Tenille Townes. Photo: Madison Rensing
For Tenille Townes, stepping into independence didn’t begin with clarity, it began with uncertainty. But on the other side of that uncertainty, she’s found something far more meaningful: creative freedom.
With the release of her new album the acrobat, Townes enters a defining new chapter, one marked by vulnerability, self-trust and a return to her artistic core.
“I feel like I’ve reached the liberating side of freedom now,” Townes tells MusicRow. “It’s been a winding journey to get to this feeling.”
After years within the traditional label system, Townes admits the initial transition to independence was disorienting. Writing and recording the acrobat became a form of healing, one that allowed her to quiet outside expectations and rediscover her own voice. “This record was very much a return to my creative autonomy,” she explains.
That return has been met with overwhelming support. A vinyl-first launch aimed at dedicated listeners quickly exceeded expectations, selling out its initial goal within an hour.
The album’s title serves as both metaphor and mission statement. For Townes, the acrobat represents the courage required to step into the unknown, especially when it means breaking long-held patterns.
“It’s about returning to that courage inside yourself and taking that leap again,” she says. “And also putting aside people-pleasing tendencies.” 
The concept was born from a song she co-wrote with Lori McKenna, one of Townes’ longtime songwriting heroes. Writing from the perspective of a character allowed her enough distance to tell deeper emotional truths, truths that ultimately became the backbone of the entire project.
Townes’ connection with McKenna traces back more than a decade, to her first trip to Nashville. Townes saw McKenna play a round at the Bluebird Cafe, and it left a lasting impression. Years later, that admiration evolved into friendship, mentorship, and eventually collaboration. McKenna not only co-wrote the title track but also lends her voice to it, an addition Townes describes as deeply meaningful.
Townes self-produced the entire album from her home studio, playing instruments and handling the mix herself. The result is intentionally raw and unpolished. Recorded largely on a single microphone, the project leans into its imperfections, creating a live, intimate listening experience.
“All these lead vocals are untuned,” she says. “I just sang it until the emotion felt right.”
The album wasn’t initially intended to be self-produced. What began as simple demo recordings evolved organically into the final product. “I didn’t set out to produce this whole record,” she admits. “But I’m really proud of how it ended up.”
The emotional center of the acrobat lies in its honesty. The song “enabling,” which Townes describes as the starting point for the record, emerged from a deeply personal moment.
“It was really hard to say those things out loud,” she says, recalling a relationship dynamic she recognized in real time. Writing the song allowed her to pause, reflect, and begin untangling those patterns.
From that starting place of turmoil, the album gradually moves toward healing and release. Themes of vulnerability, surrender, and the fleeting nature of time weave throughout the project, from reflections on changing relationships to a poignant song inspired by her great-grandmother’s experience with Alzheimer’s (“she plays the piano”).
Beyond McKenna, Townes also enlisted the folk trio I’m With Her for a collaboration on “grey like Emmylou,” a song inspired in part by Emmylou Harris. The track explores a theme not often addressed in songwriting, the ending of friendships and the evolution of relationships over time.
As the album neared completion, Townes felt something was missing. That missing piece arrived in the form of “we could use a little more,” written in response to the heaviness and division she was seeing in the world.
“I really believe that the love that we’re made of is so much bigger than all of that,” she says. The song became the final addition, and the emotional anchor the project needed.
At its core, the acrobat is about returning to instinct, to truth, and to self. For Townes, making the record was transformative.
“It felt like it helped me find my way back home to myself,” she says. “An I want the record to to help somebody feel a little less alone, that’s always my biggest mission with music.”
And for artists considering their own leap into independence, Townes shared: “Trust yourself. It’s so easy to get caught up in the opinions of others, but all of that has to be secondary to what feels true to your compass.”
