Country Bites News snippets Sept 29 – Oct 5, 2014

Country Bites News snippets September 29 – October 5, 2014

SOURCES / LINKS shown in RED

UK & IRISH News

Taylor Swift's POP single “Shake If Off” remained on the BBC Radio 2 "A" Playlist for week commencing Saturday 4th October. She also remains on Radio 1 "A" playlist (for week commencing Monday Sept 29th).

Lady Antebellum with “Lie With Me” remain on the “B” list joined by UK duo Ward Thomas with their third Radio 2 single “Way Back Then”. The third single (second from their debut album) from Ward Thomas "Way Back When" will be released on Monday 20 October ahead of their co-headline UK tour with The Shires. Stream "Way Back When" (Radio Version) on soundcloud

UK CHART NEWS

Official UK Top 100 Singles Chart (Week Ending October 11, 2014)

Taylor Swift's with her pop single “Shake It Off” held its peak position of number three (54,652 sales) with a to-date tally of 315,033 copies.

Official UK Top 100 Album Chart (Week Ending October 11, 2014)

Dolly Parton with BLUE SMOKE/THE BEST OF (Masterworks) fell 16-20 in her 17th chart frame  (4,200+ estimated sales, 17-week total 218,200).

Lucinda Williams with DOWN WHERE THE SPIRIT MEETS THE BONE (Highway 20) made a debut at No.23 selling 4,101 copies. None of her first five studio albums made the Top 75 here but the next five did, with 2007's “West” providing Williams with her best chart position of No.30. Now with this 11th studio album it surpassed that feat this week to become only her second Top 40 album, at the age of 61.

Official UK Country Album Chart (Week Ending October 11, 2014)

Tim McGraw with SUNDOWN HEAVEN TOWN (Big Machine) remains at No.1

Blake Shelton with BRINGING BACK THE SUNSHINE (Warner Bros) made a No.2 debut.

Irish favourite Derek Ryan with THE SIMPLE THINGS makes a big climb 16-3

The UK’s Ward Thomas with FROM WHERE WE STAND (WTW Music) were a non-mover at No.4 in their 11th week.

Kenny Chesney with his new album THE BIG REVIVAL (Blue Chair) fell 2-7 in his second week.

Brad Paisley’s MOONSHINE IN THE TRUNK improved 7-6 in his 6th week

Kacey Musgraves with SAME TRAILER DIFFERENT PARK (Decca) fell 3-8 in her 77th chart frame

Lee Ann Womack with her comeback album THE WAY I'M LIVIN' (Welk) fell 5-10 in her second chart frame.

Big & Rich with their new set GRAVITY (BSR) made their debut at No.14

On the Hotdisc Chart (October 5, 2014 Chart) 

Ray Scott held onto No.1 on the Top 40 for a fourth straight week with "Drinkin' Beer".

Barry P.Foley & Doug Adkins were a non-mover at No.2 with their fun  “Pretty Girls” .

USA act Bruce Larson, climbed 4-3 with "Fishin' Pole Dancin'" whilst duo Native Run also reached their highest rank with a 5-4 lift with "Good On You".

In his ninth chart frame David Shelby with “Southern Drawl” (writers Chip Davis and Damon Carol) from the August Hotdisc #188 reached its highest position to round out the Top tier (11-10)

Tony Clarke’s self-penned "I Am What I Am" slipped 3-5 but held No.1 on the British & Irish Chart for a third week.

His nearest challenger is now Dave Sheriff who advanced 9-7 (3-2 British Chart) with “Highway Number Nine”.

UK singer songwriter Mim Grey whose “Travelling Star” fell 7-8 (2-3 British Chart) whilst The Diablos retreated 10-11 (a non-mover #4 British Chart) with "Right By Your Side".

Outside of the Top 10:

Germany’s Mandy Strobel with “Corner Café” climbed another 14-13.

New USA Hotdisc act Beau + Luci made a 15-12 jump with their single “Fire”.

Philip Claypool’s title cut single “Come On Back Home” moved northwards 20-16.

Bluegrass outfit Nu-Blu entered the top 20 with a 21-19 stride with “Jesus And Jones” (writers Rick Toger and Cheri Hefner)

Outside of the Top 20:

There were new peaks for US singer Sarabeth with “Nowhere With You” (23-21) , Luanne Hunt with “If I Love You” (28-25) ,) and duo Cameron Troy with “Just Kiss Me” rose (35-33)

Next week should see new tracks from the October 2014 Hotdisc #190 impact the chart as the promo disc lands on the DJs doormats and email boxes.

