Taylor guitars
For more information go to: http://tylrgt.rs/29cTn8n
2016
British Country Music Awards Nominations Announced!
The nominees for the prestigious British Country Music Awards have been announced. This event has attracted and become the benchmark for many artists who were previously unknown to the Country music fans who just attend the many events around the club scene and as Country music in the UK grows more and more young acts have been enticed to the genre and so these awards recognise those up and coming artists both here and abroad as well as the more celebrated performers. They are open to all. Members of the British Country Music Association will have the final say on the winners when voting takes place. Of the nominees Ben Earle gets three nominations including two with Crissie Rhodes as part of The Shires. Nathan Carter gets another nod for Entertainer of the Year, he was nominated too in 2014 and 2015 as was Raintown who must be doing something right, they have four nominations this year, one for Entertainer and the other three in Video, Album and Group categories. Gary Perkins, who recently won CCN Band of the Year also gets a nomination in the Entertainer category. Newcomers to the awards nominations are The Southern Companion, Ashton Lane, Thorne Hill and Red Sky July. A spokesman said: ‘The quality of the British acts who have come to the fore since British Country music has stepped up to the mark means we shall be soon listening to more of our own acts rather than importing them from across the world. We can match the US with quality, we just need to get them publicised more. The likes of The Southern Companion, Holloway Road, The Shires and Ward Thomas are creating waves and it is no wonder the large recording companies have opened offices in London.’ For more details of the Awards Show and the Best of British event to be held the day before at the same venue in London or go to bcmawards.co.uk. The nominees are: Entertainer of the Year The Shires Nathan Carter Jess & The Bandits Raintown Gary Perkins Group of the Year Dexeter Raintown Jess & The Bandits Gary Quinn Band Red Sky July Female Vocalist of the Year Laura Oakes Claire McArthur-Bain (Raintown) Katy Hurt Jessica Clemmons (Jess & The Bandits) Crissie Rhodes (The Shires) Musician of the Year Lee Guyler Justin Johnson Scott Poley Sarah Jory John Pettifer Duo of the Year Ward Thomas The Shires Luke & Mel Holloway Road Ashton Lane UK Album of the Year Belle Cannon – Evolution The Southern Companion – 1000 Days Of Rain Raintown – Writing On The Wall Thorne Hill – No More Holding Back Red Sky July – The Truth And The Lie Male Vocalist of the Year Thorne Hill Ben Earle (The Shires) Nathan Carter Pete Kennedy Gary Quinn Horizon Act of the Year The Southern Companion Narn Acoustic Journey Samantha Lloyd Fitzwallace UK Song of the Year The Southern Companion – Crash Katy Hurt – Love You More Luke & Mel – Bad Habit Ashton Lane – Seventeen Raintown – Nineteen Again International Song of the Year Chris Stapleton – Tennessee Whiskey Thomas Rhett – Die A Happy Man Tim McGraw – Humble And Kind Maren Morris – My Church Carrie Underwood – Smoke Break International Album of the Year Chris Stapleton – Traveller Thomas Rhett – Tangled Up Carrie Underwood – Storyteller Eric Church – Mr Misunderstood Chris Young – I’m Coming Over International Act of the Year Little Big Town Dixie Chicks Phil Vassar Thomas Rhett Kip Moore Video of the Year Thorne Hill – Open Road Raintown – Writing On The Wall Luke & Mel – Bad Habit Gary Quinn – Dodge Your Bullet The Southern Companion – Drive
British Country Music Awards Nominations Announced! Read More »
Bobby Rush signs to rounder records with new album PORCUPINE MEAT set for September 16 release
Naming one’s album after a song titled “Porcupine Meat” may seem a little unusual — unless, of course, you’re Bobby Rush, who earned his first gold record in 1971 with a hit entitled “Chicken Heads.” He elaborates on his recent composition: “If a lady won’t treat me right, but she doesn’t want anyone else to have me, that is hard to digest.” Hence the lyric, “too fat to eat, too lean to throw away.” is Rush’s debut release for Rounder Records, and one of the best recordings of his astonishing 60-plus year career. The album is due out September 16, 2016. Rush estimates that he has cut over 300 songs since he first began making music. He has been honored with three Grammy nominations, as well as ten Blues Music Awards and 41 nominations. He was inducted into the Blues Hall of Fame in 2006. Make no mistake: Rush is not your typical octogenarian. At age 82, he exudes the energy of a 20-year-old, on the road for more than 200 dates a year. His hectic tour schedule has earned him the affectionate title King of the Chitlin’ Circuit. Rush has traveled the globe including Japan and Beirut. In 2007, he earned the distinction of being the first blues artist to play at the Great Wall of China. His renowned stage act features his famed shake dancers, who personify his funky blues and the ribald humor that he has cultivated during the course of his storied career. PORCUPINE MEAT will not only please Rush’s older fans, but is likely to win over many new ones. Billington reflects, “We wanted to come up with something fresh, while staying 100% true to Bobby.” The album was recorded in New Orleans, and Rush was pleased and proud to be given the opportunity to make an album in his home state for the very first time. His impassioned vocals and in-the-pocket harmonica playing are among the best performances of his career. Unlike most of his recent releases, these sessions only feature real instruments and no synthesizers. All of the rhythm tracks were cut live in the studio, often edited down from jams that on several occasions ran close to ten minutes. For the project, Billington assembled some of the best Louisiana musicians, including Shane Theriot, David Torkanowsky, Jeffrey “Jellybean” Alexander, Kirk Joseph, Cornell Williams, and others. Rush brought along his old friend and longtime collaborator, guitarist Vasti Jackson, who worked with Bobby and Scott on getting the songs ready for the studio. Guitar greats Dave Alvin, Keb’ Mo’, and Joe Bonamassa all make guest appearances on the album.
