Lukas Nelson. Photo: Shervin Lainez
Three generations of stylists compete in this country edition of DISClaimer.
Sweet nostalgia washed over me at hearing great new sounds from heritage artists Bill Anderson, Ray Benson and Dwight Yoakam. Modern veterans Miranda Lambert and Luke Bryan are still swinging for the fences.
And then there are the youngsters—Julie Williams, Justin Moore, Carl Ray, Post Malone and their contemporaries. They have new sounds you need to hear, too. Riding atop this group are Lukas Nelson, Sierra Ferrell and The Travelin’ McCourys, whose outstanding collaboration brings us our Disc of the Day.
LUKE BRYAN / “Country Song Came On”
Writers: Ryan Beaver/Dan Alley/Neil Medley; Producer: Jeff Stevens, Jody Stevens; Label: Capitol
– The single remains “Love You, Miss You, Mean It,” but Bryan has been issuing further preview tracks from his upcoming (Sept. 27) album. This one is about how hearing country music makes him want to drink. Really? I guess if you say so.
BRELAND / “Icing”
Writers: Breland/Jared Griffin/Rufio Hooks/Autumn Buysse; Producers: Sam Sumser, Sean Small & Noby Sidez; Label: Atlantic
– Wildly entertaining. The rapid-fire lyric, interjected screams, finger snaps, relentless tempo and non-stop energy are the recipe for a frothing audio stew.
CARL RAY / “Caney Fork”
Writers: Carl Ray Williams/Wood Newton/Daniel Johnson; Producer: Mike Loudermilk; Label: Sucarnochee
– Innocent, sunny, jaunty, acoustic, charming and country, country, country. Young love sounds so sweet in this outdoorsy tune. Carl Ray is a Black bluegrass artist who stages a mighty bid for mainstream country exposure here.
MIRANDA LAMBERT / “Dammit Randy”
Writers: Miranda Lambert/Brendan McLoughlin/Jon Randall; Producer: Miranda Lambert & Jon Randall; Label: Republic
– Postcards From Texas drops tomorrow as Miranda’s new collection, her first for Republic. This ultra-confident, twanging, feisty performance from it celebrates female independence with verve. Platinum personality on parade.
LUKAS NELSON feat. THE TRAVELIN’ McCOURYS & SIERRA FERRELL / “Someone Like You”
Writers: Dan Wilson/Adele Adkins; Producer: none listed; Label: LN
– Yes, it’s the 2011 Adele pop hit delivered by super country stylists Nelson and Ferrell, backed by the bluegrass picking of the McCourys. First of all, it is utterly enchanting. Second of all, I would love to hear these two singers together more often. Third of all, drop what you are doing and glue your ears to this when it drops tomorrow. A single that’s truly an event.
JUSTIN MOORE / “Love Your Hometown”
Writers: Justin Moore/Will Bundy/Randy Montana/Jeremy Stover; Producers: Jeremy Stover, Scott Borchetta & Paul DiGiovanni; Label: Valory
– It’s a love letter to an overseas soldier, reminding her that her hometown still thinks the world of her and that he’s patiently waiting. With its range and emotion, this is arguably Moore’s finest vocal to date.
JETT HOLDEN / “Scarecrow”
Writer: Jett Holden; Producer: Will Hoge; Label: Black Opry
– He sings with fierce commitment. The song uses the characters of the Scarecrow, the Tin Man and the Cowardly Lion to communicate his emotional turmoil in coming out as gay to his Jehovah’s Witness family. As I have mentioned before, his songwriting needs a professional collaborator/editor to make it less wordy and more commercial.
DWIGHT YOAKAM & POST MALONE / “I Don’t Know How to Say Goodbye”
Writer: Dwight Yoakam; Producer: Dwight Yoakam; Label: Via Records/Thirty Tigers
– Yoakam is breaking his silence of nine years to issue a new album in November. Its advance single is a twang-fest two stepper embellished with stuttering steel and bounced fiddle bows. Post Malone keeps up with the neo-traditionalist in the hilibilly vocal department. A joyous collaboration. Country excellence on the hoof.
