Brad Paisley
The platters this week are mainly as blah as the weather. Skies are gray and so are most of these sounds. The most brilliant flash of light is the second single from the upcoming
Brad Paisley album. It easily wins a
Disc of the Day prize. I know nothing about
Clayton Gardner except the fact that his single has been sitting in my to-be-listened-to stack for weeks. Now I’m sorry it’s been buried there so long. He’s got the goods. Also a
DisCovery Award.
MARTY RAYBON/That Janie Baker
Writers: Marty Raybon/John Fountain; Producer: Marty Raybon; Publisher: Mart and Mel/Cudzuhollar, ASCAP; Rural Rhythm
-Former Shenandoah frontman Raybon continues his bluegrass journey with a set titled
The Back Forty featuring this uptempo romp celebrating the heroine of his old band’s 1993 hit “Janie Baker’s Love Slave.” Among the collection’s coolest tracks are his Full Circle band’s bluegrass reworkings of Charley Pride’s “She’s Just an Old Love Turned Memory” and Webb Pierce’s “Slowly.” The CD’s title salutes the singer’s 40th anniversary as an entertainer.
Clayton Gardner
-The band’s playing is mixed so that it fights the lead vocalist. But he’s bland and colorless, so maybe that’s not such a bad thing.
RACHEL HOLDER/Five Days
Writers: Shane Minor/Rachel Bradshaw/Bobby Huff; Producer: Chuck Howard & Wilbur Rimes; Publisher: EMI Blackwood/Shane Minor/Coburn/Ten Ten, BMI/ASCAP; Curb
-She gets over him in no time, five days to be exact. Full of verve, personality, humor and rhythm. Sprightly. Buoyant.
THE TROUBADEROS/Cowboy Boots
Writers: Jason Royall; Producer: Chris McIuan; Publisher: none listed, BMI;
JR
-Perfectly tailored for the lead singer’s two-note range.
BRAD PAISLEY/Beat This Summer
Writers: Brad Paisley/Chris DuBois/Luke Laird; Producer: Brad Paisley; Publisher: none listed;
Arista
-It might still be chilly outside, but Brad has a single that sings, “Sunshine!” loud and clear. The cloppy rhythms, snazzy guitar lines, interjected vocal effects and dazzling acoustics in this production are all mighty impressive indications of his ongoing progress as a record maker. Call me dazzled and delighted.
JIGGLEY JONES/Baby Blue
Writers: Jiggley Jones; Producer: Chris Tristram & Jiggley Jones; Publisher: Jiggley Jones, BMI;
JJ
-His voice is okay. He has no idea how to write a coherent song. Wandering around blindfolded in search of a melody.
BRANDI CARLILE & EMMYLOU HARRIS/Take Me Home, Country Roads
Writers: John Denver/Taffy Nivert Danoff/Bill Danoff; Producer: Brandi Carlile, The Twins and Buddy Miller; Publisher: Chrysalis One/Ruby Songs/WB/BMG, ASCAP;
ATO
–
The Music Is You is the title of the John Denver tribute album. Despite his acceptance in country music, few of the tracks are by country artists. My Morning Jacket, Train, Dave Matthews, Evan Dando and the like dominate. Old Crow Medicine Show drops by for “Back Home Again,” and Mary Chapin Carpenter takes on “I Guess He’d Rather Be in Colorado.” Americana fave Brandi performs this, one of Denver’s best known songs. Emmylou is buried in the harmony-vocal mix until the last choruses, when you can more clearly hear her alto backing. In any case, the whole thing sounds like a demo.
BOBBY CHITWOOD/I Won’t Give Up
Writers: none listed; Producer: James “Bubba” Hudson; Publisher: none listed;
TXN
-The tune is spare and simple. He begins softly, with stark acoustic accompaniment. I kept hoping his voice would get stronger, and that the production would become more complex. The latter happened with addition of some layered background vocals. The former never did, since he was as tentative sounding at the end as he was at the start.
WYNONNA/Something You Can’t Live Without
Writers: Cactus Moser/David Lee Murphy; Producer: Cactus Moser; Publisher: Cactus Doin’ Work/Old Desperados/N2DCarol Vincent, ASCAP;
Curb
-Over the weekend, I watched the absorbing GAC special about what Wy and Cactus have been going through for the past few months. He has produced and co-written her return to disc with quite a bit of flair. As usual, she sings her heart out, and the song gives her plenty of melodic space in which to work. The surrounding production is a stew of electric rock guitars and pulsing percussion.
