Country Bites News snippets July 23 - July 27, 2012
Links/Sources shown in RED
UK & IRISH News
The 2012 Cambridge Folk Festival takes place this weekend July 26 - 29. Proper Records have a preview
Eamon McCann is the first major Irish country artist to produce an album of 16 original tracks he composed himself. On his new album MY OWN WORDS it displays the work of a singer and songwriter with a wealth of life's experiences under his belt. And Eamon has packed all those stories into a great collection of songs. Noted author, newspaper columnist and broadcaster Father Brian D'Arcy says: "Most of the songs on this album are far more commercial and more country than anything released from Nashville in the recent past.There are sad songs and lost love songs and happy songs”
A native of Creggan near Omagh, Eamon has had a passion for singing since his early teenage years. He bought his first guitar with the money he won in a talent contest and, at the age of 16, formed a band with his two brothers and began performing around his home county of Tyrone UK and many parts of Europe . In Scotland
Eleanor McEvoy has penned a brand new single for A WOMAN'S HEART, the 20th anniversary album due out in September.
It's called The Secret Of Living and features Eleanor with Sharon Shannon, Mary Coughlan, Gemma Hayes and Hermione Hennessy. Eleanor's song, Only A Woman's Heart, was a groundbreaking hit in 1992 and contributed to the phenomenal success of the album.
Absolute Publicity is honored to welcome Grammy Award winning country and bluegrass recording artist Ricky Skaggs to its artist roster. -
NEWS
Kitty Wells’ family and friends remember country legend at funeral (The Tennessean)
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| Kitty Wells Funeral Ricky Skaggs, The Whites perform a tribute |
WSM personality Eddie Stubbs, family friend and who at one time played fiddle for Wells said: “Let’s all stand together and give Kitty Wells the biggest round of applause ever given to her,” Stubbs, who officiated the ceremony along with Brother Steve North, told the auditorium of mourners. The crowd — which included Wells’ large extended family as well as country singers Marty Stuart and Connie Smith, Bill Anderson, Ricky Skaggs and gospel singers The Whites — sat back down, Stubbs said: “It’s one thing to make a contribution in life; it’s another to make a difference. Kitty did both.”
Jay DeMarcus of Rascal Flatts and his wife Allison have a new addition to the family. The couple welcomed a baby boy, Dylan Jay DeMarcus, on Friday (July 20). Dylan was born at 4:02pm, weighing in at 7 pounds and 11 ounces at 20 ½ inches long.
Mom and baby are doing fine and will be home soon. Dylan joins sister Madeline Leigh who was born Dec. 17, 2010
On what was supposed to be one of the biggest musical events of the year in Shasta County ended abruptly Sunday afternoon July 22nd as Jukebox Music Festival promoters prematurely shut down the concert in Anderson
The three-day concert touted such acts as Ricky Skaggs, Pam Tillis and Alan Jackson.
But the trouble started when Alan Jackson mysteriously canceled his Sunday night concert earlier that day, and several hours later, the entire event was called off.Festival officials shut down the concert,locked the gates and wouldn't let those with tickets into the event.
The athletes and the Olympic torch have arrived in London — and so has the party. Yes, celebs are descending on London for Olympic bashes. For those keener on celebrity-spotting or dancing the night away than medal counting, the British host city has plenty of action to offer during games time. Away from the track and field, Hollywood royalty such as Brangelina and Nicole Kidman will be rubbing shoulders with diplomats and businessmen at the city's glitziest clubs and grandest historic buildings.
In London's Soho, luxury watchmaker Omega, the Olympics' official time-keeper, will be hosting its own A-list soirees in a specially-refurbished townhouse until the end of the games on Aug 12. Kidman is expected at a launch party on July 28. Will hubby Mr Keith Urban be in town ?
Taylor Swift won five Teen Choice Awards on Sunday July 22. The 22-year-old singer-and-actress took home authentic full-sized surfboard prizes for Choice Female Music Artist, Choice Country Artist and Choice Movie Voice for her performance as Audrey in the animated film adaptation of Dr. Seuss' book 'The Lorax' at the ceremony held at Los Angeles' Gibson Amphitheatre. Swift’s five awards also included: Single by a Female Artist for "Eyes Open," and Country Song for "Sparks Fly".