Industry Ink: Jamey & Brittney Johnson, Brandi Carlile, Craig Campbell, Shawn Austin, More
/by Lauryn SinkJamey & Brittney Johnson’s Give It Away Fund Awards 11 Grants
Jamey and Brittney Johnson. Photo: Joseph Cash
Jamey and Brittney Johnson’s Give It Away Fund has made eleven grants so far this year to organizations including Hancock School District in Mississippi, First Friday Kids Support Group, The Charley Foundation, Lizana Youth Association, Wichita’s Littlest Heroes, Mane Mission, Nashville Pittie, Animal Rescue Corp, The Stepping Stone Shelter, Heart of the Motor documentary through Donate Life Kentucky Trust and the Nikki Mitchell Foundation.
Jamey Johnson donates a dollar for every ticket sold at participating shows to his fund. In addition, he donates all proceeds from the sale of a special T-shirt to his fund.
Brandi Carlile Returns To ‘The Late Show With Stephen Colbert’
Photo: Scott Kowalchyk
Brandi Carlile returned to The Late Show with Stephen Colbert earlier this week, where she performed “Church & State” solo on piano and spoke with the host. Carlile also performed a special web exclusive version of Alphaville’s “Forever Young.”
Carlile will continue her extensive “The Human Tour” through the fall, including stops at Nashville’s Bridgestone Arena, Colorado’s Red Rocks Amphitheatre, Fort Worth’s Dickies Arena, Austin’s Moody Center and Santa Barbara’s Santa Barbara Bowl among many others.
Date Set For 12th Annual Craig Campbell Celebrity Cornhole Challenge & Concert
Photo: Courtesy of Craig Campbell’s Celebrity Cornhole Challenge
The 12th annual Craig Campbell Celebrity Cornhole Challenge and Concert will take place Tuesday, June 2 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at 6th & Peabody in downtown Nashville.
VIP tickets are available here.
Shawn Austin Signs With 604 Records
Shawn Austin has signed with 604 Records. In celebration of the announcement, Austin has released his new single, “Ain’t Goin’ Nowhere.”
“I couldn’t be more excited to join the 604 Records family,” shares Austin. “’Ain’t Goin’ Nowhere’ is a song that really represents where I’m at right now – personally and creatively. It’s about staying grounded, trusting the journey, and knowing exactly who you are. This is just the beginning, and I can’t wait for everyone to hear what’s coming next.”
“Shawn is an exceptional talent that brings a deep understanding of the dedication required to succeed in this industry,” says Emilie Pallick. “I’ve admired his work for years, and I’m genuinely excited about what we can achieve together.”
“I was thrilled when I discovered that Shawn was interested in working with us,” adds Jonathan Simkin. “I was very familiar with his music and have been a fan for years. The whole team is super excited to be part of the next phase of Shawn’s career.”
Alex Miller Visits WSM Radio
Pictured (L-R): Host Charlie Mattos, Andrew Lambie (Kentucky Kowboys guitarist), Austin Clark (Kentucky Kowboys drummer), Alex Miller, host Amber Anderson and host Kelly Sutton.
Alex Miller recently visited WSM Radio/Circle Country TV ‘s “Coffee, Country & Cody” show hosted Billy Jam.
Miller and two members of his Kentucky Kowboys performed “Secondhand Smoke” from his album MORE COUNTRY THAN YOU which is out today (April 10).
Backlot Productions Makes Nashville Debut With Screening of ‘Gateway’
Pictured (L-R, back row): Leslie Fram, FEMco; Chris Barkley, Nashville Film Festival; Joseph Habedank, artist. (L-R, front row): Mary-Linden Salter, TAADAS; Beth Barcus, Porter’s Call; Dana Richie, Backlot Productions.
Backlot Productions recently celebrated the award-winning documentary Gateway, written, produced and directed by Backlot founder Dana Richie. Sponsored by the Nashville Film Festival, the film features three families impacted by opioid addiction and their journeys of heartbreak and hope.
