Tiffany Houghton, Clayton Gardner
Ask and you shall receive.
In last week’s column, I bemoaned the lack of a DisCovery Award contender. So this week, I got two of them.
Both are Texans. Our Male winner, Clayton Gardner, plies his trade in Lone Star State roadhouses. Our Female winner, Tiffany Houghton, has moved to Music City to record her debut, six-song EP.
Eli Young Band
The Disc of the Day goes to Eli Young Band for its warmly romantic “Say Goodnight.” Kudos for another job well done.
CLAYTON GARDNER/I Won’t Settle Down
Writer: Clayton Gardner/Mack Damon; Producer: none listed; Publisher: none listed; CG (www.claytongardner.com)
—This breezy bopper with a touch of twang comes from a Texas newcomer with a smooth, confident, easy-going baritone. Promising.
ALI ISABELLA/Say You’ll Be Mine
Writer: Josh Foster/Julie Downs; Producer: Gregory Lattimer & Josh Foster; Publisher: Alisma, BMI; Alisma (track) (www.aliisabella.com)
—She sounds very young and quite pert. You wouldn’t call her a vocal powerhouse by any means, but this lightweight, up-tempo ditty doesn’t require her to be one. Peppy. Innocent.
KATHY MATTEA/West Virginia, My Home
Writer: none listed; Producer: Gary Paczosa; Publisher: none listed; Sugar Hill (track) (www.mattea.com)
—Mattea has scheduled a trio of Music City appearances next month to celebrate the imminent release of her Calling Me Home CD — Sept. 5 at The Bluebird Cafe, Sept. 7 at The Station Inn and Sept. 8 at the Opry House gift shop. In the meantime, this lilting, sweetly sung, acoustic track is doing the advance work on her website. The wafting, guitar-fiddle-mandolin picking by the CD’s all-star band is as heavenly as the singing.
RODNEY HAYDEN/Buckaroo Man
Writer: none listed; Producer: none listed; Publisher: none listed; Palomino
—A single with a built-in identity crisis. The band thinks it is a Southern-rock outfit. He thinks he’s a cowboy.
JERRY KILGORE/Telephone, TX
Writer: Kilgore/Guess; Producer: Jerry Kilgore & James Mitchell; Publisher: none listed; Nic Nic Neer (track)
—I have enjoyed this fellow’s work many times in the past. The title tune of his new CD is a dark and bluesy lament that showcases both his creativity as a songwriter and his charismatic vocal ability. Another winner from a man who seems fully loaded with them.
TIM DUGGER/(I Called Her) Tennessee
Writer: none listed; Producer: none listed; Publisher: none listed; Curb (www.timdugger.com)
—Talk about drawling — you could cut this guy’s Dixie accent with a jack knife. He falls for a college girl who teaches him a thing or two, except her name. The track is your typical rock ‘em, sock ‘em type.
TIFFANY HOUGHTON/Only One
Writer: Tiffany Houghton; Producer: Tiffany Houghton; Publisher: none listed; TH (www.tiffanyhoughton.com)
—She is a true Triple Threat. Her singing is forceful and expressive. Her song writing is solid. Her production finesse on the pulsing, dynamic track is exemplary. She’s Dallas gal who has moved to Music City to make it big. Keep your eyes and ears on her.
NAT STUCKEY/A Hurt as Big as Texas
Writer: Nat Stuckey; Producer: none listed; Publisher: none listed, BMI; Music Roow Talent (track)
—Nat Stuckey (1933-1988) was a country hit maker who died too soon. His widow, Ann, has been keeping his memory alive with reissues of his works. The latest, Words and Music by Nat Stuckey and Friends, includes his three best-known compositions, “Pop a Top,” “Sweet Thang” and “Waitin’ in Your Welfare Line.” Its lesser known tunes include this lively western swinger that will set your toes to tapping. Recommended listening.
ELI YOUNG BAND/Say Goodbye
Writer: Katrina Elam/Melissa Pierce/John Paul White; Producer: Mike Wrucke; Publisher: Songs of Universal/Kreative/Music of Stage Three/Gutter-N-Grace/Roger’s Dream/BMG Chrysalis/EMI Blackwood/Mr. Bright Side, BMI; Republic Nashville (track)
—The Eli Young Band is going from strength to strength. This soaring power ballad wears its ultra-romantic heart on its sleeve. Soul-tugging in every respect. You’re also going to be hearing more from its previous chart topper, “Even If It Breaks Your Heart.” It plays during the opening montage of the TV series Nashville on Wednesday nights this fall on ABC.
