Tuesday, 4 November 2014

Country Bites News snippets Oct 20 - Oct 26, 2014

Country Bites News snippets October 20 – October 26, 2014

SOURCES / LINKS shown in RED

UK & IRISH News
For a full listing of 2014 and beyond UK Tour dates PLEASE check out our Tour Dates Page

On the BBC Radio 2 Playlist for the week commencing 26th October 2014. Garth Brooks with “People Loving People” was added to the C-List, Sheryl Crow with “Callin' Me When I'm Lonely” remained on the C list.
OUT: Ward Thomas with “Way Back When” were removed from the A-list and Lady Antebellum with “Lie With Me” left the B-list.

Chris Young  announces 2015 A.M. WORLD TOUR DATES London (9/14/15) and Dublin (9/17/15) before making his inaugural run in Germany for dates in Munich (9/19/15), Cologne (9/20/15) and Berlin (9/22/15). Young will kick off the Fall 2015 run of shows with a two-night stint in Switzerland for the Gstaad Festival (9/11-12/15)

The C2C organisers said on Facebook: Thank you to all our fans for your amazing support so far – 22,000 of you are already joining us across the weekend at #C2C2015 in London! With Jason Aldean currently number 1 on Billboard Country Albums and Singles this week, and Florida-Georgia Line, Lady Antebellum, Luke Bryan and Brantley Gilbert all in the top 10, we're looking forward to a brilliant weekend!


Watch the >> C2C Launch Video featuring C2C2014 UK  Pop Up Stage acts Ward Thomas, Hometown Show and the sensational 2013 BCMAward winning and 2014 UKCountryRadio.com Artist of the Year duo Raintown. BBC Radio 2’s Bob Harris claims “It’s getting bigger and better each year” 
Whose carving themselves a @C2Cfestival #C2C2015 pumpkin? Lots of designs here from @LukeBryanOnline to @ladyantebellum

Ags Connolly currently featured in November's Country Music People magazine performs "When Country Was Proud" from his "acclaimed debut" album on Drumfire Records HOW ABOUT NOW which now to be released on vinyl on November 10th, 2014

Jeannine Barry supported Nashville artist Sara Petite on Oct 27th in Brighton (The Greys Pub) she will also open for US acts Katie Armiger & Holly May on 17th November at Islington Assembly Hall as part of their #USGirlsWithGuitars Tour!

The Fort San Antone Festival timetable for this weekend Oct 17 - 19, 2014 included McKay,  Emma Stevens,  Sarah Crocket,  Hannah Jane Lewis, Frankie Davies, Laura Oakes,  Emma Jade Garbutt, Ward Thomas (England), Sean Kennedy (Scotland), Grim Fawkner (Australia), Laura Oakes (Seen on The Voice UK 2013), Emma Jade Garbutt (Seen on The Voice UK 2013), Dexeter (England), Stephanie Manns (Scotland), Emma Stevens (England), Abby Inez and Luke & Mel. 2012 X Factor contestant Carolynne Poole was due to appear on the Sunday but cancelled through illness. Read the comments and feedback on Twitter

London singer-songwriter Rebecca Hollweg after 7 years is to launch her third album COUNTRY GIRL, 10 more melodic songs about life and things that have preoccupied her over
this time. She is having an album launch gig and party  on Sunday 23rd November 2014 using the vintage stage and surroundings of The Cavendish Arms (128 Hartington Road, Stockwell London SW8 2HJ) , a lovely venue in Stockwell, very central South London. It’s near to Vauxhall and Stockwell tubes with doors open 6.30 Music 7.30-8.30;  Tickets will be £5 on the door, with the new album available to buy in advance of the official release date of January 2015. The Band will comprise: Julian Ferraretto (violin), Andy Hamill (bass, harmonica), Lucas Hollweg (trombone), Mike Outram (guitar), Phil Peskett (piano) and Justin Woodward (drums)

BOTH of the London dates and others round the UK for UK country duos The Shires and Ward Thomas are now sold out!
The Shires have launched a new website which outlines their progress to date. Their album titled BRAVE  which was meant to have an October release following extensive Radio promo tours and an ITV appearance has now been put back to January 12, 2015 - Amazon UK

Ward Thomas had a great time at Sir Terry Wogans Children In Need Auction! "So excited to have been a part of such an amazing event!" they posted on Facebook

Check out the Ward Thomas 48 Count, 2 Wall, Improver Level “Push For The Stride line dance which features good old fashion line dance steps with kick out out and sailor steps with bouncing turns in there
Count: 48  Wall: 2 Level: Improver; Choreographer: Caroline Dancer Cooper (July 2014)

Sounds of the 80s’ (Rhino) album described as “a unique collection of 37 tracks celebrating music’s biggest and most diverse decade”. The album, which takes its name from Sara Cox’s popular show on Radio 2, is made up of exclusive cover versions of 80s hits, from some of 2014s most popular current artists. UK duos making appearances are The Shires who covered Kenny Rogers & Dolly Parton’s >> ‘Islands In The Stream’. Ward Thomas cover Michael Jackson's >> "Man In The Mirror" (released January 9, 1988, a #1 hit on Billboard Hot 100 and #21 in the UK Official Charts ) and Salisbury country pop duo Millers Daughter cover >> "Head Over Heels" (1985 Tears For Fears hit). This 2 CD title will be released on November 10, 2014 - Amazon UK

UK CHART NEWS

Official UK Top 100 Singles Chart (Week Ending November 1, 2014)

Taylor Swift's pop single “Shake It Off” dipped 2-5 (47,578 sales, 10-week tally 470,472) in her 10th week in the top 10 as her second preview track "Welcome To New York" from the 1989 album arrived at No.39 (10,668 sales). It marked Swift's 20th hit, and the 32nd Top 75 hit to mention New York in its title putting the US city further ahead of second-placed London (24 hits) as the most namechecked city in titles of hits.

