Country Bites News snippets March 5 – March 9, 2012
LINKS / SOURCES shown in RED
UK & Irish NEWS
Emma King & the Heartsets (Sat 3 March) waaah! what a journey... driving towards a tornado was not on our list of things to do today, thanks to the Kentucky Indiana
Daniel O’Donnell has now released (March 5) his Live From Nashville Nashville
( 9 March) The lovely Hotdisc chart toppers UK duo Kelly Lee and Talia Smith aka Travellin Rose are heading to Nashville along with Ireland’s Pete Kennedy and promoter / CMR Nashville head Lee Williams to complete album projects and play some shows.
No Depression has a review of Gretchen Peters show at The Sage Gateshead (1 March 2012) at the start of her UK Tour.
“With a beautiful soaring voice containing just enough pain and heartache from over twenty years on the road and backing from two virtuoso musicians this was an excellent show. Especially seeing as it was the first show of a thirty date tour. Gretchen definitely related to this audience which held many “frequent returners” I guess!”
 |
| Lisa McHugh |
Donegal’s sweetheart of Country Music, Lisa McHugh, was in Nashville Nashville
The 23 year old appeared as a guest of her friend, the legendary Gene Watson, when they performed a duet together of the country classic “Help Me Make It Through The Night. Gene introduced Lisa as “a girl that has a lot of good things coming to her in the United States
Their spot together was received by an enthusiastic audience who commented that Lisa’s performance and confidence was that of a seasoned artist who had been there before.
It certainly doesn’t come any better for the young woman who had only ever dreamed about seeing the Grand Ole Opry, never mind perform live on stage as a guest of her hero in country music and one of the world’s greatest living legends.
Earlier on Tuesday morning Lisa and Gene recorded a duet in Hilltop Studios, Nashville
AUSSIE NEWS
In a few weeks time Jayne Denham will start recording hery new album Renegade with the “legend himself”, Garth Porter. “I am so thrilled to have had the opportunity to write with the cream of songwriters in this country over the past six months. Matt Scullion, Garth Porter & I have written what I think will be the first single ‘Addicted to the Diesel,’ plus a few more rippers that have made the final cut “ shares Jayne. On a personal level she is grateful to all the fans for supporting what she does – “I am not ya girly girl & really genuinely love this incredible country we live in & the people & industries that keep it going.We have been through hard times with the floods, droughts and fires with many lost but we all rally together as Australians and get through by helping each other. That’s why I love writing about this country & the characters that stand tall when needed. Not to mention a certain Feral Kev & General Leeroy or cousin Jude for instance, that I meet along the way. My next album is all about just that”
 |
| JD image Photo’s taken just the other week. Check out the Leather jacket…… would you believe it really is Suzi Quatro’s |
Troy Cassar-Daley will perform from a rowing boat if it means reaching flood-affected fans on his current tour of eastern Australia
The singer suffered his share of flood misery this time last year when his Grafton farmhouse was inundated with two metres of water.
He spent months drying and repairing his property and was touched by the support of the community around him, a subject that crops up on his latest album Home.
With several destinations on his tour hit by rising river levels, Cassar-Daley is ready to get wet in order to raise some cheer - and might offer proceeds from gigs to local communities.
"If I have to get in a boat with an acoustic guitar then I will," he tells AAP.
"It might mean playing in a flooded town hall and it may not be very loud but I'll make it work for the fans.
"We'll have to wait and see what happens but I'd be happy to do shows where the community benefits in some way."
Cassar-Daley's studio album HOME was written and recorded in Nashville
Led by guitarist Brent Mason, the nine-piece session band have made albums with American country stars Tim McGraw, Faith Hill and Howard Jackson. It was the first time that Cassar-Daley produced one of his own albums and the experience was made all the easier by the Nashville
NEWS
MCA Nashville singer-songwriter Kip Moore will release his debut album, Up All Night, on April 24 and he’s already earning rave reviews from journalists as the project’s debut single, ‘Somethin’ ‘Bout a Truck,” has become a Top 20 hit.
