Tuesday 16 July 2013

Country Bites News snippets July 8 - July 14, 2013

Country Bites News snippets July 8 – July 14, 2013

SOURCES / LINKS shown in RED

UK & IRISH News

Leann Rimes has added 2 new dates at the Waterfront Hall Auditorium in Belfast on Tuesday 10th September 2013 and Vicar Street, Dublin, IE on Thursday 12th September. Buy tickets for LeAnn Rimes on ticketmaster.co.uk

UK Tour dates added for Emily Barker and the Red Clay Halo, Tinderbox & Emily Maguire

Rascal Flatts look to repeat chart topping success in the UK, watch their BBC Breakfast interview
Rascal Flatts, Jill Johnson & Laura Bell Bundy photos at Shepherds Bush 11 July. Read the concert report at www.2country.net

BBC Radio Norfolk’s Keith Greentree spoke to Rascal Flatts prior to their London show.
Listen to his excellent quick-fire interview which was broadcast on July 13, 2013. You can tune in live to “Rodeo Norfolk”, every Saturday between 9am - 12 or listen back for 7 days see BBC Show Page




The Line Up for Towerfest 2014 has been revealed which will take place on Friday 20th - Sunday 22nd June 2014 at
The Festival Fields Drax Sports And Social, Drax nr Selby North Yorkshire - www.towerfest.co.uk

Clannad and Mary Black are teaming up for Spring 2014 UK tour. There is another reason for such a billing as Mary Black is taking a break from live performance, save for the odd festival. It's time to say au revoir - it's time for her 'Last Call'.
The special double-bill UK tour starts in Leeds on 12th March, the tour will continue to Glasgow, Gateshead, Manchester and beyond until winding up in London’s Shepherd's Bush on 29th March - See Dates

Brian Hughes will celebrate 10 years since the release of, arguably, his finest collection of songs, "WINDMILLS" which was considered a breakthrough album on the British country music scene. To mark this anniversary on Thursday 26th September, Brian will perform a special show in Glasgow.
He will play the entire album along with some other favourites, and will be joined onstage with familiar faces from the old LoneShark days along with a guest appearance from ace Nashville picker Forrest Lee Jr who played on the outstanding track "Damascus Road" from the MY KIND OF PARADISE album.

New on the community UK country airwaves is "Taff Country" presented by Taff Martin on ABBEY 104 (The name for Radio Sherborne in Dorset). It broadcasts on air from beneath a church in the centre of town!
The show broadcasts live on Tuesday 7-9pm with a repeat on Wednesday evenings at 7pm. The station now broadcasts to within a 12 to 15 mile radius of the town. The live online stream is an incredible 320kbps [Top end MP3/iTunes] -
www.abbey104.com/live/ with an option of 48kb/s 22,050Khz Mono MP3 Stream f your on a poor quality internet connection and/or have limited data allowance. Here are the ways to contact the station www.abbey104.com

The Mavericks with "Come Unto Me" has been added to the BBC Radio 2 "C" playlist for week commencing 13 July.
Zac Brown Band with "Jump Right In" and Taylor Swift's "Everything Has Changed" remain on the "A" playlist for a fourth week.
The Court Yard Hounds with "Sunshine" which was on the C-list for 4 weeks was been pulled.
Zac Brown Band's UNCAGED is Radio 2's Album of the Week. They joined Bob Harris in session - www.bbc.co.uk with a bonus performance of “Natural Disaster”   
Duo Ward Thomas the CMA Aristo Global artists from the UK play the Albury Music Festival on Sunday 21st July. They will be on stage 2.00pm - 2.30pm.    

Emma King and The Heartsets  “Behind The Scenes” (UK & USA 2010-13)

UK CHART NEWS

On the Official UK Singles Top 100 Chart (Week Ending July 20, 2013)
Taylor Swift’s new single Everything Has Changed” (Mercury) feat. Ed Sheeran, was up 3 places 15-12 in its 8th retail week. Taylor’s other singles from RED saw “22” to up 5 places 96-91 in its 21st chart week as her  single I Knew You Were Trouble” fell off the Top 100 after 40 chart weeks.

