2016

Ali Morgan signs to Silverado records

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Silverado records has signed Ali Morgan its growing label. The young singer-songwriter, from Chicago, joins Melissa Mickelson, Hish and Zack Dyer. In her own words: “Becoming part of the Silverado Records family is a dream come true! …I haven’t stopped smiling, and I can’t wait to get started. They are building quite a team, and I’m so thankful they’ve given me a chance to be a part of it.” As well as performing locally, Ali’s first few shows in Nashville have included one-off performances at the Bluebird Cafe and a Silverado songwriter’s round at the Belcourt Taps. Aaron Chesling, Silverado’s head of A&R said: “The Silverado Records team is honored and excited beyond belief to be working with this extraordinary young lady. We’re eager to begin her story, and work with her over the next few years to develop and grow her fan base.” Signed to a multi-project, long-term deal with the label, Morgan is working on new material, and will record her debut single soon. “There are some artists, when you meet them you know right away that they’re someone you want to work with,” said Silverado Founder/CEO Scott Thomas. “She’s a special girl, she’s extremely talented, and we’re over the moon about working with her to build her career and share her talent with the world!”

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Review: John Ward SARGASSO

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John Ward SARGASSO Ion Music UK *** East Anglian singer-songwriter done good Back in the days of yore, a little after the days of knight’s with helmets and horses, but certainly when I still had all my own teeth, I used to watch John Ward playing support slots in many East Anglian folk clubs, often in the company of Mario Price on violin. Then life intervened and I lost track and now he’s here again. It has been a pleasure to re-acquaint myself, via cd, I thought he was good back then and it is good to know that my ears did not and still do not deceive me. For he has written all twelve pieces on this cd and there are several little gems amongst them. Most notably “Adrift” which turns its attention to the plight of the many refugees this world is creating, and “The Good Old Days Are Here” which urges us to appreciate the now rather than wait to recall things later. Backed by a trusty band of top-notch local musicians this is an album that doesn’t share all its beauties with you at the first time of asking, rather it rewards those that have the insight to listen again and treasure the nuances that reveal themselves like the changing colours of a glorious sunset. So it’s fair to say that I like this, and I have listened more than once, so should you. Ian Ambrose johnward.org.uk

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Sarah Jane Scouten announces November UK tour dates

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Toronto-based Americana-songwriter Sarah Jane Scouten is excited to announce a return to the UK with a tour throughout November 2016, kicking off at The Harrison in King’s Cross, London on Friday November 11th. She will be performing tracks from her upcoming new album due for release in 2017, as well as the recently released EP Volume One in The Railtown Sessions through Vancouver label Light Organ Records. At age 5, Sarah Jane Scouten was sitting on the dining room table, singing Lace and Pretty Flowers, by Canadian Folk and country musician, Willie P. Bennett. Hank Williams and Stan Rogers were her greatest inspirations, both a staple at Sunday morning pancake breakfast and afterward, singing bluegrass and gospel music with her father. Her talent for performing came naturally, and as chance would have it, so emerged a knack for songwriting. Bringing us up to date, Sarah Jane Scouten is an international touring songwriter, loved by audiences across the Northern Hemisphere. With flavours of Lucinda Williams, Nanci Griffiths, Old Crow Medicine Show and a wealth of old-time and bluegrass music, the two-time Canadian Folk Music Award nominee’s songs are faithful to a long-standing folk music tradition, but often spill over into modern themes that are outspoken and edgy, from homelessness to midwifery to tongue-in-cheek heartache songs and unabashed Canadiana. Sarah Jane was discovered by Vancouver label Light Organ Records when she was cold-called into the studio to make an EP with producer Andy Bishop as part of a series of releases, coined The Railtown Sessions. Her EP was Volume One of the series, released digitally in July 2016 and will be available on vinyl in December 2016. She has since teamed up with the label and will be releasing a brand new full-length album, recorded in Toronto at Revolution Recording with veteran Canadian producer Andre Wahl (Hawksley Workman, Jill Barber), in February 2017. The album includes ten original songs, ranging in style from classic honky tonk to Western-swing to indie-folk rock, and two traditional Western Canadian songs, discovered in university archives and crackly recordings, and given new life through Scouten’s haunting arrangements.