Hotdisc Tribute

Back in 2006 George Hamilton IV visited the Hotdisc Studios in Scotland to record an exclusive acoustic session with music and chat commemorating 50 years in the business. In 2011 he returned to have a chat where he was asked the question, "How would he like to be remembered for his contribution to country music?" >> Listen on YouTube

The latest International Mainstream Country Music Chart - Top 40 Singles Chart (1-8 AUGUST 2014) has been published

compiled and launched from The Netherlands by: Joyce Ramgatie

The Top 20 reads:

1. Perley Curtis - Hank   2. Bernie Early–Sonofa Trucker’s Son  
3. Ray Sanders - Heaven help the Workingman Today

4. Sammy Kershaw - Near You  5. Graeme Clarke - Darlin On Your Way Out Close The Door

6. Jason Whited - Sad Times  7. Terry Moore - Away From The City 
8. Harry Haynes - I Missed Me   9. Jim Barribeau - Take God's Hand 
10. Darren Mullins - Why Can't You Be True

11. John Garr - Tennessee 12. Tom Cunningham - Pretty As A Woman Can Be 
13. Ed Scheer - I Ain’t Getting Wet  14. Stephen Shepherd - Living on Borrowed Time
 15. George Longard - I Went To Your Wedding

16. Tex Ritter - Blood On The Saddle  17. Rob Post - Blue Moon
18. Allen Karl - Mansion Over The Hilltop 19. BadBob Rohan - Orange Blossom Special 
20. Noel Parlane - Don’t be angry

UK COUNTRY ALBUM RELEASES

Help keep this BLOG alive! It doesn’t cost you extra, but it helps us keep the lights on by supporting the Amazon CD / MP3 links.

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

(30 Sept 2014) Ricky Skaggs And Sharon White - Hearts Like Ours (Skaggs Family Records)

UK Nov 3, 2014 CD - Amazon.com - US iTunes

(6 Oct 2014) JJ Barrie - No Charge

17 Tracks/ Time: 58:11 CD - MP3

(6 Oct 2014 UK) Lady Antebellum - 747 Deluxe Edition  Decca (UMO)

14 Tracks/ Time: 48:24  CD - MP3 -  UK iTunes - Smart Choice Music - Amazon.com 

(7 Oct 2014) Brian Collins - Healing Highway (Blue Light Entertainment)

13 Tracks UK iTunes - US iTunes - briancollinsmusic.com

(7 Oct 2014) Jason Aldean - Old Boots, New Dirt (Import)

CD - Smart Choice Music  - Amazon.com 

(7 Oct 2014) Crystal Shawanda - Whole World's Got (Import)

10 Tracks/ Time: 41:45  Blues/ Rock CD - Amazon.com

(7 Oct 2014) Minnie Driver - Ask Me To Dance

CD - Amazon.com Check out >> “Human” Here she returns for her third Zoe/Rounder album, after a lengthy hiatus, that included having her son and a flood of acting gigs. ASK ME TO DANCE is a bit of a departure from her previous two albums of original material, featuring her own interpretations of other artists' songs that have been important touchstones in her life. Here she brings her own inimitable style and take on songs by Elliott Smith, The Cure, Neil Young, John Prine, as well as Stevie Wonder and Frank Sinatra, among others.

BLUEGRASS NEWS

The 2014 International Bluegrass Music Awards

• North Carolina’s own Balsam Range took home the Entertainer of the Year award at the 25th annual International Bluegrass Music Awards Thursday night, October 2nd, at Raleigh, North Carolina’s Duke Energy Center for the Performing Arts. It was an exciting night for the band, who also received awards for Vocal Group of the Year, and Male Vocalist (Buddy Melton).
• Banjo player Noam Pikelny (well known as a member of Punch Brothers) had a breakout night, winning Banjo Player of the Year and Album of the Year for Noam Pikelny Plays Kenny Baker Plays Bill Monroe. At an earlier awards ceremony, Hall of Fame inductee Neil Rosenberg won Best Liner Notes for the same album.
• Flatt Lonesome was named Emerging Artist of the Year, and in its 39th year as a band, Special Consensus took both Instrumental Recorded Performance of the Year and Recorded Event of the Year, winning IBMA awards for the first time.
• Amanda Smith took home the award for Female Vocalist of the Year; both Smith and Melton were first-time winners in these categories.
• Claire Lynch and Louisa Branscomb received the award for Song of the Year for the title track off Lynch's 2013 release Dear Sister. The Claire Lynch Band also delivered absolutely spellbinding version of the winning song during the awards show.