DENITIA / “Sunset Drive”
Writers: Denitia/Brad Allen Williams; Producer: Denitia & Brad Allen Williams; Label: Denitia
– Denitia has had a fine year, staging her debut at the Opry, being in CMT’s Next Women of Country class, touring with the Black Opry Revue, headlining at Nashville Pride and issuing her debut album last week. Its title tune perfectly weds her lilting soprano to a gently breezy rhythmic track and a sweet/sad relationship lyric. Very pretty listening.
BILL ANDERSON / “The Last One I’ll Forget”
Writers: Bill Anderson/Steve Dorff; Producer: Steve Dorff; Label: MCA Nashville/UMe
– The timeless Opry veteran emotes beautifully on this softly contemplative ballad of enduring love in old age. I promise that this will tug at your heartstrings. He’s still got the goods.
JULIE WILLIAMS / “Just Friends?”
Writers: Julie Williams/Melody Walker; Producer: Jonathan Smalt; Label: JW
– I have long been a fan of this country stylist. Her songwriting has always had a poignant vibe, and her soprano singing is exemplary. This eloquently produced, twinkling, alt-folk tune is accompanied by an overtly queer-female video treatment.
RAY BENSON / “Get Your Kicks on Route 66”
Writer: Bobby Troup; Producer: Doctor Dread & Tony Garnier; Label: RB
– I know this sounds impossible, but this is an audio fusion of western swing and reggae. Believe it or not, it works. Benson’s jazzbo phrasing and the swinging sounds of Asleep at the Wheel members bump up against a funky Caribbean rhythm track. The album, Swingin’ and Swankin,’ features guest appearances by everyone from Willie Nelson and Lucky Oceans to Warren Haynes and Stanley Jordan.
Clint Black, Scotty McCreery, More Perform At CMHOFM ‘All For The Hall Dallas’ Benefit
/by Lorie HollabaughPictured (L-R): Scotty McCreery, Clint Black, Carly Pearce and Robert Earl Keen at “All for the Hall Dallas.” Photo: Celeste Smith for the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum.
Clint Black, Robert Earl Keen, Scotty McCreery and Carly Pearce took the stage at the second ever “All for the Hall Dallas” event on Tuesday night, (Sept. 10) at Gilley’s Dallas.
The intimate guitar pull and auction raised more than $375,000 for the nonprofit museum’s educational programs, including its flagship Words & Music program, which is provided within the Dallas Independent School District and beyond and promotes language arts by pairing professional songwriters with school classrooms to create original songs.
Black set the tone for the main event of “All for the Hall Dallas” as he chatted amiably with the crowd at Gilley’s Dallas before performing his first song, his 1997 hit “Something That We Do.” He made it clear that this concert would be an informal and intimate experience — just the performers, their guitars and their observations on music and life. The four artists traded songs they had written, and also plenty of humor throughout the 75-minute show.
For the audience at “All for the Hall Dallas,” those special moments also included Black encouraging the crowd to guess the rhymes in his 2015 song “Better and Worse;” Pearce refusing to play her final song until Black, who used his last song to cover Country Music Hall of Fame member Don Williams, sang his own classic, “Killin’ Time;” and Keen, despite the holidays still being more than two months away, jovially performing “Merry Christmas from the Family.”
The two-day musical event kicked off on Sept. 9, with a performance by Midland at a Patron Party at the home of Anne and Steve Stodghill, honorary co-chairs of the event.
Dasha Drops ‘What Happens Now? Deluxe’
/by Lorie HollabaughDasha. Photo: Acacia Evan
Dasha has expanded her What Happens Now? album with five new tracks on a new deluxe edition, out now via Warner Records.
Her latest single “Bye Bye Bye” finds her wrestling with the ups and downs of a toxic relationship.“Leaving Don’t Mean Goodbye” aims to highlight her delivery with a delicately-plucked banjo. On “Way Too Drunk,” she attempts to piece together a hazy night with a smile, and plunges listeners headfirst into some man drama with “Ain’t No Friend of Mine.”
