The stars are blindingly bright this week.
If you’re looking for a gorgeous ballad, George Strait is your man. In the mood for a joyous rocker? Give a listen to Sara Evans. For a jolt of vocal passion, check out Jamie O’Neal. Do you wish to bask in heavenly harmonies? I hereby direct your attention to the Eli Young Band. And if you seek a good ol’ meat-and-potatoes outlaw country tune, Montgomery Gentry has just the thing.
Any and all of those records could be a Disc of the Day. In one of the toughest decisions I’ve made in ages, I’m going with the common people, Montgomery Gentry.
As you all know, Teddy Gentry was a soulful sideman for years in Alabama. In Phase II of his career, he is emerging as a potent producer on Music Row. He has found a guy named Brad Long who sings like a bird and wins this week’s DisCovery Award.
CHRIS HANNERS/It’s My Life
Writer: Mark Schlemmer; Producer: Randy Jack Wiggins; Publisher: Nashville Sound, SOCAN/BMI; Little House (615-885-8100)
-The song is cute. The track sparkles. His vocal is strictly ordinary.
SARA EVANS/Feels Just Like A Love Song
Writer: Sara Evans/Nathan Chapman/Chris Lindsey/Aimee Mayo; Producer: Nathan Chapman & Sara Evans; Publisher: Universal-Careers/Gingerdog/Sony ATV Tree/Pain in the Art/Moonscar/Little Blue Typewriter/BPJ, BMI; RCA
-It’s ridiculously sunny, positive and upbeat. It’s also irresistible.
HOYT HUGHES/Ain’t My Day To Save The World
Writer: Steve Williams/Thom Sheperd/Liz Hengber; Producer: Eric Paul; Publisher: Black in the Saddle/Mets Fan/Green Hills/Travelers Ridge/Pier Two/Twang Thang, ASCAP; Whirlwind/Lofton Creek (www.hoythughes.com)
-The song is solid, and his performance is fine. I found the too-prominent female backup vocals somewhat off-putting, however.
JAMIE O’NEAL/Soldier Comin’ Home
Writer: Jamie O’Neal/Roxie Dean/Patricia Ann Murphy; Producer: Rodney Good; Publisher: Jere Song/Sugar Dumplin/Front to Black/Songs of Seven/Pakimo, ASCAP/SESAC; 1720 Entertainment
-It’s a power waltz that she pours vocal passion into like molten gold. “When was the last time you looked at me like you were a soldier coming home?” she asks of a lover who’s gone stale. It’s quite a performance. Lend her your ears.
KENI THOMAS/Gunslinger
Writer: Keni Thomas; Producer: none listed; Publisher: West Moraine/Gunslinger, ASCAP; RBM/Tenacity (www.kenithomas.com)
-The screaming guitars threaten to overwhelm his vocal throughout the performance, and at one point they completely take over the song. All in all, this seriously rocks.
ELI YOUNG BAND/Radio Waves
Writer: Blu Sanders/Mike Eli; Producer: Mike Wrucke; Publisher: none listed; Universal South/Republic
-This snatched my heart and ran off with it. The harmony vocals have so much sincerity and honesty that it’s impossible not to get involved. And when they started weaving in and out of each other in layered tracks at the finale, I was a goner.
JASON JONES/Unlikely Angel
Writer: Corey Lee Barker/Constance Mottle Richard/Anita Cox; Producer: Brett Beavers/Kimo Forrest; Publisher: Corey Lee/Myohana/A C Songbird, BMI; Warner Bros.
-Pop country with a big wooshing guitar solo in the middle and falsetto vocals on the choruses. Pleasingly different.
BRAD LONG/Long Lost Smile
Writer: none listed; Producer: Teddy Gentry; Publisher: none listed; Blackwater (www.bradlong.net)
-She’s splitting and finding her bliss again. The moody track is a sonic depth charge. Even more impressive is the powerhouse singing. This South Carolina native nails every note and holds some of them with truly impressive breath control. Get on board: He’s going places.
GEORGE STRAIT/Living For The Night
Writer: George Strait/Bubba Strait/Dean Dillon; Producer: Tony Brown & George Strait; Publisher: George Strait/Bubba Strait/Sony ATV/Unwound, BMI; MCA Nashville (CDX)
-Strait with strings! This lustrous ballad is cushioned in an exquisite arrangement that draws out every sad, wistful, broken-hearted note. George’s perfectly shaded, blue-tinted vocal does the rest of the work. You’ll get lost in its beauty. I sure did.
