DISClaimer (4/3/09)

/by

lawomack-crazyLet’s get the necessary stuff over with first.

The only clear choice for Disc of the Day is Lee Ann Womack and her great performance of  “Solitary Thinkin.’”

The clear choice, at least to me, for a DisCovery Award is Mammouth Jack, whoever that is.

But the real news of the week is being made by another style in Music City. This

Mammouth Jack

Mammouth Jack

bis your last weekend to catch the musical Jersey Boys at TPAC. Its songs are by Nashville resident Bob Gaudio. The cast actually sings them better than The 4 Seasons did.

It takes awhile in the first act to get to stardom. But when you first hear those magical harmonies blast out on “Sherry,” it’s like an explosion detonates. From there on it’s one breathtaking tune after another—“Big Girls Don’t Cry,” “Walk Like a Man,” “Dawn,” “Big Man in Town,” “Let’s Hang On,” “Can’t Take My Eyes Off You,” “Working My Way Back to You,” “Rag Doll,” “Who Loves You” and the rest.

The book has sex, the Mob, an overdose, gambling addiction, heartache and triumph. This show is a blast, people. GO!

DUE WEST/I Get That All The Time
Writer: Matt Lopez/Jason Deere/John Bettis; Producer: Jason Deere; Publisher: Songwriters of Platinum Pen/Big Bad Deere/Big Loud Bucks/FSMGI/Randi Jae/State One Music America/EMI April/Wyatt and Conway, BMI/IMRO/ASCAP; Bigger Than Me/9 North (CDX) (www.duewest.com)
—In this nicely produced power ballad, the protagonist turns down offers of drugs and sex because he gets his highs from his loving wife and kids. Awwwwww.

BRAD PAISLEY/Then
Writer: Brad Paisley/Chris DuBois/Ashley Gorley; Producer: Frank Rogers; Publisher: none listed, ASCAP; Arista (CDX)
—Very sweet. Brad is softly reminiscing about the love of his life. The shadowing harmonies and keening steel in the choruses are particularly pretty. So is his wordless falsetto sighing in the finale.

GRANDSTAFF/The Statler Brothers Song
Writer: Will Reid/Langdon Reid; Producer: Brian David Willis, Doug Grau & Grandstaff; Publisher: Virginia Grandstaff/Wilson Fairchild, ASCAP/BMI; Yell (CDX) (615-385-1601)
—It even has the boom-chicka production of those old Statler records. “Shirley Jean Burrell,” “Elizabeth,” “Atlanta Blue,” “Bed of Roses,” “I’ll Go to My Grave Loving You,” “Carry Me Back,” “Susan When She Tried” and “Flowers on the Wall” are all name-checked. The harmonies are exactly right. All in all, very clever and listenable. Grandstaff is comprised of Statler sons, by the way.

MARK WILLS/Entertaining Angels
Writer: Willie Mack/Keith Brown/Steve Mandile; Producer: Brett James; Publisher: Scott and Soda/Winning Circle/Clashing Plaids/Major Bob/Frequency/Toreador Tunes/Big 13, ASCAP/SESAC; Tenacity (CDX) (615-255-8649)
—Ordinary people in a bar can offer amazing grace. Their stories can really make you take a hard look at your own life. That’s the message here, and it’s a good one.

THE TIME JUMPERS/All Of Me
Writer: Gerald Marks/Seymour B. Simons; Producer: Terry Choate; Publisher: Gerald Marks/Marking Music, ASCAP; Crosswind (CDX) (www.thetimejumpers.com)
—With the divine Dawn Sears singing lead, this Grammy-nominated country swing band makes this golden oldie twirl and spin. A simply delightful listening experience. “All of Me” has been on the charts by Louis Armstrong (1932), Paul Whiteman (1932), Ben Selvin (1932), Count Basie (1943), Frank Sinatra (1948), Johnnie Ray (1952) and Willie Nelson (1978). But it has seldom been swung as well as this.

