DISClaimer Single Reviews: Charlie Worsham & Luke Combs Create ‘Musical Magic’

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Charlie Worsham, Luke Combs

The contenders in DISClaimer this week pit established hit makers against up-and-comers.

In the former column are John Rich, Dolly Parton, Scotty McCreery and Blake Shelton. On the up-and-comers ballot are Catie Offferman, Elvie Shane, Alana Springsteen and Boy Named Banjo.

Guess what? The Disc of the Day winner is a track that combines the two. Country king Luke Combs lends his voice to aspiring hit maker Charlie Worsham’s to take the prize.

The DISCovery Award winner is Oliver Anthony. I look forward to him singing with accompanists and a record producer.

CATIE OFFERMAN & HAYES CARLL / “Ask Me to Dance”
Writers: Catie Offerman/Brent Cobb/Neil Medley; Producer: Dann Huff; Label: MCA Nashville
– Two bored honky-tonkers face closing time, so she urges him to make a move. Drawling, clever and utterly endearing. Huff’s production has twang and toe-tapping to spare.

SCOTTY McCREERY / “Cab in a Solo”
Writers: Scotty McCreery/Frank Rogers/Brent Anderson; Producers: Frank Rogers/Derek Wells/Aaaron Eshuis; Label: Triple Tigers
– This is fine mainstream country. It’s a heartbreak tune where he tries unsuccessfully to make up with her by going to her place with flowers and a bottle of wine. No luck. So he’s drinking cabernet in a solo cup, by himself in his truck. Hence, “Cab in a solo, solo in the cab of my truck.” Well written. McCreery is on a roll with five No. 1 records under his belt.

ALANA SPRINGSTEEN / “amen”
Writers: Alana Springsteen/Delacey/Sarah Solovay/Ido Zmishlany; Producers: Alana Springsteen/Ido Zmishlany; Label: Columbia
– Sung from a place of honesty and vulnerability, this captures the feelings of someone in their 20s who is venturing out on their own. Yes, she’ll make mistakes and probably screw up, but it’s her life to live. Her raw, lonesome vocal is set in a stark audio landscape of electric guitar, voices and an echo chamber. Very effective.

CHARLIE WORSHAM & LUKE COMBS / “How I Learned to Pray”
Writers: Charlie Worsham/Jeremy Spillman/Ryan Tyndell; Producer: Jaren Johnston; Label: Warner
– Beautifully done. Worsham’s pitch-perfect voice and guitar eloquence carry the poignant piece with a wonderfully sympathetic assist by Combs. If you don’t already love Charlie Worsham, you are way behind the times. Get on board and get ready for Compadres, an October EP featuring collaborations with Lainey Wilson, Kip Moore, Dierks Bentley and Elle King as well as this little moment of musical magic.

GWEN STEFANI & BLAKE SHELTON / “Love Is Alive”
Writer: Kent Robbins; Producer: Brent Maher; Label: BMG
– The first track from the forthcoming Judds tribute album is a revelation. Stefani carries the lead vocal with admirable finesse, smooth assurance and perfect emotional shading. Shelton holds back, offering flawless harmony support. The result is a polished audio jewel. Two stars twinkling brightly.

DOLLY PARTON / “Let It Be”
Writers: John Lennon/Paul McCartney; Producer: Kent Wells; Label: Butterfly/Big Machine
– Drawn from Parton’s forthcoming Rockstar album, the classic power ballad features ample vocals and piano by Paul McCartney, not to mention Peter Frampton’s guitar solo and percussion by Ringo Starr and Mick Fleetwood. Frankly, I’m kinda sick of the song, but the celebrity contributions kept me listening intently.

ELVIE SHANE / “Jonesin”
Writers: Elvie Shane/Oscar Charles/Ryan Tyndall/Jeremy Spillman; Producer: Oscar Charles; Label: BBR/Wheelhouse
– Blue-collar rocking with a driving rhythm section, chaotic electric guitars and a shredded, crisis-inducing vocal, this is edgy stuff. Shane’s performance raises goosebumps as he wails of unsatisfied needs and longing for a fiery life. This guy always scores major points for being both utterly individualistic and undeniably gifted.

