Brothers Osborne. Photo: Natalie Osborne
What a dandy day—so many favorite artists all in one playlist.
I’ve been smiling throughout this listening sessions as I sample the latest from Rodney Crowell, Ashley McBryde, Marty Stuart and our Disc of the Day winners, Brothers Osborne.
The icing on the cake was the presence of several of my new faves—Jordyn Shellhart, Tyler Booth, Ian Munsick and Alex Hall.
Offering his disc debut is Jake Ybarra, who earns a DisCovery Award.
TYLER BOOTH / “Bring on the Neon”
Writers: Tyler Booth/Jamey Johnson/Jeremy Popoff; Producer: Beau Bedford; Label: Sony
– Superb. This instant-classic country weeper simmers in piano and steel while Booth’s always-awesome baritone delivers the emotional goods. Regret and heartache have seldom sounded better. I remain a fan.
CIMARRON 615 / “High Lonesome Stranger”
Writers: Michael Alan Ward/Richard Alan Lonow; Producer: Cimarron 615; Label: KZZ
– Comprised of Bill Lloyd (of Foster & Lloyd, solo outings and Sky Kings fame) with former Poco members Tom Hampton, Rick Lonow, Michael Webb and Jack Sundrud, this all-star group takes its name from one of Poco’s best albums, Rose of Cimarron. The sound is stunningly accomplished, featuring creamy, SoCal, country-rock harmonies with bluegrassy instrumentation and heart-pumping rhythm. The lyric salutes country greats who were gone too soon. Hearty listening.
BROTHERS OSBORNE / “Nobody’s Nobody”
Writers: John Osborne/TJ Osborne/Mike Elizondo/Kendell Marvel; Producer: Mike Elizondo; Label: EMI
– Stately, stomping, scintillating, searing and sensational. The moody, drama-laden vocal unspools a message of inclusion for both sinners and saints. Meanwhile, the band flavors the piping-hot track with buzz-saw guitars, chant-like harmonies and pounding percussion. These guys always deliver in spades.
JORDYN SHELLHART / “When Something’s Gotta Give”
Writers: Jordyn Shellhart/Marc Beeson/Allen Shamblin; Producer: Cameron Jaymes; Label: Warner
– A wistful soprano vocal wafts in an echoey atmosphere while soft steel, brushed percussion and tinkling piano provide a gentle background. A sad, dreamy ballad that wraps you in a cooling blanket of melancholy mist.
BRETT YOUNG / “Dance With You”
Writers: Brett Young/Joran Minton/Jimmy Robbins; Producers: Dan Huff/Jimmy Harnen; Label: BMLG
– Presenting the wedding-dance song of 2023. Ultra romantic, but with just the right touch of rhythmic undertow. A keeper.
KARLEY SCOTT COLLINS / “Brain on Love”
Writers: Karley Scott Collins/Summer Overstreet/Cameron Bartolini/Liam Kevany; Producer: Dann Huff; Label: Sony
– Bluesy and very cool. The minor-key melody is a swirling pleasure. Her darkly compelling, drawling voice will stop you in your tracks. The lyric’s hook is wicked clever. I’m in.
MARTY STUART & HIS FABULOUS SUPERLATIVES / “Sitting Alone”
Writers: Marty Stuart; Producers: Marty Stuart/Mick Conley/Chris Scruggs/Harry Stinson/Kenny Vaughan; Label: Snakefarm
– Hall of Famer Stuart is poised to release his first album in six years next month. The collection’s advance tracks, so far, are its “Altitude” title tune, the jingle-jangle “Country Star” and this Byrds-y country rocker. It’s a rhythmic rural blacktop roller with a joyous and contemplative atmosphere. An audio carnival ride.
ALEX HALL / “Side Effects of the Heart”
Writers: Alex Hall/Pete Good/AJ Babcock/Josh Osborne; Producers: Alex Hall/Pete Good; Label: Monument
– Happiness, loneliness, crying, laughing, hurt, bliss. Yes, all of these are “Side Effects of the Heart,” as Mr. Hall so eloquently explains in this highly listenable outing. The guitar slinger takes some dandy extended solos, but on this go ‘round, his expressive singing is equally in the spotlight. This could be a star-making single.
