Wednesday, April 27, 2011

"Dance Til Your Stockings Are Hot And Ravelin' " - The Grascals - Tribute to Andy Griffith Show 50th Anniversary

The Grascals are doing this special Tribute CD to the Andy Griffith Show, because it's the 50th Anniversary for this iconic show. The Grascals are all fans of the show as I am myself, They like to quote show dialogue back and forth on the bus. They even have trivia contests with their audiences on the road.




After their first CD this year which was bluegrass and country numbers done with other artists. It was "Grascals and Friends", a compilation of country and bluegrass songs on a Cracker Barrel Special.



This is a 7 song EP which is back to straight Bluegrass, and it is kickin' good. It is songs associated with the Andy Griffith Show, plus one they did themselves. I find it very entertaining and something they really worked on to get that old time sound. Most of the songs should be familiar to you. "Dooley","Boil Them Cabbage Down", "Stay All Night(Stay a Longer)", "Ol' Joe Clark" -(Thumbs up for this one), "Leaning On The Everlasting Arms"(Excellent version), "Mayberry's Finest Theme". Bonus- "Boy, Giraffe's Are Selfish" -(this has to do with a line from a show.)



These guys never stop amazing me, I find it hard to keep a freshness to Bluegrass, because it is a very stiff genre' or can be, but the Grascals continue to to be a fan friendly musically talented bunch that I love, and I think any lover of bluegrass would have to give then Kudos!! Look for this in a few weeks.



http://www.grascals.com/

Friday, April 22, 2011

The Roys Unveil New Website Design, Offer Fans Chance to Win Ipod Nano

The Roys Unveil New Website Design, Offer Fans Chance To Win An iPod Nano®


Prize Comes Pre-Loaded With Duo's New CD, LONESOME WHISTLE

George Jones: "Lee and Elaine's rootsy, pure sound is just what music fans need to hear. Their harmonies are as pure as anyone I have ever heard."



Ricky Skaggs: "I've known The Roys for a long time and have heard them just keep getting better and better. This new project is their best yet. I was real proud to be on it."

Nashville, TN (April 22, 2011) -- The Roys celebrate the unveiling of their exciting new website design by giving fans a chance to win an iPod Nano® loaded with songs from their debut Rural Rhythm Records' CD, LONESOME WHISTLE. Fans can enter the contest at www.theroysonline.com/ipod.





"We're thrilled with the new site, and our fans seem to love the fact that we're constantly updating videos, photos and stories," says Elaine Roy, the sister side of this musical brother/sister team. "And we each have Nanos," she adds. "Couldn't live without them, you know it's all part of that techno thing," adds Lee. "I carry my FlipCam everywhere and Tweet all day long ... I'm addicted to Facebook."

The contest launches today and runs through Sunday, June 5; the winner will be announced on Monday, June 6. Entering the contest is easy - and this one-time entry qualifies that individual for a chance in all future promotional events sponsored by The Roys. "We're all about easy," laughs Lee. "And it doesn't get much easier than entering your name, phone number and email address - one time."

LONESOME WHISTLE launched late last month amidst a nine-day media blitz of major television, personal appearances and radio visits. The Roys swept through six states, appearing on several Fox Television Network shows, Better TV, ABC-TV's What's The Buzz, Daytime, GAC-TV, and Daily Buzz in support of the disc. "It's been a whirlwind," confirmed Elaine. "But a good one."

That whirlwind is creating a media "storm," with reviewers praising The Roys' vocals, song selection and production values. Roughstock.com says, "With eleven fantastic tracks of acoustic country and bluegrass goodness, The Roys' album gets better with each and every listen ... a supremely satisfying album." AOL/The Boot adds "LONESOME WHISTLE is more than a bluegrass album. The 11-track recording is something of a painting of American life and an appreciation of those who keep the faith in bleak times." TheBluegrassSpecial.com calls their harmonies "captivating," and adds, " the voices are evocative (his reedy and a bit bluesy, hers bright with an appealing backwoods plaintiveness), the songs impressive and arresting, the playing impeccable."