On the Official UK Albums Top 100 (Week Ending July 20, 2013)
Taylor Swift’s RED was up 6 places (24 -18) in its 38th chart week.
Following their official UK release from Rascal Flatts with CHANGED (Big Machine) and their appearance on BBC Breakfast and 2 London shows saw them make debut at No.87.
Lady Antebellum with GOLDEN return to the Top 100 moving up 10 slots (107-97)

Official UK Country Album Chart (Week Ending July 20, 2013)
Rascal Flatts with CHANGED make a No.1 bow! They also chart two other albums: self titled album appears at No.6 after 131 chart weeks along with ME & MY GANG (Angel) at No.19
Lady Antebellum drop 1-2  with GOLDEN (Decca) for a 10th consecutive week.
Diana Jones release MUSEUM OF APPALACHIA RECORDING on Proper Records makes a No.3 debut.
Zac Brown Band’s UNCAGED dropped off the Top 20 from last weeks No.2 slot but they currently hold No.2 on the UK iTunes Country Album chart (15 July 2013) 

On the Hotdisc Chart (July 14, 2013 Chart)

David Shelby has retained his No.1 position for a sixth straight week with his debut European single, "Kick A Little Dirt Around." He has held off the competition which includes Branch & Dean, who climb from 5 to 2 with their new single, "The Dash."
Karen Lynne stays at  No.3 with "Little Mountain Church House," while Chuck Hancock holds onto the No.4 slot with “Just Can't Get The Texas Out Of Me”
The Hayley Oliver Band fell 3 places from 2-5 on the Top 40 but comfortably hang on to top the British & Irish Top 10 list for 13 consecutive weeks with two separate songs. The latest single "Could I Be More Blue" has now enjoyed six weeks at the UK summit.
Bart Connell moves into the overall Hotdisc Top 10 with “Enough Ain’t Enough” which moved up 4 notches (12-8)
Laurie Shaw with “I Got Here As Soon As I Could” rounds out the Top 10 also moving up 4 slots moving 14-10.

UK COUNTRY ALBUM RELEASES

The Hayley Oliver Band - ABINGER GROVE (14 tracks) is currently available digitally from:
Sara Petite - Circus Comes to Town (As heard on Bob Harris playing "Perfume") CD - MP3

(24 May 2013) Dave Cox - I'll Never Change 10 Tracks / Time: 36:09
CD (import) MP3 - CD Baby - Country Music People's 5 STAR Album of the Month (reviewed by Duncan Warwick) in their July issue. Read the review HERE

(11 June 2013) Jefferson Ross - Isle of Hope (Deep Fried Discs) Tracks 16 / Time: 53:30
MP3 - iTunes - Country Music People July 2013 (Rating: 4.1/2 Stars)

(14 June 2013) Delbert McClinton & Glen Clark - Blind, Crippled and Crazy (New West Records) - MP3

(14 June 2013) Troy Cassar-Daley & Adam Harvey - The Great Country Songbook (Sony Music Entertainment)
20 tracks Time: 1:08:34 MP3 
(25 June 2013) Slim Whitman - In Memoriam  40 tracks / Time: 1:43:29 - MP3

(8 July 2013) Steve Earle - The Definitive Collection 1986-1992 (Wrasse Records)
2 CD 39 Tracks Total Length: 2:33:12 - CD - MP3
(8 July 2013) Diana Jones - Museum Of Appalachia Recordings (Proper Records)
11 tracks / Time: 34:16 - CD - MP3

(8 July 2013 ) Emily Barker & The Red Clay Halo 2 CD Dear River (Deluxe Version)
22 tracks / Time: 1:15:54 - CD - MP3
(16 July 2013) Joey+Rory - Inspired (Gaither Gospel Series) [Import] (Spring House / EMI) CD - MP3 

(15 July 2013) Nashville - Complete Season 1 [DVD] [2012]  
Region 2 / Number of discs: 5 Amazon UK