Following the screening, FEMco’s Leslie Fram moderated a panel discussion featuring Mary-Linden Salter of TN Association of Alcohol, Drug & other Addiction Services, Beth Barcus of Porter’s Call, Richie, and GRAMMY-nominated Christian artist Joseph Habedank, who shared his personal struggle with opioid addiction.
Vince Gill Unveils Sixth EP In 50 Years From Home Series
/by Lauryn SinkVince Gill has released the sixth EP in his 50 Years From Home series. End Of The Night is out today (April 10) via MCA.
The seven track project features writing credits from Jordan Fletcher, Liz Rose, Barry Dean, HARDY and more. The project was produced by Gill at his home studio near Nashville, with engineers Justin Niebank and Matt Rausch and a core group of musicians that includes Franklin, guitarists Jedd Hughes and Tom Bukovac, bassist Jimmie Lee Sloas, keyboardists Gordon Mote and John Jarvis, and drummer Fred Eltringham.
Penned with Jason Nix and Driver Williams, “What I Love About Love” features a duet with Gill’s longtime friends, Lady A.
“I remember when we first started working on it, I said, ‘This reminds me of a Lady A song,’ and they were kind enough to come in and make it pretty cool. We had a ball,” Gill shares
“We are lifelong fans of Vince Gill,” adds Lady A’s Hillary Scott. “I’ll never forget hearing this song for the first time on Vince’s iPhone speaker backstage in Nashville last fall when he shared it with us. Being asked to be a part of this project is truly humbling and an unforgettable experience.”
End Of The Night Track List:
1. “New Kind of Lonely” (Vince Gill & Barry Dean)
2. “End Of The Night” (Vince Gill, Jordan Fletcher, Jeremy Spillman)
3. “She’s An Angel” (Vince Gill and Michael Hardy)
4. “What I Love About Love (feat. Lady A)” (Vince Gill, Jason Nix, Driver Williams)
5. “Where Will My Heart Go Now” (Vince Gill and Liz Rose)
6. “How in the World Did I Ever Lose You” (Vince Gill and Jack Schneider)
7. “Don’t Let Our Love Start Slippin’ Away”
Ben Foster Inks With Black River Publishing
/by Madison HahnenPhoto: Courtesy of Black River Entertainment
Cross-genre songwriter and producer Ben Foster has signed with Black River Publishing.
“Ben has been a favorite collaborator with our roster for a long time,” says VP of Publishing Rebekah Gordon, “It was a no-brainer to partner together for this next chapter. He is as versatile and creative as they come, his songs are meaningful and captivating, and his production style brings out the best in any artist he works with.”
Originally from Iowa, Foster has spent time in Music City securing cuts with Adam Doleac, Travis Denning, Clayton Mullen, Jervis Campbell, Avery Roberson, Kylie Morgan, Brandon Ratcliff, Averie Bielski and more. Foster was previously signed to Sony Music Publishing in 2021.
“I’m excited to step into this partnership that’s made me feel at home from day one” adds Foster. “There’s something special about being part of a team that trusts you, and I can’t wait to see what songs come from it.”
Alex Hall Slates New EP ‘Turn This Love Around’ For May
/by Lorie HollabaughSinger-songwriter Alex Hall has released a new single “Heart Like Yours,” from his upcoming new EP Turn This Love Around, due out May 1.
Co-produced by Hall alongside Andy Skib, “Heart Like Yours” is a tender ode to his marriage and his wife’s unwavering support during the rocky times.
‘Heart Like Yours’ is about being in awe of someone who feels almost too good to be true, yet somehow they choose to love you through all your brokenness and scars,” says Hall. “Love isn’t always easy, and finding someone who stays through both the best and the worst… that’s rare. I’ve experienced it in my own life, so I know just how much it means to find a heart like that.”
“Heart Like Yours” follows previously released tracks “Let Me Go” and “We Should Probably Stop Here,” Hall’s slow-burning duet with Mae Estes. Turn This Love Around also features collaborations with Vince Gill and Tenille Townes, and came to fruition during a whirlwind of change for the singer-songwriter. Recorded as his label Monument Records was shuttered, he bucked the Nashville tradition of using session players in the studio and enlisted his own band for his most vulnerable work to date. Digging into his sobriety and his role as a family man, the songs are rooted in a more realistic depiction of love, that includes not only joy, but challenges and missteps, too.