Taylor narrowly beat Justin Bieber to be the biggest winner of the night.
Addressing the audience, Taylor said: ''This award especially is an extreme honour. It's a true testament to all the support you've given us over the years. It's amazing you're still around and just as loyal and just as strong.''
Taylor Swift hugs singer Selena Gomez after winning choice female artist at the 2012 Teen Choice Awards. Photograph: Mario Anzuoni/Reuters
Kellie Pickler is the leading lady in the special newsstand issue, Maxim Salutes the Military, in stores Tuesday, July 31. Her show-stopping cover and centerfold images are reminiscent of the 1940s-50s era with a modern flare, and in her in-depth personal interview Pickler shares her experience performing for troops overseas on five USO tours and why she will always be an avid supporter of our troops. In the cover story, Pickler reflects on the sacrifices made for our freedom. "I come from a military family. My grandfather is a retired Marine, and I’ve always had a great deal of respect for anyone who serves our country. It really does take someone special to sacrifice everything. I don’t mean just their lives, either. There are men who are sacrificing the chance to hold their newborn baby!" she says.
To see Kellie’s Maxim Cover Girl pics go to the Thumbnails here, click on image and run a slide show!
To Download the Hi Resolution full Cover (Credit: Maxim Magazine, Type: JPG, Size: 544 KB courtesy of Essential Broadcast Media)
Click this LINK
It's way too early to be thinking about the 2012 CMA Awards, right? Wrong.
The Country Music Association is already planning its November 1 broadcast. The Boot wants to know your opinions in their 10 question poll.
It’s “jolly hot” right now so is it way to early to be thinking about Christmas? Country music fans will soon be able to share the wonder and warmth of a cozy Christmas as Grand Ole Opry member Lorrie Morgan brings her celebrated and festive show to one of America’s most treasured holiday destinations—Nashville’s iconic Gaylord Opryland Resort.
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| Lorrie Morgan A lady in red |
Lorrie Morgan’s Enchanted Christmas Dinner & Show begins November 16, 2012 and runs through Christmas Day, December 25, as part of Gaylord Opryland’s 29th Annual ‘A Country Christmas’ celebration. Lorrie and her family of talented musicians will take audiences on an enchanting journey through Christmases past and present, featuring songs from Lorrie’s popular MERRY CHRISTMAS FROM LONDON album along with an assortment of hits from her 16-album recording career.
To read more visit
The Grand Ole Opry has announced that The Bee Gees pop icon Barry Gibb will be making his Opry debut on Fri., July 27. Speaking on what will be his first performance at the Grand Ole Opry, Gibb commented, “I have dreamed of performing on the hallowed stage of the Opry since I was 12 years old, so this is a dream come true for me. There is no greater honor.”
Kenny Chesney and Tim McGraw had the daunting task of entertaining a Denver, Colorado crowd immediately following the horrific ‘Dark Knight Rises’ shooting just a day before. It was obvious that the stadium filled with people had their minds on something else.
“Me and my road family are just like the rest of the nation, hurting with this city tonight. We love you, and we’re with you, and if you guys will let us, we want to let music start to heal this town just a little bit tonight.”
Corey Wagar’s recent sizzlin’ summer single Take Ya Back, penned by Corey and successful songwriters Beau Fuller and Cece DuBois is enjoying success since its radio release in June. “Take Ya Back showcases Corey’s true dedication to country music and her ability to relate to her fans”. Corey, known for her ‘sweet and sassy’ sound, has been all over promoting this honeysuckle hit. She’s been doing non-stop radio interviews, opened for Grammy-nominated Dierks Bentley and wrapped up shooting her music video for this song. The official music video is out Friday, July 27th - “I fell in love with country music at such a young age and just knew it was meant for me,” says Corey. “This song really takes me back to my childhood, which we captured perfectly with the video. I can’t wait for everyone to see it!”