ASHLEY McBRYDE / “The Devil I Know”
Writers: Ashley McBryde/Jeremy Stover/Bobby Pinson; Producer: Jay Joyce; Label: Warner
– The dynamic production brilliantly alternates crashing rock with processed, a cappella vocal passages. Snarling electric guitar, slapped percussion, nervous acoustic strumming, chant-like support vocals and wild audio frothing make this a heart-stopping listening experience. The lyric is just as riveting—she’s a bar fly who resists changing her wayward ways. This woman rules.
JAKE YBARRA / “BloodFire”
Writer: Jake Ybarra; Producer: William Gawley; Label: Charlotte Avenue
– Kinda rumbling, kinda rockabilly, kinda outlaw, kinda groovy. It’s a tempo tale of a hard-headed devil who’s running down the wrong highway. This promising single is from Ybarra’s debut album, Something In the Water, which dropped last week.
IAN MUNSICK / “White Buffalo”
Writers: Ian Munsick/Jeremy Spillman/Randy Montana; Producers: Jeremy Spillman/Ian Munsick; Label: Warner
– Very open-spaces and “Out West” sounding with an unmistakably ghostly vibe. This title tune of Munsick’s new album is a haunting heartbreak lament that soars. I love the falsetto coyote yips.
RODNEY CROWELL / “Loving You Is the Only Way to Fly”
Writers: Rodney Crowell/Sarah Buxton/Jedd Hughes; Producer: Jeff Tweedy; Label: New West
– One of our consummate songwriting craftsmen returns with an album titled The Chicago Sessions and this lilting, ear-catching, yearning single/video. Tweedy’s pristine production is marvelous, with layered acoustic instruments, “answering” backing vocals by cowriter Hughes and perfectly shadowed soprano harmony by cowriter Buxton. In addition, Crowell remains an enormously expressive singer. Yet another feather in an already much decorated cap.
Preview: New Sinatra Bar & Lounge Honors Legacy And Style Of An American Legend
/by Steven BoeroSinatra Bar & Lounge. Photo: Courtesy of Icon Entertainment Group/Sinatra Bar & Lounge
Nashville is a one-of-a-kind city and has so much to offer to the thousands of people visiting everyday as well as the growing pool of locals.
It is Music City for a reason, not only for the amazing musicians, songwriters, live music venues and music industry companies but for how it honors and recognizes the artists who have changed music world.
Frank Sinatra, the Chairman of the Board himself, now has a place honoring his legacy that offers an exclusive and unique experience to all those who want to drink, dine and enjoy the way Sinatra enjoyed life.
CEO and Founder of Icon Entertainment Group, who is running the Sinatra Lounge, Bill Miller has a string of successful businesses that have become Nashville staples like the Johnny Cash Museum, House of Cards, Nudie’s Honky Tonk and the historic Skull’s Rainbow Room. But this endeavor not only took a lot time and resources, but a lot of heart.
“Everybody in the world knows who Frank Sinatra is so when we commit to something like this, it’s incumbent upon us to really get to know the person. And so you read letters to him, you read letters from him,” said Miller. “You read books about him, you talk to family members, and you try to boil it all down to taking Frank off the pedestal for a minute, and getting to know the human being.”
This fine-dining establishment wreaks class and old-time sentiments which people have come to know and recognize from Sinatra. This small and intimate restaurant aims to capture Manhattan and Palm Springs, the two places that have become synonymous with Sinatra.
The restaurant is filled beautifully with special photographs featuring Sinatra with his friends, family, legendary celebrities, as well as his Rat Pack partners like Dean Martin and Sammy Davis Jr. It also includes paintings, done by Ol’ Blue Eyes himself. All courtesy of the Sinatra estate.
Photo: Courtesy of Icon Entertainment Group/Sinatra Bar & Lounge
The warm atmosphere allows patrons to cozy up to their tables in beautiful crescent booths surrounded by perfectly placed picture frames on mahogany walls and ceilings. Down past the marble bar facing a wall of select spirits and a one-of-a-kind Jack Daniels selection, leads to a staircase where more seating is accompanied by a space for a piano, upright bass player and vocalist performer. Customers can expect swinging classics recorded by Sinatra and his crooner contemporaries.