OLVIER ANTHONY / “Rich Man North of Richmond”
Writer: Oliver Anthony; Producer: none listed; Label: OAM
– This tune is a viral sensation. I don’t see what all the hubbub is about: Anthony is merely singing about the populist frustration that country music has been addressing for generations—hard work for low pay, onerous taxes, exploitative rich folks, unfeeling politicians. Maybe it’s the fact that the lyric complains about fat people on welfare? Is that all? Musically, it’s not much, either. The track is just him bellowing with solo guitar accompaniment.

JENNY TOLMAN / “Right Back”
Writers: Jenny Tolman/Dave Brainard/Jeff Silbar; Producer: Dave Brainard; Label: Old Sol
– Our favorite indie darling returns with a lively two stepper that’s country, country, country. She tells her beer-swilling deadbeat hubby she’s heading to the store, but she’s really taking off for parts unknown. Bye-bye, buddy.

MICHAEL RAY & MEGHAN PATRICK / “Spirits and Demons”
Writers: Allison Veltz Cruz/Alexander Palmer/Michael Tyler; Producer: Michael Knox; Label: Warner
– This oomphy-sounding duet sez that booze doesn’t really cure a heartbreak. “Getting over you drunk is the only thing that’s lasting forever and ever.” Both partners sing with gusto.

BOY NAMED BANJO / “Lonely In This Town”
Writers: Barton Davies/Chris Stevens/Marv Green/William Reames; Producer: Oscar Charles; Label: Mercury
– Is this the perfect contemporary country band or what? Every track I have heard from Boy Named Banjo during the past two years has been almost impossibly exquisite, and this splendid, jangling country rocker is no exception. Everything works here, the road-trip rhythm, the accomplished harmony singing, the hooky songwriting, the hearty lead vocal the pinpoint production. These guys have it ALL going on.

JOHN RICH / “I’m Offended”
Writers: John Rich/Bobby Pinson/Vicky McGehee; Producer: none listed; Label: JR
– It aims to be light hearted, but the sentiment is so simplistic it just goes in one ear and out the other.

Charles Esten To Ring In 2024 With ‘Love Ain’t Pretty’ Release

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Artist and actor Charles Esten plans to ring in 2024 by releasing his independent debut album, Love Ain’t Pretty, on Jan. 26.

More than 10 years in the making, the full-length project first began to come together when Esten arrived in Music City to play Deacon Claybourne on ABC/CMT’s television series Nashville.

Working alongside hitmakers Eric Paslay, Gary Burr, Jon Nite, Leslie Satcher and more, the entertainer co-wrote all 14 songs, diving deep into earth-shattering romance, big-picture reflection and beyond. Vividly detailed and filled with the daring emotion of a celebrated storyteller–both onscreen and onstage–Esten explores life, love and the passing of time through the lens of a traveled and tested individual, who has never lost his innate sense of wonder or wide-open soul. He united with producer and co-writer Marshall Altman to create a calm, controlled and contoured sound, mixing the momentum of country rock with small-town charm.

The collection’s only collaboration “Down The Road,” featuring Paslay, is out now along with tracks “One Good Move,” “A Little Right Now” and “In A Bar Somewhere.” Through 1,000-watt guitar riffs and an uplifting vocal blend, Esten and Paslay swap encouraging lines centered around chasing dreams and staying the course, no matter what comes.