The Court Yard Hounds - not the Dixie Chicks as previously reported - will be recording new songs next week during South by Southwest, multiple sources confirm. Songwriter Radney Foster said Monday afternoon that he recently has worked on new material with Dixie Chicks sisters Martie Maguire and Emily Robison for their side project’s sophomore album. The Statesman has submitted a request to Dixie Chicks publicist Cindi Berger for an update on the status of the band.
The Country Music Association announced Tues March 6 that Garth Brooks
 |
2012 Country Music Hall of Fame inductees
Hargus "Pig" Robbins, left, Connie Smith,
and
after the announcement. AP
|
Brooks will be inducted in the "Modern Era Artist" category, while Smith will be inducted in the "Veterans Era Artist" category. Robbins will be inducted in the "Recording and/or Touring Musician Active Prior to 1980" category, which is awarded every third year in a rotation with the "Non-Performer" and "Songwriter" categories. Brooks, Robbins, and Smith will increase membership in the coveted Country Music Hall of Fame from 115 to 118 inductees.
"There are great artists and talents, and then there are Connie, 'Pig,' and Garth," said Steve Moore, CMA Chief Executive Officer. "Connie has been one of the most celebrated female voices in music for more than 45 years, setting a golden standard for the thousands of female vocalists who came after her. 'Pig' overcame adversity to become one of the most sought-after session musicians in the industry, contributing his considerable talents to classic songs that have been treasured by fans all over the world since the late '50s. And, Garth led modern Country Music to unbelievable heights of commercial success and pop culture relevance after bursting onto the scene as part of the now-legendary 'Class of 1989.' These three artists are more than just performers...they are forces of nature who are deservedly entering the Country Music Hall of Fame."
"I am astounded and honored to be in the Country Music Hall of Fame," said Brooks. "At the same time, I can't help but feel guilty going in when there are so many deserving artists that came before me who are yet to be inducted."
Connie Smith is escorted by her husband, singer Marty Stuart, to the podium as the Country Music Hall of Fame announces Smith's induction. AP. - Photo
(6 March) Jerrod Niemann‘s tour bus caught on fire in Chattanooga, Tenn. He was wrapping up a benefit concert for St. Jude’s when the back end of the bus broke out in flames while it was parked on the street. Thankfully no one was on it & his buddy Lee Brice saw it happen. Jerrod later tweeted, “thank the good Lord that Lee was here tonite.” What’s weird is Lee’s tour bus caught on fire in January.”
Carrie Underwood’s new album is to called BLOWN AWAY and due out in stores in America
Canadian country artist Marlee Scott is celebrating the iTunes release of her new “Train Wreck” single and the world premiere of the song’s music video across several prominent CMT platforms this week. Marlee’s “Train Wreck” officially world premieres March 5, in conjunction with the release of the new CMT Insider application for iPad.
Justin Moore is set to release the third single, "'Til My Last Day," from his latest album, Outlaws Like Me. The track is currently downloadable through various outlets.
Justin told TasteofCountry.com that the song is his wife's pick of the litter: "That's my wife's favorite song on the album. She did a good job of picking 'Small Town U.S.A. Moore
"It's the first time I ever put out a love song, so we're pretty excited about it. It's a fun song to play. And it's my wife's favorite song, and she has a good track record of picking the hits. So, I hope that continues”
The name on Tammy Wynette’s tomb has been changed to Virginia W Richardson: Wynette’s given name was Virginia Wynette Pugh. Her husband at the time of her death was George Richey, whose birth name was Richardson
The irony of the title and the song’s enduring success are not lost on the sibling trio. “”We are honored by this acknowledgement and thankful that so many of you have connected with this song,” said Kimberly Perry, who was honored as the song’s author with the 2011 CMA Award for Song of the Year. “Each time the bar is set, it seems that The Band Perry surpasses it! Selling over 4 million downloads on just one song is a huge accomplishment. This extremely talented group is remarkable and we’re thrilled to have them as part of the Republic Nashville family,” said Republic Nashville President Jimmy Harnen.