Jake Owen set to release AMERICAN LOVE July 29
The much-anticipated new album AMERICAN LOVE represents the best of Jake Owen both musically and personally, and that’s because the project is the result of a soul-searching journey that led him to explore the meaning of life and music. While recording the album, he ventured down some enticing new musical paths, but eventually decided to return home to his Florida-inspired roots, embracing the unique sound for which he is popular. Personally, he worked through the pain and healing of a divorce and renewed his commitment to what really matters in life–hope, optimism and the power of love. AMERICAN LOVE is a new beginning for Owen, who has become a beacon of positive vibes through his uplifting lyrics and melodies, optimism, love of the beach and his youthful spontaneity. This begins the exciting new chapter in his award-winning career that has earned five number one hits– ‘Barefoot Blue Jean Night,”Beachin,’ ‘The One That Got Away,’ ‘Alone with You’ and ‘Anywhere with You.’ “This record has been very enlightening because I found myself through the songs. I got back to basics with AMERICAN LOVE,” he says of the project co-produced by award-winning songwriters and producers Shane McAnally and Ross Copperman with four tracks co-produced Lukas Bracewell and Owen, “This is me, this is what I want to say and this is what I want people to remember me for. These songs promote positivity and love.”
Jake Owen set to release AMERICAN LOVE July 29 Read More »
Americana guitarist Jesse Dayton set to release THE REVEALER September 16
Texas guitarist, singer/songwriter Jesse Dayton releases his new album,THE REVEALER, on September 16 via his new record deal with Blue Elan Records. Dayton, the country-blues-punk guitarist from Beaumont, Texas, has been building a cult following around the globe, playing 180 shows a year in North America and Europe, with his guitar shredding, country-infused, Americana sound. Recorded in Houston at the Gulf Coast’s hit factory, SugarHill Studios, The Revealer puts Dayton’s considerable talent on full display as he plays guitar, bass, percussion, and keys, as well as singing his own harmonies. He’s assisted by childhood buddy Eric Tucker, Mike Stinson, and Eric Hughes on drums, and Austin ringers Riley Osbourne (piano and B3) and Beth Chrisman (fiddle). Evans and engineer Steve Christensen, a Grammy Award winner for his engineering work on Steve Earle’s 2009 Grammy nominated album Townes, round out Dayton’s dream team. “John and I go way back to our days in Houston,” Dayton explains, “and once we got in the studio it felt like the ghosts of Freddy Fender, George Jones, and Doug Sahm were in the room with us. They all recorded massive hits there with Huey Meaux and there’s just such a powerful vibe. You’re surrounded by all this Texas music history and that’s inspiring.” THE REVEALER starts right off with a bang, from the track titled ‘Daddy Was A Badass’ a driving piece recalling the hard charging life of Dayton’s own father and uncles. This opening track explains a whole hell of a lot about who Jesse Dayton is and why he sounds so different from the current wave of Americana artists. Other highlights include ‘Three Pecker Goat’ which Dayton co-wrote with longtime friend and Americana star Hayes Carll and a duet on ‘Match Made In Heaven’ with Austin songbird Brennan Leigh. An early chance meeting with Austin blues impresario Clifford Antone (the man who discovered Stevie Ray & Jimmie Vaughn, Charlie Sexton, Doyle Bramhall Sr. & Jr, etc.), led to an invitation for Dayton to “come to Austin and play Antone’s, anytime.” This priceless exposure, coupled with the number one ranking of his first record,RAISIN’ CAIN (1995) on Americana radio, led to Dayton being hired at a young age to play with his heroes.
