Mark Chesnutt Readies “Outlaw”

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Saguaro Road Records is pleased to announce the release of Outlaw, Mark Chesnutt’s new collection of all-American, whiskey-soaked standards. From the label that has brought country music enthusiasts recordings from Patty Loveless, Tanya Tucker and Lonestar, Outlaw follows in the same vein, delivered by one of country music’s finest music stylists.

Set to be released on June 22, Outlaw features the songs of some of Chesnutt’s personal heroes and lifelong friends such as Billy Joe Shaver, Willie Nelson, Kris Kristofferson and Waylon Jennings (for whom his eldest son is named). Chesnutt recorded the album with producer Pete Anderson (Dwight Yoakam/Michelle Shocked/Tanya Tucker).

“I cut my teeth on this kind of music and it’s an opportunity for me to pay tribute to some of my biggest heroes in country music,” Chesnutt says.

“Mark Chesnutt put on a vocal display like I’ve never before seen in the studio,” Anderson said. “He stood in front of the mic and sang the whole record, from beginning to end, flawlessly [and in less than three hours]. We are all amazed at the results. There may be singers out there as good as Mark, but there are none better and, at this point in my career, I am thrilled to have had the opportunity to work with this caliber of talent.”

Chesnutt has four Platinum albums, five Gold albums, 14 No. 1 singles and 23 Top 10 singles to his name. Outlaw is his fourteenth studio recording and his first project out of L.A.

For more information visit www.markchesnutt.com.

DISClaimer Single Reviews (6/9/10)

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I kept changing my mind.

At first, I was certain that Eric Church was going to coast off with yet another Disc of the Day award. Then I heard Danny Gokey hit that climactic tenor note at the finale of his stunning ballad and decided that, no, THIS was the performance du jour. Next, the Randy Rogers Band came galloping in with an uptempo tune and snatched the prize away from Danny.

Then, at the very end of the listening session, Steel Magnolia came up to the plate. To say that they knock “Just By Being You” out of the park vocally is a decided understatement. The duo claims the Disc of the Day prize over all the other worthy contenders.

Among the indies, Tommy Steele gets his second straight rave review. That leaves the DisCovery Award open for newcomer-to-the-column Keith Compton. Besides, he made me smile.

BLAINE GRAY/The Corner of Love and Life
Writer: none listed; Producer: none listed; Publisher: none listed; Aaron Ave.  (www.blainegray.com)
—It says something when the steel guitarist attracts more attention than your voice.

JOHN RICH/Country Done Come to Town
Writer: John Rich/Vicky McGehee; Producer: John Rich; Publisher: J. Money/Do Write/Middle Child 2/Big Loud Bucks, ASCAP/BMI; Reprise
—The lyric might be “country,” but the rocking, bass-heavy track certainly isn’t.

TOMMY STEELE/Forever 17
Writer: Jeff Bates/Jack Williams; Producer: Donnie Smith; Publisher: Melrose/Southern Cow, BMI/ASCAP; TCR (CDX) (www.tommysteeleband.com)
—Very cool sounding. The trembling electric guitar, his heart-in-throat vocal and the lyric of enduring love all work splendidly here. Recommended listening.

VERONICA BALLESTRINI/Don’t Say
Writer: Veronica Ballestrini/Cliff Owens; Producer: Cliff Downs; Publisher: Acinorev/4MyGirls, BMI/ASCAP; Timbob (CDX) (www.veronicaballestrini.net)
—She is slightly pitch-y, but manages to stay on track enough to effectively deliver this crunchy-sounding kiss-off to a cheater.

ERIC CHURCH/Smoke a Little Smoke
Writer: Eric Church/Jeff Hyde/Driver Williams; Producer: Jay Joyce; Publisher: Sony-ATV Tree/Sinnerlina/Mammaw’s Cornbread/Pine Box Poetry, BMI; Capitol Nashville (track)
—Thumping and groove soaked, it’s an ode to kicking back that kicks.

DANNY GOKEY/I Will Not Say Goodbye
Writer: Lari White/Chuck Cannon/Vicky McGehee; Producer: Mark Bright; Publisher: SWG/BPJ/Chuck Cannon/Middle Child 2/Big Loud Bucks, BMI/ASCAP; RCA/19 (track)
—I dig this guy. And his back story about the death of his wife in 2008 is perfectly captured in this soulful, soaring ballad. The man sings the fire out of it.