DAVID ANDERSEN/Malaguena
Writer: none listed; Producer: David Andersen; Publisher: none listed; Andersongs (track) (www.davidandersenmusic.com)
—Thanks to his daily strolls, strumming in the Conservatory of the Country Music Hall of Fame & Museum, guitarist David Andersen is probably the most famous “unknown” musician in Nashville. He has two new CDs, Vituoso and Virtuoso II. The latter contains his deft, easy-listening run through this classical Spanish instrumental standard.
Programmer Playlist: Tim Dugger
/by ProgrammerPlaylistBreaking new Curb artist Tim Dugger is addicted to the “fast lane” –whether it’s horsepower in the pursuit of superstardom in country music, or hanging-out at the track with the major names in NASCAR who just happen to be his “good buddies.” Speed is in the blood of the Alabama born native.
A diehard NASCAR fan, Dugger developed a loyal fan base in the country music clubs surrounding the race circuit. “I grew up in awe of Dale Earnhardt and it was a major Sunday tradition back at home to sit around with my dad and watch the races,” Dugger recalls. “When I started playing the clubs I had the thrill of meeting Richard Childress and struck up a real friendship with his whole family. From that meeting I ultimately met Mike Curb at Daytona and got to hand him a CD—that was the beginning of where I am today.”
After forming his own bands as a teenager, in a few short years his reputation as a performer kept him on a solid road schedule of club performances throughout the south.
“At home growing up there was always a guitar in the house and I taught myself out of a little book that showed me three basic chords,” Dugger recalls. “I’d go to this music store in town every day during the summer when school was out—it was a bunch of old school musicians just pickin’ and singin’ and I’d get in the circle with them and watch their fingers. That led me to going around to the circuit of little pickin’ houses—I was 99% percent of the time the youngest musician there. It was like a college education in music.”
Dugger musical influences reflect his love of the traditional. “I’ve always loved the legends—Merle Haggard, Vern Gosdin, Gene Watson. My dad was a truck driver and he’d come home with all their cassette tapes from the truck. That sealed the deal with me when I heard their music.”
As witnessed by his debut single, (I Called Her) Tennessee, a world of new country fans are about to have Dugger on their playlists.
The single itself is one of his favorite songs from his debut album. “I wrote the song four or five years ago and it’s actually one of my favorite songs that I’ve written to date. I think every good ‘ol Alabama boy in high school dreams of spring break when he can hit the beaches down to Mobile or Panama City and meet that older and wiser college girl that can teach him a thing or two about love. That’s the story in this song. They have a great time—he never asks her name—but he knows she’s from Tennessee.”
Tim’s music reflects his passion for a great country lyric and his debut album for Curb offers the proven production genius of veteran producer Jim Ed Norman whose long list of credits include the Eagles, Linda Ronstadt and Kenny Rogers.
“Jim Ed is more than someone whose production I love—he’s a guy whose opinion I respect on all aspects of the music industry. Spending time in the studio with him is a learning experience for me and I’ve dug every second that’s gone into the album so far.”
Sharing stages with artists of the caliber of Trace Adkins, Diamond Rio, Sarah Evans and Craig Morgan gives further witness to Dugger’s ability to command attention with his own special brand of music and onstage charisma. His featured spot in the television reality series, Highway To Fame took the message wider that a new major career was in the making.
With new music on the horizon and with smoldering good looks and southern charm packed securely under his cowboy hat, America’s about to buckle up for Dugger’s fast ride to the top.
Dugger is philosophical about the potential of super stardom on the horizon. “The only goal I had setting out in music was to make a living at it so I’ve already been very blessed. This world is very stressful if you’ve written a song that can give someone a lift for three minutes —I think you’ve done something pretty cool.
Paisley and Underwood Returning to Host CMA Awards
/by Freeman“I think I can speak for both of us when I say that we are extremely excited to be back for a fifth year hosting the CMA Awards,” said Underwood. “Each year we work harder so that we can help present the best show possible.”
“We’re waiting on someone to do something really stupid between now and then,” said Paisley. “I have faith. We are excited. I think you walk out there with people expecting a certain thing now and that’s a great place to be. I think they know who we are. They know what we do up there together and we’ve become something different together than we are separately I think, which is fun.”
Paisley is a 14-time CMA Winner, including Entertainer of the Year (2010) and Male Vocalist (2007, 2008, 2009). Underwood is a five-time winner, including three consecutive wins for Female Vocalist (2006, 2007, 2008) and Single of the Year in 2007 for “Before He Cheats.”
The 46th Annual CMA Awards is a production of the Country Music Association. Robert Deaton serves as the show’s Executive Producer, Paul Miller is the Director, and David Wild is the writer.