CLAYTON GARDNER/Happy Ending
Writers: Clayton Gardner/Mack Damon; Producer: none listed; Publisher: none listed;
CG
-I like the yearning tenor moan in his voice, and the twanging-guitar upbeat track is a plus as well. A winner.
DISClaimer: A Flash of 'Summer'
/by Robert K OermannBrad Paisley
The platters this week are mainly as blah as the weather. Skies are gray and so are most of these sounds. The most brilliant flash of light is the second single from the upcoming Brad Paisley album. It easily wins a Disc of the Day prize. I know nothing about Clayton Gardner except the fact that his single has been sitting in my to-be-listened-to stack for weeks. Now I’m sorry it’s been buried there so long. He’s got the goods. Also a DisCovery Award.
MARTY RAYBON/That Janie Baker
Writers: Marty Raybon/John Fountain; Producer: Marty Raybon; Publisher: Mart and Mel/Cudzuhollar, ASCAP; Rural Rhythm
-Former Shenandoah frontman Raybon continues his bluegrass journey with a set titled The Back Forty featuring this uptempo romp celebrating the heroine of his old band’s 1993 hit “Janie Baker’s Love Slave.” Among the collection’s coolest tracks are his Full Circle band’s bluegrass reworkings of Charley Pride’s “She’s Just an Old Love Turned Memory” and Webb Pierce’s “Slowly.” The CD’s title salutes the singer’s 40th anniversary as an entertainer.
Clayton Gardner
CHARLIE HAGER & THE CAPTAIN LEGENDARY BAND/Alabama Woman
Writers: Charlie Hager; Producer: Billy Jo High; Publisher:none listed, ASCAP; CH
-The band’s playing is mixed so that it fights the lead vocalist. But he’s bland and colorless, so maybe that’s not such a bad thing.
RACHEL HOLDER/Five Days
Writers: Shane Minor/Rachel Bradshaw/Bobby Huff; Producer: Chuck Howard & Wilbur Rimes; Publisher: EMI Blackwood/Shane Minor/Coburn/Ten Ten, BMI/ASCAP; Curb
-She gets over him in no time, five days to be exact. Full of verve, personality, humor and rhythm. Sprightly. Buoyant.
THE TROUBADEROS/Cowboy Boots
Writers: Jason Royall; Producer: Chris McIuan; Publisher: none listed, BMI; JR
-Perfectly tailored for the lead singer’s two-note range.
BRAD PAISLEY/Beat This Summer
Writers: Brad Paisley/Chris DuBois/Luke Laird; Producer: Brad Paisley; Publisher: none listed; Arista
-It might still be chilly outside, but Brad has a single that sings, “Sunshine!” loud and clear. The cloppy rhythms, snazzy guitar lines, interjected vocal effects and dazzling acoustics in this production are all mighty impressive indications of his ongoing progress as a record maker. Call me dazzled and delighted.
JIGGLEY JONES/Baby Blue
Writers: Jiggley Jones; Producer: Chris Tristram & Jiggley Jones; Publisher: Jiggley Jones, BMI; JJ
-His voice is okay. He has no idea how to write a coherent song. Wandering around blindfolded in search of a melody.
BRANDI CARLILE & EMMYLOU HARRIS/Take Me Home, Country Roads
Writers: John Denver/Taffy Nivert Danoff/Bill Danoff; Producer: Brandi Carlile, The Twins and Buddy Miller; Publisher: Chrysalis One/Ruby Songs/WB/BMG, ASCAP; ATO
–The Music Is You is the title of the John Denver tribute album. Despite his acceptance in country music, few of the tracks are by country artists. My Morning Jacket, Train, Dave Matthews, Evan Dando and the like dominate. Old Crow Medicine Show drops by for “Back Home Again,” and Mary Chapin Carpenter takes on “I Guess He’d Rather Be in Colorado.” Americana fave Brandi performs this, one of Denver’s best known songs. Emmylou is buried in the harmony-vocal mix until the last choruses, when you can more clearly hear her alto backing. In any case, the whole thing sounds like a demo.
BOBBY CHITWOOD/I Won’t Give Up
Writers: none listed; Producer: James “Bubba” Hudson; Publisher: none listed; TXN
-The tune is spare and simple. He begins softly, with stark acoustic accompaniment. I kept hoping his voice would get stronger, and that the production would become more complex. The latter happened with addition of some layered background vocals. The former never did, since he was as tentative sounding at the end as he was at the start.