Jason Aldean has altered the lyrics of his new single "Take A Little Ride" to accommodate a new endorsement deal, according to a note sent Tuesday morning by the promotions team at Aldean's Broken Bow Records."Jason Aldean is in the process of signing an endorsement deal with the Coors Brewing Company," the BBR Promotion Team writes in the note, sent out to country radio one week after the song was initially serviced. "With that, he has changed the 'Shiner Bock' line in the song 'Take A Little Ride' to 'A couple Rocky Tops.' We respectfully request you exchange this version with the one you are currently playing."
Beer brands aren't the only products Aldean name-drops in "Take a Little Ride." The song's chorus begins with the line "Well I'm just ready to ride this Chevy / Ride this Chevy down a little back road." (Billboard Cover Story)
Mariah Carey's status as American Idol's newest star judge will come with a pretty nice paycheck, as sources familiar with the negotiations confirmed she is set to make as much as $18 million for her services.
One country singer you won’t see on sitting next to Mariah Carey and Randy Jackson on the “American Idol” judges panel is Toby Keith. According to The Hollywood Reporter, “Idol” producers approached Keith about the position earlier this month, and he turned them down. The report cites Keith’s upcoming interview with Inland Empire Weekly. According to sources, the “Beers Ago” singer passed on the opportunity because he didn’t have enough time to devote to the show’s demanding schedule.
SINGLE / ALBUM NEWS
Toby Keith released the new single "I Like Girls That Drink Beer" to radio and digital retailers on Tuesday (July 24). It's the first single from his upcoming album, which has not yet been named or scheduled. "We were in the studio and everybody who heard it was like, 'You've got to release that,'" said Keith, who co-wrote the song with Bobby Pinson. Keith released his previous album, CLANCY'S TAVERN, in 2011. That project included the hit singles "Made in America," "Red Solo Cup" and "Beers Ago."
THE MAVERICKS, have revealed the official tracklist and cover art (image) for their album on The Valory Music Co., produced by lead singer Raul Malo and Niko Bolas and slated for September 25. Coincidentally, the project, entitled IN TIME, will be released in conjunction with the band’s 20th anniversary of their first major label album release.
“The idea that we came together and made this record is a testament to faith, fate, and chance. All three were essential in the making of IN TIME. In turn, this is the record we are most proud of," said Malo.
Big Machine Records Blurb: The Mavericks’ garage band ferocity and polyrhythmic beats are featured on the project, which includes the group's current single, "Born To Be Blue."Cuban-American frontman Raul Malo purposefully fuses together the record’s vibe with his unique vocal swagger and myriad of influences he drew upon while penning each track.
TRACKLIST:
1. Back In Your Arms Again (Raul Malo, Gary Nicholson, Seth Walker)
2. Lies (Raul Malo, Al Anderson, Bob DiPiero)
3. Born To Be Blue (Raul Malo, James House) 4. Come Unto Me (Raul Malo)
5. In Another’s Arms (Raul Malo) 6. Fall Apart (Raul Malo)
7. That’s Not My Name (Raul Malo, Wally Wilson) 8. Amsterdam Moon (Raul Malo)
9. As Long As There’s Loving Tonight (Raul Malo, Alan Miller, Seth Walker)
10. Call Me When You Get To Heaven (Raul Malo)
Dierks Bentley has a four-song EP, ‘COUNTRY & COLD CANS’ coming out August 21. It’ll be a iTunes only digital release.
Subject matter? – His 2 favourite things, music and beer (photo)
“We thought we’d celebrate the end of summer and back to school with an EP of new material that’s about cutting loose,” Dierks said. “It was really inspired by how young and crazy the fans on the Country & Cold Cans Tour were earlier this year. I’ve written a lot with Jaren [Jaren Johnston from The Cadillac Jack], and we thought it would be fun to get the guys in my band and a couple of cases of beer and go see what happens in the studio. I’m really happy with the tracks, and I think our crowd will dig it.”
