Wednesday 6 March 2013

Country Bites News snippets Feb 25 - March 3, 2013

Country Bites News snippets February 25 – March 3, 2013

SOURCES/LINKS show in RED

UK & IRISH News
Lee Williams, CEO and owner of CMR Nashville, Django Promotions and President of the British Country Music Awards was presented with the prestigious ‘International Country Music Broadcaster Of The Year Award’ by the CMA (Country Music Association), Nashville. 
Lee Williams (R) with
Charlie Landsborough (L) in 2011
The presentation was given at the CMA International Marketing Summit on Friday 1 March at Disneyland, Paris in front of over 80 Industry people from around the world.
Winners in recent years have included  Brian Clough, UK (2009), Allan Watkiss, UK (2010) , Sandy Harsch, Ireland (2010) and Felicity Urquhart, Australia (2011)
Lee Williams said ‘ My whole working life has been involved with Country Music since 1969, and feel so honoured that my involvement has been recognised by the worlds #1 Country Music Association. This has to be the #1 accolade to be received by a broadcaster in Country Music, and I am proud to be the recipient for 2013’  Read more - cmrnashville.com

The Mavericks have announced some UK dates in May:
Wednesday 15th May 2013 - Usher Hall, Edinburgh (£27.75 - £39 incl. booking)
Friday 17th May 2013 - Bridgewater Hall, Manchester, Lower Mosley Street, M2 3WS
Saturday 18th May 2013 - Symphony Hall, Birmingham, Broad Street, B1 2EA (£38.75 incl. booking fee)
Tickets available at Ticketmaster UK
Sunday 19 May 2013 - Royal Festival Hall, London, Southbank Centre, Belvedere Road SE1 8XX  (£10 - £35 + £1.75 booking fee) - www.southbankcentre.co.uk

Steve Earle & the Dukes are also visiting the UK in May
Monday 20th May 2013 - Symphony Hall, Birmingham, GB
Thursday 23rd May 2013 - The Sage, Gateshead, St Mary's Square, Gateshead Quays,Gateshead, NE8 2JR
Thursday 30th May 2013 - O2 Academy, Glasgow
Saturday 1st June 2013 - Vicar Street, Dublin, IE
Sunday 2nd May 2013 - The Limelight, Belfast
Tickets available at Ticketmaster UK

Scottish Pop/country duo Raintown have announced that they will be supporting Brantley Gilbert on his tour date in Glasgow. It will take place on Friday March 15th at Glasgow's Òran Mór. Tickets >> http://bit.ly/12dL6dg
Paul and Claire share: 'We are really excited to be involved with such a brilliant and talented artist "

Irish acoustic / singer songwriter Eilidh Patterson will be playing in Belfast in an exclusive one-off concert at the Lyric Theatre with Beth Nielsen Chapman. Beth is performing her own material including new songs from her 2012 release, 'The Mighty Sky'.
Beth has long been a champion of Northern Irish songwriters and something of a mentor to Eilidh so in addition to Patterson and Ruth Trimble, there is likely to be a few other surprise guest performances during the show. 
This one-off, intimate concert takes place on Monday 18th March at 8.00pm - lyrictheatre.ticketsolve.com

On Sunday March 3rd, BBC Radio Essex country presenter Steve Cherelle spoke live on the phone with Lonestar’s Richie McDonald who has been in the UK working with a new artist and writing with Co. Limerick native and formerly Folkstone Kent based acclaimed singer-songwriter Don Mescall. A new album from Lonestar is due to drop in April and it will contain a score composed by Mescall who has based himself in Nashville, TN.
Listen to Steve talking with both Richie and Dan >> Audio
Dan’s co-writing credits include:
 "Secret Smile" (Dan Mescal/Steve Robson) recorded by Rascal Flatts on their STILL FEELS GOOD album of 2007 (**U.S. No 1 ALBUM** (Billboard 200 chart)
“All Over Again” (Dan Mescal / Randy Goodman) recorded by Ronan Keating/Kate Rusby (U.K. No 6 single)
“All Over The World” recorded by Brian Kennedy
Don Mescall picked up a Platinum Disc from EMI Records, alongside an International Songwriter of the Year award, at The Irish World Newspaper Awards in London, recognized for his contribution as a songwriter to the Irish Music industry. He is due to collaborate with X Factor star Mary Byrne (ex Tesco checkout lady), on a Memphis project, which will be her first country and western album and came about via Press & Media publicist Carmel Mannion. They are both on her books.

Plans have been announced for the formation of the Americana Music Association UK, a proffesional body devoted to serving the interests of American roots music in all its forms across the UK. Bob Paterson who has has worked tirelessly for the past 15 years with his BPA Live events is one of the instigators also Bob Butler of Grapevine Music. Bob Harris OBE and BBC Radio 2 presenter has agreed to be the Association's patron. Paul Spencer from the Maverick Festival and Ken Ansell from Clinic, the London based creative agency have come on board and will assist in organising an initial one day conference that will take place at this summer's Maverick Festival in Suffolk on Friday July 5th, 2013

The latest March/April Maverick Magazine is out and stocked in W.H.Smith stores, it contains:
a) 120 CD Reviews b) A Little Big Town feature on the eve of their first UK appearance at the C2C festival c) Downton Abbey's Elizabeth McGovern in her alter ego of Sadie & the Hotheads d) Glamour comes from Tift Merritt and Carrie Rodriguez e) A Patti Page Obituary f) CMA Songwriter Chris Young has a 2 page feature g) C2C performers Carrie Underwood Branytley Gilbert are spotlighted h) A Charlie Pride 3 page feature
 i) Joey+Rory "A Beautiful Marriage" 2 page
j) Victoria Shaw Nashville Songwriter 2 page spread and k) Red Allen (Roots of Country / 3 pages)
You can browse it online: Select Options (top Left) for Auto Presentation or to choose Single Page mode, Select Contents to show the page thumbnails
** Use  "<" and ">" to page forward or back and you can adjust the text size with the -/+ zoom tool on the upper right toolbar

