Tuesday 1 November 2016

2016 British Country Music Awards Winners

Brit Country Music’s BIGGEST Night!

Anglo-American band Jess & The Bandits win BIG!
BCMAward multi award nominated newbies The Southern Companion 
snag Horizon & ALBUM of the Year.
Luke & Mel retain Song of the Year honours as Bad Habit lands best video.


Scroll down to find:
a) All the acts nominated and the winners b) BCMAward Show report
c) British Country Music Hall Of Fame Inductees 2016 d) BCMAward 2016 Fashion









The WINNERS of the British Country Music Awards for 2016:
Entertainer of the Year: Jess & The Bandits 
Group of the Year: Jess & The Bandits  
Male Vocalist of the YearGary Quinn 
Female Vocalist of the Year: Laura Oakes 
Duo of the YearHolloway Road 
Musician of the Year: Justin Johnson
Horizon Act of the Year: The Southern Companion 
UK Song of the Year: Luke & Mel (“Bad Habit”) 
UK Album of the Year: The Southern Companion (1000 DAYS OF RAIN)
Video of the Year:  Luke & Mel “Bad Habit”

Special Achievement Award: The Shires
Services To Industry: International – Kirt Webster; UK – Rob Davis

INTERNATIONAL AWARDS
International Song of the Year:  Chris Stapleton - Tennessee Whiskey 
International Album of the Year: Chris Stapleton - TRAVELLER
International Act of the Year:  Phil Vassar
























The British Country Music Association (BCMAwards) weekend were held on Saturday 29th October and Sunday 30th October 2016 at The Heston Venue (formerly the Concorde Suite), Heston Sports Ground, Crane Lodge Road, Cranford, Middlesex TW5 9PQ. Website: bcmawards.co.uk

The awards weekend opened with a Best of British Showcase featuring Dexeter, The Southern Companion, Thorne Hill, Gary Quinn, Emma Swindells and frequent guest American Beau Fuller.
This year the 2016 British Country Music Awards (BCMAwards) and were hosted by BBC Radio 2 and Amazing Radio presenter Baylen Leonard.
US singer-songwriter Cortni Bird was there to perform and help present the awards.

The main operating committee of the Association is made up of:
Lee Williams (President of BCMA) / CEO CMR Nashville (“Europe’s #1 Country Station")
Jeanne Jordan (Secretary and a Director of British Country Music Awards)/ Editorial Team Up Country Magazine. Previously the position was held by Roger Wild (Broke Spoke Festival/ Copper Kettle Promotions).
B J Thomas (CEO). B J Thomas and Jeanne Jordan (parents of Luke Thomas of award winning Luke & Mel) comprise the Editorial Team for UP Country Magazine and are/ were part of Country Legends touring act.
Alan Perkins (Treasurer) / Editorial Team UP Country Magazine: 
Jim Duncan (Curator of the Hall of Fame)/ Wolvestock Festival Promoter
Rob Davis (Publicist) / Publisher & Editor; Up Country and Cross Country magazines
Wayne Hadlow (Event co-ordinator) / FSA Festival CEO

The Awards ceremony featured performances from Ashton Lane, Red Sky July, Katy Hurt, Holloway Road and Sarabeth from the USA presented and headlined played a live set to round out the evening.

President of the British Country Music Association, CEO of Django Promotions and owner of CMR Nashville (“Europe’s #1 country music station”), Lee Williams, stated, 'This was undoubtedly the best year ever with all the cream of the new generation of original Country Music Artists in the UK. The girls came dressed for the evening as did the guys, and a good time was had by all. The sound was faultless as were the video presentations. Baylen was a professional host throughout making the evening run smoothly for 4 hours. All the social media exploded as each act and award was announced. The new generation of Country Music  is now here, and will continue to grow with the original talent we have to offer. Look out for details of the 2017 Awards show.'