(Nashville , TN Nashville
Lionel Richie will headline Billboard's annual showcase at South by Southwest's Music Festival on March 14 at Austin Tuskegee ," Richie said of Billboard's showcase in Austin
The BBC Radio 2 Album of the Week (Week 3rd March, 2012) album was released 5 March in the UK
Lionel and the late Etta James will be inducted into the Apollo Theater's Hall of Fame in New York City
The Academy Of Country Music announced on 5 March “ACM Presents: LIONEL RICHIE and Friends- In Concert” airing on Friday 13th on the CBS TV Network. The concert event will be collaborations of Lionel’s biggest hits with Country stars Jason Aldean (“Say You Say Me”), The Band Perry (“Penny Lover”), Luke Bryan (“Running with the Night”), Sara Evans, Lady Antebellum (“Truly”), Martina McBride (“Still”), Jennifer Nettles (“Hello”) and Rascal Flatts (“Dancing on the Ceiling”). Duets with RICHIE will include: “My Love” with Kenny Chesney, “Sail On” with Tim McGraw, “Lady” with Kenny Rogers, with more artists to be announced.
Charlie worked with Ed Bruce, Connie Smith, Kitty Wells and Elvis Presley.
ABC-TV has picked up the pilot for a series called “NASHVILLE ,” a drama set against the backdrop of the NASHVILLE
Following in the footsteps of Britney Spears, Christina Aguilera and Demi Moore , Jessica Simpson is the latest female superstar to grace the cover of a fashion magazine nude and pregnant. The blond reality star/ country-pop singer dons nothing more than blinging cocktail rings and dazzling earrings for the cover of Elle. (An alternate cover features her in a clinging red dress.) And while the big headline might be that Simpson is baring all for the magazine, she also opens up that she and her fiancé, Eric Johnson, are expecting a girl. "I swear, I will croak if she asks me for a pair of Nikes instead of Christian Louboutins!" the fashion mogul and "Fashion Star" judge says in the April issue. "Eric is so athletic. We're gonna have this athletic girl and I won't even be able to take her shopping."
The former MTV starlet, who announced her pregnancy on Halloween 2011 after much speculation, shared the moment she knew she was expecting. "We were goin' to have an all-day drinking binge," Simpson said. "Gonna ride our bikes, hang out ... do naughty things. But I started feeling this overwhelming guilt. Why would I feel guilt at the idea of going out and having cocktails with my friends?" As for a baby name, she explains the parents-to-be have one picked out and that it's not going to follow the celebrity trend of odd names. "It's nothing shocking and nothing you'll have to add to the dictionary," she said. "Still, when people hear it, they'll know ... why." This is the first child for Simpson and her former football player fiancé, who also appears in the magazine with her, kissing her baby bump.
With nearing 5-million YouTube hits you may well have heard and seen Taylor Swift’s song 'Safe & Sound' featuring The Civil Wars, the lead single from the soundtrack for the motion picture THE HUNGER GAMES, a film based on the best selling novel by Suzanne Collins.
The album The Hunger Games: Songs From District 12 And Beyond produced by multiple Grammy Award winning producer T Bone Burnett features sixteen tracks from artists including Arcade Fire, “Tomorrow Will Be Kinder” (The Secret Sisters), “Daughter’s Lament” (The Carolina Chocolate Drops), “Kingdom Come (The Civil Wars), “Run Daddy Ru” (The Pistol Annies) as well as a second track by Taylor called “Eyes Open”.
The album will be released in the UK
'The Hunger Games' film is distributed by Lionsgate Films and comes out in cinemas on March 23rd.
Taylor Swift is number one on the BILLBOARD “Money Makers” list again this year. She earned more than $35 million in 2011, with U2 in 2nd with $32 million. Kenny Chesney also made the top five listing.
The Pistol Annies have received a Gold certification from the RIAA for their single “Hell On Heels” and Toby Keith also has picked up two new Gold certifications, for his album “Clancy’s Tavern” and his single “Made In America.”
Ex Nickel Creek member of Sara Watkins interviewed in Cayamo Conversations spills: “The new record is going to be on Nonesuch Records again. Blake Mills produced it, he's out in Los Angeles San Diego County , near L.A.
Country singer and cookbook author Trisha Yearwood now has an airdate for the premier of her Food Network show Trisha’s Southern Kitchen (Saturday, April 14 ) The series highlights Yearwood’s love of her family-inspired recipes and food traditions. Shot in Nashville
“For me, cooking is very connected to my family and friends,” Yearwood said in a statement. “Every recipe on the show carries wonderful memories with my loved ones and I can’t wait to share my meals, stories and family photos with Food Network viewers”
She told a reporter on Tuesday after the CMA Hall of Fame induction announcements (see picture), that she half feared people would JUST think of her as a cooking show host now, and suddenly realized that it’s been five years since her last CD. Apparently she is at work recording a new album. This is what we really want Trisha to serve up, can’t wait!