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Country cruising announces concert schedule featuring Chris Young, Kelsey Ballerini, Montgomery Gentry, Locash and more

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With one of the hottest lineups at sea, Country Cruising is set to sail in January 2017. The experience will feature on-board activities unmatched by other cruise lines including nightly shows on the main stage, performances around the ship, autograph sessions, a songwriters workshop, line dancing, artist photo opportunities and more. Country Cruising Performance Schedule: Saturday Main Stage Shows: Charles Esten and Clare Bowen, stars of “Nashville,” Sail Away Party: LOCASH Colony Club Stage: Ray Scott, Dallas Smith Centrum Stage: Lucas Hoge Sunday Main Stage Shows: Montgomery Gentry and Phil Vassar Deck Party: Halfway to Hazard Late Night Deck Party: Diamond Rio Colony Club Stage: Tate Stevens, Olivia Lane, Lucy Angel Monday Main Stage Shows: Montgomery Gentry and Phil Vassar Deck Party BBQ: LOCASH Pool Stage: Olivia Lane, Ray Scott, Lucy Angel Colony Club Stage: Dallas Smith, Lucas Hoge, Tate Stevens Tuesday Early Main Stage Show: Chris Young Late Main Stage Show: Kelsea Ballerini Sail Away Party: Diamond Rio Late Night Deck Party: Chasing Crazy/Clark Hill Jam Session Colony Club Stage: Ray Scott, Lucas Hoge Wednesday Early Main Stage Show: Kelsea Ballerini Late Main Stage Show: Chris Young Pool Stage: Lucas Hoge, Dallas Smith, Halfway to Hazard, Tate Stevens Colony Club Stage: Olivia Lane, Lucy Angel The full lineup for the five day cruise includes a trio of the hottest artists today – Kelsea Ballerini, LOCASH, and Chris Young, in addition to “Nashville” cast members Charles Esten and Clare Bowen, as well as longtime fan favorites Montgomery Gentry, Diamond Rio, Phil Vassar, and Halfway To Hazard. The cruise’s organizers go the extra mile by providing a wide array of talent on the Brilliance of the Seas® with the top newcomers in the format being represented on the cruise – Lucas Hoge, Tate Stevens, Platinum-selling Canadian artist Dallas Smith, James Wesley, Olivia Lane, Lucy Angel, Australian act Viper Creek, Ray Scott, Clark Hill, Maggie Baugh, The Cains, Wesley Spangler and Bianca Moon. Country Cruising will set sail on January 14, 2017 from Tampa, and will stop in Key West before making its’ voyage to Cozumel, Mexico. The ship will arrive back in Tampa on January 19. Country Cruising offers the Country Music fan an amazing experience – a five night cruise, with accommodations and all meals taken care of during the event, as well as autograph sessions, photo opportunities, daily musical performances, and songwriter workshops. The Brilliance of the Seas ship is a beautiful Radiance-class ship that combines sleek swiftness, panoramic vistas, and wide-open spaces. With acres of glass enclosing the nine-story central atrium, elevators facing the sea, and floor-to-ceiling windows throughout, guests will never be at a loss for an incredible view.

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Reviver records duo Locash scores No. 1 single with I Know Somebody on Billboard and Country air check

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Reviver Records hot country duo LOCASH are No. 1 on Billboard Country Airplay and Country Aircheck with “I Know Somebody!” LOCASH’s Chris Lucas and Preston Brust also delivered infectious energy when they performed the smash hit during “The Talk” on CBS today. “After our tough journey, there’s nothing more beautiful than this view from the top. Thank you to Country Radio, Our Fans and Our Team for what you’ve done for us! Y’all made this happen!” Preston Brust said. “We’re so thankful for this No.1 and all of the support from our family, team and all of our friends at country radio! Of course, we couldn’t do any of this without our incredible fans.” Chris Lucas added. The nonstop duo continues their North American tour to promote THE FIGHTERS, which includes additional dates part of Live Nation’s ‘Ones To Watch’ Tour. Rolling Stone Country recently profiled their headlining ‘Ones To Watch’ Tour with Reviver Records labelmate and hot newcomer Michael Tyler (tour dates below). BMLG Records Ryan Follese will also join LOCASH for select shows. I Know Somebody, follows their chart-topping, RIAA Gold-Certified I Love This Life. Both hits are included on their new album THE FIGHTER , their first full-length project with Reviver Records. I Know Somebody has already racked up more than 16 million streams and sold more than 133,000 units. The I Know Somebody video is currently on CMT and Great American Country’s Top 20 Countdown.

