It’s a left-field kinda day.
Despite the presence of a number of marquee names in this week’s reviewing stack, the award winners are the lesser knowns.
Up-and-comer Holly Williams lands her first Disc of the Day honor. By the way, her excellent last single (”Keep the Change”) was not co-written by her sister, but rather by Hillary Lindsey. The label information was incorrect.
Our DisCovery Award goes not to a major-label artist, but to a lovely Nashville indie lass named Sarah Darling. If you have any doubts that she can deliver live, there’s a clip on her website of her performing “Don’t Love Me” (also on the album) at Puckett’s.
HOLLY WILLIAMS/Mama
Writer: none listed; Producer: Justin Niebank & Holly Williams; Publisher: none listed; Mercury
—Produced with acoustic sparkle, this upbeat ode to mama is also written with deep truth and gifted with a delicious melody. Holly seems to improve in giant steps with each release. I think I’m falling in love.
JEFF GRIFFITH/Dip Me In Beer
Writer: Jeff Griffith/Hobson Smith; Producer: Bill Green; Publisher: none listed, BMI; BGM (888-455-5504)
—He wants to be thrown into “a redneck mosh pit,” whatever that is. Who says nobody makes honky-tonk music anymore? You don’t get any more “honky” than this.
JIMMY WAYNE/I’ll Be That
Writer: Jimmy Wayne/Bob Regan/Kevin Paige; Producer: Mark Bright; Publisher: Grandma Dynamite/Green Hills/Travelers Ridge/Regan/Big Loud Bucks/Universal/Z Songs/K.P.P./B.D.A.J., ASCAP/BMI; Valory Music
—Love the breathless rhythm track and the softly sensuous singing. This fulfilling-fantasies ditty rushes by like a cool, gentle wind in your face.
THE PARKS/As Long As You’re Goin’ My Way
Writer: Johnny Park/Clint Park/Brett Beavers; Producer: Johnny Park & Clint Park; Publisher: WB/Warner-Tamerlane/Sony-ATV Tree/Run the Trotline, ASCAP/BMI; Carolwood
—The production is too “busy” sounding, the vocal is mixed too low in it, and the song doesn’t kick in until they get to the chorus.
DOLLY PARTON/Everyday People
Writer: Sylvester Stewart; Producer: Mike Post; Publisher: none listed; RCA Legacy (track)
—What a gal: Her 9 to 5 musical opens on Broadway, and one week later it is nominated for four Tony Awards! The 1980 movie that inspired it also inspired a Dolly concept album called 9 to 5 and Odd Jobs. That LP has now been reissued on CD with three bonus tracks including this previously unissued, sprightly rendition of the Sly and the Family Stone classic. The other two bonuses are a frothing disco remix and a karaoke track of the title tune.
TRACE ADKINS/All I Ask For Anymore
Writer: Casey Beathard/Tim James; Producer: Frank Rogers; Publisher: Sony-ATV Acuff-Rose/Warner Tamerlane/T Bird’s, BMI; Capitol Nashville (track)
—Trace with a string section? You bet. On a stately, inspirational, common-man ballad, no less. I’ve always said this guy is underrated as a vocalist, and this is one of his most expressive performances ever.
NATHAN LEE JACKSON/Small Town Rain
Writer: none listed; Producer: Jeff Glixman; Publisher: none listed; CO5/Star City (615-469-1756)
—Nicely done. The production rocks happily, and his earnest vocal is as comfy as a well-worn shoe. This kid has the goods.
JOHN ANDERSON/Cold Coffee And Hot Beer
Writer: none listed; Producer: James Stroud & John Anderson; Publisher: none listed; Country Crossing (track) (615-750-5938)
—Drawling and bluesy, this totally swings. John is eternally cool. Somebody get the name of that barrelhouse piano player.
CHARLIE ROBISON/Beautiful Day
Writer: Charlie Robison; Producer: Charlie Robison; Publisher: Bantex, BMI; Dualtone (track) (www.dualtone.com)
—The title tune to Charlie’s new CD chronicles one woe after another in sunny L.A. The track is excellent, with dynamite country-rock guitar and snazzy organ riffs. And it goes without saying that his steeped-in-Texas vocal performance is a winner. Most of the collection is self-penned, but there are also a pair of Keith Gattis tunes, a rocking number courtesy of Bobby Bare Jr. and an evocative cover of Bruce Springsteen’s “Racing in the Street.”