Press Releases:

• For a full listing of all the Winners visit ibma.org $ bluegrasssituation.com
• Amanda Smith Wins IBMA Female Vocalist of the Year Award The mother-to-be accepted the award with a heartfelt acceptance speech that certainly thrilled the audience - Hope River Entertainment
• Compass Artists Take Top Honors at the International Bluegrass Music Awards Show…Label leads with seven wins, including Noam Pikelny, Special Consensus, Frank Solivan & Dirty Kitchen and Claire Lynch.

CANADIAN NEWS

Victoria Banks released her new 10 track album INDIGO on Oct 07, 2014 via Canada iTunes She shared: "Indigo is a very intimate album for me. These songs were written with collaborators that I'm able to feel vulnerable with, so my co-producer and I wanted to capture that intimacy in the recording process too," says Banks. "We built a lot of the tracks on bare bones sessions that I recorded alone in my home studio in the middle of the night. We didn't want to box the songs into a genre. We just went

where the songs wanted to go." Victoria will be celebrating the album release at The Basement in Nashville on October 22nd, (RareSpark Media Group, Inc.) performing with a full band.

Saskatchewan country musician Codie Prevost's year got a whole lot crazier Sunday night when he took home the 2014 Western Canadian Music Award for "Country Recording of the Year". His latest album ALL KINDS OF CRAZY was chosen from a category that included nominees Dallas Smith, Gord Bamford, Whiskey Jane, and Matt Patershuk.

"Words cannot describe the feeling of gratitude when I heard my name called on Sunday evening. I have such an incredible support system that includes my music team, wife, family, and all my fans! This would not have been possible with out them" Prevost said. "All Kinds of Crazy", Prevost's fourth album, was released independently in March. It was produced by Tom McKillip (Aaron Pritchett, One More Girl) and recorded at Studio Downe Under in Abbotsford and Armoury Studios in Vancouver.

NEWS

Country Aircheck's Insider Artist News

October 3, 2014: Lady Antebellum (7FOR7 Luck), Miranda Lambert (Paws For Effect), Jennifer Nettles (Frozen Treat), Blake Shelton (Blake's Boulevard), Carrie Underwood (Carrie On), Jim Ed Brown (Life Note)

October 7, 2014: Little Big Town (Group Invite), Garth Brooks (Future's So Bright), Miranda Lambert (Blondes Bond), Dierks Bentley (On the GO), Carrie Underwood (Acts Of Valor), Lady Antebellum (7FOR7 Lands >> Facebook Video), Scotty McCreery (Gift That Keeps Giving)

On May 21, 1999, Little Big Town gave their first public performance at the Grand Ole Opry. Now, 15 years later, the Grammy-winning quartet of Karen Fairchild, Kimberly Schlapman, Jimi Westbrook and Phillip Sweet will be joining the iconic organization as its newest members. As the group was finishing their three-song set on the Opry stage on Friday night (Oct. 3), Reba McEntire joined them onstage for an impromptu sing-along to their hit "Pontoon," and she capped the performance by inviting the group to become Opry members. Watch the >> video .The group will be formally inducted into the Opry on Oct. 17 by Vince Gill.

AWARDS

The 2014 CMA Awards heats up with performances by Jason Aldean, Dierks Bentley, Kenny Chesney, and Tim Mcgraw.

The superstar lineup continues to grow with the announcement today that Jason Aldean, Dierks Bentley, Kenny Chesney, and Tim McGraw are each performing during “The 48th Annual CMA Awards,” which airs live Wednesday, Nov. 5 (8:00 PM/CT) from the Bridgestone Arena in Nashville on the ABC Television Network.

Hosted for the seventh consecutive year by Brad Paisley and Carrie Underwood, Country Music’s Biggest Night™ will also feature performances by Luke Bryan, Lady Antebellum, Miranda Lambert, Little Big Town, Paisley, Blake Shelton, The Band Perry, Underwood, and Keith Urban.

NSAI Presents Annual Awards: Critically acclaimed singer/songwriter Brandy Clark received her first NSAI Award when her song “Follow Your Arrow” (co-written with Shane McAnally and Kacey Musgraves and recorded by Musgraves) was named among the “10

Brandy Clark (L) with Gretchen Peters( R)

Songs I Wish I Had Written” during the 44th Anniversary Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame Dinner & Induction Ceremony. This is the latest recognition for Clark, who is currently nominated for two CMA Awards for New Artist of the Year and Song of the Year (for “Follow Your Arrow”) and who recently won the 2014 Music Row Breakthrough Artist of the Year Award.

