2017

‘John Mayer should do country’, say country stars

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Country music stars Lindsay Ell and Jon Pardi have called on John Mayer to cross over to the country genre, with radio host Bobby Bones suggesting that Mayer and Ell could work together. Speaking to Associated Press at the 2017 CMT Music Awards in Nashville on June 7, Bones commented on being one of the first country radio DJs to play Mayer’s ‘In the Blood’: “I went to his [Mayer’s] show in Minneapolis because I love the album [The Search for Everything]. I heard ‘In the Blood’ and thought I should be playing it, so I started playing it and then Satellite started playing it, and it was like “woah! This is a thing!”” Bones went on to suggest a CMT Crossroads episode that should feature Mayer and Ells working together. Ell is a known fan of Mayer and even covered John Mayer’s ‘Stop This Train,’ in her album released this year in March, Worth the Wait. On the subject of Mayer moving into the country genre, she added: “I think ‘In the Blood’ sounds awesome on country radio but I am biased as I think everything John Mayer records is great”. Also speaking at the CMT Music Awards, Jon Pardi commented: “John Mayer has put out two awesome country records before this one so he can do pretty much whatever he wants. I think he’s a really good artist and I think that probably most people in this building probably looks up to John Mayer. Come on! We need some more John Mayer!” Mayer is traditionally known as an acoustic rock and blues singer-songwriter but his recent record, ‘In the Blood’ with its resonator guitar sounds and familial themes, certainly has a country flavour. Maverick requested comment from John Mayer’s press office, but had not had a response by the time of publication.

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Ron Pope shares video for new track 'Stick Around'

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Ron Pope shares video for new track ‘Stick Around’ Following the launch of Ron Pope’s newest album ‘Work’, the video for the artist’s latest track  has finally been revealed! [wpdevart_youtube]Fraf6zBBa_E[/wpdevart_youtube]   Signed with Brooklyn Basement Records, Work marks Pope’s seventh studio album. To date, he has surpassed one million monthly listeners on Spotify, sold out shows in more than 20 countries, sold over 2 million digital tracks, had over 200 million streams on Spotify, 630 million plays on Pandora and 150 million views on YouTube. The album was recorded completely in analog at Welcome to 1979 in Nashville, TN where Pope and his fellow musicians locked themselves in the studio for one week until completion. Work was co-produced and recorded with Grammy award-winning engineer Ted Young, his third consecutive collaboration with Pope. The lead single, “Bad For Your Health” was co-written by Pope and Jonathan Tyler. Of the new recording, Pope says, “This album follows me from when I was thirteen and a teacher told my mother that I’d probably end up in prison; I started messing around writing songs that year. It’s been mostly uphill ever since. Appearing on the album are Jay Collins on sax (Gregg Allman Band), Mike Riddleberger on drums (Bleachers), Andrew Pertes on bass (Savoir Adore), Kai Welch on keys/accordion (Abigail Washburn, Glen Campbell), Jeff Malinowski on guitar (Frances Cone), Alex Brumel on guitar/pedal steel and Charles Ray on flugelhorn/trumpet plus guest vocals on select tracks from Mary Richardson (The Banditos), Katie Schecter, Molly Parden and Vanessa McGowan. Last summer saw the release of the feature-length documentary One Way Ticket by Kelly Teacher (No Cameras Allowed, Austin To Boston). The film follows Pope and his band on the road and during recording sessions for Ron Pope & The Nighthawks in Lake Blue Ridge, GA. In the film, Spotify’s D.A. Wallach notes, “Here’s a guy who’s figured out how to do this basically by himself and is really proving the power of streaming music.” Pope’s music has been featured on NBC’s “The Voice,” CW’s “Vampire Diaries,” “90210,” and multiple seasons of FOX’s “So You Think You Can Dance,” which sent two of his albums into the top 100 on iTunes simultaneously. Pope also guest starred as himself in Season 3 of the show “Nashville.”  