PRESS RELEASES
DVD and CD Two-Disc Set captures 15 hits from Dolly Parton’s dazzling London
An Evening With…Dolly will be available exclusively at all Cracker Barrel Old Country Store locations and online at http://crackerbarrel.com/music/ - For further information and DVD track listing read here
Mike Scott Announces Tours to Israel and Europe
Entertainer, musician and songwriter, Mike Scott is proud to announce his third tour of Israel Magda , Israel Israel
July 8-23, 2012, Mike will begin a European tour with his longtime friend and fellow musician and singer-songwriter, Wayne Taylor. Mike will perform along with Wayne Taylor & Appaloosa as a Featured Artist for two weeks with performances in Norway , Germany , The Netherlands, and Scotland
Kenny Chesney scores his 23rd # 1 single this week with “Reality,” which he co-wrote with longtime writing partner and friend Brett James. Their previous collaborations include the chart-topping “Out Last Night,” the Top 10 “Keg In The Closet,” and “Spirit of A Storm,” from Chesney’s introspective ‘Lucky Old Sun’ album.
The idea for “Reality” was born in a dentist’s chair. Chesney says, “I was lying in the chair, I had the mask on, you know, where they give you that funny gas, so they can work on your mouth without you feeling it, and I remember thinking, ‘Wow, I haven’t been this relaxed in a long time.’ That was my escape from reality and that’s what the song is about. And when people come to our shows, they’re not thinking about what’s going on in their job or school, they’re having fun, escaping reality and I’m glad to be a part of that. I say it every night on stage we all got problems but for the next couple of hours, let’s push them aside and relax. That’s how I feel about it!
Randy Houser and his wife Jessa Lee Yantz have welcomed their first child, a baby boy, into the world. Weighing in at 6 lbs., 11 oz. and a whopping 19 inches long, the little one will have big ‘boots’ to fill following in the shadow of his talented CMA/ACM nominated “Boots On,” and “Anything Goes,” hit-making father, but to Houser and Yantz, he is the greatest gift they could ever receive. The happy couple married in a private ceremony in Punta Cana , Dominican Republic
CMA World.com report that Dierks Bentley, Brantley Gilbert, Alan Jackson, Scotty McCreery, and reigning CMA Male Vocalist of the Year Blake Shelton have joined the performance lineup for the Nightly Concerts at LP Field during 2012 CMA Music Festival. The event that USA Today calls “the crown jewel of Country Music festivals” will once again take over downtown Nashville
Jason Aldean, The Band Perry, Luke Bryan, Eric Church, Faith Hill, Lady Antebellum, Brad Paisley, Rascal Flatts, Carrie Underwood, and Zac Brown Band were previously announced as performing at the legendary Festival, which has grown since starting in 1972 as Fan Fair® to become Nashville
The Academy of Country Music announced March 8 that Jason Aldean, Luke Bryan, Kenny Chesney, Eric Church, Toby Keith, Miranda Lambert and Tim McGraw are scheduled to perform as part of the 47th ANNUAL ACADEMY OF COUNTRY MUSIC AWARDS, co-hosted by Reba and Blake Shelton. The ceremony, will be broadcast LIVE from the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas Sunday, April 1, 2012 at 8:00 PM live ET/delayed PT on the CBS Television Network.
ARTICLE
Sometimes good songs, like good wine, just need a little time to ferment. “The House That Built Me” won both a Grammy and an Academy of Country Music Award
When they decided to revisit the song a couple of years later, they saw immediately where the weak spots were. “We could see the holes so clearly after letting it sit for a few years. Within an hour and a half we had rewritten it,” Shamblin remembers.