MONTGOMERY GENTRY/Long Line Of Losers
Writer: Kevin Fowler/Kim Tribble; Producer: Blake Chancey; Publisher: none listed; Columbia (CDX)
-It’s been a big week for these boys. They were inducted into the Opry on Tuesday, and today they have one of the strongest singles of their career to date. Just be thankful your family isn’t as no-account as the one in this song is-daddy took a bullet for stealing cars, grandpa ran moonshine and went to jail, grandma got drunk and left the kids behind, mom got caught in a motel with the preacher. No wonder, “I was born with a shot glass in my hand…I’m always a suspect/My bloodline made me who I am.” Eddie’s wicked laugh at the end is simply perfect.
Michelle Branch, ZBB, Love & Theft, Katie Armiger
/by MichelleMichelle Branch wrote on her official message board that she recently finished mixing the last track for her upcoming solo CD, “I can’t believe I’m finally officially finished. It’s been well worth the wait. (At least I think so.)” The album’s first single, “Sooner or Later,” will premiere on her website July 20.
Zac Brown Band is premiering its new video for “Toes” exclusively on The Boot, watch it here.
Love And Theft will be the first country artist featured in the ABC Music Lounge. Visitors to www.musiclounge.abc.go.com will see Love And Theft featured on the homepage and in the ABC Music Lounge Discovers section with artist profiles and music. Other acts featured in the Lounge include Black Eyed Peas, Coldplay, Adele, No Doubt and Lady GaGa. The trio has also been selected as Clear Channel Radio’s NEW! featured country artist for July. One benefit of this is that visitors to the country station websites will be able to preview five tracks from Love And Theft’s upcoming debut album, World Wide Open, which will be released August 25.
Katie Armiger (center) has been on her National Mall Tour, which will include a stop today (7/15) at Opry Mills Mall at noon and 6 p.m.
Chesney Tour In “Pollstar” Top 10
/by Sarah SkatesRascal Flatts are at No. 17 on the list, followed by George Strait at No. 29.
Chesney and Dave Matthews had the cheapest ticket prices of any music acts in the Top 10, reflecting a commitment to fans. “We’ve really tried to keep the prices reasonable…to put on a good show,” Chesney says, “but especially to give people for those few hours a reason to just have a good time!”
Joining Chesney on the road are Sugarland, Montgomery Gentry, Miranda Lambert and Lady Antebellum. The mix of football stadiums, arenas and amphitheaters includes several sold-out shows.
Photo Fabulous: Kate Kacey & Hazel, Urban/Aldean, Piven, Etc.
/by Sarah SkatesKate & Kacey stopped by Hazel Smith’s kitchen last week to tape CMT’s "Southern Fried Flicks with Hazel Smith."
Keith Urban asked his openers Dierks Bentley and Jason Aldean to join him onstage for the 1975 Eagles hit "Take It To The Limit" at two separate tour dates, but each secretly devised last-minute "cheat sheets" to help them with the song. Bentley scribbled the lyrics on his forearm with a Sharpie, and Aldean taped the printed lyrics sheet to his mic stand. Once he realized what both acts were up to, Urban didn't let either get away without a little public humiliation in front of both sold-out crowds. Thankfully, the fans were happy to come to the rescue with an arena-wide sing-a-long. Click the photo to see the videos.
Actor Jeremy Piven of HBO’s hit show “Entourage” was in Nashville recently for the CMT red carpet premiere of his new film, "The Goods: Live Hard. Sell Hard." The Emmy-winner then hit Lower Broadway for some serious honky-tonking at the famed Tootsie’s Orchid Lounge where he partied with a Music City “entourage” that included country duo Halfway to Hazard and Jaron Lowenstein of Evan and Jaron. (Pictured) Front seat: Jeremy Piven, Chad Warrix (H2H); Back Seat: Jaron Lowenstein (behind driver’s seat), David Tolliver (H2H)
Laura Bryna appeared on FamilyNet’s “Mornings with Lorri and Larry” show (in 15 million households nationwide) on July 9 to perform her song “Hometown Heroes” and unveil the cover of "Southern Beauty" magazine which she adorns. She also spoke about her work as the Air Guard's celebrity spokesperson as well as with the Make-A-Wish Foundation. (L-R): Lorri Allen, Laura Bryna and Larry Estepa
Bug Music Promotes Johnson, Adds Williams
/by Sarah SkatesSara Johnson, Ed Williams
Bug Music Publishing has announced two new executive appointments in the Creative Services division at its Nashville offices. Sara Johnson has been promoted to Senior Director of Creative Services, Nashville and Ed Williams has been appointed to Director of Creative Services, Nashville.