JULIE INGRAM/I Love You
Writer: Francis Wainwright; Producer: Jay Vernali & Julie Ingram; Publisher: INXS, ASCAP; LongShot (CDX)
—Her precise, perfectly enunciated diction gets in the way of my enjoying this as a “country” single. Make yourself sound more sloppy.

KEITH COMPTON/Inflatable Doll
Writer: Keith Compton; Producer: Walt Wilder; Publisher: Taloga/Leedy, BMI; CMM (CDX) (www.cmm-online.com)
—Ya gotta love this. Whenever he’s in the doghouse at home, he gets out his air pump and creates a companion who doesn’t talk back. Lotsa fun.

RANDY ROGERS BAND/Too Late for Goodbye
Writer: none listed; Producer: none listed; Publisher: none listed; MCA Nashville
—As usual, he sings with enormous emotion and grit. The band’s rolling rhythm and hearty harmony vocals are right on the money, too. Give this outfit the big, fat hit it deserves.

STEEL MAGNOLIA/Just By Being You
Writer: Britton Cameron/Patricia Conroy; Producer: Dann Huff; Publisher: Big Music Machine/Golden Gears/Super 98/Patricia Conroy, BMI/SOCAN; Big Machine
—Meghan and Josh are on a roll. They’ve been nominated for ACM and CMT awards, gone on tour with Brad Paisley and scored a top-five hit with “Keep on Lovin’ You.” This follow-up single is a chesty power ballad with them practically shouting in harmony together. A thrilling listening experience. So nice I played it twice.

Rockin’ The Porter Wagoner Fishing Tourney

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Shin Fukae (l.) shows off two of the largemouth bass he and 3 Doors Down lead singer Brad Arnold (r.) caught to land them in 1st place in the 3rd Annual Porter Wagoner Memorial Artists & Anglers Fishing Tournament.

Yesterday morning (6/8), 35 boats loaded with artists and professional anglers launched from Nashville’s Elm Hill Recreation Area for a beautiful day of competitive fishing in the 3rd Annual Porter Wagoner Memorial Artists & Anglers Memorial Fishing Tournament. Fans gathered at the Music Valley Event Center, as Gary Yamamoto Custom Baits’ George Braswell brought each team on stage and weighmaster Willie Cook took the official measurements. At the end of the day, rock star Brad Arnold, of 3 Doors Down, and FLW Angler of the Year Shin Fukae were crowned the winners with a total weight of 21.13 lbs. of bass. Fukae also won the Big Bass Award for his whopping 5.64 pounder.

John Park was a last-minute fill-in for his brother Clint – half of the father-son duo The Parks – who took second with Team Vanderbilt’s Monroe Carell, Jr. Children’s Hospital at Vanderbilt angler Jeff Baker with 10.83 lbs. Emerson Drive’s Brad Mates and pro angler and Phoenix Boats founder Gary Clouse took third with 9.16. All fish were safely released back into the water.

Porter Wagoner, who in addition to being one of the most popular stars ever to grace the stage of the Grand Old Opry, was an avid bass fisherman. In his spare time, he could often be found fishing on local lakes. A photo of Wagoner holding the largest bass he ever caught along with his fishing buddy and Bass Pro Shops founder John L. Morris still hangs in his Opry dressing room. A poster-size version of the same photo hangs inside the entrance to Bass Pro Shops at Opry Mills in Nashville. Wagoner died of lung cancer at age 80 in October of 2007.

Fontanel Mansion Welcomes CMA Fest Fans

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After months of anticipation and preparation, Nashville’s The Fontanel Mansion and Farm is open to the public, just in time for CMA Music Festival this week. Open 7 days a week, the mansion will celebrate its opening all week long with live bluegrass music and country stars John Rich and Gretchen Wilson signing autographs at The Fontanel Stone House Gift Shop for CMA Music Fest. Rich will be greeting fans on Friday, June 11 from 1:00–4:00 PM, and Gretchen will be signing autographs on Saturday, June 12 from noon–1:00 PM. In addition, while on site guests can dine at the Farmhouse Restaurant at Fontanel (open 7:00 AM–9:00 PM), take a two-mile hike through the free trails at Fontanel (open from 7:00 AM until dark) and of course take advantage of Nashville’s only country music mansion tour (open 10:00 AM–3 PM).

CMA Fest ticket holders will receive a $5 discount on admission to the Mansion at Fontanel. Guests may purchase in advance online at www.fontanelmansion.com using promo code CMA104 (CMA ticket stubs must be presented for entry). Tickets are $19 for adults, $16 for seniors, $9 for youths and kids 6 and under are free. In addition, Fontanel will provide free daily shuttle service from the Bridgestone Arena on Broadway and 5th from 9:00 AM to 2:00 PM. There will be shuttle service every half hour on Friday, Saturday and Sunday. The shuttles will return guests downtown until 5:00 PM. Tickets do not need to be purchased before boarding the shuttle.