Throughout his career so far Hall has netted over 47M global streams, and last fall, he released his holiday EP A Very Merry Christmas From Alex Hall, and shared his honky tonk-ready renditions of Bruce Springsteen’s “Dancing In the Dark” and Lee Ann Womack’s “Solitary Thinkin’.”
Turn This Love Around EP:
1. “Heart Like Yours” (Alex Hall & Justin Lantz)
2. “We Should Probably Stop Here” (feat. Mae Estes) (Alex Hall & Clara Parks)
3. “Found It In You” (Alex Hall & Luke Preston)
4. “Let Me Go” (Alex Hall, Joe Clemmons & Pete Good)
5. “Turn This Love Around” (feat. Vince Gill & Tenille Townes) (Alex Hall, Vince Gill & Tenille Townes)
Shane Profitt Shares His Story In New Documentary Short
/by Lorie HollabaughShane Profitt. Photo: Ethan Horner
Triple Tigers Records artist Shane Profitt is sharing his journey in a new documentary short, The Story of Shane Profitt, out now.
A native of Columbia, Tennessee, Profitt takes fans through a relaxed day in his life in the short film, waking early to tend to his animals, hitting the river for some afternoon fishing and at his home, all while talking about his childhood, meeting his fiancé Chloe, and his journey from learning guitar to the record deals that changed his life. Profitt gets personal and vulnerable, opening up about the heartbreakingly true story behind his song, “You Could Do Anything” that was inspired by his father’s infidelity.
Profitt’s latest single “Long Live Country” is currently climbing the charts and he’ll appear at CMA Fest in June where he’ll be perform on the Chevy Vibes Stage then join Luke Bryan on select dates on his upcoming “Word On The Street Tour.”
Jo Dee Messina Releases ‘Don’t Let Them Hide Your Beautiful’ From Upcoming New LP Due In June
/by Lorie HollabaughJo Dee Messina. Photo: Madison Sharp
Jo Dee Messina is releasing her first new album in over a decade, Bridges, on June 5.
The second single from the new album, “Don’t Let Them Hide Your Beautiful,” is out now and follows last month’s release of “Some Bridges.” Co-written with Blessing Offor and David Spencer, “Don’t Let Them Hide Your Beautiful,” reckons with the growing pains of pushing back against unrealistic expectations, delivering a clear-eyed takedown of the pressure to conform.
“I want to give people hope instead of tearing them down – I want to encourage them to shine,” Messina says. “I’ve walked that road and felt that burn. I know the heartache of trying to be who others expect you to be.”
Messina will head out on tour this month beginning April 24 with dates in Indiana, Virginia, Ohio, Idaho, Connecticut and many more before wrapping Nov. 6 at the Truth in Nashville.
Luke Combs Remains No. 1 On The MusicRow Radio Chart
/by John Nix ArledgePhoto: Robby Klein
Luke Combs remains at the top of the MusicRow CountryBreakout Radio Chart this week with his song, “Sleepless In A Hotel Room.”
The track, off of his recent, sixth studio album The Way I Am, was written by Combs, Randy Montana and Jonathan Singleton.
Yesterday, nominees were unveiled for the 61st annual ACM Awards. Combs notched nominations in three different categories, Entertainer of the Year, Male Artist of the Year and Artist-Songwriter of the Year.
“Sleepless In A Hotel Room” currently sits at No. 3 on the Billboard Country Airplay chart and No. 2 Mediabase chart.
Click here to view the latest edition of the MusicRow Weekly containing the MusicRow CountryBreakout Radio Chart.