Last WhereverTV Broadcasting Corp.(OTC:TVTV), an emerging leader in delivering Over the Top live-streaming music events announced in Oct 2015 that it had agreed to sign an exclusive agreement to be the only long term live broadcaster of the British Country Music Awards (BCMAs) sponsored by The Ascot Lawyers. Digital Rodeo TV filmed the event live. This year they were absent along with major sponsor Ascot Lawyers.
There were also no Club & Festival awards and sponsor Hotdisc are to present their own awards in early 2016.

Baylen:

BCMAwards 2016 Report

Going into the awards Glasgow duo Raintown led the way with six nominations this year, one for Entertainer (which they won in 2014 & nominated for in 2015) and the other five in, and Group, Female, Album, Song and Video categories. In 2015 Raintown (officially a named duo Paul Bain & Claire McArthur-Bain) scooped the Group of the Year award, Claire won Female Vocalist in 2014, and in 2013 they bagged BCMA Duo of the Year. After a 5-year wait Raintown released their second album WRITING ON THE WALL (BMB Records UK | CD | UK iTunes ) on Oct 9, 2015. The album was successfully crowd-funded using the Pledge Music platform.
New parents Raintown were not present at the awards and lost out in all 6 categories. However the album was produced by Justin Johnson (Parr Street Recording in Liverpool) took home this year’s BCMA for Musician of the Year having been previously nominated in 2015.
Paul Bain & Claire welcomed their “beautiful daughter” Alba-Rose into the world a week ago and have shared the Baby-Bump 8-month journey with their Facebook fans. Watch the highlights

The Southern Companion were new to the categories with four nominations for Horizon, Song Of The Year, Album of the Year and Video of the Year”
Jess & The Bandits had 2 nominations were up for Entertainer of the Year & Group.
Ben Earle had three nominations including two with Crissie Rhodes as part of The Shires. Last year they picked up Entertainer of the Year, Male Vocalist of the Year and UK Album of the Year for the GOLD certified BRAVE which has sold over 100,000 copies.
Glasgow’s Ashton Lane had 2 nominations (Duo; Song),Thorne Hill 2 nominations (Male; Album).  

The BCMAwards 2016 Nominees & Winners:

The BCMAward 2016 Nominees and Winners (shown in BLUE) are:
* NEW * = New to the Category for 2016 compared to the 2015 nominees 

Entertainer of the Year (sponsored by Buckle & Boots Country Festival) presented by Grant & Forsyth:
Winner: Jess & The Bandits 
The Shires, Nathan Carter, Jess & The Bandits * NEW *, Raintown, Gary Perkins * NEW * 

























Anglo-American band Jess & The Bandits, fronted by Texan Jess Clemmons who were new to both the Entertainer of the Year and Group of the Year scooped both the awards much to delight of the audience. This very popular band at the Festivals (C2C, SummerTyne Americana Festival, FSA, Southern Fried) and on their UK Tour have appeared on ITV (Weekend) and playlisted by BBC Radio 2 and appeared on Weekend Wogan. They debuted in 2015 at #6 on the Official UK Country Album Chart with their debut album HERE WE GO AGAIN. Earlier in the day Jess talked to Fern Britton on BBC Radio 2 as part of 'Faith and Beauty in the World Week' (BBC Page) and played their original song “Beautiful”.

On Facebook they shared: Wow! We were absolutely blown away last night. Thank you so much to the BCMAwards, everyone who voted & every single fan who has come to a show or purchased an album. We would also like to thank our management, Sonnet Music & everyone behind the scenes for working so hard to make this thing happen!

Watch the Presentation Video (hover over to set volume):

Group of the Year (sponsored by CEI Events; Charlotte Elizabeth)
Winner: Jess & The Bandits 
Dexeter, Raintown, Jess & The Bandits * NEW *, Gary Quinn Band, Red Sky July * NEW * 

Female Vocalist of the Year
Winner: Laura Oakes
Laura Oakes, Claire McArthur-Bain (Raintown), Katy Hurt * NEW *, Jessica Clemmons (Jess & The Bandits) * NEW * 
Crissie Rhodes (The Shires)