Click to view the full digital publication online
Read Maverick Mar-April 2013  - Click cover or link

UK CHART NEWS
On the Official UK Singles Top 100 Chart (Week March 9, 2013)
Taylor Swift’sI Knew You Were Trouble” (Mercury) stayed at No.6. In its 21st chart week it sold 45,569 (up 11%; 560,435 total) We Are Never Ever Getting Back Together” also held its chart slot at No.53 in its 28th chart week to reach a UK tally to date of 525,534. Taylor’s signature song “Love Story” has sold 578,835 copies.

On the Official UK Albums Top 100 (Week March 9, 2013)
Taylor Swift’s RED was down 7-13, it sold 9,951 (down 33%; 311,499 total)

Official UK Country Album Chart (Week March 9, 2013)
The Mavericks remain seated at No.1 with IN TIME (Valory Music) in their fourth week at retail.

Nathan Carter’s WAGON WHEEL moved 5-2 and new at No.3 are The Rockingbirds with THE RETURN OF THE ROCKINGBIRDS (Loose Music).
The Return Of The Rockingbirds is the band’s 3rd album and their first album in 17 years, released through Loose Music. It was self-produced and recorded over the past couple of years at Reservoir, Ernie’s and Ilex studios, all songs were written by the band’s lead vocalist Alan Tyler.
The Rockingbirds are: Patrick Arbuthnot (pedal steel), Andrew Hackett (guitar, backing vocals), Dave Morgan (drums), Mark Duncan (bass), Sean Read (keyboards, horns, backing vocals) & Alan Tyler (acoustic guitar, vocals).
The band released their self-titled debut in 1992 on Heavenly Recordings.
Blurb: A much loved and acclaimed record and one which in equal parts bucked the musical trends of the time and anticipated the alt-country movement which was to follow. Their beautifully written, heart-felt songs resulted in the North London band being talked of in the same breath as the likes of Uncle Tupelo and The Jayhawks. The 11 track album was released on Feb 25th and is available on Amazon UK  - Album Review (No Depression)
Chris Young over in the UK for the CMA Songwriters series saw his album NEON receive a sales boost, up 17-4. Also currently on tour in the UK is Gretchen Peters and her 2012 release HELLO CRUEL WORLD returns to the Top 20 at No.17.

On the Hotdisc Chart (March 3, 2013 Chart)
Rusty Rierson (pronounced RYE-ER-SON) stays at No.1 with “Souvenirs” on the Hotdisc Top 40 in his fourth week of release.  Toby Keith stays at No.2 and George Inglis’ remains at No.3 on the Top 40 and No.1 on the British & Irish Top 10. 

UK COUNTRY ALBUM RELEASES
(25 Feb 2013) Charlie Landsborough - Silhouette (EDSEL)  Amazon UK

Various Artists - New Country Rock Vol.6 (Country Roads / ZYX Music) features the lovely Debbie Nunn from the UK along with Cody McCarver, Eric Heatherly, Sammy Kershaw, Laura Bryna, Rick Monroe
 
(5 Feb 2013) John Corbett - Leaving Nothin Behind (Funbone Records) Time: 37:34 / 10 tracks - Amazon UK MP3

(12 Feb 2013) Connor Christian & Southern Gothic - New Hometown (Vintage Earth Records) [Import]
Total Length: 1:16:33 / 19 tracks - Amazon UK MP3

(18 Feb 2013) Terri Clark – Classic (Wrasse Records) Total Length: 41:42
Amazon UK CD - MP3 12 tracks (£4.99) - Amazon UK MP3

(1 Mar 2013)  Luke Bryan - Spring Break: Here to Party (Capitol Records Nashville) This is a combination of a number of EPs that Luke Bryan has released over the last few years with a few new songs.

(5 Mar 2013) Ashley Monroe - Like A Rose (Warner Bros / Wea) 9 tracks Time: 32.04 - Amazon UK CD - Amazon UK MP3

(5 Mar 2013) Gurf Morlix - Finds the Present Tense (Rootball) Time: 47:23 /10 tracks

AUSSIE NEWS
Troy Cassar-Daley and Adam Harvey have announced they will release a collaborative album in June.
Titled THE GREAT COUNTRY SONGBOOK, the album is scheduled to be released on Friday June 14 and will be followed by a joint national tour by the two stars from August. The project has been described as one of the most exciting country music ventures of the year while the songs on the album are described as "a collection of timeless country music classics, some sung individually and others as duets". The Great Country Songbook is described as "top-heavy" with the pair's biggest personal influences: "Johnny Cash, Willie Nelson, Merle Haggard, George Jones, Hank Williams, Glen Campbell, and Aussie country icon Slim Dusty. Simply, all the songs they both could not live without included on their first ever, highly anticipated combined album".

CANADIAN NEWS
The Americana Music Association announced that it will present the organization’s first official international showcase at the prestigious Canadian Music Week on Wednesday, March 20 in Toronto, Canada.
The inaugural event, co presented by Outlaws & Gunslingers (Six Shooter Records + Starfish Entertainment), comes to Toronto’s Legendary Horseshoe Tavern during Canada’s high profile music confab featuring Canadian artists who push roots and folk boundaries with their distinctive takes on traditional genres.

