B.J. THOMAS REVEALS STAGE FOUR LUNG CANCER DIAGNOSIS

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Mar 312021
 
B.J. Thomas
DALLAS, Texas – GRAMMY, CMA, and Dove award-winning pop, country, and gospel singer B.J. Thomas revealed today that his doctors have diagnosed him as having stage four lung cancer. Thomas is receiving treatment in a local health care facility in Texas, and is hopeful for a complete recovery.

“I just wanted to take this unique opportunity to share my gratitude to Gloria, my wonderful wife and my rock for over 53 years, my family, friends, and fans. I’m so blessed to have had the opportunity to record and perform beautiful songs in pop, country, and gospel music, and to share those wonderful songs and memories around the world with millions of you. I ask all of you for your prayers during this time and that my music can live on with you.”

Thomas plans to continue to interact with industry colleagues and fans and remains optimistic about his availability to make public appearances.

About B.J. Thomas:
Five-time Grammy award winner and Grammy Hall of Fame inductee, B.J. Thomas has sold over 70 million albums worldwide with a total of 8 #1 hits and 26 Top 10 singles throughout his 50 years in the music industry. As one of Billboard’s Top 50 Most Played Artists Over The Past 50 Years, B.J. Thomas’ hits include “Raindrops Keep Fallin’ On My Head,” “Hooked On A Feeling,” “I’m So Lonesome I Could Cry,” “I Just Can’t Help Believing,” “(Hey Won’t You Play) Another Somebody Done Somebody Wrong Song,” “Don’t Worry Baby,” “Whatever Happened To Old Fashioned Love” and “New Looks From An Old Lover.”

There are many Country Music legends out there that I still study and enjoy, that are very much alive and active. Some of them are not healthy, but they are still out there keeping the roads HOT.

I absolutely love the 90s and late 80s Pop type Country Music, like his 1992 album called “Back Against The Wall”. It’s one of the most overlooked ( and often snubbed) albums from that era of my youth.

These album relied solely on sweet and easy vocals, and easy to understand songs of love and love lost. Many times some of the albums were filled with cover songs, which brings me to people like Mr. B.J.Thomas….because he sang many covers better than the original.

Orange Blossom Revue Announces 2021 Lineup!

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Mar 302021
 

How many of you are trying so hard to contain yourselves over live music finally returning? I mean REALLY going to a venue, and listening to the music? Over here at Gary Hayes Country, we never lost sight of the 275 nationwide festivals we cover.

We aim to closely monitor ALL of them, and give you the old “Heads Up” on the ones that are indeed going to happen, and HOW to go about supporting them. The Orange Mountain Revue is one of those fine festivals.

Florida hosts many good festivals like this one, and sometimes I send my crew out there to cover the music. Now, I will be writing further articles for them and many more……PLEASE stay tuned for further music information.

Orange Blossom Revue Reveals 2021 Lineup,
Announces New Beneficiary Partnership
The Blossoms Charitable Foundation

The Wood Brothers, The Steeldrivers, Hayes Carll, Devon Gilfillian, and More Confirmed For December 3-4 Festival in Lake Wales, FL

Second Headliner To Be Announced May 3rd

Orange Blossom Revue is proud to announce the lineup for its 7th annual event taking place December 3-4, 2021 at the picturesque Lake Wailes Park in Lake Wales, Florida. The music and heritage festival located centrally between Tampa and Orlando will welcome celebrated folk ensemble The Wood Brothers, GRAMMY-winning bluegrass pickers The Steeldrivers, renowned singer/songwriter Hayes Carll, chart-climbing soul explosion Devon Gilfillian and more to the sunshine state this winter, with a special headliner to be revealed on May 3rd.

Coined in homage to Florida’s rich agricultural roots, Orange Blossom Revue will celebrate the bounty of citrus, palmetto trees, and carefree lakeside living with two days of top-notch live music, local food vendors, and craft beer. Originally a community-led barbecue fundraiser hosted by the Lake Wales Rotary Club, The Revue now stands on its own as a beloved annual gathering, with a new beneficiary partnership launching this year.

Festival co-founder and Lake Wales native Rusty Ingley founded The Blossom Charitable Foundation to further promote the culture of Lake Wales and garner awareness for its growing arts scene. Proceeds from the festival will support the foundation’s mission of bringing accessible arts education and programming to Central Florida’s tight knit community.

Ingley shares, “My co-chair, Reid Hardman and I are hometown boys, and we want to share the charm and allure of Lake Wales with our fellow Floridians. This is a way we feel that we can give back to the community, and carry the tradition of celebrating the arts in our own backyard.”

With the specter of COVID-19, the fate of large gatherings is still largely uncertain, but event organizers remain hopeful that a late 2021 festival will be possible. The promise of an effective vaccine rollout leaves room for optimism, and Florida’s year round paradise-like climate is conducive for a winter event. Still, precautions will be taken to ensure public safety, with contactless transactions, extra hand washing stations, and close communication with state health officials at the ready.

After a year long hiatus, Ingley and his team are ready to reunite with Orange Blossom Revue mainstays, and welcome new attendees to Lake Wales’ freshwater shores. “We’re excited to continue building what we started, and look forward to giving people a dose of much needed live music and camaraderie after this difficult year. We hope that in doing so, people will walk away with a fond appreciation for our small town and make Orange Blossom Revue an annual tradition.”

Known for its family friendly atmosphere, eclectic roster of musical talent, and spotlight on Florida’s homegrown culinary scene, Orange Blossom Revue continues to grow as a top entertainment destination for locals and visitors alike.

The festival will take place on December 3-4, 2021 at Lake Wailes Park (33 N Lake Shore Boulevard, Lake Wales, FL 33853), with $70 weekend passes on sale starting Friday, March 12th at 10 AM EST. For up-to-date information about Orange Blossom Revue including safety precautions, tickets, and VIP packages, visit www.orangeblossomrevue.com. A complete lineup can be found below.

Johnny Reid Reopens Randy Scruggs’ Historic Studio as “Soultrain Sound Studios”

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Mar 292021
 

As I sadly watch my beloved Nashville historically in a rapid decline in the 21 years I have been here, news like this REALLY excites me.

Nashville, TN, (April 4, 2020)… Randy Scruggs’ historic “Scruggs Sound Studios,” will reopen its doors this spring in Nashville as “Soultrain Sound Studios.” The reopening fulfils a promise made to Scruggs by the new owner, multi-platinum Scottish recording artist Johnny Reid, that the studio “would again make music.” Grammy-award nominated mix engineer, Justin Cortelyou, and Canadian producer/engineer, Tawgs Salter, have joined Reid as creative partners.

Purchased by Reid in 2018 prior to Scruggs passing, the interior of the historic studio has been completely renovated while the original footprint remains intact.  State of the art recording equipment, a “b” studio, sound booths, and vintage equipment now occupy the 3800 square-foot space.

“I made Randy Scruggs a promise that his building would one day make music once again. I’ve kept my promise and look forward to continuing its tradition,” commented Johnny Reid.

“I’m honored to partner with Soultrain Sound Studios and make it my home base here in Nashville,” said Justin Cortelyou. “It’s a privilege to join the long list of legendary artists, musicians, producers and engineers that once created here.  It really is a special place.” Cortelyou is a multi-platinum mix engineer whose credits include Paul McCartney, Lady GaGa, U2, Andrea Bocelli, Taylor Swift, and others. For years Cortelyou worked alongside mix-master Mike Shipley at The Animal House in Los Angeles, and legendary music producer Bob Ezrin.

Tawgs Salter has worked with a vast array of artists ranging from Walk Off The Earth, Serena Ryder, Hunter Hayes, Lights and Scott Helman to Andrea Bocelli, Dear Rouge, Mother Mother and USS.

Scruggs originally purchased the property in 1979 and construction of the studio began that year. Located minutes from downtown Nashville in Berry Hill, the semi-private studio was home to many legendary recording projects such as the Nitty Gritty Dirt Band’s 1989 CMA Album of the Year, “Will the Circle Be Unbroken V2,” produced by Randy Scruggs and featuring Bruce Hornsby, John Hiatt, Rosanne Cash, Johnny Cash, Roy Acuff, Earl Scruggs, John Denver, Emmy Lou Harris and others. “Keith Whitley-A Tribute Album” was recorded at the studio as well.

Soultrain Sound Studios, now a world-class recording facility, celebrates Scruggs Sound Studios’ rich musical history and is a promise realized. An invite-only event celebrating the reopening is scheduled this Spring.

About Johnny Reid:
Over an illustrious career spanning more than two decades, JUNO Award winning Scottish singer-songwriter, Johnny Reid, has captured the hearts of fans and audiences around the world. The critically acclaimed singer is widely known for his lyrical honesty and musical ability, as demonstrated by an extensive catalogue of hit songs, album sales totaling over 1.5 million units in Canada alone, countless awards and multiple sold out national arena tours.

www.johnnyreid.com

About Justin Cortelyou:
Justin Cortelyou is a Grammy-award nominated, multi-platinum mix engineer. Justin started his career working with Chuck Ainlay at Soundstage Studios in Nashville before moving to Los Angeles to work with mix-master Mike Shipley at The Animal House.  Justin teamed up with artist/producer Tommy Henriksen and in 2008, moved their operation back to Nashville and began working with legendary producer, Bob Ezrin.

Through the years, Justin has worked with artists Paul McCartney, Alice Cooper, Ke$ha, Taylor Swift, Jerrod Niemann, Phish, Chingy, Vince Gill, Andrea Bocelli, U2, Randy Travis, KISS, Will I Am, Lady Gaga and many others.

About Tawgs Salter:
Canadian musician, songwriter, producer, engineer Tawgs Salter has worked with a vast array of artists ranging from Walk Off The Earth, Serena Ryder, Hunter Hayes, Lights and Scott Helman to Andrea Bocelli, Dear Rouge, Mother Mother and USS.  He has worked alongside Grammy-winning writer/producer Walter Afanasieff. His music, production and collaborations have been featured on such TV shows as “Vampire Diaries,” “Grey’s Anatomy,” “American Idol” and “The Simpson’s.”

 

 

News On Greensky Bluegrass.

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Mar 282021
 

I began my personal music journey at age 8, and I began really digging into underground music and “roots” music around 1998. Around 2006 I found a copy of their album “Tuesday Letter”. I consider this to be a Newgrass Classic album, as it ushered me into a whole new world.