But a funny happened on the way to the song becoming a hit. “Tom went in and demoed it and sent it to Scott Hendricks, who is a great producer. Scott put it on hold for Blake Shelton,” Shamblin says - Read more at Suite101
To sample /download Tom Douglas's original demo for “The House That Built Me,” along with “Little Rock” , “Southern Voice” (Bob DiPiero), “You Had Me From Hello” (Skip Ewing) along with originals by Bobby Braddock, Curly Putman Ed Bruce
go to Amazon.com
REVIEWS
Scotsman.com has a review of Gretchen Peters show at the Glasgow Arches (By SUE WILSON Published on Monday 5 March 2012)
The songs from Nashville
Peters has explained that the album is the creative fruit of a combined annus mirabilis/horribilis back in 2010, during which she got married (to her long-time pianist Barry Walsh), learned that her son was transgender, lost a friend of 30 years to suicide and was afflicted by wider disasters both man-made and natural. ......
INTERVIEWS
Justin Adams talks to Suite101 about his career in country music, football, and inspirational songs "An Angel Like You" and "When I Pray." There is another reason to cheer for the University of Northern Iowa Nashville , Tennessee
Ourstage.com have a exclusive Q and A with Craig Morgan “Shows Why “This Ole Boy” is Headed for Success”, he talks about his new label home and his brand new album.
LISTEN
The Band Perry have released their 5th single from their self titled debut album to radio in America Paris
Each week on the remaining episodes of ‘American Idol‘ Season 11, one unfortunate contestant leaves the show for good. ‘Idol’ commissioned last season’s winner Scotty McCreery to record a farewell and he chose to do an updated cover of Tim McGraw‘s 1999 hit, ‘Please Remember Me’.
 |
| Scotty McCreery American Idol 2011 Image |
“It's always a sad time whenever this song is played, but it's definitely a really big part of the show," Scotty said. "I never had to experience that feeling personally, but I always felt the pain because we became such a close family on the show. We were such a tight-knit group of people, so it was always sad to see people go. The send-off song was always a way to stay connected to the show. I'm glad they chose me to do it." He went on, "When you are eliminated, whether it's early on or down the road in the competition, you always want people to remember you. You want to get to work and put out some good music, and through that music, people will remember you. This is one way this lyric can be interpreted for this goodbye song."
Scotty shared that he already got approval from Tim - "Tim did such a fantastic job with it when he cut it. Hopefully we will live up to his expectations and he will like it. I sent Tim a message and told him that we cut it and I hope that he liked it”. He told me, 'Great man. I can't wait to hear it. I'm sure you nailed it.' It was cool hearing that feedback from a country superstar," he stated.
Take a listen to this song, the 2012 American Idol Exit Song, Scotty McCreery “Please Remember Me” - YouTube
The Band Perry in session with Bob Harris (8 March) – BBC Page
WATCH
Craig Morgan’s new video “This Ole Boy” - YouTube
The THIS OLE BOY album is available at Amazon.uk and you can Buy/ Sample the album tracks at Amazon.com
Lauren Alaina last years American Idol runner up performs her single “Georgia Peaches” returning to show on March 8th. “I think it's gonna be such a great feeling to go back to Idol and be on the other side. It will be great to perform without the stress of the competition on my mind! I am excited to show the Idol viewers what I have been doing since last appearing on the show. It's going to be like a homecoming,” said Lauren - YouTube
PHOTOS
Tay Tay wears Kanye West! - The Australian edition of Harper's Bazaar Magazine has a front cover of Taylor Swift wearing a shirt designed by none other than Kanye West, who famously interrupted the country stars acceptance speech at the 2009 MTV Video Music Awards.
It seems Christine Centenera, the HB Australia fashion editor who styled the shoot, consulted with West on his spring 2012 collection. She also styled Dion Lee's fall presentation, which included Kanye-designed heels. In the spread Swift can be seen rocking the West top under a sequined Maison Martin Margiela wrap.
West's second fashion show in his budding side-career will take to the runway in Paris Taylor
Brad Paisley is the cover of the current issue of Cigar Aficionado magazine. The nine page cover feature is titled “Renaissance Man” and delves into several aspects of Paisley ’s career, as well as disclosing to readers his one vice in life – his love of fine cigars. Brad Tweeted the picture along with, "I was going for "hillbilly secret agent"; Nailed it." Cover Picture
No comments:
Post a Comment
Note: only a member of this blog may post a comment.