WYNONNA/Something You Can’t Live Without
Writers: Cactus Moser/David Lee Murphy; Producer: Cactus Moser; Publisher: Cactus Doin’ Work/Old Desperados/N2DCarol Vincent, ASCAP; Curb
-Over the weekend, I watched the absorbing GAC special about what Wy and Cactus have been going through for the past few months. He has produced and co-written her return to disc with quite a bit of flair. As usual, she sings her heart out, and the song gives her plenty of melodic space in which to work. The surrounding production is a stew of electric rock guitars and pulsing percussion.
CLAYTON GARDNER/Happy Ending
Writers: Clayton Gardner/Mack Damon; Producer: none listed; Publisher: none listed; CG
-I like the yearning tenor moan in his voice, and the twanging-guitar upbeat track is a plus as well. A winner.
Upcoming Artist Performances: On TV and Online
/by Jessica Nicholson• • •
Brent Cobb will perform on WGN Midday News ‘Music Lounge’ on Thursday, March 28, beginning at 12 p.m. CT. Cobb will perform his new single “Love On Me.”
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• • •
• • •
The Band Perry will perform a live set showcasing songs “Better Dig Two,” “DONE.” and more from the band’s highly anticipated sophomore album Pioneer, as well as the hits “If I Die Young” and “All Your Life.” Pioneer will be released on April 2 on Republic Nashville.
Carrie Underwood To Perform New Single on 'American Idol'
/by Jessica Nicholson“See You Again” was one of three songs penned by Underwood, Lindsey and Hodges when the producers of the film Chronicles of Narnia asked if Underwood would be interested in writing for the movie. One of the other songs penned by the trio, “There’s A Place for Us” was performed by Underwood for the film.
See Underwood discuss her new single, “See You Again”:
Industry Ink (3-27-13)
/by Jessica Nicholson“We’re thrilled to be bringing him on to work with us,” said Bill Wilson, Vice President of Digital Strategy & Business Development for digitalmusic.org. “With his extensive experience at major record labels, premier digital companies, and more, Robby is uniquely qualified to help us advance the cause of digital music.”
Towns, 34, is a graduate of the University of Tennessee-Knoxville with a Bachelor’s degree in Accounting and a Master’s degree in Music Business from New York University (NYU). He got his start in the Advisory Services practice of KPMG.
After stints as Publishing Information Researcher at The Orchard, Marketing Assistant at Audible Treats, and Market Research Analyst at Columbia Records, Towns founded NestaMusic in 2010, a consultancy focusing on strategy, research, and new media initiatives in the music industry. In this role, he has helped Columbia Records overhaul their digital resources, served as lead project manager for an upgrade of all contact and content management for Giant Step, authored the “MetaMillions” white paper for digitalmusic.org, and provided insight and commentary on PRS for Music’s “A House Divided: The Economics of Discounting Tickets” white paper. He also assists clients with strategic planning for Spotify app development.
Towns can be reached at towns@digitalmusic.org.
• • •
The Sins Country
PLA Media has signed husband-wife duo The Sins Country to its roster. They will join PLA’s current roster that includes Lynn Anderson, the Johnny Cash Museum, The Oak Ridge Boys’ William Lee Golden, Emmylou Harris and Scarletta.
• • •
Matt Redman
sixstepsrecords’ Matt Redman’s “10,000 Reasons (Bless The Lord)” was recently certified Digital Gold by the RIAA. It was the first No. 1 single for co-writers Redman and Jonas Myrin.
• • •
ASCAP Elects Board of Directors
/by Sarah SkatesNewly elected writer member in the at-large field is composer Alf Clausen. In addition to Williams, the writer members who were re-elected in the at-large field are: songwriter Marilyn Bergman; composer Richard Bellis; composer Bruce Broughton; composer George Duke; composer Dan Foliart; songwriter Wayland Holyfield; songwriter Valerie Simpson; songwriter Jimmy Webb; and composer Doug Wood. Re-elected in the Symphonic and Concert field is composer Stephen Paulus.