I have always enjoyed Newgrass Revival and all of the direct derivatives of them, at that time I was not really sure WHAT to call Greensky Bluegrass, other than GOOD MUSIC. I get into my different moods where I fill up on Texas Red Dirt, or Rockabilly…I enjoy so many genres. I could listen to Greensky all night long!

Their first album “Less Than Supper” is another classic album, and one of the major things that differentiate the two first albums is the noticeable absence of dobro player Mr. Al Bates. They added dobro player Anders Beck in 2007, and have kept a solid line up ever since.

However one complaint I had about this live recording was only one song called “Bottle Dry” is on this album here. There were two selections from their 2008 album called “Five Interstates”, but this still did not quench my thirst for earlier material. If the band ever announced a tour where they perform an entire album’s worth of set LIVE….I’d pay big money.

Now, shortly after they have released 3 live albums called “Courage For The Road” according to the seasonal legs of their tour. However we have not heard brand new music from them since 2019, but I’m SURE they have some tricks for us.

From their website:

ANNOUNCE: We’re excited to start sharing remastered audio from The Leap Year Sessions, our streaming video series recorded last July at The Pageant in St. Louis, MO. We will release them in four volumes starting 3/19 with Volume One, featuring every song from Episode 1 & 2.

Jamgrass outfit Greensky Bluegrass are pulling together the audio from their pandemic streaming video series to release The Leap Year Sessions: Volume One, out March 19.

“After months of being apart from each other, the feeling of playing music with my band of brothers was nothing short of pure joy,” said dobrist Anders Beck. “We can’t wait to be with you again!”

Basically, this was a digital podcast and video only tour that was originally not intended to be on vinyl or cd form. Each session comes with a special introduction, and is filled with band stories for us to enjoy.

To pre-save the collection on your favorite streaming platform click here.

The Leap Year Sessions: Volume One
Track Listing

  1. The Four
  2. Ain’t No Bread in the Breadbox
  3. Nine Days
  4. 200 Miles From Montana
  5. Hit Parade of Love
  6. In Control
  7. Can’t Stop Now
  8. Bottle Dry
  9. Fixin’ To Ruin
  10. Wheel Hoss
  11. Handguns
  12. Blood Sucking F(r)iends
  13. Leap Year
  14. Demons
  15. All Four
  16. I’m Still Here
  17. Windshield
  18. Could You Be Loved
  19. Room Without A Roof
  20. Bringing in the Georgia Mail
  21. Reverend
  22. Doin My Time
  23. Dry County
  24. Time / Breathe Reprise
  25. Doin My Time
  26. While Waiting
  27. Kerosene

The Oak Ridge Boys Announce New Album Front Porch Singin’ To Be Released Friday, June 11

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Mar 272021
 

 

 

NASHVILLE, Tenn – GRAMMY® Award-winning and Country Music Hall of Fame members, The Oak Ridge Boys swing into Spring with the announcement of their new album, Front Porch Singin’, to be released on Friday, June 11. This is their fourth collaboration with Grammy Award-winning producer, Dave Cobb. Recorded during the pandemic, it was imperative to create a project that offers up just what the lead single details; love, light, and healing. Building anticipation for the upcoming album, the first single, “Love, Light And Healing” is available to download and stream on all digital services today and is premiered exclusively by People.com!

“We were sitting in the studio when David Cobb walked in and asked, ‘If you were sitting on the front porch, just singing songs you know, what might you sing?’ Well, we started singing The Unclouded Day… and he said, ‘Let’s go to the microphones.’ That’s how this album was recorded,” says Duane Allen.

“I always love working with The Oaks and with this album, they’ve really captured the warmest feelings of home and family,” shares Dave Cobb.

The Oak Ridge Boys continue to connect us all through their heartfelt lyrics and uncluttered vocals. While preparing this album, they chose some of their favorite classics as well as a couple of new ones that offer a familiar feeling to every listener. Front Porch Singin’ draws optimism to both the present and the future while showcasing many of the simple things in life that may have been taken for granted until recently.

“This title has become more of an attitude than anything else,” shares Joe Bonsall. “What if the four of us were sitting on a porch together and someone begins to sing a favorite old Gospel song, like Swing Down Chariot, or a country and western standard like Red River Valley, and everyone else just joined in? That is what happened at RCA Studio A. But, as usual under producer Dave Cobb’s leadership, this album turned into so much more.”

“This project is quite honestly one of the most heartfelt albums we have ever recorded,” expresses Bonsall. “It was a bit strange to social distance from each other in the studio, but I believe it drew us all closer and in doing so we may have inadvertently recorded the perfect project for this time period. These songs, whether new or old, reflect a certain optimism and a deep-seated faith that God will work all of this out as we move forward. Life is beautiful as one song says. We must embrace it and celebrate it with all of our being.”

Front Porch Singin’ Track Listing:
01. Life Is Beautiful
02. Love, Light, And Healing
03. Old Ways
04. Promised Land
05. Red River Valley
06. Life’s Railway To Heaven
07. Rock My Soul
08. Swing Down Chariot
09. ‘Till I See You Again
10. Unclouded Day
11. When He Calls

The group—Duane Allen, Joe Bonsall, William Lee Golden, and Richard Sterban—are best known for their iconic and multi-platinum hit “Elvira,” along with other chart-toppers like “Bobbie Sue,” “Thank God For Kids,” “Y’All Come Back Saloon,” and “American Made.” The Oak Ridge Boys have achieved a decorated career, winning five GRAMMY® Awards, multiple CMA, ACM, and Dove Awards for their crossover brand of pop, country, and gospel music that spans multiple generations. The Oak Ridge Boys became members of the Grand Ole Opry in 2011 and achieved arguably country music’s highest honor in October 2015 when they were inducted into the Country Music Hall Of Fame.

For more information on The Oak Ridge Boys, visit their website or follow them on social media:

 

Time Life Digitally Reissues Nine Albums By T.G. Sheppard On March 26

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Mar 262021
 

T.G. Sheppard / Time Life

 

Time Life continues to expand its digital music division with a nine-album digital distribution deal with country music legend T.G. Sheppard. For the first time, all of these classic albums will be available on all digital streaming platforms at the same time beginning March 26 and include several of his #1 hits and many all-time fan favorites including “Last Cheaters Waltz,” “I’ll Be Coming Back For More,” “Do You Wanna Go To Heaven,” “I Feel Like Loving You Again,” “I Loved ‘Em Every One,” “Party Time,” “Only One You,” “Finally,” “War Is Hell (On The Homefront Too)” and more. At the same time, T.G. will release a series of live videos on his YouTube channel, featuring never-before-seen concert footage from his performance at the Gold Strike in 2007. With a career spanning nearly five decades and a total of 21 #1 hits, T.G. Sheppard shows no signs of slowing down.

“I wish that every artist was afforded the luxury that I have at this time in my career. To be partnered with Time Life on some of my most successful albums that have never been available for streaming is incredibly exciting. I have waited many years for the opportunity to work with this great team of people. They truly are a powerful force in our industry.”

“T.G. has built such a remarkable career in country music,” said Mike Jason, Time Life Senior Vice President, Live Entertainment, “We’re honored that he’s joining the Time Life family and has entrusted us with so much of his treasured music.”

Along with the new digital distribution deal with Time Life, Sheppard is also celebrating the 40th Anniversary of his hit album I Love ‘Em All, which was released on March 30, 1981 and produced three number one hits including “I Loved ‘EM Everyone,” “Party Time,” and “Only One You.” Throughout his career, this record has continued to be a true fan favorite amongst old and new fans alike.

“This album which turns 40 years old this year, remains one of my favorites that I’ve ever recorded. I was surrounded by some of the most talented people in the business, from the cover of the album which was photographed by the one and only Dick Zimmerman, who shot the cover of Thriller for Michael Jackson to the great record producer, Buddy Killen. Where does the time go..seems like yesterday.”

T.G. Sheppard continues to experience a huge surge in his career with ‘The T.G. Sheppard Show’ on SiriusXM’s Elvis Radio. His latest album release, Midnight In Memphis (produced by T.G. Sheppard and Buddy Hyatt), featured the single “I Wanna Live Like Elvis” which embraced not only Sheppard’s close friendship with the King of Rock ‘n’ Roll, but the world’s infatuation and love for the iconic figure. Watch Sheppard perform the single HERE. Midnight In Memphis is Sheppard’s first country solo project in over two decades that offers a wide array of songs about love and heartbreak.

His 2015 album, Legendary Friends & Country Duets, was a star-studded project featuring collaborations with some of the genre’s biggest stars including George Jones, Willie Nelson, Merle Haggard, Conway Twitty, Jerry Lee Lewis, The Oak Ridge Boys, Crystal Gayle, Lorrie Morgan and many more.

 

Leftover Salmon Debuts Title Track From Upcoming New Album.

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Mar 252021
 

 

 

Leftover Salmon

Known for their exhilarating live shows and musicianship as well as their eclectic musical tastes, Leftover Salmon is one of Colorado’s most beloved musical exports, picking up where bands like Little Feat, The Band and The Grateful Dead left off and distilling the music into their signature potent brew of bluegrass, rock ‘n’ roll, folk, Cajun, soul, zydeco and blues.

Leftover Salmon’s new album BRAND NEW GOOD OLD DAYS will street on May 7th. The release marks the band’s return to the Compass Records family, following on the 2002 release of LIVE, as well as three solo projects for lead singer/mandolinist Drew Emmitt. The new album will be released on CD, digitally and on limited-edition blood orange vinyl. Relix premiered the animated lyric video for the title track this week. The message of the song, according to band co-founder Vince Herman, is about living in the moment:  “It’s a reminder that no matter what kind of trouble we’re in these days, it may not ever be as good as it is right now.”

On BRAND NEW GOOD OLD DAYS, Leftover Salmon delivers a feel good collection of 10 new tracks, dipping their collective musical toes back into the bluegrass stream from which they emerged as a band 30 years ago. The resulting album is a fun, engaging and deeply musical set which showcases the band’s musical roots even as they embrace the more progressive elements that made the band one of the principal architects of the jam grass sound several decades ago.

Leftover Salmon is a band that has continued through various musical fads and label affiliations to maintain a vibrant, relevant and influential voice in the music world. Over that time, their sound has grown and evolved while staying true to the roots and guiding spirit of the band’s founding members — mandolinist/singer Drew Emmitt and guitarist/singer Vince Herma

Shoot Low Sheriff Losses It’s Beloved Leader Mr. Erik Swanson.

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Mar 242021
 

Shoot Low Sheriff is another one of my favorite unknown bands, in the Texas music community. They are one of the many REAL Western Swing bands left, and I have some heartbreaking news from them last week.

