2016

Chris Stapleton wins 'Male Vocalist Of The Year' and 'Music Video Of The Year' at the 50th annual CMA awards

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Chris Stapleton won “Male Vocalist of the Year” and “Music Video of the Year” (“Fire Away”) at The 50th Annual CMA Awards. This marks Stapleton’s second consecutive Male Vocalist win and his first for Music Video. In addition to the two honors, Stapleton was joined by special guest Dwight Yoakam for a rousing rendition of Ray Charles and Willie Nelson’s 1984 hit Seven Spanish Angels”alongside full string and horn sections. Conceived by Stapleton, the powerful music video for Fire Away was directed by Tim Mattia and stars actors Ben Foster and Margarita Levieva. Beyond serving as the visual representation of his song, the video aims to bring attention to the culture of mental health awareness throughout the country, specifically through The Campaign to Change Direction (www.changedirection.org). The organization, which was introduced to Stapleton through Foster, strives to start a common language about the Five Signs of suffering emotionally: change in personality, agitation, withdrawal, decline in personal care and hopelessness. The Five Signs are clearly represented in the video through Levieva’s poignant performance. The two new awards cap off a series of breakthrough years for Stapleton since the release of his now certified RIAA double platinum solo debut album, Traveller. The breakthrough album has gone on to receive multiple Grammy, CMA and ACM awards and continues to consistently top the Billboard Country Albums chart—over a year since its May 2015 release on Mercury Records Nashville. Stapleton will embark on a series of Canadian tour dates next year, including stops in London, Ottawa, Winnipeg, Calgary, Edmonton and Vancouver.

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Justin Moore merges comedy and country on Jimmy Kimmel Live!

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Chart-topping Country crooner Justin Moore will show off his comedic chops once again during a special appearance on Jimmy Kimmel Live! this Wednesday (11/2) at 11:35pm ET / 10:35pm CT on ABC . Directly following the CMA Awards, the Platinum-selling singer will offer up a light-hearted new tune for the late night audience. Moore previously gave a hilarious reading of Drake’s “Hotline Bling” for KNIX-FM with his signature Southern drawl eliciting over 18 million views. As fans clamor to hear new music, Moore’s new single Somebody Else Will was recently introduced to Country radio and is already creating major buzz . This is the follow-up to his sixth No. 1 You Look Like I Need a Drink, which recently ascended to the top of both the Mediabase and Billboard charts, as the lead single from his fourth album KINDA DON’T CARE. Moore will kick off his co-headlining American made tour with Lee Brice at the beginning of 2017 with opening acts William Michael Morgan and Brett Young joining for the 25 dates already on the books.

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Skyville will broadcast special late-night show from Jumbotron in Downtown Nashville on November 2

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Emmy-nominated online music series Skyville Live will be simulcasting its after-after party on a 200 square foot jumbotron in Downtown Nashville following a broadcast of the CMA Awards. The jumbotron will be situated on the corner of 2nd & Broadway where it is certain to be viewed by tens of thousands of people enjoying the unique Nashville night life. The show will start at midnight on November 2nd and stars Lucinda Williams, Dr. John with his award winning jazz trombonist Sarah Morrow, The Cadillac Three and Bonnie Bishop to the stage, all of them backed by The McCrary Sisters and the SVL Allstars, a twelve piece band led by Kenny Greenberg and featuring Willie Weeks on bass, Fred Eltringhamon on drums, Mike Rojas on B3, Justin Schipper slide guitar and a six piece horn section conducted by Roy Agee. “Since its inception Skyville Live has always been about taking a great musical experience and providing it to viewers wherever they are. Given the electric atmosphere that will exist on the streets of Nashville during this special night of the CMA Awards show, we thought this was a great way to go where the people are,” Stated Wally Wilson. KRAVE Jerky is a proud sponsor of Skyville Live and will be incorporated into the menu curated by the Skyville Live culinary and cocktail team. Unique, show-stopping pairings will add to the growing list of once-in-a-lifetime collaborations delivered only by Skyville Live. From Lady Antebellum, Jason Isbell, Jewel, Brandy Clark and Amanda Shires bringing down the house with Kris Kristofferson on his classic “Me and Bobby McGee” to a stellar take on “Midnight Train to Georgia” with Gladys Knight, Martina McBride and Estelle to the impassioned performance of Steve Earle’s “Pilgrim” featuring the acclaimed songwriter alongside Emmylou Harris, Brothers Osborne, Margo Price and Colter Wall, Skyville Live continues to create music moments that are unique to its stage. The must-watch episode is scheduled to stream live exclusively via AOL.com and go90, a free mobile video platform available across all wireless carriers, November 2 at 12:00 AM CT. To access go90, simply download the app via the App Store or Google Play.  

