Country Bites News snippets March 25 – March 31, 2013
SOURCES/LINKS show in RED
UK & IRISH News
SummerTyne Americana Festival is pleased to announce The Mavericks, Heritage Blues Orchestra, Mud Morganfield, Patty Griffin, Matthew E White, Shelby Lynne and Willy Mason for its 2013 event, which takes place over three days at The Sage Gateshead, from Friday 19th- Sunday 21st July 2013 - thesagegateshead.org
The CMA has now officially put out a Press Release to announce that CMR Nashville and Django Promotions Chief Executive Officer and Owner Lee Williams was presented with the CMA International Country Broadcaster Award during the CMA International Country Music Summit at Disneyland Paris on March 1.
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| Lee Williams (right) Photo CMA World |
The award recognizes outstanding achievement by radio broadcasters outside the United States who have made important contributions for the development of Country Music in their country. "My whole working life has been involved with Country Music since 1969, and I feel so honored that my involvement has been recognized by the world’s No. 1 Country Music association," said Williams. "This has to be the No. 1 accolade to be received by a broadcaster in Country Music, and I am proud to be the recipient for 2013."
Gretchen Peters (June 30th) and Lucinda Williams will be playing the Acoustic Tent at the Glastonbury Festival at Pilton in Somerset in June see lineup
According to this songkick website Kacey Musgraves is shown to appear at The Water Rats in London on Wednesday 17 April 2013 opening for the Clock Spiders. No further details can be found at this time.
UK CHART NEWS
On the Official UK Singles Top 100 Chart (Week April 6, 2013)
Taylor Swift’s new UK single “22” slips 11-14 in its 6th week selling 26,100copies and a total so far of 70,602. “I Knew You Were Trouble” (Mercury) which peaked at #2, stays at No.17 on its 25th chart week selling 18,000copies with a total to date of 641,349. Swift’s “We Are Never Ever Getting Back Together” was down 1 place 88-89 in its 32nd chart week selling 2,850copies with a new tally of 539,222.Her signature tine “Love Story” re-enters the Top 100 moving 133-97. There were no other country artists in sight despite heavy BBC Radio 2 playlist spins and appearances throughout March for Tim McGraw, Carrie Underwood & Little Big Town.
On the Official UK Albums Top 100 (Week April 6, 2013)
Taylor Swift’s RED was up one slot 23-22 in its 23rd chart week selling 6,700copies with a total to date of 335,684.
Hot from the C2C London country festival, Tim McGraw with TWO LANES OF FREEDOM (Big Machine) freefalls 35 slots hanging on to a Top 100 place from No.61 to No.96.
Official UK Country Album Chart (Week April 6, 2013)
Tim McGraw with TWO LANES OF FREEDOM (Big Machine) holds the number one spot for a third week and former No.1 Emmylou Harris & Rodney Crowell with OLD YELLOW MOON stay at No.2 in their fourth chart week.
Alan Jackson’s gospel set PRECIOUS MEMORIES – VOL 2 (Humphead) debuts at No.6.
On the Hotdisc Chart (March 31, 2013 Chart) - Ray Scott's "Those Jeans" makes it four weeks at No.1 on the Hotdisc Top 40 chart. Bart Connell with "The Grass Ain't All That's Blue" stays at No.2. Frank Ifield’s retro sounding “Roses From a Stranger” and his Aussie protege Stephanie Jansen swich places at No.3 & No.4. Bobby Mackey’s self penned “Johanna” makes a move from 10-5 with bluegrass act Wood & Wire making a climb “logging” at No.6.
Lawrence John Project, Lizzie Sider, Crash n Recovery, Mustang Sally and Avrio all make slots on the Top 20. With the release of April’s Hotdisc 171 (Rush Released) next week there should be a shake up on next week's Top 40 chart.
George Inglis’ remains No.1 on the British & Irish Top 10 for a seventh week.
UK COUNTRY ALBUM RELEASES
(29 March 2013) Brad Paisley - Original Album Classics (Sony Music Entertainment)
(1 April 2013) The Music Is You - A Tribute To John Denver (Sony Music CMG)
AAA / Americana / Folk; 16 tracks / Time: 59:59
The Album features covers by Dave Matthews, My Morning Jacket, Brandi Carlile And Emmylou Harris, Train, Amos Lee, Edward Sharpe And The Magnetic Zeros, Lucinda Williams, Josh Ritter, Old Crow Medicine Show and more.
