Forget the forget-me-nots, it’s bluegrass that’s bloomin’ this spring.
In the coming weeks, we’re due for a bouquet of top-notch releases in this genre. Among them are Doyle Lawson (this week), Alecia Nugent (5/12), The Red Stick Ramblers (5/19), Dailey & Vincent (3/31), Bobby Osborne (3/31) and Rhonda Vincent (6/16). In the meantime, here’s a smattering of what’s already out there.
Robin & Linda Williams have been husband and wife, as well as musical partners, for more than 30 years. I find that inspiring. Even more inspiring is the on-going warmth in their sound and quality in their songwriting. Their Buena Vista is my Disc of the Day.
It seems kinda funny to discover a 63-year-old guy with decades of stardom in TV, stage and movie work, but this is Steve Martin’s debut album. And The Crow: New Songs for the Five-String Banjo is a classy piece of business. Therefore, it earns him a DisCovery Award.
EARL SCRUGGS/Foggy Mountain Breakdown
Writer: Earl Scruggs; Producer: Gary Scruggs & Randy Scruggs; Publisher: Peer, BMI; Rounder (track)
—In general, I dislike live albums. I find the crowd noise distracting and the sound quality usually sub-par. Both of those factors are in play on the Grammy nominated CD Earl Scruggs with Family & Friends, which was recorded at a Ryman concert in 2007. Having said that, the picking on this group of 18 tunes surveying the living legend’s career is jaw dropping in quality. Many familiar standards are here—“Salty Dog Blues,” “Earl’s Breakdown,” “In the Pines,” “You Ain’t Goin’ Nowhere,” “Soldier’s Joy,” “You Are My Flower,” “The Ballad of Jed Clampett” etc. Start with this classic, then mix and match with anything else and be dazzled.
DONNA ULISSE/Walk This Mountain Down
Writer: Donna Ulisse/Rick Stanley; Producer: Keith Sewell; Publisher: Uncle Hadley/Pop’N Paw, ASCAP; Hadley Music Group (track) (www.donnaulisse.com)
—Some of you might recall Ulisse as an Atlantic Records country stylist of the 1990s. Her transition to bluegrass has been a smooth one. The title tune to her latest is a gospel-infused toe tapper featuring some cool dobro work by Rob Ickes. Also check out the tragic story song “Levi Stone.” Producer Sewell has rounded up a stellar cast here—in addition to Ickes, it includes Andy Leftwich, Scott Vestal, Curtis Wright and Claire Lynch.
DRY BRANCH FIRE SQUAD/Echo Mountain
Writer: Billy Smith/Mac Elliott; Producer: Ken Irwin & Steve Chandler; Publisher: Mac Elliott, BMI; Rounder (track)
—Echoes of the Mountains is the latest from this long-enduring ensemble. Founded by Ron Thomason in 1976, Dry Branch Fire Squad has retained its soulful, rustic qualities throughout its existence. The group goes for feeling rather than virtuosity, which has led some to dub it “the missing link between old-time and bluegrass music.” On this haunting track you’ll be tempted to come down on the “old time” side of the equation. But on the scampering “Grayson’s Train,” you’ll probably want to switch that opinion. Adding to the conundrum is a repertoire here that stretches from 1985’s “Seven Spanish Angels” to 1927’s “Rovin’ Gambler,” not to mention “When You See Those Flying Saucers” (The Buchanan Brothers, 1947).
ROBIN & LINDA WILLIAMS/Buena Vista
Writer: Robin & Linda Williams; Producer: Tim O’Brien; Publisher: Songs for Dixie, BMI; Red House (track) (www.robinandlinda.com)
—These Prairie Home Companion favorites came to Nashville’s Tim O’Brien for their latest, their first new CD in four years. The title tune is a cheatin’ drunkard’s number with terrifically lilting harmonies and a rolling groove that is positively seductive. I have always loved this couple. I swear they’ve never made a bad album in their lives. It’s not “bluegrass” in the strictest sense. It’s just gooooooood.
STEVE MARTIN/The Crow
Writer: Steve Martin; Producer: John McEuen; Publisher: none listed; 40 Productions/Amazon (track) (www.stevemartin.com)
—Yes, it’s that Steve Martin. Those who have followed his comedy career closely already know he’s a banjo player. Others might be surprised by this mostly instrumental collection. On its title tune, he proves himself to be more than adept on the five string. Vince and Dolly duet to his accompaniment on “Pretty Flowers,” Irish folk singer Mary Black makes an appearance on “Calico Train,” Tim O’Brien sings “Daddy Played the Banjo” and the star handles the vocal on the funny “Late for School.” But mainly the focus is on Martin’s ability as a picker. And on that, he gets an “A.”