This band does not go back as far as others in the annals of history, and they only have 2 albums available…but that does not devalue their existence at all. This band was formed in 2008 in Texas, and has been keeping the dance floors HOT for many years.

This website not only admires all of the local bands that make good music, we also hold them dear to our hearts. Mr. Erik was one of those wonderful people that truly loved playing Western Swing, whether it was one of their own, or a cover song.

As I delved further into the situation I found this information for us all.

Friends of Shoot Low Sheriff,

Many of you may already know this, but we regret to inform everyone that our bandleader and friend Erik Swanson passed away on February 16th at his home in Dallas. Erik had been diagnosed with ALS last summer. Fortunately, he was still able to play his guitar and sing right up until the end, which always lifted his spirits.

Needless to say, we are heartbroken. Erik’s energy, talent, humility, and love for music made him a beloved icon of the Dallas music scene for decades. He was truly a wonderful friend who would do anything for anybody, and leaves some mighty large boots to fill. Whether he was performing for a packed music festival or a local nursing home, Erik’s passion and joy for the music always shone through.

As you know, he had a particular fondness for western swing and Bob Wills, and we are so proud of the enormous impact he was able to make on keeping the genre alive in north Texas, including through his own superb songwriting. But more than the music, Erik was as kindhearted a man as they come, as his countless friends and fans can attest.

With regard to Shoot Low Sheriff, we don’t yet know what the future holds. Frankly, we’re still in shock. We know how important this music was to Erik, and to all of us. Somehow, we’ll find a way to carry on his legacy.

We appreciate your support throughout the years, and especially now. If you would like to help the family out, we’ve created a GoFundMe page HERE. Or you may donate in Erik’s name to The ALS Association or the Texas Heritage Music Foundation .

To everyone who donated in Erik’s memory,

I cannot thank you enough for all the love and support you’ve shown in this most difficult time. Because of your generosity, I have been able to take care of all of the funeral expenses, which has helped tremendously. Although I know how talented, amazing and wonderful Erik was, it has been heartwarming to hear how much he was loved by everyone who knew him.

A Celebration of Life will be held for Erik on April 10th at 7:00 p.m. at the Sons of Hermann Hall. It will be an evening to celebrate his music and his life, and to joyfully honor his memory. Please wear a mask and dress casually.

Thank you again,

Tami Swanson

The Red Idle Rejects Offer Ink And Nicotine Out March 27th.

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Mar 232021
 

 

Ink and Nicotine, the newest album from The Red Idle Rejects will soon be available on Oak Honest Records. This exciting mix of Americana, Rock, Blues, Country, and Alternative showcases the Rejects on a different echelon than ever before, in my opinion.

The Cincinnati based outfit has been featured many times on my website, but not since their  2019 album “Genus Americanas”. So I was pleasantly surprised to learn of their new album here.  As a recovered addict myself, I was enamored to hear they released an album which focuses on the opioid epidemic in America.

“Way Down Deep In The Jar” spoke to me as a view of life under the influence of moonshine. When we get shine drunk in Lick Skillet Ky we call that way down deep in the jar.  Every song on this album was recorded well, and the songs were well arranged well.

The three part “Ink And Nicotine” I had to listen to a few times to get the whole picture. It seems to encapsulate the ever growing opioid epidemic in the eastern regions of the United States especially West Virginia and Kentucky. Now, mind you these three songs are quite lengthy, and you have to listen close.

The song “Shades Of Blue” was a good slow break from the three part upbeat story. This song spoke to me toward previous relationships, and the feelings behind them. The color Blue holds many meanings to different people, and you can interpret this song in many ways. “Our Courtyard Tiles” is a great toe tapping song…it’s kind of psych Country stuff..with some terrific twang guitar work.

PRE-ORDER HERE!

The Red Idle Rejects formed in 2012 as a vehicle to play the original tunes of Steve Bowling, who is the primary vocalist and rhythm guitarist for the band. Steve was the front man and primary songwriter for rock band Red Idle when he brought a batch of newly-penned country-influenced tunes to the other members of the group. The other members deemed the tunes “too country” and thus the new band and new band name Red Idle Rejects was put into place.

The Rejects enjoyed immediate success with these tunes, signing to Colt Records of Nashville and playing shows from Ohio to Florida. The first single from the first Rejects CD (Where the Lonely Reside) Mean Dry County charted at #38 on the Americana music charts for 2015.

The second Rejects CD Room With a View, released in 2017, enjoyed similar success, receiving rave reviews from Americana and Country Music reviewers nationally and internationally. The third CD, Genus Americanas, was released in 2019 to similar success.

The latest album, Ink and Nicotine, releases March 27, 2021 through Oak Honest Records, and it is the best work yet by the Rejects. Pre-release copies sent to reviewers have received sensational reviews, and radio stations both within the USA and internationally have begun putting tunes from the album into regular rotation. Three of the tunes on the album are a trilogy about the opioid crisis in Appalachia that has filled the void created by the waning of the coal industry, and Appalachian-Studies professionals are raving about the authenticity and the importance of this music as it relates to this crisis in middle America.

Other members of the band are Jeff Boling on electric guitar, Grace Bowling on vocals, Daniel Parker Ferguson on bass guitar, Derek Johnson on drums, and Kurt Kaufman on drums, guitar, and vocals.

Curtis Grimes Video Premiere “Cowboy Constitution”.

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Mar 222021
 
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These days I get literally thousands of albums to listen to during my factory workday, some of them end up being mediocre or I just omit them overall. Some of them are just downright remarkable on every front. I look for that fiddle sound, that warm flowing fiddle that compliments good lyrics.
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Fiddles don’t always have to be those honky tonk double stops that push along a good twp step thumper, sometimes they are as warm as sunshine in spring. Last year Mr. Curtis Grimes released a GREAT album called “Acoustic Collection”, which contained 5 songs that sounded so 80’s…and so retro that I was flummoxed how I missed such a treasure.
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Back in 2012, I ran across his album “Doin’ My Time” as I was finding all of the Texas bands like Mr. Aaron Watson, Mr. Ray Wylie Hubbard, Slaid Cleaves and more. I often see his music on many of my Red Dirt playlists, and a select few from Nashville.
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See, even though I am based out of the Alt-Country and underground Country of Nashville, I’m deeply ardent on being a janissary of Texas music as well. We cover Rockabilly, and other genres as well, however altogether we cover the best underdogs in the music realms. Mr. Curtis is one of those ones that get looked over by some…and those people are wrong.
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They are wrong because this man’s music brings integrity to the Country Music lifestyle with this song, and touches on a few fibers of being that are all but fading away with today’s society. People are so sidetracked with fighting over religion and politics on social media, they forgot tipping their hat to ladies.
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Hear Tony Joe White’s “Bubba Jones” From Posthumous Album, Smoke from the Chimney

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Mar 212021
 

 

Hear Tony Joe White’s “Bubba Jones” From Posthumous Album,
Smoke from the Chimney
Produced by Dan Auerbach from nine unreleased vocal/guitar demos; Smoke from the Chimney out May 7th
March 19, 2021 – Nashville, TN – Leave it to the late, great Tony Joe White to write what may very well be the only bonafide-badass bass fishing song and never get around to sharing it with the world. That is, until now.

Appearing on his upcoming posthumous album, Smoke from the Chimney, “Bubba Jones” follows a mostly-fictional character on his chase to land a world-record largemouth bass. “My dad loved to fish. It was his favorite hobby,” says White’s son, Jody. “He would travel many miles to find the best fishing holes, or to explore places he heard about where large fish had been caught.” Jody describes the character as “a hybrid, fictional character that Tony Joe made up in his head, combined with his inner self who had a burning desire to catch the world record largemouth bass.

” In pure Tony Joe White fashion, along with the greasy production from Dan Auerbach, Bubba Jones’s tale unfolds with a rollicking backbeat and deep and smokey vocal delivery—not to mention sweltering slide guitar from Marcus King. Auerbach pegs “Bubba Jones” as quintessential Tony Joe White. “No-one else could do it like Tony Joes does,” says Auerbach. “When is the last song you heard name check Red Man and Gatorade?”

Yesterday, Rolling Stone Country premiered the “epic” video for “Bubba Jones” which features long-lost footage of White performing on the legendary 1980s talk show, Nashville Now. RSC praises the “funky fishing song” by highlighting the “appropriately swampy groove” and “sizzling slide guitar from Marcus King.” Watch the video for “Bubba Jones” now at this link and pre-order or pre-save Smoke from the Chimney ahead of its May 7th release right here.
Smoke from the Chimney, a nine-song album of never-before-heard Tony Joe White tunes, will be released on May 7th on Auerbach’s Easy Eye Sound label. Produced by Auerbach and rounded out by Nashville’s most seasoned studio musicians, Smoke from the Chimney started out as a number of unadorned voice and guitar demos from White’s home studio before being transformed into full band arrangements harkening back to the albums he recorded in the late 60s and early 70s in Nashville and Muscle Shoals—just as he was emerging as an internationally recognized songwriter and recording artist.

In the last 10 to 15 years of his life, White would preserve new compositions or revisit older tracks in his home studio with only a guitar—usually his Fender Stratocaster—and that inimitable voice. After his father’s death in 2018, Jody White started transferring those multitrack home recordings to digital files. Looking back on the moment he unearthed the demo of “Smoke from the Chimney,” he recalls a mix of happiness, gratification, and shock. As he continued to find other songs that didn’t make an album, he moved the material into a separate folder. Within a year, those select recordings would evolve into Smoke from the Chimney.

“These songs feel like a collection to me and they all seem to work together, in a weird way, even though they’re so different,” says Auerbach. “There’s some heartbreaking ballads and some really raunchy carnal blues. But it all works together like scenes of a movie.” The cast of musical characters brought in by Auerbach to accompany White’s guitar and vocal recordings includes legendary keyboardist Bobby Wood (Elvis Presley, Dusty Springfield, Wilson Pickett), Nashville pedal steel ace Paul Franklin, next-generation guitar hero Marcus King, and Grammy and ACM award-winning fiddler Stuart Duncan, just to name a few.

Jody believes that his father would love the way Smoke From the Chimney turned out. “I feel like it’s validation that Tony Joe was one of the greatest of all time,” he says. “That he could make something so potent, even so late in life, is something that not many people can do. I think it’s going to make people who loved him already love him even more.