The video of the duo's current single, "Coal Minin' Man," remains on GAC-TV's Top 20 Country Countdown ballot, and fans can vote for Lee and Elaine at http://bit.ly/VOTE4THEROYS.com

Read all the reviews, listen to select tracks from LONESOME WHISTLE and learn more about The Roys at http://www.theroysonline.com/





# # #



MEDIA CONTACT

Martha Moore

so much MOORE media

615.746.3994

somuchmoore@charter.net

Thursday, April 21, 2011

The Judds - I Will Stand By You - Essential Judds

Curb Records has released a new compilation of greatest hits for the Judds, which includes two new songs. The bulk of songs is from the Eighties when The Judds ruled country music, with a huge following, with their signature acoustic country sound, produced by Don Potter and Brent Maher really was unique. "I Will Stand By You" is a good example of classic Judds with a sparkle.




This new compilation is very similar to the first greatest hits CD which I have, plus some newer songs from later in their career, like "Love will Build A Bridge". The sound quality is excellent sounding alot like the first Greatest hits CD which was very good, this is a bit tonally better, a very good listen. The newer two songs fit right in.



Here are some of the great songs from the eighties on here. "Mama He's Crazy", "Why Not Me" , "Love Is Alive", "Have Mercy", "I Know Where I'm Going", "Grandpa,Tell Me About the Good Old Days".



"Back Home" is the other remarkable new song with Alison Krauss, very nice lyrics, and a new sounding melody. It is a very good acoustic arrangement. I really enjoyed listening to the remastered older songs and the new songs too, It would be a great addition to your music collection.



http://www.thejuddstour2011.com/

Monday, April 18, 2011

"Teddy Gentry's Best New Nashville" To Take The Stage At Cracker Barrel Old Country Store

Search Amazon.com for cracker barrel“TEDDY GENTRY’S BEST NEW NASHVILLE” TO TAKE THE STAGE


AT CRACKER BARREL OLD COUNTRY STORE®



Exclusive CD Pairs 12 New Artists and 12 New Songs



LEBANON, Tenn. (April 18, 2011) Teddy Gentry has long been celebrated as a member of the country supergroup Alabama, and he is also the force and inspiration behind multiple other music successes in Nashville. Now, Gentry, and Porter-Gentry Productions, are lending a guiding hand to a very special CD that provides country music fans with an inspired assortment of new music, among which many a new favorite might be found. The CD, Teddy Gentry’s Best New Nashville, produced by Gentry, includes 12 new songs performed by 12 new artists and will be available exclusively at Cracker Barrel Old Country Store®, starting May 16.



Each pairing of song and artist on this CD was carefully considered and planned by Gentry, who collects songs the way some people collect stamps. Gentry regularly works with up-and-coming artists on stage and in the studio, and his advice in choosing a new song is to always make sure that there is an emotional connection. “I tell them that they really have to love a song because, if it’s a hit, they’ll be performing it for a very long time,” said Gentry, who knows a lot about hits, having written and performed quite a number of them as a member of the renowned group Alabama.



Gentry also knows about talent, and he regularly works with what he considers to be the best of the new artists to help them learn the ins and outs of the Nashville scene. He says this is his way of giving back because he knows from his own early experiences how hard it is to make it in this very tough business. And Gentry believes that making his new CD, Teddy Gentry’s Best New Nashville, available through Cracker Barrel, provides some fresh new sounds and some quality tunes for Cracker Barrel’s guests. He worked with some of Nashville’s top engineers, studios, and songwriters to ensure the quality of the CD.



“Cracker Barrel is pleased to work with Teddy Gentry on this special project to provide a showcase for some very talented artists from whom we might well be hearing more in the future,” said Chris Ciavarra, Senior Vice President of Marketing for Cracker Barrel. “These are artists who have worked hard and have honed their skills, and with this CD they are stepping up onto a larger stage,” he added.



Photos, bios, and other detailed information about the 12 new artists and this CD are available at bestnewnashville.com.