(2 April 2013) Gretchen Wilson - Right on Time (Redneck Records) 13 tracks Time: 46:50
Amazon UK CD [Import] - Amazon MP3
(2 April 2013) Hem -Departure and Farewell (Waveland Records) Alternative, Music, Rock, Singer/Songwriter
Our latest album "Departure and Farewell" has been many years in the making, and is released today!
AUSSIE NEWS
The Band Perry surprised artist Jasmine Rae with the Global Country Artist Award whilst they were down under at the CMR Rocks the Hunter. Rae has one of the fastest-rising careers of any local artist in Australia. Her debut album Look It Up yielded three No. 1 singles.
David Burton received the CMA's International Country Broadcaster Award. An on-air country radio personality in Australia for the last nine years, he is based in Toowoomba. He appears on country station 4GR where he is responsible for the programming and content of that station and all other country stations for Southern Cross Australia, one of the country's biggest radio networks.
Keith Urban has been working on a new album in recent weeks, set to be his first release of new music since Get Closer in 2010. "I've been here [in Nashville] for the last four days, in the studio every day, back in again today. Then I leave to head back out to LA tomorrow," Keith told USA Today.
It's taking a long time, mostly because I'm working with people I've never worked with before. Most of the length of time on this record has been, simply, people's schedules, and not just my own. When you work with one producer, you can block out your time and your album's finished. Working with various people, I've been at the mercy of [lining up] everybody else's schedules and mine," Keith said. Although the forthcoming album won't be complete by the time his US "Light the Fuse Tour" commences in July, Keith revealed that fans would likely hear new music at the shows.
NEWS
The CMA Songwriters Series returned to the Library of Congress' Coolidge Auditorium in Washington, D.C. Wednesday night (March 20) with performances from Songwriters Hall of Fame member and CMA Songwriters Series host Bob DiPiero, two-time CMA Female Vocalist of the Year nominee Lorrie Morgan, former CMA Male Vocalist and Entertainer of the Year Ronnie Milsap, and BMI Award-winning songwriter Jim Beavers.
Lauren Alaina attended her Senior Prom. The 18-year-old singer missed her junior prom last year due to being on tour with Sugarland. She ended up crashing a prom while on the road. Lauren is currently working on the follow-up to her debut album, Wildflowers. No release date or single have been announced.
Lady Antebellum revealed all the songs on GOLDEN their forthcoming release in May! - Press Release
Inspired by both their live shows and time offstage, they said they made a point of experimenting and creating with its road band as the one-nighters and the miles of travel piled up. That behind-the-scenes interaction inspired much of the music on GOLDEN, an instantly infectious project in which Lady A discovered new edges for its already-successful foundation.
"We were just kind of in that live show mindset for this album," said Lady A's Dave Haywood. "We had that perspective of being on a tour and having seen what translates in an arena. We have a better idea what kind of songs are so relatable where it shakes everybody like, ‘Oh, my God, I've totally been there.'" - greenroompr.com
Competing against her ex-hubby on the airwaves!: Singer-songwriter Julie Reeves has joined Kindred's WDGG/Huntington, WV as host of the new morning show Julie Reeves Live. Reeves is also the ex-wife of comedian and crosstown WTCR morning man Cledus T. Judd, who took that job in November to be closer to their daughter.
“Superstar” Carrie Underwood, who recently celebrated her 17th No. 1 song [Mediabase], will perform her brand new single “See You Again” on American Idol, on FOX, Thursday, April 4. “See You Again,” as described by Billboard as “truly a taste of heaven,” was written by Carrie, Hillary Lindsey, and David Hodges, and is the fourth single off her platinum-selling album, BLOWN AWAY.
Watch Coors Light explorers battle and avalanche in order to deliver cold refreshment to “our favorite country star” (?!), Jason Aldean >> YouTube
One-Hitters: "The spirit of this record is so much about friendship," Kenny Chesney says about the upcoming Life On A Rock album. "A lot of these songs were inspired by the people I’ve met, the lives we’ve shared and the way they inspired me. It felt kind of odd to not have some of the musical people who’ve inspired me be a part of this record." In the past Kenny has collaborated with Grace Potter ("You & Tequila"), Mac McAnally ("Down The Road"), George Strait ("Shiftwork"), Joe Walsh ("Wild Ride") and Uncle Kracker ("When the Sun Goes Down"), so it was no surprise that he brought in a couple of heavy hitters like Willie Nelson ("Coconut Tree") and the Wailers Band ("Spread The Love") to help out. LIFE ON A ROCK is due April 30
KC & The Sunshine shades: Music superstar Kenny Chesney and Costa recently announced the introduction of five new Chesney-inspired limited edition sunglass styles in time for the start of his No Shoes Nation Tour, which kicked off in Tampa, Fla. on Mar. 16. Chesney played a large role in the design of several of this year’s sunglass styles, including the on trend metal aviator appropriately named “KC.”