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Lukas Nelson set to perform on CBS

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Lukas Nelson set to perform on CBS Lukas Nelson & Promise of the Real are set to perform on CBS’ The Late Show With Stephen Colbert on Tuesday, September 5th. On Friday, Lukas Nelson & Promise of the Real released their new, self-titled album via Fantasy Records. After a decade on the road, on their own and playing behind the legendary Neil Young, Lukas Nelson & Promise Of The Real have developed into one of America’s dazzling live acts, attracting a devoted following. With influences that range literate Texas songsmiths like surrogate ‘uncles’ Kris Kristofferson and Waylon Jennings, to J.J. Cale, The Band, Clapton-era Delaney & Bonnie, Neil and of course, Lukas’ dad Willie Nelson, the new album is a major leap forward. Major dates this fall include the Outlaw Music Festival (with Willie Nelson & Family, Bob Dylan, The Avett Brothers, Sheryl Crow, Margo Price among others, Farm Aid, and the Austin City Limits Festival. In November, the band begins a run with Nikki Lane on the Stagecoach Spotlight Tour. Recorded at The Village Studios in West Los Angeles, Lukas Nelson & Promise of the Real was produced by John Alagia (Dave Matthews Band, John Mayer) and features the band’s new six-piece line-up: Lukas Nelson (guitar, vocals), Tato Melgar (percussion), Anthony LoGerfo (drums), Corey McCormick (bass, vocals) along with new members Jesse Siebenberg (steel guitars, Farfisa organ, vocals) and Alberto Bof (piano, Wurlitzer, B3). Highlights Jess Wolfe and Holly Lessig of the indie-pop group Lucius contribute angelic background vocals on five tracks and Lady Gaga added stirring vocals to “Carolina” and “Find Yourself.” Elsewhere, the lilting, Glen Campbell inspired gem, “Just Outside of Austin” features a classic Willie Nelson guitar solo, and piano from Lukas’ 86-year-old Aunt Bobbi.  

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Spreading like Wildfire: The Rise of Elles Bailey

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Smoky-voiced singer-songwriter Elles Bailey will be opening for legendary blues-rock guitarist Eric Gales for six of his forthcoming UK & Ireland tour dates in October and early November. Dubbed “The Blues Princess” by Blues in Britain, Elles’ career is going from strength to strength. Her music crosses genres, drawing on and blending blues, country and soul, with each song given flavour and texture by the singer’s unique, unforgettable voice. Her single ‘Wildfire’ (from her forthcoming album of the same name) finally came off the Planet Rock playlist after a whopping 10 weeks. Now Elles Bailey is back there again, with her most recent single ‘Same Flame’. She has also remained on the Country Rocks Spotify playlist for over a month and cracked the magic 150k marker. ‘Wildfire’ recently landed Radio 1 playlist in Holland and has been voted the number 1 album in the IBBA blues radio charts. What’s more, Bailey’s most recent single ‘Same Flame’ and its accompanying video went on in June to make Song of the Day at Songwriting Magazine, and the track is currently on Paul Sexton’s inflight show Music Junction, on all Emirates Airlines flights worldwide. Reviewers have been wowed by Elles and her debut album, ‘Wildfire’, due to be released on 1st September 2017. Maverick Magazine gave ‘Wildfire’ top marks (5/5) and went on to predict a glowing career for this talented artiste: “If Bailey can follow this album up with something equally as good as ‘Wildfire’, there’s no reason why she can’t hit the heights Swift did in country- and perhaps move even further up the country mountain than Swift did.” Country Music Magazine hailed Bailey as “Definitely a talent to watch” awarding her album 4*. “It’s a fact that very few make it to the big stage,” Blues In Britain reminds us, but “Elles Bailey has the necessary talent, the drive, and now (with the release of her album Wildfire) the product.” Carlos Santana listed Eric Gales as one of his favourite guitar players, whilst on Twitter Joe Bonamassa called him “One of the best if not the best guitarists in the world today”. High praise. Elles agrees: “Eric is a genius, and I’m honoured to be asked to support him on his UK tour. The opportunity to watch a contemporary legend from a position at the side of the stage is a privilege I won’t be taking for granted.” Elles Bailey will be touring with Eric Gales and opening at the following dates: Dublin (24th October), Limerick (25th), Cork (26th), Bournemouth (29th), Sutton (31st) and Bilston (2nd Nov). She will also be taking part in the 4th UK Blues Challenge at the Cavern Club in Liverpool on Sunday 10th September. TOUR DATES AUG 18TH – WORCESTER OLD BUSH BLUES AUG 26TH  – LEEDS THE GROVE AUG 27TH  – COLNE GREAT BRITISH R&B FEST AUG 29TH – SHOREHAM ON SEA ROPETACKLE ARTS (WITH LUCKY PETERSON) SEPT 10 – LIVERPOOL CAVERN CLUB OCT 3RD – LONDON 100 CLUB (ALBUM LAUNCH) OCT  5TH– SOUTHSEA BULLFROG BLUES CLUB     OCT 6TH – NEWBURY ARLINGTON ARTS CENTRE OCT 7TH – BRISTOL CHRISTCHURCH CLIFTON OCT 20TH – EDINBURGH BLUES CLUB OCT 21ST – STOCKTON ON TEES BLUES AT THE BAY OCT 22ND – LEICESTER THE MUSICIAN OCT 24TH – DUBLIN WHELAN’S OCT 25TH – LIMERICK DOLAN’S WAREHOUSE OCT 26TH – CORK CYRPUS AVE OCT 27TH – CHELMSFORD THE BASSMENT OCT 28TH – COLCHESTER LITTLE RABBIT BARN OCT 29TH – POOLE MR KYPS OCT 31ST – SUTTON BOOM BOOM CLUB NOV 2ND – BILSTON ROBIN 2 NOV 3RD – BORDON THE PHOENIX ARTS CENTRE NOV 12TH – ILFRACOMBE BLUES RHYTHM & ROCK FEST NOV 18TH – COOLHAM LIVE MUSIC CLUB DEC 7TH – CHELTENHAM FROG & FIDDLE DEC 8TH – TORRINGTON PLOUGH ARTS CENTRE DEC 9TH – CASTLE CARY – CARYFORD HALL   WEBSITE: www.ellesbailey.com FACEBOOK:/www.facebook.com/ellesbailey TWITTER: twitter.com/EllesBailey