Track List: 1. Country & Cold Cans 2. Grab A Beer 3. Back Porch 4. Summer On Fire
Alan Jackson isn't giving up on an idea he tried out with his music before. The singer/songwriter tells TheBoot.com that he is still wanting to try out a Bluegrass album. Alan mentions an album he tried to do as Bluegrass with Alison Krauss ("Like Red On a Rose"), but the project didn't turn out in the style he wanted. His new goal is to work on a "pure bluegrass album."
Former Eagles guitarist Don Felder will release his first solo album in nearly three decades, ROAD TO FOREVER, on Oct. 9.
The record’s lead track, ‘Fall From the Grace of Love,’ can be heard on soundcloud.com
on wrote and sang all of the songs on ‘Road to Forever,’ with help from guest stars such as all three members of Crosby, Stills & Nash, Tommy Shaw of Styx, as well as Steve Lukather, David Paich and Steve Porcaro of Toto.
ARTICLES
Nashville's Love For Lionel Richie Runs Deep writes NPR's Ann Powers.
Extract:...the goal for so many these days is to wiggle out of pigeonholes and grab the widest listener base possible, and Richie has always exemplified the art of the crossover.
From his hits with the Commodores to his remarkable solo career, he's incorporated elements of semi-classical, Latin disco, L.A. studio rock, and of course, country music. So it's no surprise that Richie's late-career triumph has him traveling to Nashvillle, today's most hopping lab for pop crossover experiments
INTERVIEWS
Ourstage have an exclusive Q and A with Hunter Hayes:
Hunter Hayes Talks Carrie Underwood, Joe Walsh and the Young Woman who Inspired ‘Wanted’
It’s been almost two years since Darius Rucker released his full-length studio album CHARLESTON, SC 1966. For his fans they will be pleased to know there new music on the horizon. Darius Rucker is currently putting the finishing touches on his third Capitol Nashville albumwhich will be due out this Autumn. A new single called ”True Believers” is out in a few weeks.
"We just finished the vocal for the single, and I'm excited". "I think this is the best record I've ever made, and I can't stop listening to it. On 'Charleston, SC 1966' we just wanted to pick up where we left off, but with the new album, Frank Rogers (his producer) and I wanted it to sound a little different." .... Billboard exclusive interview: Darius Rucker Talks 'Best Record I've Ever Made' on Tour in Idaho - Read more at www.billboard.com
Southern Living talk new album,holes and life lessons with musician Zac Brown
Extract: I think it's the best record we've made. There's some light fun tracks, an R & B tune, a little island music, real heavy singer-songwriter stuff, some bluegrass. It's a good journey—a good snapshot of where we are and how we've matured as a band.
I started in the music business sitting on a barstool, ringing beer out of my tip money. I understand the journey of an artist. And I want to really mentor people who have mojo, can write their own songs, and give themselves to their music
LISTEN
Lauren Alaina the 2011 American Idol runner up and sweet country up-and-comer paid her respects to country legend Kitty Wells at the Grand Ole Opry on Weds July 25. The 17-year-old singer said goodbye in the best way she knew how: by singing a medley of the iconic torchy hits Wells left behind. Before launching into a blend of ‘Release Me (And Let Me Love Again)’ and ‘It Wasn’t God Who Made Honky Tonk Angels,’ Alaina addressed the crowd, saying, “Y’all give it up to Miss Kitty Wells. I’m going to do a medley.” >> Audio
WATCH
Belle Starr - This Must Be The Place (Naïve Melody) >> YouTube
Queensland’s country sensation Shandell Shandell “Baby You Broke It” (Official Video) from new 2012 EP "Satin and Steel" >> YouTube
Acclaim led Shandell to Nashville where she has begun developing her craft as a songwriter in the country music heartland, working alongside the industry’s most acclaimed songwriters including Craig Wiseman and Brett James. She has been awarded Entertainer of the Year and Senior Female Vocalist of the Year at Tamworth Country Music Festival.