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Sarah Darling Announces October 2016 Support Dates For Ward Thomas

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Sarah Darling is excited to announce she will be opening for UK chart toppers Ward Thomas on selected dates of their sixteen date October 2016 UK tour. Sarah will be joining Ward Thomas on October 17th in Cardiff and accompanying them on tour until October 25th in Exeter, calling at Bristol, Southampton, Manchester and Leamington in between. The stars have seemed to align for Sarah, as she will arrive at the same time as remnants of Halley’s Comet will be visible in the UK. “The most personal track on my upcoming album is called “Halley’s Comet.” It follows the journey of what it’s like to have a dream. All of my fans started tweeting a few days ago that Halley’s Comet’s tail will be sending off shooting stars in Britain all of October while I’m there opening for Ward Thomas!! I call it serendipitous.”  Sarah Darling October 2016 Tour Dates (Supporting Ward Thomas)  Mon, Oct 17 – The Globe, Cardiff  Tue, Oct 18 – The Fleece, Bristol Fri, Oct 21 – Engine Rooms, Southampton Sat, Oct 22 – Deaf Institute, Manchester  Mon, Oct 24 – The Assembly, Leamington Spa  Tue, Oct 25 – The Phoenix, Exeter  “I’m really looking forward to supporting Ward Thomas on their Cartwheels tour!  I’ve been fans of them for a really long time.   They have this light and happiness that’s absolutely contagious to watch! I can’t wait to share a little magic in the UK and introduce Dream Country ”says Sarah. It has been a busy and exciting year for Sarah Darling, with two very successful trips to the UK already, the first being London’s C2C Festival in March, where she performed on the BBC Radio 2 stage in the indigo2. Following the positive momentum from C2C – and witnessing the desire for country music in the UK – Sarah returned in September for a sold-out 12-date tour – one of her ‘greatest adventures’ – and released debut single, You Take Me All The Way, which features on the new record. The tour – ‘Nashville Nights, Songs in the Round’ – was a huge success in the UK, bringing a taste of Nashville and the Bluebird Café to British and Irish shores. Sarah also has announced her new album DREAM COUNTRY out January 27th. It takes the listener on a journey through aspirational, cinematic songs about stars, romance and dreams in Sarah’s escapist style which crosses country, Americana, jazz and contemporary pop. Following the end of a long term record deal, this album was a chance for the singer-songwriter to write a record that depicts where she is artistically, professionally and personally.

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Kelsea Ballerini toasts to Peter Pan with jet-setting #1 party

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Celebrating her high flying, third consecutive #1 single surrounded by planes and parachutes, Kelsea Ballerini and her music industry supporters toasted to the success of Peter Pan at a massive party held yesterday (10/12) in a Nashville airplane hangar. Standing alongside the song’s co-writers Forest Glen Whitehead and Jesse Lee, Ballerini told the assembled crowd it takes the hard work of many different people to climb so high. “This is bigger than me,” she said, before concluding with a promise to keep aiming for the stars and to make her believers proud. The chart-topping success of Peter Pan is a historic feat, making Ballerini the first female artist – including duos or groups – to hit #1 on the Billboard Country Airplay chart with her first three singles. Simultaneously, the fantasy-themed tune rose to the top spot on Billboard’s Hot Country Songs chart, also making Ballerini the first female artist to score a double #1. It is the first chart-topper for Lee and the second for songwriter/producer Whitehead, who also co-wrote Ballerini’s Love Me Like You Mean It. Decorating the cavernous space to mimic the feel of the “Peter Pan,” music video (directed by Kristin Barlowe), directed by Kristin Barlowe Ballerini, her co-writers and co-producer Jason Massey were presented with #1 plaques and gifts from ASCAP, BMI, and publishers ole and Black River Publishing, before Ballerini’s record label – Black River Entertainment – surprised the star with news that her debut album had just reached GOLD certification for sales of over 500,000 copies. Performing alongside her co-writers, the 23-year-old then delivered laid back acoustic renditions of Peter Pan and Yeah Boy, the fun-and-flirty fourth single from THE FIRST TIME, before joining in the celebration. Capping off an outstanding year, the Black River recording artist will receive CMT’s second-annual Breakout Artist of the Year award during the network’s 2016 Artists of the Year special, premiering October 20 at 9 p.m. ET, and November 2 will find her at the 50th annual CMA Awards where she is nominated in two categories: New Artist of the Year and Female Vocalist of the Year. She is also vying for Favorite Female Artist – Country at the fan-voted American Music Awards on November 20, airing live at 8 p.m. ET on ABC.