GERMAN NEWS
Johnny Cash singing in German is a thing that exists and it's cooler than you'd think
So apparently Johnny Cash recorded some music in German -- or someone's damn good at sounding just like Johnny Cash -- either way this is pretty awesome. This particular video is for I Walk The Line, but I much prefer it's German translation: Wer kennt den Weg
  >> YouTube

Sarah McQuaid is playing dates in Germany & The Netherlands in March .Her latest album, “The Plum Tree and the Rose”, was released in March 2012 on the Chicago-based Waterbug Records label by April 2012 it was No. 5 on the Euro Americana ChartTour Flyer Image

NEWS
Stoney Creek Records’ Parmalee achieved a lifetime milestone and made their debut on the legendary Grand Ole Opry, The Show That Made Country Music Famous, on Friday night, March 1st at The Grand Ole Opry House in Nashville, TN.
Parmalee performed on the renowned stage with a bill that included Opry members Blake Shelton, Josh Turner, Steve Wariner, Montgomery Gentry. Hailing from North Carolina, Parmalee has been influenced by many of the musical heavyweights who have graced the Opry stage throughout the years. Now, it is finally the band’s turn to cross a Grand Ole Opry debut off its bucket list.
We are completely blown away!” said Matt Thomas, “What an honor to be invited into the ‘Circle’. This is definitely a lifetime achievement for all us.”
Lead vocalist Matt charmed the crowd when he mentioned that several of the band member’s families, including their grandmothers, had made the 12-hour trek from North Carolina through the snow storms to see them make their Opry debut. The report stated it was an “emotional moment” on stage, and it was clear that the audience “truly connected” as the sounds of cheering and applause filled the room. Parmalee is a family band comprised of brothers Matt and Scott Thomas (Lead Vocals/Guitar and Drums, respectively), cousin Barry Knox (Bass) and life-long best friend Josh McSwain (Guitar).

Kellie Pickler and Wynonna Judd are trading their country boots for dancing shoes in a few weeks!
Country music icon Wynonna Judd confirmed on “Good Morning America” she was joining ABC-TV’s “wildly popular” competition show “Dancing With The Stars” as a contestant for the 16th season of the show which launches Monday, March 18.
 The country girls will find their way with Olympic gymnast Aly Raisman, ice skater Dorothy Hamill, boxer Victor Ortiz, Baltimore Ravens wide receiver Jacoby Jones, comedians D.L. Hugley and Andy Dick, and more when season 16 premieres March 18 on ABC-TV.
Wynnona, a five-time Grammy has been paired with professional dancing partner Tony Dovolani, last season’s winning instructor. “I’ve been through an emotional roller coaster over the last year,” says Wy, whose husband (and drummer) Cactus Moser lost his leg in an August motorcycle accident.  I focused on being a wife and a nurse for the last seven months, and now I’m doing something for myself.  The main word for me this year is ‘risk.’  I’m stepping out of my comfort zone and doing something that a lot of people tell me is crazy—but they get it.”  When asked why she’s doing this now Wynnona joked -” “I’m trying to get back to my original weight of 8 lbs and 15 oz.”  (Watch video 5 mins in) >> YouTube
Can train-wreck comic Andy Dick, Ravens wide receiver Jacoby Jones, ’70s Olympic skating darling Dorothy Hamill and five-time  Grammy winner Wynonna Judd save ABC’s “Dancing With the Stars” from ratings oblivion?
Country singer Wynonna Judd says her sister Ashley Judd was pretty shocked to hear she was joining the show." I might as well have told her I'm going to join the army. She was stunned at first," Wynonna admits, "And then she said, ‘You know what, you dance all the time.You're going to have a blast!'"
26-year old Kellie Pickler from Albemarle, N.C, whose post-Idol hits include Red High Heels, will be dancing with three-time DWTS mirrorball champion Derek Hough who was romantically involved with Cheryl Cole and is the sister of county/pop singer and “Footloose” actress Julianne Hough. This marks the third time that a country artist has appeared on the ABC show. Previously Billy Ray Cyrus, who was the seventh star voted off his season, and Sara Evans, who had to quit the show due to family issues, have competed.
"He was eavesdropping on my phone conversation about doing the show and he told me that if I didn't do it, then I wasn't his favorite granddaughter anymore," Kellie tells Country Weekly.  "Funny thing is, I'm his only granddaughter. I'm his only grandchild! It's his favorite show, though. I think he's more excited than anybody about it."
The country cutie is pretty excited, too, although her schedule is going to be pretty hectic. "I do have this little window of time that I can juggle this show and record a record," she says. "I’ll be bouncing from the recording studio to the dance studio. It’s going to be exhausting, but I can do it."
Derek & Kellie
This will also make Pickler the first grad of reality show “American Idol” to cross-pollinate the dancing competition. Her background in gymnastics and as a roller-skating carhop waitress may suit her well for the demanding choreography that she will need to master.
Derek Hough revealed he also considered not returning because of his other projects. Minutes before the new “Dancing” cast was revealed, cable network Starz announced that “Dancing” pro Derek — who is back for the spring edition — and former “Dancing” regular Julianne Hough will exec-produce and choreograph the new Starz series “Blackpool,” a dancing drama about the dark side of international competitive ballroom dancing, set in Blackpool, England.
His partner Kellie Pickler isn't worried about Derek's multitasking, telling him, "We believe in you!" Awww!
Kellie and Derek look sure to be “hot” favourites to win 

The contestants of  'Project Runway' found out their next assignment is to design a red carpet look and a performance look for country star Miranda Lambert on Season 11, Episode 5  (A Little Bit Country, a Little Bit Rock N Roll). The lady of the hour Miranda Lambert, wanted a little added rock ’n’ roll to spice up her look.
Recap - entertainmentrealm.com
Miranda
Click to enlarge
To add to the pressure, Miranda was there herself to help judge the designs and offer her own critiques. And she proved that she had no intention of being one of those gushing celebrities who says everything is great. She didn't hold back at all giving harsh criticism as a guest Judge.
She was particularly disappointed in Matt, who saw himself land in the bottom thanks to his design. He couldn't stop apologizing for it, either, which seemed to bother Miranda more than the design itself.
"You know what? I don’t even want to talk about it, because you obviously know what’s wrong with it," she said. "I just want to talk about you not having confidence in your own craft. Because, if you don’t have confidence in your craft, then no one else can."