“I’ve never really felt at home in any other space until the country genre. Releasing the deluxe version of What Happens Now? Feels like the end of an era,” says Dasha. “I’m really proud of this project and the chapter we created together, and it has set me up for even better and brighter things in the future. The world of country generously opened their arms so big for me and my debut. Artists like Lainey Wilson, Jelly Roll, Kelsea Ballerini and Keith Urban have really encouraged me to go bigger and bolder while doing what I love as a human and an artist. For that, I’ll be forever thankful.”
Her smash hit “Austin (Boots Stop Workin’)” just picked up a Platinum certification in the U.S. and seven countries around the globe.
Dasha is also set to take the stage at the Canadian Country Music Awards tomorrow (Sept. 14) and make her Grand Ole Opry return next Wednesday (Sept 18) in addition to continuing her “Dashville, USA” tour later this fall.
Music City Walk Of Fame Announces 2024 Inductees
/by John Nix ArledgePictured (L-R, top row): Jimmy Buffett, Bill Cody and Colin Reed; (bottom row): The Fairfield Four
The Nashville Convention & Visitors Corp have announced the Music City Walk of Fame will induct Jimmy Buffett, gospel quartet The Fairfield Four, Ryman Hospitality Properties’ Colin Reed and Grand Ole Opry announcer Bill Cody this fall.
Members of the public are invited to view the ceremony on Oct. 30 at Music City Walk of Fame Park. Reed and Cody will be recognized in tribute to the Grand Ole Opry’s upcoming 100th anniversary. Buffett, who passed away last year after a four-year battle with cancer, will be inducted posthumously.
“From Jimmy Buffett’s island-infused melodies to the soulful acapella harmonies of The Fairfield Four, this is an exceptional group,” says Ken Levitan, Chairman of the NCVC Board of Directors and Founder of Vector Management. “We are especially proud to induct two Grand Ole Opry icons. Colin Reed’s contributions to the growth and success of the hospitality industry, including his leadership in reopening the Opry after the 2010 flood, are unparalleled. Bill Cody has been instrumental in preserving and promoting Nashville’s music legacy as a revered Opry host, country music historian and long-time emcee of the Music City Walk of Fame ceremonies.”
The inductees, honored for their work preserving Nashville’s musical heritage, mark the 105th, 106th, 107th and 108th stars on the Music City Walk of Fame. Music City Walk of Fame member and former Buffett band member, Mac McAnally, will induct Buffett and BMI Nashville’s Shannon Sanders will induct The Fairfield Four. Additional presenters and an additional inductee will be announced at a later date.
Buffett, with hits such as “Come Monday” and “Margaritaville,” moved to Nashville after college to further his career in country music and release his first album, Down to Earth, in 1970. The Fairfield Four, composed of members Joseph Thompson, Levert Allison, Larrice Byrd and Bobbye Sherrell, have earned three Grammy Awards, two Lifetime Achievement Awards and a spot in the Gospel Music Hall of Fame.
Reed currently serves as Executive Chairman of the Board at Ryman Hospitality Properties after serving as CEO since 2001 and Board of Directors Chairman since 2005. Cody is well-known as the voice of the Grand Ole Opry and the host of the Music City Walk of Fame induction ceremonies.
The Music City Walk of Fame, established in 2006, is located on Nashville’s Music Mile and features star-shaped medallions honoring inductees. The project is run by Music City Inc., with support from founding partner Gibson along with BNA, the City of Nashville and Metro Parks. Public nominations are accepted in categories such as Artist, Musician, Songwriter and Producer/Executive, and are reviewed by a selection committee.
Jelly Roll To Kick Off ‘Amazon Music Live’ Season Three
/by Lorie HollabaughJelly Roll will kick off season three of the “Amazon Music Live” series on Oct. 17.