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Jacksonville to host Florida Oktoberfest and Music Festival

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Metropolitan Park in Jacksonville, Florida will play host to the first Florida Oktoberfest & Music Festival in October, festival organisers 904 Happy Hour have announced. The festival, which is set to take place from October 6-8, 2017, and tickets are on sale now from TheFloridaOktoberfest.com. The line-up had not been announced at the time of publication, however featuring some of the biggest stars in rock, alternative and country music, are expected to play. 904 Happy Hour president, Charles Wagoner said: “The Florida Oktoberfest & Music Festival will generate a lot of excitement and showcase Jacksonville as a destination for entertainment. Events like this have a major impact on tourism and the local economy and I am excited to promote this festival across the country.” The Florida Oktoberfest will be partnering with multiple local charities so all facets of the community can be touched by this exciting event. Communities in Schools, War Fighters in Arms, K9s for Warriors, The Jacksonville Jaycees, The Fraternal Order of Police, and others. FOP President Steve Zona added:  “We’re proud to be a part of a weekend full of music and fun for everyone. Hope to see you there!”

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Wide Open Country announces Top 10 music videos of 2017

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Wide Open Country announces Top 10 music videos of 2017 Online country music news platform wideopencountry.com has announced its Top 10 Country Music Videos of 2017 (so far). Topping the list in the number one spot is the video for “Craving You” by Thomas Rhett featuring Maren Morris, which, according to the site, “turns Rhett into badass movie star”. Next on the list is a Scott Pilgrim-style, video game-themed video for Old Dominion’s “No Such Thing as a Broken Heart”, while the video for Kenny Chesney’s “Rich and Miserable” was lauded as the “most inspirational video on the list”. At four is Brothers Osborne — “It Ain’t My Fault”, which contains some “ironic nods to pop culture” and a few swipes directed at President Donald Trump, while in 5th place is Sam Outlaw’s “Trouble”. Midland’s “Drinking Problem” polled at Number Six and the “undeniably fun video” for Brett Eldredge’s “Something I’m Good At” came in at seven. Maren Morris’s “I Could Use A Love Song” came next, while the Zac Brown Band video for “Roots”, made 9th place. Finally, the video for “It Aint’ Over Yet” by Rodney Crowell featuring Rosanne Cash and John Paul White came in at number 10 and was described as “beautifully understated” by wideopencountry.com

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Josh Turner to perform in Seracuse, New York