KIM McLEAN/Ain’t No Glory
Writer: Kim McLean/Kevin Fisher; Producer: Walt Aldridge; Publisher: Sony ATV Cross Keys/Sons of Extreme and Cedar Sides, ASCAP; Hippie  Chick (CDX) (615-400-5140)
—The track has snap, crackle and pop which makes for a nice contrast with her languid vocal phrasing.

LEE ANN WOMACK/Solitary Thinkin’
Writer: Waylon Payne; Producer: Tony Brown; Publisher: Tiltawhirl/Carnival, BMI; MCA Nashville (track)
—Lee Ann’s Call Me Crazy CD is a masterpiece. Its second single is a spare, bluesy little thing with stinging guitar and organ lines. Her reading of the lyric is beautifully conversational and deeply intimate.

LUKE BENWARD/Let Your Love Out
Writer: Aaron Benward/Joy Williams/Shaun Shankel; Producer: Shaun Shankel & Aaron Benward; Publisher: Maineville/Spudnut/Shankel/WB, ASCAP; Shine (track) (www.lukebenward.com)
—This isn’t a country record. It’s synthy teen pop recorded in Music City by this 13-year-old heartthrob. Luke stars on the Disney Channel’s time-machine Minutemen show and has been featured in such films as Because of Winn Dixie and How to Eat Fried Worms. His fans don’t know that he sings, yet. But he’s the son of Aaron Benward of Blue County and the grandson of Jeoffrey Benward, who is a CCM star, so he comes by that talent genetically. The chattering beats, electro effects and bouncy, upbeat feeling of this are all very winning. Sunny and irresistible.

JIM ROONEY & ROONEY’S IRREGULARS/No Expectations
Writer: Mick Jagger/Keith Richards; Producer: Jim Rooney; Publisher: ABKCO, BMI; JRP (track)
—When Allen Reynolds announced he was closing Jack’s Tracks, Irishman Jim Rooney knew just what was called for, a wake. Pat Alger, Shawn Camp, Jellyroll Johnson, Pat McLaughlin, Sam Bush, Nanci Griffith, Tim O’Brien and Jack Clement all gathered to make music in the legendary studio one last time. On the resulting Farewell to the Tracks CD, Allen’s “Wrong Road Again,” “We Must Believe in Magic,” “Dreaming My Dreams” and “Ready for the Times to Get Better” are dutifully covered by the rootsy, jolly acoustic band, as are such faves as “Busted,” “Ramblin’ Man” and “Goin’ Gone.” The set closes with a rousing, uptempo version of this Stones standard with everybody involved getting a turn at the mic. It’s kind of a private thing, but find a copy if you can. I understand that Garth Brooks has since bought and is refurbishing the studio.

MAMMOUTH JACK/Who Wouldn’t Love A Girl Like That
Writer: Bryan Simpson/Kris Bergsness/Matt Rossi; Producer: Bobby Terry; Publisher: Encore Ent./Song Garden/Bed Roll/Diamond Eye, ASCAP/BMI; 1820 (CDX) (615-260-7630)
—His accent is pure country. The song is a gem. The production is terrific. What’s not to love?

Review: Aldean Anchors Adventurous Collection

/by

ja_wideopen2California-based Broken Bow Records arguably hasn’t yet done much for the Nashville community, but Wide Open, from its flagship artist Jason Aldean, scored impressive first week sales (109k) and is clearly boosting confidence in country’s fan connection. Radio is on board, too. Music Row named the Macon, Georgia native its Artist of the Year (Mid-Size Label ) for 2007 and 2008, based upon spins from the publication’s 110 Country Breakout chart reporters.

Aldean’s new set is loaded with smart lyrics swimming in a sea of  rocking, rhythmic articulations. Title track “Wide Open” sets the stage with crunchy guitars, cutting like a special forces team equipped with platinum-tipped jack hammers breaking into a granite encased vault full of gold. The story follows a young waitress—slinging eggs and bacon with a college education—who chooses to believe in herself, and drive full bore into a world she barely understands. It’s a one act opera of hope from writers Neil Thrasher, Wendell Mobley and Jim Collins.