Prime Time Press Conferences Irk Broadcasters
/by bossrossExecutives at the largest broadcast networks claim that the new president has already cost them $30 million in ad revenue as a result of his three prime-time news conferences. The Hollywood Reporter story notes that none of the broadcasters mentioned in the article were willing to go on the record, but says that the Fox network’s decision not to carry the last news conference, might serve as a precedent. The Hollywood Reporter quotes one unnamed broadcast exec who says, “We will continue to make our decisions on White House requests on a case-by-case basis, but the Fox decision gives us cover to reject a request if we feel that there is no urgent breaking news that is going to be discussed.”
[Hollywood Reporter]
“The Session Players” Announces Online Chat
/by LB CantrellRebel Hearts
/by ProgrammerPlaylist“Jesse Dunn”
RHR/Nine North
Singer/songwriter Don McDowell created Rebel Hearts in 1997 and recruited Canadian producer/pianist/songwriter Steve Soucy. Don also added lifetime friend and lead singer Darren Castle to front the group and they began recording music. Kody Anderson was added to the fold in 2003.
After a string of independent radio releases, Rebel Hearts broke into the Billboard charts in 2000. In 2002-2003, Rebel Hearts videos for “Daddy’s Dream” and “Everything To Me” aired on Great American Country (GAC). In the summer of 2007, Rebel Hearts finalized their CD Runnin’ Wild with a Renegade Heart for international release. The album features the European radio hits “Good to Go,” “Wrangler Walk” and “Hard Rock Hotel.”
The videos for “Jesse Dunn” (link included below) and “Wrangler Walk” have been released to GAC and CMT. Current full-length project Rebel Hearts-Runnin’ Wild is a CD/DVD featuring 6 videos.
“Jesse Dunn” video
http://www.RebelHearts.com
SOLID Readies Music Row Yard Sale
/by LB CantrellCMA Int’l Awards To Bentley and Brooks & Dunn
/by LB Cantrell“I can’t think of any more deserving U.S. artists to win this award,” Potts said. “Their tour here has had a huge impact on the profile of country music in this territory and it’s fantastic that we were able to present the awards to them in Australia.”
The CMA International Artist Achievement Award recognizes outstanding achievement by a U.S.-based artist who contributes to the awareness and development of country music outside of the United States. Previous winners include Dixie Chicks, Shania Twain, Keith Urban, Trisha Yearwood, and Dwight Yoakam.
(l-r) Sydney radio presenter Ray Hadley, Ronnie Dunn, Kix Brooks,
Dierks Bentley and CMA International Director Rob Potts. (Photo: Dean Turnbull)
Music Row Past Award Winners
/by bossrossA listing of producers scoring the most top-20 Singles and Top-10 Albums for each year.
1982-89: Jimmy Bowen
1990: Tony Brown
1991-92: Allen Reynolds
1993: Tony Brown
1994: James Stroud
1995: Allen Reynolds
1996: Tony Brown
1997: Wilbur C. Rimes
1998: No Award presented
Becomes Producer of the Year–To honor a producers work on albums active during the awards time period. Can include, but is not limited to, single chart performance and album sales.
1999: Byron Gallimore
2000: Byron Gallimore
2001: Mark Wright
2002: Keith Stegall
2003: James Stroud
2004: Buddy Cannon
2005: Frank Rogers
2006: Dann Huff
2007: Byron Gallimore
2008: Frank Rodgers
Top Songwriters
A listing of writers scoring the most Top-20 Singles for each year.
1985: Troy Seals
1986: Dave Loggins
1987-90: Don Schlitz
1991: Pat Alger
1992: Garth Brooks
1993: Clint Black
1994: Gary Burr
1995: Tom Shapiro
1996: Mark D. Sanders
1997: Craig Wiseman
Becomes Breakthrough Songwriter-Honors a Nashville writer who, for the first time in their career, wrote or co-wrote a top 10 song.