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Country music star Josh Turner, is to perform in Syracuse, New York this autumn. The “Hometown Girl” singer and multi-platinum artist will perform at The Oncenter’s Crouse Hinds Theatre on Saturday, Oct. 28. Doors open at 7pm, and the show starts at 8 pm. According to Turner’s website, the multi-platinum MCA Nashville recording artist is now one of country music’s most recognisable hit-makers. He has sold more than 12.5 million units, is a disciple of traditional country music and one of the youngest members of the esteemed Grand Ole Opry. From his 2003 platinum-selling debut Long Black Train to his most recent 2017 Billboard No. 1 release, Deep South, Turner has garnered multiple GRAMMY, CMA, and ACM nominations. Turner’s hits include “Your Man,” “Why Don’t We Just Dance,” “Firecracker,” “Would You Go with Me,” “All Over Me,” and “Time Is Love, the most played country song of 2012. Turner released his sixth studio album Deep South in March which features the #1 hit single “Hometown Girl.” Tickets for Turner’s Syracuse show are on sale now via CCTix.com, Ticketmaster.com and at the Solvay Bank Box Office at The Oncenter.

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Jo Walker-Meador, renowned Country music leader, dies aged 93

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Jo Walker-Meador, renowned Country music leader, dies aged 93 Giant of the Country music world, Jo Walker-Meador, has died aged 93 at her home in Nashville following complications from a stroke. Even if you haven’t heard of her, Meador was a giant in the country music world. Meador was the first full-time employee hired by the Country Music Association and committed almost three decades of her life serving as the Executive Director of the CMA – a testament to her passion for the genre. Among her long list of accomplishments are the creation and implementation of the Country Music Hall of Fame and the Country Music Awards. Meador is hailed for being part of the reason that American Country music increased in popularity around the globe, despite entering the industry without a Country music background.

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Country Music Week performances announced!

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Artists and musicians performing during Country Music Week have been announced!   The organisers behind the Country to Country (C2C) festival have announced more artists and events appearing during Country Music Week. The new, week-long series of shows features new and established Country acts and takes place from October 2nd to October 8th, 2017. Amongst the list of performers will be Randy Houser who will be performing in the UK for the first time. Houser has already racked up three consecutive No. 1 hits and more than four million in singles sales to date with his Stoney Creek Records album, How Country Feels. He topped the charts with the title track, “Runnin’ Outta Moonlight” and “Goodnight Kiss” (also his first No. 1 as a songwriter) and earned critical acclaim for his powerful delivery of the Top 5 smash and CMA Song of the Year–‐nominated “Like A Cowboy.” Houser added a fourth No. 1 to his catalogue with “We Went” from his latest album, Fired Up, and has been tapped to perform at several major country music festivals in 2017. Breakout artist Eric Paslay – a Platinum-selling hit songwriter and a dynamic performer who has enjoyed five No. 1 hits including “Even If It Breaks Your Heart” (Eli Young Band), “Barefoot Blue Jean Night” (Jake Owen) and “Rewind” (Rascal Flatts) will also perform, alongside the alt-country duo Two Ways Home, duo Holloway Road and Logan Brill, who will be returning to the UK after impressing audiences at C2C earlier this year. Lindsay Ell, Walker McGuire, Temecula Road, and Jillian Jacqueline will also be displaying their musical talents. The Country Music Week Hub will feature live music, interviews, meet and greets, giveaways and more programmed from 12 midday until 5pm on Saturday and Sunday in The Borderline.  The CMW Hub is the opportunity to get up close to the many artists performing during the week, catch live performances, get the backstory on their songs, career, meet them and find out how they are enjoying being in the UK.  The Hub will have a host giving out spot prizes, plus great music all day, Chris Country and the CMW social team will be on site…   Head to www.CountryMusicWeek.com to see the full line up…

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Kelso in Scotland gets new folk fest

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Kelso in Scotland gets new folk fest Kelso Folk and Acoustic Music Club on the Scottish borders is launching a new annual Folk music festival, which will take place at various venues in the town from September 1-3, 2017. The weekend will feature live concerts, sessions, workshops and open mics featuring award-winning bands and artists as well as a showcase for local talent. Set to play over the weekend are  Breabach, voted  ‘Folk Band of the Year’ and ‘Album of Year’ at the 2016 Scots Trad Music Awards and BBC ‘Folk Musician of 2012’, Tom McConville. Supporting them will be the 2016 winners of the Celtic Connections Danny Kyle Award, Northern Company, and the talented Jenny Biddle. The festival is being sponsored by Awards for All, Scotland and the Fallago Environmental Fund and includes a free lunchtime concert in the Old Parish Kirk on the Saturday. Tickets are available at www.bordersevents.com Full details at www.kelsofolkfest.org

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