“It was so exciting to be able to go through this incredible archive. Instead of going out and buying headshots and album covers and concert posters, we find pictures of him and Sammy and Dino, and a picture of him and his daughter Tina (Sinatra) on the set of a movie,” said Miller. “I think you can feel the love here.”
The care is also shown in the menu selections at the Sinatra Bar & Lounge where customers can enjoy an array of Italian classics and premium cut steaks. To perfect this menu, 250 dishes and over 19 different tastings were sampled. The same goes for the cocktail menu and wine list where 25 different wine tastings took place to compliment the menu. There is a large variety for all types of drinkers but Italian wines, Sinatra’s favorites, are heavily featured.
When patrons get a reservation at this new bar and restaurant, they should not come in with any expectations other than they will have one of the most unique experiences in Nashville.
Photo: Courtesy of Icon Entertainment Group/Sinatra Bar & Lounge
“No matter how we describe it, no matter how much they could read about it, no matter how many pictures they see, they don’t get the full experience until their foot hits this floor. And then all of a sudden, you’re sort of drawn into an experience that they know is going to be special,” says Miller. “A lot of people might think that’s sort of intimidating, but the service is very warm, from the minute you meet the greeter, and when you’re seated. It’s all about showing that old-school hospitality, where every single guest means something.
“That’s the legacy, it’s pride of ownership, and at the end of the day, I just want people to leave their troubles. There are so many negative things going on in the world, so when you come here, leave those at the door and just lose yourself in this incredible Rat Pack. Spend an evening with Frank and Dino and Sammy and just enjoy yourself, eat well, and drink well.”
The Sinatra Bar & Lounge officially opens on Saturday, April 15 and is open for lunch and dinner reservations now. To learn more about the restaurant story and menu, head to sinatranashville.com.
St. Jude Rock ‘N’ Roll Running Series Nashville Announces Musical Lineup
/by Steven BoeroSt. Jude Rock ‘n’ Roll Running Series Nashville has announced the musical guests scheduled to appear during the upcoming 2023 race week festivities. From the Health & Fitness Expo, along the course and to the race finish line at Nissan Stadium, the lineup will showcase all forms of music for the participants, guests and spectators to celebrate race week in Music City, taking place April 22-23 with registration still available.
More music and running are woven throughout the fabric of Rock ‘n’ Roll Nashville as the event will showcase some of the finest singer-songwriters throughout the weekend. Earlier this year, Runaway June was confirmed as the 2023 Encore Entertainment for the post-race concert on Saturday, April 22, 2023, from 10:30 a.m.-12 p.m. at the finish line near Victory Way outside of Nissan Stadium.
Nashville has long been a favorite stop on the running series tour, welcoming global visitors amidst a strong hometown contingent who know how to have a good time. Participants will experience everything that Music City has to offer, including a legendary running tour of Nashville’s most famous locations such as Broadway, Music Row, The Gulch, 12 South, Nissan Stadium, and much more.
In addition, PGMG recording artists Greg Pratt and Angie Rey will add their country talents to the post-race Encore Entertainment festivities. Pratt and his band will perform from 7:30 until 10:30 a.m, and Rey and her band will take the stage from 12:30-2:30 p.m. Rey will also sing the National Anthem at both start lines on race day with the 5K/10K at 6:25 a.m. and the marathon and half marathon at 7:15 a.m.
The St. Jude Rock ‘n’ Roll Rock Running Series Nashville Health & Fitness Expo will be held at the Nashville Municipal Auditorium and the Musicians Hall of Fame & Museum. Special performances by Music City talents such as Jillian Cardarelli, Golden West, Lance Carpenter, Joe Noto, and Adam Warner will highlight the music stage at the free and open-to-the-public expo on Thursday, April 20 as well as Friday, April 21.
LeAnn Rimes Joins Tenille Arts On ‘Jealous of Myself’ Duet
/by Lorie HollabaughTenille Arts performs with LeAnn Rimes. Photo: Catherine Powell
LeAnn Rimes and Tenille Arts have teamed up on a special new rendition of Arts’ current single, “Jealous of Myself,” set for release tomorrow (April 14).