1996: Jim Lauderdale
1997: Cathy Majeski, Sunny Russ, Stephony Smith
1998: Harley Allen
1999: Phil Vassar
2000: Carolyn Dawn Johnson
2001: Troy Verges
2002: Anthony Smith
2003: Lee Thomas Miller
2004: Jim Brown/Don Rollins
2005: Vicky McGehee
2006: Jason Matthews
2007: Chris Tompkins and Josh Kear
2008: Luke Bryan
Song of the Year
1996: “What Mattered Most,: Vince Melamed and Gary Burr; Publishers MCA Music, Patrick Joseph Music
1997: “Friends,” Jerry Holland; Publishers: That’s A Smash Publishing, Mike Curb Music; Performed by John Michael Montgomery
1998: “Something That We Do,” Clint Black and Skip Ewing; Publishers: Blackened Music & Opryland Music Group
1999: “Don’t Laugh At Me,” Allen Shamblin & Steve Seskin; Publishers: Built On Rock Music; David Aaron Music/Love This Town Music (ASCAP)
2000: “He Didn’t Have To Be,” Brad Paisley & Kelley Lovelace; Publishers EMI April Music, Sea Gayle Music, Love Ranch Music
2001: “There Is No Arizona,” Jamie O’Neal, Shaye Smith and Lisa Drew; Publishers EMI Music, Zomba Music
2002: “Where Were You (When The World Stopped Turning)” Alan Jackson, Publisher EMI Music Publishing
2003: “Red Ragtop,” Jason White; Publisher Sony/ATV Music
2004: “Almost Home, “Craig Morgan, Kerry Kurt Phillips; Publishers Magic Mustang Music Inc. & Sufferin’ Succotash Songs
2005: “Whiskey Lullaby,” Bill Anderson, John Randall; Publishers by Sony-ATV Tree/Mr. Bubba/Reynsong/Who Ya Say/Wrensong, BMI
2006: “What Hurts The Most,” Jeffrey Steele, Steve Robson; Publishers Songs of Windswept Pacific & Almo Music Corp.
2007: “Stealing Kisses,” Lori McKenna; Publisher Melanie Howard Music, Inc.
2008: “Letter To Me,” Brad Paisley; Publishers EMI April Music/New Sea Gayle Music
Critic’s Pick/New Artist
2000: Eric Heatherly
2001: Mark McGuinn
2002: Blake Shelton
2003: Joe Nichols
2004: Buddy Jewell
2005: Miranda Lambert
2006: Carrie Underwood
2007: Taylor Swift
Becomes Breakthrough Artist–Voted by readers to honor an artist who achieved significant career progress for the first time.
2008: Lady Antebellum
Marketing Achievement
1996: MCA Records for Joe Ely’s Hour At Tower Train Tour
1997: RCA Records for Clint Black’s Greatest Hits
1998: Curb Records for LeAnn Rimes’ “How Do I Live”
1999: RCA Records for Alabama’s For The Record—41 Number One Hits and Monument Records for the Dixie Chick’s Wide Open Spaces
2000: Dreamcatcher Entertainment for Kenny Rogers “The Greatest” and “Buy Me A Rose”
2001: Sony Music Nashville for Billy Gillman, One Voice
2003: Lyric Street Records for Rascal Flatts, Melt
2004: DreamWorks/Sony music for Toby Keith Shock ‘n Yall and Buddy Jewel
2005: none
2006: Lyric Street Records for Rascal Flatts, My And My Gang and Equity Music Group for Little Big Town, The Road To Here (tie)
Get Ready To Cast Your Vote
/by bossross21st Annual Music Row Awards Underway
Featured will be the Top Ten Album All-Star Musician accolades which are based upon the actual number of Top Ten CDs that each musician appeared on during the eligibility period (5/1/08-4/30/09).
Also included will be the subscriber-voted Breakthrough Artist, Producer of the Year, Song of the Year and Breakthrough Songwriter choices.
Nominees in the reader-voted categories will be announced on May 18, and numbered ballots will be emailed to readers on May 27.
For a complete list of past Award winners click here.
For a complete list of past Musician Award winners click here.