Americana guitarist Jesse Dayton set to release THE REVEALER September 16 Read More »
The Devil Makes Three Announces REDEMPTION & RUIN Out August 26th
Fresh off a sold-out headlining show at Red Rocks Amphitheater, The Devil Makes Three are proud to announce their new album, REDEMPTION & RUIN set for release August 26th on New West Records. The album will be available digitally, on CD, and on vinyl. The band are set to play four UK/Eire shows this month before heading out on an extensive US tour in the fall. TOUR DATES July 15 – London, UK @ Garage July 16 – Manchester, UK @ The Deaf Institute – July 17 – Glasgow, UK @ King Tut’s Wah Wah Hut July 18 – Dublin, IE Whelans REDEMPTION & RUIN is a concept project of 12 handpicked songs that bring fans in on the repertoire and legacy that have inspired The Devil Makes Three from before they founded the band. Divided in to two sides, the subjects of “redemption” and “ruin” are explored through various works by Muddy Waters, Tampa Red, Townes Van Zandt, Tom Waits, Hank Williams, Kris Kristofferson and Willie Nelson to name a few and The Devil Makes Three’s interpretations of these songs also feature an all-star cast of guest stars like Emmylou Harris, Tim O’Brien, Jerry Douglas, Darrell Scott and guitar great Duane Eddy. Pete, Cooper and Lucia’s mutual love of these songs, their exploration of the human condition and the therapeutic keening of the blues melodies has been found throughout their albums of original material but here on Redemption & Ruin their bringing listeners directly to the source point of their inspiration. The Devil Makes Three have been simplistically tagged as everything from punk to bluegrass to rockabilly, but as one sweaty show will dispel and clarify; they know and fully appreciate the tradition, but really what they do is throw down. In 15 years together they’ve played just about every well worn bar and theatre in America and have quietly built such a massive following that they now headline amphitheaters and festivals and sell thousands of tickets a night.
The Devil Makes Three Announces REDEMPTION & RUIN Out August 26th Read More »
Dolly Parton's new album PURE & SIMPLE available worldwide August 19
Today, world-renowned singer/songwriter/entertainer Dolly Parton and Sony Music Nashville announced a joint venture and the launch of Dolly’s new studio album, PURE & SIMPLE for worldwide distribution on August 19. Releasing on Dolly Records/RCA Nashville, PURE & SIMPLE can be pre-ordered starting Friday, July 8. “I may not be pure, but I’m as simple as they come! This new PURE & SIMPLE project is really special to me because I’m taking my fans back to my roots. I feel like these songs have a pure, tender side and we didn’t go overboard with arrangements. I’m so glad we’ve teamed up with our friends at Sony to get this album out to the fans,” said Dolly Parton. Doug Morris, CEO, Sony Music Entertainment, said: “Dolly Parton is a national treasure and an iconic singer/songwriter. We are thrilled to be expanding our successful relationship with her through this new global agreement. We are very proud to call her a member of the Sony Music family.” “This is a special reunion for Dolly, RCA Nashville and for me personally,” commented Randy Goodman, Chairman and CEO, Sony Music Nashville. “Our entire Sony Music Nashville team is elated.” Continues Goodman, “We have a firm foundation of Dolly’s incredible catalog of hits on RCA Nashville as well as Columbia Nashville.”
Dolly Parton's new album PURE & SIMPLE available worldwide August 19 Read More »
Jeff Finlin announces release of album LIFE AFTER DEATH
Rising from the ashes of the self- a voice appears. Though the voice has been there all along it’s been muffled by the sound of a train that carries the load of youth, ambition, want and a lust for more. Once that train stops rolling it reveals its musings. This voice ruminates in the work of Jeff Finlin. Jeff Finlin’s work is funny, insightful, playfully sardonic, and capable of exhuming archetypal musings from its listeners. It documents a vivacious spiritual path in poetry and song. In this respect, Finlin’s work represents a kind of modern day American Rumi-ism. New album LIFE AFTER DEATH is somewhat of a ‘best of’ or ‘an introduction to’, featuring 20 key tracks for those who have not crossed paths with this maverick and prolific songwriter. Spanning his back catalogue, this collection seeks to show the depth and diversity of Finlin’s composition, creating a full picture of him in 2016. Born in Cleveland, Ohio, the grandson of Irish railroad workers (who seemed to be in the habit of leaping from trains), music, writing and travel became fascination for Finlin. He began with a wanderlust, traveling America using every form of transportation, with the exception of tuk tuk (still on the bucket list). Having played in bands in Boston, Ohio and L.A, he finally wound up in Nashville with long-time mate and Academy Award nominee Gwil Owen to form the rock band The Thieves. They released the acclaimed ‘Seduced By Money’, produced by Marshall Crenshaw on Capitol Records. Venturing out on his own he went on to produce the self-released ‘Lonely Light’ before going on to produce the Little Dog/ Mercury release, ‘Highway Diaries’. Never one for the convention of Nashville, he moved to the far west of America and set up shop. For the last 12 years he has been delivering writing and music of depth and candor that has consistently made its appearance around the world. His song “Sugar Blue” found its way into Cameron Crowe’s feature film “Elizabethtown” alongside the likes of Tom Petty, Elton John, Lyndsey Buckingham and My Morning Jacket. This new compilation of his work from brand new West London based label Man In The Moon Records represents a distinctive core of his music and poetic thought. Sober since 1997, Finlin took up the practice of yoga to enhance and promote his spiritual life. His resulting work documents a spiritual path of experience that became the main focus and structure of his art and life. He recently began work on a foundation called Recover.Yoga with the hopes of giving back the practice of yoga to people in all forms of recovery. Jeff has also just released a new book of poetry which will probably blow a few minds alongside his prosaic music, it’s entitled ‘The Seduction Of Radha’. Jeff Finlin has always carved out his own path. Tune into “Life after Death”—you’ll hear an elusive magic.