Only minutes from downtown, The Mansion at Fontanel boasts three stories, over 20 rooms, thirteen bathrooms, five fireplaces, two kitchens, indoor pool and even an indoor shooting range on almost 140 acres of pristine land. The home has been filled to the brim with photos, memorabilia and personal items from the period when the Mandrell family lived there. Additionally, the personal collections of current owners Dale Morris and Marc Oswald are featured which include one of a kind items, personal photos, and keepsakes of the artists they currently manage, including Alabama, Kenny Chesney, Big & Rich, Gretchen Wilson and many others. But make no mistake, this is not a museum. At Fontanel, visitors get to do more than just look; guests can touch, see, feel and relax in this magnificent home.

A tour of the Mansion is guided in small groups room by room, with amazing sights, special stories and maybe even some music around every corner. Tour guides escort guests from the moment they walk into the front door through the entire home starting in the Great Room and ending in the glorious sunlit pool atrium. There, guests can grab refreshments and relax as long as they wish, discussing the experience of Fontanel with experts and fellow visitors. Tours are available 7 days a week from 10:00 AM until 3:00 PM.

For more information visit www.fontanelmansion.com.

Gloriana’s Milk Campaign Picks Winner

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ACM Top New Vocal Group of the Year and AMA Award winners Gloriana were featured on over 50 million milk containers in schools across the U.S. during March and April as part of the Milk Rocks! campaign. During the campaign thousands of students and Gloriana fans entered to win a $10,000 prize to use for future educational purposes from Paper Mate, a global leader in stylish, innovative writing instruments.

The winner has been chosen and thirteen year-old Robert K. Golz of Orland Park, Illinois will receive the scholarship money along with three tickets to attend an upcoming Gloriana concert and a chance to meet the band backstage.

The Milk Rocks! Program promotes healthy lifestyles and nutrition with milk as the focus. They utilize milk carton side panels (which includes access to tips from Paper Mate on how to be green, including information on Paper Mate’s new Biodegradable pen and mechanical pencil and the brand’s new writing instrument upcycling program), lunchroom posters, and online initiatives to communicate their messages. Milk Rocks! features some of today’s most popular recording artists and emerging talent. Milk Rocks is a member of the Ad Council’s Coalition for Healthy Children, whose mission is to provide clear, consistent, research-based messages to children and parents about the importance of practicing a healthier lifestyle and give them the means to improve their eating and physical activity habits.

In other Gloriana news, the band has been voted by fans into the final round of the 2010 CMT Music Awards for Group Video of the Year for their “How Far Do You Wanna Go?” music video directed by Kristin Barlowe. Fans can still vote today online at www.CMT.com to determine the final nominees for CMT’s ninth annual Awards show which will air live tonight (6/9) on CMT and CMT.com. The foursome will be at CMA Music Festival this week for several events including a performance at the Riverfront Stage on Saturday, June 12.

Photos: Darius and Friends St. Jude Benefit

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Darius Rucker and special guests Radney Foster, Randy Houser, Jake Owen, Jamey Johnson, and Kid Rock took to the Wildhorse Saloon yesterday (6/7) to help raise money and awareness for St. Jude Children’s Hospital. Performances included Rucker’s “Alright,” and “It Won’t Be Like This For Long,” as well as Foster and Rucker on “Just Call Me Lonely,” Houser and Rucker on “Drift Away,” Johnson and Rucker on “In Color” and everybody chiming in on “Family Tradition.” Rucker also debuted his new single “Come Back Song,” which impacts radio June 28. Photos: Jamey Walls/The Black Sheep Group

Radney Foster and Darius Rucker

Randy Houser and Darius Rucker

Screenwriters Conference Draws Top Talent

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Standing in back are staff from panel sponsor ole, (L-R): COO Gillies Godard and stafters, Matt Turner, Whitney Taylor and Kele Currier. Seated are panelists Julia Michels, host/organizer Anastasia Brown, Howard Parr, Dave Jordan and Andrea Von Foerster. Photo: Alan Mayor

The 12th annual Nashville Screenwriters Conference hit town last weekend with events at the Union Station Hotel. One highlight of the gathering is always the Music in the Movies panel, held this year at the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum. Founded by 821 Entertainment Group President Anastasia Brown, the luncheon features advice from top music supervisors for those hoping to tap into the world of song placement in television and film, as well as opportunities to submit music for placement in upcoming projects.