Official UK Top 100 Album Chart (Week Ending November 1, 2014)
Pop/folk duo You+Me (Dallas Green & Alecia Moore aka Pink) with their debut album Rose Ave. fell 10-39 (2,172 sales, 2-week total 10,120)
Dolly Parton with BLUE SMOKE/THE BEST OF (Masterworks) fell 35-43 in her 20th chart frame (1,900 estimated sales, 20-week total 225,300).
Lady Antebellum with 747 fell 21-50 (sales around 1,700, 3-week total 11,700)
Foster & Allen were down 40-61 in their third week.

Official UK Country Album Chart (Week Ending November 1, 2014)
Lady Antebellum with 747 held at No.1 for a third week.
Little Big Town with PAIN KILLER (HUMP HEAD) made a debut at No.2 with their new set.
The UK’s Ward Thomas with FROM WHERE WE STAND (WTW Music) climbed one 4-3 in their 14th week.
Tim McGraw with SUNDOWN HEAVEN TOWN (Big Machine) slipped one 3-4 in his fifth week.
Lee Ann Womack with THE WAY I'M LIVIN' (Sugar Hill) rose 17-10 in her 5th chart frame.
With 9 CMA Nominations Miranda Lambert's PLATINUM is now absent from the top 20!

On the Hotdisc Chart (October 26, 2014 Chart) 

Ray Scott secured a seventh successive No.1 atop the Top 40 with "Drinkin' Beer".
Ray Price feat. Martina McBride with “An Affair To Remember” at #2, David Frizzell's "I'm Gonna Hire A Wino" #3, Ian Highland and Frank Jennings’ Pride” at #4 (third week at No.1 slot on the British & Irish Chart) and Michael Scott with "Radio Song" at #5 were all non-movers.
US based singer-singwriter Kenny Butterill with “Gaia Blues” made a 10-7 jump with the UK’s Dave Sheriff  7-week charting “Highway Number Nine” advancing 9-8 (#2 British & Irish).
US duo Beau + Luci with “Fire” (13-10) reached their highest rank to date in their 7th chart frame after an initial #25 bow

Outside the Top 10
Brian Collins with “Enjoy The Ride” improved 15-11 as did Katie Armiger  with “One Night Between Friends” (16-13). Other  US acts Stevie Lee Woods with “California Girls Have Gone Country” made a 18-16 stride and female duo North 40 moved northward 20-18 whilst Tim Cadiere with “Hop In My Truck” lifted 21-19 whilst
Outside the Top 20
USA singer songwriter James Robert Webb with “Party in The Barn” remained parked at #22.

International Mainstream Country Music Charts
Top 200 Artist chart ( 1-7 September 2014)
1. Jim Reeves 2. Willie Nelson 3. Peter Trenholm 4. Alan Jackson 5. Cina Samuelson  
6. DeLon  7. George Longard 8. Hank Snow 9. Johnny Cash 10. Slim Dusty  11. Ray Sanders 12. Ann Pascoe

Top 40 Singles
1. T Jae Christian - The Song Wrote Itself   2. Jeff Chase & HermannL Meyer - Toolin on my Harley
3. Clelia Adams - Honky Tonk Moon  4. Randy Hood - Song for Daddy  5. Buddy Eugene – Hankin'It Up
6. Flint Westrock - That's All  7. Dean Wilt - A Little Pink Ribbon 8. Pig Farmers - Tormented By You
9. Rayburn Anthony - Blue Yodel 10. Cary Rutledge - You Loved Me With Your All

UK iTunes Top 1500 Country Albums (Published Oct 27)
With the release of Miss Taylor Swift’s “1989” album saw a resurgence in her back catalog albums with 5 of her album editions in the top 6. On the singles chart she posted 12 songs in the top 21 places. C2C2013 performers Little Big Town’s new album has had a lukewarm reception with low sales and is moving southwards on the chart.

1. Taylor Swift -  Red (#84 Overall UK Albums Chart)
2. Taylor Swift - Red (Deluxe Version) #1 overall   all genre chart
3. Lady Antebellum - 747 (Deluxe)          
4. Taylor Swift -  Speak Now (Bonus Track Version) (#241 Overall UK Albums Chart)
5. Taylor Swift-   Taylor Swift (#245 Overall UK Albums Chart)       
6. Taylor Swift -  Fearless (#329 Overall UK Albums Chart)            
7. Lisa McHugh - A Life That's Good
Elsewhere:       
20. Ward Thomas - From Where We Stand (#968 Overall UK Albums Chart)
21. Luke Bryan - Crash My Party           
22. Little Big Town - Pain Killer #1000 (does not appear on Top 1500 Overall UK Albums Chart)

UK iTunes Top 1500 Country Singles (Published Oct 27)
1. Taylor Swift - I Knew You Were Trouble (#237 Overall UK Singles Chart)
2. Taylor Swift -  Love Story #288(#288 Overall UK Singles Chart)
3. Carrie Underwood - Something in the Water (#434 Overall UK Singles Chart)
4. Taylor Swift -  22        
5. Taylor Swift -  We Are Never Ever Getting Back Together          
6. Taylor Swif -   You Belong With Me     
7. Taylor Swift - Everything Has Changed (feat. Ed Sheeran)         
Elsewhere:
16. Ward Thomas - Way Back When (5 weeks Radio 2 playlist, #1289 Overall UK Singles Chart)
28.  Ward Thomas - Push For the Stride
129. The Shires - Nashville Grey Skies   
137. The Shires - Tonight
154. Miranda Lambert - Automatic

UK COUNTRY ALBUM RELEASES
For a full listing of 2014 Country/Alt/ Americana albums and future releases PLEASE check out our Country Music Store Page

(27 Oct 2014) Taylor Swift - 1989 (Virgin EMI/ Big Machine Records) POP / Rock music
Standard Copy 13 Tracks / Time: 48:32 Deluxe Copy: 19 Tracks/ Time: 1:08:20
CD Standard - CD Deluxe Edition - MP3 - UK iTunes (Standard) - UK iTunes (Deluxe)
Smart Choice Music [Deluxe US Exclusive] - Amazon.com

