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.”
CMA Honors Walter C. Miller
/by Sarah Skates(L-R) co-host of "The 43rd Annual CMA Awards" Brad Paisley; CMA CEO Tammy Genovese; Miller; daughter of Miller, Debbie Miller; CMA Awards Exec. Producer Robert Deaton; Former CMA Awards host and Country Music Hall of Fame member Vince Gill; and Director, CMA Awards and son of Miller, Paul Miller.
The Country Music Association recently presented the Irving Waugh Award of Excellence to longtime and treasured former CMA Awards Executive Producer, Walter C. Miller. He was recognized for his 40-years of working with the CMA Awards, as producer, executive producer, and now consulting producer, on Friday, Nov. 6, at a reception in the Suite Level Lounge in the Sommet Center, attended by industry and CMA Board leaders.
Twelve-time host of the CMA Awards Vince Gill presented the Award, recalling, “Walter and I became fast friends and quickly learned to trust each other.”
“Country Music is my anthem,” said Miller. “After all this time, I’ve become an honorary Nashvillian. This is my second home.”
“For nearly four decades, Walter has contributed immeasurably to the success and popularity of the CMA Awards,” said CMA Chief Executive Officer Tammy Genovese. “His vision and passion for this program and our artists is an inspiration to those fortunate enough to have worked with him.”
Handed out at the CMA board’s discretion, the award has only been given to four other recipients since it was first presented to its namesake Irving Waugh in 1983. Other winners include Frances Preston, Jo Walker-Meador, and Johnny Cash.
Photos From The Walk of Fame Ceremony
/by Sarah Skates(L-R): Kid Rock, Ernest Tubb Jr., Larry Weakley (grandson of Tootsie Bess), Charlie Daniels and Dolly Parton. Photo: Alan Mayor
Music City, Inc. yesterday (11/8) inducted the seventh class into the Music City Walk of Fame: Tootsie Bess, Charlie Daniels, Dolly Parton, Kid Rock and Ernest Tubb. The honorees were recognized officially with the unveiling of commemorative sidewalk markers in the Hall of Fame Park in downtown Nashville. The induction ceremony, sponsored by Great American Country, was free and open to the public. Gibson Guitar is the Walk’s founding sponsor.
Kid Rock and Zac Brown. Photo: Alan Mayor
Dolly at her star. Photo: Alan Mayor
Videos: CMT’s Aldean Exclusive, Covington’s Hometown Shoot
/by MichelleJason Aldean
CMT will host the television premiere of Jason Aldean’s new video, “The Truth,” on Nov. 13. The week leading up to the premiere will include various multi-platform exclusives across CMT properties. Fans can visit CMT.com or m.CMT.com on their mobile phones for a behind-the-scenes glimpse of the video. Twitter followers of @jason_aldean and @FollowCMT get a “tweet” peek of the video Nov. 10, and it premieres at CMT.com and CMT Mobile on Nov. 12. The week concludes with a visit from Aldean to the set of CMT Top 20 Countdown, where he introduces the world television premiere of “The Truth,” on Nov. 13 at 10:00 a.m, CT.
The video, directed by Deaton Flanigen, was filmed in Nashville in 30-degree weather to achieve a cold and rainy look.
•••••
Bucky Covington; Photo credit: David McClister
For his recent video shoot, Bucky Covington returned to his hometown Rockingham, NC. “Gotta Be Somebody” was directed by Devin Pense, and the live concert video was shot in the town square. Filmed during Covington’s homecoming concert, the video features a packed crowd of over 6,000 fans, friends and family. It debuted on CMT.com and is now in television rotation. The single is a country version of Nickelback’s No. 1 hit, and is from Covington’s sophomore album, I’m Alright, set for release in spring 2010.
HFA Inks Gracenote Lyrics Deal
/by admin“The Gracenote Lyrics offering enhances many different music services including Clear Channel, MetroLyrics, MTV, Pandora, and Yahoo! Music, and adds another layer to the fan’s experience,” said Michael Simon, Senior Vice President of Business Affairs, General Counsel and Chief Strategic Officer for HFA. “This arrangement demonstrates HFA’s continuing commitment to deliver new revenue opportunities for its represented publishers.”
Gracenote, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Sony Corporation of America, is a global leader in embedded technology, enriched content, and data services for digital entertainment solutions within the Internet, consumer electronics, mobile, and automotive markets. The company is one of the largest providers of lyrics, with authorized song lyrics from all four major music publishers and hundreds of independent publishers.
Chesney In 3-D
/by Sarah SkatesK
nown for his blockbuster roadshow, Kenny Chesney has his own concert movie coming to theaters in April. He teamed with Sony Motion Pictures’ The Hot Ticket Division to release Kenny Chesney: Summer in 3-D.
The film was shot over six nights in five cities—Pittsburgh, Philadelphia, Seattle, Boston and Indianapolis—using 22 different 3-D cameras. Other 3-D concert films have covered the Rolling Stones and U2.
“It’s crazy how up close this puts you,” exclaims Chesney. “It was an amazing—and at times scary—experience to have cameras that close, in the air, on a blimp… ’cause they are everywhere. But to see what this film captures, all the energy, the thrill and an even better focus on some of the most rocking nights we’ve ever had, all I can say is…wow.”
With three CMA nominations (Entertainer of the Year, Male Vocalist, and Vocal Event with Mac McAnally) Chesney performs “I’m Alive” with Dave Matthews on the CMA Awards live telecast Nov. 11 on ABC.
For further information and to purchase tickets for Kenny Chesney: Summer in 3D, visit www.TheHotTicket.net.
Moraine Inks Admin Deal With Nettwerk
/by admin(L-R) Brent Maher, Dianna Maher and Mark Jowett
Moraine Music Group has completed a worldwide administration deal and joint venture with Vancouver-based Nettwerk One Music. Moraine recently celebrated a No. 1 country single, “Small Town USA” recorded by Justin Moore. Moraine writer/artist Johnny Reid with producer/writer Brent Maher swept the CCMA Awards winning a total of six trophies.
Nettwork has publishing, label and management activities and has been involved with artists such as Avril Lavigne, Sarah McLachlan, Barenaked Ladies and more.
“We have been looking for the right partner to continue to expand our company, and Nettwerk’s vision, passion, and ‘artist first’ approach to the industry met all of our needs. We are excited to align ourselves with such an innovative and creative company.” adds Dianna Maher, President of Moraine Music Group.
“Nettwerk is thrilled to be working with Moraine Music. The caliber of writers and artists that Moraine works with is tremendous, and we are excited to team up with Moraine and expand their global reach,” says Mark Jowett, Co-MD of Nettwerk One.
New Music Coming From Montgomery Gentry
/by Sarah SkatesM
ontgomery Gentry is planning a new album to be released in early 2010. The lead single “Oughta Be More Songs About That,” is at radio now and has an official impact date of Nov. 30.
The song, co-penned by Eddie Montgomery, recognizes the importance of hard work, forgiveness, and social responsibility. It will be on the duo’s forthcoming CD for Columbia Nashville, which marks their seventh studio effort. Montgomery Gentry rejoins Blake Chancey, who produced their 2008 album Back When I Knew It All. That most recent project yielded the No. 1 hits “Back When I Knew It All,” and “Roll With Me,” the Top 10 “One In Every Crowd,” as well as a nod for ACM Album of the Year.
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