Teddy Gentry’s Best New Nashville will be the latest in Cracker Barrel’s exclusive music program. In March of this year, Cracker Barrel released Kenny Rogers’ The Love of God which debuted at #8 on the Billboard Top Country Albums chart and #2 on the Top Christian Albums chart. In January 2011, Cracker Barrel released The Grascals & Friends - Country Classics With A Bluegrass Spin which debuted at #1 on Billboard magazine’s Bluegrass Albums chart and at #26 on Billboard’s Top Country Albums chart. In November of 2010, Cracker Barrel released Smokey Robinson’s Now & Then which debuted at #19 on Billboard magazine’s R&B chart and was nominated for an NAACP IMAGE AWARD. September saw the release of the self-titled Rodney Atkins, which includes four #1 hits, and also the release of Mandy Barnett’s Winter Wonderland, which offers up all the authentic sounds of holiday traditions. In July, the company released Craig Morgan’s That’s Why-Collector’s Edition, and in May the release of Wynonna’s Love Heals debuted at #7 on the Billboard Magazine Top Country Albums chart. February’s release of Dailey & Vincent Sing the Statler Brothers debuted at #1 on Billboard’s Top Bluegrass Albums chart, where it spent nine weeks in the top position and 18 weeks overall in one of the three top positions. One of its songs was nominated for a Grammy award®. Over the last few years, Cracker Barrel has released exclusive CDs with Alan Jackson, the Zac Brown Band, George Jones, Montgomery Gentry, Dolly Parton, Bill Gaither, Ricky Skaggs, Aaron Tippin, Alison Krauss & Union Station, Josh Turner, Amy Grant, Kenny Rogers, Sara Evans, and Charlie Daniels.



Tracks on Teddy Gentry’s Best New Nashville:

1. Every Mile I’m Missing You – Jimmy Stewart

2. I’m Gonna Cry – Chanel Campbell

3. That’s The Kind Of Love I Need – Garrett Steele

4. A Good Place To Turn Around – 3 Lanes Crossing

5. A Better Woman – Laura Fedor

6. In His Hands – Chip Davis

7. I’ll Find You – Samantha Landrum

8. Chip Away – Dillon Dixon

9. My So Called Life – Southwind

10. Long Lost Smile – Brad Long

11. Run Baby Run – Adrianna Freeman

12. Are You Ever Gonna Love Me – Amber Shalene

******************



About Cracker Barrel

Cracker Barrel Old Country Store provides a friendly home-away-from-home in its old country stores and restaurants. Guests are cared for like family while relaxing and enjoying real home-style food and shopping that’s surprisingly unique, genuinely fun and reminiscent of America’s country heritage…all at a fair price. The restaurant serves up delicious, home-style country food such as meatloaf and homemade chicken n’ dumplins as well as its made from scratch biscuits using an old family recipe. The authentic old country retail store is fun to shop and offers unique gifts and self-indulgences.



Cracker Barrel Old Country Store, Inc. (Nasdaq: CBRL) was established in 1969 in Lebanon, Tenn. and operates 601 company-owned locations in 42 states. Every Cracker Barrel unit is open seven days a week with hours Sunday through Thursday, 6 a.m. – 10 p.m., and Friday and Saturday, 6 a.m. - 11 p.m. For more information, visit crackerbarrel.com.



About Best New Nashville

An industry executive, Bernard Porter, and an industry legend, Teddy Gentry, had a vision that started with mentoring up and coming talent from all ages and genres. The two joined forces and created Best New Nashville, a division of Porter-Gentry Productions, LLC. (PG Productions, LLC).

Grasstowne - Kickin' Up Dust

Monday, April 11, 2011

"Rare Bird Alert" - Steve Martin" - A Review

Steve Martin is an actor,comedian,musician and has been a very well known entertainer in the American scene for at least thirty five years. He has been on his own TV shows, and starred in several movies.




This is his second recent banjo playing CD, he did another one similar to this a couple of years ago. That CD, won the Grammy for best Bluegrass Album in 09. Last year, Martin established the Steve Martin Prize for Excellence in banjo and bluegrass, an annual award to bring recognition to an individual or group for outstanding accomplishment in the field of banjo or bluegrass music. The first award was presented to Noam Pikelny. Martin must have a ton of energy as he also has time write books. He wrote all of the material on this album.