The publisher directors re-elected in the at-large field are: Martin Bandier, Sony/ATV; Caroline Bienstock, Bienstock Publishing; Barry Coburn, Ten Ten Music; John L. Eastman, Edwin H. Morris & Co.; Zach Horowitz, Universal Music; Laurent Hubert, BMG Gold Songs; Dean Kay, Lichelle Music; Leeds Levy, Leeds Music; Matt Pincus, Songs Music Publishing; Irwin Z. Robinson, Cromwell Music; and Cameron Strang, Warner Bros. Music. Re-elected in the Symphonic and Concert field is publisher James Kendrick, Schott Music Corporation/European American Music Corporation.
Nashville Music Scene Covers 'Garden and Gun'
/by Sarah SkatesInside, three articles delve into Nashville’s non-country scene. A story about Eighth Avenue South proclaims it the “Next Music Row,” because it is home to Jack White’s Third Man Records, Auerbach’s Easy Eye Sound studio, Grimey’s/The Basement and Cannery Row. While those are fantastic businesses, most industry troops wouldn’t dethrone the original Music Row just yet.
Elsewhere the issue spotlights The Black Keys (Auerbach and Patrick Carney) and thirteen artists ranging from rock to folk/country including Lane, Shelly Colvin, Escondido, JEFF The Brotherhood, Johnnyswim, Leagues, Jamie Lidell, Natural Child, Caitlin Rose, Sol Cat, Turbo Fruits, The Weeks and Wild Cub. G&G is streaming tracks from some of these artists.
In recent months, the publication has also featured Holly Williams and Connie Britton.
G&G isn’t the first media outlet to note the growth of music businesses off The Row. The Tennessean also tackled the subject recently. Both articles failed to mention the numerous thriving businesses that still call Music Row home. For example, Big Machine Records made a sizable commitment to The Row with its new office space.
Readers comment below: Do you think a few businesses moving away from 16th and 17th Avenues is a growing trend or just a coincidence?
The Band Perry Previews 'Pioneer'
/by Jessica NicholsonPictured (L-R): Jim King, Senior Vice President of Business Operations & Technology for BMI; Clay Bradley, Assistant Vice President, Writer-Publisher Relations for BMI; Scott Borchetta, President/CEO of Big Machine Label Group; Kimberly Perry; Reid Perry; Neil Perry; Jody Williams, Vice President, Writer-Publisher Relations for BMI
The Band Perry, along with BMI’s Jody Williams and Clay Bradley, BMLG president/CEO Scott Borchetta and a handful of industry members and media, gathered at BMI’s Nashville offices yesterday (March 25) to hear the trio’s sophomore offering, Pioneer. Williams greeted the crowd, saying, “We are in The Band Perry business.” Neil, Kimberly and Reid Perry sat on stools as the album played, offering insight into each track as the industry crowd nibbled on hors d’oeuvres.
The first two songs played were already familiar to most in the audience–the trio’s No. 1 single “Better Dig Two” and the rising single “DONE.”–an ironic title, considering it is obvious that this trio is just getting started. The Band Perry’s penchant for detailed and at times whimsical storytelling is perfectly in tact, and deepened by their experiences over the past two years.
Having spent more than 600 days on the road–many of those days away from family–they parlayed the feelings of solitude into “Don’t Let Me Be Lonely.” On “Back To Me (Without You)” the breakup of a friendship for Kimberly (as well as the siblings’ inclination to offer advice to each other) is chronicled in song.
In previewing the title track, Kimberly explained that while some might think of covered wagons or rural landscapes when they think of a pioneer, her definition is more basic. “A pioneer is someone who goes into the unknown. We didn’t know where we would go with this album. Coming off ‘If I Die Young’ and everything from our first album…we did not want to be a one-hit wonder.” The tender ballad captured the spirit of fearlessness, creativity, restlessness and insatiable curiosity that embodies the pioneers of all generations.
Kimberly stated that the trio wanted “bold statements and crazy moments” all over the record. That may have been showcased best in the tracks “Forever Mine, Nevermind” and “Chainsaw.” The trio listened to rock band Queen while making the record, and that influence showed on “Forever Mine, Nevermind” (co-written by Brad Paisley). The trio displays some Queen-esque harmonies to kick off the track, along with guitar work from Paisley. The bluesy tale of revenge “Chainsaw” was described by Kimberly as “the love child of The Judds and Led Zeppelin.”
“Mother Like Mine” is a touching tribute to the trio’s mother Marie, a tune that explores what the world would be like if their mother ran it. At the song’s conclusion, the crowd turned and applauded Marie, who was in attendance. The preview ended with “End of Times,” which the trio says is a sort of bookend to “Better Dig Two.”