Johnson and Williams will oversee all aspects of copyright development, writer management and client relations effective immediately. Both will report to Roger Murrah, Senior Vice President, Nashville.
Johnson was formerly Creative Director and has been with the company over two years. Prior to his new appointment Williams has held various positions throughout the music industry, including publishing, producing demo sessions, casting and pitching songs, as well as assisting in day-to-day artist management.
“With all of the songs our writers are creating, along with the number of amazing copyrights already in Bug Music’s vast catalogs, I’ve been very pleased with the great work Sara is doing, getting our songs heard and recorded,” said Murrah. “She and I both feel strongly that Ed Williams is ideally suited to help us increase our activity even more.”
Headed by CEO John Rudolph, Bug Music boasts over 250,000 copyrights including the classics “What a Wonderful World,” “Fever” and “Happy Together.” The catalog is also home to hit songs by Johnny Cash, Ashley Gorley, Pete Townshend, Townes Van Zandt, Kara DioGuardi, Ryan Adams, and Kings of Leon.
Based in the Bug Music Nashville office at 33 Music Square West, Suite 104B, Johnson can be reached at sjohnson@bugmusic.com and Williams at ewilliams@bugmusic.com.
MusicRow Now on Facebook, More
/by Sarah Skates—————————-
Facebook is worth $6.5 billion, estimated by a deal the social networking site made with a Russian Web firm called Digital Sky Technologies. The New York Post reports that Facebook is letting its employees sell their stock to the company which invested $200 million in it in May. Digital Sky will purchase up to $100 million in common stock at a price of $14.77 a share, which places Facebook’s value at $6.5 billion.
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Rhino Entertainment, a division of WMG, debuted “Digital 45s” today through online retailers. For $1.49 or $1.99, the buyer gets a reissue of two songs—the original single, and the B-side track, as well as digital versions of the original artwork. Among the available tracks are “Take I Easy”/”Get You In The Mood” by The Eagles and “Kiss”/”Love or Money” by Prince. The label says this is a way to sell music at a value point that lies between the single and the EP. It also celebrates the 60th anniversary of the 45-single.
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Even though Michael Jackson‘s This Is It tour isn’t happening, his handlers are still cashing in by selling the merchandise, online and at retail. The major run was scheduled to begin yesterday (7/13) in London.
Partnerships Equal Expanded Services
/by Sarah Skates(L-R): Ramona E. Simmons, Global Eyes Entertainment; Lee Williams, CMR Nashville; and Preston Sullivan, Global Eyes Entertainment
Two long-time entertainment companies have joined forces to offer country music artists, labels and managers an outlet to build their global footprints. Global Eyes Entertainment (GEE), a Nashville-based international artist development company founded in 1997, and London’s country radio station, CMR Nashville, have reached a strategic partnership agreement to offer radio promotion packages.
Ramona E. Simmons, founder of GEE, and partner, Preston Sullivan, will run the Nashville office. Lee Williams works for CMR Nashville.
GEE/CMR Nashville can be reached at 9 Music Sq. S. #360, Nashville, TN 37203; 615-882-0242; www.globaleyesentertainment.com and www.cmrnashville.com.
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E1 Music and the Progression Music Group have formed the Red Dirt Music Company, providing artist management and record label services, with a focus on Texas music. PMG General Manager Ben Ewing will oversee operations of the company with label resources provided by E1 Music. Chuck Rhodes is serving as Director, Country Division of E1 Music.
Also at E1, Alan Grunblatt is the newly named President, replacing Bob Frank. He previously served as GM and executive VP and will report to E1 CEO Michael Koch.
The Red Dirt Music Company is located at the PMG offices in Nashville with a satellite office in Austin, Texas. It can be contacted at 615-847-3702 or ben@progressionmusicgroup.com.
Steele Songwriter Boot Camp
/by bossrossDISClaimer (6/26/09)
/by Robert K OermannIf you’re looking for a gorgeous ballad, George Strait is your man. In the mood for a joyous rocker? Give a listen to Sara Evans. For a jolt of vocal passion, check out Jamie O’Neal. Do you wish to bask in heavenly harmonies? I hereby direct your attention to the Eli Young Band. And if you seek a good ol’ meat-and-potatoes outlaw country tune, Montgomery Gentry has just the thing.