(15 July 2013) Emily Maguire - Bird Inside a Cage (Shaktu Records) 10 tracks Time: 35:24
CD - MP3 - iTunes The London album launch took place on July 12th at Hoxton Hall with band Christian Dunham, Ty Unwin, Charlie Grimsdale, and string quartet Sue Lord, Ian Vorley, Emma Hooper and Kate Robey. Ecki whose songs I've loved for a long time. It currently resides at #403 on UK iTunes Pop Album chart.
Album Review - The title track of the album was inspired by Melanie Reid, a Times journalist who was paralysed in a horse-riding accident in 2010 and who writes the paper’s regular “Spinal Column”. On reading Melanie’s article describing her first year in a wheelchair, Emily was moved to write ‘Bird Inside a Cage’ for her.  Full of visual imagery and laid-bare feelings, the album ranges from the soulful Beautiful and rhythmic Don’t Speak, to the delicate, keyboard-driven “Rain”, the edgy roller coaster ride of “Over the Waterfall”, the quirky syncopated shuffle of “Old Valentine” and the gentle “Bicycle Made for Two”. “Avatar” is a showstopper and the album ends with the title track about a life changed overnight.

BLUEGRASS NEWS
Pinecastle Records announced they have signed Lorraine Jordan and Carolina Road to their roster and a new single, “All We Ever Do Is Say Goodbye” written by Terry Foust and Ray Edwards, from their upcoming self-titled album (available Sept 10, 2013)

AUSSIE NEWS
Take a listen to Jasmine Rae's brand-new 13 track album IF I WANT TO (released August 2) and read the Review

24 year old 2013 Toyota Star Maker Winner Kaylee Bell launched her new album HeartFirst at Hats Off To Country Festival. At one point it reached the No. 1 position on the New Zealand iTunes Country Chart.
Kaylee was introduced to the audience by industry publicist and current member of the board of the CMAA Tom Inglis of HSF Artist Services - "Kaylee is not only a great ambassador for Toyota Star Maker but country music in general. I have no doubt that Kaylee though her music will attract many new young country music fans to our scene."

On September 19th 2013, the 10th anniversary since the passing of Slim Dusty will be commemorated. To mark the occasion, EMI Music Australia announced the release of two very special Slim Dusty commemorative packages.
The first of the new releases is a Commemorative Edition CD & DVD pack of The Very Best of Slim Dusty. This special limited edition Digi-Pack will contain both the audio CD and video DVD of Slim’s most famous tracks. Also EMI are releasing an exciting and totally unique new Slim Dusty 23 track album titled The Son of Noisy Dan which will be released on August 16th 2013.

The latest Australia Top 30 Country Tracks compiled by radio airplay

CANADIAN NEWS

Michelle Wright has rewarded her fans' patience with STRONG, a superlative eleven-song collection of modern, relevant country music. Produced mostly by Jason Barry (arguably Canada's finest young country producer), STRONG's eleven songs are topical, inspirational and adventurous. Ten of the songs were co-written by Michelle - a first - marking her coming of age as a world-class songwriter
Michelle this last week posted on Facebook: 
Randy Travis was the first big artist to take me out on tour with him and as you can imagine it was an amazing experience for  me. I remember seeing his silhouette in the wings as I would be doing my sound check and thinking "WOW" Randy is standing there watching me. My thoughts and prayers are with Randy and family as he is in critical condition in a Texas hospital. One of the greatest voices in country music needs our prayers

NEWS
Loretta Lynn will stage the inaugural “Loretta Lynn’s Gospel Music Festival” at her Hurricane Mills, TN ranch on Sat  Sept 28th & Sunday Sept 29th. Artists scheduled to perform during the two-day event include Mark Lowry, The Hoppers, The Isaacs, Michael Combs, Gold City and many others.

Randy Travis underwent undergoing emergency surgery to relieve pressure on his brain following a stroke he suffered Wednesday (July 10) as a complication of his congestive heart failure.
Add your photo and message to a digital 'Get Well Soon' card for Randy
( Physicians Update) Plano, TX (July 15, 2013) – Randy Travis Remains In Critical Condition But Has Stabilized .. 
Read the Press Release  



Lorrie Morgan and Pam Tillis previewed their impending Dos Divas album (A 14 song collection with Mixture of the Humorous and Heartfelt) at BMI's Nashville headquarters on July 10th. Dos Divas will be released July 23.

