I am happy to report that our two big winners today are also the most “country” sounding discs.
Oh, there are some super-fine vocalists in this stack of platters, including Daniel Smith, Bekka Bramlett and Craig Reynolds. And songwriters don’t come any better than Vince Melamed.
But at the end of the day, the best piece of work belonged to the enduringly great Alan Jackson. His single is far and away the Disc of the Day.
The DisCovery Award also goes to somebody whose country credentials are unassailable. That would be Amanda Shires, who sure can tickle your ears.
VINCE HATFIELD/I’m Gonna Let You Down
Writer: Galen Griffin/Byron Hill; Producer: Vince Hatfield & Eric Paul; Publisher: Circle C/Almo/Great Escape, ASCAP; Blue Moon (www.vincehatfield.com)
—I have to give this guy points for persistence. He’s in there trying, month after month, year after year. I just wish he was a better singer. Having said that, this simple melody and gently rolling production are just right for his barely-there vocal.
MICHELLE BRANCH/Sooner Or Later
Writer: Michelle Branch/Hillary Lindsey/John Shanks; Producer: John Shanks; Publisher: I’m Still With the Band/Warner-Tamerlane/Raylene/Sony ATV Tunes/Tone Ranger, BMI/ASCAP; Reprise
—I was never a fan of this artist when she was a pop act. The Wreckers were okay. When this pop-country outing started out, I was with her. But by the time she had repeated the title and melodic hook for the hundredth time, I was ready to toss it across the room.
DANIEL SMITH/Life, Liberty And The Pursuit Of Happy Hour
Writer: D. Smith/C. Moore; Producer: Larry Sheridan & Daniel Smith; Publisher: Daniel Smith/Tunes from the Farm, ASCAP/SESAC; DLS* (www.danielsmithmusic.net)
—The spoken-word intro is irritating, but once he started singing and the electric guitars began twanging, I got into it. A barroom bopper. I praised his singing chops on his previous two singles, and I still think he’s got a cool voice.
ALAN JACKSON/I Still Like Bologna
Writer: Alan Jackson; Producer: Keith Stegall; Publisher: EMI-April/Tri-Angels, ASCAP; Arista (track)
—The Drifting Cowboys steel guitar is beyond cool. Alan’s straightforward country delivery remains a shining jewel of this format. Lyrically, this is a charmer, contrasting a world of cell phones, HD-TV, computers, iPhones and such with the simple pleasures of gravel roads, bird songs, sunsets, lovin’ and bologna on white bread.
AMANDA SHIRES/Angels And Acrobats
Writer: Rod Picott; Producer: Amanda Shires, David Henry & Rod Picott; Publisher: Welding Rod, BMI; Amanda Shires (track)
—Amanda is a singer and fiddler with western-swing roots who has moved from Texas to Music City. Her sweet country vibrato and the steel-and-fiddle production have earned this track airplay on WSM. It comes from a lovely little CD titled West Cross Timbers. Recommended.
VINCE MELAMED/What Mattered Most
Writer: Vince Melamed/Gary Burr; Producer: Jim Tract; Publisher: EMI Longitude/Alberta’s Paw/Songs of Universal, BMI/ASCAP; Adroit (track) (www.vincemelamed.com)
—Hit songwriter Vince has a new CD featuring his own versions of “Walkaway Joe,” “She’d Give Anything,” “I’ll Take That as a Yes” and other tunes that have made him so respected on Music Row. It kicks off with this nicely produced version of the Ty Herndon hit of 1995. I have made no secret of my fondness for songwriters’ records, and if you feel the same way, this is definitely a must-have for your collection. He is also booking dates, and you won’t find a more winning and engaging writer-artist to entertain you.
TYLER DEAN/Taylor Swift
Writer: D. Johnson/L. & M. Stout; Producer: D. Johnson & M. Stout; Publisher: Curb/Sweet Radical, BMI; Curb
—Taylor started her career three years ago by singing a song called “Tim McGraw.” Now teenaged Tyler has a hooky single called “Taylor Swift” that would seem creepy/obsessive if he didn’t sing it in such an innocent way. Tyler is the son of Ronnie McDowell, who began HIS career by singing “The King Is Gone” about Elvis Presley. Round and round we go, and where we stop, nobody knows.