This album conveys a combination of good traditional bluegrass music with the help of the Steep Canyon Rangers, and also Paul McCartney and The Dixie Chicks. It is refreshing to hear the Chicks together again singing a bluegrass song reminding me of their CD "Home", with the Martin written song "You". I like this song the best on the album. Paul McCartney sings the vocals on "Best Love". Bluegrass with a cello and a pop feel to it as McCartney sounds different here, I did not recognize his voice right way , had to look at Literature. Martin adds some of his humor to a few songs here, like on "Atheists Don't Have No Songs", a song that makes light of southern gospel singing,and he with his back up group even do some gospel type harmonies. I really don't care for this track, but he says that he likes to perform it live, a staple of their shows.



He was fortunate in discovering his back up group(Steep Canyon Rangers) that tours and records with him, his wife had known them and introduced them to him. Their banjo player Graham Sharp compliments Martin's clawhammer style with some Scruggs type pickin'. The album overall is done very well as it is recorded by Gary Paczosa and mastered by Doug Sax, two of the best at what they do in the music industry. It is well balanced and the sound is not overly bright, as some bluegrass can be. I must say that today's bluegrass music is a booming business and the recordings for the most part are top notch.



"Northern Island" is an up tempo bluegrass jam, the banjos are in the front of most of the recordings, especially instrumentals. He does a bluegrass rendering of his comic King Tut.



In closing, you will find Steve Martin here in both his serious love for bluegrass music, and also Steve Martin; The Comic.



http://www.stevemartin.com/

Judds Take Trip To Los Angeles On Talk Show Circuit

THE JUDDS TAKE TRIP TO LOS ANGELES TO APPEAR ON THE TALK AND THE LATE LATE SHOW WITH CRAIG FERGUSON AMONG OTHERS


The Duo is Featured on the Cover of Country Weekly



Nashville, TN (April 11, 2011) – The Judds continue their recent media blitz as they travel to the west coast in support of their new series on the Oprah Winfrey Network (OWN), which debuted last night. After wrapping up their NYC trip last week, the mother-daughter duo are now traveling to Los Angeles in support of their new show, simply titled The Judds, which follows the pair on their journey during their final tour together, The Last Encore.



Tune in to catch The Judds as they discuss their new series which continues next Sunday at 9pm EST on OWN. The duo will be making guest appearances on the KTLA morning show, The Talk, TV Guide Channel and The Late Late Show with Craig Ferguson on Tuesday, April 12.



The Judds also spoke with Country Weekly about their new documentary series, their relationship and their latest projects including their new album I Will Stand By You: The Essential Collection. Be sure to check out the April 11 issue.

Thursday, April 07, 2011

"Texas Girls" - Thom Shepherd - A Review

Many people will recognize Shepherd when they hear some of the songs on this CD that were done originally by other artists. Shepherd has been around awhile doing lots of songwriting ,having sixty cuts done by artists like Craig Morgan,David Ball,George Jones and Montgomery Gentry.




This ten song effort has a mix of old and new material. He is making a single on the CD -"App for That" to send to Texas/Red Dirt radio stations. It is a real cute upbeat song making some humor on the "App", you know, the things you download on your smart phone.



The production of this CD is simple seventies country, without the many layers of instruments, just some hot tele pickin', acoustic guitar and pedal steel with backup vocals. Nothing fancy, but done real tastefully, Shepherd has a very good singing voice, adding some new takes on alot of his older songs.



"Riding With Private Malone", originally a big hit by David Ball is a song that sends chills thru me. Just a great story song that Shepherd does a more acoustic take on.



This Album should do well with folk that like like Shepherd's style and very original songs. He has had two bouts with cancer, now five years being cancer free he does lots of benefits to help benefit cancer support organizations.



One song that I identify with is "A Father's Love", reminds me of my own relationship with my Dad. Check this out on.



http://www.thomshepherd.com/
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