Sony Music Nashville artist Angie Johnson has signed with Sony/ATV Music Publishing, it was announced today. The YouTube sensation and current Missouri Air National Guard Tech Sergeant is working on her debut EP for the label with Josh -  
Proud to announce that I am now an official songwriter for Sony/ATV Music Publishing Co. SO happy! My 1st publishing deal!!! I'm gettin' paid to write songs y'all!? #Blessed
In 2012 Sony were so impressed with her story and with the dedication her fans during her Kickstarter campaign [image] that they have offered to match the Kickstarter contributions to make an even more “killer” EP.

Darius Rucker announced dates of his headlining True Believers Tour featuring Special Guests Justin Moore, Rodney Atkins and Jana Kramer. Tour kicks off on May 9 in Estero, Fla. and will work its way through more than 20 cities across the U.S. before wrapping up in Clarkston, Mich. on June 30. More detail - EB Media

Florida Georgia Line, Joel Crouse, Brett Eldredge and Casey James have been added as guests to Taylor Swift’s upcoming The Red Tour, which opens on March 13 in Omaha, Neb.Crouse will join for 11 shows, Eldredge will open for 14 shows, Florida Georgia Line will perform for seven shows and James will perform in an opening slot for 14 concerts. Austin Mahone will join the bill for stadium shows. They join previously announced tourmate Ed Sheeran. Swift’s Red tour will include 58 shows in 45 cities.

Craig Morgan and Sarah Darling have signed up for the 14th annual Country Music Marathon & ½ Marathon, to be held April 27. Are they running in the event? Probably not, but they will be performing the official post-race concert that night at the Municipal Auditorium.

King George fans what to help him celebrate as he is approaching his 60th #1 single – before his 61st birthday on May 18th.
The “Sixty For Sixty” movement aims to bring awareness among George Strait’s fans and Country music media, as his current single “Give It All We Got Tonight” approaches the #1 slot on the radio charts.The single is currently Top 20 and climbing and is poised to be the 60th #1 single of George’s career. We want George to get his 60th #1 single while he’s 60 years old. MAKE IT SIXTY FOR SIXTY! – details at sixtyforsixty.com

J.D. Souther, who co-wrote such Eagles hits as “Heartache Tonight” and “New Kid in Town,” is one of the 2013 inductees in the Songwriters Hall of Fame. Souther’s poignant “Faithless Love” became a country hit when Glen Campbell covered it in 1984. Several other new members have made their presence known in the genre, though country was not their actual target. British pop songwriter Tony Hatch earned a No. 1 single in 1970 when Sonny James covered Hatch’s Petula

 Clark pop hit “My Love.” And Aerosmith’s Steven Tyler and Joe Perry made an unlikely foray into country when Garth Brooks took “The Fever” to No. 23 in 1995. Souther who himself had a hit with "You're Only Lonely” joins fellow inductees include Aerosmith's Steven Tyler and Joe Perry, Tony Hatch, Holly Knight, Mick Jones and Lou Gramm.
The inductions will take place at the Marriott Marquis Hotel in New York on June 13.

Tim McGraw has been chosen as this year's Academy of Country Music Awards honoree and as expected, the best in country music will be coming out to salute the singer in a special tribute concert. Taylor Swift, Jason Aldean, and Luke Bryan will perform in the two-hour long "ACM Presents: Tim McGraw's Superstar Summer Night" with the curious inclusion of R'n'B crooner Ne-Yo. The show will be taped from the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas on April 8, a day after the Academy of Country Music Awards, and will be aired in summer on CBS. Read more: www.aceshowbiz.com

An Affair To Remember: The 50th anniversary of the plane crash that took the lives of Patsy Cline, Cowboy Copas and Hawkshaw Hawkins will be remembered at the Grand Ole Opry's first Tuesday Night Opry of the year March 5. The evening was to include performances of their hit records by Jean Shepard, Mandy Barnett, Terri Clark, John Conlee and Chuck Mead & His Grassy Knoll Boys. Jean Shepard introduced Kathy Copas Hughes who lost both her father, Cowboy Copas, and husband, Randy Hughes in the tragic plane crash 50 years ago on 5 March 1963.

Let's Get Ready To Reba: Reba McEntire will emcee Celebrity Fight Night XIX March 23 in Phoenix. The charity event includes performances by Jennifer Lopez, Billy Ray Cyrus and more under the musical direction of David Foster. Reba will also auction dinner for four at her Beverly Hills home with herself and husband Narvel Blackstock. Proceeds go to the Muhammad Ali Parkinson Center and other charities - www.celebrityfightnight.org

Joey + Rory’s 5th Annual Bib and Buckle Fest will be held at their farmhouse in Pottsville, Tenn. on June 1. Joey says, “One added feature we will have at the festival this year is a Songwriter’s Stage in the big barn where we do a lot of the TV show taping” More details at www.joeyandrory.com/news and www.bibandbucklefest.com

