This week the newsmakers come not from the ranks of our country stars, but from the members of Nashville’s ever expanding pop/rock community.
A slew of Music City’s biggest headliners from this world have buzz-worthy current releases. Kings of Leon, Sheryl Crow, Paramore, Michael W. Smith and Leon Russell head a parade of record makers you need to support.
We have a tie for Disc of the Day. I simply could not choose between Sheryl Crow and Leon Russell, so I won’t. Buy them both at once. By the way, both Elton & Leon and Kings of Leon are available on vinyl LPs.
I don’t give out a Song of the Day award, but if I did it would be for “How We Love.” By the time Beth Nielsen Chapman finished singing it, tears were rolling down my cheeks.
Our DisCovery Award goes to the John Jorgenson Quintet. Its twirling gypsy sound will make you delirious.
PARAMORE/Playing God
Writer: Hayley Williams/Josh Farro; Producer: Rob Cavallo & Paramore; Publisher: WB/But Father I Just Want to Sing/Josh’s/FBR, ASCAP; Atlantic/Fueled By Ramen (track)
—The new single from the Brand New Eyes CD is a jangly rumbler with a hard rocking chorus. Hayley’s snarly soprano is especially effective in this diatribe against a judgmental partner. Rocking, literate and melodic, all at the same time.
MARSHALL CHAPMAN/Big Lonesome
Writer: Chapman/Krekel; Producer: Michael Utley & Marshall Chapman; Publisher: none listed; TallGirl (track) (www.tallgirl.com)
—The title tune to Marshall’s new CD is surprisingly countrified. Particularly since the harmony vocalist and guitarist is the late, rocking Tim Krekel, to whom the CD is dedicated. But there you have it, complete with twanging electric, steel and dobro. Fear not fans, on the rest of the album, she’s as eclectic as ever, serving up everything from blues (”Mississippi Man in Mexico”) to pop (”Falling Through the Trees”) to swing (”Sick of Myself”) to rock (”I Love Everybody”) and even a cover of “I’m So Lonesome I Could Cry.” In fact, this is her best collection in years.
JARS OF CLAY/Out Of My Hands
Writer: Jars of Clay/Gabe Ruschival/Jeremy Lutito; Producer: Jars of Clay; Publisher: Bridge Building/Pogostick/Chigostick/Dudie, BMI; Gray Matters/Sony/
Essential (track)
—This million-selling Christian alt-rock band’s current The Shelter CD is comprised of collaborative tracks with other like-minded music makers (Brandon Heath, David Crowder, Amy Grant, etc.). This shuffled, meditative, melodic tune features Mike Donehey. Definitely pop-crossover material.
KINGS OF LEON/Radioactive
Writer: Caleb Followill/Nathan Followill/Jared Followill/Matthew Followill; Producer: Angelo Petraglia & Jackquire King; Publisher: Pistola/Sinderella’s Grass Slipper/McFearless/Coffee Tea or Me/Bug/Silent But Violent, ASCAP/BMI; RCA (vinyl 45)
—Anthemic, in a U2-ish kinda way. The guitars are a stuttering, twittering swirl of sound, and the lead vocal soars. The B-side of the 45 features the West Angeles Mass Choir, which underscores the song’s seriousness of purpose. The New York Times has called its Come Around Sundown parent album, “the rock blockbuster of the new season.” Ain’t that nice? Be looking for it somewhere in tomorrow’s list of announced Grammy Award nominees.
SHERYL CROW/Sign Your Name
Writer: Maitreya Sananda; Producer: Doyle Bramhall & Justin Stanley; Publisher: none listed; A&M (track)
—Sheryl’s current CD is called 100 Miles from Memphis because her hometown of Kennett, MO is, indeed, 100 miles to the north. The collection is informed by the soul music that Memphis is noted for, perhaps nowhere more so than on this cover of the sensuous Terence Trent D’Arby smash of 1988. Sheryl’s version is appropriately slinky, funky and groove soaked. The harmony singing comes courtesy of guest star Justin Timberlake, who is famously a Memphis native. (Elsewhere on the album, Keith Richards makes an appearance.) Essential listening.