Thankfully Aldean’s stretchy baritone anchors and welds the “country” into this adventurous collection. His roots-based delivery remains centered whether singing about a man’s shortcoming, farm life, an ode to Nashville, a woman’s needs or life issues we all face. The fiddle walks around the tracks with heightened sensibilities (uncredited) and listeners will enjoy well placed keyboard, pedal steel and banjo cameos. But make no mistake, this stew is a six-string tour de force. Unlike some of today’s artists, carefully controlling their sound, playing by the rules—Aldean eschews safe to deliver a sonic sandwich that doesn’t disappoint. Producer Michael Knox has ripped it up on this third-times-a-charm outing, boldly presenting a more mature artist. Aldean’s ongoing challenge, which he has yet to master, will be to translate his evolving artistry to live performances as he endeavors to move his career from opening act to headliner status.

This life’s full of choices… says the singer on “Keep The Girl” as the listener jumps inside the mind of a lovelorn man who knows that, like a sword with a double edged blade whatever he chooses will cut either way (Aldean, Thrasher, Mobley).

Luckily, the decision for fans (Aldean’s Army) is way easy—get this disc and crank the volume Wide Open.

Mrs. Paisley Had a Baby!

/by

0222paisleyReigning ACM and CMA Male Vocalist Brad Paisley and his wife, actress Kimberly Williams-Paisley, welcomed their second child, a healthy baby boy  today (4/17), at a Nashville area hospital. The Paisley’s firstborn son, William Huckleberry, aka “Huck” was born in February, 2007.

ACM Ratings Jump 21 Percent

/by

acmThe 44th Annual Academy of Country Music Awards significantly increased its ratings for the second consecutive year. The show’s ratings were up 21% overall from 2008, drawing nearly 15 million viewers and earning the top spot for the night for the CBS Television Network during every hour of the April 5 telecast. The Awards brought in the largest audience since 1998, with about 3 million more viewers than last year. According to Nielsen Media Research, the Awards placed seventh for the entire week — behind American Idol and the series finale of ER.

Industry averages have shown sales increases of more than 20% during the week that precedes the Easter holiday, but the ACM Awards had an even greater impact on record sales for artists who performed at the event. According to Nielsen Soundscan, Lee Ann Womack’s sales increased 117%, Sugarland’s sales increased 112%, Carrie Underwood’s sales increased 99%. Taylor Swift’s sales increased 98% and George Strait’s sales increased 94%. Julianne Hough saw sales increase 110% and Kellie Pickler showed an increase in sales of 174%. Trace Adkins’ sales increased 98% for American Man: Greatest Hits Vol. I & II and a whopping 110% for X, featuring “Til The Last Shot’s Fired,” which he performed on the Awards with the West Point Glee Club. Additionally, Wounded Warrior Project has received almost $50,000 in direct contributions through its dedicated ACM Lifting Lives donation page and from live audience viewers who made donations on-site following the Awards.

“We’ve virtually doubled our audience, reaching 47% more viewers in 2008 and 2009 combined,” said Bob Romeo, Executive Director of the Academy of Country Music. “And I believe we still have room to grow. We are already planning next year’s show and considering how to elevate viewership.”

Martina’s Wine, B&D’s M&Ms, Bluebird Gets “Amplified” and More

/by

martinaFollowing the lead of country star Kix Brooks, Martina McBride has launched her own line of wines. McBride has teamed with Blackbird Vineyards Napa Valley to announce the debut of the 2006 Martina McBride “Signature Series” Napa Valley Proprietary Red Wine. “I’ve been able to taste incredible wines while traveling the world on tour,” McBride said. “I’m thrilled to collaborate with Blackbird on this inaugural Signature Series.” A pre-release of the wine is being offered exclusively to members of McBride’s fan community who are of legal drinking age before the wine is made available to the public later this year.

Already famous as country music’s biggest-ever duo, Kix Brooks and Ronnie Dunn have now become “Shell-ebrities.” The pair have been bd1turned into green and blue M&Ms for a new ad campaign. You can see Brooks & Dunn’s candy-coated likenesses and turn yourself into an M&M by clicking here.