Suggested Tweet: What @taylorswift13 has done for Country Music http://bit.ly/1svAEuK

(27 Oct 2014) Bela Fleck & Abigail Washburn - Béla Fleck & Abigail Washburn (Rounder)
12 Tracks/ Time: CD - Amazon.com
Béla Fleck and Abigail Washburn present their eponymous debut album as a duo, after many years of prominence as banjo players and composers in their own eclectic avenues. 'Béla Fleck and Abigail Washburn' is a front porch banjo and vocal album of new music, Appalachian murder ballads, gospel, chamber and blues

(27 Oct 2014) Alan Jackson - Let It Be Christmas (re-Issued)
11 Tracks/ Time: 35:39 CD (original 2005 copy) - Amazon.com 

(27 Oct 2014) Stoney LaRue – Aviator (eOne)
14 Tracks/ Time:  55:13 CD - MP3 - UK iTunes - Amazon.com 

(27 Oct 2014) Joey+Rory - Country Classics: A Tapestry Of Our Musical Heritage (Universal Music Catalogue)
12 Tracks/ Time: 40:00  CD - MP3 - Smart Choice Music - Amazon.com

(27 Oct 2014) Alvin Stardust - ALVIN  (Nova Sales & Distribution) 10 Tracks CDUK iTunes
Conehead have announced that the release of Alvin , the final album by Alvin Stardust, and his first in thirty years was bought forward to the 27th October 2014. The album will be issued posthumously and is a worthy testament to a talent that endured, and a reputation that will continue even after his death on 23rd October 2014

(28 Oct 2014) Gretchen Wilson - Still Here For The Party (live) (Redneck Records)
12 Tracks/ Time: 49:29 CD - MP3 - UK iTunes - Amazon.com 

(28 Oct 2014) Crystal Yates - I Believe (Crystal Yates)
5 Tracks/ Time: 19:20 MP3 - UK iTunes - Amazon.com 

(28 Oct 2014) The Cains Trio - Stay on Board (DayStreet Records / GMV Nashville)
10 Tracks/ Time: 30:56 UK iTunes - Amazon.com 

(28 Oct 2014) Sam Hunt - Montevallo (Import/MCA)
10 Tracks/ Time: 38:22 CD - US iTunes - Amazon.com

(28 Oct 2014) Wade Bowen - Wade Bowen (Import)
14 Tracks/ Time: 53:01 CD - MP3 - UK iTunes - Amazon.com

(28 Oct 2014) Blackhawk - Greatest Hits & More
CD - MP3 - Amazon.com 

(28 Oct 2014) The LACS - Nothing In Particular (Average Joes Entertainment)
11 Tracks/ Time: 41:31 MP3 - UK iTunes - Amazon.com

BLUEGRASS NEWS

Congratulations to Donna Hughes, the winner of the “Beyond The Song” contest. Donna has won a consulting and advertising package with Beyond The Song and AirPlay Direct worth $2,250…! ($750 Beyond the Song Consultation Package – 10 Hours; $1,500 APD “Marketing & Awareness”) Campaign.

The International Bluegrass Music Association (IBMA)’s World of Bluegrass event, September 30-October 4, continued its successful run in Raleigh, North Carolina. As detailed in a release today from the Greater Raleigh Convention and Visitors Bureau, preliminary attendance figures for the entire week, which include both local and out-of-town attendees, is estimated to be more than 180,000 people. The release also states that direct visitor spending is estimated at $10.8 million for the entire World of Bluegrass event. - See more at: Cyber Grass

AUSSIE NEWS

Tickets for CMC Rocks 2015 were due to go on sale Friday 24 October - tickets.cmcrocksqld.com
They unveiled their massive international lineup, featuring an array of the biggest contemporary country stars.
CLICK here for POSTER

CMC ROCKS QLD 2015 ARTIST LINEUP

International Artists
Lady Antebellum (USA) - Big & Rich (USA) - Chris Young (USA) - Lee Brice (USA) - Kristian Bush (Sugarland) (USA) - Laura Bell Bundy (USA) - Maddie & Tae (USA) - Charlie Worsham (USA) - Jeffrey Steele (USA) - Chase Bryant (USA) - Ryan Kinder (USA) - Wylie and the Wild West (USA) - McKay (UK)

LOCAL ARTISTS
Troy Cassar-Daley - John Williamson - Adam Brand - Adam Harvey - Catherine Britt - The Wolfe Brothers - Amber Lawrence - Adam Eckersley Band - The Viper Creek Band - Doug Bruce - Harmony James - Cameron Scott (NZ) - Cameron Luxton (NZ) - Jody Direen (NZ) - Jared Porter - Col Finley - Seleen McAlister - Dozzi - Victoria Avenue - Livi Robins - Karrie Hayward - Shanon Watkins - Mick Lindsay Band
Fellow USA stars, Lee Brice, Laura Bell Bundy, Maddie & Tae, Charlie Worsham, Jeffrey Steele, Chase Bryant, Ryan Kinder, Wylie and the Wild West and UK band, McKay will round out the massive international lineup – all making their first trips to Australia, and almost all exclusively performing at the festival.

Australian country singer Kasey Chambers has been told to quieten things down for a while after she was diagnosed with small nodules and inflammation on her vocal cords. Over the next few months, Chambers will undergo vocal therapy to repair the damage and, ultimately, avoid surgery. As a result of the condition, she’ll postpone her Bittersweet Tour of Australia until early 2015 and her performance at the Nov. 28-30 Queenscliff Festival has been canceled.

O’Shea are back with a powerful new song and a creative new music video for the song which puts the lyrics of the song into action (filmed around the USA).  Watch >> “Bad Day Good

CANADIAN NEWS

Maddy Rodriguez the independent Canadian singer/songwriter returns with a brand new single entitled ‘Friends’ and plans to move to Nashville in January in order to co-write, make friends and contacts. ‘Friends’ is a beautiful country ballad that begs a lover not to make false promises about friendship following the end of a relationship, that if it’s over it should be well and truly over. To accompany the release of ‘Friends’, Maddy filmed a >> video of a long train ride from Vancouver to Toronto in black and white. Friends is the third song in a group of songs she was able to record with the support of the Ontario Arts Council.