Sponsored by the all-new 2025 Nissan Kicks, the concert series will air each week after Thursday Night Football and conclude with a season finale after Black Friday Football. The series will stream live from L.A. and air exclusively on Prime Video and the Amazon Music channel on Twitch at 9 p.m. PT on Thursdays. Additional performances will be announced in the weeks to come.
“I am kicking off the third season of ‘Amazon Music Live’ after Thursday Night Football on Oct. 17,” says Jelly Roll. “Can’t wait to take the stage and perform songs from the new album, Beautifully Broken, and some surprises as well. Thank you everyone, for this massive opportunity. Let’s go!”
“When we first conceived ‘Amazon Music Live’ three years ago, we wanted to make Thursday night an event. For music fans, Thursday nights are the first moment to hear new music from their favorite artists, and for football fans, it’s the kickoff to another week of drama and suspense. Three years on and millions of viewers later, fans know that ‘AML’ is a can’t-miss event after the biggest game of the week,” says Kirdis Postelle, Global Head of Content for Amazon Music. “We know Jelly Roll is going to bring the house down with his season premiere, and that’s just the beginning. We can’t wait to show you what we have in store for the rest of the season.”
Little Big Town To Deck The Halls With New Christmas Album
/by Lorie HollabaughLittle Big Town is offering up some extra holiday joy this year with the release of their first-ever Christmas album The Christmas Record, due out Oct. 4 via Capitol Records Nashville.
A taste of the new album, “Christmas Night With You,” is available now on all DSPs.
From the warm, inviting opening track “Glow” to the irresistible groove of closer “Holiday,” the 11-track album is packed with country classics and festive originals to keep the celebration going through the New Year and beyond. Favorites like “Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas,” “Tennessee Christmas” and “If We Make It Through December” get the LBT treatment on the new project, which was produced by Dave Cobb.
Band members Karen Fairchild, Kimberly Schlapman, Phillip Sweet and Jimi Westbrook will also be ringing in the holidays with NBC on their one-of-a-kind special, Little Big Town’s Christmas at The Opry. The two-hour holiday special will feature performances from the beloved group along with some special guests.
This fall, they will hit the road for the “Take Me Home Tour,” which kicks off Oct. 24 in Greenville, South Carolina and makes stops at arenas nationwide with special guest Sugarland.
The Christmas Record Track List:
1. “Glow”
2. “Santa Claus Is Back In Town”
3. “If We Make It Through December”
4. “Someday At Christmas”
5. “Christmas Night With You”
6. “Believe In Christmas”
7. “Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas”
8. “Tennessee Christmas”
9. “Christmas Time Is Here”
10. “Evergreen”
11. “Holiday”
Jamie Younger Joins The Core Records
/by Liza AndersonJamie Younger
Jamie Younger has joined The Core Records as Vice President of Artist Development.
Effective immediately, Younger’s appointment to the new role follows her 12-year stint at Warner Music Nashville, where she helped to develop the careers of Zac Brown Band, Bailey Zimmerman, Ashley McBryde, Gabby Barrett and The Castellows. She also led campaigns for Zimmerman’s record-setting debut album Religiously and Barrett’s Platinum-selling project Goldmine, among others.
Additionally, the former GrammyNext member has also served on the MusiCares Fundraising Committee for the Recording Academy’s Nashville Chapter and worked as a mentor for GrammyU.
“Younger’s ability to navigate the evolving music landscape has consistently resulted in history-making projects. We are excited to have such a visionary joining our team,” says Chief Zaruk and Simon Tikhman, Co-Founders & CEOs, The Core Entertainment. “Her expertise will be invaluable as we continue to develop and break new artists on a global scale.”
“I’ve had a front-row seat working alongside Chief and Simon as they’ve continued to grow and build an amazing roster of talent at The Core Entertainment,” shares Younger. “The opportunity to be a part of the launch of The Core Records was simply something I couldn’t turn down. From the company’s culture to the depth of the roster, it’s a testament to the team’s ability to nurture multi-genre talent, and I can’t wait to be a part of the team developing the next wave of superstars at The Core Records.”
