March 2017

A new project to celebrate cultural diversity and highlight the plight of refugees has been launched by Shrewsbury Folk Festival. Organisers of the annual four-day music festival have secured a £95,000 investment from Arts Council England for the 18-month Room for All initiative that will include a new music commission featuring refugee musicians and a programme of education and outreach work in the county. Shropshire Council has awarded the festival a £1,000 Arts Revenue Grant. Room for All follows on from the festival’s successful All Together Now programme that focused on introducing a new audience to world music and dance during 2015 and 2016. The new music commission will be led by duo O’Hooley and Tidow and an ensemble of refugee musicians and will premiere at this year’s festival. Room for All will include performances by culturally diverse musicians at the 2017 and 2018 festival, an outreach talent development programme for young people led by inspiring artists to pass on different folk traditions and nurture new talent, music workshops in Telford schools giving young people an introduction to folk music, Indian Kathak dance workshops in schools, continued support for the Shropshire Youth Folk Ensemble and for Shropshire’s only school rapper side at Ford Trinity School, which is a legacy from All Together Now. Festival Director Alan Surtees said the idea for Room for All came as a direct response to the racial hatred and opposition to refugees that emerged during the Brexit campaign. “We felt so despondent and downhearted at the division, negativity and prejudice that surfaced during the campaign we decided to try and bring some decency and optimism to the plight of refugees, if only to our own small event,” he explained. “Room for all to grow and thrive encapsulates the festival’s welcoming philosophy of celebrating diversity and fostering talent. Through this project, we are hoping to encourage understanding of different cultures in a world that can sometimes seem less that welcoming or tolerant and, with that deeper cultural understanding, we can build a better legacy for the future.” Peter Knott, Area Director, Arts Council England, said: “We’re delighted to be investing in Shrewsbury Folk Festival’s plans to celebrate and promote cultural diversity through this new project. “It’s essential that England’s diversity is reflected in our arts and cultural landscape, Room for All is a perfect example of how that can be done. By collaborating with traditional and refugee musicians as well as hosting workshops and promoting outreach work this project will inspire new artists and nurture talent in rural Shropshire.” Project Manager Joy Lamont said the festival’s growing commitment to education and outreach work had been widely welcomed by the schools it had reached so far. “We recognise that in many rural parts of Shropshire it can be hard to promote cultural diversity and understanding through the arts. Room for All aims to continue the work we started with All Together Now and provide high quality and multi cultural arts activities to schools and young people in Shropshire.” * This year’s festival runs from August 25 to 28 at the West Mid Showground and tickets are available at www.shrewsburyfolkfestival.co.uk.  

Sam Outlaw – one of Los Angeles’s only modern country artists – was presented with the International Album of the Year Award for his acclaimed, Ry and Joachim Cooder produced debut album ANGELENO at the UK Americana Awards 2017. He also performed at the ceremony, which took place on Thursday 2nd February at St John at Hackney. On ‘Tenderheart,’ Outlaw offers an extraordinary refinement of the artistic identity laid out on ANGELENO. Sonically, the album elaborates on his “SoCal Country” sound: a sun-bleached, Baja-influenced twang that deftly points to country’s neo-traditionalists and LA’s legendary singer-songwriters. Thematically, ‘Tenderheart’ is a thesis on self-discovery and the power of love – from the cinematic mariachi-laced climax on opener “Everyone’s Looking For Home,” to the determined swagger on side-A highlight “Trouble,” to torch song showstopper “Diamond Ring” – Outlaw meditates on his own conflicted quest for peace amidst the chaos of his chosen path. The 13-track collection of originals was recorded in the San Fernando Valley and co-produced by Outlaw alongside Martin Pradler. Outlaw enlisted many of the same musicians that made his first album, 2015’s ANGELENO an undisputed breakthrough and one of the best-reviewed debuts of that year: harmony singer Molly Jenson, pedal steel pro Jeremy Long and guitarist Danny Garcia, along with Taylor Goldsmith (Dawes) and Bo Koster (My Morning Jacket). In addition, ‘Tenderheart’ features local mariachi group Erwin Vasquez and Mariachi Teocuitatlan.