EMI Nashville's Alan Jackson and Bigger Picture's Craig Campbell raised $120,000 for the Colon Cancer Alliance at Wednesday's 5th Annual Stars Go Blue benefit for the Blue Note Fund at Nashville's Ryman Auditorium. The money will help more than 400 families in 2013.
Fans supporting artists: Bryan White has a Kickstarter-funded album that will be released later this year. I want to make amazing new sounds in an organic way. I plan to make my 9th studio album without the help of a record label.
You can’t accuse Steel Magnolia singer Meghan Linsey of being a pessimist. Despite an incredibly rough patch over the last couple of years that included her partner/fiancee Joshua Scott Jones going to rehab, the duo losing their record deal and then ending their personal relationship, she refuses to discount the possibility of them recording together again - “I’m not saying we’ll never make another record because you never know,” she tells Country Weekly in a new interview.
Republic Nashville’s Florida Georgia Line is bringing new meaning to their Top 10-and-climbing hit “Get Your Shine On,” which the RIAA has officially certified GOLD for sales exceeding 500,000. The breakout duo will perform the smash on Great American Country’s ACM New Artist Of The Year Special (3/25) and Weds (3/27) on ABC’s LIVE with Kelly & Michael.
New New Girl: Taylor Swift will guest star on the season finale of the FOX-TV comedy New Girl starring Zooey Deschanel. The show has been know to name-drop Swift occasionally, like when Schmidt sent Cece a text that said he was going through a "Taylor Swift-like range of emotions." And most recently when Zooey's character Jess (which is nothing like her in real life) said, "I just wanted to listen to Taylor Swift alone," while "22" played in the background. Swift will dig into the role of Elaine, an "Important" guest at the wedding of Cece and Shivrang.
US Tour news
Double Leg Kicks: Keith Urban's role on American Idol could be the reason his live show is in such high demand. Or it could be openers Little Big Town and Dustin Lynch. Or it could be both. Either way, Keith has added a second leg to his Light The Fuse tour. The first appendage kicks off July 18 in Cincinnati and wraps Oct. 5 in West Palm Beach. - www.keithurban.net
Rascal Flatts. Farmers Insurance will present their Live & Loud tour beginning May 31 in Wantagh, NY. The 34-city run will include support from The Band Perry and The Voice season three winner Cassadee Pope. - www.rascalflatts.com
COUNTRY AWARDS
The 48th Annual Academy Of Country Music Awards (Sunday 7 April)
Fantabulous: You've heard it in almost every acceptance speech from just about every major artist: "Country music has the greatest fans in the world." That's what they say, and now it's time live up to your end of the bargain by casting your votes for next month's 48th Annual ACM Awards. The Academy is asking the people to decide between Jason Aldean, Luke Bryan, Miranda Lambert, Blake Shelton and Taylor Swift for Entertainer of the Year, and Brantley Gilbert, Jana Kramer and Florida Georgia Line for New Artist of the Year.
The Academy of Country Music announced the recipients of some special and industry awards prior to the April 7 broadcast.
Jason Aldean, Guy Clark, Blake Shelton, Keith Whitley, Tommy Wiggins, Hank Williams, The Judds & Lady Antebellum Announced As Off-Camera Winners:
Jim Reeves International Award - Lady Antebellum has been chosen to receive the Jim Reeves International Award, which is presented to an artist for outstanding contributions to the acceptance of country music throughout the world.
Cliffie Stone Pioneer Award - Keith Whitley and The Judds have been chosen to receive the Cliffie Stone Pioneer Award, honoring individuals who are pioneers in the country music genre.
Crystal Milestone Award - Jason Aldean has been chosen to receive the Crystal Milestone Award, which is given to an artist or industry leader to commemorate a specific, remarkable achievement
Gene Weed Special Achievement Award - Blake Shelton has been chosen to receive the Gene Weed Special Achievement Award, which acknowledges unprecedented, unique and outstanding individual achievement in country music
Poet’s Award - Guy Clark and Hank Williams have been selected to receive the Poet’s Award, which honors songwriters for outstanding musical and/or lyrical contributions throughout their careers in the field of country music.