Moore Nash Gill: Everyone knows Deacon Claybourne doesn't like surprises, but that didn't stop Juliette Barnes from inviting Kip Moore (top, r) and Vince Gill (bottom, r) along with Black Keys frontman Dan Auerbach to the (TV mock-up of) The Bluebird Café for a birthday celebration. They appeared in Episode 14 episode of Nashville titled “Dear Brother” that was shown in America on (2/27) - abc.go.com  (US region preview)

PRESS RELEASES
Tate Stevens,  The X Factor Season 2 winner is set to release his Self-Titled Debut Album on Tuesday April 23.
The self-titled album is helmed by renowned Nashville producer, Blake Chancey and will include three songs that Stevens co-wrote alongside Ashley Gorley, Joe Diffie, Wade Kirby, Phil O'Donnell, Shane Minor, and David Lee Murphy.
Stevens shares, “For someone that has dreamt of recording and releasing music for over a decade, to say I’m excited is an understatement. I feel like the songs we selected for the album are a real reflection of my personality—they range from fun-loving to serious and everything in between. I’m so proud of this album and can’t wait for the fans to hear it! ”
Blurb: The album’s lead single, “Power Of A Love Song,” was released to country radio earlier this month. Written by Jeremy Bussey, Bradley Gaskin, and Marcus Franklin Johnson, “Power Of A Love Song,” encompasses a traditional country sound that solidifies Stevens’ authenticity in the genre as he makes his highly-anticipated debut. GAC raves that “the ballad showcases Tate’s baritone voice,” and Roughstock adds, “This is the kind of song that helps set Tate Stevens apart from the pack of newcomers. His voice is a voice which rivals quite a few top stars with more depth and emotional punch.” - Sony Nashville Press

Sammy Kershaw, Aaron Tippin and Joe Diffie begin their Roots & Boots tour March 8 in Wilkesboro, NC. They'll perform acoustic versions of their songs onstage together while sharing stories behind the tunes, as well. EPK >> YouTube
"The 'Roots & Boots' tour is three friends who love country music having a good time, telling jokes about each other and telling jokes on each other," says Kershaw.  "We tell stories behind all of our songs.  It's a great show, so don't be square, be there!"
Diffie adds, "Sam, Aaron and I have a great time doing these shows and the fans do too. It's always an adventure." Tippin says of the tour (Absolute Publicity)

Joanna Mosca, selected as one of CMA's 2012 Who’s New To Watch, is receiving something of a relaunch, excited to release her new dynamic EP, LET IT ALL BEGIN (originally released Dolce Diva Music, LLC: Jun 18, 2012!) which was produced by award-winning singer-songwriter Bryan White.
Blurb: The six-track outing offers a fresh sound to Country radio and its audience, presenting Mosca’s immediately identifiable voice on relevant, well-written songs that should appeal across the Country demographic.  The EP, which includes a memorable duet with Lonestar's Richie McDonald, kicks off with her current single/video, “Dream On Savannah” >> YouTube
The up-tempo song pulled on Mosca’s heartstrings the minute she heard it.  This deceptively sing-along number contains two serious, yet positive core messages: preventing ‘bullying’ among our youth and the importance of staying true to your dreams.  It perfectly reflects Joanna's innate compassion and her grasp for the need of global social responsibility.
"She's a total pro to work with and definitely has the goods,” says Bryan White, Grammy award-winning singer-songwriter.  
The EP as a whole marks a definitive musical change for Mosca.  She and White looked outside the box for contemporary songs and the production is crisp, vibrant and clean.  "It has a much purer sound than my previous outings," Joanna notes.  "Bryan has a great ear and a wonderful singer's sense.  It was an amazing experience for me." - Webster & Associates - UK iTunes

Six time GRAMMY winner Carrie Underwood will bring her critically acclaimed “Blown Away Tour” to AXS TV (www.axs.tv/subscribe) for a LIVE full concert performance from Citizens Business Bank Arena in Ontario, California on Sunday, March 3rd. EXCLUSIVELY on AXS TV (Platforms: DIRECTV Channel 340 DISH Network Channel 362, AT&T U-Verse Channel 1106, Verizon FiOS Channel 569) Read More Sony Press

Brad Paisley announced the first leg of his highly anticipated US 2013 tour, Beat This Summer Tour presented by Cracker Barrel Old Country Store®. The tour kicks off in St. Louis, Mo. on May 9 to August 24 (San Bernardino, CA San Manuel Amphitheatre) and will hit over 29 cities in the United States and Canada during the summer months. Cracker Barrel Old Country Store® is the title sponsor of the tour. Special guests will be Chris Young and Lee Brice. More information + Great photo at Sony Press -

Craig Morgan will travel to Sweden in April to participate in the sixth annual Fjällräven Polar, a thrilling 200-mile dog sled excursion above the Arctic Circle. The 5-day, once-in-a-lifetime adventure, will take place April 9-13, 2013. Morgan will be among twenty people from ten countries who will participate in this year’s expedition (Monarch Publicity)

Bluegrass Aussie artist Kristy Cox releases third single 'I Hate that I Still Love You'. The 2012 CRS Independent Female Rising Star, Kristy has achieved great success with her latest album Miles & Timezones (Press)

ARTICLES
The Tennessean Peter Cooper On Music: Rodney Crowell, Emmylou Harris find harmony on ‘Old Yellow Moon’
Extract: We found our voice so many years ago,” Crowell says. “There’s a certain tone we can get together. She’s one of music’s great voices, and I’m a pretty good singer, too. You get us together, in the right key with the right melody, and we can make it sizzle. There’s that extra bit of tonality.” Crowell says that with wonder, not braggadocio. Harmony singing is a mystery dance, and he feels lucky to have partnered with Harris. The sound they make together is unlike the sound any other duo makes.