SARAH DARLING/Jack Of Hearts
Writer: Sarah Darling/Marc Beeson/Don Pfrimmer; Producer: Jimmy Nichols; Publisher: Want a Fresh One/Sarah Darling/Crossfire 3/Wounded Sky/EGBE, ASCAP; Black River (track) (www.sarahdarling.com)
—Evidently, Sarah was featured on a 2003 E! network reality show called The Entertainers. You couldn’t prove it by me, but I know a singer when I hear one. The production is percussively perfect, and the extremely well written song has a melodic hook and/or an ear-catching line around every corner. The album is called Every Monday Morning, and I strongly urge you to give it—and this single—your full attention.
Pop-Rock DISClaimer (5/15/09)
/by Robert K OermannThe gals, in particular, are rocking the joint. Veteran Jonell Mosser leads a grooving group that also includes Disc of the Day winner Erin McCarley and excellent newcomer Susan Hartman.
The DisCovery Award, however, goes to the guys of Kindercastle. Both Kindercastle and Jonell are playing this evening, and it’s entirely possible for the energetic among you to
catch them both.
JONELL MOSSER/Trust Yourself
Writer: Bob Dylan; Producer: Bil VornDick; Publisher: Special Rider, SESAC; Better Angels (track) (www.jonellonline.com)
—The opening track and title tune to Jonell’s new CD finds this supremely soulful vocalist grooving in a track full of buzzing, stinging guitars and heartbeat bass. To many, including me, this is Nashville’s finest “unknown” singer. In addition to this Dylan gem, the album includes offerings from Michael McDonald and Harlan Howard, plus four she co-wrote. The cast includes the stellar Jeff Coffin, David Hungate, Tom Britt, Jimmy Hall, John Cowan, Jerry Douglas, Craig Krampf, Stuart Duncan, Victor Wooten and soul sisters Bekka Bramlett, Sheila Lawrence, Etta Britt and Vickie Carrico.
BRUCE SUDANO/It’s Her Wedding Day
Writer: Bruce Sudano; Producer: Nathan DiGesaare & Bruce Sudano; Publisher: Sudano Songs/Soft Summer Songs, BMI; Purple Heart (track) (www.brucesudano.com)
—Best known as Donna Summer’s husband and songwriting collaborator, Nashville’s Sudano has his own history as a member of Alive and Kicking (remember “Tighter, Tighter?”) and Brooklyn Dreams (”Heaven Knows”). He sounds surprisingly youthful on his new solo CD Life and the Romantic. This sweet, touching nuptial ballad from it has become a surprise A/C hit. So good for him.
ERIN McCARLEY/Love, Save The Empty
Writer: Erin McCarley/Jamie Kenney; Producer: Jamie Kenney; Publisher: Froggle/Sony-ATV/Carver, BMI/ASCAP; Universal Republic (track) (www.erinmccarley.com)
—This young Music City lass has become one of our major pop/rock players. The bopping title tune to her album was featured in the movie He’s Just Not That Into You. The downbeat lyric contrasts with a furious rhythm track, sighing strings and plinkety piano. Like the rest of the CD’s tracks, this is something you’ll want to hear over and over. Worth every dime.
KINDERCASTLE/A New Way Of Life
Writer: none listed; Producer: none listed; Publisher: Upright T-Rex, BMI; SelecTone (track) (www.kindercastle.net)
—SelecTone is Steve Wariner’s label. This synth-based outfit features his son Ross and cohort Cody Uhler, who have been musical collaborators since they were 14 years old. The wafting tones and falsetto vocal soarings here are quite winning. The track appears on Kindercastle’s new EP Dot to Dot to Dot. It follows the group’s 2008 debut album, In a Tizzy, which is also recommended listening. By the way, Steve’s other son Ryan has been out on the road playing lead guitar for Jewel and is now touring with LeAnn Rimes.
SUSAN HARTMAN/Hip With Me
Writer: Hartman/Ulisse; Producer: Eddie Gore; Publisher: Pink Scarf/Hadley Music Group, ASCAP; Susan Hartman (track) (myspace.com/susanhartman)
—By day she’s a licensing manager at ASCAP. Hartman’s secret life is as a pop rocker. Her scintillating EP kicks off with this groove-soaked track with none other than Steve Cropper providing lead guitar. Her sunny, saucy vocal is as cool as the R&B flavored instrumental work. I’m in.
DISClaimer (5/8/09)
/by Robert K OermannDespite the presence of a number of marquee names in this week’s reviewing stack, the award winners are the lesser knowns.
Up-and-comer Holly Williams lands her first Disc of the Day honor. By the way, her excellent last single (”Keep the Change”) was not co-written by her sister, but rather by Hillary Lindsey. The label information was incorrect.