The redheaded Liverpudlian lovely held onto her Female Vocalist award. She shared: Thank you to everybody who voted for the British Country Music Awards last night! Was absolutely not expecting to be Female Vocalist of the Year for the 2nd running!! So grateful to you all!! Thank You BCMAwards x #britishcountry

Watch Laura Oakes BCMAwards press winning interview with Dan Wharton from yourlifeinasong.com (@LifeInASong_UK)



Musician of the Year
Winner: Justin Johnson
Lee Guyler, Justin Johnson, Scott Poley * NEW *, Sarah Jory, John Pettifer

Duo of the Year (presented by Beau Fuller)
Winner: Holloway Road 
Ward Thomas, The Shires, Luke & Mel, Holloway Road * NEW *, Ashton Lane * NEW * 

New to the category Holloway Road (Jack Cooper and Robert Gulston) beat out previous BCMAward winners Luke & Mel, Raintown, Ward Thomas and The Shires to land the award.
The Essex-based duo’s award came on the back of their “immense progress in 2016”, which has seen them perform at C2C Festival once again, as well as the Buckle & Boots Festival.
DJ'ing they have brought their 'A' game at Nashville Nights (DJ Set) events (Newcastle, Bristol). UK Internet Radio Station UKCountryRadio.com celebrated their 9th Birthday Party and Awards on Saturday 3rd September 2016 where Holloway Road snagged UK Country Duo Of The Year 
In October Holloway Road joined Canadian singer-songwriter Dawson Reigns on his UK Tour co-headliner.

On 23rd September 2016 they released a new self-penned single Where We Are Tonight via iTunes, Amazon UK

Promoted on Hotdisc by Lime Tree Music it made a debut at #21 on the Hotdisc Top 40 (chart dated Sept 11, 2016) and climbed to #4 (chart Oct 16) landing No.1 on the Hotdisc British & Irish chart!

Watch Holloway Road’s drink-fuelled interview with Dan Wharton from yourlifeinasong.com (@LifeInASong_UK)



UK Album of the Year (presented by Chris Country Radio | Website)
Winner: The Southern Companion - 1000 DAYS OF RAIN
Belle Cannon - Evolution
The Southern Companion - 1000 Days Of Rain
Raintown - Writing On The Wall
Thorne Hill - No More Holding Back
Red Sky July - The Truth And The Lie

Watch the Chris Country Radio presentation for Album of the Year.


New to the category in something of a surprise The Southern Companion snagged the BCMAwards 2016 Album of the Year especially beating out the critically acclaimed 5 STAR album (Country Music People/Maverick) WRITING ON THE WALL from Raintown.


The Southern Companion - 1000 Days Of Rain
First Released: 23 February 2015
Label: Streets Productions Ltd
10 Tracks/ Time: 43:09

Band leader Darren Hodson shared with Zap Bang Magazine: “Our new album is called 1,000 Days Of Rain, it’s a very personal record for me and a lot of the songs sound a little heartbroken but there’s some uplifting moments to balance things out. 

I’m very proud of it, the guys in my band took my songs and played their hearts out on them. The two main, life changing events that inspired the record were becoming a father and then very soon afterwards losing my mum, but there’s also a lot of everyday kind of stuff in there, love, loss, family”.

On 23rd Feb 2016 The Southern Companion's 10 track album 1000 DAYS OF RAIN (Streets Productions Ltd) got some fresh exposure with a new release (first released digitally on February 25, 2015 Amazon UK | UK iTunes). Darren incorporated elements of southern rock, country, blues folk, soul and Americana into his music, grounding the songs in earthy guitars and husky vocals. The effect was described in NewsHub.com review as having "a cohesive musical style that is apt for starting a party in true roots fashion, but that is also not a stretch to drop down into stripped-back ballads. Although most of the songs are up-tempo and mid-tempo foot-tappers with a cheery sensibility, The Southern Companion spend the majority of their latest album ‘1000 Days of Rain’ dealing with emotions, and what sound like Darren’s own very personal experiences"