Tenille Townes Finds Freedom On ‘The Acrobat’ [Interview]
/by Madison HahnenTenille Townes. Photo: Madison Rensing
For Tenille Townes, stepping into independence didn’t begin with clarity, it began with uncertainty. But on the other side of that uncertainty, she’s found something far more meaningful: creative freedom.
With the release of her new album the acrobat, Townes enters a defining new chapter, one marked by vulnerability, self-trust and a return to her artistic core.
“I feel like I’ve reached the liberating side of freedom now,” Townes tells MusicRow. “It’s been a winding journey to get to this feeling.”
After years within the traditional label system, Townes admits the initial transition to independence was disorienting. Writing and recording the acrobat became a form of healing, one that allowed her to quiet outside expectations and rediscover her own voice. “This record was very much a return to my creative autonomy,” she explains.
That return has been met with overwhelming support. A vinyl-first launch aimed at dedicated listeners quickly exceeded expectations, selling out its initial goal within an hour.
The album’s title serves as both metaphor and mission statement. For Townes, the acrobat represents the courage required to step into the unknown, especially when it means breaking long-held patterns.
“It’s about returning to that courage inside yourself and taking that leap again,” she says. “And also putting aside people-pleasing tendencies.”
The concept was born from a song she co-wrote with Lori McKenna, one of Townes’ longtime songwriting heroes. Writing from the perspective of a character allowed her enough distance to tell deeper emotional truths, truths that ultimately became the backbone of the entire project.
Townes’ connection with McKenna traces back more than a decade, to her first trip to Nashville. Townes saw McKenna play a round at the Bluebird Cafe, and it left a lasting impression. Years later, that admiration evolved into friendship, mentorship, and eventually collaboration. McKenna not only co-wrote the title track but also lends her voice to it, an addition Townes describes as deeply meaningful.
Townes self-produced the entire album from her home studio, playing instruments and handling the mix herself. The result is intentionally raw and unpolished. Recorded largely on a single microphone, the project leans into its imperfections, creating a live, intimate listening experience.
“All these lead vocals are untuned,” she says. “I just sang it until the emotion felt right.”
The album wasn’t initially intended to be self-produced. What began as simple demo recordings evolved organically into the final product. “I didn’t set out to produce this whole record,” she admits. “But I’m really proud of how it ended up.”
The emotional center of the acrobat lies in its honesty. The song “enabling,” which Townes describes as the starting point for the record, emerged from a deeply personal moment.
“It was really hard to say those things out loud,” she says, recalling a relationship dynamic she recognized in real time. Writing the song allowed her to pause, reflect, and begin untangling those patterns.
From that starting place of turmoil, the album gradually moves toward healing and release. Themes of vulnerability, surrender, and the fleeting nature of time weave throughout the project, from reflections on changing relationships to a poignant song inspired by her great-grandmother’s experience with Alzheimer’s (“she plays the piano”).
Beyond McKenna, Townes also enlisted the folk trio I’m With Her for a collaboration on “grey like Emmylou,” a song inspired in part by Emmylou Harris. The track explores a theme not often addressed in songwriting, the ending of friendships and the evolution of relationships over time.
As the album neared completion, Townes felt something was missing. That missing piece arrived in the form of “we could use a little more,” written in response to the heaviness and division she was seeing in the world.
“I really believe that the love that we’re made of is so much bigger than all of that,” she says. The song became the final addition, and the emotional anchor the project needed.
At its core, the acrobat is about returning to instinct, to truth, and to self. For Townes, making the record was transformative.
“It felt like it helped me find my way back home to myself,” she says. “An I want the record to to help somebody feel a little less alone, that’s always my biggest mission with music.”
And for artists considering their own leap into independence, Townes shared: “Trust yourself. It’s so easy to get caught up in the opinions of others, but all of that has to be secondary to what feels true to your compass.”
Aubory Bugg Inks With Dualtone Records [Exclusive]
/by Lauryn SinkAubory Bugg. Photo: Courtesy of Dualtone Records
Aubory Bugg has inked with Dualtone Records.