Swift Single Heads For Huge Debut
/by Sarah SkatesIf the track debuts in the predicted range, it could become the best selling female debut since Lady Gaga sold 448k downloads of “Born This Way” in 2011, just three days post release. Swift has almost a week to rack up the sales.
She will likely trump her own best download stats. Swift scored her best digital single sales week when “Love Story” moved 360k during Christmas week 2008. As far as debut single sales, she tallied 325k units of “Today Was a Fairytale” in 2010. These stats were reported in Billboard.
“Never” was first released exclusively to iTunes and Google Play, and is now at all digital outlets. Pop and country versions of the track have been serviced to radio, but only the pop mix is available for paid download.
The single is shooting up the radio charts and has an official impact date of Aug. 20. Her fourth studio album, Red, hits shelves Oct. 22.
Jerrod Niemann Frees The Music
/by Eric T. ParkerThe Sea Gayle Records/Arista Nashville release, which Niemann co-produced and contributed co-writing credits to every track, is currently available for pre-order on Amazon.com.
“This album is my interpretation of how I feel about country right now,” said Neimann. “The pedal steel guitar has come to define country music, but there were years and years of country being made before that instrument was even invented. Horns have been in country going back to the 1920s, and fiddles and other string instruments date back even further.”
In other Niemann news, the singer recently visited Monroe Carell Jr. Children’s Hospital at Vanderbilt to help launch Musicians on Call’s 11th Weekly Bedside Performance Program, celebrating five years of service in Nashville. The singer performed his latest single, “Shinin’ On Me” (photo below).
Free The Music track listing (Track/Title/Songwriters):
01-“Free The Music” (Niemann)
02-“Whiskey Kind of Way” (Niemann, Randy Boudreaux)
03-“Get On Up” (Niemann, J.R. McCoy, Jesse Clingan)
04-“I’ll Have to Kill the Pain” (Niemann, J.R. McCoy, Arlos Smith)
05-“Only God Can Love You More” (Niemann, Jon Stone, Lee Brice)
06-“Shinin’ on Me” (Niemann, Rob Hatch, Lee Brice, Lance Miller)
07-“Honky Tonk Fever” (Niemann)
08-“Guessing Games” (Niemann, J.R. McCoy)
09-“It Won’t Matter Anymore” (Niemann, Rob Hatch, Lance Miller)
10-“I’m All About You” [featuring Colbie Caillat] (Niemann, Richie Brown)
11-“Real Women Drink Beer”(Jerrod, Houston Phillips)
12-“Fraction of a Man” (Niemann)
Jerrod Niemann with hospital staff at Monroe Carell Jr. Children's Hospital.
Survey Reveals Music Discovery Habits
/by FreemanAccording to Nielsen’s recent “Music 360” report, 48% of those surveyed said radio was how they found new music, followed by recommendations from friends/family (10%), and YouTube (7%). But the teenage results show they listen to new music mostly through YouTube (64%), then radio (56%), iTunes (53%) and CDs (50%).
“The accessibility of music has seen tremendous expansion and diversification,” said David Bakula, SVP Client Development, Nielsen. “While younger listeners opt for technologically advanced methods, traditional methods of discovery like radio and word-of-mouth continue to be strong drivers. With so many ways to purchase, consume and discover great new music, it’s no wonder that the consumer continues to access and enjoy music in greater numbers.”
There are approximately 42.7 million individuals between the ages of 10-19, or 13.8% of the country’s total population, according to US Census Data from 2010. People ages 20-29 account for roughly the same percentage as teens, with 30-39 year olds slightly less at 12.9%. People ages 40-49 years make up the largest slice at 14.1%, and those 50-59 years of age amount to 13.6%. There are an additional 40.5 million people below the age of 10 who will grow up with a multitude of discovery options at their fingertips, from YouTube to traditional radio to Spotify and beyond.
Young consumers who purchase digital tracks are also more likely to download a song soon after release. Thirty-three percent of teens reported buying a digital track within one week of release, versus only 21% of those ages 18 and above for the same period.
And while 18-24 year olds are most likely to attend live events, 54% of teenagers who go to concerts will purchase t-shirts, versus 46% of 18-24 year olds.
Other interesting findings from the Nielsen study show 54% of respondents are more inclined to purchase something if a friend gives it a recommendation, and 25% are more likely to purchase something hyped in the blogosphere. Of smartphone users, 54% report having some kind of music player app, and 47% have a radio app.
Jones Announces Farewell Tour
/by Caitlin Rantala“It is tough to stop doing what I love, but the time has come,” said Jones in a statement.