During the event, Clark also performed in honor of Gretchen Peters, who was inducted into the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame. “Being asked by Gretchen to be a part of her Hall of Fame induction is a highlight of my career. I am in awe of her. I learned how to write songs from listening to her.  I feel so privileged to have the opportunity to honor her by performing some of the very songs that inspired me to be a songwriter.” Clark returns to the road to open for the legendary Loretta Lynn at a sold out show at the historic Ryman Auditorium in Nashville Friday (Oct. 10). She will then joins Eric Church’s “The Outsiders World Tour” beginning on Oct. 16 in Charlottesville, VA.

44th Anniversary Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame Dinner & Induction Ceremony

"Once again four incredibly talented songwriters have taken their rightful place as the newest members of the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame,” said Pat Alger, Board Chair of the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame Foundation and a member of the Hall of Fame. “John Anderson, Paul Craft, Tom Douglas and Gretchen Peters represent the best our great songwriting community has to offer. With long fruitful careers of memorable songs, they set the highest creative standard for all of us.”

Paul Craft was inducted by Hall of Fame songwriter Layng Martine, Jr. Thomas Rhett performed a medley of songs, including “Hank Williams, You Wrote My Life” and “Brother Jukebox.”  In a nod to the recording popularized by her aunt, Linda, Britt Ronstadt performed “Keep Me From Blowing Away” and Bobby Bare closed out the set with “Drop Kick Me, Jesus.” 

Gretchen Peters was inducted by Hall of Fame songwriter Rodney Crowell. Brandy Clark performed a medley of "Let That Pony Run", “You Don't Even Know Who I Am” and “Independence Day” while Trisha Yearwood sang “On A Bus To St. Cloud”, "All exquisite performances" shared a delighted Gretchen. Frequent co-writer Bryan Adams sent a congratulatory video message to Peters.

John Anderson, left, Gretchen Peters, Tom Douglas (R)
 (Photo: Shelley Mays/The Tennessean)

Tom Douglas was inducted by his longtime publisher Troy Tomlinson. 
The music segment featured Collin Raye performing “Little Rock,” Hall of Fame member and co-writer Allen Shamblin singing “The House That Built Me” and Tim McGraw with “My Little Girl.”via a pre-recorded video, Lady Antebellum sent their own congratulations to Douglas.

Watch his brilliant 11 mins Tom Douglas >> Songwriters Hall of Fame Induction Speech - Douglas gave the best acceptance speech of the evening in which he deftly likened the process of songwriting to the creation story in Genesis and in which he gracefully traced the progress of songwriting from the songs of King David to "Teardrops on My Guitar," touching all the lyrical and melodic landmarks in between. It was as well-crafted and impactful as his best songs.

Gretchen Peters tweeted @gretchenpeters So cool to see Tom Douglas trending on Twitter! That was the acceptance speech of a lifetime. #holywow

John Anderson was inducted by Big & Rich’s John Rich, who also performed a medley of Anderson penned hits, including "Wish I Coulda Been There" and "Chicken Truck." Hall of Fame songwriter Bobby Braddock sang “Seminole Wind,” while country star Josh Turner performed “Swingin’.” 

In a special tribute alongside the Hall of Fame inductions, Hall of Fame songwriters Matraca Berg and Don Schlitz presented the Frances Williams Preston Mentor Award to publisher Pat Higdon.

The organization's professional songwriter members voted “Automatic” (written by Nicolle Galyon, Natalie Hemby and Miranda Lambert / recorded by Miranda Lambert) as their Song of the Year.

The Songwriter of the Year prize went to Ashley Gorley (a man behind several of Luke Bryan's biggest hits).

The Songwriter/Artist of the Year was awarded to Jack White.  

Sources: nashvillesongwritersfoundation & cmt.com & Tennessean.com Songwriters Hall of Fame inducts four + Photo Gallery

TV

• Taylor Swift has been named the key advisor for the current season of NBC's music competition series, "The Voice." Swift will serve as the sole mentor for all of the artists on each of the four teams.
• "Nashville" Recap: "How Far Down Can I Go"

TOURS

Miranda Lambert is headed back on the road this January with her Certified Platinum tour, with special guest Justin Moore. RaeLynn, Sunny Sweeney, Ashley Monroe and Danielle Bradbery will be on the bill in select markets, too.