Drinking Buddies: Toby Keith and Sammy Hagar have joined forces for "Margaritaville" on the upcoming SAMMY HAGAR AND FRIENDS. The album, due Sept. 24 from Frontiers Records, includes "Knockdown Dragout" with Kid Rock and "Bad On Fords And Chevrolets" with Ronnie Dunn.

Republic Nashville's Greg Bates performed "My Vow" at a wedding on Hallmark Channel's Home & Family. Watch the happy couple take their first steps on the dance floor - www.hallmarkchannel

Taylor Swift and Keds have partnered up for a multi-year deal, which included a limited edition pair of shoes around the ‘Red’ release last fall, then expanded into a full range of Swift-branded shoes for the spring.
Taylor Swift: Tour map of concerts

Supermodel / Family Portrait: Willie Nelson is the latest musician to take the spotlight in the John Varvatos advertising campaign. Willie and his sons, Lukas and Micah Nelson, are part of the fall 2013 campaign. Danny Clinch photographed the family at the Salisbury House in Des Moines, Iowa. "His clothes look and feel good on your skin and are made for every man … and his sons," says Willie. Photos and a short documentary for the campaign were shot by music photographer Danny Clinch at Salsbury House in Des Moines, IA. John Varvatos past collaboratons include Jimmy Page and Gary Clark Jr., Dave Matthews, ZZ Top, Ryan Adams, Slash and more. Watch the campaign video

Glee’ star Cory Monteith was tragically found dead in a Vancouver hotel room on Saturday (July 13). The news has shocked and saddened the entertainment community, prompting a reaction from many who knew the 31-year-old actor, including Taylor Swift. “Speechless. And for the worst reason,” the ‘Red’ superstar tweeted, clearly in a state of shock.
Swift was brief in her reaction, and has yet to say anything else in reaction to Monteith’s untimely death. The pair were acquainted, having been rumoured to have dated briefly in 2010.

Radio Active: It's not too often radio stations get the opportunity to premiere a music video!
Tim McGraw is going to change that when he debuts the "Southern Girl" video on Country radio station websites around the nation on July 23. "It seems fitting that Country radio would get first crack at this video," said Tim. "They have been such a huge part of making this tour blow up and be so special." A twitter chat with McGraw will take place immediately afterwards here.

The Pandora jewlery brand is presenting the Martina McBride Tour with nine dates starting in Ralston, NE July 19.

SINGLE / ALBUM NEWS

Clint Black announced the release of WHEN I SAID I DO, Black’s newest CD, which will be available on August 5 at all Cracker Barrel Old Country Store locations. The release will feature 11 of Black’s heartfelt favorites as well as three new recordings, tracks 12-14 (“Samantha”, “Only a Woman” and “She Won’t Let Go”) exclusively created for this album.
Black wrote or co-wrote all 14 songs on the album, and produced all the tracks except for “She Won’t Let Go,” which he co-produced with the song’s co-writer, Frank Rogers. - EB Media Press Release
A deluxe edition of Luke Bryan's new album, CRASH MY PARTY, will be available exclusively from Target with four bonus tracks. The project, Bryan's fourth full-length album, will be released Aug. 13.The deluxe version features the previously-unreleased "What Is It With You," "Sunburnt Lips," "Better Than My Heart" and "Your Mama Should've Named You Whiskey.

Alan Jackson’s The Bluegrass Album, it will be released September 24 on Jackson’s ACR label, distributed by EMI Records Nashville. Eight of the tracks are Jackson originals, along with covers of The Dillards’ There Is A Time, John Anderson’s Wild And Blue, and a slow, 3/4 time version of Blue Moon Of Kentucky.

Kickstarters:
Ty Herndon has already raised more than $16,000 (90 backers) toward his $25,000 goal to finance his first country album since 2007's Right About Now. Herndon has a track listing for the project available and has already begun recording. His lead single is “Lies I Told Myself.” The deadline for the project is Aug. 6.
Tim O’Brien and Darrell Scott are very close to having their goal of $30,000 met for their album Memories and Moments. The release date for the project is set for Sept. 17, 2013. They have already raised over $26,000 for the project (528 backers and counting), and their goal deadline is July 24.