Nashvillescene.com - Reintroducing Ashley Monroe, country's great trad hope (by Jewly Hight)

Peter Cooper The Tennessean: Patsy Cline, Cowboy Copas, Hawkshaw Hawkins, Randy Hughes remembered, 50 years after plane crash. Jean Shepherd on the 1963 Plane Crash video - http://bcove.me/omifhl98

CMA Close Up - The Mavericks – Built to Last (By Holly Gleason)

Artsbeat.blogs.nytimes.com - All for the Hallbenefit concert in New York. Stars Sling Guitars at a Benefit for Country Music Hall of Fame. Vince Gill, Jason Aldean, Emmylou Harris and Rodney Crowell anchored the event. But the lineup also included the blues-rockers Gregg Allman and Warren Haynes from the Allman Brothers Band, the singer Pat Monahan from the pop-rock band Train and Ashley Monroe.

INTERVIEWS
"I'm not gonna comment, maybe she'll be here tonight." That's how actor/musician Sam Palladio (better known as Gunnar Scott on the ABC drama, "Nashville") answers when asked who he would name as the hottest woman in Music City.
 The Boot sat down with Sam and fellow musician Josh Doyle, both of whom were born in England and are now living and playing music in town, on the occasion of their dual appearance at downtown nightspot 3rd and Lindsley, with a packed-to-the-rafters crowd of more than 500 in attendance.
Born in the village of Pembury in the southeast of England, Sam was raised in the southwest seaside town of Cornwall...
"Cornwall has lots of folk and Celtic music and has that kind of surfer vibe as well," Sam tells The Boot. "That was my kind of upbringing. I played drums and bass in rock bands and metal bands before moving to this type of music which is folk-influenced, Americana, and slight twangs of country since I've been here for the last six months. [Country music] wasn't something that I grew up listening to. I'm a lot more aware now

LISTEN
Ashley Monroe of the Pistol Annies will release her solo debut, LIKE A ROSE, March 5th on Warner Bros., and she's packed it full of backroad debauchery and heartbreak.
Listen to all the songs on Rollingstone.com
The Boot - Ashley Monroe, 'Morning After' -- Exclusive Song Premiere
Rollingstone - Ashley Monroe Entices Her Beau With 'Weed Instead of Roses' - Song Premiere

WATCH
TV: Jason Aldean took a trip back to "1994" Wednesday (2/27) on Late Night with Jimmy Fallon - www.latenightwithjimmyfallon.com
On Friday (March 1st): The Mavericks appeared on The Tonight Show With Jay Leno (NBC). US viewers only - www.nbc.com

Troy Cassar-Daley and Craig Campbell have released a new video for their song 'The Sunshine Club' which was filmed during the 2013 Tamworth Country Music Festival. The song features on Craig's album Craig Campbell - Tamworth Festival Tour Edition (Australian Release) available now through ABC Music/Universal Music Australia. The clip features the duo rolling down Tamworth's iconic Peel St saying high to all the locals >> YouTube Buy on iTunes (AUS/NZ)

Y'all ready for some sexy says Easton Corbin (Facebook ) He has released his new music video for “All Over The Road.”
The Roman White directed video was shot this past fall outside of Saint Augustine, FL and showcases Easton in a “theatrical movie trailer.”
Wow, Easton's wife must be very ignorant or VERY understanding! The country singer is held hostage after a convenience store he’s working at gets robbed. Lucky for Corbin the thief isn’t a masked gunman, but instead a beautiful long-legged, lollipop-licking vixen brunette who takes a liking to Corbin. He’s kidnapped and forced behind the wheel of a sexy Plymouth muscle car with the beauty with legs to the moon.The video, directed by Roman White, leads Corbin and the vixen on a police Dukes-of-Hazzard-like-chase that looks more fun than serious, and with a lot of kissing in between making out with this trouble-seeking hottie while driving. By the end of the teaser, it’s not so clear he is an unwilling participant.
>> YouTube Behind the scenes - YouTube
Easton will be “all over the road” this summer as he joins Blake Shelton on the Ten Times Crazier Tour that begins July 19 and runs into the fall 

Bigger Picture Group’s hot country newcomer Chris Janson recently made his Grand Ole Opry debut. He opened with his addictive new single “Better I Don’t,” which is quickly climbing up the charts and was the second most added song to country radio playlists nationwide the week of release. He closed out the debut sharing the stage with one of his best buddies, James Otto, to perform the moving song “When I’m Holding Her” that they co-wrote. Both songs will be featured on his debut full-length album which is expected for release later this year >> YouTube

Bart Crow's brand new music video for "Dandelion” >> YouTube

Tim McGraw & Faith Hill Blooper Reel, See a fun and different side of Tim McGraw and Faith Hill at The Venetian Las Vegas. Here is a behind-the-scenes look at Country's hottest couple as they attempt to send their Twitter and Facebook >> YouTube

SaraBethKickin' and Screamin' (Lyric Video) >> YouTube  The video for this debut single was added to CMT. It was produced by all-star producer Dean Sams, founding member of the superstar group Lonestar and producer/label head of Circle S Records,
When Sams first met SaraBeth, he knew he had just met a future star. He recognized her talent immediately and knew her robust potential. “The first thing that interested me in working with SaraBeth was her incredible work ethic.” Sams says. “In a time when so many people want to sit around and wait for success to come to them, SaraBeth is a rarity with her focus, drive and willingness to do whatever it takes to be successful. As a singer, SaraBeth is understated and heartfelt. In my opinion, she’s a nice change of pace for country music listeners and her EP reflects that.”
Press Blurb: Born and raised in Dallas, SaraBeth is a contemporary country singer and budding songwriter who is seamlessly making her mark in Nashville as an all-American, sweetly southern artist with an edge. Smart, beautiful and tremendously talented, SaraBeth is the breath of fresh air the music industry needs
Watch an interview with SaraBeth on D Magazine's new show D The Broadcast with Pat Smith, Suzie Humphries, Courtney Kerr, and Lisa Pineiro www.ktxdtv.com  (Autoplay)

Florida Georgia Line premiered their new video for “Get Your Shine On” on VEVO - http://vevo.ly/YbTmEk
The video was directed by Declan Whitebloom and shot on the white sandy beaches of Cancun, Mexico and features various scenes from the Hard Rock Hotel Cancun property. From dawn until dusk every day, the newcomers proved their love for all things aquatic from racing jet skis to filming underwater.