BEKKA BRAMLETT/What’s On My Mind
Writer: Dennis Matkosky/Michael Caruso/Tamara Champlin; Producer: Joe Stampley; Publisher: Karles/Kobalt/Chrysalis/Heaven’s River/Tabby Chabby, ASCAP/BMI; Shongaloo (track) (www.bekka-bramlett.com)
—Supreme soul sister Bekka has a country CD produced by Joe Stampley called I Got News for You. In general, she’s better than the tunes are. That’s especially true on this first single. Better choices would have been the collection’s snappy title tune or the smoldering ballads “You’ll Never Lose My Love” or “What Do They Know.” In any case, it is impossible for this woman to turn in a poor performance. This is a singer’s singer, and she deserves our support and devotion. Buy this.
CRAIG REYNOLDS/Rollin’ In The “Hey”
Writer: Craig Reynolds/James Cain; Producer: Craig Reynolds & Greg Cole; Publisher: none listed; Lamon (track) (www.airplayspecialists.com)
—This has a big, fat, beefy track with pounding percussion and grinding guitars. The working-man lyric fits it perfectly, and Craig sings it convincingly.
JOHNNY COOPER/Don’t Feel Like That Anymore
Writer: none listed; Producer: Glenn Rosenstein & Dexter Green; Publisher: none listed; Tenacity (track) (www.johnnycooper.com)
—This young Texan kicks off his new Follow CD with a bluesy stomper. It’s kinda like a blander, countrified John Mayer.
Whisperin’ Bill, Jamey Johnson, and More
/by Sarah Skates—————————–
FREE DOWNLOADS: The debut single from Jamey Johnson’s next album, “My Way To You,” will be posted at www.jameyjohnson.com on Aug. 3. On Aug. 11, the digital e-single will be available for download at iTunes and all other digital partners. The follow-up album to Johnson’s critically acclaimed That Lonesome Song will hit stores this fall and will also be released on vinyl.
Rural Rhythm Records is offering a free song by bluegrass band Lou Reid & Carolina, “Left Handed Dreamer,” at Amazon.com tomorrow, to mark the July 28 release of their new album My Own Set of Rules.
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The Senate Judiciary Committee will hold a hearing on S. 369, The Performance Rights Act, on Tues., Aug. 4.
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Jeffrey Kurtis has exited Today’s Country Magazine and will return full-time to his rock focused music magazine The Guestlist.
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The local attorney who faked his own death was sentenced to five years probation, reports fellow SouthComm outlet the City Paper.
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“Daddy, Let’s Dance” by Jamie Tate is the first single from Bodell Records, a new record label co-founded by Lane Caudell and Bob Crumley.
Reba Plots Album Promotion
/by Sarah SkatesReba working radio: WKSJ/Mobile PD Bill Black and his wife Andrea prior to her performance last weekend in Alabama.
As Reba prepares for the Aug. 18 release of Keep On Loving You, her first solo studio album in six years, she is lining up the promotional opportunities.
On her TV schedule are Reba: Invitation Only (premiering 8/1 on DISH Network and 8/21 on CMT) and Good Morning America’s Summer Concert Series on 8/21. She will perform the album’s lead single “Strange” on ABC’s CMA Music Fest: Country’s Night To Rock special airing 8/31.
This Friday, July 31 at 7PM ET Reba will be on QVC to preview new music from the album, and give viewers the chance to pre-order it and receive a free copy of her autobiography, Reba: My Story.
Radio groups including CBS, Citadel and Clear Channel will be featuring exclusive interview content on their websites during release week.
She will be the August Artist of the Month on GAC and CMT, with enhanced exposure on TV, online and more. She will be spotlighted on numerous programs on the channels, as well as host CMT Music City Madness.
Other publicity coming in September includes Sirius-XM Artist Confidential (cross-promoted on United Airlines) and an AOL Sessions performance (cross-promoted on social network Bebo).