Tift Merritt and the her band wrapped up their UK tour at BST Hyde Park in London on Friday July 12th. She is excited to announce the release of a special expanded box set (CD/LP) of Traveling Alone, available on September 17! One year after its initial release, the exquisite expanded version comes packaged with a hardbound lyric book, illustrated by Diana Sudyka. In addition to Traveling Alone’s original tracks, the expanded edition features bonus album Traveling Companion. For more details and Tour dates read the newsletter.
Skylar Elise, 14-year-old country songstress, will mark her debut CD release on Sugar Money Records on August 8th. Her six-song set features new country music with a flair and a confident sense of the genre in its maturity, even at her young age.
Also on August 8th, the Four Day Weekend Comedy Theater at 312 Houston Street, in Fort Worth, Texas will host Skylar’s CD release celebration with special guests Bo Bice of American Idol fame and songwriter/producer D. Scott Miller

Steve Wariner will release his new album, IT AIN’T ALL BAD, on Tuesday, Sept. 10. This is his first non-instrumental album in more than eight years, and he produced the album and wrote or co-wrote all 12 songs.

Americana rock band The Band of Heathens will release SUNDAY MORNING RECORD, their fourth studio album, on Sept. 17 on the band’s BOH Records label. Take a listen to the first single, “Miss My Life

Dale Ann Bradley is working on an album, due out in 2014, that will be her first since she moved back to Kentucky. Her new album will feature a number of duets with artists from a variety of genres, although she can't drop any names yet, "but it will be eclectic ... eclectic in a traditional way." Read more here

Lisa Matassa, riding high on the strength of her “Somebody’s Baby” EP, has announced the release of a new single called “I Won’t Ask.” The song does not appear on the “Somebody’s Baby” EP but it will likely follow that offering’s title track up the charts and, once a video is made, into frequent rotation at CMT and GAC. A mid-tempo number, “I Won’t Ask” finds Matassa portraying a woman who is not happy with the way her man is behaving; at the least he’s not giving her enough attention and at the worst he’s already out catting around. Matassa likes to portray strong women in her songs though and the character in
“I Won’t Ask” is no different; she’s hurt but hopeful, realistic and quite ready to move on if that’s the deal. A brief guitar solo adds perfectly to the song’s bittersweet tone.

Craig Morgan (Black River Entertainment) released his acclaimed new single, “Wake Up Lovin’ You” on July 9th (US iTunes ). It is the lead single from an upcoming album due this September.
Blurb: Produced by Craig Morgan and Phil O’Donnell, the robust new single exemplifies Craig’s trademark vocal abilities and is one of Craig’s edgiest singles to-date.  “Wake Up Lovin’ You” is digitally available on iTunes and Amazon now.  A heart-wrenching tale of indulgence and distraction, “Wake Up Lovin’ You” demonstrates the power love has to hold on, even when desperately trying to let it go. Co-written by Black River Publishing’s Josh Osborne (Kenny Chesney “Come Over,” Kacey Musgraves “Merry Go ‘Round”), Matt Ramsey (The Band Perry “Chainsaw”) and Trevor Rosen (The Band Perry “Better Dig Two,” Chris Young “Neon”).
Recently Morgan signed a management deal with Nashville-based F3 Entertainment, a multi-faceted artist management and television development/production company - Monarch Publicity

