Artists are looking to the past for inspiration for their new albums. Steve Wariner salutes Chet Atkins with his release out tomorrow (11/10) and Lorrie Morgan revisits Country classics for her new project.
Wariner’s My Tribute to Chet Atkins, is a self-produced ode to the legendary guitarist and producer who was also his friend, mentor, producer and former employer. For the album, Wariner took a unique approach and did more than simply play Atkins’ songs. As he has repeatedly stated, “You can’t out-Chet Chet.” Instead, Wariner arranged the album as a rough timeline of Atkins’ life, from his early days playing the mountain music of his native Luttrell, Tennessee, to swing, rockabilly, pop, folk and jazz. Wariner includes his versions of some of the songs that Atkins recorded or performed—“Back Home Again in Indiana,” “John Henry” and “Blue Angel, as well as “Producer’s Medley,” but the bulk of the album consists of original songs Steve wrote in the various styles that Atkins made famous. The album is available on Wariner’s own SelecTone Records, distributed by Allegro Media Group. This week Wariner visits GAC Nights, Kix Brooks on American Country Countdown, Eddie Stubbs’ on 650 AM WSM (11/16), and RFD’s Ralph Emery Live (11/23). On Friday, Nov. 13, he will sign copies of the CD at Opry Originals, the Opry store in downtown Nashville, from 5:30-6:30 p.m., prior to his Opry at the Ryman appearance.
Lorrie Morgan’s latest, A Moment In Time, is her interpretation of classic country songs such as “Leavin’ On Your Mind,” “Cry” and “Are You Lonesome Tonight?” Available through Country Crossing Records, the album was recorded live and produced by Wally Wilson and Chip Voorhis. The album also features duets with Raul Malo (“Easy Lovin’”) and Tracy Lawrence (“After The Fire Is Gone”). Her promotional appearances include GAC, CMT, The Daily Buzz, Sirius/XM, Fox News, HLN’s and the Food Network’s Iron Chef.
Early next year, Morgan will return to New York to begin rehearsals for the Broadway adaptation of Pure Country, the 1992 film starring George Strait. Morgan will star as “Lula,” in the role originally played in the movie by Lesley Ann Warren. Playing opposite Morgan is fellow country star Joe Nichols in the role of “Dusty.”
Wariner, Morgan Find Inspiration In The Past
/by Sarah SkatesWariner’s My Tribute to Chet Atkins, is a self-produced ode to the legendary guitarist and producer who was also his friend, mentor, producer and former employer. For the album, Wariner took a unique approach and did more than simply play Atkins’ songs. As he has repeatedly stated, “You can’t out-Chet Chet.” Instead, Wariner arranged the album as a rough timeline of Atkins’ life, from his early days playing the mountain music of his native Luttrell, Tennessee, to swing, rockabilly, pop, folk and jazz. Wariner includes his versions of some of the songs that Atkins recorded or performed—“Back Home Again in Indiana,” “John Henry” and “Blue Angel, as well as “Producer’s Medley,” but the bulk of the album consists of original songs Steve wrote in the various styles that Atkins made famous. The album is available on Wariner’s own SelecTone Records, distributed by Allegro Media Group. This week Wariner visits GAC Nights, Kix Brooks on American Country Countdown, Eddie Stubbs’ on 650 AM WSM (11/16), and RFD’s Ralph Emery Live (11/23). On Friday, Nov. 13, he will sign copies of the CD at Opry Originals, the Opry store in downtown Nashville, from 5:30-6:30 p.m., prior to his Opry at the Ryman appearance.
Early next year, Morgan will return to New York to begin rehearsals for the Broadway adaptation of Pure Country, the 1992 film starring George Strait. Morgan will star as “Lula,” in the role originally played in the movie by Lesley Ann Warren. Playing opposite Morgan is fellow country star Joe Nichols in the role of “Dusty.”
Sony Moves McKinley, Reworks Marketing Dept.
/by Sarah SkatesRemarking on the shift in responsibilities, Baldrica praised, “Laura’s drive, focus, and creativity are undeniable. We’re currently in the process of filling a senior vacancy in the department, and having Laura’s experience and ability in place for these labels is ideally suited to keeping things on track and flowing smoothly.”