Garth Brooks has once again proven his mass appeal. Tickets for Brooks' tour stop in Minneapolis went on sale and

within two hours, six additional shows had been added. The total currently stands at 10 shows scheduled for Minneapolis, with two shows per night on four of the six scheduled dates. 

BABY NEWS

Country music stars Holly Williams and husband Chris Coleman welcomed their baby daughter, Stella June Coleman, into the world on Tuesday Oct 1, 2014 at 1:45 pm.The delighted 33-year-old, who is the granddaughter of Hank Williams Sr. and daughter of Hank Williams Jr., shared the news on her Twitter account, with a snap of the newborn's tiny fingers

holding on to a blue, pink and white blanket. She captioned the poignant picture: 'Hello world! Stella June Coleman arrived this afternoon. How does she have a perfect manicure?! Our hearts are mush and we are thanking God every single second for this healthy miracle of life.' Stella was born in Nashville, weighing in at 7lbs, 12oz. and measuring 21 inches long, her rep told Us Weekly.

As for the inspiration behind her daughter's name? Williams, 33, kept it in the family, bringing her great, great aunt Stella's name back, while June was the name of her grandmother.

Prepping for parenthood was made easier by Williams' celebrity pals. "Sheryl Crow has given me advice about touring on the road with little kids — you can’t be in a van anymore," Williams joked to Us at the Rolling Stone Country launch party in June. "And Gwyneth [Paltrow] has told me about making your own baby food and cooking and steaming food. And then you know Karen Fairchild [Little Big Town] is really good about balancing baby time and tour time. I have a good girl group."

This is the first grandchild for country strummer Hank Jr., who fathered Holly with his ex-wife, Becky White.

Read more and photos at Daily Mail

New Addition: Clara Henningsen of The Henningsens and husband Jacob Calaway are expecting their first child in March. They revealed the happy news on Twitter with this photo, saying "Adding a new band member March 2015!"

MUSIC NEWS

DJ Neil Fox has been arrested by police over four allegations of sexual assault against two women. Three of the allegations are historical, while one is from earlier this year. The 53-year-old Magic presenter, who is known as Doctor Fox, was questioned at a police station in central London. He was bailed later on Tuesday. A Bauer Media spokesman said: "Bauer Media can confirm that Neil Fox, presenter of the Magic Radio breakfast show, was today arrested by Westminster Police. He is currently being questioned about various allegations. A spokeswoman said: "Officers from Westminster this morning, Tuesday, 30 September, arrested 53-year-old man following four allegations of sexual assault against two women."Three of the allegations are historic, one from earlier this year.

SINGLE / ALBUM NEWS

Chely Wright surpassed her Kickstarter goal of $175,000! She is due to begin recording her new album soon after 2,265 backers pledged $247,181 of a $175,000 goal. Stretch Goal of $200,000, Chely shared: If we raise more than our goal, we can keep going!  If we reach our Stretch Goal, all that we raise will go toward marketing and promotion, original video content and tour support. This tour support will allow me to do shows in more places and that means I’ll get to meet you out there on the road. All of the funds we raise will go right back into engaging with you, the fans.

The Cains Trio a up-and-coming sibling group, will release their debut album, STAY ON BOARD, on Oct. 28, with an iTunes pre-sale beginning on Oct. 10. Stay On Board will be released through DayStreet Records/GMV Nashville. The album follows the

group’s release of their current single, “Be Yourself With Me,” to Country radio, which recently garnered the group MusicRow Magazine’s prestigious DisCovery Award. Award-winning songwriter Ed Hill commented about the group, “The Cains are the most exciting group I’ve ever worked with. This dynamic trio is a force to be reckoned with when it comes to raw talent – unusually interesting harmonies, contagious energy and addictive songs. I believe they’ll play an important role in pioneering positive change in today’s quality of country music, attracting and impacting listeners and fans of all ages.”

Country newcomer Chase Bryant released his self-titled debut EP featuring his hit song "Take It on Back." The 21-year-old native Texan co-wrote all five songs on the EP, and co-produced the project, too. Chase is on the road with Brantley Gilbert's Let It Ride tour through the fall.

Maddie & Tae reveal their self-titled EP cover art and showcased a hearty mix of sweet and spitfire on the November 4 digital release on Dot Records, a newly established imprint underneath the Big Machine Label Group. Already creating buzz at radio with their Top 15-and-climbing debut single, “Girl In A Country Song” boasts over 8.9 million views online - Tracklisting (Big Machine)

Carrie Underwood is releasing her first best-of compilation, Greatest Hits: Decade #1, December 9 featuring the brand-new single, "Something in the Water." which was released to country radio and all digital outlets on Sept 29, 2014. The new album release celebrates the 10 years that have passed since Carrie auditioned for American Idol. She of course won the Idol crown in 2005.