If you are only familiar with Jack Bruce’s legendary work with Cream, you are missing out on a critical part of Rock and Roll history. Now, that legacy is in the spotlight with the release of Jack Bruce and Friends: Live From The Bottom Line, available now at all physical and digital retailers. The release is distributed exclusively by BFD through RED distribution. The two disc set, taken from a March 19, 1980 show is the first album released since Bruce’s passing in October 2014. Growing up in Scotland, Bruce honed his skills in acts such as Graham Bond Organization, Dick Heckstall-Smith’s bands, John Mayall’s Bluesbreakers, Alexis Korner, and Manfred Mann’s Earth Band. In 1966, Bruce, along with Eric Clapton and Ginger Baker, formed the classic group Cream. Though they were only together for a short time, the music the trio made together made a definite mark on the musical landscape, earning them induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1993. After the group disbanded, Bruce released the first of fourteen solo records, 1969’s Songs For A Tailor. Bruce also recorded with Lou Reed, The Tony Williams Lifetime, and Frank Zappa. This historic Bottom Line performance captures his unique solo take on many of Cream’s classics, as well as his own catalog. And, the band is just as legendary, featuring Mahavishnu drummer Billy Cobham, and original East Street Band keyboardist/guitarist David Sancious (both already had brilliant solo careers), with none other than Clem Clempson, fresh from Colosseum and Humble Pie, on lead guitar.

Hot country newcomer Michael Tyler’s debut album 317 (Reviver Records/distributed by BDG/RED) is available today . Already a No. 1 songwriter, it’s no coincidence that the 23-year-old’s debut album is titled 317 – the number on his odometer after he arrived in Nashville from his hometown in Thayer, Mo. MT’s current single is “They Can’t See” and has already racked up more than 625,000 views. Recently, performing rights organization SESAC awarded Song of the Year to MT for co-writing the multi-week No. 1 platinum-selling Dierks Bentley smash ‘Somewhere On A Beach.’ CMT also included MT in its “17 for 2017” artists for their year-long Listen Up campaign recognizing and supporting country music’s most promising newcomers. MT also penned Jason Aldean’s ‘Laid Back’ on the platinum-selling album Old Boots New Dirt, three songs on the LOCASH album The Fighters (‘Shipwrecked,’ ‘Ain’t Startin Tonight,’ and ‘Moonwalkin’) and a Jason Aldean/Kelsea Ballerini duet ‘First Time Again’ on Aldean’s No. 1 album They Don’t Know. Hailing from Thayer, Missouri, known as a railroad town, it’s ironic MT is the descendant of the late, great Jimmie Rodgers, known as ‘The Father of Country Music’ who learned his craft around the New Orleans and Northeastern Railroad. At the age of 13, over a Myspace meeting, MT met award-winning producer Michael Knox (Jason Aldean/Thomas Rhett/Kelly Clarkson/Trace Adkins). After a few years of sending songs and ideas back and forth, MT came to Nashville, Tenn. to play a show at Tootsies Orchid Lounge for their first face-to-face meeting. At that time, Knox was hired by peermusic Nashville to help restructure the creative department. After watching MT play a few shows, Knox felt it was time for him to make the move to Nashville as a peermusic songwriter. The future has just started for this young singer/songwriter who is on the road touring all over the country with his energetic live show.