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REVIEW: Hannah Sanders & Ben Savage BEFORE THE SUN

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Hannah Sanders & Ben Savage BEFORE THE SUN Sungrazing Records 4 stars Magical folk harmonies For the follow up to her beautiful debut CHARMS AGAINST SORROW, Hannah Sanders is joined by guitarist and Dobro maestro Ben Savage from folkies The Willows. Under the expert guidance of Toronto producer David Travers-Smith, they have come up with another gem of self penned and traditional numbers with a Dylan cover thrown in for good measure. Of their own compositions The Fall (Hang) has macabre overtones but sets the scene for the gorgeous harmonies that adorn the whole album. What’s It Tonight My Love? finds Hannah and Ben out on the evening streets musing over the darkness and studying the moon on the way home. Richie Stearns’ Ribbons and Bows is a dark deceptively up-beat number featuring some great dulcimer. More dulcimer on the spooky Unquiet Grave as the superstitions surrounding excessive grieving are explored with the dead lover unable to fall into eternal sleep for the wailing of his beloved. Dylan’s Boots of Spanish Leather is simply a classic. The couple are joined by a host of guest musicians, notably Canadian guitarist Kevin Breit, Katriona Gilmore on mandolin, fiddle and vocals, Evan Carson on percussion, Jon Thorne on double bass as well as Ben’s vocal partner from The Willows, Jade Rhiannon. Jim Causley and Robin Gillan also add their vocal talents to what is a really lovely album. John Roffey www.hannahbenmusic.com

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Brandy Clark releases special version of Hold My Hand with legendary Dwight Yoakam

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Four-time GRAMMY nominee Brandy Clark, and 21-time nominated, multiple GRAMMY Award winner, Dwight Yoakam release a recorded version of their highly-regarded duet performance of Clark’s Hold My Hand today. The two teamed up at the 2015 GRAMMY Awards, where Clark was nominated for Best New Artist, for a beautiful performance of the song – then for a recording of the duet after that. The original version of Hold My Hand is off Clark’s debut album, 12 STORIES, which was GRAMMY-nominated for Best New Album the year they performed. Yoakam has been part of well-known collaborations in the past, including his rendition of Same Old Train that featured Clint Black, Joe Diffie, Merle Haggard, Emmylou Harris, Alison Krauss, Patty Loveless, Earl Scruggs and Marty Stuart and earned him a GRAMMY nomination for Best Collaboration with Vocals. Yoakam contributed his unmistakable harmonies on the Hold My Hand recording, and when they got together for a show in Arkansas in August, 2016 they revisited the recording. Ultimately, they decided it was too good not to release.“Dwight added something so special to Hold My Hand both at the GRAMMY performance and then on the track itself,” said Clark. “We had both forgotten about it until we had a show together. In catching up backstage one night we came up with the idea to put it out – for no other reason than we both loved it so much and thought it was a shame to just be ‘sitting on a shelf.’ Music is made to be heard and we definitely wanted this version to be shared.” 