Carrie says, "I can’t believe it’s been a decade since I auditioned for American Idol.  Looking back at the songs I’ve released over the years lets me relive my amazing journey.  Even better I get to include new music for the fans!”

As for "Something in the Water," Carrie calls the new song "inspirational." “It’s joyous!" she says. "I can’t help but smile when I hear it. I hope it has the same effect on everyone who listens to it.”

Click HERE to listen to “Something In The Water”

(Label: 19 Recordings Limited / Arista Nashville) Duration: 3:57 minutes


“Something In The Water” was  co-written with industry tastemakers Chris DeStefano (Miranda Lambert‘s “Somethin’ Bad”) and Brett James (Brantley Gilbert‘s “Bottoms Up”)

Sony Press Release - Single Art [JPG] 

Also available on UK iTunes and Amazon.com

Pop Dust.com  ‘Something In The Water’—Single Review (Rating: Grade: 4.5/5)

PRESS RELEASES

• Compass Records is pleased to announce the signing of bluegrass and traditional country-infused duo Rob Ickes and Trey Hensley to the label. Their debut collaboration, BEFORE THE SUN GOES DOWN, slated for a January 2015 release, pairs the International Bluegrass Music Association's 15 time Dobro Player of Year, Ickes, with the up and coming singer/guitarist, Hensley, whom Ickes recently discovered in a stroke of good luck.
• Frankie Ballard to kick off first show of LIGHT 'EM UP Tour with cutting-edge.
• Dierks Bentley surprised fans in Annapolis, MD recently with a >> live performance of his CMA nominated and No. one hit “I Hold On.”
• Larry’s Country Diner promises a refreshing October lineup: Country Music Hall of Fame member Charlie McCoy, CMA-winning songstress Deana Carter, Bluegrass act Mountain Faith, and balladeer Collin Raye.
• Lady Antebellum is dropping their brand new "funky" single “Freestyle”today.
• Big & Rich returning to Big Apple to perform on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon
• Lizzie Sider celebrates national bullying prevention month with New York City assembly tour & media appearances
• The LACS to release “Nothing In Particular” fueled by fan demand the Average Joes Entertainment artists are back with an 11-track collection of hard-hitting, mud-slinging fan favorites slated to hit stores on October 28, 2014.
• Nashville’s Mark Newton & Steve Thomas will host the new weekly Pick & Stomp Concert Series at the Nashville Palace presented by Robert’s Western World. The first concert takes place Thursday, October 9 with opening act, Casey Campbell.

ARTICLES

CMA Close Up by Kip Kirby: Marty Stuart Celebrates Two Sides of Country

REVIEWS

American Songwriter - Shelby Lynne - I Am Shelby Lynne-Deluxe Edition (Rounder/Concord)  Rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars

Fifteen years later, Rounder (who recently signed Lynne for a 2015 release) emphasizes this time in the singer’s life by reissuing, expanding and remastering I Am Shelby Lynne and, more importantly, adding a blazing 90 minute live show to the package. A decade and a half hasn’t lessened the impact of the studio album’s genre hopping songs.....

For The Country Record Sturgill Simpson At Leaf Café, Liverpool, UK – October 2, 2014 – (Live Review)

BOOKS

George Strait Chronicled in 100-Page Bookazine: The Academy of Country Music (ACM) and CBS Watch! magazine have partnered to present the first-ever 100-page “bookazine,” commemorating George Strait. The official collector’s edition, George Strait, celebrates the reigning ACM and CMA Entertainer of the Year with an intimate look at Strait’s life, including exclusive photos from his Texas ranch, behind the scenes moments, and a special introduction from Clint Black.

“This is an exclusive tribute to a Country music legend,” said Jeremy Murphy, Watch! magazine Vice President.

In anticipation of the ACM Awards golden anniversary telecast on April 19, the George Strait publication also includes behind-the-scenes moments of past ACM Awards and a “sneak peek” at what music fans can expect when the ACM Awards take over Dallas, TX live on CBS.

LISTEN

NPR.org First Listen: Angaleena Presley, 'American Middle Class'

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

Break out the Timbits and add some extra cheese curds to that poutine, Spotify is finally available in Canada. The music streaming giant officially invited Canadian music fans to the club on Tuesday, bringing Spotify to its 58th nation worldwide.

