November 2022 - Page 4 of 5 - STAGING Maverick

Sarah Reeves Transforms “Winter Wonderland”  Into Christmas Duet

Curb | Word Entertainment recording artist and songwriter Sarah Reeves transforms “Winter Wonderland” into a Christmas duet with soulful singer and “American Idol” finalist Clark Beckham. Together, the two artists trade vocals on the holiday standard. Following Reeves’ Big Band version of “Go Tell It On The Mountain,” release of the timeless classic unwraps the next sampling of fresh holiday music leading up to the Holiday season. Sarah Reeves releases ‘More The Merrier’ on new 12” Vinyl album available now. “‘Winter Wonderland’ is one of the first songs I play every year at the beginning of the Christmas season,” shares Reeves. “It is simple, classic, and I was so excited to record my own version. I asked my friend, who is an incredible artist named Clark Beckham, to join me on this song. He was the perfect addition. I hope this song brings a magical feeling of warmth and nostalgia this Christmas.” Earlier this summer, Reeves dropped a poignant original track, “Best Days.” She takes the position of the eternal optimist on “Best Days.” Her soaring range shines across a galloping melody as she stretches herself vocally while carefully harnessing a sonically textured anthem full of lush, stacked vocals. Confident there’s a bright future in store, Reeves asks listeners to consider the possibility that the best is yet to come. While the songwriter doesn’t dismiss hardship, she promises a silver lining is right around the corner, posing the question: What if the best days are ahead of us? For the remainder of the year, Reeves will focus on sharing seasonal selections as she prepares for the release of More The Merrier 12” Vinyl album. The holiday set combines the unmistakable vintage charm of Bing Crosby and Nat King Cole with the warmth and nostalgia of the Vince Guaraldi Trio, allowing the revered songstress to experiment in the studio where she tracked her vocals alongside live horns and lush strings on four originals and four holiday favorites. Media Contact: Zoe Hodges, Editor Email: editor@maverick-country.com

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WATCH: Lainey Wilson’s campfire session

Leave a Comment / News / Rochelle Mills

Six-time 2022 CMA Awards nominee Lainey Wilson joins CMT’s much-acclaimed digital series “CMT Campfire Sessions” this week for a repeat fireside performance. Hot on the heels of the release of her latest album, Bell Bottom Country, the breakout star’s signature twang soars on new songs “Heart Like A Truck” and “Watermelon Moonshine,” as well as her first No. 1 “Things A Man Oughta Know.” The power acoustic performance’s farm setting gives a nod to both the soulful singer’s roots and her new role as Abby on Paramount’s hit show Yellowstone. Media Contact: Zoe Hodges, Editor Email: editor@maverick-country.com

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FOR KING + COUNTRY release Christmas album

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Four-time GRAMMY® award-winning Australian duo and Curb | Word Entertainment recording artist FOR KING + COUNTRY, releases its full-length 12” Double Vinyl, 180 Gram Christmas album A Drummer Boy Christmas, out now. Click HERE to listen to A Drummer Boy Christmas, and click HERE to watch the official music video for “Little Drummer Boy.” Joel Smallbone, one half of FOR KING + COUNTRY, shares his thoughts on the album release: “This album has been eight years in the making. It all started in an old factory on a dreary 2012 autumn night where we dreamt up our rendition of “Little Drummer Boy.” And from that day to this, and with a load Christmas tours, singles and EPs under our belt, we’ve fallen in love with this miraculous season and it’s been written into the band’s DNA. “So, when the hardship of 2020 took hold of the world, we thought that it would be the imperfectly perfect year to put together our first ever full-length Christmas record. And what a recording journey it’s been, and an international one at that, from producers (Matt Hales) in Bath, England, to string orchestration (Davide: Coldplay) in Copenhagen, to recording with our live band in Nashville or mixing in London – this album has truly been a global creation. A Drummer Boy Christmas debuted on the iTunes charts at No. 4 overall and No. 1 on the Holiday chart. The song ‘Little Drummer Boy’ has over 100 Million streams. Joining FOR KING + COUNTRY on their milestone 18 -track double vinyl album is the award-winning band NEEDTOBREATHE – featured on “O Come, O Come Emmanuel,” and rising star Gabby Barrett – featured on “Go Tell It On The Mountain.” The collection also features two original Christmas songs entitled “Heavenly Hosts” and an emotionally moving ballad from Joseph’s perspective entitled “The Carol of Joseph (I Believe In You).” Known for their explosive and unique live rendition of the Christmas staple “Little Drummer Boy,” Joel and Luke Smallbone of FOR KING + COUNTRY implement that same energy into the totality of A Drummer Boy Christmas. Previously, FOR KING + COUNTRY’s drive-in concert in Spring Hill, Tennessee, raised over $50,000 for The Well Outreach, a local food pantry, and meal distribution initiative. The duo’s previous upcoming tour A Drummer Boy Christmas supported The Salvation Army along with their Rescue Christmas initiative.