JOHN JORGENSON/One Stolen Night
Writer: Jorgenson; Producer: John Jorgenson; Publisher: Jorgensongs/Bug, BMI; J2 (track) (www.johnjorgenson,com)
—This Middle Tennessee guitar slinger—formerly of The Desert Rose Band (1986-1994)and Elton John’s touring troupe (1994-2000)—has two current albums on the market. This is the swoon-y title tune to a gypsy/flamenco/jazz collection by The John Jorgenson Quintet (which also includes violinist Jason Anick, bassist Simon Planting, percussionist Rick Reed and rhythm guitarist Kevin Nolan). On this gorgeous CD, John plays guitar, bouzouki, clarinet and soprano sax. The other album is Istiqbal Gathering, a pop-classical collaboration with Orchstra Nashville and The Turtle Island Quartet. Recorded live, it is a rich sonic marvel with Jorgenson’s acoustic guitar surrounded by strings and things. Both albums are superb listening experiences.
ELTON JOHN & LEON RUSSELL/If It Wasn’t For Bad
Writer: Leon Russell; Producer: T Bone Burnett; Publisher: Young Carney, ASCAP; Decca (track)
—I am a huge, huge Leon Russell fan. So is Elton John, which is the reason for their new collaboration, The Union. Appropriately, the set’s first single belongs to the senior member of the team. Nashvillian Russell is just as soulful as ever, and John slips easily into his swampy, steamy vocal groove. Leon’s gin-house/gospel piano leads the way. Listening to these two masters together is beyond heavenly. This is easily one of the greatest albums of 2010, regardless of genre.
KIM RICHEY/Wreck Your Wheels
Writer: Kim Richey/Mando Saenz; Producer: Nielson Hubbard; Publisher: Chrysalis Songs/Red Equals Luck/Scramblemusic/Carnival, BMI/ASCAP; Thirty Tigers (track) (www.kimrichey.com)
—The title tune to Kim’s new CD is a steady-thumping romantic dreamscape that is sparely arranged to spotlight her languid vocal phrasing. Get a load of this supporting cast on the disc—Jeremy Lister, Will Kimbrough, Matthew Ryan and David Henry, plus producer Hubbard contributing bass, piano, glock, organ and overall haunting atmosphere. Delicious-sounding pop nirvana.
BETH NIELSEN CHAPMAN/How We Love
Writer: Beth Nielsen Chapman; Producer: Beth Nielsen Chapman; Publisher: Prismlight, SESAC/PRS; BNC (track) (www.bethnielsenchapman.com)
—As usual, she is gloriously melodic and ultra heartfelt on this stunning ballad from her new, self-produced Back to Love collection. Her yearning vocal and Gary Malkins’s elegant piano playing are joined by a magnificently supportive mass of violas, cellos and violins. If this doesn’t bring a lump to your throat, you are made of stone, my friend.
MICHAEL W. SMITH/Save Me From Myself
Writer: Lau Hojen/Soren Balsner/Morten Thorhauge; Producer: Michael W. Smith & Bryan Lenox; Publisher: Bert’s Songs/Universal, ASCAP; Sony/Reunion/
Provident (track)
—This CCM star hasn’t had a big pop crossover hit since 1991 (”Place in This World”). But his brilliantly produced new Wonder CD could definitely change that. This sonically dense lead off track/single piles electronics, keyboards and his tenor vocal on top of blustering beats in a way that is stirring, to say the least. The album also includes two secular love songs, “You Belong to Me” and “Forever Yours.”
DISClaimer Single Reviews (12/1/10)
/by Robert K OermannA slew of Music City’s biggest headliners from this world have buzz-worthy current releases. Kings of Leon, Sheryl Crow, Paramore, Michael W. Smith and Leon Russell head a parade of record makers you need to support.
We have a tie for Disc of the Day. I simply could not choose between Sheryl Crow and Leon Russell, so I won’t. Buy them both at once. By the way, both Elton & Leon and Kings of Leon are available on vinyl LPs.
I don’t give out a Song of the Day award, but if I did it would be for “How We Love.” By the time Beth Nielsen Chapman finished singing it, tears were rolling down my cheeks.