The popular service is available on mobile, tablet and desktop, with free access to millions of songs. Or spend $10 CAD per month for no ads and downloadable playlists. For Canada, Spotify made sure to beef up its catalogue of local music, including a comprehensive library of songs from French-speaking Quebec. "This is a Spotify that has been tailor made for Canadian music fans," said chief content officer Ken Parks in a statement.

FREE  DOWNLOAD

Adrian Duffy & The Mayo Brothers who are London Irish based 3-piece Adrian Duffy (guitar & vocals), Chris Duffy (bass & drums), Melvin Duffy (pedal steel, slide guitars & vocals) are giving away their new EP “Someone Like You” for an email share from noisetrade.com

WATCH

Blake Shelton "Bringing Back The Sunshine"

Darius Rucker "Homegrown Honey"

Meghan Linsey (formerly Steel Magnolia) feat. Bubba Sparxx "Try Harder Than That"

Alabama and Friends "Tennessee River" (At The Ryman) ft Jason Aldean

COUNTRY GOSSIP

Brantley Gilbert will celebrate his 30th birthday in January, but he's not exactly excited about reaching that milestone.

Brantley tells The Las Vegas Sun, "Thirty is going to be one of the hardest birthdays. I’ve been a bit of a wild child and didn’t always think I would make it to 30." He still plans to have a party of some sort. Brantley adds, "There will be a celebration for sure."

Blake Shelton and Miranda Lambert have learned to brush off the tabloid rumors that they're headed for divorce, but Blake felt the need to respond via Twitter to the latest round of allegations. In Touch Weekly quoted an unnamed source saying Miranda and Blake are "barely together," and she is worried they'll grow further apart if they don't spend more time together. Blake took to social media with the message, "Maybe because the divorce rate is so high the tabloids have just decided to play the odds with me and Miranda. Morons." He then finished the message off with the hashtag #eatad*ck."

PHOTO

Baby Love: Kelly Clarkson tweeted a photo with daughter River from the set of her music video for "Wrapped In Red," using the hashtag "babysfirstvideo." - Instagram Image

Kellie Pickler performed during a Crucial Catch Halftime Show during halftime of the Carolina Panthers -Chicago Bears game at Bank of America Stadium on Sunday, October 5, 2014. Supporting October as Breast Cancer Awareness Month, Pickler was joined on the field by 150 Breast Cancer Survivors and those who have been affected by the disease. She was also accompanied by her best friend Summer Miller, a cancer survivor who joined Pickler and the NFL in celebrating life by taking on the honored role of the “Keep Pounding” drummer for the game, which took place right before kickoff. See 8 picture slide show at the Charlotte Observer.com

BIRTHDAYS

October 7: Dale Watson (1963), Kieran Kane (1949) Melinda Schneider (1971)

October 9: Gary Bennett (BR5-49) , Krista Marie (The Farm).

October 10: Tony Arata (1957), John Prine (1946), Tanya Tucker (1958)

October 11: Paulette Carlson (1952), Gene Watson (1943), the late Dottie West (1932; died Sept 4, 1991 (aged 58)))  

October 12: Martie Erwin (Dixie Chicks) (1969), Shane MacAnally (1974) , Lisa Matassa

R.I.P

Ann Lorraine Pascoe (TLC Radio) New Zealand country singer

It is with the deepest sadness that the TLC Radio team announced the passing away of Ann after an illness on the morning of Friday 3rd October 2014.

Ann Pascoe Montage CLICK to ENLARGE

Ann's family wish to let it know that she passed away at home with grace and dignity on Friday 3rd October 2014, with her family at her side. Dearly loved wife of Ross. Friends were invited to celebrate and farewell Ann at the Taranaki Crematorium Chapel

on Tuesday 7th October 2014 commencing at 11am. See more at: taranakidailynews.co.nz

It was a priveledge to have known Ann and share her music on my radio station. Knock 'em dead in country music heaven Ann. Always remembered wrote Ray Tombs. Radio Cindy 107.7FM ROTORUA - See more at: Legacy.com