** Songwriter of The Year *** - Dallas Davidson
MBI (MUSICIAN, BANDLEADER, INSTRUMENTALIST) AWARDS:
Producer Of The Year – Jay Joyce / Audio Engineer Of The Year – Chuck Ainlay
Bass Player Of The Year – Jimmie Lee Sloas / Percussionist/Drummer Of The Year – Matt Chamberlain
Fiddle Player Of The Year – Aubrey Haynie / Guitarist Of The Year – J.T. Corenflos
Piano/Keyboards Player Of The Year – Michael Rojas / Steel Guitar Player Of The Year – Mike Johnson
Specialty Instrument(S) Player Of The Year – Ilya Toshinsky
ACM's Spousal Support: What happens when a man loves a woman and they're nominated in the same category? "It’s been a house divided; I’ve been sleeping on the couch," says Brantley Gilbert as he goes up against fiancée Jana Kramer for ACM New Artist of the Year. "No, I’m kidding. We’re actually really supportive of each other ... If Jana or I win, either one, it’s going to the same house. So it’ll be all in the family and great company, but that doesn’t take away from the fact we do wanna win this thing." Those lovebirds aren't the only couple going head-to-head.
- Blake Shelton and wife Miranda Lambert will compete for Entertainer of the Year. "I'd like to see her win that that thing," says Shelton. "Of course I'd like to see me win it, but I'd love to see her win it because I know how hard she works and I know important performing is to her."
- » Stop, Bluke & Listen: If you've seen the promos, you know Luke Bryan and Blake Shelton were surprised to learn the pairing of two of country music's biggest stars at this Sunday's 48th Annual ACM Awards won't be them. Or will it? Reba McEntire will be there to introduce George Strait and Garth Brooks as they perform together for the first time during their tribute to the late Dick Clark.
- Tim McGraw will do “Highway Don’t Care” with Taylor Swift and Keith Urban by his side [unlike the studio recording]
- Stevie Wonder joins forces with Hunter Hayes and will world premiere his new single "I Want Crazy,".Hayes will perform with Dierks Bentley and Brad Paisley at the live ACM Fan Jam remote.
- But the biggest crowd may just be in the opening number, as the hosts (a network exec is calling them "Bluke") bring Miranda Lambert, Pistol Annies, Sheryl Crow and Paisley onstage.
- Romeo announced this year's ACM Lifting Lives Moment which will feature Jewel. She will perform a live mash-up of her chart-topping hit "Hands" combined with "Fill a Heart," an original song written by singer/songwriter Tori Kelly.
- Kelly Clarkson will perform "Don't Rush."
SINGLE / ALBUM NEWS
According to LeAnn Rimes, her new album SPITFIRE is still coming out in the UK and Australia on April 15, 2013. However it is being delayed in the US due to legal issues between record companies on one of the songs that is a duet (trio).
When in the UK LeAnn in her Big Interview: told them about new material and her plans to celebrate St Patrick's Day in the capital. When asked What else is going on with your music career? She answered: “There has been a big change in my life right now. I have been at the same record label since I was 11 but that's all ended. Nothing is set in stone, but it's exciting to have all of these opportunities at 30 years old, after years in this business.It's a whole new world, but I'm still being creative and doing fun stuff and writing a lot of music”.
The Band Perry will release their new album, PIONEER, featuring their latest single, “DONE.” on April 2nd. Neil says each song on the album is like a character, and no two characters on the album are alike. “DONE.” is one that he says, “We wrote about a friendship, a relationship where we were just giving and giving and giving and they just kept taking and taking without giving anything in return…
Southeastern, the new solo album from Jason Isbell, will be released on June 11 via Southeastern Records/Thirty Tigers. Southeastern contains 12 new Isbell compositions and the most personal songs of self-reflection and discovery he has written to date. By no means is Southeastern a wholly solemn offering. Tracks such as “Stockholm” (with Kim Richey) and “Traveling Alone” (with Amanda Shires) offer laid back tempos and memorable choruses, while “Flying Over Water” and “Super 8” are strong reminders of Isbell’s deep roots in rock.
Trace Adkins’ 11th studio album, LOVE WILL… is set for May 14, 2013 release on Show Dog-Universal Music. The album about the world’s greatest emotion will feature two-time Grammy Award winning singer/songwriter, Colbie Caillat, the esteemed Harlem Gospel Choir and Rock/Country veterans, Exile.
Country Rock star John Fogerty has a new album in the works, and it includes a special appearance by none other than Country Music superstar Keith Urban.