PARAMORE/Playing God
Writer: Hayley Williams/Josh Farro; Producer: Rob Cavallo & Paramore; Publisher: WB/But Father I Just Want to Sing/Josh’s/FBR, ASCAP; Atlantic/Fueled By Ramen (track)
—The new single from the Brand New Eyes CD is a jangly rumbler with a hard rocking chorus. Hayley’s snarly soprano is especially effective in this diatribe against a judgmental partner. Rocking, literate and melodic, all at the same time.
MARSHALL CHAPMAN/Big Lonesome
Writer: Chapman/Krekel; Producer: Michael Utley & Marshall Chapman; Publisher: none listed; TallGirl (track) (www.tallgirl.com)
—The title tune to Marshall’s new CD is surprisingly countrified. Particularly since the harmony vocalist and guitarist is the late, rocking Tim Krekel, to whom the CD is dedicated. But there you have it, complete with twanging electric, steel and dobro. Fear not fans, on the rest of the album, she’s as eclectic as ever, serving up everything from blues (”Mississippi Man in Mexico”) to pop (”Falling Through the Trees”) to swing (”Sick of Myself”) to rock (”I Love Everybody”) and even a cover of “I’m So Lonesome I Could Cry.” In fact, this is her best collection in years.
JARS OF CLAY/Out Of My Hands
Writer: Jars of Clay/Gabe Ruschival/Jeremy Lutito; Producer: Jars of Clay; Publisher: Bridge Building/Pogostick/Chigostick/Dudie, BMI; Gray Matters/Sony/
Essential (track)
—This million-selling Christian alt-rock band’s current The Shelter CD is comprised of collaborative tracks with other like-minded music makers (Brandon Heath, David Crowder, Amy Grant, etc.). This shuffled, meditative, melodic tune features Mike Donehey. Definitely pop-crossover material.
KINGS OF LEON/Radioactive
Writer: Caleb Followill/Nathan Followill/Jared Followill/Matthew Followill; Producer: Angelo Petraglia & Jackquire King; Publisher: Pistola/Sinderella’s Grass Slipper/McFearless/Coffee Tea or Me/Bug/Silent But Violent, ASCAP/BMI; RCA (vinyl 45)
—Anthemic, in a U2-ish kinda way. The guitars are a stuttering, twittering swirl of sound, and the lead vocal soars. The B-side of the 45 features the West Angeles Mass Choir, which underscores the song’s seriousness of purpose. The New York Times has called its Come Around Sundown parent album, “the rock blockbuster of the new season.” Ain’t that nice? Be looking for it somewhere in tomorrow’s list of announced Grammy Award nominees.
SHERYL CROW/Sign Your Name
Writer: Maitreya Sananda; Producer: Doyle Bramhall & Justin Stanley; Publisher: none listed; A&M (track)
—Sheryl’s current CD is called 100 Miles from Memphis because her hometown of Kennett, MO is, indeed, 100 miles to the north. The collection is informed by the soul music that Memphis is noted for, perhaps nowhere more so than on this cover of the sensuous Terence Trent D’Arby smash of 1988. Sheryl’s version is appropriately slinky, funky and groove soaked. The harmony singing comes courtesy of guest star Justin Timberlake, who is famously a Memphis native. (Elsewhere on the album, Keith Richards makes an appearance.) Essential listening.
JOHN JORGENSON/One Stolen Night
Writer: Jorgenson; Producer: John Jorgenson; Publisher: Jorgensongs/Bug, BMI; J2 (track) (www.johnjorgenson,com)
—This Middle Tennessee guitar slinger—formerly of The Desert Rose Band (1986-1994)and Elton John’s touring troupe (1994-2000)—has two current albums on the market. This is the swoon-y title tune to a gypsy/flamenco/jazz collection by The John Jorgenson Quintet (which also includes violinist Jason Anick, bassist Simon Planting, percussionist Rick Reed and rhythm guitarist Kevin Nolan). On this gorgeous CD, John plays guitar, bouzouki, clarinet and soprano sax. The other album is Istiqbal Gathering, a pop-classical collaboration with Orchstra Nashville and The Turtle Island Quartet. Recorded live, it is a rich sonic marvel with Jorgenson’s acoustic guitar surrounded by strings and things. Both albums are superb listening experiences.