On Sunday, March 26, Tennessee residents are invited to celebrate the Ryman Auditorium’s 125th anniversary with a daytime tour experience free of charge as part of a Community Appreciation Day sponsored by Ryman partners Nissan and SunTrust Bank, as originally reported by The Tennessean. Complimentary self-guided tours will be available from 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. with presentation of a valid Tennessee state ID at the Ryman box office. No reservations are necessary. The Ryman’s self-guided tour includes admission to the state-of-the-art theater experience, “Soul of Nashville.” The show puts the audience at the center of the Ryman’s fascinating history, from its origination as a tabernacle built by a riverboat captain 125 years ago to becoming Nashville’s largest venue for civic gatherings and ultimately evolving into one of the world’s premier concert halls. The multi-dimensional film brings to life historic performances by artists such as Johnny Cash, Patsy Cline and Hank Williams, Sr. and culminates with a new collaboration featuring Darius Rucker, The Fisk Jubilee Singers, Sheryl Crow and Vince Gill. “Soul of Nashville” envelopes visitors into the Ryman’s story, which they can further experience through five new exhibits honoring the hallowed venue’s 125thanniversary: “Workin’ on a Building,” “Showplace of the South,” “Mother Church of Country Music,” “125 Years of Inspired Performances” and “Ryman Renaissance.” Guests will see genuine artifacts and enjoy videos with hosts Emmylou Harris, Marty Stuart, Nicole Kidman, Ricky Skaggs, Robin Roberts and Trisha Yearwood taking them through each chapter of the Ryman’s illustrious history. While at the Ryman, guests are encouraged to enjoy Community Day specials at Cafe Lula and the Ryman Gift Shop. Cafe Lula, open 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. will offer a “buy one, get one for $1.25” special on all entrees. The Ryman Gift Shop will offer 20 percent off on merchandise including the Little Big Town at the Mother Church product lines and every purchase will include a free Ryman tote bag. The Ryman gift shop is open daily until 7:00 p.m. (Discount offer excludes media items.) In addition to sponsoring the complimentary tours for Tennessee residents, Nissan and SunTrust Bank will partner with 650 WSM-AM to provide free live music on the Ryman plaza outside Cafe Lula, where visitors will also have the opportunity to view several Nissan cars on display, including a GT-R similar to the one featured in the smash hit movie franchise, The Fast and the Furious. “The community takes great pride in the Ryman so it’s fitting that they’re part of our celebration,” said Sally Williams, senior vice president, Opry Entertainment Group. “We’re grateful to Nissan and SunTrust for providing Tennesseans the opportunity to experience ‘Soul of Nashville’ and our newest exhibit ‘Inspired: 125 Years of Performance’.” In celebration of the building’s monumental 125th anniversary, the newest exhibit, “Inspired: 125 Years of Performance” unveils historical artifacts that illustrate how the Ryman’s construction was born out of divine inspiration. Emmylou Harris is featured as a video host, detailing the building’s origins and sharing stories of the influence the Ryman had on suffrage, civil rights movements and even fashion trends in country music. The exhibit showcases stage attire from Johnny Cash, Jimmy Dickens and Little Big Town; famous guitars played by Jack White and Vince Gill; long-time Ryman manager Lula Naff’s collection of playbills. One of the highlights of the exhibit include the bible used on May 10, 1885 by Rev. Sam Jones. It was a tent revival on that date where Ryman namesake Captain Tom Ryman first became inspired to build the Union Gospel Tabernacle. The name of the majestic tabernacle was changed to Ryman Auditorium in 1904 and Captain Ryman’s funeral. In keeping with its inherent “all are welcome” spirit and celebration of community, the Ryman Auditorium will continue its 125th celebration with special events and performances throughout the year, including the recently-launched, year-long residency of five-time CMA Vocal Group of the Year Little Big Town and newly announced five-night run by GRAMMY Award-winning artist Jason Isbell and The 400 Unit from October 10 – 11 and 13-15. Tickets for Isbell’s shows will go on sale Friday, March 17 at 10 a.m. Tickets are $99.50, $49.50 and $39.50. For the most devout Isbell followers, multi-night packages will be available for sale. Packages include: two-night, three-night and five-night bundles that guarantee ticketholders the same seat.

With the release of the film O Brother, Where Art Thou?, Ralph Stanley cemented his place as an American music legend. His iconic voice became the voice of the mountains, and the last fifteen years of his life and career proved to be a celebration of this, with Grammy Awards, all-star collaborations, and induction into the Grand Ole Opry. In a unique piece of musical history, the legacy of Ralph Stanley can be witnessed for posterity’s sake with the release of Ralph Stanley: Live At The Bottom Line, available now at all physical and digital retailers. The release is distributed exclusively by BFD through RED distribution. The live set, recorded at the legendary New York City nightspot on June 12, 2002, features many of Stanley’s signature songs, including “Man of Constant Sorrow,” “Pretty Polly,” and “O Death,” which opens the set. For such a prestigious performance, Stanley carried nothing but the best line-up of musicians with him, with Stuart Duncan (violin), Mike Compton (mandolin), James Shelton (guitar), Dennis Crouch (bass) all lending their award-winning talents to the night’s performance. The evening marked the only time that Stanley played the venue, but the singer was one of many Country / Bluegrass to showcase their talents at the Big Apple hotspot, with others including Dolly Parton, Waylon Jennings, Doc Watson, and Emmylou Harris. The album’s executive producers are Allan Pepper & Stanley Snadowsky, and Bob Frank. Pepper, who was co-founder of The Bottom Line with Snadowsky, remains mindful of the impact a performance there had on the musical world. “You could get the New York Times, and Rolling Stone, and The Daily News, and The New York Post, all covering your gig,” he states. “And the record companies would get celebrities to come to the shows, so suddenly you see Andy Warhol coming to see Dolly Parton, and there’s a picture and a big story about that. There was a buzz factor that played heavily into building this scene nationally. An artist could be on a morning or an evening news show, and could even do a live radio broadcast. In that way, New York was pretty big for the country music scene. Plus at our place, you could sit, and it was comfortable and intimate, and that was very important for getting the fans and press to come out. It was all part of the star-making machinery.” Ralph Stanley: Live At The Bottom Line is the first album released featuring the International Bluegrass Music Hall of Honor inductee since his passing in June 2016.