Jeff Griffith
/by ProgrammerPlaylist“Dip Me In Beer”
Arrowhead Records
Written by Griffith and Hobson Smith, “Dip Me In Beer” is Griffith’s songwriting debut. “When we heard this guy actually sayin’ that phrase in a Houston bar,” Griffith remarks, “we knew we had a great hook.” The two wrote the hilarious number in just a few hours, and Griffith immediately added the song to his shows.
“Dip Me In Beer” follows Jeff’s previous hits “Drinkin’ Thing,” “If It Ain’t One Thing It’s Another,” “I’m Your Radio,” “Holed Up In Some Honky Tonk” and “Fishin’ Forever,” all of which charted on MusicRow’s CountryBreakout Chart. Each of those singles can be found on 2007’s If It Ain’t One Thing It’s Another. “Dip Me In Beer” will appear on Griffith’s forthcoming CD.
His previous successes have launched Griffith on to stages ranging from world-famous honky tonks (Fort Worth’s Stagecoach Ballroom and Pearl’s Dancehall, 11th Street Cowboy Bar of Bandera, Texas) to the prestigious CMA Music Festival (2008) in Nashville, Tennessee and the world-renowned Country Rendez-Vous Festival in Craponne-sur-Azon, France (2009).
http://www.jeffgriffith.net/
http://www.myspace.com/jeffgriffith
Aldean DVD Coming Aug. 25
/by Sarah Skates“This is the coolest thing we’ve ever done together as a band,” said Aldean from Los Angeles, where he was taping The Tonight Show with Conan O’Brien. “The energy in Knoxville was off the charts, and it’s just really special for us to have that night recorded. Now, people who might not be able to make it to one of the shows, but are curious to know what we do, can check it out too.”
A tease of the live DVD will debut as the new music video for Aldean’s current smash country love song “Big Green Tractor” beginning Fri., July 24 on MySpace Music’s homepage. The clip will also begin airing on video networks in the coming weeks.
Fans can catch Aldean headlining his Wide Open tour through the fall, as well as opening a handful of dates for superstar Keith Urban in the coming weeks. He will also tape an episode of E!’s highly rated late night talk show Chelsea Lately on Tues., July 28 and is a performer on ABC’s CMA Music Festival: Country’s Night to Rock on Aug. 31.
NSAI Celebrates Successful Josh Turner Benefit
/by Sarah SkatesPictured (L-R): Modern Management’s Ted Greene; NSAI President, Grammy-nominated songwriter Steve Bogard; Anderson; Turner; Camp; NSAI Executive Director Bart Herbison and McLaughlin. Photo Credit: Bev Moser
On Wednesday night (7/22), multi-platinum MCA recording artist and award-winning songwriter Josh Turner headlined the Nashville Songwriters Association International’s inaugural “It All Begins With A Song” Performance Series at the Wildhorse Saloon. During the sold-out show, he invited special guests/hit songwriters John Anderson, Shawn Camp and Pat McLaughlin to the stage for acoustic sets. The packed-house was treated to Turner’s hit singles, including “Long Black Train,” “Firecracker” and “Another Try.” Turner was also presented with a Lifetime Membership to NSAI for his continued support.
Artist Items: Azar, Martina, More
/by Sarah SkatesPictured left to right: Chris Borchetta (Ride Records), Steve Azar and Mike Hammond (WIVK-FM).
During a recent concert performance at Cotton Eyed Joe’s in Knoxville, more than 100 fans participated in a “Moo La Moo” dance contest, based on the hilarious dance featured in Steve Azar’s new music video. He presented the lucky winner with an autographed “Delta Soul Logo” guitar. “Moo La Moo” is the lead single from his forthcoming CD, Slide On Over Here (8/4). Fans can learn the “Moo La Moo” dance by signing up for email updates at www.steveazarlive.com, and downloading the instructional video. The dance was created by the video’s star, comedian/actor Gary Valentine (King of Queens).
