for all the right reasons. She’s the complete package, and we’re so lucky to have her!”
Pictured (L-R): Safford Motley’s Scott Safford, Big Yellow Dog’s Kerry O’Neil, Maren Morris, Kourtney Kirkpatrick, Laura Wright, BMI’s Jody Williams and Big Yellow Dog’s Brad Kennard
• • •
Steven Gladstone
Hutchins/Music Row Administrators Group will kick off its fall speaker series on Thursday, Sept. 19 at BMI’s 6th Floor Theater. The speaker for the event will be attorney Steven Gladstone,who will speak on how LLCs can be used by entertainment business owners for multiple reasons. Gladstone was recently featured on Forbes.com. Future speakers will include MusicSynk’s Robin Piscotta (October) and Country Radio Broadcasters’ Bill Mayne (November). To RSVP for one of the meetings, contact musicrowadmgroup@aol.com.