HOLLY WILLIAMS/Mama
Writer: none listed; Producer: Justin Niebank & Holly Williams; Publisher: none listed; Mercury
—Produced with acoustic sparkle, this upbeat ode to mama is also written with deep truth and gifted with a delicious melody. Holly seems to improve in giant steps with each release. I think I’m falling in love.
JEFF GRIFFITH/Dip Me In Beer
Writer: Jeff Griffith/Hobson Smith; Producer: Bill Green; Publisher: none listed, BMI; BGM (888-455-5504)
—He wants to be thrown into “a redneck mosh pit,” whatever that is. Who says nobody makes honky-tonk music anymore? You don’t get any more “honky” than this.
JIMMY WAYNE/I’ll Be That
Writer: Jimmy Wayne/Bob Regan/Kevin Paige; Producer: Mark Bright; Publisher: Grandma Dynamite/Green Hills/Travelers Ridge/Regan/Big Loud Bucks/Universal/Z Songs/K.P.P./B.D.A.J., ASCAP/BMI; Valory Music
—Love the breathless rhythm track and the softly sensuous singing. This fulfilling-fantasies ditty rushes by like a cool, gentle wind in your face.
THE PARKS/As Long As You’re Goin’ My Way
Writer: Johnny Park/Clint Park/Brett Beavers; Producer: Johnny Park & Clint Park; Publisher: WB/Warner-Tamerlane/Sony-ATV Tree/Run the Trotline, ASCAP/BMI; Carolwood
—The production is too “busy” sounding, the vocal is mixed too low in it, and the song doesn’t kick in until they get to the chorus.
DOLLY PARTON/Everyday People
Writer: Sylvester Stewart; Producer: Mike Post; Publisher: none listed; RCA Legacy (track)
—What a gal: Her 9 to 5 musical opens on Broadway, and one week later it is nominated for four Tony Awards! The 1980 movie that inspired it also inspired a Dolly concept album called 9 to 5 and Odd Jobs. That LP has now been reissued on CD with three bonus tracks including this previously unissued, sprightly rendition of the Sly and the Family Stone classic. The other two bonuses are a frothing disco remix and a karaoke track of the title tune.
TRACE ADKINS/All I Ask For Anymore
Writer: Casey Beathard/Tim James; Producer: Frank Rogers; Publisher: Sony-ATV Acuff-Rose/Warner Tamerlane/T Bird’s, BMI; Capitol Nashville (track)
—Trace with a string section? You bet. On a stately, inspirational, common-man ballad, no less. I’ve always said this guy is underrated as a vocalist, and this is one of his most expressive performances ever.
NATHAN LEE JACKSON/Small Town Rain
Writer: none listed; Producer: Jeff Glixman; Publisher: none listed; CO5/Star City (615-469-1756)
—Nicely done. The production rocks happily, and his earnest vocal is as comfy as a well-worn shoe. This kid has the goods.
JOHN ANDERSON/Cold Coffee And Hot Beer
Writer: none listed; Producer: James Stroud & John Anderson; Publisher: none listed; Country Crossing (track) (615-750-5938)
—Drawling and bluesy, this totally swings. John is eternally cool. Somebody get the name of that barrelhouse piano player.
CHARLIE ROBISON/Beautiful Day
Writer: Charlie Robison; Producer: Charlie Robison; Publisher: Bantex, BMI; Dualtone (track) (www.dualtone.com)
—The title tune to Charlie’s new CD chronicles one woe after another in sunny L.A. The track is excellent, with dynamite country-rock guitar and snazzy organ riffs. And it goes without saying that his steeped-in-Texas vocal performance is a winner. Most of the collection is self-penned, but there are also a pair of Keith Gattis tunes, a rocking number courtesy of Bobby Bare Jr. and an evocative cover of Bruce Springsteen’s “Racing in the Street.”
SARAH DARLING/Jack Of Hearts
Writer: Sarah Darling/Marc Beeson/Don Pfrimmer; Producer: Jimmy Nichols; Publisher: Want a Fresh One/Sarah Darling/Crossfire 3/Wounded Sky/EGBE, ASCAP; Black River (track) (www.sarahdarling.com)
—Evidently, Sarah was featured on a 2003 E! network reality show called The Entertainers. You couldn’t prove it by me, but I know a singer when I hear one. The production is percussively perfect, and the extremely well written song has a melodic hook and/or an ear-catching line around every corner. The album is called Every Monday Morning, and I strongly urge you to give it—and this single—your full attention.
Festival Fundraiser Memorializes Steele’s Son
/by Sarah SkatesThe free festival opens at 2 PM with a performance by Steele, who will also close out the bash ending at 9 PM. In between, American Bang, LoCash Cowboys, Ricky Young & Red White Blue, and Pearl Heart, will rock the stage. The event featuring skate demos, giveaways, games, food and an auction was created in loving memory of Steele’s late son Alex, an avid skater who died at age 13. www.rememberalex.com.