As you all know, Teddy Gentry was a soulful sideman for years in Alabama. In Phase II of his career, he is emerging as a potent producer on Music Row. He has found a guy named Brad Long who sings like a bird and wins this week’s DisCovery Award.
CHRIS HANNERS/It’s My Life
Writer: Mark Schlemmer; Producer: Randy Jack Wiggins; Publisher: Nashville Sound, SOCAN/BMI; Little House (615-885-8100)
-The song is cute. The track sparkles. His vocal is strictly ordinary.
SARA EVANS/Feels Just Like A Love Song
Writer: Sara Evans/Nathan Chapman/Chris Lindsey/Aimee Mayo; Producer: Nathan Chapman & Sara Evans; Publisher: Universal-Careers/Gingerdog/Sony ATV Tree/Pain in the Art/Moonscar/Little Blue Typewriter/BPJ, BMI; RCA
-It’s ridiculously sunny, positive and upbeat. It’s also irresistible.
HOYT HUGHES/Ain’t My Day To Save The World
Writer: Steve Williams/Thom Sheperd/Liz Hengber; Producer: Eric Paul; Publisher: Black in the Saddle/Mets Fan/Green Hills/Travelers Ridge/Pier Two/Twang Thang, ASCAP; Whirlwind/Lofton Creek (www.hoythughes.com)
-The song is solid, and his performance is fine. I found the too-prominent female backup vocals somewhat off-putting, however.
JAMIE O’NEAL/Soldier Comin’ Home
Writer: Jamie O’Neal/Roxie Dean/Patricia Ann Murphy; Producer: Rodney Good; Publisher: Jere Song/Sugar Dumplin/Front to Black/Songs of Seven/Pakimo, ASCAP/SESAC; 1720 Entertainment
-It’s a power waltz that she pours vocal passion into like molten gold. “When was the last time you looked at me like you were a soldier coming home?” she asks of a lover who’s gone stale. It’s quite a performance. Lend her your ears.
KENI THOMAS/Gunslinger
Writer: Keni Thomas; Producer: none listed; Publisher: West Moraine/Gunslinger, ASCAP; RBM/Tenacity (www.kenithomas.com)
-The screaming guitars threaten to overwhelm his vocal throughout the performance, and at one point they completely take over the song. All in all, this seriously rocks.
ELI YOUNG BAND/Radio Waves
Writer: Blu Sanders/Mike Eli; Producer: Mike Wrucke; Publisher: none listed; Universal South/Republic
-This snatched my heart and ran off with it. The harmony vocals have so much sincerity and honesty that it’s impossible not to get involved. And when they started weaving in and out of each other in layered tracks at the finale, I was a goner.
JASON JONES/Unlikely Angel
Writer: Corey Lee Barker/Constance Mottle Richard/Anita Cox; Producer: Brett Beavers/Kimo Forrest; Publisher: Corey Lee/Myohana/A C Songbird, BMI; Warner Bros.
-Pop country with a big wooshing guitar solo in the middle and falsetto vocals on the choruses. Pleasingly different.
BRAD LONG/Long Lost Smile
Writer: none listed; Producer: Teddy Gentry; Publisher: none listed; Blackwater (www.bradlong.net)
-She’s splitting and finding her bliss again. The moody track is a sonic depth charge. Even more impressive is the powerhouse singing. This South Carolina native nails every note and holds some of them with truly impressive breath control. Get on board: He’s going places.
GEORGE STRAIT/Living For The Night
Writer: George Strait/Bubba Strait/Dean Dillon; Producer: Tony Brown & George Strait; Publisher: George Strait/Bubba Strait/Sony ATV/Unwound, BMI; MCA Nashville (CDX)
-Strait with strings! This lustrous ballad is cushioned in an exquisite arrangement that draws out every sad, wistful, broken-hearted note. George’s perfectly shaded, blue-tinted vocal does the rest of the work. You’ll get lost in its beauty. I sure did.
MONTGOMERY GENTRY/Long Line Of Losers
Writer: Kevin Fowler/Kim Tribble; Producer: Blake Chancey; Publisher: none listed; Columbia (CDX)
-It’s been a big week for these boys. They were inducted into the Opry on Tuesday, and today they have one of the strongest singles of their career to date. Just be thankful your family isn’t as no-account as the one in this song is-daddy took a bullet for stealing cars, grandpa ran moonshine and went to jail, grandma got drunk and left the kids behind, mom got caught in a motel with the preacher. No wonder, “I was born with a shot glass in my hand…I’m always a suspect/My bloodline made me who I am.” Eddie’s wicked laugh at the end is simply perfect.