Urban can be heard playing guitar and banjo on the song "Almost Saturday Night," from Fogerty's upcoming album WROTE A SONG FOR EVERYONE, to be released May 28 on Vanguard Records.
"Almost Saturday Night," was a song written by John in, "a really dark time for me, and yet I wrote this cheerful song right in the middle of it." John said Keith, "is an incredible monster musician, probably the greatest musician on this record."
Urban adds, "There's nothing like being in the studio, you've got the headphones on, and suddenly there's John's voice…That was a real magical moment for me."
Blurb: One album, sixteen special guests, two brand new songs and one songwriter: John Fogerty. On his new album Wrote A Song For Everyone, Fogerty produces a masterpiece, drawing from his classic songbook of hits and collaborating with some of the biggest superstars in popular music. Alongside these stellar collaborations, Fogerty has also penned two brand new original songs for the album. 14 songs, 16 special guests, one songwriter, and one amazing album John slipped a note to country superstar Miranda Lambert at an event, requesting she lend her voice to the title track of his new album. John recalls, "She said yes, or maybe she said 'hell yeah!'"
Behind-the-scenes studio footage of Miranda and John recording this song together. Miranda discusses what it was like working with "rock royalty" on a song so near and dear to his heart saying, "no one else can write songs like John Fogerty, much less sing like him." >> YouTube
Average Joes Entertainment’s country duo, LoCash Cowboys, “Chase a Little Love,” the lead single from group’s long-awaited debut album, is a sexy, fun-loving, summertime anthem set to impact radio in April.
Currently in the studio finishing up their new record due out early this summer, LoCash Cowboys’ “Chase a Little Love,” showcases what fans have come to expect; infectious new music that is pure fun.
The catchy new single was co-written by LoCash Cowboys’ Preston Brust with Jaron Boyer, and produced by Shannon Houchins and Noah Gordon.
Joni Rae Jack and AH-HA Music Group are pleased to announce that "Wild Side," the third single from her self-titled debut, is impacting Texas radio. Blurb: A rollicking good time of a song, "Wild Side" is the musical telling of a sizzling Saturday night relived from a church choir loft on Sunday morning. Written by Heather Little (who is no stranger to fiery songs as a co-writer with Miranda Lambert on "Gunpowder & Lead") and Rusty VanSickle, the single was produced by Greg Hunt and Shayne Morrison (of country group Perfect Stranger) at Rosewood Studio in Tyler, Texas. >> YouTube
PRESS RELEASES
Lisa Matassa’s video for “Somebody’s Baby” has been added to Indoor Direct’s Dining Network Quick Service RestaurantChannel. The one-hour special airs in more than 1,600 restaurants including Arby’s, KFC and McDonald’s.
The one-hour, all-genre program THE BITE features superstars and up-and-coming artists alike and has the potential to make over one MILLION impressions - Webster & Associates
George Jones’ final Nashville concert, to be held on Friday, November 22, 2013 at Bridgestone Arena, has SOLD OUT with over 15,000 people planning to attend. A VIP Experience including a special George Jones autographed item and the chance to meet ‘the possum’ backstage is available exclusively through GeorgeJones.com - Webster & Associates
Rural Rhythm Records announced the new Bluegrass album, THE BACK FORTY, by Marty Raybon & Full Circle. Marty
co-wrote five of the tracks including the first single, “That Janie Baker,” that is currently charting on Bluegrass Today’s Weekly Top 20 - Rural Rhythm Records
(March 28, 2013) – Grand Ole Opry star Charlie Daniels is recovering after having a pacemaker implanted (3-28), at a Nashville area hospital. uring a doctor visit on Monday (3-25), Charlie was diagnosed with a mild case of pneumonia and admitted to the hospital for a series of routine tests. The tests revealed that a pacemaker was needed to regulate his heart rate -
Craig Campbell sets a May 7 Release Date for second album NEVER REGRET. After selling more than a half-million tracks from his debut effort, Bigger Picture artist Craig Campbell today revealed on his Facebook page the street date and cover artwork for his highly anticipated sophomore album, NEVER REGRET. The twelve-song project, which features the evocative lead single “Outta My Head,” will join the ranks of country music hit-makers Lady Antebellum and Pistol Annies to release on May 7, 2013. On this second record, Campbell continues to work with Grammy Award winning producer Keith Stegall (Alan Jackson, Zac Brown Band) and CCMA Album of The Year producer, Matt Rovey - Monarch Publicity
ARTICLES
New York Critics Awarded Rave Reviews To Taylor Swift’s “The Red Tour”
Taylor Swift wrapped a run of sold-out New York-area shows Friday night with her third show of the week at The Prudential Center in Newark. Over the course of the week’s shows she played to capacity crowds and earned rave reviews, impressing some of the nation’s toughest critics.