Love Ain’t Pretty Track Listing:
1. “Love Ain’t Pretty” (Charles Esten, Marshall Altman, Jimmy Yeary)
2. “A Little Right Now” (Charles Esten, Jacob Lyda, Brian Maher)
3. “One Good Move” (Charles Esten, Sam Backoff, Zarni deVette, Elise Hayes)
4. “In A Bar Somewhere” (Charles Esten, Jason Gantt, Neil Medley)
5. “I Ain’t” (Charles Esten, Brad Crisler, James LeBlanc)
6. “Another Song About You” (Charles Esten, Colin Elmore)
7. “When Love Ain’t Love” (Charles Esten, Jeffrey East)
8. “Candlelight” (Charles Esten, Kenny Alphin, Eric Paslay)
9. “Back In My Life Again” (Charles Esten, Marcus Hummon, Bryan Todd)
10. “Make You Happy” (Charles Esten, Gary Burr, Jon D’Agostino)
11. “Willing To Try” (Charles Esten, Gary Burr)
12. “Maybe I’m Alright” (Charles Esten, Leslie Satcher)
13. “Down The Road (feat. Eric Paslay)” (Charles Esten, Eric Paslay, Dylan Altman)
14. “Somewhere In The Sunshine” (Charles Esten, Jon Nite)

Bob Dylan Center & UMPG Announce Inaugural Songwriter Fellowship

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Bob Dylan on stage in 1974. Photo: Barry Feinstein

The Bob Dylan Center (BDC) and Universal Music Publishing Group (UMPG) have joined forces to launch the new Bob Dylan Center Songwriter Fellowship.

Awarded to two recipients annually, the fellowship was created to mentor and develop aspiring songwriters. Each fellowship encompasses a $40,000 project stipend, public engagement and presentation opportunities, dedicated time in BDC’s Bob Dylan Archive to study Dylan’s creative process, roundtrip airfare to Tulsa and accommodations in the city, mentorship from UMPG songwriters and executives and recording time in Tulsa’s historic The Church Studio, the famous studio of Leon Russell.

In addition to being reviewed by BDC and UMPG executives, annual fellowship recipients will be selected by a global panel of artists including singer-songwriter Juliette Armanet, singer-songwriter Patty Griffin, singer-songwriter John Mellencamp, singer-songwriter Carla Morrison and rapper and songwriter Nas.

Now through Oct. 18, eligible talent from around the world can submit entries for fellowship consideration. To be eligible, entrants must be 18 years or older and unsigned to a publishing agreement of any kind at the time of the fellowship start date, May 1, 2024.

“The Bob Dylan Center Songwriter Fellowship is core to our mission of educating, motivating and inspiring visitors to engage their own capacity as creators, and we cannot wait to hear the entries from undiscovered talent around the world,” says BDC Director Steven Jenkins. “We are grateful to continue our partnership with UMPG—the world’s leading music publisher is already such a great supporter of the BDC—and we know that this panel of extraordinary songwriters will select deserving Fellows for our inaugural year.”

“This is an unprecedented opportunity to connect developing talent with the works of one of the greatest songwriters of all time,” says UMPG Chief Operating Officer Marc Cimino.”Beyond access to meaningful mentorship and special resources, the archives at the Bob Dylan Center are indescribable and I can only imagine how much creative inspiration they will draw. With the support of the fantastic BDC team and panel of world-class artists, we look forward to developing a new group of songwriters in this unique environment.”

Moe Bandy To Be Honored By Texas Country Music Awards

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Moe Bandy

Moe Bandy is set to be honored on Nov. 12 at the 2023 Texas Country Music Awards with the first-ever Moe Bandy Icon Award.

Cody Canada and the Departed, Coffey Anderson, Chad Cooke Band, Ken Holloway, Brandon Rhyder, Case Hardin, Payton Howie, Ryder Grimes, Jaret Ray Reddick and Jacob Stelly are slated to perform throughout the ceremony at Billy Bob’s Texas, which will be hosted once again by TCMA Spokesperson Brandon Rhyder along with his co-host Malone Ranger, on-air personality with 95.9 KFWR The Ranch.