CLICK
to ENLARGE
CMP Review
It was awarded 5 STARS by Country Music People's reviewer Chris Smith in the April 2016 issue who said:
 "quality oozes from this album right away and you would expect it to given the musicians involved" and that it’s an album which "sets the tone of tight arrangements, strong vocals and well written new songs" and urged readers to "have a listen and be prepared to change your mind"

(Review: The Rocker65) He tackles themes of love, emotion and mortality. It’s certainly as good as anything else in this genre right now, and with a very listenable voice, and strong musicality, he may well tap into the zeitgeist." He rarely gets out of second gear, instead concentrating on feel and emotion, and there is a strong set of songs here. ‘Letting You Go’, ‘Dead Man Walking’ and ‘The Leaving Kind’ all get you hitting the repeat button, and there are even a couple of songs here that would sit comfortably on modern Radio 2.   It’s more for the Mojo crowd than the out and out country fans, but it’s certainly worth a listen.




Male Vocalist of the Year (presented by SaraBeth)
Winner: Gary Quinn 
Thorne Hill * NEW *, Ben Earle (The Shires), Nathan Carter, Pete Kennedy * NEW *, Gary Quinn * NEW * 

Gary Quinn beat out Thorne Hill (very popular in the room), the highly entertaining Nathan Carter, Dot Records and GOLD album selling Ben Shires and Leinster, County Offaly, Republic of Ireland native Pete Kennedy (former BCMAward 2-time Album of the Year winner) in one of the surprises of the night.
Quinn who is part of the Buckle & Boots Festival team now has four BCMAwards previously winning:
2013 - British Country Music Awards - 'UK Song of the Year' - 'He Don't Show Her Anymore' (G. Quinn)
2014 - British Country Music Awards - 'UK Song of the Year' - 'The Power Of Me And You' (G. Quinn & D. C. Banning)
2014 - British Country Music Awards - 'Songwriter of the Year'

Gary shares on Facebook: Still a little shocked to have been awarded UK Male Vocalist of the Year last night at the BCMAwards against some incredible artists! I'm overwhelmed by all those who've reached with messages of support, thank you very much! Massive thanks to everyone that has supported and got behind UK Country over the last 12 months, in particular everyone that attends the shows and buys the music, we couldn't do it without you!

Watch Gary Quinn’s BCMAwards winning interview with Dan Wharton from yourlifeinasong.com (@LifeInASong_UK)



Horizon Act of the Year (sponsor FSA Presents)
Winner: The Southern Companion 
The Southern Companion * NEW *, Narn * NEW *, Acoustic Journey * NEW *, Samantha Lloyd * NEW *, Fitzwallace * NEW * 

Watch the Facebook >> presentation video (c/o 2CountryRadio)

The Southern Companion  performing at the 2016 BCMAwards

Watch Darren Hodson’s BCMAwards winning interview with Dan Wharton from yourlifeinasong.com (@LifeInASong_UK)

Last year The Southern Companion camp watched the BCMAwards from home never imagining a year later, they would have the chance to attend and perform at the awards weekend and that they would be nominated for 4 awards!
The Southern Companion (Darren Hodson’s project) have also worked with 8 time Grammy-winning producer Ron Thaler.

The Southern Companion first came to our attention when a brand new country music festival was announced, Coffee and Country, took place on Thursday 28th April 2016 across multiple venues in Fulham, London. Hot on the heels of the success of Country to Country festival, the unique one-day festival witnessed rising country stars primarily from the UK perform to fans across two South West London cafes. At The Lekkerbek (25 Effie Rd, London SW6 1EL) they rounded out the line up.

About The Southern Companion:
Genre: UK Country/Americana | Home Town: Lymington, Hants
Real, Authentic, Retro, Heartfelt, UK Country/Americana.