Smoke from the Chimney Tracklist:
Smoke from the Chimney
Boot Money
Del Rio, You’re Making Me Cry
Listen to Your Song
Over You
Scary Stories
Bubba Jones
Someone Is Crying
Billy

More About Tony Joe White: Across five decades as a performer and storyteller, Tony Joe White—a.k.a. “The Swamp Fox”—left an indelible mark on American music. His catalog offers indisputable classics such as “Polk Salad Annie” and “Rainy Night in Georgia,” and his songs have been recorded by Ray Charles, Kenny Chesney, Waylon Jennings, Tim McGraw, Willie Nelson, Elvis Presley, Dusty Springfield, and Tina Turner.

What Jason “Rowdy” Cope Meant To Me.

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Mar 202021
 

Jason “Rowdy” Cope: Creator, Performer, Fan, and Student.

Donnie Shelley

     I sat down to write about Jason, and his untimely passing shortly after he left this world.  I found it to be a task that was going to prove to be impossible to accomplish.  Everytime I sat down, I told myself it was time to dig in and get something written. I would start out by rereading The Steel Woods social media statement posted on January 17th on the passing of Jason.

The Steel Woods  6h  · It is with a broken and heavy heart that we share the news that our brother, friend and the founder of The Steel Woods, Jason Cope, has passed away. We are writing this still in a state of shock and kindly ask for your prayers for the family, friends and band at this time. We take comfort in knowing he is in a better place now and his passion for music and art will live forever in the work he has left behind. RIP Rowdy, you will be forever and greatly missed.

 

 By the time I finished reading, I would zone out in my thoughts. Thoughts of His Mother and Father. His sister.  Also of Jack Mills and what Jasons passing means to him.  Then to thoughts of the loss music will feel. Then on to my friends that have lost a brother. At this point I just had to get up and walk away from doing any writing.
i had given up on following through with writing anything at all on the subject.  Then I read media outlets articles and write ups. One after another all list Jason’s accomplishments, accolades. and lengthy list of artists he had worked with.  A very impressive resume without a doubt.  Every article cited that information.

To me personally, none of those Accolades or accomplishments define the man that i came to know.  What defines the man to me are far more impressive.  Rowdy is quoted saying “You can’t buy passion”.  That’s a pretty heavy statement once the truth of it is realized.  Not only can you not buy passion, you can’t force it.  It cannot be manufactured. it cannot be faked.  Passion, Jason had it in its purest form.  Hot coals burn cold compared to the fiery passion Jason had  Not only for music, but for life.  His passion drove him.  His work ethic unrivaled.  The two combined are what put Jason in another league of guitarists.  Allowing him to forge to the edge of mastering the unmasterable. Jason was always a student of the guitar. Always learning, always practicing and constantly improving.

He had a true love for music. Jason was a creator, a performer, true fan, and as with guitar a perpetual student of music.  Jason couldn’t help but to give more than he took. In the studio, on the stage, and in the street.  He loved the fans. He knew without the fans his calling would have gone unanswered.  Without the fans his art silenced.  The fans made it all possible for him.  In acknowledgement of that he gave us everything he had to give chord after chord, night after night.

Every conversation I was fortunate enough to have with jason.  No matter how short or how long, they would always consist of at least these three topics.  The Fans, family, and music as the fans we are of it.
Those are the things that defined Jason Cope the man to me.  The reasons I am honored to have met, was able to get to know and befriend.  Jason changed my life. He provided me with the medication to mend my soul and save me from myself.  Through the power of music conceived in the fire of his passion.

Until we meet again my friend.  Keep that fire a-goin’, the sun is comin’ soon.
the last skinnerback… allthewayback. Eagle up.

I would like to ask that anyone reading this to please go and see what The Jason “Rowdy” Cope Foundation is doing.  Get involved in any way you can.  Through this foundation helps keep Jason’s passion for healing burning and alive.

McCourys Present a Taste of DelFest on Memorial Day Weekend

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Mar 202021
 

One of the festivals that I ardently watch is DelFest, which is also one of those festivals that was canceled in 2021. MANY shows and small festivals ARE RETURNING SLOWLY, and I have included the information for house shows HERE. Additionally, I have a TON of information on festivals You can read here .

There are so many ways we can now support our favorite venues and festivals, by buying products, and attending small shows as safely as you deem fit. This show here is transpiring in leau of the traditional DelFest on Memorial Day Weekend.

This is one hell of a fantastic lineup folks, and I highly suggest you attend this event!  Now, below the quotes from their website, I have included the virtual festival videos from 2020.

Friends,

The thought of not playing on another Memorial Day Weekend was too hard to bear, so while we can’t gather for DelFest, we are glad to be doing a few shows in the region, and look forward to seeing many of our friends.

First up, we are hosting a three day event at B Chord Brewing. We are calling it DelFest “Lite” – same great taste, but less filling.  Marty and the crew at B Chord have shown over the past year they have what it takes to safely put on limited capacity shows in their huge outdoor space.  We will be playing Friday and Sunday nights, and Seldom Scene will be holding down Saturday night along with a bunch of great bluegrass bands there all three days.

On Saturday, we are going to hop on the bus and head up to Selinsgrove, PA for a show at the Susquehanna Events Center.  Then we will head right back to B Chord.  And at some point we are going to make a pit stop to see our friends in Cumberland. Stay tuned for more info on that next week.

Read on below for all the details. Tickets go on sale this Friday, so make your plans now to spend Memorial Day Weekend with us at one of these events.

Stay safe,
Rob, Ronnie, and the rest of the gang

Folks,

Thanks again for hanging in there with us. You will never know how much it has meant. However, we understand with new dates, some people simply aren’t going to be able to make it to the festival. With that said, you will have the option to use your tickets in September (no further action is necessary), transfer to the Memorial Day DelFest 2022 (by request through Aug 1), or request a refund (now through April 5). On March 31, we are going to share our lineup at which time we will announce the new ticket on-sale dates. We are excited that most of the artists scheduled to perform on Memorial Day will be joining us in September. Depending on what comes in during the refund request period, we may have high demand/low inventory passes (ie RV Passes and DELuxe packages) available again when tickets go on sale.

To recap, here are some key dates:

  • Refund request period: now through April 5
  • Transfer 2021 tickets to 2022 requests: now through August 1
  • Lineup announcement and ticket on sale announcement March 31Thanks again for all of your support. You can’t even imagine how excited we are about joining all of you in beautiful Cumberland, MD in September.

~Rob and Ronnie McCoury on behalf of the McCoury Family

Esther Rose Releases “Songs Remain,” The Final Single From Forthcoming Album How Many Times

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Mar 192021
 

 

 

 

Esther Rose Releases “Songs Remain,” The Final Single From
Forthcoming Album How Many Times,
Available March 26th via Father/Daughter Records & Full Time Hobby
“Once her songs are released, they belong to the listener, just as much as they belong to Rose.” -Forbes
March 9, 2021 – Nashville, Tenn. – Esther Rose’s homespun brand of country music has drawn comparisons to legends like Hank Williams, modern trailblazers like Rilo Kiley, and a host of other luminaries in between, but those who are doing the comparing always make note: she’s got her own thing going on. Recently Rose laughingly told Holler that not being “Country enough for country,” is how she found that her sound is “in this really special pocket.” Rose’s innate ability to reflect on her own feelings, to not cast blame, and to keep a smile while doing so brings a spark to her music that sets it apart from her contemporaries and influences alike. On March 26th, Rose will release How Many Times, her third full-length album and second with Father/Daughter Records. Today, American Songwriter highlighted Rose’s fourth single, “Songs Remain,” calling it, “Tender and moving,” and noting that, “Rose reveals her vulnerability…through fragile, hesitant lyrics.”
Recorded at home in three takes on a hot day in June with Ric Roberston (acoustic guitar) arriving via skateboard, Rose says, “I had to write and live a lot of bitter, jealous, messy songs to get to this.” Like all things on this album, its placement is intentional. “I sequenced it towards the middle of the record so it feels like a peaceful valley, a resting place,” she added.
You know I love those songs you made
Wild rose in the pouring down rain
Day fire burning up in flames
To know you is to be forever changed
I am glad it was you who broke my heart
Previously, NPR Music included the single, “Keeps Me Running” in their weekly New Music Friday playlist and Forbes praised Rose’s ability to relate to fans by noting, “Once her songs are released, they belong to the listener, just as much as they belong to Rose. A listener can hear the song differently moment-to-moment: a call for either commiseration or communal dance.” Paste echoed respect for “Keeps Me Running,” by saying, “Rose’s tried-and-true country roots with a doo-wop-esque sway and some sha-la-la’s for good measure. Add fiddle, lap steel and acoustic guitar to Rose’s winsome, compassionate vocals and timeless tale of heartbreak that needs to be numbed, and what’s not to love?” The wide swath of support for Rose’s new album futhers the point that Forbes made with the album’s title track premiere: these songs belong to the listener.
Fans can hear “Songs Remain,” as well as all of the previously released singles, and pre-save or pre-order How Many Times with this link.
To Rose, How Many Times, written over the course of two years—including three moves, the end of a relationship, and countless tour dates—is an album symbolizing an awakening. She says, “It’s not really just about feeling better, it’s about feeling it, whatever it is.” While some may look outward and lament over hard times and bad luck, Rose turns inward. Instead of blaming an ex for failing to juggle her reactions on “My Bad Mood,” she examines her own blind spots where she hopes to improve as a partner. When her car’s engine blew up during an impulsive “pitstop” in Nashville, she wrote “Good Time” not to rue misfortune, but to toast her own recklessness. After losing her nerve and fleeing a New Year’s Eve date by bicycle half an hour before midnight, she immediately penned “Are You Out There,” confronting her fear of letting go and moving on. “I don’t grapple with fate,” says Rose. “I accept my bad luck and my good luck equally.”
With the integrity of Dean Johnson, Faustina Masigat, and Kiki Cavazos serving as primary influences, Rose expands her alt-country sound into a blossoming world of folk pop, rustic americana, and tender harmonies. “They’re the holy trinity of songwriter magic,” she says, “and when I listen to them I feel like I can explore my own heartache.” Creative touches add detail throughout the album. Rose uses a 1962 Gibson ES-120T, her first semi-hollow body electric guitar, to play unplugged for a distinct tone. On “Mountaintop,” she includes a blustery voice memo recorded at the summit of Mount Philo, an homage to the field recording in a Bright Eyes song she holds dear. From “Coyote Creek” to “Without You,” Rose’s compelling voice is ferried masterfully by the musicians that join her: Matt Bell on lap steel, Max Bien Kahn on electric guitar, Dan Cutler on upright bass, Cameron Snyder on drums, and Lyle Werner on fiddle. A collection of complete takes recorded live to tape with rich instrumentation, soul-tugging hooks, and resonating vocal melodies, How Many Times carries you into the room in which it was made. There to help realize this was co-producer Ross Farbe of synthpop band Video Age, who Rose also credits for bringing a stereo pop glow to these new songs.
Overall, it’s Rose’s way of handling life that singles her out in a crowd of other singers and songwriters. Her positive attitude is uplifting while never seeming too earnest and her heavier moments never crash the party. Her trials of moving through and reflecting on both adversity and beauty are present across the record, and her voice delivers an honest and open window into her heart with graceful dexterity. While comparisons to the musical greats are flattering, Rose is on her own path, marching to not just the beat of a different drum, but to a big brass band in her very own parade.