Florida Georgia Line Video
 Especial Affects: "Meeting some lovely girls and going on a marvelous adventure," is how director Declan Whitebloom (The Band Perry's "Better Dig Two," Sugarland's "Stuck Like Glue") described the new music video from Florida Georgia Line, released Monday (2/25). "Get Your Shine On" is the follow up to "Cruise" and FLG stuck to the same formula they used to make their first video -- no green screens or CGI special effects, keep the party bona fide. The sunshine, jet skis, girls in bikinis and Mexican little people wrestlers are all 100% real in this vid.

Arista Nashville trio The Henningsens  world premiered their "American Beautiful" music video on AOL's The Boot. The family trio put a lot of themselves into their infectious debut single, and its accompanying video gives fans a glimpse of their lives as a singing family living the majestic simple life on a farm in Illinois
A lot of our friends and family actually are in the video," says Aaron Henningsen. "All of the imagery in the video reflects our life growing up."
"Our director, Darrin Dickerson, came up the idea of an adorable little girl starting off the video and reappearing throughout," adds Brian Henningsen, guitarist and dad to Aaron and Clara. "He wanted her to be photographed playing with a miniature barn and then the cameras would pan to a large barn, in which we'd perform and folks would dance, eat, and so on ... I told Darrin, let me build the barn for the little girl. I built Barbie doll houses and actually a small-scale barn for the kids when they were little."
"American Beautiful," co-written by the trio with Brett Beavers, put the family trio in the record books as the first debut song by a country group to hit the Top 30 in just four weeks >> YouTube  or at http://vevo.ly/Xb9mJ7

Gord BamfordFarm Girl Strong” (Official Video) >> YouTube

Caitlin Rose - “Only a Clown” - http://bcove.me/2xnbfww4

Inde Singer, songwriter, classic country soulstress Maddison Krebs who hails from Okotoks, Alberta, Canada has an official video out “Kisses” >> YouTube
Her debut record Your True Love (EP) has just been released. It’s described as “classic country with some modern attitude”! This assertive anthem will surely be relatable to ladies of any age or NOT? – UK iTunes

COUNTRY FASHION
ABC “Nashville”actress Hayden Panettiere takes her pet pooch for a walk while waiting for her rumored on-again beau Wladimir Klitschko to return from the beach on February 19, 2013 in Miami, Florida. Hayden is wearing an Étoile Isabel Marant ‘Malo’ striped sweater and AG Adriano Goldschmied legging ankle jeans (Fashion Pic).
Shop: Étoile Isabel Marant Sweater, Net-A-Porter US $310, Net-A-Porter International £185 / €210, Barneys.com $310
AG Adriano Goldschmied Jeans - Shopbop.com $168 / £116.27 

COUNTRY GOSSIP
Ed Sheeran is in MAJOR violation of The Bro Code - The British ginger reportedly spent the night at Taylor Swift‘s hotel room until 4AM the night before the BRIT Awards last week. A source told E! News (via Hollywood Life ) that ‘The A Team’ musician emerged from T. Swift’s lair and looked “very pleased with himself.” Maybe they made sweet music together, if you know what we mean…There have previously been rumors that T. Swift and Sheeran were an item when the Brit got ‘Red’ tattooed on his arm back in October. Ed did work on Taylor’s hit album, but he also penned ‘Little Things’ and then later gave it to One Direction. Taylor, 23 and Ed, 22, are set to begin touring together this month, as Ed will open for Taylor on her RED tour.
Will this romance heat up if it really exists ?! Apparently, things got pretty hot at the Feb. 10 Grammy Awards, where Taylor put the last nail in the coffin of her romance with Harry. “They spent some time together before and after she dated Harry Styles,” a source says of Ed and Taylor to PEOPLE. “Around Grammy time, things went beyond just friends.”
Ummm….One of the rules of the road is don’t date the Boss?
Taylor Swift was worried when her friend Ed Sheeran lost his cell phone at the BRIT Awards because whoever found it would have access to all the goofy videos she sent him. The pair became close friends after they teamed up to collaborate for Swift's last album, Red, and her new number was among those on his cell phone when it vanished at the London prizegiving last week. The phone, which also contained music for Sheeran's next record, eventually turned up, but Swift admits anyone who picked it up would have seen some strange personal footage from her.She tells Britain's Capital FM radio station, "Someone's gonna get videos of me having a conversation with my cat that I sent Ed... and like YouTube videos and stuff like that. He's one of my best friends... Legitimately.”

Did Martina McBride and her record label part ways?
Nashvillegab.com reported a little birdy whispered in their ear that Martina McBride has quite possibly parted ways with her record label of two years, Republic Nashville. From a radio buddy Broadway: I'm hearing from friends in the business that Martina McBride is no longer with Republic. Meaning, she has no record deal.If this is true, we hope it was her decision.
Martina signed to Republic back in 2010 after being with RCA for two decades. She said at the time: "Change isn't always easy. Sometimes it's difficult, but [with] this, all I could see was the future -- my future
Martina has released one album with Republic, Eleven, which was released back in October of 2011 selling slightly more than 40,000 copies. Sales quickly dropped off and by mid Jan 2012 it had shifted 140,000 copies.
Martina is still listed on the Republic/Big Machine's roster of artists.