A life-long fan of LeAnn, Arts saw her perform “Blue” on the Grand Ole Opry as a kid. The appearance created a spark for Tenille’s dream of following in the superstar’s footsteps. The video of Tenille singing the hit song at age 11 and transitioning into her own recent Opry appearance became one of her most popular TikTok moments. In a full-circle moment, Rimes invited Arts to perform “Blue” at her sold-out Ryman Auditorium concert last weekend.
“LeAnn Rimes, The Chicks, Shania Twain and Kelly Clarkson were my idols growing up,” says Arts. “LeAnn in particular has been a huge part of my story in country music since I was very young. One of my most viewed videos on TikTok is of me singing ‘Blue’ when I was 11 years old, and then it transitions to a full circle moment of performing it on the Opry. I am so grateful and humbled by LeAnn’s willingness to collaborate with me on this very special song. I will remember and cherish this forever.”
“As soon as Tenille invited me to join her on ‘Jealous of Myself,’ I had to say yes,” says Rimes. “The song and Tenille’s vocals are stunning. It’s an honor to collaborate with any artist that is as talented as Tenille, but after she shared her journey in music with me and how much I have influenced her, it made this opportunity even more special.”
Written by Emily Weisband, Trevor Rosen and John Byron, “Jealous of Myself” is the first single ever released by Dreamcatcher Artists. Arts is currently on the road with Lee Brice, opening his “Beer Drinking Opportunity Tour.”
Now Open: Applications For MusicRow’s 2023 Annual Artist Roster Issue
/by LB CantrellApplications for MusicRow‘s upcoming Artist Roster print issue are now being accepted through Friday, April 21, 2023 with the official form below. Previously included companies will also be solicited separately.
This ultimate artist resource edition includes the Artist Roster company directory, featuring contact information and artist rosters for Nashville record labels, managers, publicists, lawyers, talent agents, publicity and artist services companies (business managers, digital music, legal, marketing, radio promotion, and organizations).
Applications for Artist Roster are now closed.
For advertising opportunities in the Artist Roster print issue, email Sherod Robertson at srobertson@musicrow.com. Rate card information is available here. For questions regarding directory, please email LB Cantrell at lbcantrell@musicrow.com.
Eric Church, Butch Spyridon, Joe & Linda Chambers Headed To Music City Walk Of Fame
/by LB CantrellEric Church, Joe & Linda Chambers and Butch Spyridon
The Music City Walk of Fame has announced its newest slate of inductees who will receive the 98th, 99th and 100th stars on the Music City Walk of Fame. The honorees are Eric Church; Joe and Linda Chambers, Co-Founders of the Musicians Hall of Fame & Museum; and Butch Spyridon, who after 32 years is retiring from the Nashville Convention & Visitors Corp. Joe Chambers passed away on Sept. 28, 2022, and will be inducted posthumously.
The induction ceremony will take place on Thursday, May 4 at 11 a.m. at Music City Walk of Fame Park. Members of the public are invited to view the ceremony.
“This class of inductees represents what makes Music City special with country artist Eric Church who is at a highpoint of his career with his music and new Lower Broadway venue, along with the Chambers, who have made it their life’s work to recognize the hard work of Nashville’s musicians through the Musicians Hall of Fame & Museum,” says Kevin Lavender, Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Nashville Convention & Visitors Corp and Executive Vice President at 5/3 Bank. “Butch is the architect of the Music City brand that has made Nashville a top global destination. He has championed many major initiatives to showcase the Music City story, including the Walk of Fame attraction. His impact on the Nashville community is undeniable.”
Garth Brooks will be in attendance to induct Spyridon and the Chambers, and Church’s presenter will be announced in the weeks to come.
As the 2020 CMA Entertainer of the Year, Church is a 10-time Grammy nominee whose most recent chart-topping project was the Heart & Soul triple album. His 2011 album Chief is three- time Platinum-certified and includes the iconic “Springsteen.” In 2019, he set Nissan Stadium’s concert attendance record during his “Double Down Tour” with more than 56,000 fans and became the first artist to sell out the venue with a solo lineup. He plans to open a six-story bar, BBQ restaurant and music venue called Chief’s on Lower Broadway.
Joe and Linda Chambers’ non-profit museum honors musicians of all genres of music by preserving and showcasing the historical instruments played on recorded songs. The Musicians Hall of Fame & Museum at the Nashville Municipal Auditorium also includes the Grammy Museum Gallery.