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The Kentucky Headhunters to premiere tracks from new album ON SAFARI on Siriusxm outlaw country Ch. 60

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The Kentucky Headhunters are going “On Safari” with former WWE Superstar Hillbilly Jim, as they premiere tracks from their new album this weekend on SiriusXM Outlaw Country Channel 60’s “Hillbilly Jim’s Haunted Hayride.” The special will air Saturday, Oct. 29 at 10 a.m. ET, Sunday, Oct. 30 at 2 p.m. ET and Monday, Oct. 31 at 8 p.m. ET. Long considered “Southern Rock Royalty,” The Kentucky Headhunters continue to live up to the hype with ON SAFARI, which serves as a nod to family and the Southern way of life. A perfect fit for their long-time friend and fellow Kentuckian, Hillbilly Jim, who serves up 200-proof down-home country and southern-fried rock & roll every weekend on SiriusXM Outlaw Country. “It’s always an unbelievable treat to have The Kentucky Headhunters on my show, as our friendship goes back to when we were all young men together,” said Jim “Hillbilly Jim” Morris. “In my opinion not only are they one of the best bands in this country, but in any country, anywhere.”

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REVIEW: Red Moon Road SORROWS AND GLORIES

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Red Moon Road SORROWS AND GLORIES Manitoba Film and Music ***** Blissfully beautiful folk that will have you harmonising with your hips swaying. Aptly titled Sorrows and Glories, Red Moon Road return with their third studio album, which was recorded in the aftermath of an accident which saw lead singer Sheena Rattai need to take time out of a life on the road to recover from an accident. The record itself covers the healing period as well as many of the highs the band have experienced in their ever-growing career. Essentially a folk trio that centre their sound on a harmony drive, the real star on Sorrows and Glories is the crisp, clear and emotionally rich vocal of Rattai at the albums centre. While the charming harmonies have echoes of Britain’s finest Americana trio Red Sky July, they appear to be less integral to the finished sound of Red Moon Road. While the trio do mix up vocal duties along the way, with both Daniel Péloquin-Hopfner and Daniel Jordan in fine voice, it is when they deliver gospel driven harmonies to Rattai’s vocal that the spine really tingles. At their most striking, The Lumineers’ flavoured I’ll Bend But I Won’t Break and the powerfully spiritual a capella opener Beauty In Their Broken Bones, Red Moon Band manage to take subject matter that is common to the genre but deliver them with an inspired edge that will etch them for all eternity in your memory. With an ability to make the everyday seem enticing, and a personal story that is truly moving thrown in to mix, Red Moon Road catapult their third studio album into the elite of their genre. This is a record that not just needs to be added in to your collection, but warrants the trio that created it to be awarded a flurry of awards. Jeremy Williams-Chalmers

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Carie Rodriguez announces UK tour