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Jeff Cook passes away

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Jeff Cook, co-founding member of one of the most legendary bands in all of Country Music, Alabama, has passed away. He was 73 years old.     Throughout their career, Alabama won nine CMA Awards, including CMA Entertainer of the Year awards three years in a row (1982–1984). Additionally, they took home the CMA Award for Vocal Group of the Year from 1981 to 1983 as well as Instrumental Group of the Year in 1981 and 1982 and Album of the Year for The Closer You Get in 1983. The band was inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame in 2005. “Few bands are more ubiquitous in Country Music today than Alabama. Jeff was instrumental to Alabama’s high energy stage presence and authentic Country sound. My deepest condolences to Jeff’s family, friends and the band.” – Sarah Trahern, Country Music Association CEO

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Review: Broken Heart University – ‘Too Close to the Border’

Leave a Comment / Top Picks / Rochelle Mills

This is another new artist to me and an air of mystery surrounds this release. The album opens with ‘Banditos in our Minds’ and instantly the vocals have me gripped, strong with great diction. Sonically, the arrangement reminds me of something Marty Stuart might release – proper country. I love the use of fiddle in ‘Expecting Rain’ and the upbeat tempo of the track has you tapping along. We hear a new side to the band on the ballad ‘Loveless By The Sea’. There is space in the production for the lyrics to really land with the listener and these are descriptive enough to paint a picture in the listeners mind. There is a delicate nature to the vocals which works well with the strings and high notes on the piano. To summarise, I am so glad I’ve been introduced to this band, there songwriting is strong, the production is of high quality and it’s all delivered by a beautiful, raw vocal. Media Contact: Zoe Hodges, Editor Email: editor@maverick-country.com

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Review: Phillip Sanders – ‘If I Didn’t Love You Girl’

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Phillip Sanders is a new artist to me but having listened back to some of his previous work, I am pleasantly surprised. He has a distinct style to his country music, not too dissimilar to Jason Aldean or Mitchell Tenpenny, it leans slightly to the rock side. He is a craftsman of catchy melodies and lyrics that connect to his audience. This is all set to a slick and polished production and delivered by Sanders whose voice has a unique tone to it. This latest single ‘If I Didn’t Love you Girl’ is no different in the sense that it is a well written song that sticks in your mind long after the last note has played. It has an energetic feel to the production and it’s no wonder it has reached number one on the iTunes country chart in the UK, Netherlands, France and Belgium. Media Contact: Zoe Hodges, Editor Email: editor@maverick-country.com

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Review: Tyler Bryant and the Shakedown – ‘Shake the Roots’

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Formerly signed to the Snakefarm label, Tyler Bryant and the Shakedown follow the successful release of 2020 album ‘Pressure’ with the release of ‘Shake the Roots’ on their own label. They return to their roots with this album as blues and rock n roll heavily influence it sonically and it is an energetic record. The production has an edge to it, capturing the essence of the band whilst lyrically it is their strongest collection to date. From the single ‘Ain’t None Watered Down’ which has a southern rock feel to it and has your toe, tapping along. The vocals are full of grit throughout. The standout track for me is ‘Tennessee’ which really captures the heart and soul of the State, it has a shuffle groove to it and the melody is really strong as it transports your mind to a honky tonk. In summary, this record feels like Tyler Bryant and the Shakedown have found themselves again, returning to their true identity. Media Contact: Zoe Hodges, Editor Email: editor@maverick-country.com

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Review: The Mystix – ‘TruVine’

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Following the release of their 2020 album ‘Can’t Change It’, The Mystix returns with the infectious ‘TruVine’. You can’t help but find yourself tapping along to record opener ‘Satisfy You 22’ as it introduces you to the rock leaning album. The raspy, distorted vocals of Jo Lily really give this album an edge on songs like ‘Up Jumped The Devil’ whilst immediately we are then introduced to the band’s more delicate side on ‘I Guess I Lose’, the pain of defeat audible in his voice as he delivers a clear vocal with space in the production for the feelings to hit home. This is the strongest song on the album which as a whole is my favourite to date of The Mystix. They have a clear identity which may not appeal to all country fans but there’s some strong songwriting on this album, the vocalist has character and the producer has done a great job on the production. Media Contact: Zoe Hodges, Editor Email: editor@maverick-country.com

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Review: Diane Patterson – ‘Satchel of Songs’

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Patterson has come a long way since she first began playing her guitar in church, she has travelled the world drawing influence and taking inspiration from her adventures and channeling them into her songs. The ten track album would not necessarily appeal to the average country fan. It begins with the reggae fuelled ‘Roots Heart Rhythm’ which boasts an interesting production. Patterson’s vocals are unique, melodic and slightly mystic in their delivery. The title track uses vocal effects to really bring the track to life and increase the intensity throughout the song. In general there’s less emphasis on the stories the lyrics are trying to convey and more emphasis on the musical journey the album tries to take you on. A highlight for me though is the more traditional sounding ‘Turn Toward the Sun’ which relies heavily on an acoustic guitar and lyrics that make you think. In conclusion it’s a strong album from Patterson that offers something unique for the listener. Media Contact: Zoe Hodges, Editor Email: editor@maverick-country.com

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Review: Sarah Louise – ‘My Grandparents and Me’

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UK country artist Sarah Louise has had a string of successful single releases as of late including ‘My Beating Heart’ which secured top spot in the UK iTunes Country Chart. Her latest release ‘My Grandparents and Me’ is a nostalgic track in which Sarah revisits some of her earliest childhood memories and pays tribute to her grandparents. It’s the little details within the storytelling lyrics like salad sandwiches which really make this song, as it perfectly paints the picture of Sarah’s childhood and despite the very personal account, people can relate easily with their own relationships with their grandparents. Sarah’s sweet vocals and melancholy acoustic guitar have a warm and comforting nature to them, whilst the sad undertone of not appreciating what we have until it’s gone is prevalent. It’s a well written country song with a simple yet universal theme. The track precedes an EP which will hopefully be available later this year and if this song is anything to go by, it is sure to be one of the strongest EPs we hear from a UK act this year! I’m looking forward to hearing more from Sarah-Louise. Media Contact: Zoe Hodges, Editor Email: editor@maverick-country.com

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