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Lillie Mae Rische joins third man records line-up

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Singer-songwriter-musician sets to work on next solo album with Jack White producing Set to appear with White on a prairie home companion this Saturday Teamed with Langhorne Slim for Third Man & Luck renunion ‘Luck Mansion Sessions’ Third Man Records has announced Lillie Mae Rische as the latest member of its growing roster. The Nashville-based singer-songwriter-musician is currently at work recording her much anticipated solo album with Third Man founder Jack White producing. “Lillie Mae has been performing on stage since she was 3 years old,” White said. “She is an incredible writer who can play an array of instruments and has paid her dues from the honky-tonks on Broadway to stages around the world. She is a beloved artist in Nashville, and I think it is safe to say that she is one in a billion. You wont find anyone else quite like this woman no matter how long you live.” “I’m proud to have become a part of the Third Man family, where there is no shortage of hard work and dedication to creating and making available the music we love so,” Rische said. “I’m forever thankful to Jack for believing in me and giving me a chance and all the freedom I’ve needed to make this album.” The album follows Rische’s debut single, Nobody’s b/w The Same Eyes, released in 2014 as part of Third Man’s ongoing Blue Series. Discovered by the legendary Cowboy Jack Clement when playing with her family band The Rische’s (formerly Jypsi), comprised of sisters Amber-Dawn, Scarlett, and Grace, and brother Frank, the country outfit can often still be heard at the historic Layla’s Bluegrass Inn in Nashville. Rische has also spent considerable time as a member of White’s crack touring and recording combo, playing fiddle and mandolin while also lending vocals to such tracks as Temporary Ground, from 2014’s LAZARETTO. She will once again join White on fiddle and backing vocals for a special acoustic performance on A Prairie Home Companion with Chris Thile this Saturday, October 15th, along with Dominic Davis and Fats Kaplin. Rische also recently partnered with Langhorne Slim to record two songs as part of Third Man & Luck Reunion’s ‘Luck Mansion Sessions’ during AmericanaFest in Nashville this past September. The songs will be released on 7-inch vinyl with an accompanying video in early 2017.

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Whisperin' Bill Anderson released audio book plus bonus acoustic CD with never before heard tracks

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Songwriting icon and legendary performer Whisperin’ Bill Anderson released his new autobiography Whisperin’ Bill Anderson: An Unprecedented Life In Country Music September 1 and within two weeks, the entire first printing was sold out! . In addition, listeners can sit back and enjoy a NEW audio book narrated by Bill Anderson. The audio book bundle also includes a Bonus CD featuring 10 never-before released self-penned acoustic recordings by Anderson, including smash hits like Whiskey Lullaby (Brad Paisley/Alison Krauss), Give It Away (George Strait), City Lights (Ray Price) and seven more (track listing below). Whisperin’ Bill Anderson: An Unprecedented Life In Country Music is a representation of Anderson’s journey, and published by University of Georgia Press. Read by Bill Anderson himself it features eye-opening personal stories from his nearly eighty years of living – from early days of radio broadcasting in Georgia, to standing alongside the greatest country music stars in the world onstage at the Grand Ole Opry, to meeting Elvis Presley, to being named BMI’s first ICON Award winner in the country music genre. The book is a 360-page representation of Anderson’s journey published by University of Georgia Press featuring respected music journalist and Grammy-nominated music producer Peter Cooper as a contributing writer. It includes rare, never-before-seen photos and eye-opening personal stories from Anderson’s nearly eighty years of living – from early days of radio broadcasting in Georgia, to standing alongside the greatest country music stars in the world onstage at the Grand Ole Opry, to being named BMI’s first ICON Award winner in the country music genre. With the 2015 success of Mo Pitney’s Country, Anderson has become the only country songwriter to tally a Top 40 hit in seven consecutive decades, and he stands today a legendary performer, who recently celebrated his 55th Anniversary as a member of the Grand Ole Opry. The youngest writer to ever be named ‘Songwriter Of The Year’ (BMI) at age 23, prior to 21-year-old Taylor Swift, Anderson has certainly lived an unprecedented life in country music. Fans, artists, songwriters and music executives young and old revere him for his soft speaking style that can silence a room with just a few poignant words. But there was a time in the early 90s that Bill felt as if his words no longer mattered. “I didn’t write much anymore because I didn’t feel as if what I wanted to write related to what young listeners wanted to hear,” he revealed. However, it was in 1992 that singer/songwriter Steve Wariner helped to re-ignite Anderson’s writing career with a cover of Tips Of My Fingers. The exposure the song received made Anderson test the waters as a co-writer, and in 1994, he teamed up with Vince Gill to write Which Bridge To Cross (Which Bridge To Burn).