A band and brainchild of Darren Hodson, a musician and songwriter from Hampshire, England
Members: Darren Hodson (Vocals / Guitars), Simon Johnson (Guitars / Backing Vocals), Stuart Ross (Bass / Backing Vocals), Olly Richmond-Jones (Drums / Backing Vocals) & Lee Maycock (Keys)
The Southern Companion are a band fronted by singer/songwriter Darren Hodson. It's a collaboration with his band of best friends and talented musicians. Since honing his craft from his early teens, Darren has now been working on his music for a good twenty years, even though his new album 1000 DAYS OF RAIN (first release digitally on Feb 25, 2015 Amazon UK | UK iTunes) was only his second record. The band’s genre-bending sound was described by For The Country Record as being "situated somewhere in the midst of country, folk, blues, rock and even pop – to create songs that are catchy without sacrificing the musicality or substance.
The lead single from ‘1000 Days of Rain’ was “Feels Like Years” and had an impact date set at May 25th 2015.
In 2015 The Southern Companion embarked on a UK and European tour opening for Radio 2 favourite Rumer with Darren Hodson additionally playing guitar in her band. Dan also opened for her in Nashville at The City Winery.
In January 2016 Maverick Magazine featured them on their Maverick Music Volume 19 CD.
Darren Hodson and his Southern Companion opened shows for Lulu on her 7-week March/ April 2016 run British tour. Darren Hodson played in her band and was in bands years ago, before packing it in. With the UK enjoying a renaissance in country music, with the C2C Festivals and The Shires and Ward Thomas heading the pack of Brit acts, it seems the urge was too strong to resist and he headed for a modern country / Americana direction drawing on his influences covering the likes of The Black Crowes, The Allman Brothers, Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers, Ryan Adams and others.

On Friday 11th March 2016 The Southern Companion appeared at and kicked things off on the Big Entrance Pop Up stage at C2C Country To Country Festival at London's iconic O2 (North Greenwich) Arena. Other Fesitival appearances were FSA Fest (July 31), The Buckle & Boots Festival (June 26) and Harvest Music festival (Monforte D'alba, Italy; Sept 4)
They have played at gigs across Southern England and opened for Jess and the Bandits in Southampton. They will be opening on Dexeter’s tour in April 2017.
The single “Crash” made it to the final of UKCountryRadio.com’s Listeners Club Song of the Year (won by Wayne Jacobs)
Their video for "Crash" was aired on Sky 266 after reaching #2 on the fan voted CM&T International Artist Chart

Baylen Leonard the Nashville Nights DJ, Amazing Radio and BBC Radio 2 Country presenter has been championing the music and the band were featured in a special Front Porch session (April 2) recorded in the Newcastle studios.

CONNECT with The Southern Companion:
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UK Song of the Year (sponsored by Sonnet Music)
Winner: Luke & Mel - Bad Habit
The Southern Companion - Crash
Katy Hurt - Love You More
Luke & Mel - Bad Habit
Ashton Lane - Seventeen
Raintown - Nineteen Again


This is the second year in succession that Luke & Mel have won this award. Last year Luke Thomas & Melanie Greggain took home the award for “Something About A Woman” written by Ann “Thunderlungs” Bailey and Matt Greaves. Read More:2015 British Country Music Awards Winners

Luke & Mel’s “Bad Habit single, written by Melanie Greggain, Luke Thomas and Steve Black, was promoted by Adam Jones PR on promotional October Hotdisc #214 reaching #4 on the Hotdisc top 40 and topping the British & Irish Chart (dated Oct 23, 2016)
The “Bad Habit” single was released 29 April 2016 (L&M Music; Amazon UK - UK iTunes Amazon.com) and very briefly peaked at #4 UK Country iTunes Singles Chart (30 April) for just 1 hour, then during that day fell away to #14 (#1194 all genres), then #27.
Released on 29 April 2016 its current Amazon UK Bestsellers Rank is #83,523 in Albums 

Video of the Year
Winner: Luke & Mel “Bad Habit”
Thorne Hill - Open Road
Raintown - Writing On The Wall
Luke & Mel - Bad Habit
Gary Quinn - Dodge Your Bullet
The Southern Companion – Drive

In what was probably the weakest category in terms of the quality of the nominated videos Luke & Mel bagged their second award of the evening
Watch “ Bad Habit”

Published on 22 June 2016 the official video has had over 800 views on YouTube. The video produced, directed and edited by ABC Visuals. It has been shown several times on the Hotdisc Top 20 TV show broadcast on Keep It Country TV (Sky TV 389, FreeSat 516 and FreeView Channel 87).