The Grand Tour will visit approximately 60 cities in 2013. The star will perform many of his hits such as “White Lightning,” “He Stopped Loving Her Today,” and “I Don’t Need Your Rockin’ Chair.” Jones also plans to record a new studio album, and Dolly Parton has been writing songs for him. There is no scheduled release date for the project at this time.
After a brief bout with an upper respiratory infection earlier this year, Jones was forced to cancel several tour dates. However, he is currently back on the road and dates can be found here.
DISClaimer Single Reviews (8/15/12)
/by Robert K OermannTiffany Houghton, Clayton Gardner
Ask and you shall receive.
In last week’s column, I bemoaned the lack of a DisCovery Award contender. So this week, I got two of them.
Both are Texans. Our Male winner, Clayton Gardner, plies his trade in Lone Star State roadhouses. Our Female winner, Tiffany Houghton, has moved to Music City to record her debut, six-song EP.
Eli Young Band
The Disc of the Day goes to Eli Young Band for its warmly romantic “Say Goodnight.” Kudos for another job well done.
CLAYTON GARDNER/I Won’t Settle Down
Writer: Clayton Gardner/Mack Damon; Producer: none listed; Publisher: none listed; CG (www.claytongardner.com)
—This breezy bopper with a touch of twang comes from a Texas newcomer with a smooth, confident, easy-going baritone. Promising.
ALI ISABELLA/Say You’ll Be Mine
Writer: Josh Foster/Julie Downs; Producer: Gregory Lattimer & Josh Foster; Publisher: Alisma, BMI; Alisma (track) (www.aliisabella.com)
—She sounds very young and quite pert. You wouldn’t call her a vocal powerhouse by any means, but this lightweight, up-tempo ditty doesn’t require her to be one. Peppy. Innocent.
KATHY MATTEA/West Virginia, My Home
Writer: none listed; Producer: Gary Paczosa; Publisher: none listed; Sugar Hill (track) (www.mattea.com)
—Mattea has scheduled a trio of Music City appearances next month to celebrate the imminent release of her Calling Me Home CD — Sept. 5 at The Bluebird Cafe, Sept. 7 at The Station Inn and Sept. 8 at the Opry House gift shop. In the meantime, this lilting, sweetly sung, acoustic track is doing the advance work on her website. The wafting, guitar-fiddle-mandolin picking by the CD’s all-star band is as heavenly as the singing.
RODNEY HAYDEN/Buckaroo Man
Writer: none listed; Producer: none listed; Publisher: none listed; Palomino
—A single with a built-in identity crisis. The band thinks it is a Southern-rock outfit. He thinks he’s a cowboy.
JERRY KILGORE/Telephone, TX
Writer: Kilgore/Guess; Producer: Jerry Kilgore & James Mitchell; Publisher: none listed; Nic Nic Neer (track)
—I have enjoyed this fellow’s work many times in the past. The title tune of his new CD is a dark and bluesy lament that showcases both his creativity as a songwriter and his charismatic vocal ability. Another winner from a man who seems fully loaded with them.
TIM DUGGER/(I Called Her) Tennessee
Writer: none listed; Producer: none listed; Publisher: none listed; Curb (www.timdugger.com)
—Talk about drawling — you could cut this guy’s Dixie accent with a jack knife. He falls for a college girl who teaches him a thing or two, except her name. The track is your typical rock ‘em, sock ‘em type.
TIFFANY HOUGHTON/Only One
Writer: Tiffany Houghton; Producer: Tiffany Houghton; Publisher: none listed; TH (www.tiffanyhoughton.com)
—She is a true Triple Threat. Her singing is forceful and expressive. Her song writing is solid. Her production finesse on the pulsing, dynamic track is exemplary. She’s Dallas gal who has moved to Music City to make it big. Keep your eyes and ears on her.
NAT STUCKEY/A Hurt as Big as Texas
Writer: Nat Stuckey; Producer: none listed; Publisher: none listed, BMI; Music Roow Talent (track)
—Nat Stuckey (1933-1988) was a country hit maker who died too soon. His widow, Ann, has been keeping his memory alive with reissues of his works. The latest, Words and Music by Nat Stuckey and Friends, includes his three best-known compositions, “Pop a Top,” “Sweet Thang” and “Waitin’ in Your Welfare Line.” Its lesser known tunes include this lively western swinger that will set your toes to tapping. Recommended listening.