“Seeing Taylor Swift live in 2013 is seeing a maestro at the top of her or anyone's game. No other pop auteur can touch her right now for emotional excess or musical reach. Red [is] the slickest, smartest and just plain best mega-pop statement of our time. Seeing Taylor onstage now is seeing....total commitment, total fan fervor, total connection between audience and performer. A true arena-rock goddess at an amazing peak.” - Rolling Stone
“A king-size spectacle, [whose] juxtapositions have power, one theatrical scene after the next. Taylor Swift off-script is very much like Taylor Swift on-script: not just the brains of the operation, but the brawn, too, the unflappable force that ensures stuck landings. Ms. Swift’s voice is stronger than it’s ever been, and also sturdier….she sang vividly from behind a piano, show[ing] credible dark emotion.” - The New York Times
“Swift proves her chops. [Her] blossoming confidence was on show in all its multifaceted glory last night at the Prudential Center in Newark. More than a mere pop concert… through her various costume changes, choreographed set pieces and even the odd magic trick, [Swift] has created something closer to a giant musical carnival. Almost as impressive is Swift’s power and versatility as a musician. It was apparent from the start….no matter what she did or where she went, Swift’s vocals never seemed to waver.” - The New York Post
INTERVIEWS
Nashville Scene - Gail Davies: The Cream Interview (by Jewly Hight)
Extract: Pioneering performer and record woman Gail Davies is far better known in Nashville than her classic ‘70s singer-songwriter brother Ron Davies has ever been, and not only because she shattered the glass ceiling in country record production. Ron spent the more successful part of his career in L.A., logging pop and rock cuts with Three Dog Night, Helen Reddy, Maria Muldaur and Dobie Gray. And his song “It Ain’t Easy” happens to be the one and only cover David Bowie included on The Rise and Fall of Ziggy Stardust and the Spiders From Mars.
After Ron died a decade ago, Gail was determined to put her cachet with country music vets to work producing a tribute to him. All these years later, the album’s finally done — it’s called Unsung Hero: A Tribute to the Music of Ron Davies, and it’s packed with his romantic pop balladry, wry blues-rock complaints and dozens of other emotionally eloquent, melodically sophisticated shades of songwriting, performed by the likes of Shelby Lynne, John Prine, BR-549 (of which her son, Chris Scruggs, was a member), Alison Krauss and John Anderson
LISTEN
There’s new Laura Bell Bundy song called “Two Step” - soundcloud.com
The Band Perry, 'Mother Like Mine': Exclusive Song Premiere at billboard.com
WATCH
Rose Falcon performing "If Love Had A Heart" (Show Dog Universal Music)
>> YouTube
Cody Belew “Baby Get Out” (Written by Cody Belew, Meghan Linsey and Tyler Cain) a duet with Meghan Linsey (Steel Magnolia), produced by Tyler Cain >> YouTube
Shannon Selig "Show Me the Light" (Songwriters: Jim Mayer and Shannon Selig)
>> YouTube
With dual citizenship to her credit she calls two places home – Maine and Nova Scotia and now based in Nashville.
Winner of the New England Country Music Association Songwriter of the Year in 2013 and 2012, Selig also won the North American Country Music Association award for Horizon Songwriter both years
Carolynne Poole “Telescope” (Hayden Panettiere Cover) >> YouTube
The 2012 UK X Factor finalist is with her guitarist Glen Joseph as she came and "straddled" the OntSofa last month and they shot a couple of sessions with her, this is the first!
“Can we just say what an absolute diamond she was too, check this out! “
Ont' Sofa's mission is to bring quality artists to your ears! They are asking real talented musicians to sit Ont' Sofa and show the world what real music is all about! Ont' Sofa showcases artists in all genres from Pop to Indie, Rock, Folk, Hip Hop, R&B and Urban. There is one simple rule for the sessions.. 1 take! There is no over-dubbing, editing cuts but most specifically, NO AUTOTUNE! - www.ontsofa.com
TV
On week 2 of the US show Dancing With The Stars Kellie Pickler and Derek Hough finished the night’s episode with their Jazz routine dancing to Ellie Goulding's “Lights", a #1 US Pop Song and #49 UK Single.