“I am very honored to be a part of and receive this award,” shares Bandy. “It makes me proud to be a Texan at heart and a part of the Texas music that we all love. I will forever be grateful for this award and hope it continues for years to come.”

“The Texas Country Music Association is excited to have established the ‘Moe Bandy Icon Award’ which will be included in the 2023 Texas Country Music Awards Ceremony,” says Linda Wilson, President of the Texas Country Music Association. “This will be an ongoing annual award, with the very first one, of course, presented to Moe Bandy himself. Moe has a rich history in the country music industry with 10 No. 1 hits, 40 top 10 hits, and numerous awards, Texas is proud of him, and TCMA could not be more excited to present this award to him at Billy Bob’s Texas on November 12th.”

Bandy recently released his new 12-track album, Thank You Lord, featuring special guests The Isaacs on “Family Bible” and The Oak Ridge Boys with Nora Lee Allen on “The Lord Is My Shepherd.”

MusicRow Job Opening: Operations Coordinator

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MusicRow Magazine is seeking a full-time Operations Coordinator, who will support MusicRow‘s Director of Operations & Content in carrying out both day-to-day tasks and large-scale projects. They will contribute to MusicRow‘s daily online news output and the publication’s print issues, as well as help carry out operational objectives, contribute to MusicRow events, and more. This position will also be cross-trained in other positions to provide support to all MusicRow team members as needed. This is not a remote position.

Job Requirements:
– Strong organizational skills, detail oriented
– Excellent verbal and written communication skills
– Writing experience and proofing skills
– Bachelor’s degree
– 1-3 years job experience is preferred
– Must be deadline-driven and enjoy working with a team

Job Duties:
– Assists Director of Operations & Content in carrying out operational objectives
– Contributes to MusicRow‘s daily news operations, including writing, proofing and publishing of news
– Contributes to production of MusicRow’s print issues, including writing, proofing and helping with contact directories
– Provides support to MusicRow team members
– Miscellaneous office support tasks, as needed

Send resume (with salary requirement) to jobs@musicrow.com.

Candidates must be eligible to work in the U.S. for any employer. We are an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Pam Tillis & Phil Vassar Announce ‘Holidays & Hits’ Tour

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Pam Tillis and Phil Vassar are hitting the road together for their “Holidays and Hits” 2023 Christmas tour.

The chart-topping singer-songwriters will embark on Nov. 30, kicking off with a show at the State Theatre in New Brunswick, New Jersey. The pair will be performing holiday favorites along with their iconic hits during the six-city jaunt throughout the midwest and northeastern.

“I love doing Christmas shows and I’m really excited to be going out with Pam. I’ve always respected her so much and I know it’s going to be a really great show,” shares Vassar.

“Phil is a musician and singer-songwriter that I’ve always had a lot of respect for. He’s bringing a whole bundle of 2000s country gems, and I’m bringing the 90s flavor. We’ll be rounding out the evening with as many timeless Christmas tunes as we can fit it in! I’m really looking forward to teaming up with Phil to make it a memorable evening for the whole family,” exclaims Tillis.

“Holiday and Hits” will be the seventh Christmas tour for Vassar, who has garnered 10 No. 1 singles and 26 top 40 hits including signature self-penned hits “Just Another Day in Paradise” and “Carlene.”

U.S. tickets are on sale now. For more information, click here.

IBMA Selects Ken White As New Executive Director

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Ken White

The International Bluegrass Music Association (IBMA) Board of Directors has named Ken White as the association’s new Executive Director, effective Oct. 2, following the completion of IBMA World of Bluegrass in Raleigh, North Carolina.

White joins the IBMA with a wealth of experience in bluegrass music and business leadership. Raised on the music of Bill Monroe, Ralph Stanley and Tony Rice, the Kentucky native fell asleep many nights with an ear next to the family hi-fi. As a result, he cinched the Kentucky State Banjo Championship at age 14.