PRESS RELEASES
  • The International Bluegrass Music Association's (IBMA) reigning Emerging Artist of Year, Joe Mullins & The Radio Ramblers are set to reach a career milestone when they make their Grand Ole Opry debut in Nashville, TN.
  • Coinciding with the launch of his new single, “Granddaddy’s Gun,” Aaron Lewis, Blaster Records and CMT have partnered to give one lucky fan and their guest a four-day adventure aboard Lynyrd Skynryd’s Simple Man Cruise VII.
  • Darius Rucker headed to New York City, N.Y. to debutRadio,” the second release off his latest album TRUE BELIEVERS.
  • George Strait has released “I Believe” as the new single from his current album LOVE IS EVERYTHING and the follow-up to his 60th (contrived) No. 1 “Give It All We Got Tonight” . Strait co-wrote the new single with his son, Bubba Strait, and legendary songwriter Dean Dillon after watching the news coverage of the tragic school massacre in Newtown, Conn. last December. Having lost his daughter at a young age, George felt as if it was a song he needed to write.
  • (July 10) Randy Travis' Physicians Speak video - Transcript
  • Tim Dugger performs throughout the NASCAR racing season all summer long as the “roar of the engines meets the roar of the crowd” for he Sidewalk Recording artist  
  • Ricky Skaggs and Bruce Hornsby are reuniting for the first time since originally collaborating six years ago. On August 20, 2013 they will release a live album, titled CLUCK OL' HEN (Skaggs Family Records). Then they hit the road together starting in October.
  • Summertime at Grand Ole Opry Events . Vince Gill and Paul Franklin will sign copies of their new CD Bakersfield in The Opry Shop after the show on July 27.
  • Sarah Darling announced her headlining “Hot Nights at the Hall” performance July 19 as part of the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum’s Hot Nights at the Hall concert series for museum members
  • Reba McEntire will participate in a special interview at the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum on Saturday, August 10.  The interview is presented in conjunction with Reba:  All the Women I Am, a biographical exhibit opening Friday, August 9, 2013, for a 10-month run in the museum's East Gallery. The exhibition will run through June 8, 2014.
  • Russell Moore & IIIrd Tyme Out update via newsletter
  • Country Radio Seminar 2014 Registration Is Now Open! - Aristopr.com
  • "Larry's Country Diner" has the cure for the Summertime Blues: July Lineup Includes Dailey & Vincent, Jeff & Sheri Easter & Billy Yates.

ARTICLES

CMA CLOSEUP (by Randy Rudder): Country Artists Take A New Spin On Vinyl ...Not since the early 1990s has the acronym “LP” had currency in the recording world. Yet it’s creeping back into the nomenclature among some Millennials and members of Generation Y as they discover the wonders of vinyl albums....
NY Times (AP)  The Civil Wars Release New Album Despite Hiatus….She is fiercely proud of the new music and can't wait for everyone to hear it. But she knows she has to tell the story of how things fell apart before she can expect anyone to pay attention to the music."This album chronicles loss and regret and anger and victory and sweetness and loyalty and I hope that people get the chance to listen to it," Williams says as she sits at her kitchen table. "What I've noticed is people may be curious about it, but once they listen to it, they are hooked. ... It's so honest and it's so rich and, not to toot my own horn, I'm just really proud of what we created together. And we created it together — we just happened to be in a bit of a civil war ourselves."….Williams says eight months later she and White aren't speaking, but she hopes time will bring them back together to perform the new music live. There are currently no plans for them to tour together, however.

Relix.com Zac Brown Band: Everywhere Is Southern Ground
Billboard 615: Ashton Shepherd Blazes Own Path on 'This Is America'....Extract: Ashton Shepherd knows people wonder about her voice. She says she totally gets it. "I have had some people – and I understand where they're coming from – who say 'Do you really sound like that. Are you trying to sound that country?'

WSMV: Dawn Sears the lead member of popular group The Time Jumpers fights cancer...Extract: Now, it's Sears' turn to lean on friends and family after she was diagnosed in March with stage 3 lung cancer. "I had seen chemo through my father, but I'd never seen radiation and was really terrified of radiation - rightfully so. There was a couple times I really didn't think I could do it, but somehow God gave me the strength," Sears said. With just two rounds of chemotherapy and one radiation treatment left, Sears feels so good right now she is going to sing with the group at its regular Nashville show Monday evening. "Coming from the dark side to now, I'm pretty good," she said.