It’s a futuristic theme with Kellie in a cute space-age two-piece and Derek shirtless – and flawless jazz dancing and lifts! In a different league.
Carrie Ann enthuses that her boobs nearly popped out – “You are a dancer! That was friggin' amazing!" Len says last week was a spark, this week was a fire. Bruno – Bruno Tonioli growled "You have a smash hit in your hands...technically superb, a great achievement on week 2"They get 9s from Carrie Ann and Bruno and an 8 from Len for 26. >> YouTube
For Kellie’s foxy look she donned a Charlotte Russe Strapless overlay corset ($18.99), a showstopping Halston Heritage Sequin Short minidress (SKU: #7879145) and completed her DWTS look with Vintage America Silver Tone earrings from BeallsFlorida.com
Wynonna Judd and Tony Dovolani tackled the Quickstep, which was physically challenging for the country singer. Tony babies her in practices. They made an entrance on police minibikes and performed a very measured Quickstep, dancing to The Pointer Sisters 1986 hit "Neutron Dance". Bruno said started well but ended up in a casual stroll – the performance has to continue. Carrie Ann liked Wynonna’s frame and posture, but said she played it safe. Len agreed – the engine was running but she never got out of first gear. It’s 6s across the board for 18 >> YouTube
COUNTRY FASHION
Womanista Beauty: Kacey Musgraves “On The Road” Glam….Extract Womanista: How do you keep your skin looking flawless on the road? With so many late nights & lots of travel, that can be tough!
Kacey Musgraves: It’s so hard to take care of skin on the road but I try. My skin is DEFINITELY not flawless, but I travel with a Clarisonic Mia brush and lately I’ve been obsessed with this all-natural face wash by Gunilla of Sweden.
KM: Anywhere I’m on the road and see vintage clothing for sale, I make a pit stop. A couple of faves though: Dolly Python in Dallas and Katy K Designs & Old Made Good in Nashville.
Womanista: If you have an important meeting/appearance/date what is your makeup routine?
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| Nicole Kidman |
KM: I start with my St. Tropez bronzing mousse and then I do my eyes with the Urban Decay NAKED 2 palette or MAC eye shadows & eyeliners & then lashes. After that, I perfect my skin with some concealer and Face Atelier foundation, followed by Benefit cheek tint in “Cha Cha” (it’s the perfect coral color). I usually finish off my lips with a good Chapstick and nude lipstick.
Keith Urban’s wife Nicole Kidman attended the Omega Gala ‘La Nuit Enchantee’ at Gartenpalais Liechtenstein in Vienna, Austria with a breathtaking look in a Oscar de la Renta Fall 2013 black beaded gown. (Fashion Pic)
She teased her strawberry-blonde locks into a chic curly ‘do, she accessorized with a black Roger Vivier clutch and an Omega watch and red lips and rosy cheeks completed this stunning look.
Taylor Swift greeted fans at her Club RED backstage experience in Newark, New Jersey as part of the RED Tour wearing a Free People Long Sleeve Dropwaist Dress ($118.00) in Tea.
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| Taylor Swift at the Newark Meet & Greet wearing Free People dresses |
The dress has a ruffled bottom hem and scalloped trimming around neckline and sleeve hems.
It comes with slip dress to be worn underneath that that peeks out from bottom of dress.
She also wore a Free People Crochet Cadet Dress - www.freepeople.com - ($88.00) again greeting her fans backstage in Newark. The long sleeved day dress has a gorgeous crochet outer layer and button-up placket down the front.
Taylor Swift was featured in the April 2013 issue of InStyle UK wearing Valentino Naked Rockstud slingbacks. These shoes are from the Spring 2013 collection featuring nude patent leather, PVC straps and clear pyramid studs. They’re available online in nude at LuisaViaRoma - and black at Bergdorf Goodman, Neiman Marcus & Saks Fifth Avenue.
Cassadee Pope got dressed up for a photoshoot in a silver and pewter sequined Silk Racer Dress by Parker ($352.00) provided by Piperlime
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| Cassadee Pope wearing Parker |
With a liking for the brand Cassadee was seen wearing a black and white colorblock Parker Ying Yang Dress - during her group performance of “It’s Time” by Imagine Dragons on the season finale of The Voice. The dress is available for $275.00 at Nordstrom , Bloomingdales, Saks Fifth Avenue, or Revolve Clothing. The curvaceous color blocking heightens the feminine appeal of the stretchy, form-fitting minidress with cutaway shoulders.