In her new role, McKinley will be a key member of the marketing team working with such artists as Brooks & Dunn, Jason Michael Carroll, Sara Evans, Danny Gokey, Alan Jackson, Jypsi, Martina McBride, Jake Owen, Brad Paisley, Carrie Underwood, Chuck Wicks, and Chris Young.
An announcement of a new head of marketing & artist development for Arista Nashville and RCA will be forthcoming.
Jon Elliot was previously VP of Marketing & Artist Development for Arista Nashville and the RCA Records label. In June he and fellow former Sony exec. Christian Svendsen formed W.A.Y. Entertainment, offering management and marketing services.
Trent Tomlinson
/by ProgrammerPlaylist“Angels Like Her”
Lyric Street Records
“This has to be my favorite song I’ve ever written,” shares Tomlinson. “I was so happy when the label came to me and said they wanted this to be the single. I love how the track turned out.”
As the best selling debut male artist of 2006, Tomlinson’s hit singles include “One Wing In The Fire,” “Just Might Have Her Radio On,” and “Drunker Than Me.” After wrapping in the studio, Tomlinson has spent the year touring and visiting radio stations across the country. A Guy Like Me is scheduled to be released by Lyric Street Records in 2010.
http://www.iwwerks.com/lyricstreet/TrentTomlinson/Sizzle/
www.myspace.com/trenttomlinson
www.trenttomlinson.com
Underwood Plays On; More Artist News
/by Sarah SkatesCarrie and Brad co-host the CMA Awards on Nov. 11.
Carrie Underwood will make her first ever appearances on The Tonight Show with Conan O’Brien (11/16) and Jimmy Kimmel Live! (11/19), and is set for a return visit to Ellen (11/18). She is making the rounds in support of her new album Play On. Unofficial estimates are expecting debut week sales to hit close to 350k units.
This week Underwood appeared on The Late Show with David Letterman, Good Morning America, and Live! with Regis and Kelly. As previously announced, next week for the CMA Awards she will make a second appearance on GMA live from downtown Nashville (11/10), and co-host the Awards with Brad Paisley, where both are nominees. On Thurs., Nov. 12 A&E debuts Biography-Carrie Underwood.
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Randy Houser’s video for his new single, “Whistlin’ Dixie,” is premiering today on CMT. It was directed by Revolution Pictures’ Chris Hicky. The song will appear on Houser’s sophomore album scheduled for release this spring. Houser is currently on the CMT tour with Jamey Johnson. In between shows this week, Johnson performed at actor Matthew McConaughey’s 40th birthday party.
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Brooks & Dunn are the inspiration behind Toyota’s new “Midnight Rider Tundra Tailgater by Brooks & Dunn.” The Tundra has been a sponsor of Brooks & Dunn for the past three-plus years and this concept vehicle celebrates the duo’s upcoming 2010 farewell tour. Dubbed the “Ultimate Tailgating Experience®” the truck has a cooking space with countertops, infrared barbeque, beverage tap, ice chest, 42-inch flat screen TV in the bed and Kicker sound system. The exterior is accented by custom door handles, a chrome Brooks & Dunn logo steer skull on the grille, and a chrome-accented steer skull tailgate handle.
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Toby Keith’s new single “Cryin’ For Me (Wayman’s Song)” and its accompanying video are a
tribute to his late friend and basketball legend, Wayman Tisdale. Tisdale passed away unexpectedly in May from health problems. Keith is on his America’s Toughest Tour drawing standing-room-only crowds, and he’ll embark on his first European tour this month.
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Zac Brown Band has added a stop at the Ryman Auditorium on Dec. 28. Tickets go on sale Fri., Nov. 13 at 10 AM, Ryman box office or Ticketmaster. Last night ZBB played The Tonight Show with Conan O’Brien.
Flatts Wrap First Leg of Tour
/by Sarah SkatesDuring 2009 the band has sold over a million concert tickets, bringing its four year total to just over 4 million tickets sold.
Next up, Rascal Flatts are nominated for Group of the Year at the CMA Awards, and Country Group and Country Album of the Year at the American Music Awards on Nov. 22.
Rascal Flatts newest CD Unstoppable has been certified platinum, which brings their career album sales to 20 million units.