Please Help The Home Of Moonshiners Ball Festival.

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Mar 182021
 

 

Logo

Help Rockcastle Riverside!

Moonshiner’s Family!

Rockcastle Riverside, home to our festival for the past two years (and the one upcoming) was damaged badly by last week’s flood. The Rockcastle rose to historic levels, floating cars and RVs, and filling the campground office literally to the ceiling. John, the owner and resident, had to be evacuated by helicopter it came up so fast. Everyone is okay, but there is a huge amount of damage, more than insurance could ever be counted on to cover.

We know times are hard, but if anyone that is in a good place to help, please consider contributing to this GoFundMe. John’s place is a Bluegrass treasure; one that we’d all be saddened to lose. Let’s do what we can to help him out!

Click Here for the GoFundMe!

And after a year of historic EVERYTHING, we know that our time together this year will be sweeter than ever before.

First things first, though…we have a lineup to announce! Keep your eyes peeled on March 23 to find out who will be joining our previously announced artists Sam Bush, Rainbow Girls and Joe Hertler & the Rainbow Seekers! 

Visit themoonshinersball.com now to familiarize yourself with our new website!
TICKETS
Note: We are transitioning away from our previous ticket platform, EventBrite, this year. All previously purchased tickets (including tickets purchased for the 2020 festival) will be honored – just a heads up that your ticket confirmation might look different from your friends who purchased after you.

Ticket sales will resume March 23, 2021 at 10 a.m.
Weekend Passes, RV Passes, Car Camping Passes, Primitive RV Passes and Friends with Benefits tickets will all be available  at our ticket page at that time! Note that all of our add-ons are limited quantity and tend to sell quickly.

Tickets this year will be limited in capacity with COVID-19 safety in mind!  

The Oak Ridge Boys Celebrate The 40th Anniversary of “Elvira”

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Mar 182021
 

 

Joe Bonsall, Jim Halsey, Dallas Frazier, William Lee Golden, Richard Sterban, Duane Allen backstage at the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum March 5, 2018.

NASHVILLE, Tenn. – GRAMMY® Award-winning and Country Music Hall of Fame members, The Oak Ridge Boys are celebrating the 40th anniversary of their Grammy-winning song “Elvira” which was originally released in 1981. While written in 1966 by Dallas Frazier, The Oak Ridge Boys decided to record the song for their album, Fancy Free. The song went on to reach number one on Hot Country Songs for Billboard and reached number 5 for Billboard Hot 100. “Elvira” has continued to be a classic, played in over 100 countries, added to over 109 editorial playlists, and has reached 5 million plays on Apple Music.

“The first time we performed ‘Elvira’ in front of an audience was at an afternoon rehearsal for The Tonight Show. We were not set to perform it on the show that night, but we had just recorded it and decided to sing it for a soundcheck,” shares Duane Allen. “By the time we got halfway through the song, the producer, assistants, secretaries, sound and light crew, and all of the people who could hear us, came running over and freaking out. The Tonight Show gave us the first ‘reading’ of how ‘Elvira’ was going to be received.”

Joe Bonsall, Duane Allen, William Lee Golden, Richard Sterban, Dallas Frazier and Wesley Rose at the 1982 BMI Awards.

The Oak Ridge Boys recorded “Elvira” on MCA Records and in 2010 The Boot named it the Number One Catchiest Song in Country Music History. The Oak Ridge Boys have recorded and performed “Elvira” with several artists including Little Big Town at the Grand Ole Opry’s 90th Birthday Bash as well as recording an a cappella version with Home Free. In 2017, The Oaks teamed up with Blake Shelton, joining him on a live-in-the-studio version for an exclusive Spotify recording. And, in 2018, in collaboration with the Tennessee Titans, The Oaks recorded a variation of “Elvira” (entitled ‘Titans Code of Conduct’) and filmed a corresponding music video that was showcased at all Titans home games.

“It’s been said that it’s difficult, if not impossible, to fully appreciate or understand the magnitude of something as it’s happening,” explains Richard Sterban. “While that might be true in some circumstances, I can honestly say that I—and we—could not have been any more aware of what was happening to us, as we rode the crest of the ‘Elvira’ wave.”

“When the Oaks first cut ‘Elvira’, the phenomenal success it created for them blessed my quest for success as well,” beams songwriter, Dallas Frazier. “Every songwriter dreams of getting cuts like that one. They did an extraordinary job!! These guys sound just as good as they did 40 years ago. There is no doubt that standing ovations are going to follow them as long as they perform. God bless the Oaks I’m proud that they count me as one of their friends.”

The group — Duane Allen, Joe Bonsall, William Lee Golden, and Richard Sterban — are best known for their iconic and multi-platinum hit “Elvira,” along with other chart-toppers like “Bobbie Sue,” “Thank God For Kids,” “Y’All Come Back Saloon,” and “American Made.” The Oak Ridge Boys have achieved a decorated career, winning five GRAMMY® Awards, multiple CMA, ACM, and Dove Awards for their crossover brand of pop, country, and gospel music that spans multiple generations. The Oak Ridge Boys became members of the Grand Ole Opry in 2011 and achieved arguably country music’s highest honor in October 2015 when they were inducted into the Country Music Hall Of Fame.

About The Oak Ridge Boys:
The Oak Ridge Boys have sold over 41 million units worldwide and are synonymous with “America, apple pie, baseball, and country music.” In addition to their awards and accolades in the country music field, the Oaks have garnered five GRAMMY® Awards, nine GMA DOVE Awards, and two American Music Awards. The group— Duane Allen, Joe Bonsall, William Lee Golden, and Richard Sterban, members of the prestigious Country Music Hall of Fame (2015 Inductees) and the Grand Ole Opry (since 2011)—is known worldwide as one of recording history’s most extraordinary musical successes. They have charted single after single and album after album—gold, platinum, and double-platinum, and more than 30 Top 10 hits, including No. 1 chart-toppers “Elvira,” “Bobbie Sue,” “Thank God For Kids,” “American Made,” and “Y’All Come Back Saloon,” among dozens more. For more information and to view upcoming tour dates for The Oak Ridge Boys, please visit oakridgeboys.com.

Terry McBride to Release ‘Live From The Castle’ EP on March 19

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Mar 182021
 

Live-From-The-Castle-C
Pre-Save/Pre-Add ‘Live From The Castle’
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NEW YORK — March 5, 2021 — In his four-decades-long career, Terry McBride has accomplished many things: he’s become a revered Nashville-based songwriter, with more than 25 cuts from Brooks & Dunn, as well as tracks recorded by Garth Brooks, George Strait, Reba McEntire, and many more; his band, McBride & The Ride, had a string of top 5 singles in the ‘90s, and announced this week that they’re reuniting; and, in the past few years, he’s stepped into the solo spotlight, releasing his latest album, Rebels & Angels, in October. Now, he’s planning to release Live From The Castle, with acoustic versions of three of the album’s tracks, on March 19.

Recorded at Nashville’s legendary Castle Recording Studios, the EP originally started out as a video shoot in July 2020. McBride brought in friends Trey Keller and Brandon Hood, along with videographer Jason Lee Denton and engineer Drew Bollman, to help with the project.

“Once we got the video portion edited we liked what we saw and we were pleasantly pleased and somewhat surprised at how good the tracks sounded,” McBride says. “It has a raw and understated quality that doesn’t always happen with a full band and a certain energy that was surprising for a stripped-down, somewhat unplugged trio. It’s not perfect, but each track is a heartfelt and honest performance that I’m proud to share.”

Live From The Castle includes acoustic versions of “She Shows Up,” “Love Me Some Texas” and McBride’s current single, “Callin’ All Hearts.” Rebels & Angels was produced by Grammy winner Luke Laird, with McBride writing and co-writing 9 of the album’s 10 songs, including a title track co-written with Chris Stapleton. The album also features contributions from both Patty Loveless and Delbert McClinton, among others.

After nearly 20 years away from the spotlight, McBride released an EP in 2017 titled Hotels & Highways, inspired by the honky-tonks and dance halls of his youth. Born and raised in Texas, McBride grew up in Lampasas, a small ranching community about seventy miles northwest of Austin. After receiving a guitar for his ninth birthday from his father it wasn’t long before he was playing in local bands and spending summers on the road with his dad, the late Dale McBride, who was a recording artist with several Billboard-charted singles in the late ‘70s. After high school, McBride traveled and toured as part of his father’s band before moving to Austin, where he became a sought-after bass player in the local music scene and spent the next few years playing with Lee Roy Parnell, Bill Carter and the Blame, Jimmy Dale Gilmore, Johnny Duncan, Rosie Flores and a two-year stint with Delbert McClinton.

McBride & The Ride recorded four albums for MCA, racking up several top five singles over the next few years, receiving CMA and ACM Nominations for Vocal Group of the Year before eventually disbanding in 1995. McBride then focused most of his attention on songwriting, and through the years since has had songs cut by other artists including Garth Brooks, George Strait, Reba McEntire, Hank Williams Jr., Alan Jackson, Trace Adkins, Easton Corbin, Kenny Rogers, Jim Lauderdale, and many more. McBride has had more than 25 songs recorded by Brooks & Dunn, which led to 13 singles and 12 BMI Million-Air awards.

Album Feature – Morgan Wade – Reckless

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Mar 172021
 

By Joshua Wallace

It feels like I’ve been hearing about the name Morgan Wade for a couple of years now.  Whether she was opening for someone or had a buzzworthy YouTube video or a couple of singles on Spotify, Morgan Wade was always someone who was part of the conversation as an upcoming country artist to watch out for.  Well, that time is now.  She is about to release her debut album Reckless and I’m here to tell you, this is a good one.  This record is produced by Sadler Vaden and if you don’t know him, he’s the guitar player for Jason Isbell and The 400 Unit and a critically acclaimed solo artist in his own right.  That being said, this is a great guitar record.  You can’t always say that for a country album, but this one is.  Morgan Wade has a voice that would fit in with alt country or alt rock.  Her voice goes from smooth to a raspy growl that works well on a guitar record such as this.