ELTON JOHN & LEON RUSSELL/If It Wasn’t For Bad
Writer: Leon Russell; Producer: T Bone Burnett; Publisher: Young Carney, ASCAP; Decca (track)
—I am a huge, huge Leon Russell fan. So is Elton John, which is the reason for their new collaboration, The Union. Appropriately, the set’s first single belongs to the senior member of the team. Nashvillian Russell is just as soulful as ever, and John slips easily into his swampy, steamy vocal groove. Leon’s gin-house/gospel piano leads the way. Listening to these two masters together is beyond heavenly. This is easily one of the greatest albums of 2010, regardless of genre.
KIM RICHEY/Wreck Your Wheels
Writer: Kim Richey/Mando Saenz; Producer: Nielson Hubbard; Publisher: Chrysalis Songs/Red Equals Luck/Scramblemusic/Carnival, BMI/ASCAP; Thirty Tigers (track) (www.kimrichey.com)
—The title tune to Kim’s new CD is a steady-thumping romantic dreamscape that is sparely arranged to spotlight her languid vocal phrasing. Get a load of this supporting cast on the disc—Jeremy Lister, Will Kimbrough, Matthew Ryan and David Henry, plus producer Hubbard contributing bass, piano, glock, organ and overall haunting atmosphere. Delicious-sounding pop nirvana.
BETH NIELSEN CHAPMAN/How We Love
Writer: Beth Nielsen Chapman; Producer: Beth Nielsen Chapman; Publisher: Prismlight, SESAC/PRS; BNC (track) (www.bethnielsenchapman.com)
—As usual, she is gloriously melodic and ultra heartfelt on this stunning ballad from her new, self-produced Back to Love collection. Her yearning vocal and Gary Malkins’s elegant piano playing are joined by a magnificently supportive mass of violas, cellos and violins. If this doesn’t bring a lump to your throat, you are made of stone, my friend.
MICHAEL W. SMITH/Save Me From Myself
Writer: Lau Hojen/Soren Balsner/Morten Thorhauge; Producer: Michael W. Smith & Bryan Lenox; Publisher: Bert’s Songs/Universal, ASCAP; Sony/Reunion/
Provident (track)
—This CCM star hasn’t had a big pop crossover hit since 1991 (”Place in This World”). But his brilliantly produced new Wonder CD could definitely change that. This sonically dense lead off track/single piles electronics, keyboards and his tenor vocal on top of blustering beats in a way that is stirring, to say the least. The album also includes two secular love songs, “You Belong to Me” and “Forever Yours.”
CRS New Faces Performers Announced
/by FreemanTop to Bottom: The Band Perry, Easton Corbin, Lee Brice, Josh Thompson, Jerrod Niemann
Country Radio Broadcasters has announced the performers for the 2011 New Faces of Country Music Show, to be held Friday, March 4 during Country Radio Seminar at the Nashville Convention Center.
Performers selected for the show include The Band Perry (Republic Nashville), Lee Brice (Curb Records), Easton Corbin (Mercury Nashville), Jerrod Niemann (Sea Gayle/Arista), and Josh Thompson (Columbia Nashville).
Earlier in 2010, CRB expanded the New Faces voting process to include any employee of a commercial full-time country station. Previously, only CRS registrants were allowed to vote.
“Our New Faces show is always one of the highlights of Country Radio Seminar because attendees get a chance to see some of Country radio’s brightest up-and-coming stars,” says CRB President Mike Culotta. “The CRB board chose to include more of the Country radio industry in the voting process this year, which we feel gives us a better understanding of what Country radio listeners out there are really responding to in terms of the newer acts. Congratulations to all of this year’s New Faces performers. I know it’s going to be a terrific show!”
The regular registration rate for CRS 2011 is $499 and available at www.crb.org.
Americana Music Association Names New Board
/by Sarah SkatesMaurice Miner To Leave Sony
/by Sarah SkatesMaurice Miner, Director, Syndicated & Satellite Radio, has announced that he will be leaving Sony Music Nashville to pursue other endeavors. Miner, who joined the company in 2005 and reports to VP, Media & Corporate Communications Allen Brown, will continue with Sony until a to-be-determined date.
Once the position is posted, inquiries, résumé submissions and follow-up conversations will be facilitated through the Sony Music online process. Job postings can be viewed by clicking on “careers” on the home page of www.sonymusic.com.