He studied guitar with the late, great jazz icon Jimmy Raney at the University of Louisville Music School, while continuing to record, perform and tour with bluegrass and Americana luminaries in acclaimed venues such as the Grand Ole Opry, Telluride Bluegrass Festival, RockyGrass, Walnut Valley Festival, IBMA World of Bluegrass and The Station Inn, where he spent many nights listening, playing or helping restock the bar.

White has written for and performed with the Louisville Mandolin Orchestra, the Nashville Mandolin Ensemble and the Wichita Symphony Orchestra. His multi-instrumental prowess can be heard on many recordings, most recently, a catalog of music he has co-written with his wife, Robin Macy, inspired by Bartlett Arboretum, in Belle Plaine, Kansas, the place they’ve called home for over two decades.

In 2002, he and award-winning designer Nicole Howerton formed Howerton+White, an integrated marketing agency. For over 20 years, White has led the company’s expansion and ongoing integration of marketing and media platforms. Under his leadership, Howerton+White has become a multimillion-dollar business with more than 40 active clients on the roster.

White has also been actively involved in several community organizations. He has served as President of the Wichita Jazz Festival, and has co-produced a popular seasonal concert series at Bartlett Arboretum for 17 years. White currently serves on the Wichita Symphony Orchestra Board as well.

“IBMA is an enthusiastic international organization with a diverse and welcoming membership,” says Dan Boner, IBMA Board Chair. “That was on our minds throughout the interview and selection processes, and Ken demonstrated, very naturally, that he understands the needs and interests of all people who love bluegrass music and work to make it their livelihood.”

White will assume the position currently held by Paul Schiminger, the Interim Executive Director. Schiminger, an IBMA board member, was asked in March to temporarily step back into the role he held for six years before retiring in 2021.

“There were a handful of excellent candidates for the role, but Ken’s knowledge of our music and its community, along with his demonstrated business skills, made him stand out. I’ve thoroughly enjoyed getting to know Ken through the process, and I’m excited to know the IBMA will be in excellent hands going forward,” says Schiminger.

“A vocation that tethers both heart and mind becomes purposeful work. I have loved bluegrass music since I was a small child. My 22-year career as a business owner has defined both technology and marketing strategies. I feel fortunate to have this opportunity to lead IBMA forward, fueled by these two life-long passions,” shares White.

Dolly Parton’s Iconic Style To Be Displayed In Lipscomb University Fashion Exhibit

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Dolly Parton’s iconic sparkle and shine will be on display in a special new exhibit at Lipscomb University this fall, “Dolly Parton and the Makers: My Life in Rhinestones,” Oct. 31-Dec. 9 in the Beaman Library.

Lipscomb’s Department of Fashion and Design is presenting the one-of-a-kind, limited-time fashion exhibit in the John C. Hutcheson Gallery, which will feature 25 of Parton’s outfits and highlight the makers behind the looks, the songs, the stories and the true magic that happens behind the seams.

“We are thrilled to partner with Dolly Parton and those behind her iconic fashion to offer the community this exciting opportunity to have an up-close look at some of her favorite outfits and to learn more about these treasured looks,” says Lipscomb University President Candice McQueen. “This unique fashion exhibition will also provide tremendous learning opportunities for our students as they discover more about the creative process and techniques and interact with the makers who have developed these fashions.”

The exhibit will be the first physical interpretation of Parton’s new fashion-focused book, Behind the Seams: My Life in Rhinestones, set for release Oct. 17 via Ten Speed Press/Penguin Random House. In the new book, Parton shares the full story behind her lifelong passion for fashion, including how she developed her own distinct style, which has endeared her to fans around the world. The exhibit is curated by Parton’s archivist Rebecca Seaver, who also curated Behind The Seams: My Life In Rhinestones. Parton’s former head seamstress, Lisha Lemming, will serve as Artist-in-Residence for the Department of Fashion & Design this fall to assist in the development and execution of the exhibit.