If you’d like to get involved with the organization, contact Casey LeVasseur at rememberalex.com@gmail.com. Title sponsors are BMI and 3 Ring Circus Music & Records.
Strait Adds To Platinum Tally
/by Sarah SkatesMore good news for Strait came this morning when SoundScan reported a more than 300% increase in sales for his albums Troubadour, 22 More Hits, and 50#1’s (a 2-CD set). The significant sales bump is due largely to the George Strait: ACM Artist of the Decade All Star Concert which aired last week on CBS.
This weekend Strait has the honor of headlining the inaugural event at the new Dallas Cowboys stadium. The June 6 concert, with guests Reba McEntire, Blake Shelton and Julianne Hough, sold out in less than one hour.
Grammy Changes Reflect Growth of Americana Music
/by Sarah SkatesAMA Exec. Director Jed Hilly
NARAS has also divided the Grammy category for Best Contemporary Folk/Americana Album into two categories: Best Contemporary Folk Album and Best Americana Album.
MusicRow spoke with Hilly about the significance of today’s news. “This is recognition of the growing popularity and strength of Americana music,” he said. “It is exactly what we’ve been fighting for and trying to tell the world for 10 years.”
The Americana Music Association will host its 10th annual Festival & Conference Sept. 16-19 at the Nashville Convention Center and premier venues throughout the city. More than 12,000 fans, artists and industry professionals are expected at the event. The Music Festival will feature approximately 75 showcase or performance slots for both established and emerging artists, while the Conference will include numerous educational panels, seminars and more.
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In other Nashville-related NARAS news, award-winning music video director/producer George Flanigen was elected Chair of the Board of Trustees. Music supervisor/composer/film music executive Doug Frank was elected Vice Chair, and engineer/producer Glenn Lorbecki was elected Secretary/Treasurer at its annual spring Trustees meeting. Outgoing Chair of the Board and five-time GRAMMY® winner Jimmy Jam will become Chair Emeritus.
Competition Heats Up on CMT and at Puckett’s
/by Sarah SkatesThe Top Ten duos are Chelsee & Rob (Chelsee Oaks, Rob Bolin); Harmon Creek (Spencer Bartoletti, Dessa Zuccaro); O’Shea (Mark O’Shea, Jay O’Shea); Steel Magnolia (Josh Jones, Meghan Linsey Moore); The Stellas (Brad Stella, Marylynne Stella); JB Rocket (Jonathan Cox, Brandon Green); Matt & Keeira (Matt Boggs, Keeira Lyn Ford); Abby & Holly (Abby Fender, Holly Jackson); Ryan & Avalon (Ryan Larkins, Avalon Peacock) and Memarie & Kassie (Memarie Gayle, Kassie Miller).
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Puckett’s Grocery in Franklin, Tenn. is hosting an open-mic songwriting contest every Tuesday through July 7. Songwriters are invited to come to the restaurant at 6 PM and sign up to perform for the voting audience and a small panel of industry judges. As a special bonus at the end of each event, a well known singer-songwriter will perform several of their hit songs while votes are being tabulated.
The semi-final round will be held Tuesday, July 14 from 7-9 pm, featuring the top fourteen singer-songwriters. At the final event, the top four will perform in the round on Tuesday July 21, at 7 pm. The winner receives $500, and will play alongside of some of Nashville’s best known singer-songwriters on Friday, August 7, at 9 pm.
Good First Week For Montgomery Gentry
/by Sarah SkatesIn addition to being one of the top ten country albums for the week, For Our Heroes also landed a spot at #11 on Billboard’s Top 200 chart. A portion of the proceeds from the sale of each CD will go to the Wounded Warrior Project.
MG is spending the summer on Kenny Chesney‘s stadium tour, and on June 23 will receive the rare honor of joining the Grand Ole Opry.
Big Loud Party
/by Sarah SkatesBig Loud Staff (L-R): Kele Currier, Mark Ahlberg, Craig Wiseman, Matt Hilton, Heather Buresh, Marc Driskill, Kimberly Gleason, Amy Allmand, Seth England
On May 28 the staff of Big Loud Shirt Industries hosted their annual carnival-themed “parking lot” party. Complete with hot dogs, popcorn, cotton candy and ring pops, most people flocked to the balloon-hat makers for their own unique party favor. More than 300 Music Row friends showed up to party with celebrated songwriter and Big Loud Shirt founder Craig Wiseman.