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Nitty Gritty Dirt Band and Friends – Circlin' Back: Celebrating 50 Years Tops Bluegrass Chart at #1, Reaches #11 on Country Albums

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For five decades, the Nitty Gritty Dirt Band has remained one of the most iconic names in American roots music. With one foot planted in the traditions of country-folk and the other pointing toward something new and unexpected, the group continues to tour and release music, influencing multiple generations of audiences and artists along the way. Nearly a dozen of those artists join the group on this year’s Nitty Gritty Dirt Band and Friends – Circlin’ Back: Celebrating 50 Yearsconcert album, released Sept. 30 on NGDB’s own label, distributed by Warner Nashville. As of yesterday’s SoundScan report,Circlin’ Back hit #11 both on the Country Albums chart and Americana Folk chart, while topping the Bluegrass chart at #1 in the first week of sales. About the record: Recorded live at Nashville’s historic Ryman Auditorium, Nitty Gritty Dirt Band and Friends captures a group of longtime road warriors who’ve yet to lose their grit, joined onstage by John Prine, Sam Bush, Vince Gill, Jerry Jeff Walker, Alison Krauss, Rodney Crowell, Byron House, and Jerry Douglas. Rock and Roll Hall of Famer (and early Dirt Band member) Jackson Browne joined in, along with longtime member Jimmy Ibbotson, while a sold-out crowd sings along in the background. From country classics to deep cuts, the tracklist finds bandmates Jeff Hanna (guitars/vocals), Jimmie Fadden (drums/harmonica/vocals), Bob Carpenter (keyboards/accordion/vocals) and John McEuen (banjo/fiddle/guitar/mandolin) swapping harmonies, trading solos, and shining new light on a catalog of vital, vibrant music. Long before Americana music had a name, the Nitty Gritty Dirt Band helped lead the charge, mixing elements of country, bluegrass, folk, mountain music, and rock & roll into a sound that celebrated the full range of American music. The guys were traditionalists and trendsetters, performing songs that nodded to the past while still pushing toward the future. Released in 1972 – just six years after the group formed in Southern California – Nitty Gritty Dirt Band’s Will the Circle Be Unbroken still stands as one of the most beloved albums in the country catalog, pairing the young band with legends like Roy Acuff, Doc Watson, Earl Scruggs, and Mother Maybelle Carter. Many decades have passed since that milestone album’s release, with the members of the Nitty Gritty Dirt Band now enjoying their own legendary status. They continue to blur lines between genres, however, and the upcoming Nitty Gritty Dirt Band and Friends accomplishes something very similar to the classic Will the Circle Be Unbroken pairing the Nitty Gritty Dirt Band with the hit-makers, rule-breakers, and iconic figures of today’s roots music community. This time, Hanna, Fadden, Carpenter, and McEuen are the elder statesmen, passing down their influence and inspiration to a younger class without giving up the torch just yet. There’s more music to be made, after all. More shows to play. Another half-century to chase down. The circle rolls on.

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