Rolling Stone: Eagles Tour Will Feature Founding Guitarist Bernie Leadon....The Eagles kick off their History of the Eagles world tour Saturday in Louisville, Kentucky, and Don Henley has confirmed reports that former guitarist Bernie Leadon will be joining them. "Bernie Leadon is definitely on this tour," he told the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. "Randy Meisner, if he were healthy and willing, might have been included, too, but his current health will not permit. We are all wishing him well."...Read more

Montreal Gazette - Michelle Wright goes from strength to strength...The country star remains excited to bring a new album into the world, especially when she has so much original material
Billboard - Lorrie Morgan and Pam Tillis Pair Up for 'Dos Divas'

REVIEWS
Live Review: Dawes and Shovels & Rope
Fatea Album Review: Tom Russell & TheNorwegian Wind Ensemble

MAGAZINES
Mens Journal Drink On It: "I get frustrated with Adam (Levine)," Blake Shelton tells Men's Journal in the cover story of their August issue. "To me, rock stars are supposed to be drunk all the time. But he's very healthy. He takes care of himself. And it drives me crazy, because I want him to be more like me. Drunk all the time." Blake Shelton may be best known as the vodka-drinking, alligator-skin-boots-wearing star of 'The Voice,' but when he's not in Hollywood, the country singer goes off the grid – hunting and fishing on his ranch in Oklahoma....Read more

Cowgirls In Style (Summer 2013 Issue) - Country Music Artist, American Idol contestant Kristy Lee Cook talks about life, work and fashion / Cowgirl Cabins/ Summer Bling and more!

LISTEN
  • Ronnie Dunn "Kiss You There", the lead single from his upcoming album to be released via his own label Little Will-E Records in partnership with HitShop Records - soundcloud.com
  • If the Old Crow Medicine Show is your bag stream the Carry Me Back to Virginia EP. The set contains 3 sounds (title cut, Ain't It Enough, "Dixieland Delight" (Alabama Cover) soundcloud.com
  • Cole Swindell "Chillin' It" 100,000 downloads without major record label support (but massive airplay from SiriusXM The Highway) - soundcloud.com

SPOTIFY COUNTRY
For users of this online music streaming service here are some of the more recent additions and recommendations.
When its free and easy on Spotify who needs music piracy?

Dave Cox – I'll Never Change - Country Music People's Album of the Month for July
Jefferson Ross – Isle of Hope - Country Music People 4.5 STARS

Joey+Rory – Joey+Rory Inspired - July 16, 2013 release
Emily Maguire – Bird Inside a Cage - July 15, 2013 release


WATCH
  • LeAnn Rimes recently released her most personal album ever 'Spitfire' as an 'intimate conversation between her and whoever's listening.'  Kelly Lynn from Inside Music Row caught up with LeAnn to talk about the new project
  • Mindy Smith and Matthew Perryman Jones debut duet single "Anymore of This
  • This is How I DEW! Watch the C2C superstar Brantley Gilbert (a massive hit with Radio 2’s Bob Harris)"Kick It In The Sticks" with a tall, cold, green one.
  • The CMA Songwriters Series featuring Miranda Lambert, Kip Moore, Brett James and Bob DiPiero took place at the Royale Boston Nightclub on July 11. DiPiero hosts. Watch it here
  • Short promo video for Joey+Rory's new inspirational CD "INSPIRED - Songs of Faith & Family" (out July 16)
  • The Civil Wars - “The One That Got Away (Studio Cut)
  • Mike Aiken's new "Summertime Song" video, shot on the fourth of July weekend in 95-degree heat and 90-percent humidity at various Virginia locations, shows an entertaining Aiken in full "play" mode. "Summertime Song" is the first single from Mike's sixth studio album, CAPTAINS & COWBOYS, released in April on Northwind Records...Read more Press Release
  • Darden Smith  "Angel Flight"

COUNTRY FASHION

Taylor Swift poses for Keds wearing the Lunar Knit Top by Nanette Lepore ($60.00), high waisted shorts similar to this from Charlotte Russe ($18.99) and a pair of Keds Rally Sparkle ($55.00) - Image

Taylor was taking pictures with fans at her meet and greet in Pittsburgh wearing a B44 Dressed by Bailey 44 Brochette Dress -
nordstrom.com ($158.00). You can get a similar dress from BlueFly ($67.19) - Image

Taylor Swift wore a Nanette Lepore ‘Cote D’azur Cherry Bikini ($109.99) when she celebrated Independence Day with the RED Tour crew at her house in Rhode Island.

“Better” singer Maggie Rose recently appeared at CMA Fest sporting a chic, form-fitting Leopard Cutout Back Midi dress by Top Shop. The piece is a great addition to any closet because it can easily be transitioned from day to night. Want Maggie’s look? Get it HERE for $70 from Top Shop.