Post Malone & Blake Shelton Stay At No. 1 On MusicRow Radio Chart
/by John Nix ArledgePost Malone keeps the No. 1 spot on the MusicRow CountryBreakout Radio Chart this week with “Pour Me A Drink” featuring Blake Shelton.
The track comes off of his recently-released album, F-1 Trillion, and was written by Post, John Byron, Louis Bell, Rocky Block, Charlie Handsome and Jordan Dozzi.
Post is currently on the road headlining his “F-1 Trillion Tour” with support from Muscadine Bloodline. The tour will come to a close near the end of October with big stops in Boston’s Fenway Park and Nashville’s Nissan Stadium, among others.
“Pour Me A Drink” currently sits at No. 7 on the Billboard Country Airplay chart and No. 6 on the Mediabase chart.
Click here to view the latest edition of the MusicRow Weekly containing the MusicRow CountryBreakout Radio Chart.
Industry Ink: Lainey Wilson, The Band Loula, The MLC, More
/by John Nix ArledgeLainey Wilson Performs On The Tonight Show
Pictured: Lainey Wilson; Photo: Eric Ryan Anderson
Lainey Wilson made an appearance on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon on Tuesday (Sept. 10) to discuss the past year and perform her current single “4x4xU.” The seven-time CMA Award-winner is nominated for four more awards at the 58th annual CMA Awards this fall, including Entertainer of the Year, Female Vocalist of the Year, Single of the Year and Music Video of the Year.
The Band Loula Wraps Up Final ‘WMN: On Deck’
Pictured (L-R): Justin Luffman, Stephanie Davenport, Logan Simmons, Malachi Mills, Cris Lacy and Christina Dunkley. Photo: Andrea Schollnick
Warner Music Nashville wrapped up their final “WMN: On Deck” event of the summer on their patio Tuesday evening (Sept. 10). The event featured a performance from a new addition to their roster, The Band Loula, as well as representatives from the Ryan Seacrest Foundation, a nonprofit organization that works to inspire pediatric patients through entertainment and education initiatives.
Sponsors for the night included NoBaked Cookie Dough, Jack Daniel’s, Freshie and -196.
The Korea Copyright Commission Visits The MLC HQ
Pictured (L-R): Kris Ahrend, Ellen Truley, KIM Hye-Chang, Rick Marshall and Kim Hui
The Korea Copyright Commission recently visited The MLC’s headquarters in Nashville to discuss and learn more about their role in distributing U.S. mechanical royalties and further operations. The visit gave both parties an opportunity to share insights and practices regarding global royalty distribution.
The Korea Copyright Commission was established under the Korean Copyright Act and is essential in shaping copyright regulations and a variety of copyright-related matters.
Chancey Williams Inducted Into The Cheyenne Frontier Days Hall Of Fame
Chancey Williams. Photo Courtesy of HomeSlice Artist Management.
Chancey Williams was inducted into the Cheyenne Frontier Days Hall of Fame on Friday night (Sept. 6) along with fellow inductees Darrell Dienfenbach, Rick Eccli, Orval Epler, Rocky Garnett, Mary Hartman, Tad Herz, Dick Truitt and The Tuck Family. One of only two artists to both compete in the rodeo and perform on the main stage at Cheyenne Frontier Days, Williams now has an exhibit in the Cheyenne Frontier Days Old West Museum.
The Reeves Brothers Debut New Track At The Grand Ole Opry
Pictured: Craig Morgan & The Reeves Brothers; Photo: Samuel Harris
Tuesday night (Sept. 10), The Reeves Brothers debuted their new song, “She Don’t Want a Cowboy,” during a performance with Opry member Craig Morgan at the Grand Ole Opry. The track, which features Morgan, is set to release on Sept. 27.
“Coming from a family of sharecroppers in Delight, Arkansas whose weekly entertainment was sitting by candlelight in front of a battery-powered radio listening to the Grand Ole Opry on WSM, getting to step into the circle at The Opry House holds a big sentiment to us and our family. It is the highest honor we could ever receive in country music,” said The Reeves Brothers, adding, “Craig Morgan was one of the first people in this town to reach out and take a chance on us, so getting to share that stage with him makes it that much more special.”