Spyridon has led the Nashville Convention & Visitors Corp for 32 years, guiding Music City into a top global destination with record visitation, a global reputation and world-class amenities. He branded it as Music City, making it attractive to professional sports teams and corporate relocations and elevating the quality of life by drawing world-class events, restaurants, retail and hotels. As part of the Events Industry Council Global Awards, he is a 2022 Hall of Leaders inductee, and was named to the global Top 100 Most Influential People in the Events Industry list in 2022 as well.
BMI Kicks Off Fifth Season Of Rooftop On The Row With K. Michelle
/by Lorie HollabaughPictured (L-R): BMI’s Clay Bradley, K. Michelle, BMI’s Shannon Sanders and Mason Hunter Photo: Nathan Zucker for BMI
BMI kicked off the fifth season of their Rooftop on the Row series earlier this week with a genre-blending performance by singer-songwriter K. Michelle.
The event, presented by George Dickel Bourbon, was emceed by BMI Nashville’s Executive Director, Creative Shannon Sanders and offered an exclusive first look at BMI’s notable rising talent. K. Michelle made her Nashville performance debut during the 2023 kickoff show, offering the crowd a sultry rendition of her catalog including “Come As You Are” and “Jack Daniels.” The rising newcomer is putting the finishing touches on her upcoming album due out later this year, and is currently on the road for her “I’m The Problem Tour.”
BMI’s Rooftop on the Row series returns May 16 with headliners Priscilla Block and Chayce Beckham, followed by Mackenzie Carpenter and Dylan Marlowe on July 18. A celebration for the 50th anniversary of hip-hop is set for Aug. 15, and the final event will serve as the official kickoff to Americanafest on Sept. 19, with performers for both shows to be announced soon.
Luke Combs & Opry Entertainment Group To Team On Downtown Nashville Entertainment Venue
/by Lorie HollabaughLuke Combs. Photo: Jeremy Cowart
Luke Combs has teamed with Opry Entertainment Group on a new, massive multi-level entertainment complex in downtown Nashville at 120 Second Avenue North, the home of longtime downtown staple the Wildhorse Saloon.
The new venue is expected to debut in the summer of 2024, but the company plans to operate the venue as the Wildhorse Saloon throughout the planned refurbishment period. Inspired by Combs’ 8x Platinum debut No. 1 hit, “Hurricane,” the venue will be the largest and most versatile entertainment complex in the downtown entertainment district. The 69,000-square-foot complex with an indoor/outdoor capacity of nearly 3,200 will be customized to reflect Combs’ passions for music, songwriting, whiskey and sports.
Features include a 1,500-person capacity concert area for ticketed events as well as a proposed 9,000-square-foot rooftop with unobstructed views of the Cumberland River and Nissan Stadium. The venue’s music program will feature multiple live music experiences that include the existing main stage and dance floor with line dancing. In addition to daily live music from the best up-and- coming talent in Nashville, the venue plans to host a full calendar of ticketed concerts and events.
“I knew there was something extraordinary about Luke from the first time I heard him perform ‘Hurricane,’” says Colin Reed, Executive Chairman of Ryman Hospitality Properties. “Even as he’s gone from filling bars to stadiums around the world, Luke has remained deeply committed to his fans and his craft. As the downtown entertainment district continues to evolve, we view this new experience as a tremendous opportunity to position Second Avenue with a global audience of country music lovers, anchored by Luke Combs’ massive international fan base.”
“I got my start in town playing on this stage and to have the opportunity to work with Opry Entertainment to transform it into my own bar is a dream come true,” shares Combs. “I can’t wait for my fans to see what we’re up to.
Romeo Entertainment Group & San Diego County Fair Partner For Concert Lineup
/by Lorie HollabaughThe San Diego County Fair. Photo: Courtesy of Grayscale Marketing
Romeo Entertainment Group (REG) is partnering with the San Diego County Fair for their upcoming concert lineup including Randy Houser, Boyz II Men, Alabama, Lynyrd Skynyrd, Kevin Hart, Train, Switchfoot, Stephen Marley with special guest Hirie and more. The performances will take place during the fair June 2- July 4 at the Del Mar Fairgrounds in California.