ELI YOUNG BAND/Say Goodbye
Writer: Katrina Elam/Melissa Pierce/John Paul White; Producer: Mike Wrucke; Publisher: Songs of Universal/Kreative/Music of Stage Three/Gutter-N-Grace/Roger’s Dream/BMG Chrysalis/EMI Blackwood/Mr. Bright Side, BMI; Republic Nashville (track)
—The Eli Young Band is going from strength to strength. This soaring power ballad wears its ultra-romantic heart on its sleeve. Soul-tugging in every respect. You’re also going to be hearing more from its previous chart topper, “Even If It Breaks Your Heart.” It plays during the opening montage of the TV series Nashville on Wednesday nights this fall on ABC.
DAVID ANDERSEN/Malaguena
Writer: none listed; Producer: David Andersen; Publisher: none listed; Andersongs (track) (www.davidandersenmusic.com)
—Thanks to his daily strolls, strumming in the Conservatory of the Country Music Hall of Fame & Museum, guitarist David Andersen is probably the most famous “unknown” musician in Nashville. He has two new CDs, Vituoso and Virtuoso II. The latter contains his deft, easy-listening run through this classical Spanish instrumental standard.
CMT.com Launches “Southern Ground Live” Series
/by Caitlin RantalaBlackberry Smoke performed selections from its new album The Whippoorwill, including “Six Ways to Sunday,” “Pretty Little Lie,” “Everybody Knows She’s Mine” and “Ain’t Got the Blues.” Jamey Johnson joined the group onstage and contributed vocals to a medley of “Yesterday’s Wine” and “Still Doin’ Time.”
New episodes of Southern Ground Live will feature performances from Sonia Leigh (Aug. 29), and Nic Cowan (Sept. 13) on CMT.com. The series, which can be viewed here, follows Southern Ground artists as they make music on their own terms.
Margaritaville in Nashville serves as host to the Southern Ground Live performance series, which is produced by Lewis Bogach.
Ricky Skaggs’ New Album is ‘Music To My Ears’
/by Eric T. ParkerThe 11-tracks were produced by Skaggs and Gordon Kennedy, with all-new songs and fresh takes on older Bluegrass standards including “Soldier’s Son,” co-written by and featuring Barry Gibb. Also on the album, is “Tennessee Stud,” a special tribute for the late Doc Watson; “New Jerusalem,” a new instrumental written by Skaggs; and “You Can’t Hurt Ham,” with lyrics inspired by Bill Monroe, co-written by Kennedy and Skaggs.
Music To My Ears is available for pre-order here.
Skaggs is set to be inducted into the GMA Gospel Music Hall of Fame tonight (8/14) and will receive the Pioneer Award from the ACM on September 24. He has 14 Grammy Awards to his name and has release more than 30 albums.
Music To My Ears Track Listing:
1. Blue Night
2. Things In Life
3. You Can’t Hurt Ham
4. Music To My Ears
5. What You Are Waiting For
6. New Jerusalem
7. Soldier’s Son
8. Tennessee Stud – Tribute to Doc Watson
9. Loving You Too Well
10. You Are Something Else
11. Nothing Beats A Family
Snapshots (8/14/2012)
/by Eric T. ParkerPictured (L-R): Billy Swan, Jerry Chesnut, Dallas Frazier, Mac Davis and Museum Editor Michael Gray. Photo: Larry McCormack
The Country Music Hall of Fame presented Songs Fit for a King: Top Songwriters Remember Elvis on Saturday (8/11). Songwriters Jerry Chesnut, Mac Davis, Dallas Frazier and Billy Swan performed a selection recorded by Presley and discussed his influence on their lives and careers.
Producer Chips Moman will deliver an interview this upcoming Saturday (8/18), continuing the Celebrate the King Series.
••••
Pictured Above, L-R: Pete Fisher, Grand Ole Opry VP/GM and Maggie Rose
Maggie Rose made her debut on the Grand Ole Opry stage Friday, August 10 where she performed “Preacher’s Daughter” and closed with, “I Ain’t Your Mama.”
“My performance went by in a flash and I woke up the next morning still smiling,” said Rose. “It was a magical night for me.”
••••
(L-R): Philip Craighead, Mayor of Lebanon and Tracy Lawrence. Photo: Alex Torrez
The hometown Mayors of Lebanon and Wilson County proclaimed September 25 as Tracy Lawrence Day in Wilson County. Tracy Lawrence will be recognized for his philanthropy and charitable work, during the inaugural day celebration and Humanitarian Award Gala (9/25), at Legacy Farms in Lebanon, TN.
The open-to-the-public Gala will feature dinner, entertainment, special guests, and auction to benefit New Leash On Life, a charity for stray and abused animals. Tickets can be reserved by phone: 615-364-9082.