"Show Me" Amber Joy Poulton's 5th release off her album Taking Goodbye >> YouTube -Amber Joy's debut original album, Taking Goodbye, full of traditional Australian country music has launched her career & reputation as a serious singer & song-writer. Since its release, the album has received two song-writing awards for Best Traditional Song, four songs have entered the Top 30 of the Australian Country Music Charts and Amber Joy has just landed herself a TIARA Award 2012 for Best Vocal Collaboration for duet, Close Enough with Doug Bruce. She has spent over 40 weeks in the charts with the album & her biggest hit yet, Break Even spent over 18 weeks in the charts & made it all the way to Number 5 nation-wide!
Tin Cup Gypsy presents their first official music video featuring the song "Bury Me" from their debut album "Calico" >> YouTube
About: At the core of Country, Gypsy Pop artists Tin Cup Gypsy you’ll find a fusion of Folk, Jazz, and Bluegrass with rich melodies that captures the essence of their Grassroots-Country genre. By featuring a variety of instruments such as Mandolin, Violin, Concertina, Acoustic Guitar, Percussion, and three-part harmonies, the group’s unique blend attracts a diverse group of listeners.
The band conists of Jordan Lawson(Vocals, Violin, Mandolin), Cassandra Lawson (Vocals, Concertina, Percussion), Jonathan Lawson (Vocals, Guitar, Mandolin) and Tyler Oban (Drums,Percussion) The group weaves a fresh sound with the classic groundbreaking styles of the Eagles, James Taylor, as well as earthy undertones of the Dixie Chicks, and Fleetwood Mac
COUNTRY GOSSIP
Sarah Buxton is going to be a Mum! The singer-songwriter and her husband, musician Tom Bukovac, are expecting their first child this December. Sarah says watching her own parents over the years prepared her for parenthood.
"I hope that I'm able to be half of the parent that my parents were to me," she told Taste of Country. “I always felt loved and wanted. I'm not a perfect person, and they weren't perfect parents, but they gave me some worth. That was the building blocks to everything, knowing that you're worth something and that you can go for something. That's going to be my main thing. They were always interested in what I was doing”
Will Taylor Swift’s next release be “a divorce album” – Shock! Taylor Swift’s parents are reportedly separated. In an interview with the New Yorker last year, Taylor Swift admitted that some of the songs on her upcoming album are sad. Unfortunately, rumours this week indicate that Swift may not have been singing from her own painful relationship experience, but rather from the knowledge that her parents’ marriage was on the rocks. According to a recent report, Swift’s parents have separated.
Yes it’s hard to imagine from her press and TV appearances that this has been happening in the young 22-year-old country singers world, sweeping awards shows in recent years.
According to the unconfirmed report from Star magazine — via Radar Online — Swift’s parents, Andrea and Scott, were married for 25 years before they decided to part ways. The Swifts are rumored to have separated sometime within the past two years, but they have kept their marital issues from the press. “The Swifts stopped wearing their wedding rings,” the ‘Star’ source revealed. “They haven’t filed for divorce because they don’t want it to damage Taylor’s career.”
As for Taylor Swift, a source revealed - “She’s been going through a lot,”. “The new album will showcase the pain of her parents’ separation.”
Darius Rucker says he’ll be watching every minute of London 2012 games. Keith Urban and Nicole Kidman are there as she’s the spokeswoman for OMEGA Watches (Official timekeeper of the Olympics).
Kip Moore lives out of a backpack and doesn’t even have an address. The country #1 hit man spends time on his bus six days a week and on his day off he crashes on the couch at his producer’s office.
Taylor Swift and Patrick Schwarzenegger are not dating. She says, “that’s why I don’t read any gossip about me, because I don’t want to be weirded out by who people think I’m dating.”
Sara Evans Tomato Pie recipe
PHOTO
Lady A’s Hillary Scott has defended Hard Rock Calling organisers' decision to cut off Bruce Springsteen's Hyde Park concert. Paul McCartney joined Springsteen for a medley of songs, but the 29-song set was cut short to comply with the local council's curfew
The 'Need You Now' band's lead singer Scott has said she was sad that Springsteen's set ended prematurely, but understands the reasoning. "I'm sure there was definitely a reason," Scott said, reports The AP. "I hear that they had a very strict curfew in Hyde Park."
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