Past Musician Award Winners
/by bossrossGuitar
1989: Steve Gibson
1990: Steve Gibson
1991: Steve Gibson
1992: Steve Gibson
1993: Mark Casstevens
1994: Brent Mason
1995: Brent Mason
1996: Dann Huff
1997: Brent Mason
1998: Brent Mason
1999: Brent Mason
2000: Brent Mason
2001: Brent Mason
2002: B. James Lowry
2003: Brent Mason
2004: Brent Mason
2005: Tom Bukovac
2006: Tom Bukovac
2007: Tom Bukovac
2008: Tom Bukovac
Bass
1989: David Hungate
1990: David Hungate
1991: Edgar Meyers, Roy Husky Jr., Michael Rhodes (3-way tie)
1992: Michael Rhodes, Glenn Worf (tie)
1993: Mike Chapman, Glenn Worf (tie)
1994: Glenn Worf
1995: Glenn Worf
1996: Glenn Worf
1997: Glenn Worf
1998: Glenn Worf
1999: Glenn Worf
2000: Glenn Worf
2001: Glenn Worf
2002: Glenn Worf
2003: Glenn Worf
2004: Glenn Worf
2005: Glenn Worf
2006: Glenn Worf, Michael Rhodes (tie)
2007: Glenn Worf
2008: Glenn Worf
Keyboards
1989: Mike Lawler, John Jarvis (tie)
1990: John Jarvis
1991: Barry Beckett, Matt Rollings (tie)
1992: Matt Rollings
1993: John Jarvis
1994: Matt Rollings
1995: John Jarvis
1996: Steve Nathan
1997: Steve Nathan
1998: Steve Nathan
1999: Steve Nathan
2000: Steve Nathan
2001: Steve Nathan
2002: Steve Nathan
2003: Steve Nathan
2004: Steve Nathan
2005: Steve Nathan
2006: Steve Nathan
2007: Steve Nathan
2008: Steve Nathan
Drums/Percussion
1989: Eddie Bayers
1990: Eddie Bayers
1991: Eddie Bayers
1992: Eddie Bayers
1993: Eddie Bayers
1994: Eddie Bayers
1995: Eddie Bayers
1996: Lonnie Wilson
1997: Eddie Bayers
1998: Lonnie Wilson
1999: Paul Leim, Eddie Bayers (tie)
2000: Eddie Bayers
2001: Eddie Bayers, Greg Morrow (tie)
2002: Lonnie Wilson
2003: Lonnie Wilson
2004: Shannon Forrest
2005: Shannon Forrest
2006: Shannon Forrest
2007: Shannon Forrest
2008: Shannon Forrest, Chris McHugh (tie)
Vocalists
1989: Dennis Wilson
1990: Curtis Young
1991: Curtis Young
1992: Curtis Young
1993: Curtis Young
1994: Curtis Young
1995: Dennis Wilson
1996: Curtis Young
1997: Dennis Wilson
1998: Curtis Young
1999: John Wesley Ryles
2000: Liana Manis, John Wesley Ryles (tie)
2001: John Wesley Ryles
2002: Wes Hightower
2003: Wes Hightower
2004: Wes Hightower
2005: Wes Hightower
2006: Wes Hightower
2007: Wes Hightower
2008: Wes Hightower
Miscellaneous Instruments
1989: Mark O’Connor
1990: Mark O’Connor
1991: Paul Franklin
1992: Rob Hajacos
1993: Nashville String Machine
1994: Jim Horn
1995: Terry McMillan
1996: Terry McMillan
1997: Nashville String Machine
The Miscellaneous Instruments category was retired after 1997
Steel Guitar
1993: Bruce Bouton, Sonny Garrish (tie)
1994: Paul Franklin
1995: Paul Franklin
1996: Paul Franklin
1997: Paul Franklin
1998: Paul Franklin
1999: Paul Franklin
2000: Paul Franklin
2001: Paul Franklin
2002: Paul Franklin
2003: Paul Franklin
2004: Paul Franklin
2005: Paul Franklin
2006: Paul Franklin
2007: Dan Dugmore
2008: Paul Franklin
Fiddle
1993: Rob Hajacos
1994: Stuart Duncan, Rob Hajacos (tie)
1995: Stuart Duncan
1996: Stuart Duncan
1997: Rob Hajacos
1998: Stuart Duncan
1999: Stuart Duncan
2000: Stuart Duncan
2001: Aubrey Haynie
2002: Aubrey Haynie
2003: Aubrey Haynie
2004: Stuart Duncan
2005: Jonathan Yudkin
2006: Jonathan Yudkin
2007: Larry Franklin, Aubrey Haynie, Jonathan Yudkin (tie)
2008: Jonathan Yudkin
Engineer
1995: Mike Bradley
1996: Mike Bradley
1997: Mike Bradley
1998: Julian King, Mike Bradley (tie)
1999: Chuck Ainlay
2000: Jeff Balding
2001: Jeff Balding, Julian King (tie)
2002: Julian King, Clarke Schleicher (tie)
2003: Julian King
2004: Greg Droman, Julian King (tie)
2005: Justin Niebank
2006: Justin Niebank, Derek Bason (tie)
2007: Justin Niebank
2008: Justin Niebank
Big Kenny Joins Guild To Donate Guitars
/by LB CantrellDISClaimer (5/6/09)
/by Robert K OermannIn the coming weeks, we’re due for a bouquet of top-notch releases in this genre. Among them are Doyle Lawson (this week), Alecia Nugent (5/12), The Red Stick Ramblers (5/19), Dailey & Vincent (3/31), Bobby Osborne (3/31) and Rhonda Vincent (6/16). In the meantime, here’s a smattering of what’s already out there.