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Earlier this year, Martina McBride sang her current single, “I Just Call You Mine,” as part of a dream-date evening on ABC’s The Bachelorette. Now, the love song will once again be featured in the show, as “I Just Call You Mine” sets the musical mood for a look back at special moments from throughout the season when the season finale airs this Monday, July 27, at 8 PM ET.
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Orleans ("Still the One," "Dance with Me") performed at NAMM, held recently in Nashville. Original members, Larry and Lance Hoppen, were joined by drummer and former Elton John band member Charlie Morgan, to perform their hits and offer a first hand perspective on developing and surviving a career in the entertainment industry.
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Downloads of Trailer Choir’s “Beer Gut” have been on the increase for 12 consecutive weeks, with digital sales jumping 139% in the past two weeks alone. Over the past month, Trailer Choir’s digital sales have seen an impressive increase of 232%. Their ringback sales went up 61% and ringtone sales rose 54% becoming the #1 downloaded ringtone for the label, Show Dog Nashville.
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With their first set of new studio material since 2003, Lynyrd Skynyrd returns with God & Guns, due out Sept. 29 on Loud & Proud / Roadrunner Records. It was recorded in Nashville in 2008-2009 with noted rock producer Bob Marlette.
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Tracy Lawrence will be acknowledged as an Honorary Citizen of San Antonio by the City of San Antonio, TX. The ceremony is in recognition and appreciation of his numerous visits there and his philanthropic endeavors. The presentation will take place on Friday, Aug. 14, prior to his performance at Cowboys Far West.
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Drivin’ N’ Cryin’ will put out their first record in 12 years. Great American Bubble Factory will be released Sept. 29 on Vintage Earth Music with marketing and distribution provided by Nashville’s Thirty Tigers/RED.
Americana Awards Tickets Now On Sale
/by Sarah SkatesIndividual Awards tickets are $55 via Ticketmaster, the Ryman Box office or here. Conference registration, here, also includes one ticket to the awards show. Conference rates go up after Aug. 31.
Michelle Branch Showcases For Radio/Industry
/by Sarah SkatesPictured (l-r): Jay Frank, CMT; Branch; Bill Bennett, Executive VP, Warner Bros. Records; Gator Michaels, Sr. VP Promotion, Warner Bros. Records Photo Credit: K. England Photography
Local music executives and radio programmers visiting from out of town turned out for last night’s Michelle Branch showcase, hosted by Warner Bros. Records at Cellar One on 1st Ave. in Nashville. During the intimate dinner and show she performed past hits and songs from her upcoming album. The programmers are in Nashville for agenda planning meetings for CRS 2010.
DISClaimer (7/24/09)
/by Robert K OermannOh, there are some super-fine vocalists in this stack of platters, including Daniel Smith, Bekka Bramlett and Craig Reynolds. And songwriters don’t come any better than Vince Melamed.
But at the end of the day, the best piece of work belonged to the enduringly great Alan Jackson. His single is far and away the Disc of the Day.
VINCE HATFIELD/I’m Gonna Let You Down
Writer: Galen Griffin/Byron Hill; Producer: Vince Hatfield & Eric Paul; Publisher: Circle C/Almo/Great Escape, ASCAP; Blue Moon (www.vincehatfield.com)
—I have to give this guy points for persistence. He’s in there trying, month after month, year after year. I just wish he was a better singer. Having said that, this simple melody and gently rolling production are just right for his barely-there vocal.
MICHELLE BRANCH/Sooner Or Later
Writer: Michelle Branch/Hillary Lindsey/John Shanks; Producer: John Shanks; Publisher: I’m Still With the Band/Warner-Tamerlane/Raylene/Sony ATV Tunes/Tone Ranger, BMI/ASCAP; Reprise
—I was never a fan of this artist when she was a pop act. The Wreckers were okay. When this pop-country outing started out, I was with her. But by the time she had repeated the title and melodic hook for the hundredth time, I was ready to toss it across the room.