To celebrate the release of AMPLIFIED!, a book of 16 short stories by contemporary singer/songwriters, The Bluebird Cafe will present a special AMPLIFIED! Book Release Show featuring contributors Robbie Fulks, Mary Gauthier, Jon Langford and David Olney on May 14 at 9:00 PM. Reservations will be available at 8:00 PM/CT on April 28. www.bluebirdcafe.com.

Country icon Ray Price will be a guest of Mike Huckabee’s on the Fox Network’s Huckabee show, this Saturday evening (4/18), at 7:00 PM/CT. The show airs twice on Sunday as well. Price is currently on tour with his best friend Willie Nelson.

Big Machine duo Kate & Kacey will appear on the Fox network, performing the national anthem tomorrow (4/18), at the Subway Fresh Fit 500 Sprint Cup Series Race at the Phoenix International Speedway. Live race coverage will kick off (with the national anthem) at 6:45 PM/CT.

Marco Club Connection is offering three high-energy remixes of Emblem artist Gloriana’s debut single “Wild At Heart” to dance clubs across the country. Grammy Award-winner and Emblem label head Matt Serletic produced the “Stomp Your Boots” and “Bottle Rocket” remixes, while veteran Australian producer Mark Moffatt remixed the “Porch Party” version of the hit single from the fast-rising quartet.

MCN Presents Concert Series & Sweepstakes

/by

mcn-smallMusicCityNetworks (MCN) will present the 2009 MCN Fan Club Concert Series June 10-13 at Nashville’s Rocketown. The annual concert series features performances from some of country music’s biggest performers, connecting fans with their favorite artists and with their fellow fans. This year’s line-up includes Bucky Covington, Emerson Drive, Montgomery Gentry, Josh Turner, Lady Antebellum, Sara Evans, and a special 2-for-1 with Tracy Byrd and Tracy Lawrence performing at the same event. Tickets are now available on the artists’ websites and include a catered meal, a lottery ticket for exclusive memorabilia, and a photo opportunity with the artist.

Through a special sweepstakes, MCN is also offering a chance for an all-access trip to Nashville. One winner and their guest will get to experience Nashville V.I.P. style during CMA Festival week, including all seven MCN events plus the Country Weekly Fashion Show. Sponsored by MCN, YallWire and Country Weekly, the sweepstakes ends May 1. The winner and a guest will receive round-trip airfare to Nashville, accommodations for five nights, two tickets to all seven concerts in the MCN Fan Club Concert Series, a meet-and-greet with every Fan Club Concert Series artist and two tickets to the Country Weekly Fashion Show. To enter, click here.

CMA To Unveil Research

/by

cmaThe Country Music Association will unveil key findings from its 2008 Country Music Consumer Segmentation Study during a free Town Hall meeting Tuesday, April 28 from 2:00-4:00 PM/CT in the Boone Crockett Room at the Hilton Hotel in downtown Nashville. The meeting is free and open to CMA members and their invited guests. The research project was the largest and most comprehensive look at the country music consumer in the CMA’s 50-year history. The Town Hall meeting will also include an opportunity to discuss “next steps” and ways to incorporate the findings into constituents’ individual business plans. The study offers information on media consumption including country record sales, radio and touring, as well as media usage and consumer analysis culled from a phase one sample of 7,000 individuals; a second sample of 1,850; and 10 focus groups from three regions of the country. In addition, findings from a followup study to determine the impact of the current economic crisis on the country consumer will be presented. The meeting will also include the introduction of an algorithm that CMA members can apply to their own consumer databases. The algorithm is a set of 14 screening questions that will enable the user to replicate the segmentation study in their own research vehicles to identify core and potential country consumers with a minimum of 75 percent accuracy, enabling members to use their marketing dollars effectively and efficiently.

“Giving our members the tools necessary to analyze the enormous amount of data we collected and make it applicable to their day-to-day operation is the logical next step,” said CMA Chief Executive Officer Tammy Genovese. “From booking agents to artist managers to record labels, there is something for everyone who relies on the country music consumer in this study.”