An Illinois native, Bugg began performing at a young age. In 2024, she began posting covers on Tiktok and garnered over 110,000 new followers from a viral cover of Reneé Rapp’s “Tummy Hurts.” Now based in Nashville, Bugg has earned over 187k TikTok followers and is currently on tour with Courtney Marie Andrews. She makes her label debut today with the release of new single “i think i had something once.”
“Aubory is so immensely gifted in her songwriting and vocal abilities, and her work ethic is like nothing I’ve ever seen,” shares Whitaker Elledge, President of Dualtone Records. “She walked into the Dualtone office with an acoustic guitar and played two songs — it was like a bygone era of the record business — Rachel [Wein], Daniel [Higbee] and I looked at each other said ‘we’ve got to work with her.’ We are the lucky ones to have crossed paths with a preternatural talent like Aubory, and we’re thrilled to partner up on this exciting new chapter.”
“Aubory is the full package,” adds Wein. “She is a skilled vocalist, a seasoned live player, and an incredible storyteller. Aubory moves with a quiet confidence that feels rare to witness in someone so young. She is a student of her craft and genuine talent. We couldn’t be happier to welcome Aubory into this next era of Dualtone Records.”
Bugg is represented by agents Brian Greenwood, Cal Rawlings, Summer Marshall and Beth Morton of CAA. She is managed by James Delgado and Conor ODonohoe of Full Circle Management, and Doug Hall of Big Feat PR serves as her publicist.
“We’re ecstatic to have found a label home for Aubory as passionate and daring as Dualtone,” says Delgado. “Aubory is a generational songwriter, and we believe Dualtone is best-in-class not only at breaking artists, but at building long, storied careers.”
DISClaimer Single Reviews: Dan + Shay Share ‘Heartfelt Message’
/by Robert K OermannDan + Shay. Photo: Robby Klein
It’s “Duo Day” at DISClaimer.
This collection of collaborations demonstrates that there is strength in numbers. It’s a growing trend, and you’ll hear why.
The Disc of the Day belongs to Dan + Shay. The Irish husband and wife team of Kirwan is our DISCovery Award act of the day.
BRAXTON KEITH & TYLA RODRIGUES / “Do I Ever Cross Your Mind”
Writer: Dolly Parton; Producer: none listed; Label: Warner Records Nashville
– We turn to Oz for this refreshing oldie revival. Keith has been touring there, and Rodrigues is an Aussie up-and-comer. He is one of my favorite new honky-tonk stylists, and she’s quite a country belter, herself. They make quite a team.
BILLY RAY CYRUS & NOAH CYRUS / “On Our Way Along”
Writer: Braison Cyrus; Producers: Braison Cyrus, Ryan Rasmussen; Label: Billion Streams Entertainment
– Billy Ray croaks his way through this slow, moody contemplation. His barely-there singing is accompanied by daughter Noah’s soft, almost buried “echo” vocal. A dense, electronic soundscape backs them. Pass.
DAILEY & VINCENT / “Moon Shines on the Still”
Writers: Bill Whyte/Laura Leigh Jones Robertson; Producer: none listed; Label: DV
– These bluegrass superstars unleash a torrent of rhythm on this rapid-fire salute to backwoods moonshiners. The thrilling tenor vocals are augmented by dazzling mandolin, banjo and guitar runs. An absolute audio delight.
DAN + SHAY / “Say So”
Writers: Dan Smyers/David Hodges/Jimmy Robbins/Shay Mooney; Producers: Dan Smyers, Scott Hendricks; Label: Warner Records Nashville
– Lushly melodic and beautifully produced, this is a heartfelt message of suicide prevention. Kudos for an outstanding performance as well as for the team’s social consciousness.
MO PITNEY & JAKE WORTHINGTON / “Wake Up and Smell the Country”
Writers: Mo Pitney/Wyatt McCubbin; Producers: Jim “Moose” Brown, Mo Pitney; Label: Curb Records
– Rollicking, twangin’ and steel soaked. Both men are stone-country stylists. Together, they’re hard to beat. Naturally, Merle Haggard and George Jones are name checked.