Jeff Finlin announces release of album LIFE AFTER DEATH Read More »
Dave Clarke gearing up to host new stage at Tomorrowland
Dave Clarke is gearing up to take charge of a brand new stage at Tomorrowland on Sunday 24TH July. Based on an arch the new stage will mark Dave’s fifth year at the festival hosting a stage where he will once again present a broad range of cutting-edge underground dance music to the festival with something for every discerning music lover. Joining Dave behind the decks will be five techno titans; Green Velvet, Marcel Fengler, Pierre, Scuba, Vitalic with MC Gunner back again as the master of ceremonies. Entrusted with hosting a stage for a 5th year running, Dave Clarke will share his undying passion for techno to a sold out crowd of music fans from all over the world. Dave Clarke said: ”As ever, thoroughly thrilled to be invited back to the worlds most successful dance festival and be given a stage to programme, a complete honour” Stage Running Order: Dave Clarke 22h15 – 00h00 Vitalic 20h30 22h15 Green Velvet 19h00 – 20h30 Scuba 17h00 19h00 Marcel Fengler 15h00 – 17h0 Pierre 13h00 – 15h00 Tomorrowland 2016 will take place at take place in Boom from 22 – 24 July and this years theme is the Elixir of Life. More info here: http://www.tomorrowland.com/
Dave Clarke gearing up to host new stage at Tomorrowland Read More »
Gov't mule release archival album THE TEL-STAR SESSIONS
Legendary rock torchbearers Gov’t Mule will release a new archival album entitled THE TEL-STAR SESSIONS on August 5, 2016 via Provogue/Mascot Label Group. The album consists of the band’s very first, and never-before-released, demos made in June 1994 at Tel-Star Studios in Bradenton, Florida. These newly mixed and mastered recordings feature the original line-up – Warren Haynes, Allen Woody and Matt Abts – and capture the rawness and excitement of the earliest days of Gov’t Mule. What was originally intended to be the band’s debut album, but then subsequently shelved until now, these 10 songs will be available digitally and as a single CD, as well as 180-gram double-vinyl set including a limited edition version with different artwork and splatter vinyl. Recorded during the infancy of Gov’t Mule, the demos heard on The Tel-Star Sessions are from a time when Mule was an adventurous side project, formed during a year when Warren Haynes and Allen Woody had some down time from their work with the Allman Brothers Band. Becoming one of the most enduring, respected and active bands in the world was the furthest thing from the band’s imagination; the plan was to record a low-budget album and play a few shows. Two decades later, it’s now clear that they had stumbled upon something special, but at that point Mule was an experimental rock trio: Haynes, Woody and drummer Matt Abts, who Haynes brought in after playing with him in the Dickey Betts Band. Fans will love the chance to hear their early improvisational interplay, an impressive skill that has since become a signature of Gov’t Mule’s albums and live shows. Collaborating with Allman Brothers sound engineer Bud Snyder, and taking legendary producer Tom Dowd’s advice to record all instruments simultaneously live in a room, Gov’t Mule holed up in Tel-Star Studios and sought to bring back the rock power trio and “dirty up” the bass guitar – a style that had been a marker of rock music prior to the ‘80s. Their influences leaned heavily on the likes of Cream, Jimi Hendrix Experience and ZZ Top, but Mule’s search to bring back a familiar sound is mingled with grunge and alt-rock influences that had just emerged in the early-mid ‘90s. Little did they know that the magic created during these sessions would spark such a prolific musical journey. It is undeniably enthralling to go back in time and experience how it all began.
Gov't mule release archival album THE TEL-STAR SESSIONS Read More »