Seats to the free Town Hall meeting are limited and are available to CMA individual and organizational members only. Attendees may also bring a limited number of guests to the event based on the level of their CMA membership. CMA members who would like to attend must register online, and they can do so here.

Songwriter Paul Williams Elected ASCAP President

/by

paulSongwriter Paul Williams, whose long list of hits includes classic songs like “We’ve Only Just Begun,” “Just An Old Fashioned Love Song” and “Rainy Days and Mondays,” was elected President and Chairman of the Board of ASCAP (the American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers) today (4/16) by the ASCAP Board of Directors at its meeting in Nashville. Williams’ election follows songwriter Marilyn Bergman’s decision to step down from the ASCAP Presidency effective today, although she will continue as an active Board Member). Songwriter Jimmy Webb has been elected writer Vice Chairman to replace Williams, who held that post for the prior two years. On the publisher side, the re-elected officers are: Irwin Robinson of Paramount Allegra Music as Vice Chairman; Kathy Spanberger of peermusic as Secretary; and James M. Kendrick of Schott Music Corporation/European American Music Corporation as Treasurer.

“It’s a great honor and privilege to be elected President and Chairman of the Board of ASCAP,” Williams said. “On behalf of my fellow Board members, I would like to thank Marilyn for her extraordinarily productive work and the dedication she has shown over the last fifteen years.”

Mac McAnally

/by

“You First”

Show Dog Nashville

mac-playlist-42009Mac McAnally has worn many hats in his storied career—producer, vocalist, guitarist, chart-topping songwriter, member of Jimmy Buffett’s Coral Reefer band—and his recording artist cap recently earned a nice feather in “Down The Road,” his No. 1 duet with Kenny Chesney. Now, McAnally and his new label Show Dog Nashville look to build on that success with the release of “You First,” which impacts radio April 27.

A poignant series of vignettes about brotherly love, “You First,” is the first release from McAnally’s upcoming Show Dog debut album.

The single follows the successful of “Down The Road,” a song penned by McAnally and recorded by Kenny Chesney, who invited the Mac to sing on the track with him. It was McAnally’s sixth No. 1 as a writer and first as a recording artist, which led to an ACM Vocal Event of the Year nod.

Significant as those milestones are, however, they only tell part of McAnally’s accomplishments. From his days as a Muscle Shoals session musician, Mac has given musical support to artists including Roy Orbison, Hank Williams, Jr., Amy Grant, Jimmy Buffett, Travis Tritt, Linda Ronstadt, Mary Chapin Carpenter, Dolly Parton and many more. He’s a longstanding member of Buffett’s Coral Reefer band, and his production credits include Ricky Skaggs, Sawyer Brown, Chris LeDoux and Little Feat.

Mac was named 2008 Musician of the Year by the Country Music Association, the same year he was inducted into the Mississippi Musicians Hall of Fame. He is also a 2007 inductee to the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame. McAnally signed his first record deal at the age of 16 and was the first artist signed to the legendary Geffen Records.

http://www.macmcanally.com/

Robert Johnson Blues Foundation Names New Generation Award Winner

/by

rjThe Robert Johnson Blues Foundation has announced that Zakk Knight of Indianapolis, Indiana has been named winner of the 2009 New Generation Award Contest. Knight will receive a Gibson “Robert Johnson” edition guitar, a Robert Johnson harmonica, a certificate signed by Claud Johnson (son and heir of Robert Johnson) and an invitation to perform at the Robert Johnson Birthday Blast on May 9. The Birthday Party — the only event sanctioned by and benefiting the Robert Johnson Foundation — is a spring festival held annually at Chataugua Park in Crystal Springs, MS. This year’s show will run from 2 – 7 PM and is free and open to the public. The festival will feature several nationally recognized artists including Stevie J Blues Eruption, Mo Thomas, the Straitway Ministries Choir and other special guests. Also featured will be a special legacy tribute to Robert Johnson featuring his grandson Seven, along with the 2008 New Generation winner, Gabriel Lambrith. Knight’s winning entry can be viewed here. For more information about the Robert Johnson Blues Foundation, the Spring Festival, Generation Award visit www.robertjohnsonbluesfoundation.org.