The album kicks off with “Wilder Days” which is a fun song about wishing you had known a lover back when they were wilder.  It’s a good track to kick off the album as it straddles the line between country and rock like a lot of the record does. “Other Side” is another great track that reminds me of a mellow 90’s alt rock song like something Matchbox 20 would release.  It’s a song about seeing a relationship through the good and bad and coming out on the other side. I dig this vibe and it’s nice to hear songs like this on a good country record.  Another favorite is “Last Cigarette” which to my ears is a song that could play on mainstream radio as a crossover hit.  It’s a strong track both lyrically and the catchy instrumental takes it to another level.  It’s a track that compares the high of having a last night with a soon to be ex lover with the high of a smoker’s last cigarette before they quit.  The track “Met You” is a strong country ballad that acts as the album’s finale.  It’s about finding someone special at a low point in your life and I feel like it’s one of the best vocal performances in the album.

If you’re like me and have been hearing the name Morgan Wade over the past few years and have been hoping for a full album, this debut doesn’t disappoint.  It’s a country record that brings a strong rock vibe across it’s ten tracks.  Producer Sadler Vaden had done an amazing job capturing how Morgan Wade is a singer who can meet the tender moments of country music, but still rise to the occasion with some souring alt rock vocals. There isn’t a bad song on this record and I highly recommend giving it a listen.  Reckless is out everywhere as of March 19th, 2021 and I can’t wait for everyone to hear this one.     

Favorite Tracks : Wilder Days, Other Side, Don’t Cry, Mend, Last Cigarette, Northern Air

Buy the Album and Merch : https://morganwade.presspressmerch.com/

Morgan Wade – Reckless (2021)

  1. Wilder Days
  2. Matches and Metaphors
  3. Other Side
  4. Don’t Cry
  5. Mend
  6. Last Cigarette
  7. Take Me Away
  8. Reckless
  9. Northern Air
  10. Met You

Victoria Bailey Releases Acoustic Version Of Song “Skid Row” Today.

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Mar 172021
 

One of my choices from last year on my Top 50 Of 2020 was none other than one of the younger ladies to emerge onto the scene by the name of Miss Victoria Bailey. Her vocals easily stood out among many of the other albums released by women artists last year….let me tell you why!

For those of you that do not know me, I have dedicated my life to being a jannisary of Country Music in every way. I have to know who played what on what songs, and places and dates, I have to know it all. I listen to music CONSTANTLY unless I’m sleeping, I use my bluetooth earbuds.

Her interest and passion for the Bakersfield Era of Country Music is one that also equally interests me as well. There were so many periods or eras of Country Music, and they were all integral to the evolution of the genre. However the Bakersfield Era was and is my favorite time period to study, even back as far as The Maddox Family.

I enjoyed the recording of the song as much as this live performance, and I eagerly await to see her live somewhere, I may even travel a great distance to see her. There is such a huge list of upcoming ladies in the Country music community, and if you love the ladies music like I do….it’s a great time frame to be alive.

Huntington Beach, CA-based classic country singer-songwriter Victoria Bailey is releasing a brand new, solo acoustic version of “Skid Row” today, February 26, 2021, via Rock Ridge Music. The original, full-band version of the song appeared on her album released last year, Jesus, Red Wine & Patsy Cline. The acoustic version of “Skid Row” is a standalone single and does not appear on the album. “Skid Row (Acoustic)” premiered on February 25th at Adobe & Teardrops, who wrote, “Victoria Bailey’s spin on classic country will scratch your itch for music that’s authentic and relevant to our times. Her debut album, Jesus, Red Wine, & Patsy Cline, is a warm collection of Bakersfield, western swing, and good old classic-style ballads.”

Says Bailey of the song: “‘Skid Row’ is a song deeply inspired by my curiosity of the ‘Bakersfield Sound’ and from digging deep into the history of the country music that came out of California. So many of my classic country heroes all came out of California – Buck Owens and Merle Haggard being two major ones for me. It was important for me to go into the studio to track a few of the album songs acoustically, because that truly represents who I have been as an artist for the past decade. Singing this song solo, in a room with one mic, is the most vulnerable version of myself and was such a beautiful way to put a cap on the year of promoting this record. It also is a really special way of turning the page to the new music I am getting ready to release.”

“Skid Row (Acoustic)” is the follow-up to several singles Bailey released in the fall of 2020: two versions of a cover of Bruce Springsteen’s “Hungry Heart” and a holiday cover of a song from The Band, “Christmas Must Be Tonight.” Her full-length debut, Jesus, Red Wine & Patsy Cline, was released on September 18, 2020. Produced by Jeremy Long, Jesus, Red Wine & Patsy Cline was a whiskey-smooth concoction of crisp guitars, silky fiddle, and radiant pedal steel that expertly glides beneath Bailey’s magnetic, California sun-kissed soprano.

Always grounding Bailey’s timeless country music palette is her crystalline voice; an inviting warm tone with the occasional flutter that transports you back in time to a classic honky tonk, one where Patsy Cline, Loretta Lynn, Dolly Parton, Emmylou Harris were all in heavy rotation. Bailey brings the classic country spirit to the 21st century through relatably raw, non-sugarcoated songwriting, evoking a fiery, no-holds-barred lyrical approach in the vein of Margo Price.

In light of the COVID-19 pandemic, Bailey is unable to tour widely right now, although occasional in-person shows have started to creep back into her schedule. She kicked off her livestreaming in 2021 with online shows for Americana Highways as part of their “Live Music from the Quarantine” series in early January and early February, and fans eager to see her live can catch her there again for an additional show as part of that “residency” on Tuesday, March 2nd at 5:30 p.m. pacific time on the Americana Highways Facebook page. Bailey plans to livestream on her Instagram page on Tuesday, March 16th at 7 p.m. pacific time. Rounding out her scheduled performances, she will also be livestreaming as part of the “Live and Socially Distant” series on TheBoot.com’s Facebook page on Friday, April 2nd at 6 p.m. pacific time.

https://www.victoriabaileymusic.com/

CDX Shares 30 Year Anniversary Celebration

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Mar 162021
 

 

CDX Nashville celebrates 30th Anniversary with a thank you to the music industry. CDX has been the trusted promotional delivery service to Country Radio in the U.S. and worldwide for 30 years! Their service reaches not only all key radio programming decision makers, but also the major streaming platforms, labels, publishing companies, and more in the Country Music business community. They cater to individual goals for radio airplay or exposure to potential labels and publishing companies for furthering artists careers. For the month of March only, a special discounted rate is available here.

“Paul Lovelace and Charlie Douglas recognized a problem and developed a solution and 30 years ago on March 1st, CDX was launched. Innovation was and continues to be in the company DNA. We aren’t slowing down. Here’s to 30 more years to come,” said CDX President Joe Kelly.

CDX clients have taken them to where they are today, and without great customers, they are nothing. They are celebrating a Happy 30th CDX Anniversary and send a Thank You to clients, their dear friends and customers, the reason why they are celebrating this special day in thier company history. Without customers, they would not be celebrating 30 years in business.

Along with all genre music distribution to radio, CDX has launched a radio monitoring solution in TRACTION that gives artists, labels and managers the data they need to grow artist careers. In addition, the CDX TRACTION Mainstream Country and True Indie charts are featured weekly in COUNTRY INSIDER. The next phase in 2021 is a partnership with POLLSTAR and an added booking feature for CDX customers. For more information about CDX Nashville visit cdxnashville.com.

About CDX:
CDX was founded in 1991 by late Country Music Hall of Fame Broadcaster Charlie Douglas and national record promotion veteran Paul Lovelace as a delivery system for labels and artists to supply their upcoming singles to all full-time US country stations, satellite providers, syndicators, and programming consultants. In 1991, CDX clients’ music was distributed via the then new medium of CD. Today, our clients’ singles are digitally distributed via InstaTrack e-blast and also included on our regular CD compilation disc. CDX also expanded by creating CDX TRACTION which is an airplay monitoring and tracking software system. CDX TRACTION monitors radio stations through the online web stream of their broadcast signal. It utilizes a proprietary and patented music recognition system to log every song played. CDX now offers distribution in all music formats. For more information about CDX Nashville visit cdxnashville.com.

Additional Screenings Announced For Guy Clark Documentary, Without Getting Killed Or Caught

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Mar 152021
 

 

 