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Carrie Rodriguez, acclaimed singer-songwriter from Austin, Texas, announces a headline November UK tour, following her recent project, the celebrated Spanish/English album LOLA, released in the UK earlier this year. Carrie will perform at the Old Queens Head in London on 9th November, promoted by the Green Note. A passionate performer, Carrie effortlessly melds fiery fiddle playing, electrifying vocals and a fresh interpretation of new and classic songs with an “Ameri-Chicana” attitude. Lola is both a return to her musical roots and something of a departure where she delivers her own twangy, Texas-bred twist on Mexican Ranchera songs, creating culturally blended music for a culturally blended world. Inspired by the 1940’s-era recordings of Carrie’s great aunt, Chicana singing sensation Eva Garza, the album is a mixture of new and old songs. It features Spanish songs written by some of Carrie’s favorite Mexican composers, as well as her own Ranchera-inspired original songs written in English, Spanish and “Spanglish.” Produced by Lee Townsend, the album is supported by an all-star band, The Sacred Hearts, assembled especially for this project. The band features internationally acclaimed composer/ guitarist Bill Frisell, Viktor Krauss on bass, Luke Jacobs on pedal steel and guitars, David Pulkingham on nylon string guitar and electric guitar and Brannen Temple on drums and percussion. The crowdfunded project, supported entirely by friends and fans, was released on Feb. 19, 2016 by Carrie’s own label, Luz Records. Carrie, an Austin native, began playing violin at age five. Her training quickly became the passion and focus of her childhood, and by age 10, she had performed at Carnegie Hall. She continued the classical track in her first year at Oberlin Conservatory, then shifted gears to pursue her true love affair with the fiddle—staying true to her Texas roots at the Berklee College of Music Early in her career, a collaboration with singer-songwriter Chip Taylor resulted in four highly acclaimed duet albums. Her subsequent solo albums highlight the diversity of her musical identity, from her debut SEVEN ANGELS ON A BYCICLE to 2013’s GIVE ME ALL YOU GOT which reached no. 1 on the Americana Music Charts. Carrie has toured, recorded and co-written songs with legendary artists such as Lucinda Williams, John Prine, Bill Frisell, Rickie Lee Jones, Mary Gauthier, Los Lobos, Alejandro Escovedo and Los Lonely Boys, among others. She has made numerous television and radio appearances, including Austin City Limits, The Tonight Show and A Prairie Home Companion. She has been profiled in many publications, including Rolling Stone, The New York Times, The Times of London, The New Yorker, the Washington Post and many more. NOVEMBER UK TOUR DATES Thursday 3rd November The Kitchen Garden Cafe – Birmingham Friday 4th November The Live Room @ Caroline Social Club – Saltaire  Saturday 5th November The Victoria Hotel – Menai Bridge  Sunday 6th November Henry Tudor House – Shrewsbury  Wednesday 9th November Green Note @ The Old Queen’s Head – Islington  Friday 11th November Town Hall Live – Kirton-in-Lindsey Saturday 12th November Woodend Gallery – Scarborough  Sunday 13th November The Wee Gig @ Abington Village Hall – South Lanarkshire  Tuesday 15th November Fallen Angel Presents @ The Admiral – Glasgow  Thursday 17th November The Voodoo Rooms – Edinburgh 

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Kenny Chesney launches COSMIC HALLELUJAH

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With USA Today already weighing in with “Kenny Chesney goes ‘deeper’ on new album,” COSMIC HALLELUJAH  is getting ready to bow Friday, Oct. 28 – after delays for creative expansion, a No. 1 this week, a duet with rock/pop superstar P!NK “Setting the World on Fire,” and a cadre of media appearances to draw the No Shoes Nation even further into the follow-up to his four straight No. 1-yielding The Big Revival. “This record is personal to me,” says the four-time Country Music Association and four consecutive Academy of Country Music Entertainer of the Year. “It was an unusual path, but I think it took the album as a whole to new places, something I always want to do with the No Shoes Nation. If The Big Revival was ‘wake up and get back to living,’ COSMIC HALLELUJAH  balances being aware with embracing every thrill that comes with being alive – and knowing those thrills are right in front of you, if you just pay attention. And it’s funny: the questions asked for this have been the best in my entire career.” Kicking things off with appearances on “The Ellen DeGeneres Show” and a taped piece with Natalie Morales on the beach for “Today,” then appearances on “James Corden” and “The Talk” on Tuesday, Nov. 1. For the always reticent songwriter/superstar from East Tennessee, the opportunity to talk about the energy he rode into the studio while recording four additional songs for COSMIC HALLELUJAH has yielded some of his most insightful media yet. Jesus And Elvis bows on NPR’s prestigious All Songs Considered today. The Hayes Carll/Allison Moorer/Matraca Berg song celebrates LaLa’s Little Nugget in Austin, Texas, but it’s really about those places that are sanctuaries for real life in all our lives. “I made a really good record with Some Town, Somewhere,” marvels the man who’s headlined 135 major stadiums, “and it was a core sample of the No Shoes Nation. But between that being-in-the-moment charge of ‘Setting The World On Fire’ with P!NK – and she’s so electric and amazing – finally finding a place for ‘Coach,’ and a few new songs, COSMIC HALLELUJAH turned into this top-of-the-rollercoaster kind of throw-your-hands-up-and-embrace-every-awesome moment life hands you kind of song cycle.” With a lyric video for “Rich & Miserable” and instant grat “Trip Around The Sun” already out, there’s all kinds of music coming for fans of the man from Tennessee.

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