Pioneer releases April 2.
Kobalt Signs Jessi Alexander
/by Sarah SkatesKobalt Music Publishing’s Nashville office has signed an exclusive, worldwide deal with Grammy-nominated hitmaker Jessi Alexander, it was announced today by Richard Sanders, President of Kobalt Music Group and Whitney Daane, SVP Creative of Kobalt Music Publishing America.
Through the new deal, Kobalt’s global creative team will represent Alexander for all new works and will provide worldwide synch licensing and copyright administration.
Alexander’s recent No. 1 hits include Lee Brice’s “I Drive Your Truck” and Blake Shelton’s “Drink On It.” Among her other notable co-writes are the country/pop crossover smash “The Climb” for Miley Cyrus from Hannah Montana: The Movie, Shelton’s upcoming song “Mine Would Be You” and Celine Dion’s “Didn’t Know Love.”
“I’m super excited about getting to work with the Nashville creative team and look forward to partnering up with them for the next phase of my career,” said Alexander.
In making the announcement, Daane said, “Jeff Skaggs, Stephanie Cox and I are thrilled to be working with a writer of Jessi’s caliber and versatility. We have all been fans of her songwriting for years and look forward to working with our global creative team to expand on her already impressive track record of hits.”
Pictured standing (L-R): Whitney Daane, Kobalt SVP of Creative; Jeff Skaggs, Kobalt Sr. Director of Creative; and Austen Adams, attorney. Seated: Jessi Alexander
CMA Gives International Awards
/by Jessica NicholsonChris Young and The Band Perry were on-hand to assist in honoring radio personnel and artists in Australia with CMA Awards. During Australia’s CMC Rocks the Hunter Festival (March 15-17), Country artist Chris Young presented the CMA International Country Broadcaster Award to David Burton. Burton has been an on-air Country radio personality in Australia for the last nine years. Based in Toowoomba, Queensland, Burton appears on Country station 4GR.
PIctured (L-R): CMA Board member Marion Kraft, Burton, Chris Young and CMA Board member Rob Potts.
Meanwhile, The Band Perry surprised artist Jasmine Rae with the Global Country Artist Award. Rae has one of the fastest-rising careers of any local artist in Australia. Her debut album Look It Up yielded three No. 1 singles.
Pictured (L-R): The Band Perry’s Neil and Kimberly Perry, Rae, The Band Perry’s Reid Perry, and CMA Board member Rob Potts.
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CMR Nashville and Django Promotions CEO and Owner Lee Williams was presented with the CMA International Country Broadcaster Award during the CMA International Country Music Summit at Disneyland Paris on March 1. The award recognizes outstanding achievement by radio broadcasters outside the United States who have made important contributions to the development of Country Music in their country.
Pictured (L-R): CMA Chief Executive Officer Steve Moore, CMA Director of International Relations Bobbi Boyce, and Williams. Photo Credit: Ky Chung
Country Music Hall of Fame Exhibit To Spotlight 'Nashville'
/by Jessica NicholsonArtifacts on display in “Nashville: Like a Country Song” include:
-A metallic-toned cocktail dress, with bronze paillette overlay and copper sequins and beading, and snakeskin-look platform peep-toe shoes, worn by Rayna Jaymes (Connie Britton) when she performed “Wrong Song” with Juliette Barnes.
-A beaded, strapless mini-dress, worn by Juliette Barnes (Hayden Panettiere) when she and Rayna Jaymes performed “Wrong Song.”
-A 2009 Gretsch G6121-1955 Chet Atkins solid body guitar and personalized strap played by Deacon Claybourne (Charles Esten) in the pilot episode of Nashville.
-A Boho-inspired black lace dress with silky skirt, worn by Scarlett O’Connor (Clare Bowen).
-A Gibson LG-2 guitar belonging to Gunnar Scott (Sam Palladio).
-Framed art featured in the episode “You Win Again,” in which fictional record label Edgehill Republic throws a party to celebrate the platinum success of the Rayna Jaymes-Juliette Barnes duet “Wrong Song.”
-A script of the Nashville pilot episode, autographed by cast members Powers Boothe, Bowen, Britton, Eric Close, Esten, Jonathan Jackson, Palladio, Panettiere and Robert Ray Wisdom.