Additional Screenings Announced For Guy Clark Documentary, Without Getting Killed Or Caught
The film, which chronicles the relationship between Guy Clark, Susanna Clark, and Townes Van Zandt, pulls from Susanna’s personal diaries as well as Tamara Saviano’s 2016 Clark biography
“This warm tribute to Guy, Susanna and Townes will surely thankfully send even more folks to discover the wonderful music that emanated from their creative gathering.” –Spin
March 8, 2021 – Austin, TX – Without Getting Killed or Caught is the true story of Guy Clark, the dean of Texas songwriters, who struggles to write poetic, yet indelible songs while balancing a complicated marriage with wife Susanna, and a deep friendship with singer-songwriter Townes Van Zandt, on whom Susanna forged a passionate dependence. Clark, who died in 2016, wrote and recorded unforgettable songs (“L.A. Freeway,” “Desperados Waiting for a Train”) for more than forty years. His lyrics and melodies paint indelible portraits of the people, places, and experiences that shaped him, and no one inspired Guy more than his wife, painter, and songwriter Susanna Talley Clark, and their best friend, fellow songwriter Townes Van Zandt.
Today, the team behind the film has announced a number of additional screenings beginning on March 23rd. All of the events will include a 90-minute showing of the documentary—available to view during the allotted screening time—followed by a 20-minute discussion with special guests. All showings will be priced at $25 and are scheduled on a variety of days and times to fit all viewers’ daily schedules. A full list of screenings is below and more information, including where to purchase tickets, can be found at www.withoutgettingkilledorcaught.com/tickets.
Without Getting Killed or Caught virtual screening schedule: (All screenings powered by Seer.)
  • Tuesday, March 23 @ 7 PM Eastern: Kessler Presents, discussion with Rodney Crowell.
  • Thursday, April 8 @ 7 PM Eastern: YETI Presents, discussion with Brennen Leigh & Noel McKay.
  • Friday, April 16 @ 9 PM Eastern: YETI Presents, discussion with Sarah Jarosz.
  • Sunday, April 18 @ 1 PM Eastern: SiriusXM Outlaw Country Presents, discussion with Steve Earle.
  • Thursday, April 22 @ 7 PM Eastern: YETI Presents, discussion with Andrew Combs.
  • Sunday, April 25 @ 1 PM Eastern: American Country Countdown with Kix Brooks Presents, discussion with Kix Brooks.
Upcoming in-person screenings:
  • Wednesday, May 19 @ Laguna Gloria, hosted by Austin Film Society and The Contemporary Austin. Tickets will be available at www.austinfilm.org.
Without Getting Killed or Caught—which will make its virtual World Premiere at the 2021 SXSW Film Festival on March 18th at 10 AM CST and can be watched by badge holders at any time throughout the duration of the festival—was produced and directed by longtime Americana music producer and executive Tamara Saviano and filmmaker Paul Whitfield.
Narrated by Academy-Award winner Sissy Spacek, Without Getting Killed or Caught follows Guy, Susanna, and Townes on their journey from obscurity to reverence: Guy, the Pancho to Van Zandt’s Lefty, struggling to establish himself as the Dylan Thomas of American music, while Susanna pens hit songs and paints album covers for top artists and Townes spirals in self-destruction after writing some of Americana music’s most enduring and influential ballads. Based on the diaries of Susanna Clark—the film tells the saga from Susanna’s point of view—and Saviano’s 2016 book Without Getting Killed or Caught: The Life and Music of Guy Clark, which No Depression called “an intimate, affectionate, sometimes sad, often hilarious, and vibrant chronicle of one of our most memorable artists.”
Saviano, a longtime figure on the Americana scene, as a journalist, artist manager, and Grammy-winning producer, wrote the film with Bart Knaggs. She had the complete cooperation of Clark, who sat for numerous interviews on and off-camera. Without Getting Killed or Caught (the title comes from “L.A. Freeway”) also offers poignant reflections from Clark’s closest friends and musical allies, most prominently Rodney Crowell, Steve Earle, Vince Gill, Verlon Thompson, and Terry and Jo Harvey Allen, as well as record executive Barry Poss.
The film makes excellent use of Clark’s songs, family photographs and archives, vintage film footage, and radio talk shows on which Clark appeared solo and in tandem with Van Zandt. But the real emotional zing comes from Susanna’s pained remembrances, culled from her private journals and secret audio diaries, as well as taped conversations that Susanna made of the trio and of the “salon” that regularly gathered around them—all serving as witnesses to this seemingly fated intersection of love, art, and tragedy.
More information available at Withoutgettingkilledorcaught.com and on Facebook

Black River Delta Shares New Video And Single “Burning And Burning” From Their Upcoming LP.

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Mar 142021
 

I recently had the elite opportunity to hear the new singles on the upcoming album from Black River Delta, a wonderful swedish band with their own sound. This outfit would not only stand out alone, but they would compliment a Blackberry Smoke or Whiskey Myers show.

I run through an onslaught of new albums and singles every week, and this one I am eagerly awaiting on vinyl. Here is the official press release and videos…I’ll have more on this one later.

Black River Delta have just released the music video of their latest single “Burning And Burning” and are premiering it via Glide Magazine. This high-octane track is the second single from the Swedish band’s forthcoming studio album. The foursome have released two previous LPs – Devil on the Loose (2016) and Vol. II (2018), and are poised to drop their latest heavy-hitting full-length effort Shakin’ this spring.
The band’s gritty blues-rock sound draws from classic blues legends like Robert Johnson, the raw style of R. L. Burnside and modern artists such as The Black Keys, Gary Clark Jr. and Black Rebel Motorcycle Club.
Their ability to combine age-old blues with modern rock has taken them on several tours across Europe and North America, and has caught the attention of artists like blues legend Joe Bonamassa, calling Vol. II one of the best albums of 2018 and even inviting the band to perform on his annual cruise festival.
The band’s music has also been placed in many popular TV shows including ‘Bloodline,’ ‘Deadliest Catch,’ ‘Gotham,’ ‘Kingdom’ and ‘Supergirl.’
“Burning And Burning” is out now on digital platforms. Click here to purchase / stream. Black River Delta’s new album Shakin’ will be available this spring via Sofaburn Records.
Black River Delta (photo: Daniel Hansson)
SHAKIN’ TRACK LISTING:
1. Burning and Burning (watch the official music video)
2. Howlin Back At You
4. Solitary Man
5. Black Gold
6. 400 Hours
7. California Sun
8. Train Back Home
9. Left My Heart In The City
10. Midnight Train
11. Now I Know

T. Graham Brown Welcomes Travis Tritt As His Guest On March’s Live Wire On SiriusXM’s Prime Country Channel 58 Starting Wednesday, March 3 at 10/9c

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Mar 132021
 

 

T. Graham Brown Welcomes Travis Tritt As His Guest On March’s Live Wire On SiriusXM’s Prime Country Channel 58 Starting Wednesday, March 3 at 10/9c
T. Graham Brown and Travis Tritt SiriusXM Prime Country Channel 58
With continued airings throughout March, T. Graham Brown’s Live Wire will feature live cuts from artists including The Eagles, Junior Brown, Willie Nelson, Exile, and T. Graham Brown, plus an exclusive interview and live cuts from Travis Tritt
NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Country hit-maker T. Graham Brown’s LIVE WIRE on SiriusXM’s Prime Country Channel 58 will debut new episodes for March, starting Wednesday, March 3 at 10/9c PM, featuring an interview with Travis Tritt. LIVE WIRE is a one-hour show that showcases live cuts & interviews with some of T. Graham Brown’s closest friends and heroes, sharing fun stories about life on the road.

“I hope you will join me in March for a very exciting LIVE WIRE, where I will be spinning live cuts from iconic hitmakers such as The Eagles, Willie Nelson, Junior Brown, and Exile,” says Brown. “I’ll also be chatting with my longtime pal, Travis Tritt! You won’t need a four-leaf clover or the luck of the Irish, just SiriusXM, and great speakers!”

With continued airings throughout March, the show will feature live cuts from artists including The Eagles, Junior Brown, T. Graham Brown, Willie Nelson, Exile, along with an interview and live cuts from hitmaker, Travis Tritt. Listen closely to hear never-before-told stories and rare live performances from your favorite Prime Country superstars! LIVE WIRE is also available on-demand worldwide with the SiriusXM app and Pandora NOW with a standard SiriusXM subscription.

How subscribers can listen:
SiriusXM subscribers are able to listen on SiriusXM radios, and those with streaming access can listen online, on-the-go with the SiriusXM mobile app, and at home on a wide variety of connected devices including smart TVs, devices with Amazon Alexa or the Google Assistant, Apple TV, PlayStation, Roku, Sonos speakers and more. Go to www.siriusxm.com/streaming to learn more.

Additional airings in March include:
Thursday, March 4 @ 1 am and 3 pm ET
Sunday, March 7 @ 11 am ET
Tuesday, March 9 @ 12 am and 11 pm ET
Thursday, March 11 @ 3 am ET
Monday, March 22 @ 12 pm ET

For T. Graham Brown’s most updated concert calendar visit tgrahambrown.com.

About T. Graham Brown:
T. Graham Brown has recorded 15 studio albums and charted more than 20 singles on the Billboard charts. He has had multiple number one hits in country, gospel, and blues. Brown’s voice is also recognized from his singing in advertising campaigns for McDonald’s, Disneyland, Almond Joy, Coca-Cola, Dodge Truck, Ford, Hardee’s, and many others including the Taco Bell “Run For The Border” television spots. In early 2015, Brown released his latest Grammy-nominated album, Forever Changed, which featured collaborations with Vince Gill, Jason Crabb, The Oak Ridge Boys, Jimmy Fortune, and more. In 2019, Brown became part of the SiriusXM family as host of Live Wire with T. Graham Brown airing monthly on Prime Country Channel 58. In 2020, Time Life partnered with T. Graham to reissue several of his classic albums and has recently released his latest album Bare Bones. T. Graham Brown still actively tours throughout the year, including multiple appearances on the legendary Grand Ole Opry and television appearances such as Larry’s Country Diner and Country’s Family Reunion. Brown’s uniqueness has made him one of the most beloved and iconic performers of the day.

For more information, visit tgrahambrown.com.