JENNA PAULETTE & JOHN MORGAN / “The Dirt”
Writers: Hillary Lindsey/Jenna Paulette/John Morgan/Will Bundy; Producer: Will Bundy; Label: Leo33
– Working-class romance becomes duet nirvana as these two match voices. Paulette’s penetrating lead voice is joined by a note-perfect harmony vocal by Morgan. It’s a super-strong song of lasting love made even stronger via this collaboration. Play this on repeat.
KIRWAN THE BAND & CLAY WALKER / “Detours”
Writers: Caitriona Maria Kirwan/Colm James Kirwan/Matthew Craig Johnson; Producer: Matthew Craig Johnson; Label: Kirwan Music Group
– Uplifting, encouraging and stirring. The husband-wife Kirwan duo carries this message of hope and resilience with a rumbling backbeat. Walker chimes in, but this is the Irish team’s record all the way. Recommended.
THELMA & JAMES / “Alternate Ending”
Writers: Jake Etheridge/Josh Jenkins/MacKenzie Porter/Maggie Chapman; Producer: Lonas; Label: Big Loud Records
– This young pair is currently opening for Luke Combs on tour. They have a charming sound with his heartbroken tenor blending with her aching soprano harmony. The churning, rhythm-happy track contrasts with the song’s downbeat tale. I was totally taken in by this performance. “James” is Jake Etheridge, and “Thelma” is Mackenzie Porter.
SKIP EWING & MAE ESTES / “Stronger Where You’re Broken”
Writer: Skip Ewing; Producers: Bryan Sutton, F. Reid Shippen, Skip Ewing; Label: Write! Records
– Veteran Ewing and newcomer Estes sound splendid together on this tempo tune of encouragement. It helps that he is such a masterful songwriter. She harmonizes with soft strength and perfectly placed ad libs. She should have been louder in the mix.
AVERY ANNA & SAM BARBER / “Fear in God”
Writers: Avery Anna/Sam Barber; Producer: David Fanning; Label: Warner Records Nashville
– This is the lead track of Avery Anna’s new EP. Its drowsy pace, meandering melody and muddy-sounding rock guitar don’t sound very “country.”
JESSE & NOAH / “On Again, Off Again”
Writer: Noah Bellamy; Producers: Jesse Bellamy, Noah Bellamy; Label: Usonia
– These two are the sons of David Bellamy of The Bellamy Brothers. On this honky-tonk ballad they’re joined by Tess Frizzell, who is the daughter of Shelly West & Allen Frizzell and the granddaughter of Dottie West. The pedigrees show: Both Noah and Tess display effortless grace in their vocal performance. Check out the video: It was shot at Hank Snow’s old Rainbow Ranch digs in Madison.
WILSON FAIRCHILD / “Lean On Me”
Writer: Bill Withers; Producer: Michael Sykes; Label: Gaither Music Group
– And speaking of second-generation acts, these fellows are also the children of country royalty. They are Wil Reid and Langdon Reid, the sons of Harold Reid and Don Reid of The Statler Brothers. True to their heritage, their countrified take on this Bill Withers classic is drenched in multi-part harmonies. This is a superb single. You’ll be singing along by the time they get to the penultimate, hand-clapped chorus.
MARCUS HUMMON & LEVI HUMMON / “Bless the Broken Road”
Writers: Bobby Boyd/Jeff Hanna/Marcus Hummon; Producer: Marcus Hummon; Label: 3686 RECORDS
– Papa Marcus and son Levi have been performing this classic together at various get-togethers. Their version is eloquently lovely, infused with sincerity and intimacy. Levi’s perfect tenor lead is accompanied solely by Marcus’s rippling piano work and low-harmony vocal blend. This is an acoustic jewel that warms the spirit and tugs at the heart.