PHOTO
Glory Days: Jason Aldean gets ready to release his new single "1994" by releasing a picture of himself from 1994 on Twitter.
Jason in 1994

Abby Parece a published 24 years old glamour model from Providence, Rhode Island, US rocking the cowgirl lookImage!

R.I.P
McCready's Mountain: An industry conference in Nashville became the setting for an unlikely yet beautiful tribute to the late Mindy McCready. Unsurprisingly, the man behind the memorial was Vince Gill, who admitted he didn't know her well. "But she was part of our family and the history of country music – and that mattered," he said at the event, hosted at, appropriately, the Mother Church of country music – the Ryman Auditorium. Vince then played "Go Rest High On That Mountain" for a crowd so quiet it was as if they stopped breathing.

Country singer Mindy McCready is laid to rest. Remembered for the times she made others laugh
As her music played in the background, country music star Mindy McCready was remembered Tuesday (Feb 26, 2013) by friends and family as a fun and talented singer who also ”wanted to be healed” from her past. About 200 friends and family gathered in the 37-year-old singer’s Florida hometown of Fort Myers nine days after she was found dead from a self-inflicted gun shot wound which claimed her life Feb. 17, 2013 in Heber Springs.
Mindy McCready Funeral Tuesday, Feb. 26, 2013
 at Crossroads Baptist Church in Fort Myers, Fla
The lily-adorned casket was joined on the church stage with a large portrait of McCready, while photos spanning her 37 years were displayed on video screens. A large screen behind the altar of Crossroads Baptist Church was filled with her images and her portrait stood nearby. ”Our Mindy was so tired. She felt helpless,” McCready’s mother, Gayle Inge, said.
She was in her darkest moment and she was hurt by so many allegations. She was too emotional to understand.” McCready, whose real name was Malinda Gayle McCready, committed suicide Feb. 17 at her home in Arkansas, days after leaving a court-ordered substance abuse treatment program.
Inge acknowledged that her daughter had faced many battles but now: ”Her spirit found healing on the other side.” McCready’s personal problems started in 2004 and included a custody battle with her mother over one of her sons.
A separate funeral organized by her friends and the music community is tentatively scheduled for March 6 in Nashville, Tennessee.
Family friend Julie Ende-Killion remembers the day when McCready won her first award for ”Ten Thousand Angels.” ”And I remember her coming out of the trailer,” she recalled.”I think she was in Kenny Chesney’s trailer because she didn’t even have her own dressing room at that time. Nashville is a pretty cool place. She made her mark on it.”
News / Mindy McCready Funeral: Family Lays Singer to Rest in "Beautiful" Florida Ceremony - Tue., Feb. 26
"It was a very nice, simple service," an eyewitness who was in attendance during the ceremony tells E! exclusively. "The whole family was there. [Mindy's mother] Gayle officiated and spoke at the service and I left inspired."
Before the funeral started, four of McCready's songs played in rotation, including "Wrong Again," "Ten Thousand Angels," "I'm Still Here" and "I'll See You Yesterday."
Many family members, including her mother Gayle Inge, stepfather Michael Inge and brothers Timothy McCready Jr. and Skylar, spoke and shared personal stories about McCready.
The service "focused on the normal side of Mindy, not the celebrated singer or trouble country star," the source says. "If you were there, you left there knowing Mindy was a normal person-someone who liked to cut up, get in some fun trouble. "
Mindy McCready's stepfather Michael Inge played his guitar during the funeral ceremony and sang Bobby Helms's 'You Are My Special Angel'. Sky Phelan, Mindy's brother, gave an emotional speech where he told of their lives growing up together as did her other brother Timothy McCready
Michael Inge spoke about how the family was doing after McCready's funeral and Mindy’s aunt Terry Greene talked about the singer. Listen >> Funeral Service Audio
Funeral photos and a report at www.dailymail.co.uk

(SLAUGHTERVILLE, Okla). 54-year-old Carl "Chuck" Goff Jr. the bassist for country music star Toby Keith was killed in a two-car crash in Oklahoma.
The Cleveland County Sheriff's Office said he was killed in the crash Wednesday night (Feb 27) in rural Cleveland County, about 35 miles south of Oklahoma City.
Keith said in a statement that he's "deeply saddened" by Goff's death. Keith says Goff was a close friend for more than 25 years, serving as band leader and bass player.
Goff shared writing credits on "Upstairs Downtown" and "You Ain't Much Fun" on Keith's 1994 album "Boomtown."
Chuck Goff
(Dean Guitars)
The two-vehicle crash remains under investigation. Authorities said the driver of the second vehicle wasn't seriously injured.
On www.deanguitars.com Goff stated:
"I pride myself as a being a nuts & bolts player. I believe in function over form, play the song, don't try to be the song. In my 33 years of professional recording and touring, I have come to know what I expect from an instrument. My Dean basses and guitars have exceeded my expectations. Considering the multi-genre influences of today's country music, versatility and dependability in an instrument are a must.
I have been a songwriter, bandleader, and bassist with country music superstar Toby Keith for the last 16 years. I've won a BMI songwriting award for "You Ain't Much Fun". I also co-wrote "Upstairs Downtown". Both of these songs were number one hits. With album sales in excess of 20 million units, and record setting concert crowds, I won't play another bass guitar!
Whether you're a beginner, or a seasoned veteran, go for the throat, and grab a Dean
Carl "Chuck" Goff Artist Video >> YouTube   Photos and report at www.dailymail.co.uk

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