NEWS

Country Aircheck's Insider Artist News
October 21, 2014: Little Big Town (No Pain No Gain), CMA Awards (No Treble, Ariana Grande and Meghan Trainor), Taylor Swift (Out Of The Woods), Maddie & Tae (Pinterest), Tim McGraw (Play It Again), Jason Aldean (Tour Talk),

October 24, 2014: Lady Antebellum (Dave Hairwould), Brantley Gilbert (Engage Meant), CMT Reveals Artists Of The Year, People's Choice Awards, LeAnn Rimes (Christmas)

From "Red Solo Cup" to "Get My Drink On" to "Drinks After Work" and many more, Toby Keith definitely loves a good drinking song. Just a week after the release of his latest single "Drunk Americans," Keith will be celebrating the fourth annual National Mezcal Day. Keith declared Oct. 21 National Mezcal Day in 2011 after his spirit "Wild Shot" was named the No. 1 mezcal in the US. You can celebrate right along with him by making this cocktail recipe that features a spirit from the Big Dog Daddy himself.
Big Dog Daddy:
1 oz Wild Shot Reposado Mezcal
1 oz Rye Whiskey
1 oz Blackberry Brandy (or Creme de Cassis)
Directions: Build over ice in a rocks glass, stir well and serve.
Garnish: Sprig of mint and lemon twist.

Dawn Sears and Friends: A Benefit for Lung Cancer Research” will take place Nov. 30 at 6:30 p.m. at Depot Square in Gallatin, Tenn. Dawn the golden voice of  The Time Jumpers had been diagnosed with Stage 3B lung cancer. The evening will be emceed by Olympic figure skater Scott Hamilton, also a cancer survivor, and will be headlined by Reba McEntire.

Dustin Lynch had to briefly interrupt his Friday night (Oct 17) set at the 2014 Boggy Bayou Mullet Festival when someone in the audience threw a full beer can at the 29-year-old country singer, hitting him just below the eye >> Video. Lynch continued the set with blood trickling down his face after things calmed down and police officers broke up a fight in the crowd after people unsuccessfully tried to identify and catch the beer can thrower. Lynch posted on his Twitter account that he received "a few stitches" after the show, and told People magazine that the beer can was "completely full" and "it felt like a baseball had hit me."

Nash Icon Music proudly bestows another title to the reigning “Queen of Country,” announcing 59-year old Reba McEntire as the inaugural signing on the innovative new joint venture label between Big Machine and Cumulus. On Oct 21st she joined America’s Morning Show host
Blair Garner to share the news about her first new music in over five years. Leading up to the announcement, a Reba song was played every half hour to highlight her career and gear up for the new chapter. Co-host Terri Clark performed “Fancy” for Reba-oke, as part of co-host Chuck Wicks’ “5 Seconds” trivia game before a Reba cake was presented in front of the live audience. Listen to the full interview at reba.com or soundcloud.com
“I am so excited to be the first artist to sign up with this new joint venture. We’ve been in the studio having a blast recording new songs and I can’t wait for my fans to hear them. Thanks to Scott Borchetta, John Dickey and everyone at Cumulus for letting me be a part of these new and exciting times,” said Reba.
The Oklahoma native is back in the studio with long-time producer Tony Brown and is collaborating for the first time with James Stroud, blending their unique approaches and multi-platinum career success.
The Country Music Hall of Famer said she's already recorded 11 songs and that six are completely finished. She doesn't have an exact date when fans will hear the new songs, but she promises "soon." "I'm having a wonderful time in the studio again," McEntire said. "It's just a blast. When they came to me with this idea, I was for it 100 percent. I'm sure hoping fans like it. If they don't, we'll go back in and cut something else." "I've got three more to record that I have found," she told Garner. "I'm always trying to beat out what I have already, so we just keep looking."

Jason Aldean and Bob Seger will be working on their night moves as they join forces for the next installment of CMT Crossroads. In addition, on Oct 20th Jason announced the next leg of his previously sold out Burn It Down Tour, a 23-city run with Cole Swindell and Tyler Farr that begins in February 2015.

Love & Theft and Leah Turner may well have parted ways with RCA/Sony Nashville as they have been pulled from the label website.

Glen Campbell's Goodbye Tour is captured in the new documentary film, Glen Campbell: I'll Be Me, opening in select theaters Friday. The movie chronicles Glen's diagnosis with Alzheimer's Disease in 2011 and the 151 shows he played until the disease made it impossible for him to go on performing last year. I'll Be Me doesn't shy away from showing Glen's descent into dementia, but it also serves as a reminder of the multi-platinum career that put Glen Campbell in the Country Music Hall of Fame in 2005.

Luke Bryan may sing about trucks and girls and drinking beer on a few of his songs, but don't you dare call his music "bro country." Luke told ABC News he finds that term aggravating and derogatory of the country music genre as a whole. He says, "Yeah, do I sing about a truck and a beer on one song, but then do I sing about a completely different subject matter. I mean, listen to the whole album and don't judge me on one song." Luke's fans now have five hit singles to judge him on from his latest album, Crash My Party. Those #1 hits include the reflective song, "Drink a Beer," as well as his latest chart-topper, "Roller Coaster."