For the recent event, Brown recruited Music Supervisors Julia Michels (Sex and the City 1 and 2, The Blind Side, The Devil Wears Prada), Andrea Von Foerster (500 Days of Summer, It’s Kind of A Funny Story, Stargate Universe), Howard Paar (Hung, Monster, L Word), and Dave Jordan (Iron Man 1 and 2, Harold & Kumar Go to White Castle, The Upside of Anger). Sponsored by ole.

Also at the Screenwriters Conference, a performance at the Loveless Barn by songwriters (L-R): Lori McKenna, Natalie Hemby, Jim Lauderdale (Host), Deana Carter and Rosanne Cash. Photo: Alan Mayor

Billboard Summit Talks Radio

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PPM, the evolution of the country demographic, and the artist royalty legislation were among the topics discussed at the Billboard Country Music Summit’s panel “The Changing Face of Radio: 2010 and Beyond” on Monday (6/7). Moderated by Billboard Sr. Chart Manager, Nashville, Wade Jessen, panelists included Paul Allen (Middle Tennessee State University), Tom English (Nashville VP/Mkt Manager Clear Channel), Steve Hodges (SVP Promotion, Capitol/EMI Nashville), Jeff Garrison (CBS Radio, KILT/Houston), and Bud Walters (Cromwell Radio Group).

Garrison’s market was one of the first to adopt Arbitron’s Portable People Meter (PPM) measurement, which he said reflects reality, rather than the flawed recall of survey subjects. “The biggest surprise,” he noted, “was that there were no surprises at all with PPM.” Sample sizes are currently small for PPM, but large markets like Nashville are preparing for when the time comes to switch.

English and Walters underscored the differences between large and small market radio when English noted how challenging the last 18 months have been. Revenues were down nearly 20%, and only projected to be back up 2% this year. And yet, he claimed, more people listened to terrestrial radio last year than any in history. Walters, on the other hand, noted the ease with which he sells advertising on WCRC, his small market country station in Illinois. “It’s the easiest format to sell because advertisers can relate to it.”

Garrison noted an ethnic shift in Houston (and possibly nationwide) that was affecting his listenership, but hasn’t seen any wide shift in demographics for country music. “It’s a cyclical business,” offered English, “driven by artists.” He added that years earlier, Garth Brooks had brought younger fans to the format much like Taylor Swift has.

The panel’s hot-button issue was clearly the Performance Rights Act. This stalemate does not seem likely to disappear soon, as the radio industry firmly believes the service it provides is mutually beneficial for both parties: radio gets free content to bolster their advertising, and airplay is like free advertising for artists/labels selling records. Walters indicated that the act’s passage could signal a widespread disappearance of music programming in radio. “The business I’m in is community service and selling commercials,” said Walters. “I’m agnostic about what goes between those.” Proponents of the legislation, namely Allen, pointed out that the US is one of a handful of countries worldwide to not have such a tax in place and that the annual costs would be variable for stations netting below $1.25M annually and variable for those above. English took issue with that figure, saying that his four stations in Nashville would be forced to pay over $3M annually for music.

On the bright side, country music remains a healthy format for radio. Capitol’s Hodges surmised that the fans are still tuning in, at least in part because of “artist accessibility to radio and fans” and an overall positive perception of the inudstry.

Global Artist Party Opens Music Fest

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Events surrounding the CMA Music Festival are already going strong. Yesterday brought the CMA Global Artist Party and the City of Hope Celebrity Softball Tournament. Today’s (6/8) events include the AristoMedia Global Showcase and Chely Wright’s Reading, Writing & Rhythm Benefit Concert with Trisha Yearwood and more.

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Eight Country music artists from around the world gathered in downtown Nashville Monday night, June 7, to help kick off CMA Music Fest week at the CMA Global Artist Party. Monday night’s showcase, held at The Stage on Broadway, featured artists Luke Austen (Australia), Jaydee Bixby (Canada), David Bradley (UK), Sinead Burgess (Australia), Cameron Clayton (New Zealand), Tim McKay (UK), One More Girl (Canada) and Alex J. Robinson (Canada). The evening’s events were hosted by Adam Gregory, who also played a set for the packed house.