The San Diego County Fair draws in 1.5 million visitors over 27 days, is one of the largest county fairs in the United States, and attracts guests from all over the world with its rides, food, exhibits and entertainment.
“The REG team has been great to collaborate with, they listen to our needs and work to find creative solutions. The whole process from booking to contracting has become a smooth process. We are thrilled with this years lineup and look forward to a great year,” says Katie Mueller, San Diego County Fair Chief Operating Officer.
“Last year we embarked on a successful partnership with the San Diego County Fair for their concert lineup. We are excited to renew this collaboration and once again bring top-tier talent to the fair,” says R.J. Romeo, President & CEO of Romeo Entertainment Group. “Our mission at REG is to deliver exceptional entertainment experiences to audiences nationwide, and this partnership enables us to do just that. Our dedicated team is committed to providing outstanding talent buying and production services, ensuring a memorable and enjoyable experience for fair-goers. We look forward to working closely with the San Diego County Fair team to create an unforgettable event.”
Reba Talks New Book With Garth Brooks On Upcoming TalkShopLive Event
/by Lorie HollabaughReba McEntire. Photo: Robby Klein
Reba McEntire will be interviewed by fellow Oklahoman and Country Music Hall of Famer Garth Brooks during a special upcoming TalkShopLive livestream event on April 17 at 6 p.m. CT.
The longtime friends will chat about McEntire’s upcoming book Not That Fancy: Simple Lessons on Living, Loving, Eating, and Dusting Off Your Boots during the show. Viewers tuning into the TalkShopLive discussion can also pre-order the new book.
Available on Oct. 10, Not That Fancy is a collection of poignant and personal stories, photos, lifestyle tips and recipes from McEntire. Featuring a foreword by Brooks, the book includes over 50 recipes from McEntire’s family and her restaurant Reba’s Place in Atoka, Oklahoma as well as never-before-seen photos and untold stories from her personal and professional life and simple lifestyle tips.
RFD-TV, The Cowboy Channel and The Cowgirl Channel will also have multiple airings of the interview on April 19. The show will also be streamed simultaneously to retail windows in New York City for a live commerce experience through the partnership between TalkShopLive and FrontRunner Technologies.
The event will mark McEntire’s third time utilizing the TalkShopLive platform to engage with fans, and will mark Brooks’ tenth appearance on the livestream network.
DISClaimer Single Reviews: Brothers Osborne Give ‘A Message Of Inclusion For Both Sinners & Saints’
/by Robert K OermannBrothers Osborne. Photo: Natalie Osborne
What a dandy day—so many favorite artists all in one playlist.
I’ve been smiling throughout this listening sessions as I sample the latest from Rodney Crowell, Ashley McBryde, Marty Stuart and our Disc of the Day winners, Brothers Osborne.
The icing on the cake was the presence of several of my new faves—Jordyn Shellhart, Tyler Booth, Ian Munsick and Alex Hall.
Offering his disc debut is Jake Ybarra, who earns a DisCovery Award.
TYLER BOOTH / “Bring on the Neon”
Writers: Tyler Booth/Jamey Johnson/Jeremy Popoff; Producer: Beau Bedford; Label: Sony
– Superb. This instant-classic country weeper simmers in piano and steel while Booth’s always-awesome baritone delivers the emotional goods. Regret and heartache have seldom sounded better. I remain a fan.
CIMARRON 615 / “High Lonesome Stranger”
Writers: Michael Alan Ward/Richard Alan Lonow; Producer: Cimarron 615; Label: KZZ
– Comprised of Bill Lloyd (of Foster & Lloyd, solo outings and Sky Kings fame) with former Poco members Tom Hampton, Rick Lonow, Michael Webb and Jack Sundrud, this all-star group takes its name from one of Poco’s best albums, Rose of Cimarron. The sound is stunningly accomplished, featuring creamy, SoCal, country-rock harmonies with bluegrassy instrumentation and heart-pumping rhythm. The lyric salutes country greats who were gone too soon. Hearty listening.
BROTHERS OSBORNE / “Nobody’s Nobody”
Writers: John Osborne/TJ Osborne/Mike Elizondo/Kendell Marvel; Producer: Mike Elizondo; Label: EMI
– Stately, stomping, scintillating, searing and sensational. The moody, drama-laden vocal unspools a message of inclusion for both sinners and saints. Meanwhile, the band flavors the piping-hot track with buzz-saw guitars, chant-like harmonies and pounding percussion. These guys always deliver in spades.