Paulette Carlson the Three time Grammy nominee, CMA/ACM award winner and lead singer of Highway 101, will grace the nationally recognized Nashville Veteran’s Day Parade as Grand Marshal on Tuesday, November 11th at 11am. “My late brother, Gary, served in Vietnam in 1968 with the 82nd Airborne and in 1969 with the 173rd Airborne; he was a medic" she shared. Carlson also recently signed with longtime booking veteran Gerald Murray Music LLC. Read More

Ronnie Milsap was inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame Sunday night (Oct 26) in Nashville at the organization's annual Medallion Ceremony. Ronnie was on hand to accept the honor following tribute performances from Martina McBride on "(I'd Be) A Legend in My Time" and Hunter Hayes on "(There's) Gettin' Over Me."  Country Music Hall of Fame member Vince Gill and R&B legend Sam Moore also teamed up to sing Ronnie's 1985 hit, "Lost in the Fifties Tonight."
Bluegrass pioneer Mac Wiseman and the late songwriter Hank Cochran were also inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame Sunday night. Alison Krauss saluted Hank with performances of his notable compositions "Make the World Go Away," which was a hit for Eddy Arnold, and "Don't Touch Me," which won a Grammy for Hank's former wife, Jeannie Seely, in 1966. Gene Watson covered Hank's song "Don't You Ever Get Tired of Hurting Me," and Charlie Daniels was on hand to sing Mac Wiseman's song, "Jimmy Brown the Newsboy." The evening ended with Country Music Hall of Fame members Emmylou Harris, Randy Owen of Alabama, Charley Pride and Brenda Lee joining this year's inductees and performers onstage to sing "Will the Circle Be Unbroken."

TOURS
Kenny Chesney plans to return to the road this spring. The Big Revival Tour will begin March 26 in Nashville.

Jason Aldean and Kenny Chesney have revealed that their respective tours, The Burn It Down Tour and The Big Revival Tour Presented by Corona Light, will combine for 10 stadium shows next summer. The first shows to go on sale will be New England’s Gillette Stadium, slated to take place Aug. 28, 2015, and San Francisco’s Levi’s Stadium, slated for May 2, 2015.

Brandy Clark posted on Facebook: Another great weekend on The Outsiders Tour [Eric Church]!

AWARDS
The performers list for The 48th Annual CMA Awards: Ariana Grande and Meghan Trainor will join Little Big Town and Miranda Lambert, respectively, for duets. No word on which song Grande will do with LBT, but Trainor's own "All About That Bass" will be what she sings with Miranda. It's maybe not too surprising to see Trainor on the show, since she wrote "DJ Tonight" and "I Like The Sound of That" on Rascal Flatts' current album Rewind. Lucy Hale has been added as a presenter, too. The awards will air live from Nashville's Bridgestone Arena Nov. 5 on ABC-TV.

TV
Lady Antebellum is navigating their way to the west coast starting with a performance of their brand new single “Freestyle” tomorrow on The Ellen Degeneres Show.  Friday (10/24), the group will represent country music at CBS Radio’s annual “We Can Survive” concert at the Hollywood Bowl alongside Pharrell, Iggy Azalea, Nicki Minaj, Ariana Grande, Paramore, Sia, Taylor Swift and Gwen Stefani.  “Freestyle” is the latest single off the group’s recently released fifth studio album 747

Nashville’, Season 3, Episode 4 – RECAP - forthecountryrecord
"Nashville" Season 3, Recap: "Road Happy"

SINGLE / ALBUM NEWS
Jason Aldean Dishes on How New Record Is Different and Why It Was Necessary....Aldean’s changing personal life served as an inspiration for this new record.  His new love (and recent engagement), as well as the drama surrounding his previous marriage, have obviously affected the new music he’s chosen to record. Read More

Just months after Willie Nelson topped Billboard’s Country Albums chart with Band of Brothers, he turns to sister Bobbie Nelson for his next release, December Day: Willie’s Stash Vol. 1, due Dec. 2. The siblings collaborate on 18 tracks of their personal favorites, including a dozen Willie Nelson compositions, plus songs written by Irving Berlin, Al Jolson and Django Reinhardt.

James Otto is back with new music, a new sound and even a new team around him. The country crooner, known for his smash hit “Just Got Started Lovin’ You” and for co-writing the ACM and CMA Song of the Year, “In Color,” has returned to airwaves with new music. His new single “Somewhere Tonight,” written by Otto, Corey Crowder,  Patrick Davis,  JT Hodges and James Slater can be heard exclusively on SiriusXM’s The Highway. It was released on UK iTunes on Oct 21st (Ottopilot Records)

Luke Bryan is releasing a sixth single from his latest album. It's titled, "I See You," and Luke co-wrote it with hit songwriters Luke Laird and Ashley Gorley.The new single release comes as Luke wraps up his 2014 That's My Kind of Night tour this weekend with sold-out shows at The Hollywood Bowl and the Forum in Los Angeles.

Gloriana's Rachel Reinert didn't have to get into character to sing the trio's latest single, "Trouble," since the song came from her real-life experience. Rachel co-wrote the song with band mate Mike Gossin about an ex-boyfriend who cheated on her about two years ago. Rachel told ABC News Radio, "We dated for a couple years. I ended up finding out that he was cheating on me, which I did suspect. He, of course, lied about it, which, shocker, right?" Like anybody, Rachel can be nice and sweet, but it's a different story when a guy does her wrong. "If you cross me, then then I'm gonna make you pay for it," Rachel adds.
Mike and Gloriana's third member, Tom Gossin, had a bad feeling about Rachel's ex-boyfriend from the start, though.

Reba McEntire is working with two of her closest friends, Tony Brown and James Stroud, to produce her upcoming studio album, but a new release from one of country's hottest acts has her thinking it's time to rock the boat and work with totally different people on future projects. Reba says, "I did hear the new Little Big Town album. Yes.  So, yeah, now I’m considering it, yeah. I would love to kinda see what somebody else could do with me."
Little Big Town's just-released album, PAIN KILLER, really pushes the envelope when it comes to loud guitars and gritty song lyrics. Since Reba hasn't released an album since 2010, she wanted to work with familiar people on her next album. Reba says, "It's comfortable, and it may be time for me to step out of comfort and go try some new stuff."
Reba is on the home stretch of recording a brand-new album, expected to come out in 2015. She announced plans for the project saying fans can expect to hear her interpreting songs from Nashville's best songwriters on the new project.
"It's just a huge thrill for me to have this outlet to get these songwriters' stories out to the public," Reba says. "I’m always kind of like the water hose. I'm the conduit from the songwriters' heart and soul, what they write and conceive, and then to get it out to the fans. I love that part."