• Some described Mrs Pascoe as the “one of the best country singers” currently within the New Zealand shores.
• Ann Pascoe was an authentic country girl who was born on a back country sheep farm in New Zealand, milked cows after her marriage, and raised five children, with her husband Ross.
• Ann had always been interested in music, learning classical piano for a time in her primary school years, then moving on to popular music. She strummed the guitar with the few chords she mastered, but never really thought of singing seriously.
• Her musical heroes and song writing inspirations were Hoyt Axton; The Statler Brothers and Merle Haggard.
• Around 1999 she started writing country songs and was in need for someone to sing them. She was told to sing them herself so she took singing lessons for two years.
• Since her 2001 debut she produced seven albums: "The First Hello"; "Misty Morning Memories" and her third "On the Menu" in 2005 received excellent feed back world wide, the title track (her own composition) going to #5 on the European Country Music Assn. Top 100 and staying on the charts for weeks.
• The fourth album I'M DOING FINE took it's title from another Ownbey song, and was chosen because Pascoe felt she was doing fine. Two duos with top NZ entertainer Dennis Marsh were an album highlight.
• AM I BLUE from the album reached #5 on the European Country Music Assn. charts and stayed in the Top 100 after 14 weeks being played by country radio stations around the world.
• Following albums are "Somewhere Between Memories & Dreams" (2007); "The Best of Ann Pascoe" (2008); and a cover songs album "Country Sunshine".
• Ann said she owed her "fame" to Ross Allen of the promotional outlet Hillcrest multi-artist discs, Canada, for getting her name out to radio stations around the world, and particularly to Roy Ownbey for giving her a great start with his songs and music.
• Country music stations in France played her music, as did the UK, Ireland, Scotland, Australia, Germany, Japan, Belgium, Malta, Norway, Sweden to name a few.
• With her band OLDOGS, who comprised Kevin Joyce (Lead guitar), Noddy Curd (Drums), Charlie Winter (Keyboard) and Mark Corbett (Bass), Ann sang at festivals in New Zealand, and she had supported American, Australian and New Zealand acts in various concerts and shows. She helped run one country music station, and does voice promotion for another country station in NZ. February 2009.

Best of Ann Pascoe (Import; released 16 June 2009)

Her last album a 12 track set I FEEL LUCKY was released on Dec 9, 2013. She covered a lot of styles including the old Mary Chapin Carpenter upbeat title cut "I Feel Lucky", "Bonnie & Clyde" (Merle Haggard), "Sweet Dreams" (Patsy Cline), Joe South's "Rose Garden" originally a hit for Lynn Anderson. "The Old Lamplighter" was made famous by The Browns. A more classic country sound was the duet with American artist Ray Lani "Let's Hate Ourselves in the Morning" and the other duet with Dennis Marsh was a pretty song called "The Sweetest Hello". "Bonnie & Clyde" written by Merle Haggard and a song dealing with what happened to "Delta Dawn" written by Jim Flynn of America, called "Delta Dawn is Gone", are a couple of interesting story songs.  Mrs Pascoe threw in two upbeat songs she composed "This Can't Go Anywhere But Wrong" and "I'll Have a Man With That". It was recorded at Manuka Studios in Orewa and backed by a full country sound from Nashville. It is cited as good sample of what Mrs Pascoe had achieved with her music.

• On the the International Mainstream Country Music Chart Top 200 Artist chart published for July 2014 such was Mrs Pascoe’s popularity in Europe that she was placed at No.54 one behind country superstar Luke Bryan and one ahead of US chart topper Brett Eldredge and 3 slots ahead of  Toby Keith: #51 Ashley Robertson #52 Mandy Strobel #53 Luke Bryan #54 Ann Pascoe  #55 Brett Eldredge #56. Ann J Morton #57 Toby Keith
• On the latest chart published 1-8 August 2014 her European rating on the chart was at #146

R.I.P

Video

“Life is Short” (Roses Bloom)

Mrs. Ann Pascoe of NZ sings "We've Got Country Song"

Audio

• >>Listen to "This Saddle" on vimeo.com taken from her 2005 album ON THE MENU (released June 2005, available on cdbaby.com and UK iTunes
• >> Check out this musical tribute to Country Music Singer Ann Pascoe. It includes "Life Is Short" (Hillcrest promo disc #68), "The Old Lamplighter" (Hillcrest 72) and "Jackson" (Hillcrest 65) – Visit mixcloud.com
• Listen to Ann's duet with Ray Lani called “Let’s Hate Ourselves In The Morning”, a great song written by Jon Philibert, from the UK. It was included on the 2014 album Country Hardball available on Amazon UK & cdbaby
• Find new music on UK iTunes 
• Download "We've Got Country Song" (track 21 in drop down player list ) , listen to her music and remember her.

Learn how to put a song on itunes at ReverbNation.com