Today at 3:30 PM at The Second Fiddle, Australian duo O’Shea hosts the AristoMedia Global Showcase, sponsored by the AristoMedia Group, CMA, Digital Rodeo, and Four Seasons Coach Leasing. Artists participating include Travis Collins (Australia), Emma King & The Heartsets (UK), the European Highwaymen (Norway), Jessie Farrell (Canada), Jo Hikk (Canada), Steven Lee Olsen (Canada), and Ronnie Rae Rivers (Australia).

Monday's CMA Global Artist Party. Pictured l to r: Chip Huffman (Four Seasons Coach Leasing), Britt McKillip (One More Girl – Canada), Steve Moore (CMA), Carly McKillip (One More Girl – Canada), Cameron Clayton (New Zealand), Alex J. Robinson (Canada), David Bradley (UK), Adam Gregory (Canada), Jeff Walker (AristoMedia), Mark Moffatt (CMA Global Artist Party producer), Tim McKay (UK), Jaydee Bixby (Canada), Sinead Burgess (Australia), Luke Austen (Australia).

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Chevy, "The Official Ride of Country Music," and a committed Music Festival sponsor, hosted a music industry "Ride and Drive" at the CMA offices last week. Participants had the opportunity to test drive their choice of several vehicles. Chevy donated $25 for each test drive to The Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee for flood relief. Pictured (left to right): Phil Caruso, Chevrolet National Sales Promotion Manager; Steve Moore, CMA Chairman of the Board; and CMA Board member Randy Goodman.

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More updates from CMA Music Festival:

Kid Rock will perform during the Nightly Concerts at LP Field on Friday, June 11.

On Wednesday, “The Sixth Annual CMA Music Festival Kick-Off Parade” starts at 11:30 AM. Immediately following the parade, “The Fifth Annual CMA Block Party” will take place on the Chevy Music Stage on the Bridgestone Arena Plaza (at the corner of Fifth Avenue and Broadway).

CMA Music Festival and the Nashville Convention & Visitors Bureau have partnered to present the Music City Zone. Located at the Public Square Park at the top of Second Avenue, the Music City Zone will have free daytime performances showcasing an eclectic array of musical styles on the GAC Stage. Open Friday, June 11 from Noon-5:30 PM/CT; Saturday, June 12 from 10:00 AM-6:00 PM; and Sunday, June 13 from Noon-5:30 PM.

Society of Leaders in Development (SOLID) will donate a portion its Yard Sale proceeds to the MusiCares Nashville Flood Relief Fund. SOLID’s 8th Annual Yard Sale will take place Saturday, June 12 at the Bridgestone Arena.

The Grand Ole Opry has plenty to offer fans this week, including tonight’s Tuesday night Opry at 7 p.m. with a performance at Municipal Auditorium in downtown Nashville. Among those scheduled are The Band Perry, Jimmy Dickens, Josh Turner, Carrie Underwood, and Trisha Yearwood.

The Country Music Hall of Fame And Museum has tons of autograph signings and more to bring in festival-goers.

Photos: Dolly Donates To Flood Relief, More

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Great artist photos…Dolly Parton makes a special donation, John Rich four-wheels at Fontanel, Fast Ryde gets a NASCAR ride, and Josh Thompson surprises concertgoers.

On June 2, Mayor Karl Dean joined country music legend Dolly Parton when she presented a $250,000 donation from her foundation to the United Way of Metropolitan Nashville’s “Restore the Dream” fund to benefit Nashville citizens impacted by the recent flood.

When Gretchen Wilson’s debut single, “Redneck Woman,” spent six weeks at the top of the charts, John Rich gave her a camouflaged four-wheel ATV to celebrate. She recently donated the ATV to the Fontanel Mansion and Farm for display. Rich and Wilson will sign autographs at the property this week. Rich will be greeting fans on Friday, June 11, 2010 from 1:00 - 4:00 p.m., and Gretchen will be signing autographs on Saturday, June 12 from noon - 1:00 p.m. Photo: Cole Johnstone

During the Brad Paisley H20 World Tour kick off date, Columbia Nashville's Josh Thompson went on the lawn of the Virginia Beach Ampitheater to surprise these two lucky people with ticket upgrades...taking them from "Way Out Here " to way up front. Josh's current single, "Way Out Here," is Top 30 and climbing the country charts.

Republic Nashville’s Fast Ryde – James Harrison and Jody Stevens – got to experience a whole other type of “fast ride” when they participated in activities at NASCAR’s Nationwide-Federated Auto Parts 300 at the Nashville Superspeedway recently. The duo signed autographs, sang the national anthem and performed a post-race concert.(L-R): Jody Stevens, driver Kenny Wallace, James Harrison and driver Scott Lagasse Jr