Watch Luke & Mels BCMAwards winning interview with Dan Wharton from yourlifeinasong.com (@LifeInASong_UK)



INTERNATIONAL AWARDS

International Song of the Year
Winner: Chris Stapleton - Tennessee Whiskey 
Chris Stapleton - Tennessee Whiskey 
Thomas Rhett - Die A Happy Man
Tim McGraw - Humble And Kind
Maren Morris - My Church
Carrie Underwood - Smoke Break

International Album of the Year
Winner: Chris Stapleton - Traveller
Chris Stapleton - Traveller
Thomas Rhett - Tangled Up
Carrie Underwood - Storyteller
Eric Church - Mr Misunderstood
Chris Young - I’m Coming Over

International Act of the Year (presented by 2County.net)
Winner: Phil Vassar
Little Big Town
Dixie Chicks
Phil Vassar
Thomas Rhett
Kip Moore

Watch the ceremony presented by 2County.net’s very own Rob and Erica Fielder:
Phil played a storming set at C2C2016 in a packed Brooklyn Bowl, proved a be a hit at The Buckle & Boots Festival. His 30 minute TV show Songs from the Cellar airs each week on Keep It Country TV. The singer/songwriter opens the doors to his personal cellar to showcase wine and spirits, share unforgettable stories and collaborate with special guests, including Sarah Darling, Steve Cropper, Carrot Top, Stix, Charles Esten, Gary Quinn and Mike Reid with intimate interviews and comedic banter unlike any other show on air or online.

Chris Country Radio  Website aired Phil’s new single at midday 31 Oct as a European exclusive!


After playing Europe occasionally throughout his career, Nashville hit songwriter Phil Vassar wanted to make the UK a strong focus for 2016. Last night (Oct 30th 2016) at their annual award ceremony in London, he was announced as the winner of one of the largest awards given by the British Country Music Association – 2016 International Act of the Year. This is Phil's first BCMA award, beating other nominees for the category including Little Big Town, Kip Moore, Dixie Chicks and Thomas Rhett.


I am so honored to win this award,” said Vassar; “I love playing in the UK and the fans are amazing. They really listen to the lyrics and truly love to hear the story behind the song. As a singer-songwriter, it’s such a huge compliment to see fans embrace the heart and soul of your music.” 

After playing C2C in March, Vassar returned to the UK and Europe in June for numerous shows across the UK, Germany, and Italy.
Vassar plans to return to the UK several times in 2017 to coincide with the launch of his first Europe-only album. The single, 'Amazing Grace', is now available on iTunes and numerous digital outlets. Another new track, 'Party People', an upbeat cut, is available exclusively on his free Phil Vassar app.
ABOUT PHIL VASSAR:
Phil Vassar is one of a handful of musicians to have multiple hits as a songwriter, artist, and producer. He has had ten Number 1 tracks, fifteen Top 10s, and twenty-six Top 40s. Top songs include 'Just Another Day in Paradise', 'Carlene', 'Six Pack Summer', 'American Child', 'For a Little While' & 'My Next Thirty Years' (Tim McGraw), 'Right on the Money' (Alan Jackson), 'I’m All Right' & 'Bye Bye' (Jodee Messina), and many more. He also recently launched 'Songs from the Cellar' a wine-infused musical conversation airing across the US and Europe. It airs weekly on Tuesdays at 6:30pm GMT, repeated on Fridays at 9pm on Sky TV’s Keep It Country channel.

Special Achievement Award: The Shires
 
Services To Industry
International – Kirt Webster
UK – Rob Davis
 
British Country Music Hall Of Fame:

BCMAwards 2016: Rob Davis (R) & Jim Duncan (L)
British Hall Of Fame Credit: DJS Photography
Services To Industry: – Rob Davis




















Geordie Jack, Darren Busby, and the late Lyn Jones who died in December 2015. Mr. Jones provided events and Festivals with many acts over many years. The fan-voted winners of May’s Cross Country / National Artist Management (CCN) Awards awarded him their Services to Industry honour.
 There were also mentions to previous inductees who died this year Jackie Storrar and Stu Stevens.