DANIEL SMITH/Life, Liberty And The Pursuit Of Happy Hour
Writer: D. Smith/C. Moore; Producer: Larry Sheridan & Daniel Smith; Publisher: Daniel Smith/Tunes from the Farm, ASCAP/SESAC; DLS* (www.danielsmithmusic.net)
—The spoken-word intro is irritating, but once he started singing and the electric guitars began twanging, I got into it. A barroom bopper. I praised his singing chops on his previous two singles, and I still think he’s got a cool voice.
ALAN JACKSON/I Still Like Bologna
Writer: Alan Jackson; Producer: Keith Stegall; Publisher: EMI-April/Tri-Angels, ASCAP; Arista (track)
—The Drifting Cowboys steel guitar is beyond cool. Alan’s straightforward country delivery remains a shining jewel of this format. Lyrically, this is a charmer, contrasting a world of cell phones, HD-TV, computers, iPhones and such with the simple pleasures of gravel roads, bird songs, sunsets, lovin’ and bologna on white bread.
AMANDA SHIRES/Angels And Acrobats
Writer: Rod Picott; Producer: Amanda Shires, David Henry & Rod Picott; Publisher: Welding Rod, BMI; Amanda Shires (track)
—Amanda is a singer and fiddler with western-swing roots who has moved from Texas to Music City. Her sweet country vibrato and the steel-and-fiddle production have earned this track airplay on WSM. It comes from a lovely little CD titled West Cross Timbers. Recommended.
VINCE MELAMED/What Mattered Most
Writer: Vince Melamed/Gary Burr; Producer: Jim Tract; Publisher: EMI Longitude/Alberta’s Paw/Songs of Universal, BMI/ASCAP; Adroit (track) (www.vincemelamed.com)
—Hit songwriter Vince has a new CD featuring his own versions of “Walkaway Joe,” “She’d Give Anything,” “I’ll Take That as a Yes” and other tunes that have made him so respected on Music Row. It kicks off with this nicely produced version of the Ty Herndon hit of 1995. I have made no secret of my fondness for songwriters’ records, and if you feel the same way, this is definitely a must-have for your collection. He is also booking dates, and you won’t find a more winning and engaging writer-artist to entertain you.
TYLER DEAN/Taylor Swift
Writer: D. Johnson/L. & M. Stout; Producer: D. Johnson & M. Stout; Publisher: Curb/Sweet Radical, BMI; Curb
—Taylor started her career three years ago by singing a song called “Tim McGraw.” Now teenaged Tyler has a hooky single called “Taylor Swift” that would seem creepy/obsessive if he didn’t sing it in such an innocent way. Tyler is the son of Ronnie McDowell, who began HIS career by singing “The King Is Gone” about Elvis Presley. Round and round we go, and where we stop, nobody knows.
BEKKA BRAMLETT/What’s On My Mind
Writer: Dennis Matkosky/Michael Caruso/Tamara Champlin; Producer: Joe Stampley; Publisher: Karles/Kobalt/Chrysalis/Heaven’s River/Tabby Chabby, ASCAP/BMI; Shongaloo (track) (www.bekka-bramlett.com)
—Supreme soul sister Bekka has a country CD produced by Joe Stampley called I Got News for You. In general, she’s better than the tunes are. That’s especially true on this first single. Better choices would have been the collection’s snappy title tune or the smoldering ballads “You’ll Never Lose My Love” or “What Do They Know.” In any case, it is impossible for this woman to turn in a poor performance. This is a singer’s singer, and she deserves our support and devotion. Buy this.
CRAIG REYNOLDS/Rollin’ In The “Hey”
Writer: Craig Reynolds/James Cain; Producer: Craig Reynolds & Greg Cole; Publisher: none listed; Lamon (track) (www.airplayspecialists.com)
—This has a big, fat, beefy track with pounding percussion and grinding guitars. The working-man lyric fits it perfectly, and Craig sings it convincingly.
JOHNNY COOPER/Don’t Feel Like That Anymore
Writer: none listed; Producer: Glenn Rosenstein & Dexter Green; Publisher: none listed; Tenacity (track) (www.johnnycooper.com)
—This young Texan kicks off his new Follow CD with a bluesy stomper. It’s kinda like a blander, countrified John Mayer.