Fans of The Band Perry can expect a new album from the trio in 2015, but they can't tell you exactly when they'll release the album next year. Lead singer Kimberly Perry told ABC News Radio, "We've actually taken timeline pressures away just to make sure we are creating with the pure sensibilities. So, that's an exciting thing." The Band Perry didn't have the luxury of unlimited time while making their sophomore album, Pioneer, but it worked out nicely for them. The lead single from that project, "Better Dig Two," was just certified double platinum, recognizing two million streams and downloads of the song.

PRESS RELEASES
  • Country Traditionalist James Carothers' latest CD, HONKY TONK LAND, Available Now
  •  Breelan Angel and MisBhavin' Records are pleased to announce the release of the new radio single, "Pocket Change."* Written by Breelan and Texas Country artist Bri Bagwell, the up-tempo tune was produced by Emmy award winning Ray Barnette. "Pocket Change" is available for purchase at Amazon UK - Amazon.com - UK iTunes (released Oct 14, 2014) and all digital outlets through indieExtreme/ InGrooves Fontana.
  •  Texaco Country Showdown winner Crystal Yates will release her powerful, Charlie Peacock-produced album, I BELIEVE, on iTunes Oct. 21.  The five-song EP can be pre-ordered now – UK iTunes.
  • Sara Evans to releaseAt Christmas’ Holiday album November 17th.
  • Ray Price honored with Country's Family Reunion Tribute (5 DVD Set Available For Pre-Order; Television Tribute To Air On RFD-TV in 2015)
  • Major League Baseball chose Grammy-nominated, multi-platinum Dot Records recording artist Aaron Lewis to sing the National Anthem before Game 5 of the World Series on Sunday, Oct. 26.
  • Scott Dean is pleased to announce that  ALL OVER AGAIN, the full-length album featuring his fourth radio single "In My Arms,"* is scheduled to be released on October 28, 2014.
  • CMA World - CMA COUNTRY CHRISTMAS adds performances by Alan Jackson, and Brad Paisley with rock legend Steven Tyler. Artists previously announced include Dan + Shay, Brett Eldredge, Sara Evans, Lucy Hale, Hunter Hayes, Little Big Town, Idina Menzel, Nettles, LeAnn Rimes, Michael W. Smith, and Carrie Underwood.
REVIEWS

Dallas Observer Douchebags: Jason Aldean and Florida Georgia Line Danced on the Grave of Country (Gexa Energy Pavilion, Dallas Saturday, October 25, 2014)

Fort San Antone Festival, UK Review - 2country.net

INTERVIEWS

Billboard 615 (Oct 24): Dolly Parton Q&A: The Country Legend on 50 Years in Nashville and Why She Supports Her Gay Fans
This year marks the 50th Anniversary since 68-year-old international icon Dolly Parton came to Nashville. The fourth of 12 siblings who shared a one-room cabin, the East Tennessee native was so poor growing up that her father paid the doctor who delivered her with a bag of cornmeal. The day after her high school graduation, Parton left the Smoky Mountains for Music City, where she shepherded her career from singing on The Porter Wagoner Show, a syndicated music-variety series that aired from 1960 to 1981, to winning seven Grammys and scoring 25 No. 1 songs on Billboard's Hot Country Songs chart -- a record for
female artist......

10 Questions with ... Hunter Hayes

BOOKS

Martina McBride - Around the Table: Recipes and Inspiration for Gatherings Throughout the Year
Hardcover: 320 pages
Publisher: William Morrow Cookbooks (23 Oct 2014)
ISBN-10: 0062323911
ISBN-13: 978-0062323910

The widely acclaimed country music megastar Martina McBride invites fans into her home, her kitchen, and her family’s traditions in this, her first-ever book—a beautiful full-color illustrated collection of culinary celebrations, complete with cherished recipes and menus for cooking and entertaining at home.
She's included step-by-step instructions on how to throw parties ranging from a Red ,White and Blue Backyard Cookout to a Retro Valentine's Day Supper Club gathering.
"There are 12 different chapters that are 12 different parties," Martina tells ABC News Radio. "There's lots of pictures. It's kind of like a how-to book to throw 12 different parties. So, we could do one a month."
Martina hopes Around the Table inspires readers to host more get-togethers with the friends.
She says of party-planning, "It's a little intimidating and overwhelming and you want everything to be perfect and you don't want to mess up. And you have to clean your house, which is always the biggest hurdle for me."

MAGAZINES

Music News Scotland (October Guide

Lee Ann Womack cover feature Country Line Magazine (Upper East Of Texas) 
BEST viewed FULL Screen, Single Page, then on the top tool bar use slider on the left to Zoom (-/+) and then “<” and “>” to page document


LISTEN

David & Olivia "The Ballad of Rose": David & Olivia are a duo from Huntington Beach, California, who met during the summer of 2011 and began performing up and down the coast. They came together in 2013 to record their first EP ‘On The Sea’ and toured it across the country. They began working with London Tone Music and producer Eric Lilavois and came up wthe single, ‘The Ballad of Rose’. Described as "Haunting, simultaneously beautiful and heartbreaking, the song combines folk and Americana influences with sincere, ethereal vocals and a lilting melody"

Gloriana "Trouble" - warnermusicnashville.com

Singer-songwriter Kyler England's children's music duo, Freckles, is on the Grammy nomination ballot for their debut album titled "Be My Friend"!
It's up for a nomination for Best Children's Album. Listen http://frecklesmusic.com/

SPOTIFY COUNTRY
For users of this online music streaming service here are some of the more recent additions and recommendations.
When it's free and easy on Spotify who needs music piracy?
Links below require you to have installed SPOTIFY and have the application open

Florida Georgia Line - Anything Goes  - 12 Tracks, released Oct 14, 2014

Reed Foehl – Lost in the West - 7 Tracks, released 21 Oct 2014/ Folk
Mac Powell – Southpaw  - 12 Tracks, released Oct 14, 2014 Country/Rock
Stoney LaRue – Aviator  - 14 Tracks, released Oct 27, 2014
Wade Bowen - Wade Bowen  - 14 Tracks, released Oct 28, 2014