Staind’s Aaron Lewis Teams With Stroudavarious For Country Debut
/by Sarah SkatesThey also appear in the video, set to premiere tomorrow (12/1) at CMT.com, and Monday (12/6) on CMT-TV. The “Country Boy” single will be available Tues., Dec. 7 at digital retailers.
Lewis’ five-song project, Town Line, was recorded earlier this year in Nashville by producer/Stroudavarious head James Stroud. It is scheduled for a February release.
Lewis says the songs are “simple, understated, and founded on quality songwriting.” Among the tracks are a love letter to his home state “Massachusetts,” the relationship saga “Vicious Circles,” and a new version of “Tangled Up in You,” the stand-out ballad from Staind’s sixth album, The Illusion of Progress.
With Staind, Lewis crafted the most-played rock song of the last decade, “It’s Been Awhile,” and sold 13 million albums worldwide. The band’s other hits include “Outside” and “So Far Away.”
He will hit the road January 15 for a run of solo acoustic dates scheduled through spring.
Buddy Lee Acquires Metro Talent Group
/by Freeman(L-R): BLA President Kevin Neal, MTG Founder Cass Scripps
Buddy Lee Attractions has acquired the independent agency Metro Talent Group (MTG), and MTG founder/owner Cass Scripps will join the company for artist representation.
“Our company is very excited about Cass and his roster coming on board at BLA,” says BLA President Kevin Neal. “Cass is one of the most respected agents in the world, and for 17 years built a tremendously successful independent agency in Atlanta. His knowledge of the business as well as the relationships that he has developed throughout the years will continue to keep BLA on the growth pattern that we set a year ago. I have been a long time fan of Cass and the way he has been instrumental in the development of the careers of his artists. When given the opportunity to be able to make Cass a part of our team we didn’t hesitate.”
The MTG roster joining BLA includes artists such as Corey Smith, David Ryan Harris, Drivin N’ Cryin, Edwin McCain, and Kevn Kinney. Contact Scripps at cscripps@blanash.com or by calling 615-244-4336
UMGN Promotes Brunett, Fabiani
/by FreemanMercury SW Regional Jill Brunett. Photo Credit: Donald Yeager
Universal Music Group Nashville has announced the promotion of Jill Brunett to Manager, Southwest Regional Promotion for Mercury Records. A Nashville native, Brunett graduated from the University of Georgia with a degree in Advertising. She joined UMGN in 2007 as Promotion Manager and prior to that served as Promotion Coordinator for Capitol Records Nashville.
“We have watched Jill grow in her current position for a number of years and it’s become obvious that she’s more than ready for the challenges of regional promotion,” says Damon Moberly, Vice President Mercury Nashville Promotion. “Jill’s attention to detail and absolute passion for our artists and their music makes this an easy decision for us. Royce and I are very much looking forward to watching her produce in the great Southwest.”
UMGN has also promoted Chris Fabiani to UMGN Promotion Coordinator, and he will report directly to Sr. VP Promotion Royce Risser. Fabiani joined the label group in 2006 and became the Mercury Records Promotion Coordinator in 2009.
These promotions follow the departure of Mercury SW Regional Allen Mitchell earlier in November.
Country Christmas Special Is Fun, Festive
/by Sarah SkatesReba McEntire performs "Santa Claus Is Coming To Town."
Last night’s CMA Country Christmas special on ABC offered viewers a spirited show to ring in the holiday season. The 90-minute special drew a second place finish for ABC, according to overnight ratings from Zap2it.com. Beginning in the 9:30 PM/ET half-hour, the show attracted 7.2 million viewers, and increased to 7.4 million for the 10 PM time slot.
Jennifer Nettles, sporting her short pixie ‘do, was a cheery host. The festive set at the Bridgestone Arena was accented with thousands of warm, glowing lights.
Our genre’s stars looked even better than usual. LeAnn Rimes was stunning in a bronze sheath, and was surrounded by dancing sailors while she sang “Rockin’ Around The Christmas Tree.” Martina McBride’s dark hair and dark sequined dress paired in striking contrast to her blue eyes, while she delivered a beautiful version of “Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas.” Kellie Pickler performed “Santa Baby” as she strutted across the stage in floor-length, figure-hugging satin. Her red strapless number was accented perfectly with elbow-covering gloves.