COUNTRY GOSSIP

LeAnn Rimes confidently stole the show in Anger Management Thursday night (July 11). The “country and western” singer certainly stood out as she played a suspected psychopath named Winona on the FX comedy series, who goes on a date with Charlie Sheen's therapist character. LeAnn made a VERY sexy cameo as she (Winona) seduced Charlie Sheen in a cleavage-baring orange underwear slip dress….Read more

Taylor Swift thinks writing about having her heart broken is good for her and her career. The 23-year old 'I Knew You Were Trouble' hitmaker told E! Latin's 'Coffee Break': "I think when you're heartbroken you need music more than when you're
not." She added: "There's something so beautiful about people who are heartbroken; they think about how they're feeling much more. I think when you're happy and when you're in love, you don't need to think about it, it's just there. Love is one of those things that is so simple, you don't need to think about it when it's good, you only need to think about it when it's bad, so when music is all that you have and you're lonely or you're missing someone and you write a song that says exactly how you feel, there is sort of a gratification you get from that, it almost helps you move on."

Scotty McCreery's former manager is suing him saying he refused to pay for services rendered
Brantley Gilbert is an ordained minister but he says his fiancé Jana Kramer will not let him officiate their ceremony this fall. He got ordained on-line but his manager was the one who filled out the paperwork. He jokes that one day he may even marry fans on his bus!
Tim McGraw's 16-year old daughter Gracie dating a friend she's known for a long time that became a boyfriend.
Miranda Lambert shoots down Tabloid Rumors at CMA Songwriters Series Show. “For the record, I’m not pregnant—I’m drinking—and I’m not getting divorced,” Miranda said (quote via Country Weekly). “And I’m not gay..

TWEETS

Joey & Rory We're sure excited about our new radio show on 650 AM WSM every Sat night before the Opry. Kicks off tomorrow night at 6 pm!

Rosanne Cash: I should have said: my new record will be finished on Tues. & released in January. I know. Write EMI. But it's okay, you'll like it.

Rodney Crowell on Twitter: “Ever since country music entered the back door of mainstream commerciality—most noticeably in the early sixties—the debate over who possesses the more noble heart....Generally speaking, the purists make the more timeless music. Pop culture is a disposable culture, therefore it stands to reason that those who want the big bucks and the power are inclined to produce slick and disposable music. I don’t see anything wrong with artists getting rich by pigging out at the trough of poor taste.”

PHOTO
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Jaida Dreyer joined ten of country music's leading ladies including: Cassadee Pope, Maggie Rose, Katie Armiger, Sarah Darling, Kristy Lee Cook and Breelan Angel in Houston for the "Girls with Guitars" show presented by The Bull 100.3 this past weekend.

 Jack Ingram was host for the event...happily outnumbered!


BIRTHDAYS
15 July: Linda Ronstadt (1946), Mac McAnally (1959)  
16 July: Nanci Griffith (1954), Craig Morgan (1965) 
17 July; Nicolette Larson (1952, died Dec 16, 1997), Susan Ashton (1967)
18 July: Ricky Skaggs (1954)
19 July: George Hamilton IV (1937), Bernie Leadon (Eagles) (1947)
20 July: Cindy Walker (1918, died March 23, 2006), Radney Foster (1959), 
Kim Carnes (1946),  T G Sheppard (1942), Julianne Hough (1988) 
21 July: Paul Brandt (1972)

R.I.P
Jim Foglesong, legendary music industry executive has passed. He was 90. The Charleston, W. Va. native was singing in church by the age of four and during high school he began performing on radio.
In 1970, he moved from New York to Nashville to become A&R Chief for Dot Records, working with Roy Clark, Donna Fargo and others. Foglesong became president of of Dot in 1973.  In 1979, Foglesong was head of MCA Nashville operation, a time when Reba McEntire, George Strait and Gene Watson joined the roster.
He later headed Capitol Nashville from 1984 through 1989,  where he oversaw the careers of Mel McDaniel and Dan Seals and newly signed artists including Suzy Bogguss, Garth Brooks, Maris Osmond, Sawyer Brown and Tanya Tucker.

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