The Stray Birds – Best Medicine  - 12 Tracks, released Oct 21, 2014
Bela Fleck, Abigail Washburn – Béla Fleck & Abigail Washburn - 12 Tracks, released Oct 27, 2014 – Banjo/ Alt Country
The Cains Trio – Stay on Board  - 10 Tracks, released Oct 28, 2014 (Daystreet Records)

Crystal Yates – I Believe  - 5 Tracks, released Oct 28, 2014
Becky Buller – 'Tween Earth and Sky - 12 Tracks, released Oct 21, 2014 – Bluegrass set

Various Artists – The Best Of Me (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack) - 14 Tracks, released  Oct 20, 2014 the soundtrack for the new Nicholas Sparks’ movie with many country artists

FREE  DOWNLOAD

Craig Morgan "If Not Me" WAV File [35.27 MB] written by Tom Douglas and Lee Thomas Miller from the album: The Journey (Livin' Hits – iTunes) released on Sep 03, 2013 by Black River Entertainment. Salute to the Troops God Bless America

In Cold Blood" songwriter Wayne Jacobs produced by To Manche. The winning UKCountryRadio.com Listeners Club Song of the Year - Image

Mercersburg, PA Country : Americana The Hello Strangers - The Hello Strangers


WATCH

Olivia Lane "Steal Me Away" Written by Olivia Lane, Lee Thomas Miller, and Ilya Toshinskiy © 2014 Big Spark Music Group

Sturgill Simpson performs "Turtles All The Way Down" (live on BBC Radio Scotland) Recorded at BBC Pacific Quay in Glasgow, for Another Country with Ricky Ross. Hear the full session at 8pm on Friday 24th October: BBC Page

Glen Campbell "I'm Not Gonna Miss You" (3.9 million views)

Crystal Yates "Goodbye Letter" (Written by Crystal Yates, Jack Doyle, and Jennie Riddle) 

Jared Blake's new music video for "Stomp," shot largely in his home state of Arkansas, gives a vintage throwback to the 1920's prohibition era and then is brought up-to-date with an electo-country-rap club vibe and HOT HOT girls!

The Shires  “I Just Wanna Love You” (Live Session Video) 260 views

Ashton Lane perform "Come Thou Fount of Every Blessing" in their Kitchen session. It is a Christian hymn written by the 18th century pastor and hymnist Robert Robinson. Robert Robinson penned the words at age 22 in the year 1757. The Glasgow country/pop group currently have some availibility for living room gig bookings in Scotland from Sunday the 7th of December and living room gigs in England from the 14th to the 23rd of December.
An Alternative Christmas Living Room Gig...What’s the idea ? It’s pretty simple. You host an up close and exclusive gig, in the living room, in the comfort of your own home, themed specifically around Advent and Christmas. How does it work ? You take a reasonably sized living room, move the sofas/chairs back and spread a few cushions around. Light some candles, a fire if you have one and dim the lights (fairy lights make a really lovely impact). Make a little space in the corner, bay window, or in the middle – enough for one musician & 2/3 guitars. Lay on a bit of a buffet, drinks & nibbles. Invite 15-30 friends
(dependent on the size of the room) to come along to a gig – in the living room!
Contact them Facebook or by email to ashtonlanemusic@gmail.com  with the title "living room gig" 
Get 7 FREE SONGS at www.ashtonlanemusic.com

COUNTRY FASHION

CIS (Cowgirls In Style) Fall/Winter2014 e-Magazine: Fashion and style for the cowgirl, cover feature on Taci Shaffer Miss Rodeo Arizona 2014  and much more!


Related Post (Where Did You Get Those Boots?!): lauramcclurephotography.com
Online Issue Blog Page - lauramcclurephotography

Taylor Swift cover feature InStyle November 2014 (Page 283-292) 
BEST viewed FULL Screen, Single Page, then on the top tool bar use slider on the left to Zoom (-/+) and then “<” and “>” to page document


COUNTRY GOSSIP

Jason Aldean doesn’t care that some people don’t like his new music. In fact, he’s happy to hear people hating on ‘Old Boots, New Dirt‘ and songs from earlier albums. "If it doesn't hit a nerve with people then its elevator music, it's just background music that nobody pays attention to. You want it to be when it comes on like OH  I love that or  GOD I hate that song, at least something not just background music that they can just take it or leave it" >> Video

Kacey Musgraves favourite midnight snack are chocolate covered gluten-free pretzels. She also admits she’s an over packer due to all the shoes she hauls around.

Trisha Yearwood’s Brentwood, TN home’s been for sale since March and the price has just been dropped. It was $2.2 million but she’s now asking $1.9. The home’s located in a super pricey part of Nashville and it comes with a huge gourmet kitchen and four acres - Image

TWEETS
Bum Deal - Luke Bryan's Bottom Has Twitter Account: Luke Bryan says 10 years from now his on stage dancing will be much more tame but for now he plans to continue it and adds he's flattered by all the attention his bottom gets. Luke Bryan's Butt at https://twitter.com/LukeBryanBooty

PHOTO
Create your own Taylor Swift 1989 Album Artwork at taylorswift.com


Laura McClure Photography - American Made Pinup Girls - Image - Image - ** Image - Image

BIRTHDAYS

October 27: Dallas Frazier (1939), Floyd Cramer - (1933), Lee Greenwood (1942)
October 28: Charlie Daniels (1936), Brad Paisley (1972) , Ashliegh Lisset
October 29: Sonny Osborne (1937)
October 30: Timothy Schmitt (Eagles - (1947), T Graham Brown (1954), the late Patsy Montana (1914; died May 3, 1996 (aged 87))), Kassidy Osborne (SheDaisy) (1976)
October 31: Kinky Friedman (1944), Kate Campbell (1961), Darryl Worley (1964)
November 1: Bill Anderson (1937), Lyle Lovett (1956), Keith Stegall (1954) 
November 2: k d lang (1962), Beverley Mahood (1974)