Darren Busby was voted Male Vocalist of The Year (Sponsor – CMDS Magazine) in 2011 and was voted Solo Act of the Year UK (Male or Female) (Sponsored by Double H Promotions) at the 2012 British Country Music Awards.
Apparently over the years Busby has been the recipient of over 140 UK Country Music Awards.
He started musical career in 1980,being part of a small band in home town of Barton-on-Humber .Unfortunately the band did not last too long so taught himself to play the guitar. In 1987 went solo while still retaining job as a welder. He turned to songwriting and in 1998 turned full-time professional into the music business.
Watch Darren at The Wyre Valley CMC, Kidderminster on 3rd June 2016:

Listen to an archive interview as Darren Busby talked with UKCountryRadio.com CEO Allan Watkiss:


Geordie Jack 
Sutherland-based singer-songwriter Geordie Jack (Facebook Page), founder and lead vocalist of one of Scotland’s most successful-ever bands – Colorado caught the music industry entirely by surprise in making an unheralded comeback from retirement – as a solo act – just four months short of his 66th birthday.

After retirement he was leading the quiet life in his home village of Golspie, although still writing songs.
However, the soft-spoken and very self-effacing Highlander sprang a major pre-festive-season surprise on the music industry by releasing a 10-track solo album, CHOICES, on the Wick-based Pan Records label.
His enterprise was swiftly recognized by winning North Highland Radio’s award for Scotland’s favourite country music singer.

By the late 1960s, he was already a full-time professional with the Caithness-based band The Dynamos, touring the UK. Some years on, Jack cajoled four young fellow East Sutherland lads – Sandy Mackay, Dado Duncan, Gordon Davidson and the late Davy Duff – into forming a band playing country music. Colorado was born and their stepping stone to UK and international acclaim was in winning a national talent contest for country artists.
Leaving on a Jet Plane:


Colorado were to dominate the UK country music scene for more than a decade in the 1980s – voted the top British country band for nine years in a row – touring Europe and the US, making countless TV appearances and twice featuring on the bill at the famous Grand Ole Oprey in Nashville, Tennessee, where they recorded an album. The group disbanded in 1991, although they played a handful of foreign festivals on a part-time basis, while each carved out individual and alternative careers.Jack formed a new band, The Jacks, with his two sons, Kevin, 42, and Trevor, 39, Dado Duncan and Bryan Coghill which was also very successful – touring extensively at home and abroad, twice headlining in Australia and releasing an album which sold more than 30,000 copies to earn a platinum award.


In 2012, Jack decided to retire and help out as a handyman and gardener for his wife, Irene, who, once all their musically talented family of four – Kevin, Trevor, Kim, 33, and Nicola, 29 – had flown the nest, had developed a successful upmarket B&B from their detached home overlooking the Moray Firth. Jack, who is articulate and urbane, continued songwriting and recording other folk’s music for his own pleasure until he was persuaded by family and friends to produce his album CHOICES, featuring three of his own compositions. It’s available on UK iTunes & at Music In Scotland.com

He said: “The title Choices reflects the many, sometimes difficult, choices of a travelling full-time musician – juggling music passion and demand, family responsibilities, financial pressures and all the social pitfalls of life on the road. I also wanted to record other people’s songs where the lyrics fitted my lifestyle views and sentiments. Although I am now approaching 66, the love of music, live performances and my urge to deliver strong lyrics to an audience has not diminished at all. The desire to take my material and find a ‘listening’ audience has been really rekindled.