John Rich To Grand Marshal Parade
/by MichelleJohn Rich
John Rich will serve as Parade Grand Marshal for the 57th annual Nashville Christmas Parade, hosted by Piedmont Natural Gas. The parade benefits Piedmont’s Share the Warmth Round Up program, and kicks-off the Christmas season in downtown Nashville on Friday, December 4 at 7:00 p.m. CST.
Rich and Mayor Karl Dean will light the Nashville Christmas Tree at the Public Square, near the intersection of 2nd Ave and Union Street. Following the tree lighting, the Parade will start at the intersection of Broadway and 6th Avenue in front of the Sommet Center and continue through Nashville’s historic downtown, concluding at LP Field. Fireworks sponsored by the Nashville Downtown Partnership will kick off the parade.
Swift on SNL
/by adminThe video below shows Swift seeking advice from late night host Jimmy Fallon about how to act and interact with the SNL crowd. “I have a lot of questions for you,” said Taylor. “I have my first meeting tonight … so what happens there?” Check out Fallon’s responses.
Pahanish at 12th And Porter, Avetts at Ryman
/by Sarah SkatesBMI Presents at 12th Porter attracted a wall-to-wall crowd last week. The quarterly showcase featured Music Row buzz artist Dave Pahanish, who co-wrote Jimmy Wayne’s chart-topper “Do You Believe Me Now?”; southern California roots duo the Pawn Shop Kings; and promising young honky tonker Tyler Farr.
Pictured (l-r): BMI’s Perry Howard, Pahanish’s guitarist Tom Bukovac, Wright of Center Music’s Cole Wright, band member Kristin Lee, Dave Pahanish, and BMI’s Bradley Collins.
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The Avett Brothers rocked the Ryman Auditorium on Halloween night. The roots group’s major label debut was released in September on American Recordings/Columbia Records. I and Love and You was produced by multi Grammy Award winner Rick Rubin.
L-R: Seth Avett, Brian Penix/Outback Concerts, Sally Williams/GM Ryman Auditorium, Bob Crawford, Scott Avett, Paul Lohr/New Frontier Booking, Joe Kwon. Photo: Brian Wagner
Gary Nicholson Celebrates 60 With NSAI Benefit
/by Sarah SkatesT
op notch tunesmith Gary Nicholson will celebrate his 60th birthday this Saturday, Nov. 7 with a benefit for the Nashville Songwriters Association International (NSAI).
The Grammy winner has recruited tons of songwriter/artist friends to join him for the show at 3rd & Lindsley. Set to perform are Fortunate Sons (Kenny Greenberg, Michael Rhodes, Chad Cromwell, Reese Winans, Gary Nicholson); Steve Cropper, Ashley Cleveland, Pam Tillis, Jessi Alexander, Leslie Satcher, Luke and the Latenites, Jonell Mosser, A.J. Croce, Pat McLaughlin, Tony Arata, Danny Flowers, Chuck Cannon, Lari White, Tom Hambridge, Beth Nielsen Chapman, Mike Reid, Colin Linden and surprise guests.The evening, hosted by TV personality Harry Chapman, will also commemorate Nicholson’s 30 years in Nashville.
Doors open at 6:00 PM. Show starts at 7:00 PM. Tickets are $15 and available at www.3rdandlindsley.com and at the door. Proceeds will benefit NSAI’s advocacy work on behalf of songwriters.
Kenny Rogers’ Christmas Tour, Symphony Show
/by Sarah SkatesK
enny Rogers will join the Nashville Symphony for a special performance on Fri., Feb. 5, 2010. From the Schermerhorn Symphony Center, he will be backed by the expansive sound of the orchestra to perform his most beloved songs such as “Lucille,” “The Gambler” and “Buy Me a Rose.” Tickets go on sale Friday, Nov. 6, at 10 a.m. Tickets start at $37.50 and may be purchased online at NashvilleSymphony.org, or through the Schermerhorn Box Office at 615-687-6400.
Rogers is also embarking on his annual holiday tour, with the 2009 edition set to feature Rebecca Lynn Howard. The show will launch Nov. 27 in Bossier City, LA and visit 20 cities before wrapping Dec. 23 in Westbury, NY. This year’s Kenny Rogers Christmas & Hits Tour will be sponsored by World Vision, the Christian humanitarian organization that serves the poor and those in need in more than 100 countries.