COUNTRY GOSSIP
Ed Sheeran nearly stabbed Taylor Swift with a 'Lord Of The Rings' sword. The 'A Team' singer - who worked with the American star on her latest album 'Red' - revealed he nearly impaled her with the dangerous weapon as they took off
on her private jet. He said: "It's like a real sword. I got it shipped over, shipped over to Omaha, so I was bringing it back to Nashville and I think [Taylor] and her crew were weirded out by it anyway. They were just like, 'Why does Ed have a sword?'
"The plane is kind of taking off and [the sword] started sliding down and I was like, 'No!' It was just about to impale Taylor."
The 22-year-old star - who was given the special sword by director of the 'Lord Of The Rings' franchise Peter Jackson - is currently touring with Taylor in North America and he said he's finding it "incredible" hanging out with the singer's dancers.
Carrie Underwood's husband isn't romantic: The 'Before He Cheats' singer - who has been married to hockey player Mike Fisher for over two years - often has to prompt her spouse to do nice things for her, but says what he does do is "very special".
She revealed: "He never was romantic. His brain is like most men's; he just doesn't think that way. But it makes those little gestures he does very special. Sometimes I prompt him and say, 'For my birthday I want something romantic' and he then has to figure out what to do and put effort in. I don't care what it is, you don't have to buy me anything - just do something romantic."
The 30-year-old country star added that the couple's hectic careers mean they rarely get to see each other, but when they are together, she finds date nights important to keep their relationship going.
She told Britain's OK! magazine: "We've only been married three years in July, so we're still in our honeymoon phase and because he's a professional hockey player, we both travel so much so when we do see each other, it's really nice. We might only be together for two or three days after a month apart, but it makes it fun.
"I get dressed up and we go out to dinner and flirt with each other. I enjoy getting dressed up and I love it when he does and he puts cologne on”.
TWEETS
Miranda Lambert tweeted, “just read in a tabloid that our marriage is falling apart!" Oh no! Can't wait to read if we make it or not.”
PHOTO
The worlds largest 360 degree photo got some use for Taylor Swift’s concerts in Omaha, Nebraska at the launch of the RED Tour! Fans can tag themselves, find friends, and buy panoramic prints of the show. Check it out here - taylorswift.fancam.com
R.I.P
Gordon Stoker Remembered: He specialized in oohs, aahs and melodic counterpoint.
When tenor Gordon Stoker died at his home in Brentwood, Tenn., on March 27, 2013 he left a slew of recordings that sold millions and—more importantly—influenced the creative direction of Nashville. His four-man vocal group, The Jordanaires, provided a variety of sonic textures for hits by Elvis Presley, Loretta Lynn, Rick Nelson, Kenny Rogers and Patsy Cline, among others.
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| Gordon Stoker |
Bass singer Ray Walker, who joined the Jordanaires in 1958, survives, though Stoker was the last remaining member of the lineup that first brought the group to prominence on the Nashville recording circuit in the mid-’50s. Originally conceived as a gospel act, the Jordanaires joined the Country Music Hall of Fame in 2001, permanently recognizing the quartet’s contributions to a bevy of hits, to the smoothness of the Nashville Sound and to the career of Presley, who insisted on them as his backing vocalists.
Stoker was the first member of the group to sing behind Presley, contributing to “Heartbreak Hotel” in a makeshift ensemble that included two members of the Speer Family. Soon after, the Jordanaires became Presley’s primary vocal group, beginning when they cut “Don’t Be Cruel” and “Hound Dog” at the same session in 1956. Stoker also played piano on many of his recordings, including “All Shook Up.”
The Jordanaires employed a variety of techniques to build recordings. Their layered “oohs” and “aahs” fattened the sound in such classics as Tammy Wynette’s “Stand by Your Man” and Rogers’ “The Gambler,” provided key melodic hooks in Cline’s “Crazy” and Jimmy Dean’s “Big Bad John,” added call-and-answer lines in Nelson’s “Poor Little Fool” and Faron Young’s “Hello Walls,” and served as a rhythmic component in Presley’s “A Big Hunk O’ Love.”
Stoker was also the liaison when Ken Nelson decided to add a soprano to the mix for Ferlin Husky’s “Gone.” Stoker recruited Millie Kirkham, who joined the Jordanaires on many of the classic Nashville Sound hits of the ’60s, plus such recordings as Presley’s “Blue Christmas,” Don Gibson’s “Blue Blue Day” and George Jones’ “He Stopped Loving Her Today.”
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