DISClaimer Single Reviews: Country Stylists Give ‘Utterly Enchanting’ Version Of Adele Hit
/by Robert K OermannLukas Nelson. Photo: Shervin Lainez
Three generations of stylists compete in this country edition of DISClaimer.
Sweet nostalgia washed over me at hearing great new sounds from heritage artists Bill Anderson, Ray Benson and Dwight Yoakam. Modern veterans Miranda Lambert and Luke Bryan are still swinging for the fences.
And then there are the youngsters—Julie Williams, Justin Moore, Carl Ray, Post Malone and their contemporaries. They have new sounds you need to hear, too. Riding atop this group are Lukas Nelson, Sierra Ferrell and The Travelin’ McCourys, whose outstanding collaboration brings us our Disc of the Day.
LUKE BRYAN / “Country Song Came On”
Writers: Ryan Beaver/Dan Alley/Neil Medley; Producer: Jeff Stevens, Jody Stevens; Label: Capitol
– The single remains “Love You, Miss You, Mean It,” but Bryan has been issuing further preview tracks from his upcoming (Sept. 27) album. This one is about how hearing country music makes him want to drink. Really? I guess if you say so.
BRELAND / “Icing”
Writers: Breland/Jared Griffin/Rufio Hooks/Autumn Buysse; Producers: Sam Sumser, Sean Small & Noby Sidez; Label: Atlantic
– Wildly entertaining. The rapid-fire lyric, interjected screams, finger snaps, relentless tempo and non-stop energy are the recipe for a frothing audio stew.
CARL RAY / “Caney Fork”
Writers: Carl Ray Williams/Wood Newton/Daniel Johnson; Producer: Mike Loudermilk; Label: Sucarnochee
– Innocent, sunny, jaunty, acoustic, charming and country, country, country. Young love sounds so sweet in this outdoorsy tune. Carl Ray is a Black bluegrass artist who stages a mighty bid for mainstream country exposure here.
MIRANDA LAMBERT / “Dammit Randy”
Writers: Miranda Lambert/Brendan McLoughlin/Jon Randall; Producer: Miranda Lambert & Jon Randall; Label: Republic
– Postcards From Texas drops tomorrow as Miranda’s new collection, her first for Republic. This ultra-confident, twanging, feisty performance from it celebrates female independence with verve. Platinum personality on parade.
LUKAS NELSON feat. THE TRAVELIN’ McCOURYS & SIERRA FERRELL / “Someone Like You”
Writers: Dan Wilson/Adele Adkins; Producer: none listed; Label: LN
– Yes, it’s the 2011 Adele pop hit delivered by super country stylists Nelson and Ferrell, backed by the bluegrass picking of the McCourys. First of all, it is utterly enchanting. Second of all, I would love to hear these two singers together more often. Third of all, drop what you are doing and glue your ears to this when it drops tomorrow. A single that’s truly an event.
JUSTIN MOORE / “Love Your Hometown”
Writers: Justin Moore/Will Bundy/Randy Montana/Jeremy Stover; Producers: Jeremy Stover, Scott Borchetta & Paul DiGiovanni; Label: Valory
– It’s a love letter to an overseas soldier, reminding her that her hometown still thinks the world of her and that he’s patiently waiting. With its range and emotion, this is arguably Moore’s finest vocal to date.
JETT HOLDEN / “Scarecrow”
Writer: Jett Holden; Producer: Will Hoge; Label: Black Opry
– He sings with fierce commitment. The song uses the characters of the Scarecrow, the Tin Man and the Cowardly Lion to communicate his emotional turmoil in coming out as gay to his Jehovah’s Witness family. As I have mentioned before, his songwriting needs a professional collaborator/editor to make it less wordy and more commercial.