Robin & Linda Williams have been husband and wife, as well as musical partners, for more than 30 years. I find that inspiring. Even more inspiring is the on-going
warmth in their sound and quality in their songwriting. Their Buena Vista is my Disc of the Day.
It seems kinda funny to discover a 63-year-old guy with decades of stardom in TV, stage and movie work, but this is Steve Martin’s debut album. And The Crow: New Songs for the Five-String Banjo is a classy piece of business. Therefore, it earns him a DisCovery Award.
EARL SCRUGGS/Foggy Mountain Breakdown
Writer: Earl Scruggs; Producer: Gary Scruggs & Randy Scruggs; Publisher: Peer, BMI; Rounder (track)
—In general, I dislike live albums. I find the crowd noise distracting and the sound quality usually sub-par. Both of those factors are in play on the Grammy nominated CD Earl Scruggs with Family & Friends, which was recorded at a Ryman concert in 2007. Having said that, the picking on this group of 18 tunes surveying the living legend’s career is jaw dropping in quality. Many familiar standards are here—“Salty Dog Blues,” “Earl’s Breakdown,” “In the Pines,” “You Ain’t Goin’ Nowhere,” “Soldier’s Joy,” “You Are My Flower,” “The Ballad of Jed Clampett” etc. Start with this classic, then mix and match with anything else and be dazzled.
DONNA ULISSE/Walk This Mountain Down
Writer: Donna Ulisse/Rick Stanley; Producer: Keith Sewell; Publisher: Uncle Hadley/Pop’N Paw, ASCAP; Hadley Music Group (track) (www.donnaulisse.com)
—Some of you might recall Ulisse as an Atlantic Records country stylist of the 1990s. Her transition to bluegrass has been a smooth one. The title tune to her latest is a gospel-infused toe tapper featuring some cool dobro work by Rob Ickes. Also check out the tragic story song “Levi Stone.” Producer Sewell has rounded up a stellar cast here—in addition to Ickes, it includes Andy Leftwich, Scott Vestal, Curtis Wright and Claire Lynch.
DRY BRANCH FIRE SQUAD/Echo Mountain
Writer: Billy Smith/Mac Elliott; Producer: Ken Irwin & Steve Chandler; Publisher: Mac Elliott, BMI; Rounder (track)
—Echoes of the Mountains is the latest from this long-enduring ensemble. Founded by Ron Thomason in 1976, Dry Branch Fire Squad has retained its soulful, rustic qualities throughout its existence. The group goes for feeling rather than virtuosity, which has led some to dub it “the missing link between old-time and bluegrass music.” On this haunting track you’ll be tempted to come down on the “old time” side of the equation. But on the scampering “Grayson’s Train,” you’ll probably want to switch that opinion. Adding to the conundrum is a repertoire here that stretches from 1985’s “Seven Spanish Angels” to 1927’s “Rovin’ Gambler,” not to mention “When You See Those Flying Saucers” (The Buchanan Brothers, 1947).
ROBIN & LINDA WILLIAMS/Buena Vista
Writer: Robin & Linda Williams; Producer: Tim O’Brien; Publisher: Songs for Dixie, BMI; Red House (track) (www.robinandlinda.com)
—These Prairie Home Companion favorites came to Nashville’s Tim O’Brien for their latest, their first new CD in four years. The title tune is a cheatin’ drunkard’s number with terrifically lilting harmonies and a rolling groove that is positively seductive. I have always loved this couple. I swear they’ve never made a bad album in their lives. It’s not “bluegrass” in the strictest sense. It’s just gooooooood.
STEVE MARTIN/The Crow
Writer: Steve Martin; Producer: John McEuen; Publisher: none listed; 40 Productions/Amazon (track) (www.stevemartin.com)
—Yes, it’s that Steve Martin. Those who have followed his comedy career closely already know he’s a banjo player. Others might be surprised by this mostly instrumental collection. On its title tune, he proves himself to be more than adept on the five string. Vince and Dolly duet to his accompaniment on “Pretty Flowers,” Irish folk singer Mary Black makes an appearance on “Calico Train,” Tim O’Brien sings “Daddy Played the Banjo” and the star handles the vocal on the funny “Late for School.” But mainly the focus is on Martin’s ability as a picker. And on that, he gets an “A.”