“SO many people thanked me for doing this because the Row needs it,” he told Music Row. “I agree and I think it makes us great citizens of our little world to go to this trouble and reach out to friends and have a balloon-hat and brewski. It’s the little things…..”
(L-R): Georgia Middleman, Gary Burr, Craig Wiseman, Bobby Pinson, Anthony Martin
(L-R): Bonnie Baker, Chris Tompkins, Hayes Tompkins, Jessica Tompkins, Deanna Bryant
R&R to Cease Publication
/by bossrossThe staff had been gathered in a sort of Town Hall Meeting format to hear R&R Publisher Howard Appelbaum explain that the integration of R&R was not proceeding successfully. R&R’s previous Publisher Erica Farber departed the publication last January.
According to the publication’s web page, The current state of affairs has left The Nielsen Company with no other alternative but to immediately cease all services, products and events related to Radio & Records. The magazine’s final edition is the June 5 issue. Electronic products end today, the Web site will be taken offline soon.
R&R Editorial Director/Associate Publisher Cyndee Maxwell stated, “Everyone on this team has worked extremely hard to fulfill the vision of Radio & Records, and everyone can hold their heads high on this very sad day. We had a highly talented group of people that always worked hard and gave it their best — especially in the recent past. I deeply regret that this day has come. The good news for some other companies out there is that we have many fantastic people who are now available to put their excellent talents, abilities and skills to work for someone else.”
Radio & Records Timeline (from Radioandrecords.com)
1973 Radio & Records is founded by Bob Wilson. The first issue is Oct. 1.
1974 The first R&R Convention is held.
1979 Radio & Records is sold to Harte Hanks.
1987 Westwood One purchases Radio & Records.
1988 The R&R Hotfax Updates debut, comprising 12 weekly format-focused fax publications.
1994 Perry Capital acquires Radio & Records.
1995 Radio & Records launches R&R Online.
1996 The first annual R&R Talk Radio Seminar is held.
The R&R Daily online news service debuts, and Music Tracking is launched online.
1997 R&R introduces the daily R&R TODAY news fax.
1998 The R&R Convention returns after a six-year hiatus.
The first R&R Industry Achievement Awards, voted on by R&R subscribers, are presented at the convention.
1999 Data collection for R&R’s charts is converted to include Mediabase airplay.
2000 Daily e-mail updates and Today’s News online are introduced as extensions of the R&R TODAY fax publication. Radio & Records acquires Radio Y Musica.
2001 Adult Alternative and Christian sections debuts in the weekly R&R newspaper, each with its own full-time editor. The Going for Adds fax publication debuts.
2002 A CHR/Rhythmic section debuts in the weekly R&R newspaper, with its own full-time editor.
R&R produces its first annual Triple A Summit.
Electronic Promotion Kits are introduced for music customers, and the Street Talk Daily fax and e-mail publication debuts.
Radio Y Musica is incorporated into the R&R newspaper.
2004 Radio & Records announces its new web address, www.radioandrecords.com.
2006 VNU, a global information and media company, acquires Radio & Records. VNU owns ACNielsen, Billboard, the Hollywood Reporter and many other business-to- business publications. Radio & Records charts convert to Nielsen BDS airplay data.
2007 VNU changes its name to The Nielsen Company.
2009 The Nielsen Company announces it’s shuttering R&R. The final issue date is June 5.
Performing Songwriter Ceases Publication
/by bossross“As sad as change and letting go are, it feels like a celebration of accomplishment more than anything else,” said Hutchinson. “There was a moment of clarity after we signed off on this June issue, telling me that now is indeed the time to let go and end at its peak. This publication started with no funding 16 years ago out of my guest bedroom and has never taken one penny of investment money. It’s been completely supported by advertisers, subscribers and the community it represents. Performing Songwriter has always had a big heart, and our job was to take care of it so it could do its magic. By ceasing publication now we know the magazine will never risk losing its integrity and or its quality. All of us here are grateful for this journey, and feel like we’ve crossed the finish line with our heads held high.”
In an open letter to readers, advertisers and staff Hutchinson wrote, “We know there’s a train coming in the form of an uncertain economy. We know there are changes that need to be made due to the nature of both the print and music industries that will affect the essential spirit of the magazine and take it in a direction that’s not really true to itself. And we know the only thing we have control over is this moment and our decision to lay the magazine down on our terms. It will be with dignity and pride, knowing the quality will never be sacrificed, its debts will be fully paid, our hearts will remain filled with gratitude, and we can stand tall knowing that we did it and it was a job well done. I can’t think of a more beautiful way to end this chapter of a most incredible journey.”