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.”
Grammy Noms Special Tonight; Artist TV Appearances
/by FreemanTrain
Nominations in several categories for the 53rd Annual Grammy Awards will be revealed tonight (12/1) when “The Grammy Nominations Concert Live! — Countdown To Music’s Biggest Night” airs at 9 pm CT on CBS.
The one hour special will be hosted by LL Cool J at Club Nokia in Los Angeles. Grammy-winning band Train (“Hey, Soul Sister”) recently signed on to perform at the show, joining previously announced performers Miranda Lambert, Justin Bieber, B.o.B., Bruno Mars, and Katy Perry.
Artists presenting nominations will include Selena Gomez, Dave Grohl (Foo Fighters), Hayley Williams (Paramore) and Stevie Wonder. Williams was a guest vocalist on B.o.B’s hit “Airplanes,” but there is no confirmation she will join the rapper onstage.
This event marks the third time Grammy nominations will be announced on live television.
••••••
Darius Rucker will visit The Tonight Show With Jay Leno tonight (12/1), NBC, 11:35 PM/ET. Thursday (12/2) he will be on Jimmy Kimmel Live! on ABC.
Miranda Lambert will perform on Ellen Monday (12/6).
The Band Perry will perform on ABC’s The View on Dec. 15.
Benefits/Lifenotes: Tim Johnson Fund; Norbert Nix’s Father
/by MichelleTim Johnson
Songwriter Tim Johnson has been diagnosed with both liver and colon cancer. Johnson has served on NSAI’s Song Camp faculty and served as a longtime board member of NSAI. He is presently undergoing chemotherapy and is preparing for further treatment. NSAI has established a fund to help him defray treatment costs, travel and other necessary expenses. For more details, click here.
•••
Edmund Nix, father of RCA Nashville National Director of Promotion Norbert Nix, passed away this morning (12/1), following a long and courageous battle with numerous health challenges. The Honorable Judge Edmund A. Nix is survived by his wife, Kay, and five children (Kim, Norbert, Mary Kay, Eddy, Michael). Visitation will be Sunday afternoon, December 5, at The Blaschke Funeral Home in La Crosse, WI, with funeral services on Monday morning at Blessed Sacrament Parish in La Crosse, WI.
•••
As previously reported, a memorial/tribute service for Linda Hargrove will be held Dec. 8, from 3 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. at Douglas Corner Cafe. Hargrove died Sunday, Oct. 24. She was one of the few female session guitar players in Nashville in the ’70s, recorded for three major labels (Elektra, Capitol, RCA) and wrote the hits “Tennessee Whiskey” for George Jones and “Let It Shine” for Olivia Newton-John. If you plan to attend, please RSVP to Mark Ford at NSAI, markford@nashvillesongwriters.com.
CMT Salutes Artists of The Year
/by Sarah SkatesAll photos by Alan Mayor.
Lady Antebellum
Carrie Underwood
CMT taped its Artists of the Year special last night (11/30) at the Factory at Franklin honoring Carrie Underwood, Jason Aldean, Lady Antebellum, Taylor Swift and Zac Brown Band. Kevin Costner hosted the evening of performances and tributes.
Some of the honoree artists sang their own hits, while others were saluted in song by fellow stars. Aldean was joined onstage by Aerosmith’s Joe Perry for the rockin’ “My Kind of Party.” Zac Brown Band sang new single “Colder Weather” joined by the soulful Amos Lee. And Underwood performed a medley of charttoppers “Cowboy Casanova,” “Temporary Home” and “Undo It.”
Jason Aldean and wife
Maroon 5 surprised honoree Taylor Swift by performing her latest hit, “Mine,” and Darius Rucker and Adele offered the Lady Antebellum smash “Need You Now.”
Surprises were also in store as the honorees watched pre-taped segments of praise from Charlie Daniels, Reba McEntire, Ryan Seacrest, Selena Gomez and more.
Among the presenters were Kid Rock, Kix Brooks, Luke Bryan, Martina McBride, Alabama’s Randy Owen, Randy Travis, Smokey Robinson, Hayley Williams (Paramore), celebrity chef Cat Cora, and Boston Red Sox player Josh Beckett.
Taylor Swift
CMT Artists of the Year will premiere Friday, December 3 at 8:00 p.m. ET/PT on CMT and CMT.com.
CMT selected Carrie Underwood, Jason Aldean, Lady Antebellum, Taylor Swift and Zac Brown Band as Artists of the Year because in the last 12 months they have collectively received over 2.5 million plays of their current songs; sold over 8.5 million copies of their current albums; sold over 21 million individual downloads of their current singles; and topped both the touring and CMT.com charts.
Host Kevin Costner
Smokey Robinson
Maroon 5
Baldrica Named President of Average Joes
/by Sarah SkatesEarlier this year Baldrica ended his role as VP, Marketing for Sony Music Nashville, after 17 years with the label group.
“I am thrilled to be joining the team at Average Joes Entertainment,” he says. “At this time of unprecedented change and reinvention in the music business, the Average Joes philosophy and strategy represents the future. I am proud to be a part of it.”
“We are pleased to add Baldrica’s experience and expertise to our team,” adds Shannon Houchins, CEO of Average Joes Entertainment. “For someone who has been instrumental in the landscape of the country music format to truly understand our approach to the music industry is exciting.”
A Minnesota native, Baldrica got his start in radio, and eventually moved to Atlanta to become the Southeast Region Promotion Manager for BNA Records. He worked his way through the BNA ranks, where he was pivotal in building the careers of stars Kenny Chesney and Lonestar.
BNA eventually became part of Sony Music Nashville and in 2006, Baldrica was elevated to Vice President of Marketing Sony Music Nashville (including the Arista Nashville, BNA Records, Columbia Records and RCA Records imprints). In this role he directed the artist development, media, creative and strategic marketing departments, working with Chesney, Miranda Lambert, Carrie Underwood, Brad Paisley, Kellie Pickler, Sara Evans, and more.
He currently sits on the board of directors of Country Radio Broadcasters, and the W.O. Smith/Nashville Community Music School.
Baldrica can be reached at tom@averagejoesent.com or by calling (615) 733-9983.
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