In pre-taped segments, stars and their families shared holiday traditions and memories. Brad Paisley reminisced about his first guitar, which was a Christmas gift from his grandfather when he was eight years old. The stars also offered home movies, including a clip of Paisley, age 12, performing the first song he wrote—a Christmas tune.
One part of the show saluted soldiers stationed overseas, while Rascal Flatts sang an a cappella version of “I’ll Be Home For Christmas.”
Darius Rucker performs "Candy Cane Christmas."
Darius Rucker was charming on his new, old-fashioned sounding single “Candy Cane Christmas.” Little Big Town harmonized flawlessly on an uptempo “Go Tell It On The Mountain.” Reba was a great pick for “Santa Claus Is Coming To Town.” Sheryl Crow and Paisley gave a rocking version of “Run, Run Rudolph.” Nettles shone on “Oh Come Emmanuel.”
Many of the performers sang more than one number. And for the grand finale, all the stars and even a few of their kids, piled on stage for “Jingle Bell Rock.”
Hummon Inks With Warner/Chappell
/by Sarah SkatesMarcus Hummon has signed with Warner/Chappell.
Warner/Chappell Music has signed a worldwide co-publishing agreement with hit songwriter Marcus Hummon. He is behind hits and cuts for Rascal Flatts, Garth Brooks, Dixie Chicks, Brooks & Dunn, Tim McGraw, Wynonna Judd, Sara Evans, Alabama, Lee Ann Womack and more. His co-write “Bless the Broken Road” (Rascal Flatts) won the 2006 Grammy for Best Country Song.
Hummon recently released an independent album, Rosanna, and has been touring the UK with Beth Nielsen Chapman. He is composing work for an IMAX film, We the People, which is being produced for the Smithsonian Institute. Hummon has also written five musicals, two operas, and a children’s book.
Warner/Chappell was the No. 1 Country Music publisher for the third quarter of 2010 (Nielsen BDS radio airplay from HFA). Among the publishers recent hits were Blake Shelton’s “All About Tonight,” co-written by Warner/Chappell’s Ben Hayslip; Josh Turner’s “All Over Me,” co-written by Hayslip; Lady Antebellum’s “Our Kind of Love,” co-written by Warner/Chappell’s Charles Kelley and Dave Haywood; and Lee Brice’s “Love Like Crazy,” co-written by Warner/Chappell’s Tim James.
Warner/Chappell has also extended its worldwide co-publishing agreement with Josh Farro of Paramore, and signed Monique Staffile and Caleb Sherman of country band Her & Kings County.
On-set With Charlie Louvin, Daisy Mallory, Jason Sturgeon
/by Sarah SkatesCountry Music Hall of Fame member Charlie Louvin recently filmed his first music video, and recruited bluegrass legend Del McCoury to appear in it. The song “Weapon Of Prayer” is from Louvin’s True North Records debut album The Battles Rage On. The video was directed by Christian Moriarty.
Charlie Louvin and Del McCoury on the video set.
••••••
Daisy Mallory filming her “Don’t Grow Up Too Fast” video.
FrontWater Records artist Daisy Mallory completed the video for her upcoming single, “Don’t Grow Up Too Fast (If I Had a Little Sister).” The video was filmed in Nashville and directed by Neil McCormack of Revolution Pictures.
The single will arrive at country radio in early 2011, and is the second single from Mallory’s sophomore EP, Girl Time. Her first single, “Do You Think of Me?” charted on the MusicRow Country Breakout Chart. Mallory wrote or co-wrote all of the songs on Girl Time, which was produced by Jeff Dayton (George Strait, Glen Campbell, Buck Owens). The teen singer-songwriter also released her Merry Christmas EP in November, distributed through GMV Nashville and available at iTunes.
••••••
L-R: Dennis Kurtz (Toolpusher Project Manager), Jason Sturgeon and dog Max, and director Flick Wiltshire
Toolpusher recording artist Jason Sturgeon launched his new music video “Rollin’ On’” with exclusive premieres on the CMT Insider app for the iPhone and iPod Touch. The video is also on CMT.com and CMT Pure.
The song was co-written and co-produced by Sturgeon and Dane Clark (John Mellencamp). Flick Wiltshire directed the video.
Sturgeon was the iheartradio Discover & Uncover “Artist To Watch” for the month of November.