BCMAwards 2016: Photos

BCMAs 2016 Songwriters Night: Facebook Gallery | Facebook Gallery All Images © DJS Photography and ©BCMA

British Country Music Awards London 2016 (32 photos): Facebook Gallery

BCMAwards 2016 Fashion





















Emma Swindells: The lovely Wolverhampton based singer-songwriter attended the Best Of British Songwriter event rocking a monochrome evening outfit wearing a sleeveless Mini length New Look Cameo Rose Black Contrast Mesh Panel Skater Dress (Product; Code: 391328501; £19.99). It features a contrast mesh panel with a Fit and flare design and perfectly complemented the “Flatline” singers’ figure. Emma added some hot red booties and had long cascading curls. Watch her >> performance






































Narn (Rheana Forrester) 


The “Dream Big” Staffordshire country-pop singer/songwriter was attending the BCMAwards where she was nominated for an Horizon Award. 

One of the prettiest young ladies on the British Country circuit she was seen wearing an elegant black choker/ halter neck sleeveless jumpsuit with keyhole detail and leg slits at the bottom

Get the look with a Lavish Alice Tall Halter Neck jumpsuit at ASOS or a more revealing Hollie High Neck Deep Plunge Jumpsuit at  Boohoo
Narn (Rheana Forrester) | (C) Credit DJS Photography

On May 26, 2016 she released her debut album WASN'T BORN TO LOSE (Rooftop Records Limited) 
10 Tracks/ Time: 34:31 Amazon UK - iTunes UK Amazon.com
It was completed in 3 days, recorded with instruments in 2 days, vocals recorded in a day
On June 4th on UK Country iTunes Chart it made a debut #27 (#988 all genres), climbed to #12, off the top 200 June 5th.



























Narn was about to head out on a UK tour with BCMAward Male Vocalist and Album nominee Thorne Hill.
They announced their tour competition winners live at the BCMAwards in this >> Facebook Video.

Melanie Greggain 
The female halve of duo Luke & Mel absolutely dazzled with 2 wonderful looks showing off her might fine physique.
Whilst presenting and posing for press room carpet she wore a  fetching Oxblood One Shoulder Scuba Deep Fold Maxi Dress with exposed zip from the ASOS Collection (ASOS Product £60.00; >> catwalk video). The 93% Polyester, 7% Elastane dress features a
The model wears a UK 8/EU 36 and is 5' 9" tall.
Like the model runway look Mel add a single gold upper arm bracelet and gold open strappy heels.
For a similar look check out the ASOS Forever Unique Aiko One Shoulder Maxi Dress With Side Zip - Product
Or the ASOS One Shoulder Deep Fold Maxi Dress with Exposed Zip in Scuba - Product































For her live BCMAwards performance the award winning “Bad Habit” songstress completely stunning wearing a dazzling Silver ASOS NIGHT Armour Mesh Bodycon Dress from the ASOS Collection (Product 897855 £100; >> catwalk video). This stunning dress features heavily-embellished mesh with a high neckline and zip back fastening and the close-cut bodycon fit offers a jaw dropping winning look! Melanie added some sexy tassel/ fringed pointed toe slim high heels ankle booties
You can find a similar Brand design with these DEleventh booties available in red or black - Product









































Sarabeth 
The US “Runnin’ Outta Lipstick” singer was pictured wearing a sleeveless black tasseled cut-out dress sourced from The Showroom Nashville (1212 8th Ave S, Nashville, Tennessee | Facebook). She added studded pumps, a pink lippie and had flowing golden locks for a winning look #littleblackdress #theshowroom #dressedup

SaraBeth
(C) Credit DJS Photography











































She later added even more sex appeal rounding out the evening event changing into a Burgundy Lioness Women's Red Drop Dead Maxi Romper (No longer available at Lyst and Nasty Gal) . You can get the look by sourcing a Boohoo Women's Red Ann Maxi Overlay Plunge Long Sleeve Playsuit - Product










































Samantha Lloyd






























The Stoke-on-Trent singer-songwriter and Horizon Act of the Year nominee wore a red jewel neck sleeveless floor length gown which had beaded and embellished detailing across the shoulders bodice and waist.
Get the look with a Gina Bacconi Beaded Maxi Dress at John Lewis

Credits:
British Country Music Awards, DJS Photography, Chris Country Radio, 
2Country.net, Your Life In A Song.com


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