JORDYN SHELLHART / “When Something’s Gotta Give”
Writers: Jordyn Shellhart/Marc Beeson/Allen Shamblin; Producer: Cameron Jaymes; Label: Warner
– A wistful soprano vocal wafts in an echoey atmosphere while soft steel, brushed percussion and tinkling piano provide a gentle background. A sad, dreamy ballad that wraps you in a cooling blanket of melancholy mist.
BRETT YOUNG / “Dance With You”
Writers: Brett Young/Joran Minton/Jimmy Robbins; Producers: Dan Huff/Jimmy Harnen; Label: BMLG
– Presenting the wedding-dance song of 2023. Ultra romantic, but with just the right touch of rhythmic undertow. A keeper.
KARLEY SCOTT COLLINS / “Brain on Love”
Writers: Karley Scott Collins/Summer Overstreet/Cameron Bartolini/Liam Kevany; Producer: Dann Huff; Label: Sony
– Bluesy and very cool. The minor-key melody is a swirling pleasure. Her darkly compelling, drawling voice will stop you in your tracks. The lyric’s hook is wicked clever. I’m in.
MARTY STUART & HIS FABULOUS SUPERLATIVES / “Sitting Alone”
Writers: Marty Stuart; Producers: Marty Stuart/Mick Conley/Chris Scruggs/Harry Stinson/Kenny Vaughan; Label: Snakefarm
– Hall of Famer Stuart is poised to release his first album in six years next month. The collection’s advance tracks, so far, are its “Altitude” title tune, the jingle-jangle “Country Star” and this Byrds-y country rocker. It’s a rhythmic rural blacktop roller with a joyous and contemplative atmosphere. An audio carnival ride.
ALEX HALL / “Side Effects of the Heart”
Writers: Alex Hall/Pete Good/AJ Babcock/Josh Osborne; Producers: Alex Hall/Pete Good; Label: Monument
– Happiness, loneliness, crying, laughing, hurt, bliss. Yes, all of these are “Side Effects of the Heart,” as Mr. Hall so eloquently explains in this highly listenable outing. The guitar slinger takes some dandy extended solos, but on this go ‘round, his expressive singing is equally in the spotlight. This could be a star-making single.
ASHLEY McBRYDE / “The Devil I Know”
Writers: Ashley McBryde/Jeremy Stover/Bobby Pinson; Producer: Jay Joyce; Label: Warner
– The dynamic production brilliantly alternates crashing rock with processed, a cappella vocal passages. Snarling electric guitar, slapped percussion, nervous acoustic strumming, chant-like support vocals and wild audio frothing make this a heart-stopping listening experience. The lyric is just as riveting—she’s a bar fly who resists changing her wayward ways. This woman rules.
JAKE YBARRA / “BloodFire”
Writer: Jake Ybarra; Producer: William Gawley; Label: Charlotte Avenue
– Kinda rumbling, kinda rockabilly, kinda outlaw, kinda groovy. It’s a tempo tale of a hard-headed devil who’s running down the wrong highway. This promising single is from Ybarra’s debut album, Something In the Water, which dropped last week.
IAN MUNSICK / “White Buffalo”
Writers: Ian Munsick/Jeremy Spillman/Randy Montana; Producers: Jeremy Spillman/Ian Munsick; Label: Warner
– Very open-spaces and “Out West” sounding with an unmistakably ghostly vibe. This title tune of Munsick’s new album is a haunting heartbreak lament that soars. I love the falsetto coyote yips.
RODNEY CROWELL / “Loving You Is the Only Way to Fly”
Writers: Rodney Crowell/Sarah Buxton/Jedd Hughes; Producer: Jeff Tweedy; Label: New West
– One of our consummate songwriting craftsmen returns with an album titled The Chicago Sessions and this lilting, ear-catching, yearning single/video. Tweedy’s pristine production is marvelous, with layered acoustic instruments, “answering” backing vocals by cowriter Hughes and perfectly shadowed soprano harmony by cowriter Buxton. In addition, Crowell remains an enormously expressive singer. Yet another feather in an already much decorated cap.