“Lisha Lemming has worked for me over 15 years and is the Artist-in-Residence at Lipscomb University,” says Parton. “Lisha and Rebecca Seaver have put together this display celebrating the makers of these clothes and 25 of my favorite looks celebrating the people who make it all happen.”

Tickets for the fashion exhibit are $25 per person for a 45-minute tour. Tickets go on sale Sept. 1. There is a limited number, and all are for timed entry. They must be purchased online in advance. For more information, click here.

Davis Corley Signs With Sony Music Publishing Nashville & KP Entertainment

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Pictured (L-R): Chip Petree (Ritholz Levy Fields, LLP), Aubrey Daniels (KP Entertainment), Davis Corley, Kerri Edwards (KP Entertainment), Rusty Gaston (CEO, Sony Music Publishing Nashville)

Rising songwriter Davis Corley has signed a worldwide publishing agreement with Sony Music Publishing Nashville and KP Entertainment.

An east Tennessee native, Davis moved to Nashville eight years ago to hone his craft as a writer and multi-instrumentalist. In addition to two Texas-chart-topping singles, “Not Too Far To Reach” by Jake Ward and “Tractor Town” by Jake Bush, Corley has had cuts by Will Jones, Dan Smalley, Trey Lewis, Ella Langley, Josh Gallagher, Spencer Crandall and others.

“Davis is a true songwriter. His unique approach creates an element in his writing that genuine and timeless. I’m absolutely honored to get to work side by side with Davis and excited for the magic that is yet come,” says Aubrey Daniels, Creative at KP Publishing.

“This is an exciting time in the ever-changing world of country music, and I’m grateful to be taking it on with a team of Nashville’s most talented and genuinely admirable people. The chance to work with Kerri Edwards and Aubrey Daniels, in addition to Rusty [Gaston] and the amazing team at Sony, feels like joining a dream team, and I couldn’t feel more blessed to have the opportunity,” shares Corley.

Industry Ink: BMI, Rodney Atkins, ‘Nashville Underplay’

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Corey Kent, Grace Sorenson, More Set For BMI Stage At Austin City Limits Festival

The BMI Stage is returning to the 2023 Austin City Limits Music Festival on Oct. 6-8 and Oct. 13-16 at Zilker Park. 22 acts will be showcased throughout two weekends of the star-studded festival, including Corey Kent, Delacey, Grace Sorensen, Husbands, New West, The Moss and more.

“This is an extra special year for BMI at ACL Fest as we celebrate a twenty-year partnership with C3 presents that’s been reflected in our stellar lineups since 2003,” says Mason Hunter AVP, Creative Nashville. “BMI takes pride in offering prime showcasing opportunities to our rising talent and we couldn’t do it without the help of one of our biggest collaborators.”

 

Rodney Atkins Goes Back To School On ‘College Concert Series Tour’

Rodney Atkins is playing colleges across the U.S. as part of his “College Concert Series Tour” this fall. Among the schools he will play are Montana State University, Mississippi State, Auburn and Oklahoma State.

Young fans who were in booster seats when Atkins’ “Watching You” first hit airwaves are now generally college-aged, and are ready to experience his music in a brand new way on this tour. Atkins is one of the few artists in country history to chart at least one radio single in three different decades, all while being with the same record label. He’s currently in the midst of preparing new music to share with fans in early 2024.

Tyler Braden To Headline ‘Nashville Underplay’ Show Sept. 19

Tyler Braden is set to headline “Nashville Underplay” at 6th and Peabody Sept. 19. Spencer Crandall, Alee, Derek Austin, Halle Kearns, Camille Parker and Kaylee Rose will also perform in writer’s round style, and new female trio July Moon will kick off the show.

The event, which is free and open to the public, will be emceed by Smoking Section Podcast host Markus Koger. “Nashville Underplay” has been showcasing artists in a stripped-down acoustic show for the past two years with previous headliners such as Jimmie Allen, Tyler Rich and Easton Corbin. Click here to RSVP for the show.