R.I.P

Clark Vincent McEntire (November 30, 1927 - October 24, 2014) – PHOTO (with wife Jackie)
Reba McEntire posted about the loss on her Facebook page. “Daddy passed away last night (Oct 23) in Colgate, Oklahoma at 11pm CST. He had been in the nursing home for for a while
and we’re very thankful he is not suffering anymore. He was a born and bred cowboy through and through. He had been sick for 5 years. Clark, 86, was the patriarch of the McEntire family, which includes his wife, Jacqueline, daughters Reba, Susie and Alice, and son Pake. He suffered a stroke in February 2011, which kept him in the hospital for several months.
A former three-time world champion steer roper, Clark was born in 1927.
He was inducted into the Pro Rodeo Hall of Fame in 1979. He went on to play a major role in encouraging Reba to pursue a singing career when he told her she should sing the national anthem at the 1974 National Finals Rodeo. (Source: tulsaworld.com)
Reba’s sister Country/ Gospel singer  Susie McEntire [formerly Luchsinger] posted on Facebook: "I am going to miss you Daddy. May you rest quietly. Clark McEntire 1927 - 2014 Passed late Thursday in Coalgate, OK."

OBITUARY
CLARK V. MCENTIRE (November 30, 1927 - October 24, 2014)
NAME: Clark V. McEntire, age 86, a lifelong Atoka County resident.
BORN: He was born on Wednesday, November 30, 1927, to John and Alice Kate (Hayhurst) McEntire, at Graham, OK.
PASSED AWAY: Clark passed away on Thursday, October 23, 2014 at Coalgate, OK.
AGE: 86 years, 10 months and 23 days.
EDUCATION: He attended Limestone Gap School.
OCCUPATION: Clark was a Professional Cowboy and lifelong Rancher.
MARRIED: He married Jacqueline "Jackie" Smith on March 17, 1950 in Atoka, OK. They were married for 64 years and 7 months.
AFFILIATIONS: A member of Professional Rodeo Cowboy Association and held card #816. He was World Champion Steer Roper in 1957, 1958, and 1961.
SURVIVED BY: Wife Jackie McEntire, children Alice McEntire-Foran, Pake McEntire, Reba McEntire-Blackstock, Susie McEntire-Eaton (formerly Luchsinger) 19 Great Grandchildren and 3 Great Great Grandchildren.
FUNERAL SERVICE: Wednesday October 29, 2014, 2:00 - pm at Kiowa High School Auditorium
>> In Loving Memory Of Clark McEntire "To Daddy" perfomed by Reba McEntire

Alvin Stardust, the renowned singer and performer passed away aged 72. He died at his home on the morning of Thursday 23rd October 2014. His wife, Julie Paton, and his family were with him.
Very recently diagnosed with Metastatic Prostate Cancer he died after a short illness.
Born Bernard William Jewry, he found fame initially as ‘Shane Fenton’, performing as Shane Fenton & The Fentones in the early 60s.  After their break-up he continued to perform and work in the entertainment industry before returning as Alvin Stardust. Scoring a hit in 1973 with >> "My Coo Ca Choo"
Alvin Stardust became a household name and continued to perform up until the very last weeks of his life. Glam was also the era of Gary Glitter and Jimmy Savile, pop at its most unpleasant. But Stardust was a family man, and a devoted father to his young sons.
In 2010 Maverick Magazine ran a feature on Alvin Stardust in their June issue and he presented some of the awards (but did not perform) at the British Country Music Awards (BCMAwards) ceremony that year. The 70s/80s star did however >> take to the BCMAward stage in 2012 for a couple of songs and was then joined by Sylvie Blackmore from the BBC to host the Awards.

Stardust was the crown prince of comebacks. He found fame as a Sixties teenybopper, in the Seventies with glam rock, and as a post-punk rocker in the Eighties — before launching a successful West End career. He was planning another musical renaissance right up to his death. His first studio album in 30 years, simply called ALVIN, was scheduled for release on 3rd of November and took influence from traditional country it was brought forward to 27th October.

Speaking shortly before his death, Stardust said the album would represent "a new and exciting departure" of which he was "immensely proud". His record company, Conehead, issued a statement saying the album was "a worthy testament to a talent that endured, and a reputation that will continue even after his death". The album was produced by Richard Scott and Scott Ralph, known as Daftdog, who have written for Robbie Williams and Michael Buble. (BBC News)
Listen to >> ‘Tongue Tied’
He was still performing on stage on the weekend Sat. 18th Oct 2014, at the Regal cinema in Evesham, Worcestershire, belting out his beloved Fifties rock standards, as well as his roster of Top Ten hits.
But it is as a strutting, smouldering monster of glam rock — half-cowboy, half-vampire — that he will be best remembered. Hits like My Coo Ca Choo, Jealous Mind, Red Dress and You You You were radio favourites in the era of towering quiffs and platform soles . . . and Stardust perfected the look - Daily Mail
His first wife was Iris Caldwell, the ex-girlfriend of Paul McCartney, in the 70s. His second wife was actress Liza Goddard for six years during the 80s who paid tribute: "RIP Alvin Stardust. Thank you for our beautiful daughter and granddaughter."
His last love was when he married vocal coach Julie Paton (whom he met touring with Godspell) for over twenty years before his death on Thursday. He and Julie had a daughter Millie in 2000. His family were at his bedside when he died at his home in West Sussex…..Read more
Celebs Tributes: www.mirror.co.uk

Top Female British country artist Donna Wylde pictured with Alvin Stardust (Nov 2010) - Image
Check out this edited version of Maverick Magazine first published in June 2010 featuring an article titled "The Golden Guitar" and CD review on the late Alvin Stardust. 
BEST viewed FULL Screen, Single Page, then on the top tool bar use slider on the left to Zoom (-/+) and then “<” and “>” to page document.


RIP


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