DWIGHT YOAKAM & POST MALONE / “I Don’t Know How to Say Goodbye”
Writer: Dwight Yoakam; Producer: Dwight Yoakam; Label: Via Records/Thirty Tigers
– Yoakam is breaking his silence of nine years to issue a new album in November. Its advance single is a twang-fest two stepper embellished with stuttering steel and bounced fiddle bows. Post Malone keeps up with the neo-traditionalist in the hilibilly vocal department. A joyous collaboration. Country excellence on the hoof.
DENITIA / “Sunset Drive”
Writers: Denitia/Brad Allen Williams; Producer: Denitia & Brad Allen Williams; Label: Denitia
– Denitia has had a fine year, staging her debut at the Opry, being in CMT’s Next Women of Country class, touring with the Black Opry Revue, headlining at Nashville Pride and issuing her debut album last week. Its title tune perfectly weds her lilting soprano to a gently breezy rhythmic track and a sweet/sad relationship lyric. Very pretty listening.
BILL ANDERSON / “The Last One I’ll Forget”
Writers: Bill Anderson/Steve Dorff; Producer: Steve Dorff; Label: MCA Nashville/UMe
– The timeless Opry veteran emotes beautifully on this softly contemplative ballad of enduring love in old age. I promise that this will tug at your heartstrings. He’s still got the goods.
JULIE WILLIAMS / “Just Friends?”
Writers: Julie Williams/Melody Walker; Producer: Jonathan Smalt; Label: JW
– I have long been a fan of this country stylist. Her songwriting has always had a poignant vibe, and her soprano singing is exemplary. This eloquently produced, twinkling, alt-folk tune is accompanied by an overtly queer-female video treatment.
RAY BENSON / “Get Your Kicks on Route 66”
Writer: Bobby Troup; Producer: Doctor Dread & Tony Garnier; Label: RB
– I know this sounds impossible, but this is an audio fusion of western swing and reggae. Believe it or not, it works. Benson’s jazzbo phrasing and the swinging sounds of Asleep at the Wheel members bump up against a funky Caribbean rhythm track. The album, Swingin’ and Swankin,’ features guest appearances by everyone from Willie Nelson and Lucky Oceans to Warren Haynes and Stanley Jordan.
Jon Decious Signs With Reservoir & One Riot
/by Lorie HollabaughPictured (L–R): Reservoir’s John Ozier, One Riot’s Halle Bartlett, Reservoir’s Beth St. Jean, One Riot’s Holly Loman, Jon Decious, Reservoir’s Greg Gallo, One Riot’s Amy Patton and Reservoir’s Sarah McDaniels
Jon Decious has signed a joint publishing deal with Reservoir Media, Inc. and One Riot.
Based in Nashville, Decious has three credits on Lainey Wilson’s new album Whirlwind, including “4x4xU,” “Counting Chickens” and “Ring Finger.” He also co-wrote “Armadillo” from Miranda Lambert’s forthcoming album Postcards from Texas, and worked with Tyler Halverson on his upcoming project Western Amerijuana Pt 2. Additionally, Decious has collaborated with Ashley McBryde, The Oak Ridge Boys, Kylie Morgan, Anderson East, Paul Cauthen and Lola Kirke, among others.
“Jon is a great addition to the Reservoir and One Riot family,” says John Ozier, Reservoir Executive Vice President of Creative. “We are happy to join One Riot in supporting Jon at this pivotal moment in his career as his star continues to rise.”
Amy Patton, One Riot President, adds, “Jon is a rare songwriting talent who can weave unique stories that hook your attention and melodies that get stuck in your head for days. It is a true privilege to get to work with Jon at this exciting time in his life and career and to call him a friend.”
“I just feel like the luckiest guy there is! I’m incredibly grateful and forever indebted to my amazing co-writers and artists and for the support of the amazing team that surrounds me, from One Riot to Reservoir to RedLight Management,” shares Decious. “If I had a better word than ‘blessed’ for the way I feel about it, I’d use that, but I don’t. ‘Blessed’ sums it up perfectly.”