Pony Bradshaw Adds To The Southern Storybook On His New Album Calico Jim

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Mar 132021
 
There are so many albums that I stumble upon, many that get sent to me, and many I find on purpose…this one was a little of ALL THREE. I had heard OF Pony Bradshaw before on the road, however I had never heard his music. I stumbled upon an email that got sent to me about this album, and it dropped my jaw!
This album was a breath of fresh air for 2021 so far, and so far it is one of my top 5 choices to debut in 2021. The songs are quite lengthy, and you need a little extra time to soak up all of the stories woven into the songs here.
Right off the bat after the opening song, the poignant “Dope Mountain” takes a rolling, blunt look at many parts of rural America. I mean, you can see the picture in your head so vividly, as he weaves his dark tales of addiction into your heart. As a recovering addict, I have a very empathetic love for those people formerly trapped in the clutches of dope addictions..and have ( and are currently ) recovering.
This is actually a nice concept album with some pretty ingenious characters, and it touches on the stereotypes of the misplaced southern common man, or white trash or whatever YOU call them.
It touches on Dope Mountain many times, as it also shares of the adventures of the Calico Jim. However all in all the entire album just spoke to me as a man that lives in the woods, and I also live in my own little world. This album deals with the complex struggle of existing in modern times….which I myself struggle with…
Pony Bradshaw Adds To The Southern Storybook On His New Album Calico Jim
Out today on vinyl, CD, and digital
 “It was paramount that we practiced restraint, to not abandon tradition in the name of originality,” says singer and songwriter Pony Bradshaw of the recording process on his new album, Calico Jim.  “‘Less glamour, more nutrients’ was something I reminded myself of every morning over coffee before heading to the studio.” That thought process aided in Bradshaw’s commitment to not overshadowing the stories he’d set out to tell; stories about the relationship between man and nature and about a region and community connecting with its history and its pasts which come to life through Bradshaw’s powerful, earnest voice. Part Southern gothic, part North Georgia storybook tales, Calico Jim appeals to fans of impeccable, character-based storytelling and minimally and thoughtfully produced Americana music.
American Songwriter premiered the album’s first single and title track, “Calico Jim,” calling it “raw and real while also being irresistibly toe-tapping,” and Rolling Stone sang the praises of album track “Dope Mountain”. In No Depression’s review of Calico Jim, they said, “Bradshaw’s songs flow into one another like a cinematic collection of short stories, images so rich that you can reach out and taste them. He not only sketches his characters with an astute eye, but he also describes his world with an unflinching clarity. Bradshaw’s talent is unmistakable, his songs more than memorable.” The Bluegrass Situation also premiered “Foxfire,” Cowboys & Indians got down to the nitty-gritty behind “Sawtoothed Jericho,” and in their New Artist of the Week column, Holler wrote, “Bradshaw’s infatuation with capturing the stories and narratives that can slowly seep from within a very present moment crafts a natural, spontaneous hue across Calico Jim.” In a recent Mic Check interview, Atlanta Journal-Constitution applauded how these singles “spotlight not only Bradshaw’s warm voice, but lyrical authenticity.” Now, fans can listen to all of the above on Calico Jim right now at this link and order physical copies, including a limited red vinyl, right here.
“When I decided to bring Calico Jim to life, I had a strong notion of where I wanted to record it and who I wanted to involve in its making. I wanted friends to play on it, certainly, and I wanted their friends to play or work on it, too,” remembers Bradshaw. He and his friends—Cody Ray on guitars and lap steel, Aaron Boehler on bass, Paddy Ryan on drums and percussion, Philippe Bronchtein on pedal steel and Hammond organ, Casey Collis on fiddle and banjo, and Jason Weinheimer & Zachariah Reeves at the mixing board helm—met up at Fellowship Hall Sound recording studio in Little Rock, Arkansas, and let each song lead them to its final destination and incarnation. Recording to tape, Bradshaw and the band left their egos at the door and dove into the work that drives his everyday life. “There’s a certain hard-earned knowledge, a fastening of spirits, gained from toiling with friends,” says Bradshaw. “In the trenches, glasses clinking, wore slap out, but wholly content.”
The brotherhood developed over that week in Little Rock is easily heard on Calico Jim. During the sessions, the band shared a big, old gothic house near the Arkansas River, just a few miles from the studio. “Every evening before falling asleep sapped from the laboring, I turned on the Andy Griffith Show, a program that settles the soul and readies it for a good night’s rest.” Bradshaw and the band returned to the studio each new day, well-rested and ready to get their hands dirty recording songs like “Dope Mountain” and “Sawtoothed Jericho.” The former opens with the line “We took to stealing copper wire / Stashed in a laurel slick down by the old mine” and chronicles life in a post-mining town with sharp, tin-type detail, and the latter has a nuevo-bluegrass feel full of Bradshaw’s signature imagery and commanding vocals; both drenched in an inescapable feeling of authenticity. A dusty truth that Bradshaw has no problem sharing with the world.
“My ultimate aim was for this to be a true record of an experience, a capturing of sound and sweat and intention. A human artifact,” recalls Bradshaw. “To bring it into the physical world was essential. I wanted it to live and breathe, to die, to get lost, and then found. I hope that’s what’s heard when it’s spinning in your living room or playing through your car speakers on your way to work. I hope you can hold it in your hands and feel the life we put into it, and I hope you feel it wasn’t in vain or a waste of your time.”
More About Pony Bradshaw: James Bradshaw lives in North Georgia with his family, where he writes songs, tends the yard, and raises children. After a long stint of being unsettled, he arrived home in the southern Appalachian mountains to do his life’s work. A natural-born dissenter, he focuses on housekeeping with his wife and believes work is a form of prayer.
“Good work uses no thing without respect, both for what it is in itself and for its origin. It uses neither tool or material that it does not respect and that it does not love. It honors nature as a great mystery and power, as an indispensable teacher, and as the inescapable judge of all work of human hands. It does not disassociate life and work, or pleasure and work, or love and work, or usefulness and beauty. To work without pleasure or affection, to make a product that is not both useful and beautiful, is to dishonor God, nature, the thing that is made, and whomever it is made for.” – Wendell Berry

The Infamous Stringdusters Announce A Socially Safe Two Night Run In North Carolina.

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Mar 122021
 

 

Some of my VERY favorite bands are back out on the road for shows ( with special restrictions ). In fact, overall I have been ardently gathering info for MANY venues all over America, and juxtaposing them all onto my website.

VanHoy farms And Campground are doing things RIGHT! They, along with MANY OTHER fine outdoor venues have been taking precautions to bring back LIVE…THAT IS RIGHT LIVE music to us! While I cannot personally make this show, I WILL certainly promote this show as much as I can.

One factor that excites me for this band to tour again, is the fact I can listen for some new songs…see, they are indeed due for a new album. I would like to go to hear some new ones, or as much information as I can deduct from between song banter.

Mtn Roots Management and VanHoy Farms Announce Socially Distanced Two Night Run With The Infamous Stringdusters

The Pod-Style Outdoor Music Series Will Kick Off on April 23 + 24 With Special Guests Sierra Hull & Justin Moses and
The Travelin’ McCourys

HARMONY, NC – North Carolina based event production company Mtn Roots Management has partnered with VanHoy Farms to bring GRAMMY award-winning jam-grass outfit The Infamous Stringdusters to the foothills of Harmony, NC for a socially distanced performance spanning two nights on Friday, April 23 and Saturday, April 24. The double header event will include special guests Sierra Hull & Justin Moses, a chart-topping Americana power duo (Friday), and legendary bluegrass pickers The Travelin’ McCourys (Saturday), joining a long history of treasured live music experiences at the 107-acre property.

With public health at the forefront, event organizers have developed a “pod-style” ticketing structure with 8×10 viewing plots available for purchase. Tickets range from $200-$320 for a group of four, and pods will be spaced six feet apart on each side. Additional measures will include requiring masks to be worn anywhere outside of the pods, mobile beverage sales, and a food pre-order system to limit contact.

With the COVID-19 pandemic nearing one year, Mtn Roots Management CEO Bob Robertson hopes to pioneer an opportunity for live music lovers to get their fix without compromising safety. A seasoned industry veteran with over 30 years of experience, Robertson was inspired by the “show must go on” spirit of his colleagues who were producing drive-in concerts and other adapted events nationwide, and felt called to bring that experience to his own backyard. His vision is to extend the program through the Summer under the bill “VanHoy Farms Revival Music Series,” with a promising lineup of artists to be announced soon.

With a rich cultural legacy, rock-solid infrastructure, and spacious setting, VanHoy Farms remains an ideal venue for which to gather safely. The historic property – once home to the annual Old Time Fiddlers Convention and a ten-year host to The Country Homecoming – boasts an impressive catalog of noteworthy music moments which include appearances by Merle Haggard, Waylon Jennings, Tony Rice, David Grisman and many more. With a star-studded bill of modern day legends, VanHoy Farms Revival will recharge the hallowed grounds with the euphoric, foot-stomping sound of live bluegrass music. The Infamous Stringdusters’ Andy Hall admits that the repercussions of the pandemic have made planning shows extra challenging, “so having something solid to look forward to is fantastic.” He adds, “you realize as a musician how much the live, in person connection with fans motivates you; we’ve been missing that.” For that reason, Robertson aims to revive the incomparable experience of live music and build a platform for artists to shine, while celebrating the memories of VanHoy Farms’ extraordinary legacy of live Americana music. “We all miss live music. It’s time for us to get back to it, cautiously. I have all the faith in the world that our team is ready to take on that challenge.”

The Infamous Stringdusters with special guests Sierra Hull & Justin Moses and The Travelin’ McCourys will take place at VanHoy Farms Family Campground (742 Jericho Road, Harmony, NC) on Friday, April 23, and Saturday, April 24, respectively. A limited number of pod-style ticket packages will be available through Afton Ticketing starting Friday, February 26 at 10:00 AM EST. For information and updates, visit www.mtnrootsmanagement.com/stringdusters. For tickets, visit www.aftontickets.com/stringdusters.

Record Store Day 2021 2 Set Compilation Series And More News.

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Mar 122021
 

One of my yearly things I look forward to the most in this music journey, is Record Store Day. This year, once again they are going to have two different drops whereas last year there were four. As of now, I am still going through the fine tuning for a complete list of titles, and drop dates.

Many stores will be open for limited capacity shopping, per their own state’s restrictions and laws dictating to them what they can and cannot do. Others will allow folks in with an appointment only, while others may be full on open!

From the website:
We’ve spent the last few months watching the news, listening to health officials, talking with record stores, labels, and RSD organizers the world over, and because we still don’t have a magic 8-ball to tell us what things are going to look like in a few months, we’ve decided the smartest thing to do is bring back the concept of RSD Drops for 2021.

The RSD Drops will take place on June 12 and July 17 at participating stores worldwide.

These are street dates for special titles coming to participating indie record stores. As with the successful RSD Drops dates in 2020, the focus this year is on supporting indie record stores with sales, and saving the big parties, shows, in-stores, crowds and celebrations for (fingers crossed) Record Store Day 2022.

As they did last year for the three RSD Drops, stores will be handling sales and store procedures in the way they determine to be right for themselves and their community and that may mean something different than you’re used to. We recommend you check in with your local record stores –join their email lists, follow them on social media– so you’re as in the loop as possible.

We’ll be launching the List of titles for both RSD Drops dates soon.
This week we announced the first two volumes of a compilation series we’re launching with Vans.

SONGS FOR YOU VOL. 1 and VOL. 2 are coming to record stores as part of Record Store Day 2021. Spotlighting Black artists from a wide array of genres, styles, and decades, and benefitting Black-owned record stores in the US.

We’re looking forward to sharing some Songs For You soon!

Songs For You Vol. 1 and Vol. 2 features music from 6LACK, Black Thought, Cautious Clay, Common, DUCKWRTH, Lupe Fiasco, Roberta Flack, Nubya Garcia, Freddie Gibbs, HER Music, Amber Mark, Curtis Mayfield, Keb’ Mo’, Otis Redding, Run The Jewels, Real Pop Smoke, Esperanza Spalding, Tank and the Bangas, Summer Walker

 

📸via @amoebahollywood IG

We’re very excited to announce that
FRED ARMISEN
is the 2021 Record Store Day Ambassador.

One of the reasons he’s going to make a great Ambassador is that he’s shown up on more record store social media accounts than almost any other musician/comedian/actor/writer/bandleader, because he’s constantly hitting them up wherever he goes!

Why, that’s him celebrating Record Store Day 2016 at Amoeba Hollywood, and speaking of exciting, they’ve just announced that they’ll be re-opening their doors at their sparkling new location on April 1! 

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